018771   Sarkar A;Arora M P (Zoology Dep, Agra College, Ghaziabad-201 002) : A description of population dynamics and systematics of Strandesia species of river Narmada. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 53-60.

Study of ostracods was carried out on different samples from the river Narmada. Ten study sites were selected for the study during 1998 - 2001. Four species reported from these sites are Strandesia tuberculata, S. indica, S. elongata and S. flavesens. Collection of samples was from 6 AM to 12 noon. Camera lucida drawings were made for morphometric variations. The species were in abundance during April, May and June. Differences were reported in their valves, natatory setae, furca and body size; males of these species could not be obtained. It was concluded that breeding occurred in the months of May and June.

4 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

018770   Saravanan K;Kanakasabai R (P G & Research Dep of Zoology & Wildlife Biology, A V C College, Mannampandal-609 305, Email: ratsaro@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of secondary poisoning of difethialone, a new second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide to barn owl, Tyto alba hartert under captivity. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(10), 1013-6.

Secondary toxcity of difethialone to Barn owl (Tyto alba) has been investigated. Difethialone was fed to owls for successive periods of 1 (phase 1), 3 (phase 2) and 6 (phase 3) days via rodenticide dosed rats. The owls survived after the treatment of rodenticide on phase 1 and phase 2 experiments but they died during phase 3 experiment. The results suggest that the difethialone could cause more secondary toxicity to owls.

1 illus, 28 ref

018769   Rath S S;Naranin R;Prasad B C (NO, Central Tasar Research & Training Institute, Piska-Nagari, Ranchi-835 303, Jharkhand) : Impact of physiological condition of fifth instar larvae of Antheraea mylitta on rate of feeding and assimilation and its nutritional requriements. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2004, 74(3-4), 237-43.

Larval nutrition gets affected with the change in physiological condition of the larvae. Mean daily food ingested, assimilated, feeding rate and assimilation rate tend to decline significantly in the fifth instar larvae of Antheraea mylitta under different physiological conditions, like daily food deprivation for 4 hr (PC₁), 8 hr (PC₂), 12 hr (PC₃) and parasitization with uzifly (PC₄) and Nosema sp. (PC₅) over control (PCo). The decline in gain in body weight (by 20.5% to 41.9%) and growth rate (by 15.1% to 37.7%) were found significant over the uninfected control. Daily mean fresh body weight gain by the larvae were recorded as 1.2 g in the PCo while the same were recorded as 0.87g, 0.73g, 0.54g, 0.75g and 0.65g in PC₁, PC₂, PC₃, PC₄ and PC₅5 respectively. Survival rate of the larvae declined significantly (by 14.2% to 55.6%) and the instar duration got extended by 2 to 6.6 days under physiological stress conditions. Nutritional requirement for unit growth and cocoon shell formation also got affected in the larvae.

1 tables, 30 ref

018768   Rastogi P;Arya P V;Singh H S (Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 004) : On three new species of the genus Hamatopeduncularia yamaguti, 1953 from freshwater fishes of Meerut with a note on its biogeography. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 205-20.

Three new species of Hamadopeduncularia Yamaguti, 1953 are described from the gills of three different fishes, belonging to family Bagiridae and Clariidae from Meerut. H. orientates n.sp. was collected from the gills of Mystus tengara (Ham.) (Family: Bagiridae). H. ritai n. sp. was collected from the gills of M. tengara (Ham.) and Rita rita (Ham.) (Family: Bagiridae). While, H. batrachi n. sp. was collected from the gills of Clarius batrachus (Linn.) (Family: Clariidae). A parasite - host list with locality is also given. Geographical distribution of the genus is also studied.

26 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

018767   Rajpurohit L S (Animal Behaviouir Unit, Faculty of Science, Zology Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 001) : Age at first delivery in hanuman langur, Semno-pithecus entellus around Jodhpur, Rajasthan (India). Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2004, 74(3-4), 229-35.

Primate females begin reproduction any where between a year and 13 years of age, considering the gamut from mouse lemur to Chimpanzee. The fact is that they are slower to mature than other mammals of equal body weight. Timing of the onset of puberty depends on environmental factors, especially nutrition. That young males and females mature faster in captivity than counter parts in wild. On the basis of long field studies on Hanuman langur, Semnopithecus entellus at Jodhpur, Rajasthan (India), the birth rate, birth peaks, inter-birth interval and age at menarche were investigated during 1982-89. The data of three focal bisexual troops viz. Kailana I, Kailana II and Bijolai obtained from 9 samples of females whose dates of birth, first menstruation, and delivery of their first baby were known. This presents that langur female reaches menarche at 26-36 months of age (average 30.0 months), conceived after variable number of cycles and age range 30.7-54.3 months (average 38.5 months) and at first delivery their age ranges from 37.3-60.9 months (average 45.2 months). Various other social and environmental factors, besides nutrition, may affects physical maturation.

1 illus, 1 tables, 20 ref

018766   Pemola Devi N;Jauhari R K (Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, D.A.V.(P.G) College, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: jauharirk@hotmail.com) : Mosquito records from Manipur state, India. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 61-8.

Presents a record of 104 species of mosquitoes belonging to 9 different genera viz., Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex, Ficalbia, Heiunannia, Mansonia, Tripteroides and Uranotaenia from Manipur state. A list of mosquitoes from Manipur state has been prepared in the light of previous work done. More emphasis is being given on the internal classification of the genus Anopheles.

