013983   Raghuram K P;Venkataraman K (NO, Marine Biological Station, Zoological Survey of India, 130, Santhome High Road, Chennai-600 028, Email: raghurambut@yahoo.com) : New record of the coral Pavona venosa (Ehrenberg, 1834) (Scleractinia, Agariciidae) from Anaipar island, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 358-9.

^ssc2 illus, 10 ref

013982   Prem Kishore;Mittal V;Rai G (Entomology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Development of new germplasm in sorghum with desirable agronomic traits and resistance to shootfly, Atherigona soccata Rondani and stemborer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). J ent Res 2006, 30(2), 119-4.

Releaed varieties and hybrids developed from Temperate x Tropical crosses, despite having high yield potential and other agronomic traits failed to express in full due to the attack of key pests of sorghum, viz., the shootfly, Atherigona soccata Rondani and stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). To overcome ensuing problem large number of crosses by crossing intermediate derivative (in resistance) with intermediate derivative (in resistance) and resistant with intermediate derivative were made and evaluated against the two pests. Many new sources of resistance with desirable agronomic traits have been located in this newwly developed germplasm.

1 table, 10 ref

013981   Prasadan P K;Janardanan K P (Zoology Dep, Mary Matha Arts and Sci Coll, Mananthavady-670 645) : Two new species of cephaline gregarines (Apicomplexa: Cephalina) from commercial marine prawns. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(2), 175-9.

Two species of cephaline gregarines, Nematopsis dobsoni n.sp. and N. kannurensis n.sp. infecting marine prawns, Metapenaeus dobsoni and M. monoceros have been reported.

2 illus, 7 ref

013980   Potdar G G;Mahekar P D;Yadav S R (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : New generic records of grasses for Maharashtra. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 365-8.

^ssc2 illus, 2 ref

013979   Peter Smetacek (NO, , Jones Estate, Bhimtal, Nainital-263 136, Email: petersmetacek@rediffmail.com) : Batesian mimic butterflies taken in by their models and the mimetic status of Argyreus hyperbius L. (Nymphalidae). J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 352-3.

^ssc18 ref

013978   Patel S;Reddy A;Dolia G (NO, Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, Pondicherry-600 002) : Occurrence of deep-sea sharks off the Pondicherry coast. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 342.

^ssc1 illus

013977   Pandit M A;Saxena R N (Zoology Dep, Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: manishaarora2001@yahoo.co.in) : Galanin stimulates hCG induced testicular steroidogenesis in adult but not in immature male rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(4), 333-7.

The study was undertaken to understand the role of galanin on testosterone secretion. Leydig cells from adult (60-80 days old) and immature (21-30 days old) rat testis were incubated with galanin (100 nM), galantide (100 nM) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG, 25 I.U.) alone or in combinations and testosterone release was measured. It was observed that in adults, galanin failed to alter the basal testosterone release from the dispersed Leydig cells but potentiated the hCG induced testosterone release significantly. While galantide, prevented this galanin potentiating effect, but it did not alter the hCG alone induced testosterone release. On the Other hand, the Leydig cells obtained from immature male rats were sensitive to hCG alone but not to galanin or galantide, both of which failed to alter the hCG induced testosterone release from these cells. Based on these results it can be postulated that galanin's role at the level of the male gonad is age dependent since its potentiating effects on hCG induced testosterone release were visible only in the adult and not in the immature male rats.

2 illus, 32 ref

013976   Pandey K;Ahmad Z;Haider A A;Shujauddin (Entomology Section, Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: kavi_leaf@yahoo.com) : Description of a new species of the genus Dolichogenidea Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 324-5.

New species of the genus Dolichogenidea Viereck, namely D. masoni sp. nov. is described and illustrated.

3 illus, 7 ref

013975   Nonita M;Bijaya P;Singh T K (Aphid Resarch Lab, Life Sci Dep, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003) : The penetration of brinjal leaves by stylets of Aphis gossypii Glover. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(2), 217-20.

Aphids have an extremely close-association with their host plant. Aphis gossypii Glover is a cosmopolitan, polyphagous species feeding on more than 500 host plants belonging to different families (Raychaudhuri, 1983). It usually feeds on the succulent plant parts resulting in certain changes in the host tissue. The anatomical changes due to feeding by A. gossypii were observed. Transverse sections of the infested leaves revealed stylet tracks in epidermis, mesophyll parenchyma and phloem regions. The stylet tracks followed mostly intercellular courses, however, intracellular type of penetration was also observed. In addition, physiological effects such as plasmolysis of cell were also recorded.

