003401   Dhillon N S;Dhaliwal G S;Dadarwal D;Arora A K;Kaur P (Animal Reproduction Dep, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veteri, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Prevalence of obligate anaerobes and aerobes in uterine lumen of subfertile crossbred cows in relation to physical appearance of cervicovaginal mucus. Indian J Anim Reprod 2006, 27(2), 34-9.

Aerobes causing bacterial endometritis have been investigated under Indian condition but involvement of obligate anaerobes have not been studied so far. In the present study. 30 subfertile pleuriparous crossbred cows with the history of not conceiving within 5-18 months of calving and had received ≥3 AI with fertile semen and lacked genital abnormalities were selected from the university dairy farm. These cows were gred on the basis of colour of cervico-vaginal mucus viz.. gr 1 (clear mucus, n=12). gr 2(muco-purulent, n=10) and gr 3 (purulent mucus n=8). The uterine swabs taken during estrus with the help of guarded Neilson's Swab Catheter, were subjected to bacteriological culture for isolation of obligate anaerobes and aerobes. Out of total 42 bacterial isolates recovered 16 were obligate anaerobes while 26 were aerobes. Two cows harbored only obligate anaerobes, 10 cows only aerobes, 13 cows both obligate anaerobes and aerobes and the remaining 5 cows were bacteriologically sterile. Amongst the gram negative anaerobes (GNA), Bacteroides sp. predominated in all the three grs. Amongst aerobes, E. coli and/or Pseudomonas sp. predominated in Grs I and 2 and Arcanobacter pyogenes in gr 3. Cows of gr 3 showed the highest prevalence of mixed infection of both GNA and aerobes. Amongst the mixed infections, combination of Bacteroides anaerobes with E. coli and/or Pseudomonas predominated in gr 1 and 2 while that of Bacteroides sp with Arcanobacter pyogenes in gr 3. Out of total 26 aerobic isolates, 7 were of Arcanobacter pyogenes, of which 5 grew in combination with GNA and 2 were in pure growth. To conclude, nearly half of bacteria positive subfertile cross-bred cows had mixed infection of obligate anaerobes and aerobes. Cows with clear and/or mucopurulent discharge harbored mainly GNA occurring in combination with E. coli / Pseudomonas sp while those with purulent mucus had gram negative obligate anaerobes coupled with Arcanobacter pyogenes.

1 table, 30 ref

003400   Datta U;Ray S;Basu S R S;Nandi P R;Ray K; Ghosh D (Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics Dep, West Bengal Univ Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700 037) : Structure of the epididymis and ductus-deferens of black Bengal buck (Capra hircus): a light microscope study. Indian J Anim Reprod 2006, 27(2), 30-3.

Histological study of the epididymis in Black Bengal buck indicated a gradual decrease of epithelial height and an increase in tubular diameter from caput to caudal epididymal region. Spermatozoal distribution in the tubular lumen were found less in number in caput followed by gradual increase towards cauda. Maximum number of basal cells was found in the corpus region. Ductus- deferens was characterized by long mucosal folds.

5 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

003399   Das G K;Risam K S (North Temperat Regional Station, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute Garsa, (Via - Bhuntar)) : Metritis/pyometra in angora rabbit. Indian J Anim Reprod 2006, 27(2), 118-19.

Records the occurrence of metritis/pyometra in Angora rabbit from a subtemperate climate of India.

2 illus, 3 ref

003398   Chen Y;Bi J (NO, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430 072, P.R. China) : Biogeography and hotspots of amphibian species of China: implications to reserve selection and conservation. Curr Sci 2007, 92(4), 480-9.

Studies on species' biogeography, biodiversity are of remarkable significance in biogeographic regionalization and systematic conservation. Various numerical approaches to investigate distributions of amphibian species of China at different geographic scales have been employed. Distributional information of 224 amphibian species was first accumulated to build a database. The database was then analysed by (i) Geographical Information System for richness mapping; (ii) cluster analysis and parsimony analysis of endemicity for biogeographic regionalization and for the delimitation of areas with rich endemicity; (iii) complementarity analysis rank the quadrates for nature reserve selection and (iv) species potential distribution modelling for revealing species potential distribution boundaries. The results indicated that most species were restricted to a latitudinal region between 27-30°N and about 31% of the species belonged to vulnerable threat category. Hotspots for species diversity were mainly detected in most areas of Sichuan and Yunnan. Seven zoogeographic regions and six endemic areas were identified. Compared with biogeographic regions of repªtiles, mammals and plants, some regions were found overlapping among biogeographic regions of different species. Complementarity rarity-based analysis carried out 37 optimal grid cells that could represent the 152 selected species based on rarity values. The current potential distributions of 224 species based on Domain and GARP models had similarities as well as divergent aspects. Some shifts existed between the current and future distribution ranges based on Domain model. The study represented the first attempt for a combined quantitative analysis for amphibian species distribution in China.

9 illus, 56 ref

003397   Arangasamy A;Bansal R S;Legha R A (Equine Production Campus, National Research Centre on Equines, Post Box No. 80, Bikaner-334 001) : Twin birth in a jenny (Martina franca) with artificial insemination. Indian J Anim Reprod 2006, 27(2), 116-17.