1 table, 30 ref

018765   Pandey J P;Tiwari R K (Zoology Dep, K.N. Govt. P.G. College, Gyanpur, St. Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi-221 304) : Changes in haemocyte counts and fecundity following haemolymph withdrawals in red cotton bug, Dysdercus koenigii fabr.. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 85-92.

Effects of repeated haemolymph withdrawals have been observed on haemocyte counts in V instar nymphs and adults of D. koenigii. While haemolymph removal caused considerable fall in total haemocyte count in 5 day old nymphs and older adult bugs, it exhibited much variation in relative percentage of different cell types. Further, the haemolymph withdrawal despite delaying moulting for a day or two, resulted in marked reductions in mating period, fecundity and hatchability of eggs.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

018764   Narendran T C;Girish Kumar P;Santhosh S (Systematic Entomology Lab, Zoology Dep, Calicut Univ, Calicut-673 635, Email: drtcnarendran@yahoo.com) : Alpha taxonomy of three new species of eulophidae (Hymenoptera: chalcidodiea) of India. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 113-20.

Three new species of Eulophidae viz. Quadrastichus longiclavatus Narendran sp.nov., Obesulus keralicus Narendran & Girish kumar sp.nov. and Aceratoneuromyia wayanadensis Narendran & Santhosh sp.nov. are described and differences from the related species are given.

12 illus, 8 ref

018763   Mandeep Pal Kaur (Zoology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 001) : High cholesterol as a predictor of coronary heart disease risk: an epidemiological study. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 165-8.

24.59% of persons having high cholesterol profile, 5.58% of persons having borderline total-cholesterol profile and 4.48% of persons with normal total-cholesterol profile suffered from the Coronary Heart Disease during the survey. The difference of prevalence rate of CHD in individuals with regard to total-cholesterol profile was found to be statistically significant X² = 60.47 df=2, p<60>0.05 p<60>0.01). 58% of cases and 19% of control had high total-cholesterol profile, 2% of cases and 20% of control had borderline total cholesterol profile and 17% of cases and 61% controls had normal total-cholesterol profile. The comparison of cases and controls with C profile was statistically significant (X2 =45.1, df=2, p<60>0.05, p<60>0.01).

3 tables, 3 ref

018762   Mahalakshmi K;Muniyan M (Zoology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Acute toxicity of heavy metal nickel on the freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton). J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 193-6.

Acute toxicity of Nickel on the freshwater fish Labeo rohita was studied using static bioassay method. Median lethal concentration for 3,6,12,24,48,72 and 96 h were 99.59, 89.39, 66.74, 52.63, 44.26, 33.61 and 28.21 ppm respectively. The sign of toxicity on the behaviour of the fish Labeo rohita was studied for 96 hours. Loss of equilibrium, hyper and hypo activity, changes in opercular movement, changes in orientation and locomotion, mucus coating on the body, loss of equilibrium and erratic swimming were observed. The importance of this study is discussed.

1 tables, 11 ref

018761   Kapoor N (Zoology Dep, C.M.P. Degree College, Allahabad-211 002) : In vivo effects of mammalian insulin on the islet cells and metabolic levels in a fish, Barbus conchonius Ham.. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2004, 74(3-4), 211-21.

A- and B- types of cells are uniformly distributed in the large 'principal' islet of Barbus conchonius. Conspicuous degranulation and degeneration of B-cells were observed, followed by regressive changes in A- and B-cells and vacuolization of the islet, after treatment with insulin. A significant hypoglycemia 8 hr post injection was observed. Amino nitrogen, free fatty acids and organic PO₄ were notably depressed at time intervals varying 2-8 hr after insulin treatment. There was significant, yet recoverable, reduction in blood cholesterol level. The glycogen in liver and skeletal muscles registered an increase above control levels. Most fish were able to recover from insulin shock and various parameters returned to normal levels usually within 48-72 hrs. The response of islet cells is in correlation with the metabolic alterations in the tissues, and loss of secretory granules appears to be a secondary feature. The results suggest that even heterologous insulin is remarkably effective in this species.

9 illus, 33 ref

018760   Gupta P;Srivastava N (Zoology Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Recovery in the gills of Channa punctatus pre-exposed to zinc. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 151-6.

The study is aimed to assess the recovery capacity of the gills in Channa punctatus pre-exposed to zinc. Fishes were pre-exposed to sublethal concentrations of zinc for 15 days. Bioaccumulation of zinc and histological changes in gills were observed. Observation was made at day 8, 10 and 15. Zinc retention was high in the gills of the pre-treated groups and remained significantly higher than control till the termination of the experiment, though slow elimination of zinc could be noted. Histological changes incurred by the gills on pretreatment with zinc, persist in all pre-exposed groups. Group III (pre-exposed to 15 mg/l Zn) and IV (pre-exposed to 25 mg/l Zn) show no signs of recovery till the end of the experiment. However, Group II (pre-cxposed to 10 mg/l Zn)shows significant recovery by day 15. Recovery is very slow but progressive and a period longer than 15 days is required for bringing the gills back to normal condition.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

018759   Gautam R K;Sharma S (Zoology Dep, St. John's College, Agra-282 002) : Food affects amino acids in acridids. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 141-3.

