017695   Jose B;Deepthi T R (Postgrad and Res Dep of Zool, St. Joseph's Coll, Devagiri, Calicut-673 008, Email: bobyjose@email.com) : Green mussel Perna viridis, a new host for the pea crab Pinnotheres placunae along the Malabar coast, Kerala. Curr Sci 2005, 89(7), 1090-1.

2 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

017694   Jameela Beevi K S;Ramachandran A (Zool Dep, Maharaja Coll, Ernakulam, Cochin-682 011, Email: ksjameela@yahoo.com) : Esomus malabaricus, Day (Pisces: Cyprinidael: Rasborinae) a rereport from Kerala, India. Sci Soc 2005, 3(1), 79-83.

While studying the potenital ornamental fishes in the fresh water bodies of the river Muvattupuzha, specimens of Esomus malabaricus Day were collected from a stream joining the rier at Vellore, near Piravom. It is identified from other Esomus species by the absence of the lateral line. It has a dark bluidsh lateral band on either side, which is not ending in a caudal spot as in E. danricus (Ham. and Buch.). Its distribution in Malabar has been described by Day (1865). So far there is no report of the fish from Kerala after Day (1889). Hence, this is a rereport of the fish.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

017693   Jain G (Zool Dep, Govt Sci Coll, Sagar, M.P.) : Histopathological effects induced by carbaryl in liver of the Anabas-testudineus (Bloch). Res Link 2006, 4(8), 132-3.

Fishes exposed to a sub-leathal concentration of Carbaryl were studied. Anabas testudiues is highly tolerant and can survive for a long period (30 days) in 5 mg/L of Carbaryl which is a sub-lethal concentration for this fish. On long term exposure (30 days) to a sub-lethal concentration of Carbaryl in the Liver Hepatocytes were distroyed and cellular demarcation was lost. Large masses of pigmented patches were scattered in the liver tissues.

5 illus, 5 ref

017692   Jagbir Singh Kirti;Sodhi J S (Zool Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Reporting of an exceptional type of testis and the study of internal reproductive organs of Cladarctia quadriramosa (Kollar) (Arctiidae : Lepidoptera). J Hill Res 2005, 18(2), 104-6.

2 tables, 5 ref

017691   Hegde M;Kulkarni K A (Agric Res Stn, , Adoni Road, Siruguppa-583 121, Bellary) : Deterioration in mass culture of Chrysoperla carnea. J ent Res 2005, 29(1), 19-22.

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the deterioration in mass culture of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens). The predator was reared up to 24^th generation in mass and in each generation parameters like percent hatching, fecundity and per cent pupation were recorded. There was slow decline in characters especially per cent hatchability and fecundity of mass reared C. carnea from 1^st generation to 24^th generation i.e. 90.67±2.31, 76.00±4.00 and 363.33 x 19.53, 235±23.58 respectively. An attempt was made to study the possible effect of physiological deterioration. However, there was no marked improvement in characters studied when larvae were fed on Aphis gossypaii Glover, Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) eggs and in combination of both of these, after 24^th generation of rearing on Corcyra eggs.

2 tables, 6 ref

017690   Diana C M;Nampoothiri V K (Post Grad and Res Zool Dep, Sanatana Dharma Coll, Alappuzha) : Effect of a plant formulation, glyvima alone and in combination with insulin on alloxan diabetic male albino rats. Sci Soc 2005, 3(1), 69-78.

Administration of the plant formulation, glyvima has been found to decrease the serum glucose level in diabetic male albino rats given a single dose (200 mg/kg body weight) of alloxan monohydrate. The data suggests that glyvima administered in combination with insulin after 30 days was instrumental in increasig the level of triglycerides in the heart, aorta, and liver and the cholesterol concentration in the heart, aorta, liver and kidney than when glyvima was given alone. However, after 45 days it was seen that these parameters were lowered to a greater extent when the rats were given a combination of glyvima and insulin. Glyvima also reversed the pthologic changes that took place in the liver and kidney on alloxan administration.

13 tables, 17 ref

017689   Chowdhury S;Chowdhury D (Zool Dep, Presidency Coll, Kolkata-700 073) : On the butterfly fauna of Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, West Bengal. Bionotes 2006, 8(1), 20.

1 table, 4 ref

016737   Verma G;Grutam R K (Zool Dep, St. John's Coll Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra, U P) : Effect of thermoperiod on the regulation of diapause in Helicoverpa armigera Hubner (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae). J ent Res 2005, 29(3), 257-8.