Records a rare incidence of twin foaling in jenny.

1 illus, 3 ref

003396   Ahmed K (Livestock Research Station, Assam Agricultural Univ, Mandira, Assam) : Relationship of scrotal circumference to age, body weight and testicular volume of swamp buffalo. Indian J Anim Reprod 2006, 27(2), 107-8.

Scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular volume (TV) of thirty eight swamp buffalo bulls maintained at Livestock Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Mandira and ranging in age from 12 months to 60 months and weighing 132 kg to 358 kg. Ages and body weight (BW) were recorded for each male at the time of measurement to find out correlation with SC and TV. SC and TV increased linearly and correlated significantly with age and BW (SC vs age : r = 0.72, P<60>0.01; SC vs BW, r = 0.82, p<60>0.01; TV vs BW : r = 0.78, P<60>0.01). SC measured from 14.1 ±0.42 to 22.2±0.54 cm for ages ranging from 12 to 60 months, revealing that testicular size in swamp buffaloes was very much smaller than domestic cattle. The SC norms distributed with age would be useful in the evaluation of swamp buffalo male for breeding soundness.

^ssc3 tables, 8 ref

003395   Ahmed K (Livestock Research Station, Assam Agricultural Univ, Mandira, Assam) : Post-partum uterine involution and ovarian activity in suckled swamp buffalo. Indian J Anim Reprod 2006, 27(2), 104-6.

Uterine involution and ovarian activity were monitored by per rectal palpation and oestrus detection from 3 to 5 days to 180 days postpartum in 45 suckled swamp buffaloes maintained at Livestock Research Station. Mandira, Assam. The interval from parturition to regression of the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy and involution of uterus were 10.13±0.75 and 30.80±1.0I days, respectively. During the first 180 days post partum 35 (77.78%) out of 45 suckling buffaloes were acyclic (anoestrus) and of 10 animals (22.22%) exhibiting ovarian cycles of which 5( 11.11%) were not detected in oestrus.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

002293   Vasantharaj David B;Dubey A K (Sun Agro Biotech Res Centre, , 3/340, Main Road, Madanandapuram, Email: drdavid@ind4.vsnl.net.in) : Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India with description of a new species. Entomon 2006, 31(3), 191-205.

Whitefly fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been presented based on the collections made during April 2001. One new species, Africaleyrodes orientalis, has been described and illustrated. A total of 20 species have been observed far from these Islands. Ten species viz., Aleurocanthus spiniferus. Aleuroclava psidii, Aleurolobus azadirachtae. Aleurolobus musae, Aleuroplatus alcocki, Aleurotrachelus saklespurensis. Dialeuropora decempuncta, Minutaleyrodes minutus, Pealius spina and Singhius morindae are recorded for the first time from these islands.

24 ref

002292   Vaish R;Parmar M L;Shrivastava A B;Vaish M K (NO, Jawahar Lal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 001) : Morphometry of trachea and lung in chital (Axis axis). Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(2), 175-6.

8 ref

002291   Sudhakaran R;Muraleedharan N (NO, EID Parry (India) Ltd. R & D Centre, 145, Devanahalli Road, Bangalore-560 049) : Biology of Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Myridae) infesting tea. Entomon 2006, 31(3), 165-80.

Tea mosquito, Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae) is responsiªble for considerable crop loss in tea in India. For rearing this insect in the laboratory tubes made of polyester film were found most suitable. Total developmental period of the insect from egg to adult stage varied between 9 and 29 days. H. theivora bred throughout the year resulting in the production of overlapping generations. Average longevity of females was 48.2 days whereas males lived only for 28 days. Females laid an average of 6.74 eggs per day and in tea fields the most preferred site for oviposition was the broken end (stub) on bushes after plucking the shoots. Among the three different hosts, viz. Camellia sinensis (tea) C. japonica (ornamental tea) and Maesa indica (weed), tea mosquito had the highest fecundity on C. sinensis, though females lived longer on M. indica. Among the tea cultivars, UPASI-9 and UPASI-22 were more susceptible to infestation than the others. Life table studies reªvealed that net reproductive rate was highest on C. sinensis and lowest on the C. japonica. Populations of H. theivora reached a peak in September-October and deªclined during April and May. Though a wet weather pest, heavy rainfall adversely affected its population. High temperature and high relative humidity were also negªatively correlated to its numerical abundance. The insects could cause 18% loss in crop when 10% of the shoots were infestated. The field study further established an economic threshold level of 4.7% infestation. The mymarid, Erythmelus helopeltidis was the most dominant parasitoid, inflicting up to 82% mortality of eggs in tea fields.

5 tables, 30 ref

002290   Sathianarayanan A;Khan A B (Salim Ali School of Ecology & Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry-605 014, Email: anisabasheer@yahoo.co.in) : Diversity, distribution an abundance of earthworms in Pondicherry region. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(1), 139-44.