The problem relates to the histochemistry of the three species of Indian grasshopper (Acridids) feeding on different types of food plants. The grasshoppers selected for this study are : Schistocera gregaria Forsk. feeds upon Pennisetum typhoides (Bajra), Hieroglyphus negrorepleus Bolivier feeds upon Saccharum officinarum (Sugarcane) and Chrotogonous trachyptrus feeds upon Sorghum vulgare (Jowar). A thorough review of literature reveals that the orthopterous insects have been neglected except certain locusts. Histochemical observations made on amino acids (Tyrosine and Arginine) in the digestive tract of above mentioned acridids, revealed significant correlation with regard to their food habits.

2 tables, 7 ref

018758   Dhembare A J;Gagare S J (Zoology Dep, P.V.P. College, Pravaranagar-413 713, Ahmednagar) : Diversity of rotifer community with physicochemical properties in Ozar dam water, Ashvi, Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 181-6.

The study deals with the some physicochemical parameters along with diversity of Rotifer population in Ozar dam water, Ashvi during 2001 - 2003. Seasonal fluctuations in rainy, summer and winter seasons in physicochemical properties and rotifer were observed separately. The fluctuations were noticed in water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulphate, total solids, specific conductance and rotifer diversity. The study revealed that, total 21 species of rotifer of which 14 species were of Ploimida order and 7 species were of Gnesiotrocha order. The observation indicates that usefulness of dam in secondary productivity.

3 tables, 12 ref

018757   Chauhan D K;Ruhela S;Mukesh Kumar;Lal S S (Zoology Dep, Ch. Charan Singh Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Changes in the biochemical parameters of experimental chicks due to Ascaridia galli infection. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 69-76.

The W.L.H. chicks carrying A. galli infection showed ascaridiasis and anemia. The biochemical responses such as glucose, protein, cholesterol, urea, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase level after 16 days and 32 days at low dose and high dose of infection were studied. The infection showed a significant increase in serum cholesterol and serum urea levels in all the experimental cases. The serum protein level and serum acid phosphatase level decrease in all the cases of dose administered. The level of glucose and alkaline phosphatase decreased after 16 days at low dose and high dose of infection and increased at the dose level after 32 days at low dose and high dose of infection. The infected chicks showed ascaridiasis and anemia.

6 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

018756   Chauhan D K;Ruhela S;Mukesh Kumar;Lal S S (Zoology Dep, Ch. Charan Singh Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Immunohaematological changes in W.L.H. chick induced by Ascaridia galli infection. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 37-43.

Ascaradia galli infection causes ascaridiasis in white leg horn chicks. Haematological parameter are closely related with blood hence any change in the immune responses would also induced alterations in the birds. Haematological parameters like RBC, Hb, TLC, PCV, MCH and MCHC after 16 days and 32 days of post infection were studied. The haematological parameter such as RBC, Hb, PCV and MCH are decrease both the interval of post infection of low dose and high dose of embryonated eggs. The value increase significantly after the low and high dose of infection in all the cases. The MCV value decrease after 16 and 32 days of low and high dose of infection, except 32 days at low dose of infection, these values were observed to be increased. The MCHC value decrease both the interval of low dose of infection. MCHC value were observed to increased after 16 and 32 days at high dose of infection. The haematological values of infected WLH chicks are suggestive of ascaridiasis, anemia and eosinophilia.

6 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

018755   Bisht I;Agarwal S K (Zoology Dep, Kumaon Univ, SSJ Campus, Almora-263 601) : A comparative study of adhesive apparatus epidermis of Garra lamta and Glyptothorax pectinopterus. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 17-28.

6 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

018754   Bhide M;Rai R (Zoology Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour Univ, Sagar-470 003) : Knock down toxicity of Cerbera thevatia seed kernel extract in different nymphal stages and oocyte resorption in Bagrada cruciferum (Kirk). J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 29-36.

In the investigation ethanol extract of Cerbera thevetia seed kernel was evaluated for its nymphicidal activity against all the five nymphal instars stages of Bagrada cruciferum at 0.1% experimental concentration. The extract showed nymphicidal activity at 0.1% concentration and the KD₅₀ was detected 35 hrs in Ist nymphal instars, 36 hrs in IInd nymphal instars, 35 hrs in IIIrd nymphal instars, 38 hrs in IVth nymphal instars and 39 hrs in Vth nymphal instars respectively by the method adapted after Finney (1971). The experimental findings proved the efficacy of the extract in control the fertility of Bagrada cruciferum because the last nymphal instar stages never became hatched into healthy adults and most of the nymphs were emerged into malformed adults with less developed gonads and the oocytes never attain such maturity which is required for oviposition.

4 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

018753   Baruah K;Shahi B;Deka T C;Bhardwaj A C (NO, National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, 22 Shamnath Marg, Delhi-110 054) : Impact of deltamethrin impregnated bed nets on host preference of Anopheles minimus. J expl Zool 2005, 8(1), 121-4.

Impregnated bed nets were introduced as an alternative in Sonapur area during 1988 in place of DDT residual spray to combat malaria and death due to it.It was observed that after two years of regular use, impregnated bed nets has brought down the Annual Parasite Incidence (API) significantly. But remarkable impact of these nets was observed on the feeding behaviour of the principal vector An. minimus. After three years of continuous use of deltamethrin impregnated bed nets the house resting adult mosquito collection during 1990 and 1991 showed that An. minimus was nil in the rooms where these nets were in use or hanged. But from the rooms other than bed room of these houses a total of 588 An. minimus and 71 An. fluvlatilis mosquitoes were collected during early morning collections from 0600 h to 0900 h. The anthropophilic index was found to be 41.3% in An. minimus in comparison to 99.0% at the tome of inception of bed net strategy. Whereas in case of An. fluviatilis anthropophilic index was found to be 25.4%.