Higher incidence of diapause in larvae of Helicoverpa armigera was recorded when larvae were exposed to thermophotoperiods with cryophase of 20 to 25°C, than under thermoperiods during constant darkness. On the otherside, larvae exhibited significantly lower percentage of dispause when exposed to cryophases lower than 20°C under thermo or thermophotoperiodic conditions. Significantly shorter time was was also needed for diapause development after exposure of diapausing larvae to continuous light than to continuous darkness under 35°C. Thermoperiods of different amplitudes with the same mean temperature clearly proved that the higher temperature is responsible for higher rate of diapause development inspite of the relatively low temperature.

2 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

016736   Upadhyay V B;Tripathi S K (Seric Lab Zool Dep, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009) : Magnetic field influences protein content in larvae and pupae of Bombyx mori (Linn.). J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 160-5.

Exposure of eggs to static magnetic fields of varying strength (i.e., 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Gauss) for three exposure durations (i.e., 24, 48 and 96 h) significantly (P <60>0.01) influenced the total protein content in the silk gland, fat body and haemolymph of Vth instar larvae and fat body and haemolymph of pupase of nistari race of Bombyx mori. The highest level of protein content was recorded in the fat body of pupae when eggs were exposed to to magnetic field of 3000 Gauss for 96 h, while it was minimum in slik glands of Vth instar when eggs were exposed to magnetic field of 4000 Gauses for the same duration. The effect was magnetic strength and exposure duration dependent.

5 tables, 38 ref

016735   Umarkar S P;Mohite A S (Zool Dep, Nabira Coll, Katol-441 302) : Effect of thermal neutron flux radiation on cephalic neuroendocrine syatem of the fruit sucking moth, (Achaea janata Linn. Lepidoptera : Noctuidae). J ent Res 2005, 29(3), 173-8.

The corpora allata (CA) in adult moth of Achaea janata comprises a cluster of individual cells, which include about 14 lobes of CA connected by fine divided attenuated cardica allatal nerve (NCA). The medial A1 neurosecretory cells and epithelial cells of the CA in the adult female moth undergo cyclic changes soon after emergence. The secretory activity of medial A1 cells and corpora allata in the female developed from the irradiated pupa was greatly reduced and does not coincided with that of the control ones. The medial A1 cells of the irradiated pupa revealed formation of large cacuoles and severe damage of the subcellular organelles and marked degranulation of the neurosecretory granules which may be the root-cause of retarded neuroendocrine activity in the adult moth emerged from the irradiated pupa.

3 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

016734   Tripathi G;Sharma B M;Singh J (Zool Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Varanasi-221 005) : Biodiversity perspectives, accomplishments and impact of pollution on soil faunal resources. J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 68-89.

Soil biodiversity plays an important role in influencing soil properties and processes that affect plant productivity and environment regulatory functions. The digestive capabilities of soil fauna may be used to assess their biochemical efficiency in converting dead organic matter. The indirect effects of soil invertebrates on soil physico-chemical processes modify expression of the direct effect by altering the soil as an environment for microbial and plant growth. Soil faunal groups show discontinuous distribution pattern because of their behaviour, dispersal and no uniform resource consumption. Several functions of soil fauna can be used to indicate soil quality. Many predator soil arthropods play an important role in agriculture, and have an influential impact on the structure and fuction of the detritus food-web. The microbial components of soil are of help in determining microbial biomass, soil respiration and enzymatic activities. Organic mulch treated plots have a large number of soil microarthropods than unmulched plots. The indirect effects of tillage are probably decreasing the microarthropod densities in the uppermost part ofthe soil. Fertilizers change the nutritional and biological properties of soil and affect soil arthropods both qualitatively and quantitatively. Decrease in soil inhabiting invertebrates due to pesticide treatments is well known.

218 ref

016733   Tripathi G;Bhardwaj P (NO, , D-41, Saraswati Nagar, New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342 005) : Management of organic wastes by earthworms Eisenia fetida and Lampito mauritii in arid environment. J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 150-9.

Studies were made to evaluate the composting potential of earthworms, Eisenia fetida and Lampito mauritii using wheat straw plus cowdung, sawdust plus cowdung, leaf litter plus cowdung, wheat straw plus leaf litter and sawdustplust leaf litter as bedding materials in an arid environment. Chemical analyses of worm worked substrates by both species showed g/kg increases in nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, organic matter and potassium and decrease in C/N and C/P ratio after 150 days of vermicomposting. Eisenia fetida showed moderate mineralization, moderate decomposition with moderate breeding in wheat straw plus cowdung (2,47 fold increase in N and 2.22 times decrease in C/N ratio), wheat straw plus leaf litter (2.38 fold increase in N and 2.06 times decrease in C/N ratio). However, high mineralization and moderate decomposition with high breeding in leaf litter plus cowdung vermibed (3.22 fold increase in N and 2.86 times decrease in C/N ratio) was recorded. In contrat L. mauritii showed higher mineralization and higher decomposition with moderate breeding in wheat straw plus cowdung (3.51 fold increase in N and 3.18 times decrease in C/N ratio). Whereas moderate mineralization and poor decomposition was observed in saw dust plus cowdung with low breeding (2.16 fold increase in N and 1.69 times decrease in C/N ratio) and in leaf litter plus cowdung with moderate breeding (2.01 fold increase in N and 1.73 times decrease in C/N ratio).