Distribution pattern of earthworm fauna in Pondicherry region and its population densities were studied. Ten species of earthworms Drawida willsi, D. limella, D. scandens, Pontodrlus bermudensis, Pontoscolex corethrurs, Lampito mauritu, Perionyx excavatus, Eudrilus eugeniae, Octochaetona serrata and O. barnesi belonging to seven genera and six families were noted. Earthworm species diversity in fourteen localities from different habitats is presented. L. mauritii was dominant in all the habitats of the region. Diversity index and species richness is presented. Among the different species, based on age group and population densities (number m^-2), earthworm density was maximum in vermiculture area (358) and lowest in saline (25) habitats. Species richness was found higher in Villianur locality, where the number of habitats was also high.

2 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

002289   Ravichandran B;Ambrose D P (Entomol Res Unit, St. Xavier's Coll, Palayankottai-627 002, Email: eruxavier@sancharnet.in) : Functional response of a reduviid predator Acanthaspis pedestris Stal (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to three lepidopteran insect pests. Entomon 2006, 31(3), 149-57.

Functional responses of Acanthaspis pedestris Stal .to three lepidopteran pests viz., Spodoptera litura (Fabricius), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Achaea janata (Linnaeus) larvae were studied in the caged cotton branches. Both adult males and females of A. pedestris responded to the increasing prey density of S. litura. H. armigera and A. janata by killing more number of prey than at lower prey densites, thus exhibiting type II functional response. The searching capacity of A. pedestris increased with the increasing prey density and this reftected the predator's biocontrol potential.

3 tables, 23 ref

002288   Radhakrishnan C;Gopi K C;Palot M J (Western Ghats Field Res Station, Zoological Survey of India, , Calicut-673 002, Email: rkishna52@gmail.com) : Extension of range of distribution of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis Biju & Bossuyt (Amphibia : Anura: Nasikabatrachidae) along western Ghats, with some insights into its bionomics. Curr Sci 2007, 92(2), 213-16.

Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis Biju & Bossuyt is observed to occur in the forested habitats of the Nilgiri ranges north of Palakkad Gap, indicating its extension of range of distribution from the hitherto known limit south of the Palakkad Gap between 8 and 11 °N lat, i.e. Anamalai and Cardamom Hills in the Western Ghats. The adult individual of N. sahyadrensis freshly unearthed from a scooping pit in the habitat was tested for its behavioural tendencies for burrowing in the field and feeding in the laboratory under captive conditions in a glass tank filled with damp soil and prey. Some aspects of bionomics of this fossorial frog focusing on its burrowing and underground foraging behaviours with reference to morphological and ethological charª acteristics of the taxon are presented.

1 illus, 7 ref

002287   Perumalsamy K;Palani K;Baskaran S (Zoology Dep, ANJ Animal College, Sivakasi West-626 124) : Insect visitors on Jatropha glandulifera linn.. Indian J Ecol 2006, 33(2), 190-2.

Athalai plant. Jatropha glandulifera is one of the most important petroplants species as source of liquid hydrocarbons a substitute for liquid fuels. The latex can be used as medicine. J.glandulifera was found to be visited by twelve insect species. The hymenop-terans, cuckoo wasp, potter wasp and Apis sp. were found to be the dominant visitors. Honey bees (Apis florea, Apis sp) and cuckoo wasp were found to be deplete and deposit more number of pollen grains. The study reveals a direct relation between pollen depletion and deposition. Cuckoo wasp found to be spend more time in flowers. The pollen depletion and deposition were effective during the period from 8.00hrs-12.00hrs.

2 tables, 16 ref

002286   Pathak S C;Singh K;Makoday M (NO, , 135 Ramnagar, Adhartal Road, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: pathaksc@rediffmail.com) : Regulation of haemocytes in the red cotton stainer dysdercus similis freeman (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae). Entomon 2006, 31(3), 243-9.

Role of haemopoiesis and mitosis in regulation of haemocyte numbers was investigated in Dysdercus similis. Total haemocyte counts were higher in nymphs as compared to the adults. The counts varied significantly in various stages of tile female adult in comparison to the male. When exposed to stress factors like starvation, freezing temperature and continuous light, significant variations were caused in insects of both the sexes. Mitosis was noticed in Prohaemocytes (PR), Plasmatocytes (PL), Granulocytes (GR), Coagulocytes (CO) and Adipohaemocytes (AD), but it does not appear to playa very significant role in augmenting the numbers of haemocytes. Haemocytoblasts and isogenic cell islets with PR were seen in the third and fifth nymphs.

2 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

002285   Patel T L;Dwivedi K P (NO, Gramya Bharti Vidyapith, Korba, [Chhatisgarh]) : Morphometry of certain grasshoppers from a social forest ecoregion. Indian J Ecol 2006, 33(2), 150-3.