1 illus, 24 ref

013974   Nilesh Rane;Ghate H V (Post-Graduate Research Centre, Zoology Dep, Modern College, Pune-411 005, Email: hemantghate@hotmail.com) : Notes on the life history of Laccoptera (Sindia) Sulcata (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae). J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 346-51.

12 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

013973   Narendran T C (Systematic Entomology Lab, Zoology Dep, Univ of Calicut, ) : New genus of tetrastichinae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) from Sarawak, Borneo. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(2), 209-12.

New genus, Borneostichus gen. novo collected from Borneo is described with the type species Borneostichus nostisetosus sp. nov. The new genus differs from all other known genera in the following combination of characters : lower frons produced forward, madibles relatively smaller with teeth not discernible, temples thin, mesoscutum abundantly setose, scutellum with 6 pairs of long setae; notauli distinct and complete; propodeum with inserted `Y' shaped paraspiracular carinae, SMV with 2 dorsal setae; ovipositor sheath not exceeding apex of gaster.

5 illus, 9 ref

013972   Nair V P (NO, , XV/446 A1, Nethaji Housing Colony, Trichambaram, Taliparamba, P.O., Kannur-670 141, Email: vinayanpnair@yahoo.co.in) : Uvaria narum Wall., (Annonaceae), a new host plant record of the tailed jay butterfly, Graphium agamemnon (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) from Kerala. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 355-6.

^ssc5 ref

013971   Nair V P (NO, , XV/446 A 1, Nethaji Housing Colony, Trichambaram, Taliparamba P.O., Kannur-670 141, Email: vinayanpnair@yahoo.com) : Cosmostigma racemosa Wight, a new host plant record of the dark blue tiger butterfly Tirumala septentrionis (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae from Kerala. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 354.

4 ref

013970   Murali Baskaran R K;Mahendiran G;Suresh K (Agric Entomology Dep, Agric Coll and Res Inst, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Madurai-625 104) : Life table of Scymnus coccivora Ayyar (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) on two mealybugs. J ent Res 2006, 30(4), 295-9.

Life table for Scymnus coccivora Ayyar on two mealybugs, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) and Planococcus citri Risso studied at 29.5 ± 2.1°C and 69.2 ± 3.2% RH revealed that the rate of increase of population of S. coccivora on M. hirsutus and P. citri would be 20.11 and 17.65 times/generation, respectively with mean time for completing a generation was 34.12 and 31.47 days. The doubling time required for the population of S. coccivora was 10.046 and 12.160 days on M. hirsutus and P. citri, respectively. The real mortality at various stages of S. coccivora, egg, I, II, III, IV instar, prepupa, pupa and adult on M. hirsutus and P. citri was calculated as 21.0, 1.0, 1.0, 2.0, 1.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 0.0 and 25.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 2.0, 1.0, 0.0 and 0.0 per cent, respectively. On reaching the stable age distribution, the population of S. coccivora in various stages, egg, larva, pupa and adult contributed, respectively to the tune of 28.92, 45.26, 6.53 and 5.99 and 30.77, 36.09. 8.57 and 8.38 per cent in M. hirsutus and P. citri.

6 tables, 15 ref

013969   Mohanraj R S;Dhanakkodi B (Zoology Dep, Kongu Nadu Arts & Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Growth inhibiting effect of crude neem seed kernal extract on Aedes aegypti. Indian J Ent 2006, 67(3), 241-3.

Aedes aegypti pupae developed through sublethal concentration of neem seed kernel water extract showed unmelanized and dechitinized body, extended abdomen, dwarf and retarded abdomen, defective genitalia and unshed head capsule of the preceding instar.

12 ref, 1 plate

013968   Mathivanan R (PG and Research Zoology Dep, A.P.A. College of Arts and Culture, Palani- 624 601) : In vitro in vivo inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase of catla Catla (Ham) and Oreochroomis mossamnicus (Peters) by malathion. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(1), 137-40.

Aecetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in Drain homogenates of Catla catla and Oreochromis mossambicus was estimated under optimal conditions at different concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9,12,15 ppm) of malathion in vitro. Using regression equation, the I₅₀ value was obtained as 6.3 ppm and 6.8 ppm for C.catla and O.mossambicus respectively. The I₅₀ value was chosen as exposure concentration for in vivo studies. Time taken for 50% inhibition in vivo was 192 and 224 mts for C.catla and O.mossambicus, respectively. O.mossambicus appears to have better barrier system than that of C. catla.

2 tables, 17 ref

013967   Mathew G (Division of Entomology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala-680 653, Email: mathew@kfri.org ) : Inventory of Indian pyralids (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Zoos Print J 2006, 21(5), 2248-58.

An inventory of 1646 species of pyralids so far recorded from India is presented indicating the year of publication and the current nomenclatural combination. A key adapted from literature is also given for separation of subfamilies.

^iia52 ref

013966   Manimekalan A;Arunachalam ;Rema Devi K (SPK Centre for Environmental Sci, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Alwarkurichi-627 412, Email: manimekalan@gmail.com) : New records and range extension of freshwater fishes to the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, South India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 344-6.

^ssc31 ref

013965   Manakadan R;Sivakuamr S (NO, Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, S.B. Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023, Email: bnhs@bom4.vsnl.net.in) : Occurrence of the rustyspotted cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (Geoffroy) in Sriharikota, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 336.

^ssc2 ref

013964   Maheswaran G;Rahmani A R (NO, Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053, Email: gmaheswaran@yahoo.com) : Breeding behaviour of the black-necked stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus in Dudhwa Natioanl Park, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 305-12.

Breeding behaviour of the Black-necked Stork (BNS) (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) was studied from mid-September 1996 to mid-January 1997 in Dudhwa National Park (DNP). Observations were made for 749 hours on a single pair of breeding BNS. Both the sexes were engaged in gathering a variety of nest material. Nest material was collected throughout the breeding season, till the juveniles left the nest; dried grasses were collected most (69%) for nest insulation. The parental investment of male and female BNS was not equal. The pair spent almost 15% of its time incubating/resting and this varied significantly in various chick stages. Time spent on this activity was more during the early part of the day. Male and female spent almost equal time feeding their juveniles throughout the breeding season, whereas the frequency of feeding trips between the sexes varied significantly. As the chicks grew, there were changes in the type and amount of food delivered to the chicks. The breeding pair was very aggressive towards conspecifics, mainly to safeguard its nest and the nearby feeding grounds. Unusual competitions were recorded between adult male and female BNS for food on the nest; when one of the parents tried to feed the young, the partner tried to pilfer it. The parents brought water generally during mid-day, than in the morning or evening. Since nothing was known about the breeding behaviour of BNS, this work has revealed much, especially about parental care and development of young.

3 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

013963   Lakshmi Narayana N;Ramasubba Rao V;Rajasekhar P (Entomology Dep, Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Bapatla, Hyderabad) : New records of planthoppers (Delphacidae : Homoptera) associated with rice-ecosystem. Indian J Ent 2006, 67(3), 225-30.

Seven planthopper species (Delphacidae: Homoptera) viz., S. kolophon (Kirkaldy), S. vibix (Haupt), Tagosodes pusanus (Distant), Terthron albovittatum (Matsumura), T. propinqua (Fieber), Harmalia anacharsis Fennah and Cemus sp., associated with different rice-ecosystems were reported for the first time from Andhra Pradesh. An illustrated key is provided to identify 10 known planthoppers from this state.

27 illus, 9 ref

013962   Kunte K (Section of Integrative Biol, Univ of Texas, 1 University Station C0930, USA) : Species composition, sex-ratios and movement patterns in danaine butterfly migrations in southern India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 280-86.

Longitudinal migraion of danaine butterflies takes across the plains of southern India to the Western Ghats during October-November, and towards the plains, about April-May. Reports here on the butterfly migration through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, in October 2001. Tirumala septentrionis (Butler) was predominant, constituting 78.5% of the migrating butterflies. Euploea sylvester (Fabricius) was twice as numerous as E. core (Cramer), the two species making up the remaining 21.5%. The migrants were freshly emerged adults and sex-ratios were equal, except in the silightly male-biased E. sylvester. The number of butterflies in this swarm was conservatively estimated at over 175,000 over three days. Reproductive status of migrating danaines and the apparent resident population of E. core at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are discussed. Suggests that the migratory tendencies evolved to avoid the torrential shouthwest monsoon in their larval habitats in evergreen and semi-evergreen forest of the Western Ghats. This hypothesis is consistent with the absence of diapause in early stages of these species, and with the fact that the butterflies breed alternately in the plains and in the Western Ghats.