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

016732   Sujalata Devi N G;Singh T K (Ent Lab Dep of Life Sci, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003) : Effect of different host plants on growth and development of gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). Indian J Ent 2004, 66(2), 114-18.

The effect of five different host plants Viz., chickpea, tomato, pigeonpea, pea and 'Khamen akhabi' on the growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) was studied. The larva passed through 6 instars in all the five treatments. The different plant species appeared to influence significantly the total larva period, pre-pupal and pupal period and its weight, percentage prcpupation, pupation and adult emergence and also oviposition period, fecundity and longevity of adults. Growth index values of this pest were highest on chickpea than other host plants, whereas larval - pupal index was maximum on pea. On the basis of these biological parameters, gram proved to be the most preferred host for the test insect.

3 tables, 10 ref

016731   Srivastava P;Singh D K (Zool Dep, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: dksingh_gpu@yahoo.co.in) : Control of harmful snails: Tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala) a potential molluscicide. J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 128-32.

Molluscicidal activity of crude powder of leaf of Cinnamomum tamala and its extracts in different organic solvents, viz. acetone, chloroform and ethanol was studied against Lymnaea acuminata and Indoplanorbis exustus. Column purified fraction of C. tamala was more toxic than organic solvent extracts.

3 tables, 24 ref

016730   Srivastava A K;Khare R K (Parasitological Lab Zool Dep, Bipin Bihari (PG) Coll, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : New tapeworm, Heeradevina baruasagarensis N.G., N.SP., from Clarias batarachus (Linn.). Flora Fauna 2005, 11(1), 25-7.

Clarius batrachus yielded twenty alike cestode parasites from the interlines. These parasites are quiet different from the cestodes reported so far.

4 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

016729   Singh N P;Tripathi R;Vinod Kumari (Dep of Zool, Univ of Raj, Jaipur-302 004) : Effect of biolep- a commercial formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis variety kurstaki on the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). Indian J Ent 2004, 66(2), 186-7.

^ssc1 table, 11 ref

016728   Shweta;Sharma D;Sonal;Kiran Kumar (Vermiculture Unit Zool Dep, D.S. Coll, Aligarh-202 001) : Effect of different organic matters of earthworm, Eisenia foetida (Savigny) with certain microbes. J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 177-80.

Experiments were carried out to determine fecundity of earthworm, Eisenia foetida fed organic matters with microbes and exposed different changes in them. Earthworms were fed on different substrates, viz. paper pulp, banana leaf, cowdung, saw dust, leaft litter, wood ash, pressmud with some addities, viz.neem cake, Azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Trichoderma on low and high stocking density of inoculation. Use of additives enhanced the fecundity of earthworms on low stocking density and created adverse impact on high stocking density.

1 table, 19 ref

016727   Shrivastava M (Zool Dep, Univ of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007) : Sensillae on the hypopharynx of fifth instar of sugarcane stalk borer, Chilo auricilius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 173-6.

Different types of sensillae present on the hypopharynx of Chilio auricilius larvae has been studied. Small peg like structures with prominent bases and pointed tips may be the sensilla basiconica. Long, pointed hair- like structures with dome shaped bases may be the sensilla trichodea. Rosettee-like structures with multiple bases and slender small pointed tips and long, fusiform structures with blunt tips appear to be a new sensilla type. Richness and location of sensillae on hypopharynx suggests them to be acting as chemoreceptors and possibly helping in localized feeding of the larvae.

4 illus, 17 ref

016726   Saxena R M;Mahendru V K (Zool Dep, Bareilly Coll, Bareilly-243 001) : Influence of Dichlorvos exposure on the activity of some enzymes in the giant African snail, Achatina fulica. Flora Fauna 2005, 11(1), 17-21.

Garden snail, A. fulica, the pest of vegetable crops and ornamental plants were exposed to 40% and 80% of LD₅₀ of dichlorvos for 48h and 72h. It was observed that the pesticide produced a dose and time dependent reduction in the activity of alkaline phosphatases in ovotestis and digestive enzymes amylase and maltase in intestine. Since these enzymes are vital for survival of the animals having carbohydrate oriented metabolism, alteration in their activities can be related to play a vital role in causing death of pesticide exposed snails.