Morphometric studies were conducted on six grasshopper species, viz. Acrotylus humbertianus (Sauss.), Aiolopus thalssinus tamulus (Fabr.), Dittopternis venusta (Walk.), Gastrimargus africanus africanus (Sauss.)., Morphacris citrina (Kirby) and Oedaleus sp. from a single sub-family Oedipodinae. In all 12 morphological characters were measured. These were body length, tegmina length, pronotum length and width, vertex width, vertical diameter of eye, head width, antenna length and number of segments, epiproct length, cercus length and hind femur length. Eleven of these were linear and one (antennal segment) was non-linear. Measurement revealed that male insects were of shorter body length compared to their female counterpart in all the six species. From the 11 linear characters, only one character, cercus length, was found longer in male insects while other 10 were longer in female insects. A. humbertianus, M. citrina and Oedaleus sp. showed number of antennal segments greater in male insects than females. In A. thalassinus tamulus, D. venusta and G. africanus africanus on the other hand the antennae had greater number of segments in females. Computation of morphometric ratio revealed that a higher degree of variance existed in characters of female insects than the male insects in four species namely A. humbertianus, A. thalassinus tamulus, D. venusta and M. citrina. In two species, viz. G. africanus africanus and Oedaleus sp. greater variance was found in the characters of male insects.

2 tables, 10 ref

002284   Parmar P D;Vyas H J;Rathod R R (Entomology Dep, Gujarat Agricultural Univ, Junagadh-362 001) : Bionomics of leaf hopper, Jacobiasca furcostylus (Ramakrishnan and Menon) on castor. Indian J Ent 2006, 68(2), 107-12.

Bionomics of Jacobiasca furcostylus, Ramakrishnan and Menon on castor was studied in laboratory at an average temperature of 24.46±1.93°C and 56.76-11.30 per cent relative humidity. The average developmental periods of egg, first, second, third, fourth and fifth nymphal instar were 4.80 ±1.26, 1.88±0.78, 2.08±0.86, 3.12±1.48, 3.64±1.41 and 3.44±1.33 days respectively and the total nymphal period was 14.16±2.70 days. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were found to be 3.20±0.50, 3.40±1.19 and 4.8±1.45 days respectively. The number of eggs produced by a female varied from 17 to 24 eggs with an average of 20.16±2.41. The average longevity of male and female adults were 10.76±2.22 and 11.36±1.96 days respectively. The entire life span of male and female from egg to adult were 27.68±6.68 and 29.12±6.23 days, respectively. This species of leafhopper, Jacobiasca furcostylus is first time identified on castorin Gujarat State (India).

4 tables, 8 ref

002283   Nagrare V S (National Researc Centre for Orchids, , Pakyong-737 106, Email: vishlesh2003@yahoo.co.in) : Aphid Macrosiphum luteum (Bukton) infests the orchid vanda coerulea. Entomon 2006, 31(3), 225-7.

Aphid Macrosiphum luteum (Bukton) (Homoptera: Aphididae) infested orchid Yanda coerulea starting from September to December under open polyhouse conditions and its occurrence is reported first time in India.

1 illus, 8 ref

002282   Muralidharan C H;Patel G M (NO, S.D. Agricultural Univ, Mundra-370 421) : Prevalence and seasonal abundance of grasshopper species in North Gujarat. Indian J Ecol 2006, 33(2), 154-7.

Twenty one species of grasshoppers were active in the study area of agroecosystem in which Acrididae represented maximum number of species (13) distributed over seven subfamilies, followed by Tettigoniidae (5) and Pyrgomorphidae (3). The family Tettigoniidae was consisting of two subfamilies i.e Conocephalinae and Phaneropterinae and Pyrgomorphidae represented by three species. Among 21 species, nine viz. Acrida exaltata, Acrida lugubris, Phlaeoba infumata, Gelastorrhinus semipictus, Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus, Oxya fuscovittata, Atractomorpha crenulata, Chrotogonus oxypterus and Conocephalus maculata were occurring regularly in agroecosystem with considerable population level. Seasonal abundance of the species greatly influenced by abiotic factors and the factors correlated have mixed response on the individuals, as abundance also varied with season. The total grasshopper population irrespective of species was at a higher level, during late monsoon period (August) and autumn (September to November) matching with the plenty of food material i.e., vegetation. Thus, temperature and rainfall as individual weather factor did not exert significant influence on abundance of grasshoppers, but relative humidity, which is a result of both of these factors, showed a significant positive correlation on population.

2 tables, 6 ref

002281   Maheshwari G;Maheshwari G (School of Entomology, St. John's College, Agra-282 002) : Dichotomous key for Himalayan biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), India. Indian J Ent 2006, 68(1), 1-22.

Taxonomic diagnosis and illustrations are given for the adult male and female of the Diptera family Ceratopogonidae of India with special reference to high altitude of Himalaya. Dichotomous keys are formulated for subfamilies, tribes, genera and species.

3 ref

002280   Dubey A K;Sundararaj R (NO, Inst of Wood Sci & Technol, Malleshwaram, Bangalore-560 003, Email: anilkumar@iwst.res.in) : Two new aleyrodids (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from India. Entomon 2006, 31(3), 229-35.

Two new species of aleyrodids viz.. Aleuroclava trivandricus and Singhiella bauhiniae are described along with a key to the Indian species of the genus Singhiella.

1 illus, 9 ref

002279   Chacko J;Narayanasamy (Entomology Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Biological characteristics of certain diamond back moth ecotypes. Indian J Ent 2006, 68(2), 117-20.