1 illus, 2 tables, 27

013961   Kumara H N;Singh M (Biopsychology Lab, Univ of Mysore, Mysore-570 006, Email: mewasingh@sancharnet.in) : Disappearance of elephants in Uttara Kannada. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 337-8.

^ssc1 ref

013960   Kumara H N;Singh M (Biopsychology Laboratory, Univ of Mysore, Mysore-570 006, Email: mewasingh@sancharnet.in) : Occurrence of the rustyspotted cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (Geoffroy) in Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 336-7.

^ssc11 ref

013959   Kulkarni S A;Kshirsagar H S (Head, Dairy Science Dep, A.E.S. College, Hingoli-431513) : Taxonomical study of the rumen protozoan ciliate Entodinium ciculum (Dehority, 1979), From stomach of Indian Cattle (Bos indicus). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(1), 41-3.

Entodinium ciculum is described for the first time from rumen of cattle in India as a first host record. Morphology of the species is described. Its body measurements frequency distribution and variation of characters are recorded. Critical comments are made on its specific identity. The observations are based on a study of 50 specimens taken at random from different samples. Entodinium is found to be the most predominant genus among the rumen ciliates.

3 tables, 18 ref, 1 plate

013958   Korad V S;Gaikwad M C;Koratkar A L (Zoology Dep, Fergusson College, Pune) : Record composite bat colonies in Robbers' cave area of Mahabaleshwar region, Maharashtra state, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(4), 743-8.

Robbers' cave is located in the evergreen forest of Mahabaleshwar region, the famous tourist spot and hot spot for biodiversity of northern Western Ghats (Maharashtra state of India). The subterranean cave has a perennial water source in form of a stream running over the floor. The cave is about 100 - 125m deep and has historical background. The interior of the cave is damp and stinky as it harbors large colonies of fruit bats (about 23,000 bats) of species Rouseltus leschenaulti and insectivorous microchiropteran bat of species Miniopterus schreibersii (about 4,200 bats). Nearly 500m away to North of this cave there is another site, again a subterranean, deep but slanting and circular crevice, harboring about 500 and more bats. It is a composite colony of leaf-nosed bat and horse-shoe bat, the co-occurrence of these bats itself is a rarity. Three different species Rhinolophus lepidus, R. rouxii and Hipposideros fulvus are recorded from this site. The survey was performed for assessment of bat fauna in the Central Western Ghats of Maharashtra (2002-2005) funded by Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Robbers' cave is the only place, which is rich in terms of bat species diversity as well as abundance of bat population in the Central Western Ghats of Maharashtra. And hence should be protected by declaring this area as sanctuary for bats, which will be a unique concept for protection of this volant small mammal fauna. Accqrding to Wildlife (protection) Act 1972, bats are included in Schedule No. 5 (Vermin). The survey emphasises inclusion of bat fauna in schedule No.1, as this fauna is hypersenstive to habitat destruction.

12 ref

013957   Konar A;Roy P S;Paul S (Agric Entomology Dep, B.C. Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252) : Seasonal incidence and life history of Toxoptera aurantii (Boy. de fons.) attacking orange, Citrus reticulata Blanco. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(2), 197-201.

Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe) is one of the most important aphid species infesting mandarin orange (Citrus reticullata Blanco) in Darjeehng. West Bengal. This aphid pest is widely distributed and is found on the plant throughout the year having one peak population during August and September and very low population of this pest was recorded during cooler months of the year. This pest is capable of completing about 26 generations in a year from January to December, 1994 under laboratory conditions. It passes through four nymphal instars to become adult. The various stages of the life cycle are prolonged during cooler period of the year. The nymphal duration varied from 7 to 28 days and the adult longevit) of the apterous morph ranged from 8 to 34 days. The nymph laying capacity by an apterous viviparous female was found to vary from 10 to 46 days.

1 table, 8 ref

013956   Kiran B R;Koppad S;Puttaiah E T;Ravindra Kumar K P (Environmental Sci Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shankaraghatta-577 115) : Induced breeding of Labeo rohita at National Fish Seed Farm. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(2), 181-4.