1 table, 36 ref

016725   Sambath S;Joshi K C (For Ent Div, Trop For Res Inst, Jabalpur) : Bionomics of Spirama retorta Cram. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Indian J Ent 2004, 66(2), 102-6.

Four species of Spirama have been reported from China, Japan, South-East Asia and India, of which S. retorta has been studied in Central India covering Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Orissa. The size, shape, colour and number of eggs, mode of hatching, the habits and number of larval instars and their duration, larval mortality, pre-pupation, pupation and their mortality emergence of imago and their sex ratio, longevity, courtship and copulation, seasonal history and number of generations and natural enemies have been investigated both in laboratory and field.

3 tables, 9 ref

016724   Pemola Devi N;Jauhari R K (Parasitology Lab Zool Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) Coll, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: jauharirk@hotmail.com) : Mosquito species diversity in Garhwal Himalayas: Species diversity patterns among mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from certain parts in Garhwal Himalayas, India. J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 105-13.

Total of 13,016 specimens of mosquitoes from 21 species rich grid cells (5x 5 km) in three districts, i.e. Pauri, Tehri and Uttarkashi of Uttaranchal state India yielded 45 species belonging to three genera, viz. Aedes, Anopheles and Culex besides some species of Armigeres, Uranotaenia and unidentified ones. All the three genera were found to to occupy the following four microhabitats, viz. riverine forested, non-riverine forested, riverine non-forested and non-riverine non-forested areas. Considering their abundance, alpha and beta diversity across the gradients of macrohabitats (altitude) - lowever, middle- and higher- levels was found out. Both macrohabitats and microhabitats were compared with respect to alpha and beta diversity of the mosquito fauna. Amongst the macrohabitats, the middle level (600-1200 m) had the richest mosquito faunal diversity followed by the lower (300-600 m) and higher level (1200-1800 m). The mosquito assemblages appear to reflect the characteristics of the macrohabitats where they occur.

5 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

016723   Paul D K;Verma P K (Life Sci Res Lab, Godda Coll, Godda-814 133) : Influence of certain abiotic factors on periphyton community in a hill stream of Jharkhand. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(4), 567-73.

Effect of certain abiotic factors on periphyton community was studied in a hill stream of Santal Pargana, Jharkhand. Periphyton growth responded to combined influence of water nutrients and substratum enrichment in pool zone and rapids zone of the hill stream. Members belonging to Bacillariophyceae (84%), Cyanophyceae (7.5%), Chlorophyceae (5.4%) and testaceous Rhizopods (3.1%) constituted the periphytic community. High species diversity of Bacillariophyceae (2.66) with least fluctuation, suggested it be more stable group among the periphyton. Species diversity of the periphyton community was significantly correlated with two components, richness and evenness of the species. The influence of light, water current and nutrients upon the periphyton standing crop in the pool zone and rapids zone of the stream have been well established.

4 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

016722   Ojha R V S (Zool Dep, R.B.S. Coll, Agra-282 002) : A new species of Abgrallaspis azadirachti (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae) collected from Kudhi, Shikohabad. Flora Fauna 2005, 11(1), 11-14.

Abgrallaspis azadirachti (n.sp.) collected from leaves of neem, Azadirachta indica from village Kudhi near Shikohabad, Firozabad, (Agra Region), has been described as a new species of armored scale insect (Homoptera: Diaspididae). Its distribution is mainly in northern India. Its host perennial tree has the economical and medicinal values in the world.

5 illus, 16 ref

016721   Neelanarayanan P;Kanakasabai R (P.G. Dep of Zool, Nehru Memorial College(Autonomous), Puthanampatti-621 007) : Rate of food intake and pellet regurgitation by barn owls (Tyto alba stertens) in captivity. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2005, 13(2), 487-9.

^ssc1 table, 2 ref

016720   Nagrare V S (NO, Natn Res Cent for Orchids, Pakyong-737 106) : New record of black weevil (Sipalinus sp.) damage on orchids. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2005, 13(2), 490-1.

3 illus

016719   Maurya N K;Singh H S (Zool Dep, T.D. Coll, Jaunpur, U.P.) : Bucephalus ranjeetpurai sp. nov. (Trematoda : Bucephalidae) from the intestine of a freshwater fish, Mystus tengara at Jaunpur. J appl Biosci 2005, 31(2), 181-2.

Bucephalus ranjeetpurai sp. nov. is described from the intestine of Mystus tengara (Ham.) at Jaunpur. It differs from other species in having oval body, extension of cirrus sac in the mid of two testes and pre-equatorial vitellaria.