1 table, 16 ref

017853   Sultan R;Idrees M (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Saifia College of Science and Education, Bhopal-462 001) : Effects of toxicity of lead acetate on the behaviour and histopathology of a fresh water murrel, Channa striatus (Bloch). Indian J appl pure Biol 2004, 19(1), 119-22.

Weight loss of Channa striatus (Bioch.) after exposure to lead acetate is observed. The food consumption and average body weight are parallel to each other. Body weight is indespensably related to the intake of food. Histopatholocal studies have also shown that there is a distinct kidney and interrenal gland damage with necrosis, cellular atrophy and formation of cellular debris in the lead acetate treated fish.

1 table, 9 ref

017852   Sudheer K;Narendran T C (Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala-673 635) : A new species of Listrognathus (Listrognathus) Tschek (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Kerala, India. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 253-60.

A new species of Listrognathus, viz., Listrognathus (Listrognathus) keralensis is described from Kerala, India. A key to the Indo-Australian species is also provided.

5 illus, 5 ref

017851   Subharani S;Singh T K (Life Science Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003) : New record of Cydia ptychora Meyrick (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) on Cajanus cajan in Manipur. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 277-8.

The pod borer, Cydia ptychora (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) was recorded for the first time as pest of Cajanus cajan from Manipur.

^ssc9 ref

017850   Singh O P;Raghavendra K;Chandra D;Subbarao S K (Malaria Research Centre (ICMR), , 22 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi-110 054) : An allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay for the differentiation of members of the Anopheles culicifacies complex. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(1), 275-80.

Anopheles culicifacies, the principal vector of malaria in India, is a complex of five cryptic species which are morphologically indistinguishable at any stage of life. In view of the practical difficulties associated with classical cytotaxonomic method for the identification of members of the complex, an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) assay targeted to the D3 domain of 28S ribosomal DNA was developed. The assay discriminates An. culicifacies species A and D from species B, C and E. The assay was validated using chromosomally-identified specimens of An.culicifacies from different geographical regions of India representing different sympatric associations. The assay correctly differentiates species A and D from species B, C and E. The possible use of this diagnostic assay in disease vector control programmes is discussed.

3 illus, 1 tables, 23 ref

017849   Siddique Y H;Afzal M (Section of Genetics, Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: yasir_hasansiddique@rediffmail.com) : In vivo induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) by lynestrenol. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(3), 291-3.

Gentoxicity study of synthetic progestin lynestrenol, was carried out on mouse bone marrow cells using sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) as parameters. Lynestrenol was studied at three different doses (6.87, 13.75 and 27.50 mg/kg body wt). SCE and CA increased significantly as compared to normal control when treated with lynestrenol at 13.75 and 27.50 mg/kg bod wt. The results suggest that lynestrenol has both a genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in mouse bone marrow cells.

2 tables, 24 ref

017848   Shonouda M L (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Alexandria Univ, Alexandria, Egypt) : Diversity of insects associated with Ziziphus plants during the flowering and non-flowering seasons. Allelopathy J 2004, 13(2), 241-6.

^ssc2 illus, 1 tables, 13 ref

017847   Saha S;Raychaudhuri D (Entomology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : A survey of spiders (Araneae: Araneidae) of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, with description of a new Zilla species. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 245-52.

The present paper reports 22 orb-weaving spiders (Araneidae) from Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Of these one species Zilla globosa is described as new to science, while two species, Araneus nympha Simon and Poltys bhabanii (Tikader) are reported as new records from West Bengal and two species, Leucauge bengalensis Gravely and Neoscona rumpfi (Thorell) as new from the district Jalpaiguri.

7 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

017846   Rao A R K;Murali Krishna T;Rao S V R K;Reddy B C;Hari Babu K;Gopal K (All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Tropical Fruits (Citrus), , Tirupati-517 502) : Studies on morphometrics and biology of citrus butterfly Papilio demoleus Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) on acid lime, Citrus aurantifolia Swingle. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 227-34.

The biology of citrus butterfly was studied under laboratory conditions on balaji acid lime. Adult female laid eggs singly or in groups of two to five on the under surface of tender leaves and also on tender twigs. Oviposition usually took place during the night. The average number of eggs laid by a gravid female moth was 119. Average incubation period was 3.65 days. Five larval instars were recorded. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth instar larvae lasted for 2.97, 3.27, 3.98, 3.37 and 3.99 days, respectively, on the average. The prepupal period lasted for 1.00 to 1.05 days while the pupal period lasted for 8.50 to 9.50 days. The total life cycle of citrus butterfly on balaji acid lime lasted for 29.90 to 32.61 days with an average of 31.36 days. The average longevity of male and female was 3.87 and 6.86 days, respectively.

2 tables, 19 ref

017845   Parthasarathy R;Rabindra R J;Palanisamy S (NO, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) : Increased virulence of Galleria mellonella nucleopolyhedrovirus following serial passage in the larvae of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pultellidae). Entomon 2004, 29(3), 207-14.