Deals with the induced breeding of Labeo rohita using ovaprim and ovatide (a spawning hormone cotaining salmon gonadotropin RH and domperidone) under moderate temperature (22-23°C) condition at National Fish Seed Farm, Bhadra Project, Karnataka. Optimum dose. fertilization percentage and hatching percentage have been calculated. The advantage of ovatide in induced breeding of Indian major carp, L. rohita is discussed. Success of the experiment at malnad region has brightened prospects of commercial exploitation of the species in Karnataka.

5 tables, 14 ref

013955   Khan M A;Agnihotri M (Biological Control Laboratory, Entomology Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agric and Technol, Pantnagaar-263 145, Email: maknan@rediffmail.com) : Parasitic wasps of the genus Euplectrus westwood (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 315-23.

Four new species of the genus Euplectrus Westwood namely E. pantnagarensis, E. dubeyi, E. viggianii and E. longiscapus are described and illustrated. A key to some Indian species has also been framed.

43 illus, 14 ref

013954   Kardile S P;Gadagkar R (Centre for Ecological Sci, Indian Inst of Sci, Bangalore-560 012, Email: sujata@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Observations on the natural history and behaviour of the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia cyathiformis (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 265-73.

Reports natural history and behaviour of the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia cyathiformis, which builds small, open, paper carton nests and exbihits an aseasonal nesting cycle. The number of adult wasps on a nest ranges from one to about a hundred, and nests last from a few days to sixteen months or more. Most colonies have a single queen, who is morphologically similiar to her workers but has better developed ovaries. Female wasps exhibit several dominance behaviours which are positively correlated with rates of snatching food and building material from incoming foragers, and also of feeding larvae and building the nest. This suggests that behaviourally dominant individuals specialize in performing intra-nidal tasks including brood care. Queens are the most behaviourally dominant individuals of their colonies and appear to inhibit worker reproduction and regulate non-reproductive activities of workers using dominance behaviours. The observations suggest that R. cyanthiformis is a typical example of a primitively eusocial species, in striking contrast to the congeneric R. marginata which exhibits some features reminiscent of more advanced eusociality. Queens of R. marginata are behaviourally docile and appear to use a non-behavioural (probably pheromonal) method of regulating worker reproduction. Non-reproductive activities of workers in R. marginata are regulated in a decentralised, self-organised manner without the involvement of the queen. A comparative study of R. cyanthiformis and R. marginata will be available in understanding the evolutionary transition from primitive to advanced eusociality in general.

7 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

013953   Jyothi J V A (Bee Div, Zoology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: jyothi55@rediffmail.com) : Physico-chemical properties of beewax of Apis species. J ent Res 2006, 30(4), 347-9.

In the study the physico-chemical composition of the beewax of Apis species was analysed and significant variation composition were found: 52°C to 66°C in melting point; 4.1 to 7.4 in acidic value; 44.6 to 83.3 in saponification; 46.6 to 76.6 in ester value and 3.4 to 5.4 in case of iodine value. The variations of amino acids and proteins ranged from 2.8 to 4.9 mg and 2.7 to 4.4 mg. The Carbohydrate ranged from 24.3 to 39.0 mg. These variations in the chemical composition may be due to the pollen contamination in the wax. The colour of the beewax was yellow in Apis cerana, yellowish brown in Apis mellifera and brown in Apis dorsata andApis florea.

2 illus, 12 ref

013952   Joshua J;Hiren Soni;Joshi N M;Joshi P N;Oswin Deiva (NO, Gujarat Inst of Desert Ecology, Post Box No. 83, Opp Changleshwar Temple, Mundra Road, Bhuj-Kachchh-370 001, Email: hirensoni@yahoo.com) : Occurrence of Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis (Swainson) in Jamnagar district, Gujart India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 340-41.

^ssc5 ref

013951   Jadhav S S;Surve P R;Gundile M G (Zoology Dep(PG), Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Udgir, Maharashtra) : Impact of mercuric nitrate on the oxygen consumption of fresh water crab, Barytelphusa guerini. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(4), 749-50.

Rate of oxygen consumption of the crab, Barytelphusa guerini is increased initially when exposed to lethal concentration of mercuric nitrate. However, lethal concentration decreased their metabolic rate.