1 illus, 3 ref

016718   Kirti J S;Sodhi J S;Gill N S (Zool Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Inventory of arctiidae of northeastern India (Arctiidae : Lepidoptera). J ent Res 2005, 29(3), 243-9.

A total number of 105 species belonging to family Arctiidae have been collected from different north-eastern States of India. An inventory of these species alongwith their material examined have been reported.

2 ref

016717   Gupta Y C;Gupta P (Zool Dep, B.S.A. Coll, Mathura) : New species of Acanthaspis from India. Flora Fauna 2005, 11(1), 31-3.

New species, Acanthaspis livingstoni sp.nov. is described from Chennai, India.

8 illus, 11 ref

016716   Gupta K K (Dep of Zool, Deshbandhu Coll Univ of Delhi Kalkaji, New Delhi-110 019) : Influence of mating status on mating receptivity and mate selection behaviour of Dysdercus koenigii Fabricius. Indian J Ent 2004, 66(2), 165-7.

The female of Dysdercus koenigii was observed to remain in continuous copula for 72 h. Mating receptivity of the female depended on the duration of its previous mating. The female, if mated for 24 h remained receptive for next mating. However, 48 h of mating resulted in suppression of mating receptivity. This suppression behaviour was more pronounced in the female mated for 72 h. After completion of mating, the female laid first egg batch. There was a renewal of mating receptivity after oviposition. The female Dysdercus showed a passive mate selection behaviour. Thus, in a choice test the female did not discriminate among the males and mated with any approaching male. On the other hand the male preferred a virgin female or the female which had mated for lesser duration. The significance of mate selection tactics of the male and the female Dysdercus was discussed.

3 tables, 16 ref

016715   Gambhir R K;Tarnita T (Parasitology Lab Life Sci Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003) : New species of the genus Oxysomatium from Bufo melanostictus. Flora Fauna 2005, 11(1), 5-7.

Describes a new species, Oxysomatium manipurensis n. sp. from rectum of Bufo melanostictus from Manipur.

7 illus, 3 ref

016714   Debaraj Y;Singh T K (Res Ext Cent Silk Bd, , Manntripukhri-795 002) : Population dynamics of cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae (Linn.) in relation to abiotic and biotic factors at different altitudes of Manipur. Indian J Ent 2004, 66(2), 172-5.

Population variation of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linn.) in relation to abiotic and biotic factors at three different zones in Manipur showed that the aphids were prevalent from late autumn to late spring but less abundant during summer months. The peak population varied from one place to another. Maximum density of the pest was recorded at Mao (1257.67 aphids/sample) followed by Kangpokpi (1110.69 aphids/sample) and Imphal (345.56 aphids/sample) during peak period. The incidence of pest decreased with descending order of the altitudes. Decrease in temperature and rainfall favoured the population of the pest, whereas predators were very much seasonal and their numerical abundance coincided with the pest, which indicated that these factors are important in regulating the aphid population under field conditions.

2 tables, 12 ref

016713   Chalam M S V;Rama Subba Rao V (Ent Dep Agric Coll, Acharya N G Ranga Agric Univ, Bapatla-522 101) : New records of leafhoppers (Hemiptera : Cicadellidae : Deltocephalinae) from India. J ent Res 2005, 29(3), 233-5.

Three leafhopper species viz., Deltocephalus (Recilia) cuculatus Dash and Viraktamath; Saroctellus nigrominutus Evans and Hengchunia pakistanica Asche and Webb were recorded and described adequately with male genital structures for the first time from India.

14 illus, 6 ref

016712   Badoni A K;Bisht B;Bahuguna S N (Zool Dep, (UGC-SAP) H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174) : Conservation and management of fish fauna of three important Alaknanda tributaries of district Tehri Garhwal, Uttaranchal. Flora Fauna 2005, 11(1), 3-4.

Conservation and management of fish and fisheries of three important Alaknanda tributaries i.e. Dangchura (Takoli) Gad, Dhundeshwer (Dhundsir) God and Devalkani (Chandrabhaga) Gad of district Tehri Garhwal were studied. Various factors responsible for depletion of fish fauna of these tributaries were discussed and some suggestions were made to enhace the fishery of these tributaries alongwith river Alaknanda.

5 ref

016711   Arivoli S;Venkatesan P (Advd Zooloty & Biotechnol Dep, Aqu Ent and Biocontrol Res Lab, Loyola College) : Taxonomical features and redescription of Tenagogonus fluviorum (Fabricius) (Heteroptera : Gerridae). J ent Res 2005, 29(3), 237-41.