A wild type Galleria mellonella nucleopolyhedrovirus (GmNPV) was passaged serially in third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella for 15 times and the biological and genomic properties of the wild type and passaged GmNPV were compared. Bioassays revealed increased virulence of GmNPV passaged 15 times in P. xylostella by 12.27 fold against P. xylostella when compared to the wild-type GmNPV. The yield of occlusion bodies (OBs)/larva also increased significantly; however, LT₅₀ of GmNPV did not vary upon serial passage. Restriction endonuclease analysis with Pst I enzyme of wild-type and passaged GmNPV showed a distinct deviation in the banding pattern confirming the isolation of a genotypic variant of GmNPV with increased virulence following serial passage in P. xylostella.

2 tables, 15 ref

017844   Pandey R S;Singh B K;Tripathi Y B (Medicinal Chemistry Dep, Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi-221 005) : Extract of gum resins of Boswellia serrata L. inhibits lipopolysaccharide induced nitric oxide production in rat macrophages along with hypolipidemic property. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(6), 509-16.

Boswellia serrata, Linn F (Burseraceae) is commonly used in Indian system of medicine (Ayurvedic) as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-arthritic and anti-proliferative agent. The. study was planned to investigate the water-soluble fraction of the oleoresin gum of Boswellia serrata (BS extract) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages under in vivo and in vitro conditions. In the previous condition, rats were fed on atherogenic diet (2.5% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, 15.7% saturated fat) along with the BS extract for 90 days. Blood was collected for lipid profile and toxicological safety parameters. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated and cultured to see the LPS induced NO production. Under in vivo experiment, BS extract significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (38-48%), increased serum high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol, 22-30%). Under in vitro experiments with thioglycolate activated macrophages, it inhibited LPS induced (NO) production with IC₅₀ value at 662 ng /ml. Further, this fraction, in the dose of 15 mg/100 g body wt for 90 days, did not show any increase in serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and blood urea, in normal control animals. However, it significantly reversed the raised SGPT and blood urea in the atherogenic diet-fed animals. Transverse section of liver and kidney also supported its protective effect. Thus it may be concluded that water extract of Boswellia serrata possesses strong hypocholesterolemic property along with increase in serum HDL. It inhibits the LPS induced NO production by the activated rat peritoneal macrophages and show hepato protective and reno protective property.

3 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

017843   Muhuri D;Dasgupta S C;Gomes A (Physiology Dep, Belonia College, South Tripura-799 155) : Lethal, oedema, haemorrhagic activity of spotted butterfish (Scatophagus argus, Linn) sting extract and its neutralization by antiserum and pharmacological antagonists. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(6), 493-7.

Attempt has been made in the communication to develop antiserum in rabbit against Scatophagus. argus sting extract. Antiserum did not neutralized the sting extract induced proinflammatory and haemorrhagic activity but successfully neutralized lethality upto 2LD₅₀. Cyproheptadine, indomethacin and BW 755C pretreatment significantly reduced sting extract induced proinflammatory activity. The haemorrhagic activity of sting extract was significantly inhibited by temperature, UV-exposure, EDTA, Cyproheptadine, indomethacin and BW 755C pretreatment. The results conclude that the local effects of S. argus venom is likely to be mediated through release of mediators and may be encountered by pharmacological antagonists better than the antiserum.

1 table, 16 ref

017842   Kler T K (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Successful breeding of the spotted owlet (Athene brama) in the wooden nest box. Pestology 2004, 28(7), 14-17.

The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) was observed nesting, breeding and rearing its brood successfully in the wooden nest box in the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The clutch size was three and the average egg size was 31.20 x 26.68 mm in the said study. The egg incubation period and nestling period recorded was 21 and 28-29 days respectively. Wooden nest boxes could prove useful in providing suitable nesting sites for this insectivorous species in the agricultural ecosystem.

2 illus, 1 tables, 8 ref

017841   Kalaichelvan T;Verma K K (Maitri Baag Zoo, Bhilai Steel Plant, , Bhilai, Chhattisgarh-400 006) : In support of synonymisation of Cassida nilgiriensis (Borowiec and Takizawa) with Cassida circumdata (Hbst.) and of Aspidimorpha lobata Boh. with A. sanctaecrucis, F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae). Entomon 2004, 29(3), 221-6.

Borowiec (1999) synonymised C. nilgiriensis with Cassida circumdata on the basis of observations of Ghate and his school in Pune. Additional observations supporting this synonymisation, including results of breeding experiments, study of structure of aedeagus, food plants, feeding pattern and developmental stages are presented in this communication. Synonymisation of Aspidimorpha lobata Boh, with A. sanctaecrucis. F. suggested by Maulik, 1919 has found support in this study, including breeding experiments, aedeagal structure, choice of food plants and feeding pattern.

5 illus, 8 ref

017840   Jacob M O;Farah K O;Ekaya W N (Animal Physiology Dep, Nairobi Univ, P.O. Box 30197. Nairobi Kenya) : Indigenous knowledge: the basis of the Maasai ethnoveterinary diagnostic skills. J hum Ecol 2004, 16(1), 43-8.