Studies on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) populations gathered from five different locations in India revealed significant variations existing among them. The tenure of life cycle of all the five ecotypes varied from each other, ranging at 20.1 ± 1.3 - 20.7 ± 1.01 days, longevity of adult males and females also differed. The other biological traits like, egg hatchability (varying from 83.2 ± 7.96 to 91.2 ±4.68) and fecundity of female (between 268.5 ± 10.59 and 305.11 ± 12.11 eggs) differed among the DBM populations.

3 tables, 12 ref

002278   Bisht R;Pandey H;Bisht S P S;Kandpal B; Kaushal B R (Zoology Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002) : Feeding and casting activity of the earthworm (Octolasion tyrtaeum) and their effects on crop growth under laboratory conditions. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 291-4.

3 tables, 16 ref

002277   Anto A;Thomas S K (Litter Entamology Res Unit, P.G. and Res Zool of Dep, St. Joseph's Coll, Devagiri, Calicut, Kerala-673 008, Email: sabukthomas@rediffmail.com) : Litter arthropod diversity and community structure in an evergreen forest in the Wayanad region of Western Ghats. Entomon 2006, 31(3), 181-90.

Patterns of seasonal variation in litter arthropod community diversity and trophic interrelationships in different litter layers associated with a wet evergreen rainforest of South Western Ghats in Wayanad are analyzed. Except for ptiliidae and collembolans significant seasonal and layer wise variation in the faunal species richness and abundance appeared negligible. Coleopterans, mites and ants were the most abundant taxa. Though the abundance of litter arthropods showed a peak during the post-rainy season, high diversity values (H¹) were recorded during southwest monsoon period, due to an increase in evenness (E_var) resulting from the reduction in the dominance of ptiliids and mites. Abundance of fungivorous psocoptera in the summer season and ptiliidae in the post-rainy season were noticed. Layer specific variation was noticed with fungivorous thrips and psocopterans dominating the fresh layer; and ants, mites and detritivores, in the fermentation and humus layers.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

001411   Zenith N G;Gambhir R K (Life Sciences Dep, Parasitology Lab., Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003) : Occurrence of abnormality in the eye of Channa punctatus and the tail deformity in Heteropneustes fossilis from Imphal (India). Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(1), 119-22.

Deals with the incidence of abnormality observed in a common fresh water fish, Channa punctatus belonging to the family Channidae from a pond in the vicinity of the first author's residence. It also deals with the tail deformity in Heteropneustes fossilis from Loktak lake, Manipur. The comparative morphometric characters between the normal and the abnormal Channa punctatus species is also comparatively studied.

2 illus, 5 ref

001410   Yekeen T A;Okorie T G;Bakare A A (Zoology Dep, Ibadan Univ, Ibadan. Nigeria, Email: Tayekeen@yahoo.com) : Acute and chronic toxicity of the synthetic pyrethroid deltamethrin in mice. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 11-17.

Deltamethrin is a broad-spectrum synthetic type II pyrethroid currently use on crops and in public health application for malaria control. Its' acute and chronic effects through LD₅₀ determination, induction of abnormal sperm morphology; and effects on haematological indices, weights and histopathology of liver-kidney and lungs using mice were evaluated. For LD₅₀ determination, 0.5ml of 1.5,1.75, 2.0, 2.25 and 2.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) concentrations of deltamethrin were administered intraperitoneally (IP) for five consecutive days. The sublethal tests were evaluated at 0.25, 0.5,1.0,1.5 and 1.75 mg/kg bw of deltamethrin. An LD₅₀ of 1.82 mg/kg was obtained. Blood samples taken per week for 3 weeks showed that deltamethrin caused significant reduction in packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count (RBC). A slight reduction was observed for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Relative weight of kidney, liver and lungs showed no significant difference from the control. Histopathological analysis of these organs at almost all doses showed necrosis in the liver; haemorrhage, alveolar collapse, interstitial oedema, congestion of blood vessels and pervascular cuffings in the lungs; and multifocal infiltration of interstitium at 1.5 mg/kg bw in the kidney. In the sperm morphology tests, data obtained at the end of exposure duration showed that deltamethrin did not induce a statistically (P>0.05) significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology. These findings provide more information on the potential toxicity of deltamethrin in eukaryotic system. Further studies are required on its safety evaluation especially to non-target organism.

3 tables, 34 ref

001409   Vishwanath W;Shantakumar M (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur, Manipur-795 003, Email: vnath54@yahoo.co.in ) : Fishes of the genus Osteobrama heckel of northeastern India (teleostei: cyprinidae). Zoos Print J 2007, 22(11), 2881-4.

Osteobrama cunma, originally described from Moulmein, Myanmar, has so tar been considered a subspecies of Osteobrama cotio. Based on examination of specimens from Brahmaputra and Chindwin basins. O. cunma has now been given species status. The species differs from its nearest congener, O. cotio, in having less numbers of branched anal fin rays (26 vs. 31); lateral line scales (48 vs. 66); predorsal scales (20 vs. 27); scale rows between dorsal fin base and lateral line (9 vs. 14); scale rows between pelvic fin base and lateral line (8 vs. 12) and circumpeduncular scales (20 vs. 28). Osteobrama feae Vinciguerra, originally known from upper Myanmar has been collected from the Maklang river of Manipur, and is reported as a new record for India. Brief descriptions of O. belengeri, O. cotio, 0. cunma and 0. feae are given.