A systematic study of the Tenagogonus fluviorum (Fabricius) is made based on the materials collected from Tamil Nadu, India and redescription for the species to the adaptation to the habitat is also investigated.

2 illus, 29 ref

015738   Wijesinghe M R (Dep of Zool, Univ of Colombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka, Email: mrw@webmail.cmb.ac.ik) : Variations in population sizes of five rodent taxa across a habitat gradient in the Sinharaja rainforest, Sri Lanka. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(1), 2115-19.

Investigates population fluctuations of five rodent taxa across a habitat gradient in areas within and adjacent to the Sinharaja rainforest in Sri Lanka. Live trapping was conducted monthly during a continuous period of 13 months in 1998 and 1999. Four habitat types, ranging from undisturbed forest to habitats subject to varying levels of human disturbance were selected. The five taxa investigated were Srilankamys ohiensis, Rattus rattus kelaarti, R. r. kandianus. Mus mayori and M. booduga. Srilankamys ohiensis and Mus mayori are endemic species. The populations of these rodents were relatively stable, with fluctuations being of small magnitude. The densities were low, with the densities of rat species fluctuating between 0-5/ha and the densities of mouse species ranging from 0-10/ha during most of the survey period. Population sizes generally synchronized with rainfall patterns, being higher during the wetter season when fruits were abundant. Recapture rates of all taxa were quite low and this was seen to be the case in all of the four habitat types sampled. Differences were evident in the distribution patterns of the taxa. the most striking observation being the restriction or the predominance of the endemic species in the forest habitats. Monthly habitat usage patterns further indicated that none of the taxa exhibited seasonal migration between the different habitat types, implying that the populations of these rodents were largely insular.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

015737   Vyas R (NO, Sayaji Baug Zoo, Vadodara, Gujarat-390 018, Email: razoovyas@hotmail.com) : Breeding of ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) at Sayaji Baug zoo, Vadodara, Gujarat. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(11), 2075.

2 ref

015736   Thulsi Rao K;Maqsood Javed S M (Assistant Conservator of Forests, Ecological Res & Monit Laboratories, Nallamalai Hill Ranges, Eastern Ghats, Project Tiger Circle, Srisailam, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh-518 102) : The great Indian bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (VIGORS) in and around the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(11), 2053-58.

Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors), an threatened bird species of Indian sub-continent, now, is struggling for survival in fragmented patches of drier areas of the country. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh is one such fragmented repository established for the conservation of bustard and its associated species of the region. Initially the population of bustard was found to be increasing due to the zealous protection from the Forest Department. But this infatuated protection of the habitat gradually led to the disuse by the bustards especially during summer breeding season (April-June). On the other hand, conversion of grasslands adjoining the sanctuary into farmlands resulted in discontinuous distribution within a decade of time. Reconnaissance survey conducted between January to December 2003 in 12 sites from where the bustard was known, it was found only from five sites. The population of Great Indian Bustard estimated by us ranges between 30-37. Reports an account of estimated population size during non-breeding and breeding season, nesting sites and adverse impact of associated species and other factors in and around the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary.

3 tables, 5 ref

015735   Tatfeng Y M;Usuanlele M U;Orukpe A;Digban A K;Okuda M;Oviasogie F;Turay A A (NO, Lahor Public Hlth and Res Cent, No. 121, Old Benin Agbor Road, PMB 13845, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Email: youtchou@yahoo.com) : Mechanical transmission of pathogenic organism: the role of cockroaches. J Vector Borne Dis 2005, 42(4), 129-34.

Study on the bacterial, fungal and parasitic profile of cockroaches trapped in and around houses in Ekpoma was carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Of a total of 234 cockroaches trapped from different sites (toilets, parlours, kitchens and bedrooms) in houses with pit latrines and water system,-the bacterial, fungal and parasitic isolates were identical irrespective of the site, these included: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serretia marcescens, S. aureus, S. feacalis, S. epidermidis, Aeromonas sp, Candida sp, Rhizopus sp, Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp, cysts of E, hystolitica, oocysts of C. parvum, C. cayetenen-sis and Isospora belli, cysts of Balantidium coli, ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Anchylostoma deodu-nalae, Enterobius vermicularis, ova Trichuris trichura, larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. Cockroaches trapped in the toilets of houses with pit latrines had a mean bacterial and parasites count of 12.3 x 10¹⁰ org/ml and 98 parasites/ml respectively, while those trapped in the houses with water system had a mean bacterial and parasitic count of 89.5 x 10⁷ org/ml and 31 parasites/ml respectively. A bacterial count of 78.9 x 10⁷ org/ml was recorded from cockroaches trapped from the kitchens of houses with pit latrines. On the other hand a mean bacterial and parasitic count of 23.7 x 10⁶ org/ml and 19 parasites/ml were recorded from kitchens of houses with water system.