The Maasai indigenous knowledge of animal diseases is comparable to the conventional knowledge of the modern veterinarian, their diagnostic skills of livestock diseases is based on indigenous symptoms of diseases, vectors of diseases, season effects and species affected. The pastoralist diagnostic skills appear to be superior to those of agropastoralists. With the advent of modern veterinary medicine, the Maasai ethnoveterinary practice appears to be on the decline. This paper focuses on indigenous knowledge basis for diagnosis, treatment and control of selected examples of livestock diseases. In addition, the impact of modern veterinary medicine on pastoral (Maasai) ethnoveterinary practice is briefly discussed.

5 Tables, 15 ref

017839   Hasan M;Ali M (Zoology Dep, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh) : Notes on larval morphology and duration of development of Aprostocetus hagenowii (Ratz.) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Entomon 2004, 29(3), 293-6.

Aprostocetus hagenowii (Ratz.) an oothecal parasitoid of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana deposits eggs on freshly laid ootheca. Determining duration of different stages of development of hymenopteran endoparasites is difficult. In the present study an attempt was made to determine larval duration of the parasitoid on the basis of mandibular measurements. Hatching period and subsequent duration of the larval and pupal instars have been investigated in vitro.

2 tables, 17 ref

017838   Ghosh J;Nath P (Zoology Dep, Visva Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235) : Seasonal effects of melatonin on ovary and plasma gonadotropin and vitellogenin levels in intact and pinealectomized catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linn). Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(3), 224-32.

Effects of daily administration of melatonin for 15 days were evaluated with respect to ovarian activities and plasma gonadotropin (GtH II) and vitellogenin (Vg) levels in intact (INT) and pinealectomized (Px) female catfish, C. batrachus, during preparatory (April), prespawning (May and June), spawning (July) and post-spawning (September) periods. Px (saline control groups) caused a stimulatory effect during preparatory (with respect to Vg synthesis and incorporation) and prespawning (with respect to Vg synthesis) periods whereas no effect was observed during spawning and post-spawning periods with respect to the reproductive parameters studied. During April, melatonin-treatment significantly decreased plasma GtH II levels and percentage of vitellogenic oocytes without any significant changes in plasma Vg levels and gonadosomatic index (GSI). During early prespawning period, in May, 50μg melatonin brought about a significant reduction in plasma GtH II levels in INT group, whereas 100μg caused a decrease in all parameters; on the other hand, in Px groups both dose levels proved to be inhibitory. In June (late prespawning period) melatonin-treatment could not bring about any change in GSI and plasma Vg levels compared to the control groups regardless of Px but plasma GtH II and mean number of yolky oocytes were significantly reduced in melatonin-treated INT group. During spawning period (July) melatonin inhibited the GSI, mean number of yolky oocytes and plasma GtH II levels without affecting plasma Vg levels. In September (post-spawning period), melatonin did inhibit both GSI and plasma GtH II levels. The results, thus, indicate that melatonin showed variable effects (inhibitory and/or no effect) to GSI, mean number of yolky oocytes and plasma Vg levels but a consistent inhibiton of plasma GtH II levels indicating that melatonin may control the reproduction by blocking the GtH II release from the pituitary via affecting the hypothalamo-hypophysial axis.

6 illus, 29 ref

017837   Fabian H;Koppelmann R;Weikert H (Forschungs-und Technologiezentrum Westkuste Hafentorn 1, D-25761 Busu, , , Email: fabian@ftz.west.uni-kiel.de) : Full-depths zooplankton composition at two deep sites in the western and central Arabian sea. Indian J Mar Sci 2005, 34(2), 174-87.

The temporal distribution and faunistic composition of zooplankton was studied by means of fine stratified oblique tows with a 1 m² MOCNESS at one station in the western and central Arabian Sea, each. The 333 μm net samples covered the whole water column down to ca. 4000 m, commencing 50 m above bottom, during three monsoon periods: the fall intermonsoon in October 1995, the spring intermonsoon in April 1997 and the NE monsoon in February 1998. Copepods were most abundant at both stations, ostracods ranked next, followed by malacostraceans, and chaetognaths. Total numerical standing stocks varied at the western site between 35500 and 93100 no./m² and at the central site between 27300 and 65800 no./m². In the epipelagic zone (0-150 m), only calanoid copepods, chaetognaths and gelatinous zooplankton showed an in-phase coupling with the seasonal pattern of primary production, with lowest concentrations during the spring intermonsoon; for all other groups the coupling is not clear. In the mesopelagic zone (150-1050 m), characterized by a pronounced oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), distinct changes in the faunistic composition were found: In the core of the OMZ (O₂ below 0.15 mg/l), the relative abundance of calanoid copepods rose up to 95%, whereas non-calanoid copepods and chaetognaths nearly disappeared. The vertical distributions of selected copepod taxa are discussed in relation to the oxygen profiles. Below the core of the OMZ several groups showed a subsurface peak in abundance. In the bathypelagic zone, below 1050 m, 4-11% of the water column zooplankton standing stock was found.

7 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

017836   Dubey A K;Regu K;Sundararaj R (NO, Insect Museum, Centre for Ecological Science, Indian Institute of Scie, Bangalore-560 012) : Aleyrodid (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) fauna of the Lakshadweep, India. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 279-86.

A survey revealed the occurrence of 12 species of whiteflies representing 11 genera in Lakshadweep. They were found on plants representing 9 families. Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) was found breeding on four host plants, Dialeuro-pora decempuncta (Quaintance & Baker) on three, and Aleurodicus dispersus Russell on two. The plant species Thespesia populnea (L.) Corr. harboured four species of whiteflies, viz., Aleuroclava complex Singh, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, Aleurolobus marlatti (Quaintance) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius).