5 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

001408   Thind A D K;Thind S D K (Zoology Dep, Govt.P.G. College, Hisar) : Conventional karyotype and nor localization in the Mystus oculatus (bagridae: siluriformes). Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(1), 47-0.

Specimens of M. oculatus were analyzed cytologically for the first time. Male and female individuals were obtained from Vellyanl lake near Trivendrum in Kerala state. A karyotype structure consisting of 58 chromosomes distributed as 22 metacentrics, 14 submetacentrics and 22 telocentrics were observed. The nucleolus organizer regions were identified on short arm of a pair of sub-metacentric chromosomes. The size of the (NORs) on both the homologous pair is the same in both the sexes.

2 illus, 19 ref

001407   Suman M;Bansal N (NO, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab-141 004) : Histochemical study of the metanephros of bufflao foetii. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(6), 465-7.

6 illus, 16 ref

001406   Suman M;Bansal N (NO, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab-141 004) : Histomorphometrical studies on the pronephros of buffalo foetii. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(6), 462-4.

6 illus, 12 ref

001405   Sudheer K;Narendran T C (Zoology Dep, Calicut Univ, Systematic Entomology Lab-673 635, Email: dr_ksudheer@yahoo.com) : Description of a new species of Clatha cameron (hymenoptera: ichneumonidae) from Kerala India. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(11), 2891-2.

New species Clatha anupama sp. nov. is described from Kerala, India. This is a new record of the genus Clatha Cameron from India. The affinities of the new species with the only known species, C. longipes Cameron is also discussed.

4 illus, 6 ref

001404   Sudha Devi A R;Adiyodi R G (Zoology Dep, Mary Matha Arts and Science College, Mananthavady-670 645) : Fine structure and secretory activity of the spermatheca of the freshwater crab Paratelphusa hydrodromous (Crustacea : decapoda). Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(1), 51-9.

Multifibrilar musculature that encircles the spermathecal epithelium of Paratelphusa hydrodromous is composed of slow acting fibres characterized by the abundance of sarcqplasm, scarcity of myofibrils, lack of division of myofibrils into sacrcomeres, absence of T-system poorly developed sarcoplasmic reticulum and sparseness in mitochondria. The secretory epithelium is composed of a single type of columnar cell with basally located multinucleolated nuclei. October-November (the pre-breeding season) is the period of synthesis of intrinsic secretion of the spermathecal epithelial cells. The mode of release of secretion is apocrine and occurs towards the end of the pre-breeding season.

8 illus, 23 ref

001403   Sreeja J;Geetha S (Zoology PG & Research Dep, S.N. College, Kollam-691 001) : Amylolytic activity of the hepatopancreas of Oratosquilla nepa. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(1), 83-6.

Amylolytic activity of hepatopancreas of Oratosbquilla nepa at different parameters like temperature, pH, enzyme concentration and substrate concentration were carried out. Enzyme activity at different enzyme concentration varied from 4.27 μg/g protein/ minute to 13.16 μg/ minute. Maximum activity was at0.4 ml enzyme concentration. Increase in substrate showed increase in enzyme activity pH even though showed two peaks, maximum activity occurred at pH 8. The temperature maximum observed in amylase activity of O. nepa was 33°C. These findings show that digestive amylase of O. nepa is well adapted to its ambient water.

4 illus, 9 ref

001402   Shomorendra M;Jha A N;Pankaj Kumar (Zoology Dep, Thambal Marik College, Oinam-795 139) : Effect of length of fish on the occurrence of helminth parasites. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(1), 87-91.

Fishes of different length groups of Channa gachua (Ham.), C. striatus (Bl.). Cl arias batrachus (L.) and Anabus testudineus (Bl.) were examined regularly for parasitic infection between January 2000 to January 2001. One species of digenetic trematode, two species of cestode. one species of nematede and one species of Acanthocephala were collected. The parasite species showed significant variation in the prevalence and intensity of occurrence in different length groups of fish hosts. Such variations shown due to considerable change in diet of fish hosts with the increasing size. Intermediate hosts and choice of food items are also factors of parasite infection.

3 tables, 9 ref

001401   Shelar S D;Kulkarni G K (Zoology Dep, L.B. Shastri College, Partur, Dist. Jalna) : Change in the sodium and potassium levels in the botryoidal tissue and nephridia of a freshwater leech under the organic pesticisal stress. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(1), 119-23.

In the present study, the leeches, Poecilobdella viridis were exposed separately to the sublethal concentrations (1/10th of 24 h LC₅₀) of malathion (0.01 ppm), sevin (0.8 ppm) and cypermethrin (0.01 5 ppm) for a period of 24 48 and 96 h. Controls were maintained simultaneously in the freshwater. Sodium and potassium contents were determined in the botryoidal tissue and nephridia using Systronics Mediflame-127 flamephotometer. The sodium concentration in the botryoidal tissue and nephridia of control leeches was 2.93 ±0.08 and 1.43 ±0.04 mEq/L, respectively, whereas potassium concentration was 0.13 ±0.02 and 0.21 ±0.03 mEq/L respectively. The sodium level decreased in the range of 4.8% to 47.5%, while the potassium content decreased in the range of 15,38% to 57.1% in leeches exposed to pesticides. The pesticides seem to alter the regulatory functions in an unpredictable way by interfering the active transport of plasma membrane.