1 plate, 21 ref

015734   Sureshan P M (Esuarine Biol Stn, Zool Surv of India, Gopalpur-on-sea-761 002, Email: samanyu2003@yahoo.com) : Note on the type material of Ophelosia maculata Sureshan and Narendran (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae). Zoos Print J 2005, 20(12), 2090.

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015733   Surendran S N;Kajatheepan A;Hawkes N J; Ramasamy R (Dep of Zool, Univ of Jaffna, jaffna, Sri Lanka) : First report on the presence of morphospecies A and B of Phlebotomus argentipes sensu lato (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Sri Lanka-implilcations for leishmaniasis trasmission. J Vector Borne Dis 2005, 42(4), 155-8.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

015732   Sugumaran M P;Ganesh Kumar M;Ramasamy K (Envir Sci Dep, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Biodiversity of spiders in Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Entomon 2005, 30(2), 157-63.

Survey was conducted in the different forest ecosystems of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Viruthunagar and Tirunelveli districts to collect the adult spiders and study them taxonomically. The study revealed 56 species of spiders under 18 families. Under the family Araneidae alone, 20 species were recorded in 14 genera, showing that they are abundant in the forest ecosystems and predominant in terms of distribution. Maximum spider diversity was recorded in dry mixed deciduous forests and maximum evenness in moist deciduous forests.

4 tables, 12 ref

015731   Sudheer K;Narendran T C (Systematic Ent Lab, Dep of Zool, University of Calicut, Kerala-673 635, Email: sudheer_kt03@yahoo.co.in) : Descriptions of five new species of Goryphus holmgren (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Southern India. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(12), 2083-90.

Five new species of Goryphus Holmgren viz., Goryphus konishii sp. nov., Goryphus nilamburensis sp. nov., Gorvphus rexus sp. nov., Goryphus townesi sp. nov. and Goryphus sringeriensis sp. nov. are described from southern India. G konishii sp. nov. can be distinguished from the closely related G. brahminus (Cameron) in having smaller malar space and prepectal carina, metapleurum distinctly rugose and colour of the face and abdominal tergites. G. nilamburensis sp. nov. is similar to G. nigricoxatus Betrem in many features but differs from the latter in the sculpture of face, frons, propodeum and pronotum. G. rexus sp. nov. can be distinguished from the closely resembling G. tuberculatus Uchida and G. tirkyi Jonathan and Gupta in having a distinct notauli extending to apex of mesoscutum. G. sringeriensis sp. nov. can be identified from related species G. apollonis Jonathan and Gupta and G. rangaparensis Jonathan and Gupta in the mesoscutum being distinctly rugoso-punctate, rugosities weaker in the middle of each lobe. G. townesi sp. nov. differs from the closely resembling G. inferus (Szepligeti) and G. cameroni Betrem in having a larger malar space and the colour of face and abdominal tergites.

25 illus, 12 ref

015730   Subaharan K;Ponnamma K N;Sujatha A;Basheer B M;Raveendran P (NO, Cent Plantation Crops Res Inst, Kasaragod-671 124) : Olfactory conditioning in Goniozus nephantidis, (Musebeck) a parasitoid of coconut black headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker. Entomon 2005, 30(2), 165-70.

Egg maturation and behavioral response to imagina conditioning was studied on bethylid, Goniozus nephantidis, a parasite of coconut black-headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella. Age and feeding had influence on G. nephantidis reared on O. arenosella. Eclosed females of 0-24 h had no mature eggs. Maximum numbers of mature eggs in the abdomen were observed 10 days after eclosion. Parasitoids that emerged from Corcyra cephalonica when offered a choice to parasitize C. cephalonica and O. arenosella showed preference to C. cephalonica, the host on which it was reared (Unconditioned response). Though unconditioned, they had 32 percent response to O. arenosella and this is termed innate response. But when they were conditioned to odour of O. arenosella and then provided a choice, they preferred to parasitize O. arenosella as compared to C. cephalonica. Hence, it is clear that attraction to odours in imago that develops after eclosion is partly induced and partly constitutive.

^ssc1 illus, 15 ref

015729   Siliwal M;Molur S (Wildlife Inf & Liaison Dev Soc, Organisation, 29-1 Bharathi Colony, Peelamedu, Colmbatore, Tamil Nadu-641 0046emanju@zooreach.org) : Some observations on the webs of Gasteracantha geminata (fabricius, 1798) and Macracantha arcuata (Fabricius, 1793) (Araneae: Araneidae). Zoos Print J 2006, 21(1), 2133-4.