1 table, 12 ref

013950   Indirabai W P S;Daisy P;James V (Department of Zoology, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli-620 002) : Vermitech - an opportunity for all. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 527-30.

Vermitech involving culture of earthworm as well as bioconversion of solid organic waste into ecofriendly vermicompost provides a wider range of opportunity for all people. Work carried out at the preliminary level in our laboratory revealed that there is an increase in the number and weight of anecic earthworm, Lampito mauritii, locally available in the campus. The quality of vermi compost also depends on the solid waste - organic raw materials used for bioconversion. Soil enriched with vermicompost showed flowering earlier than that without vermicompost. Vermitech is simple, inexpensive method which enables recycling of elements for sustainable environment. People at any age group could do this as a hobby.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

013949   Gupta Y C;Khandelwal V K (Zoology Dep, B.S.A. College, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh) : A new species of Baptista distant, 1903 from India. Indian J Ent 2006, 67(3), 244-6.

Baptista Distant, 1903, is an important genus of family Veliidae, 1843. It is hereto-represented by two species i.e. Baptista gestroi Distant and a new species Baptista sushmae sp.nov.being described from various localities from India.

5 ref

013948   Eric D'Cunha E P (NO, Wild Chalet Resort, Kanha National Park, P.O. Kisli, Mandla-481 768) : Sighting of orange-gorgeted flycatcher Ficedula strophiata (Hodgson) at Bandhavgarh (M.P.): a first record for Peninsular India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 339-40.

^ssc2 ref

013947   Elsiddig S I Y;Gautam R D;Subbhash Chander (Plant Health Clinic, Entomology Div, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012, Email: gautamjul@yahoo.com) : Life-tables of the predator, Mallada boninensis (Okamoto) (Chrysopidae: neuroptera) on the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica stainton and larvae of Tribolium castaneum herbst. J ent Res 2006, 30(4), 301-7.

Results on the age-specific cohort life tables of M. boninensis revealed that the maximum female fecundity/week was 63.08 and 65.93 female eggs/female/week on C. cephalonica eggs and T. castaneum larvae, respectively, produced during the 5th age-interval (28-38 days). The gross reproductive rate (GRR) was 225.42 females/female/generation on C. cephalonica eggs, while it was 265.54 females/female/generation on T. castaneum larvae. The net reproductive rate (R₀) was 139.12 and 171.43 females/female/generation on the two preys, respectively. Mean generation time (T) was 33.83 and 34.78 days on C. cephalonica eggs and T. castaneum larvae, while the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) was 0.1458789 and 0.1478956 female/female/day on the two preys, respectively. The finite rate of incrase (λ) was 1.593 females/female/day on T. castaneum larvae, while it was 1.1571 on C. cephalonica eggs.

2 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

013946   Dubey R K;Paliwal A K (Zoology Dep, S.C.G. (PG) Coll, Mainpuri-205 001) : Tracheal system of sheep body louse Damalina ovis (Linn.) (Mallophaga). Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(2), 239-41.

Tracheal system of Damalinia ovis (Linn.) consists of spiracles and trachea. There are eight pairs of spiracles; one prothoracic, one mesothoracic and six abdominal which are present third to eight abdominal segments. The spiracles are ventral in position and the opening of each spiracle never gets protected by hair and bristles. There are two main tracheal trunk, one on either side of the body from head to abdomen. The four commissure are present where two are in head region and two in thoracic part, each in front of prothoracic and mesothoracic ganglionic triangle. Posteriorly, the two main trunk get united to form posterior abdominal commissure. The main tracheal trunk divides into dorsal and ventral branches. These dorsal and ventral branches further divides so many times and distributed in all the body organs. The laterals up to the main trunk dorsal and ventral branches form anastomosis.

1 illus, 6 ref

013945   Dhua T;Patra A K (NO, , C/O Mr Jayanta Mondal, 408, Akashratna, BARC, Mumbai-400 094, Email: jayant_mondal@rediffmail.com) : Lunar rhythm in the planktonic biomass of the Nicco Park lake, Bhubaneswar. J envir Biol 2006, 27(4), 739-44.

Lunar cycle imparts certain stimulatory effects on the rhythmic behaviour of plankton and their life processes by which they actively migrate to the surface and gradually sink as the moon fades. This may also result in morphological changes in organisms, such as Lorica which becomes smaller towards the full moon night by changing the size of postero-lateral spines and surface area. In addition, cyclomorphic forms have been observed in zooplankton, which appears to be a suitable achivement for swarming and for the differentiation of sex by secondary sexual characteristics. Lunar rhythm in plankton appears to be governed by an internal clock, that is the "Biological clock".