1 table, 11 ref

001400   Sharma S (Zoology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Mode of action of a potent sulphydryl radioprotector MPG in radiocalcium induced damage in swiss albino mice. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(1), 39-42.

Radiocalcium (⁴⁵Ca) being a radionuclide gets incorporated into the body and irradiate the tissues continuously. As it is in close contact with the tissues which it irradiate, minute quantities can produce serious effects. The histopathological/ biochemical changes produced by radiocalcium are modified to a considerable extent by Sulphydryl-MPG, a radioprotector.

17 ref

001399   Sethi R S;Roy K S (NO, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Ludhiana, Punjab-141 004) : Cytodifferentiation of medullary cells in adrenal gland during prenatal development in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(6), 452-4.

The adrenal glands of 43 buffalo foetuses ranging from 39mm to 890 mm crown-rump length (CRL) were divided into 3 groups, viz. group I (39 mm to 200 mm CRL), group 2 (210 mm to 375 mm CRL) and group 3 (470 m to 890 mm CRL). The adrenal cortex and medulla was fully differentiated by 109 mm CRL stage. However, the medulla was fully differentiated by 109 mm CRL stage. However, the adrenaline and noradrenaline secreting cells were identified by 210 mm to 325 mm CRL stages. The large adrenaline secreting (A) cells arranged in follicular forms were seen in the outer zone and the compactly arranged small noradrenaline secreting (NA) cells occupied the inner zone of the medulla. The A cells stained brownish purple whereas the NA cells appeared light yellowish by Wood's stain. The former cells showed high chromaffin positive granules. The chromaffin granules stained rose red in formalin fixed tissue and greenish in Orth's fluid fixed tissue by the Giemsa stain method while the latter cells appeared dark green. The potassium iodate method selectively stained the NA cells brown.

5 illus, 14 ref

001398   Saxena V;Gupta A N;Jain R K (NO, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar, Haryana-125 004) : Topographic anatomy of the buccal and labial glands in goat Capra hircus. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(7), 588-9.

1 illus, 13 ref

001397   Saxena S;Tanima Singh;Ajai Kumar (Zoology Dep, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Feroze Gandhi College, Raebareli-229 001) : Chromosome inversion frequencies in natural populations of Drosophila malerkotliana Parshad and Paika. Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 153-4.

Large number of larval samples obtained from six natural populations were analyzed and yielded eight paracentric inversions. The frequencies of various inversion heterozygotes in different geographic populations and the mean number of heterozygous inversion / individual were observed. The X2 values were also calculated in order to test the level of significance in comparison between different karyotype in different populations. The variations in frequencies of various inversions have been discussed in relation to seasonal and climatic changes.

2 tables, 7 ref

001396   Saif S;Ahsan J (Zoology Post Graduate Dep, A. N. College, Patna-800 013) : Seasonal fluctuation in blood glucose level of mature male and female Indian domestic fowl, Gallus Gallus.. Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 131-2.

Mature male and female G.gallus maintain higher blood glucose level during winter, possibly as a part of thermoregulatory mechanism. Female birds relatively possess more blood glucose as compared to males during all three season i.e. winter, summer and monsoon.

1 table, 5 ref

001395   Ranganath P;Manjunath K Y;Balasubramanyam V (Anatomy Dep, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore-560 034, Email: sjmcanat@satyam.net.in) : Morphology of dens of the axis vertebra. South Asian Anthrop 2007, 7(1), 47-9.

Investigates the measurements of the dens of the axis vertebra. The parameters observed in 38 axis vertebrae were height of the dens from its tip to its base, and from its tip to the inferior border of the body of the axis, the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the dens just below the apex, at its middle and at its base. The average anteroposterior and transverse diameter of the dens was 4-9 mm and 6-10 mm respectively at the upper part; 8-12 mm and 8-11 mm at the middle part; and 8-11 mm and 8-11 mm at the basal part. The height of the dens was 12-18 mm. Height of dens from inferior border of the body of axis was 29-39 mm.

13 ref

001394   Rajesh Rajput;Bhardwaj R L;Pathak V (NO, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Arterial vascularization of the uterus and ovary in Gaddi sheep. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(9), 848-51.

Arterial vascularization pattern in the female reproductive tract of 20 Gaddi sheep was investigated. The uterus received arterial blood supply mainly from uterine artery which arose from the internal iliac artery, a branch of umbilical artery of the abdominal aorta. The uterine artery supplied to the horn, body and cervix of the uterus. The ovary was supplied by the ovarian artery arising directly from the abdominal aorta and reached the ovary by way of mesovarium. The uterine artery and the ovarian artery anastomosed with each other. Uterine artery was the main artery to the uterus.

4 illus, 7 ref

001393   Rajender G;Benarjee G;Prasad M S K (Zool Dept, Kakatya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Purification and characterization of riboflavin binding protein in egg white of peacock (Pavo cristatus). Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 24-5.