27 ref

017835   Das S K;Sarkar K (Immunology and Cell Biology Laboratory, Post Graduate Dep of Zoology, 8 Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Kolkata-700 013) : A new method for isolation of leukocytes from the peripheral blood of amphibians [Bufo himalayanus (Gunther)] and study of their surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(6), 488-92.

Using percoll as the density gradient, a new single step method to isolate leukocytes from the peripheral blood of amphibians (B. himalayanus) has been described. Isolated leukocytes were photographed under the scanning electron microscope and an attempt has been made to characterize the leukocyte population on the basis of surface morphology. Apart from regular blood cell types, B. himalayanus have slender, elongated and slightly curved leukocyte type cell peripheral blood. Such slender elongated cells were absent in the blood of a related species B. sromaticus and hence could not be categorized under the known blood cell types.

7 illus, 20 ref

017834   Conway D V P (Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, U.K, , Email: dvoc@mba.ac.uk) : Island-coastal and oceanic epipelagic zooplankton biodiversity in the Southwestern Indian Ocean. Indian J Mar Sci 2005, 34(1), 50-6.

The oceanic Indian Ocean zooplankton species and their distributions have been well described, but the zooplankton of coastal regions, particularly around the oceanic islands, has not been well researched, either taxonomically or experimentally. The environment of the Mascarene region in the southwestern Indian Ocean and zooplankton research that has been carried out there is detailed, along with gaps in the knowledge. Suggestions are given for future research particularly on the zooplankton species adapted to live in the fluctuating environment of inshore waters, including studies on taxonomy and biodiversity, life cycles, dispersion and genetics. Problems of carrying out taxonomic research are highlighted.

1 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

017833   Biju B;Jacob M;Padmakumar K;Muraleedharan D (Zoology Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom, PO, Trivandrum, Kerala) : Effect of extract of the seaweed Bryopsis plumosa (Huds.) Ag. on the feeding rate and protein profile of haemolymph and fat body of Hyblaea puera (Cramer) (Lepidoptera : Hyblaeidae). Entomon 2004, 29(3), 271-6.

Ethanol extract of the seaweed, Btyopsis plumosa was screened for antifeedant property against the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera. Oral treatment of B. plumosa extract at a dosage of 50 μg and upto 200 μg showed reduced leaf consumption. Larval mortality was maximum at higher dose of 200 μg. Haemolymph and fat body of treated and control larvae were subjected to electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) and significant changes in protein pattern were observed after treatment of the extract. Proteins in the haemolymph and fat body showed significant reduction.

^ssc2 illus, 16 ref

017832   Barsagade D D;Tembhare D B (Zoology Dep, Nagpur Univ Campus, Nagpur-440 010) : Haemolymph amino acids and protein profile in the tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Entomon 2004, 29(3), 261-6.

Total haemolymph amino acid concentration declined initially since emergence to the sixth day old larvae and thereafter increased gradually till the onset of spinning. It again rapidly dropped down during the spinning period. The total haemolymph protein concentration initially increased since emergence upto the six day old larva, dropped down during the sixth to ninth day larval period and thereafter gradually increased prior to spinning. It declined during the spinning period. Total amino acid concentration in haemolymph thus showed parallel relationship with the secretory activity of the silkglands, suggesting their utilization in the synthesis of silk proteins besides in the development and growth of the last instar larva. Haemolymph proteins on the other hand did not show any correlation with the secretory phase of the silk glands and seems to be mainly used in growth and development of the larva. SDS-PAGE electrophoretic analysis of haemolymph proteins revealed separation of 10-15 protein bands among which some of them represent the storage and sex-specific proteins.

3 illus, 20 ref

017831   Babrekar A A;Kulkarni G R;Nath B B;Vidyasagar P B (Zoology Dep, Physics Dep, Univ of Pune, Pune-411 007) : Extracellular electrical activity from the photoreceptors of midge. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(1), 349-53.

The ontogeny of photosensitivity has been studied in a holometabolous insect, the midge Chironomus ramosus. The life cycle of midges shifts from an aquatic environment to a non-aquatic environmental activity of photoreceptor organs was recorded at larval and adult stages. Finds an increase in photosensitivity as the larva metamorphosed to the adult stage. This is the first report of changes in photosensitivity during the development of any insect described in an ecological context.

2 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

017830   Avdhesh Kumar;Lall A (NO, Entomology School, St. John's College, Agra 205 002) : New species of carpenterbee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae) recorded from Northwest India. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 267-70.

A new species Xylocopa (Koptortosoma) sanctijohani sp. nov. under subfamily Xylocopinae is described from Northwest India based on male genitalia.

6 illus, 6 ref

017829   Avdhesh Kumar;Lall A (NO, School of Entomology, St. John's College, Agra-205 002) : New species of Bumblebee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombinii) recorded from North-West Himalaya. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 235-43.

The new species Bombus (Bombus) manaliensis sp. nov. of tribe Bombinii from North-West Himalaya is described based on male genitalia. The female is described based on sting sheath and pubescence of body.