2 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

013944   Deepika Singh; (Department of Zoology, Khandelwal College of Management Science and Technology, Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh)) : Effect of thiourea, a chemosterilant on egg laying, embryonic development, nucleic acid levels and alkaline phosphatase activity on the Giant african Land Snail, Achatina fulica. Vegetos 2005, 18(1-2), 37-41.

Giant African land snail, Achatina fulica is not only a serious pest of vegetable crops but is also involved in the transmission of lung worm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis in mammals. To control its fecundity, they were fed with the three different doses i.e. 0.1 mg 0.2 mg and 0.4 mg of Thiourea, a chemosterilant mixed with wet wheat flour bait. The effect of this drug on egg laying capability, embryonic development, nucleic acid concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity in the ovotestis of the snail were studied. The treatment with this chemosterilant not only reduced the egg laying capability of snail but also inhibited the embryonic development in the laid eggs. The DNA and RNA levels along with the activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase which play multiferous role in regulating metabolism were found to be inhibited. Thus, indicating a wide variety of changes in the metabolism of the treated group of snails.

3 tables, 24 ref

013943   David Livingstone;Jeyanthi Bai (NO, Madras Christian College, Chennai-600 059) : Three new species of Lasiacantha from southern India with a key to their identification (Heteroptera: Tingidae). J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 326-9.

Three new macropterous species of Lasiacantha on three different speceis of Acanthaceae have been described as the third, fourth and fifth species of this genus of Tingidae from the Indian region. A key for identification of the four exclusively south Indian species has been given. Relative expansion of the cephalic end of the median carina of the pronotum as a hood, the architecture of the paranotal expansions of the pronotum and the pattern of areolations of the hemelytra are the major diagnostic features of each species. Dense sharp spinocity characterize all species of Lasiacantha.

3 illus, 19 ref

013942   Daniel S;Prasanna Kumar S (Dep of Zoology and Res Cent, Scott Christian Coll (Autonomous), Nagercoil-629 003) : Bioenergetic parameters of the nymphal instars of Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: harpactorinae) on prey, Odontotermes obesus Rambur. J ent Res 2006, 30(4), 281-4.

Evaluation of bioenergetic parameters viz., food consumption, conversion rate, net conversion efficiencies and predatory value of the nymphal instrs of Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius when fed on Odontoermes obesus Rambur indicated an inverse relationship between the conversion efficiency and predatory value of the nymphal instars of the predator. The conversion efficiency was highest in first instar (47.48%) and the highest predatory value was observed in the fifth instar (10. 18 mg/day) but it showed the lowest conversion efficiency (12.54%).

1 table, 23 ref

013941   Chakrabarti S (Forest Protection Div, Himalayan Forest Res Institute, Conifer Campus, Panthaghati, Shimla-171 009, Email: tisum2001@yahoo.co.in) : Description of hitherto unknown egg and 1st instar nymph of Cinara maculipes Hille Ris Lambers (Aphidoidea: Lachnidae) from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 356-7.

^ssc10 illus, 5 ref

013940   Bohidar K;Choubey M (P.O. Zoology Dep, Utkal Univ, Bhubaneswar-751 004) : Effect of some indigenous plant leaf extracts on the economic characters of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori. Indian J Ent 2006, 67(3), 238-40.

Leaves of 18 different plants collected from University Campus and a concentration of 25mg/50ml solution was prepared. The solution was administered @ 1.5ml to the instar larvae of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori, as first feed everyday through mulberry leaves in laboratory condition (30 ± 2° C temp. and 82±3% RH). The worms thrieved well and spun the cocoons on 15 plant extracts whereas 3 plant extracts, showed better results than the rest, but not as good as in the control. From this, it could be concluded that these plants help in the maintenance of the worms whenever necessary.

1 table, 8 ref

013939   Bisht R S;Tripathi D M;Mishra P N (Zoology Dep, High Altitude Ento. Research Laboratory, HNB Garhwal Univ Campus, Badshahi thaul, Tehri Garhwal, Uttaranchal) : Seasonal abundance of cutworms (Agrotis spp: Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) caught at light trap in Garhwal Himalaya. Indian J Ent 2006, 67(3), 247-51.