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001392   Patankar P;Desai I;Shinde K;Suresh B (Zoology Dep, Biodiversity Div, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ Baroda, Vadoara-390 002, Email: ishakrishnan@yahoo.co.uk) : Ecology and breeding biology of the cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis in an industrial area at Vaddodara, Gujarat. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(11), 2885-8.

Study was conducted on the ecology and breeding biology of Cattle Egret (Bubulcvs ibis}. The species has been breeding in an industrial area for the past many years. The campus of a multinational company (Asian Brown Boveri -ABB) having huge production plant located in an industrial area at Maneja village, towards southwest part of Vadodara city was chosen for the study. The campus of the company is spread over an area of 105 acres and has good amount of cultivated vegetation or green belt. The present study was carried out for two consecutive years (2004 & 2005) during the months of April to July, i.e., during the breeding season of Cattle Egrets. The trees selected for nesting were Mimusops eliengi and Lagerstroemia sp. The colony was monospecific with 159 nests. All these nests were simple platform nests. Of all the nests, 13 nests were accessible, for which various parameters like nest size, nest thickness, its distance from the main trunk and distance from the ground were measured. Placement of the nest was observed for almost all the nests. The egg length, egg breadth, fresh egg weight, egg volume and the species specific egg weight constant KW were noted down. Role of parents during weaning period was observed. Dropped food pellets were analyzed and predation pressure was noted down.

26 ref

001391   Nath I;Pattanaik T K;Das J K;Bose V S C;Panda S K (Surgery Dep, Orissa Veterinary College, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: indravet@yahoo.co.in) : Oesophageal obstruction in an Indian mud turtle Lissemys punctata. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(11), 2896-7.

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001390   Narendran T C;Sheeba M;Santhosh S;Jilcy M C; Peter A (Zoology Dep, Systematic Entomology Lab, Calicut Univ, Calicut-673 635) : Review of the species of Deutereulophus schulz (hymenoptera : eulophidae) of oriental region. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(1), 61-7.

Two new species of Deutereulophus viz. D. tunaatus Narendran sp. nov. and D. malabarensis Narendran sp. nov. are described from India, and three known species from South East Asia is commented on. Each new species is compared with related species. A key to Oriental species" is provided.

4 illus, 11 ref

001389   Narasimha Varma K;Madhuri E;Ramakrishna S; Bhaskar M (Zoology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Cryptorchidism induced changes on growth pattern and reproductive tissue organic composition in albino rat. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 165-9.

Bilateral cryptorchidism was induced surgically in adult wistar strain albino rats and the body weight changes, tissue proximate analysis of the testis and sex accessory organs was conducted. Increased body weight under cryptorchidism indicating the obesity of the animal. Such a possibility of increased body weight and obesity can be possible under the accumulation of organic constituents in the body tissues probably owing to general decrease in the oxidative metabolism of the body. The tissue somatic indices of testis and sex accessory organs were significantly decreased suggesting the possibility of degradative activities in these tissues probably owing to decreasing levels of testosterone. Testicular lipid content was depleted with a significant elevation in the carbohydrate content. This suggests the shift in the testicular metabolism under cryptorchidism towards lipid metabolism from carbohydrate metabolism. The epididymis seems to mobilize the carbohydrates into metabolic activities and sparing lipids under cryptorchidism. These observations indicating the deranged activities of the tissues under cryptorchidism.

3 tables, 30 ref

001388   Mohan N H;Srivastava R S (NO, National Research Centre on Pig, Indian Council of Agricultural Resear, Bylane No. 2 (North), Panjabari Road, Guwahati, Assam-781 022) : Electrophoretic profile of pineal gland homogenate during follicular and luteal phases of oestrous cycle in goats. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(7), 553-5.

Electrophoretic profile of protein/peptides present in the pineal gland, obtained from female goats during follicular and luteal phase of oestrous cycle, was studied. Extracts prepared from the pineal gland during these phases of oestrous cycle were ≥ 10kDa and electrophoresed under denaturing discontinuous conditions with constant voltage. Follicular and luteal phase fractions showed presence of 33 and 24 protein bands respectively. The protein bands having molecular weights - 11, 13.5, 14, 33, 46, 54, 94 and 100 kDa were absent in pineal fractions obtained during luteal phase. The study indicate considerable variation in pineal protein/peptide electrophoretic profile with respect to stage of oestrous cycle.

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001387   Manbeer kaur;Rose H S;Amanpal Kaur (Zoology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Observations on the life history and behaviour of the great egg fly, Hypolimnas bolinalinnaeus, (lepidotera : papilionoidea : nymphalidae). Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(1), 1-5.

Xanthium strumarium Linnaeus (compositea) has been recorded as new host plant of the great egg fly, Hypolimnas bolina (Linnaeus). The durations, gross morphology and dimensions of various life history stages have been recorded, besides observing the larval behaviour, oviposition behaviour in female and territirial behaviour in male.

3 ref

001386   Karthickeyan S M K;Rai A K;Tirumurugaan K G; Kanakaraj P (NO, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600 007) : Localization of MHC class I and II genes in zebu and crossbred cattle. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(7), 625-6.

^SSC6 illus, 7 ref