3 illus, 19 ref

017828   Anbalagan S;Kaleeswaran B;Balasubramanian C (Zoology Dep, Centre for Research in Aquatic Entomology, Madura College, Madurai- 625 011) : Diversity and trophic categorization of aquatic insects of Courtallam hills of Western Ghats. Entomon 2004, 29(3), 215-20.

Diversity and trophic categorization of aquatic insects of five falls stream of Courtallam hills of Western Ghats were investigated. A total of 2570 individuals of aquatic insects belonging to 23 genera, 19 families and 9 orders were collected in 4 stations in one second order streams for 6 months in Courtallam hills of Western Ghats. Diversity values of aquatic insects of five falls stream of Courtallam hills were calculated. Shannon index (H) and Simpson index (S) is highest in altitude 445 msl and lowest in altitude 310 msl. In five falls stream, there is a preponderance of genera of Ephemeroptera followed by Trichoptera and Plecoptera. The life cycle patterns of all the investigated seven species of mayflies are basically multivoltine with asynchronous, overlapping generations and continuous emergence. Trophic studies reveal that all sites in five falls stream show collector dominance followed by grazers and predators. Shredders were conspicuous by their absence. In terms of abundance of trophic categories, collectors were most abundant followed by grazers and predators.

2 tables, 16 ref

017827   Ajmal Khan S;Murugesan P (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: s_ajmalkhan@rediffmail.com) : Polychaete diversity in Indian estuaries. Indian J Mar Sci 2005, 34(1), 114-19.

The paper provides a comprehensive account of the diversity of estuarine polychaetes of India. Information on polychaetes is available only from 8 estuaries out of 33 on the east coast and only from 4 out of 34 on the west coast. 153 species of polychaetes occur in Indian estuaries, representing about 37.46% of the total polychaetes present in Indian seas. While 119 species were found to occur only in east coast estuaries, 11 species were found only in the west coast estuaries. Twenty-three species were found to occur in the estuaries of both the coasts. Besides increasing the extent of coverage on the distribution of polychaetes from other Indian estuaries, there is also a strong need to understand the variations in their diversity in relation with environmental changes, especially in terms of pollution. This could become possible only with application of tools like genetic and biochemical make-up and improved statistical analyses to explain variability of diversity of polychaetes in space and time.

42 ref

016714   Vishwanath W;Shanta K (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003) : A new fish species of the Indo-burmese genus Badis Bleeker (Teleostei: perciformes) from Manipur, India. Zoos Print J 2004, 19(9), 1619-21.

A new species of genus Badis is described from the tributaries of Barak in Manipur. The species has a conspicuous black blotch covering the superficial part of the cleithrum above pectoral fin base, a black blotch between 3^rd and 4^th dorsal spine, a mid basal rounded black spot on caudal fin; 20 circumpeduncular scales, 31 vertebrae; 26-32 scales in lateral row. The species differs from Badis kanabos and B. badis by its narrower interorbital width and shallower body. It also differs from B. kanabos in having more circumpeduncular scales and from B. badis and B. chittagongis in having more vertebrae.

1 illus, 3 table, 5 ref

016713   Vinoliya J;Ramesh M (Zoology Dep, Holy Cross College, Negercoil, Kanyakumari) : Toxicity of zinc sulphate on plasma electrolytes of a fresh water teleost fish, Cyprinus carpio var. communis. Aquacult 2004, 5(1), 43-7.

Cyprinus carpio were exposed to sublethal concentration of zinc sulphate for 28 days and changes in the plasma sodium, potassium and chloride levels were studied at an interval of every seven days. During the above treatment period plasma sodium and chloride levels increased where as plasma potassium level decreased throughout the exposure period. The findings are discussed in relation to nonspecific biomarkers of environmental pollution.

1 table, 37 ref

016712   Verma A;Balachandran S;Chaturvedi N;Patil V (Bombay Natural History Society, , Hornbill House, Dr. Salim Ali Chowk, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : A preliminary report on the biodiversity of Mahul Creek, Mumbai, India with special reference to avifauna. Zoos Print J 2004, 19(9), 1599-605.

A preliminary faunal survey, with emphasis on avifauna, was carried out during July 2001-December 2002 in the Mahul creek and its environs along the Arabian Sea coast. Various habitat types such as tidal flood plains, mangroves, marshes, saltpans, crop fields and plantations attract rich biodiversity. A total of 149 species of birds, seven mammals, 10 reptiles, 10 fish, 28 butterflies, five crabs, 15 molluscs and two species of polychaetes were identified. The tidal flood plains all along the creek attract more than 20,000 waterbirds every year making the area more appropriate to be declared a Ramsar site. The area, being prohibited for public, is free from human disturbance to a large extent and therefore forms a large roosting site for flamingos, gulls and other small waders. However, the factors influencing the survival of fauna and flora in this creek include chemical pollution and oil spillage.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

016711   Tripathi G;Bhargava P;Sharma B M (Zool Dep, J N V Univ, Jodhpur-342 001) : Effect of fenvalerate on golgi complex and mitochondria of intestine and liver of a teleost. Biochem Cell Archs 2004, 4(2), 111-16.

Effects of fenvalerate on density of Golgi complex and mitochondria of intestine and liver were studied in the fresh water catfish, Clarias batrachus. Fenvalerate-induced reduction in Golgi complex and mitochondrial density was observed. This suggests that fenvalerate being a toxic chemical reduces the secretory and respiratory activities in Clarias batrachus.

4 illus, 14 ref