2 illus, 7 ref

015728   Sharma S K (NO, Foundation for Ecological Security, 18 New Ahinsapuri, Fatehpura, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313 001) : Three records of Ahaetulla nasuta var. Isabellinus from Rajasthan. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(11), 2061.

6 ref

015727   Saxena P;Sharma S;Sharma S;Suryavathi V; Grover R;Soni P;Suresh Kumar;Sharma K P (Zool Dep, Univ of Raj, Jaipur-302 004) : Acute and chronic toxicity of four commercial detergents on the freshwater fish Gambusia affinis Baird & Gerard. J envir Sci Engng 2005, 47(2), 119-24.

Toxic effects of four commercial detergents (two washing powders and two cakes) are reported on behavior, mortality and RBC counts of a freshwater fish Gambusia affinis. During acute toxicity studies (96h), surface movements of fish increased markedly for 24h, only at higher concentrations (<62> 10ppm) of all the four detergents. Thereafter, they were lethargic and bottom dwellers similar to those exposed for a period of 30 days in the longterm ecotoxicological studies made on detergent powders at a sublethal concentration (l0ppm). The detergents exposed to fish were found slippery due to mucous secretion. Hemorrhage regions were also found on their gills. The dissolved oxygen content also decreased (10-18%) in the detergent treatments of higher concentration (<62> 10 ppm). During acute toxicity studies, cakes (LC = 6.69 - 19.98 ppm) were found more toxic than powders (LC₅₀ = 18.34-20.72 ppm). In comparison to the control fish, RBC counts decreased (12-64%) in the detergent exposed fish, being more pronounced among those exposed to cakes. The chronic exposure (30 days) of the fish also resulted in reduction in the RBC counts (41-58%). It is thus evident that all the four detergents are toxic to the fish Gambusia affinis.

4 tables, 25 ref

015726   Saxena N;Murthy P S R (Dep of Zool, Sch of Life Sci, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002, Email: dr_nishisaxena@yahoo.co.in) : Hydrolytic enzyme activity in rhesus monkey placenta during early gestational malaria : histochemical studies. J Vector Borne Dis 2005, 42(4), 135-40.

Experimental monkeys (Macaca multtta) at 2-2 1/2 months of pregnancy were inoculated with P. cynomolgi basiianelli. After attaining first peak of parasitaemia the animals were anesthetised and placentae were collected for histochemical studies. The snap-frozen, cryostat sections were subjected to histochemical reactions for acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase. The placental syncytiotrophoblast showed a loss in alkaline phosphatase activity, while the trophoblast layers and phagocytic cells of the maternal blood showed increased acid phosphatase activity during early gestational malarial infection. Morphological damage to the placental tissue whenever occurred was associated with altered Alk pase activity.

4 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

015725   Satish Kumar B Y;Vijayan V A (Vector Biol Res Lab Dep of Stud in Zool, Univ of Mysore, Manasagangothri-570 006) : Mosquito fauna and breeding habitats in the rural areas of Mysore and Mandya districts, Karnataka state, India. Entomon 2005, 30(2), 123-9.

Surveys carried out in the rural areas of Mysore and Mandya districts from February 2002 to January 2003 revealed 29 species of mosquitoes belonging to 7 genera. Eleven species recorded were known vectors of malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis. Breeding habitats were divided into three categories viz., (i) groundwater habitats consisting of ground pools, tanks, rocky pools, paddy fields, stream beds, river beds and irrigation canals which yielded 22 species, (ii) habitats associated with plants such as of tree holes, fallen coconut shells and leaf sheaths, yielding 7 species and (iii) Domestic/peri-domestic habitats consisting of cement tanks, broken pots, metallic containers, plastic containers and tyres, providing 8 species. Majority of Anopheline and Culicine species were found in groundwater habitats.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

015724   Rishi Kumar;Sucheta;Khokhar K S (Pl Prot Div Ent, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Near Kheti Bhawan, Dabwali Road, Bhatinda-151 001) : Identification of Mythimna loreyi (Duponchel) and Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth) (Hadeninae: Noctuidae: Lepidoptera). Entomon 2005, 30(2), 131-9.

Characteristics of head, thorax, abdomen and other appendages; morphometric analysis, including male and female genitalia of Mythimna loreyi (Duponchel) and M. unipuncta (Haworth) have been studied and illustrate in detail. Key to the species has been framed by considering various morphological characters.

2 tables, 10 ref

015723   Pathania P C;Rose H S;Sood R (Div of Ent, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012, Email: pathaniapc@yahoo.co.in) : Gelechiid diversity (Lepidoptera) from siwalik hills of Northwestern Himalaya. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(1), 2127-31.

34 ref