Of the 8 species of cutworms of genus Agrotis collected on light trap through the range of 600 to 2450 m a.s.l. from Garhwal Himalayas, 6 were recorded for the first time from Uttranchal. A. ipsilon (Hum.) was observed as the predominant species followed by A. segetum, A. flammatra, A.c. nigrum in tropical region and A. flammatra, A. segetum in subtropical and temperate regions. Variations in altitude and atmospheric temperature were found to affect the emergence period of cutworm moths. The most congenial ecological factors viz., average minimum and maximum temperatures, relative humidity, monthly rainfall and sunshine hours for peak activity, maximum population of moths during 2000 and 2001 ranged from 13.44 - 15.61°C ( Av. 14.52°C), 24.6 - 25.0°C (Av. 24.8°C), 66 - 67% (Av.66.5%), 2.13 -4.2mm (Av. 3.07mm) and 8.63 - 8.8 hrs ( 8.71 hrs) respectively in the month of May.

2 tables, 8 ref

013938   Bisht M S;Phurailatpam S;Kathait B S (Zoology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Pauri-246 001, Email: drbishtms@yahoo.com) : Nesting ecology and breeding success of cheer pheasant Catreus wallichii in Garhwal Himalaya, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2005, 102(3), 287-9.

Nesting ecology and breeding success of the Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii was studied in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttaranchal from 2000 to 2002. Five active nests were located in May-June and one in September on the south, southwest and northwest aspects, in shallow depressions; hollow pits or below stones, lined with dry pine needles and leaves. The vegetation around the nest was less than the dry litter. Clutch size ranged from 6-12. Hatching success was 71 per cent, but breeding success was less than half the clutch size.

1 table, 11 ref

013937   Bhide M;Gupta P (NO, , 27, Vidyapuram, Makronia, Sagar-470 004, Email: manglabhide@rediffmail.com) : Deviation of negatively charged protein fractions in the trochophore and veliger larvae by the larvicial action of baygon in freshwater pulmonate Gyraulus convexiusculus (Planorbidae). J envir Biol 2006, 27(4), 745-51.

Egg capsules of Gyraulus convexiusculus were treated with different concentrations of baygon. A dose and duration dependent deviations in the number of negatively charged protein fractions in the trochophore and veliger larval stages were observed. It resulted into anomalies in the morphogenesis and organogenesis of corresponding larval stages. Most of the protein bands showed the decrease in the protein positive intensities in comparison to control. This suggested that baygon causes larval toxicity in Gyraulus convexiusculus.

10 illus, 18 ref

013936   Bhaskar L V K S (Zoology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Moult-modulating effect of serotonin in the crab Oziotelphusa senex senex (Fabricius). Biosci Res Bull 2006, 22(2), 105-9.

Effect of serotonin on moulting process of Oziotelphusa senex senex (Fabricius) has oeen studied. Serotonin was found to prolong the incipience of moult with increase in concentration. Serotonin caused less number of crabs to moult with increase in concentrations and consequently the percentage of animals moulted with increase in serotonin concentrations has been significantly reduced. The same trend was reflected when percent cumulative moulting was taken in to consideration. The role of serotonin in the regulation of moulting behaviour has been discussed in the light of its importance as neuromodulator in crustaceans.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

013935   Batabyal L;Sharma P;Lalit Mohan;Srivastava C N (Applied Entomology and Vector Control Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Faculty, Dayalbagh Educational Inst (Deemed Univ), Daylbagh, Agra-282 005, Email: chandnarayan_dei@rediffmail.com) : Role of some antibiotics in the management of culicine larvae. J ent Res 2006, 30(4), 333-7.

Amongst different antibiotics, observed against 3rd instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus, penicillin was found the most effective LC₅₀ value 162.92 ppm followed by gentamycin, erythromycin and oxytetracycline. Streptomycin was found the least effective among these antibiotics. The efficacy of all these antibiotics increased with increase in the exposure period.

2 tables, 22 ref

013934   Baitha A;Atma Ram (Crop Protection Div, Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow-226 002) : The growth rates (γ_MandR₁₀) of Trichogrammatoidea SP.NR Armigera nagaraja at five temperature regimes. Indian J Ent 2006, 67(3), 285-6.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref