008638   Bharti S;Goyal S (Zollogy Dep, Jai Narayan Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 010) : Histochemical observations on lipid in cardiac tissue of rat in relation to age. Oikoassay 2008, 21(1-2), 33-5.

Lipids are basic constituents of all tissues. The cholesterol moiety is one of the fundamental molecules incorporated in the membrane mattresses. Besides, there is also presence of free lipids in the intra and intercellular spaces. Study aims to assess the age dependent status of availability of free lipid in the intra and intercellular spaces in Rattus norvagicus. Rats of different age groups viz. neonatal (infant), young, adult were used for the study.Observations of increase in lipid content with advancement in aging depict derailment of lipid catabolism.

1 illus, 10 ref

008637   Bharti S;Goyal S (Zoology Dep, Jai Narayan Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 010) : Age related changes in cardiocytes in rat. Oikoassay 2008, 21(1-2), 19-22.

Study has been undertaken to show age related changes in muscle fibre characteristics by correlative histological investigation in heart. The rats (Rattus nprvagicus) were maintained under identical condition in breeding centre of J. N. V. University. Study show there is a gradual reduction in the size of bundle (muscle fibres) with increment of connective tissue and also gradual disappearance of intra-bundle spaces perceptible at one month age with the advancement of age in exhibiting increasing compactness of tissue bundles and increment in number and size of inter-bundle connective tissue.

2 illus, 9 ref

008636   Barethia R (Zoology Dep, Govt. P.G. College, Bina-470 113) : Abortifacient activity and effect of various extracts of Crotolaria juncea in rats. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(1), 139-41.

In the modern era more than seventy million women all over the world are using new techniques, contraceptives pills for the regulation of fertility. Earlier studies and information from folk lore areas have shown that the seed extract of Crotalaria juncea possessed antifertility as well as abortifacient activity. Therefore in order to confirm the above purpose, rats were treated with various extracts of Crotalariajuncea and observations were recorded butanolic extract at a dose of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg and hexane extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg caused abortifacient activity in 100% rats at different dose schedules. Ethanolic extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg could cause resorption in 80% rats. Similarly other lower doses of the extract caused significant abortifacient activity.

1 table, 10 ref

008635   Arulprakash R;Gunathilagaraj K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: avrarulprakash@gmail.com) : Abundance and diversity of odnotata (Insecta) in some hilly regions of Tamil nadu. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 352-4.

3 tables, 23 ref

008634   Adewole S O (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Sciences, Ado-Ekiti Univ, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Nigeria)) : Infection rates of cyclops vector of Dracunculiasis in endemic communities of Ekiti State Nigeria. Ultra Scient phys Sci 2009, 21(2), 339-44.

Studies on the distribution, infective rate and relative abundance of copepods-Cyclops, the intermediate host of guinea worm (Dracumculus medinensis) were carried out in 42 sources of drinking water. These were sources commonly used by the residents in 18 randomly selected guinea worm endemic communities in three Local Governments namely Ekiti West; Ekiti South West ado Ekiti Central (Ado-Local Government), all in Ekiti State. 21,405 cyclops were examined between 2003/2004, out of which 8.0% were found infected with larvae of Dracunculus medinensis and during 2004/2005, 5.7% of 11,982 cyclops were infected. The density of infected Cyclops was highest in April, 2004, 11.1% with a density of 469/litre while infected Cyclops population was highest in March, 2005, 8.3% with a density of 334/litre. The mean intensity of infection for 2003/2004 was 95.4±87.4 while that for 2004/2005 was 37.6±20.1. There was a significant (PO.05) yearly reduction in the percentage/population of infected Cyclops between 2003/2004 and 2004/2005. There was a positive correlation (r=0.63; P<60>0.05) between vector infectivity and prevalence of the disease in the study area. Three species of Cyclops encountered are Cyclops leuckarti. Thermocydops inopinus and Halicydops. These are vectors of guinea worm that play a significant role in the transmission of the disease.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

006436   Tandon P (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. College, Kanpur (U.P.)) : Effect of three plant extracts as repellent on red cotton bug Dysdercus cingulatus Fabr.. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 159-63.

To determine the effectiveness of three plants extract i.e. Spilanthus paniculata, Azadirachta indica and Zingiber officinale working as repellent on Dysdercus cingulatus Fabr. Five concentrations (0.25%, 0.50% 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%) of all three extracts were prepared from stock solution and tested in laboratory. Azadirachta indica (ED₅₀ 0.0935) proven more efficient repellent than other two.

3 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

006435   Swain V;Mohanty S S;Raghavendra K (Zoology Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: vijayalakshmi.swain@rediffmail.com) : Sunlight exposure enhances larval mortality rate in Culex quinquefasciatus Say. J Vector Borne Dis 2008, 45(1), 70-2.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

006434   Sugur H S;Mulla G S;Purohit I R;Shanbhag B A; Saidapur S K (Zoology Dep, Karnatak Univ, Dharwand-580 003, Email: bhagyashrishanbhag@gmail.com) : Sensory basis of food perception in tadpoles of the frog, sphaerotheca breviceps. Curr Sci 2008, 95(12), 1743-6.

Mechanism of food detection was studied in tadpoles of the frog Sphaerotheca breviceps using a rectangular glass tank, the two ends of which served as stimulus zones and housed the food (boiled spinach), providing either visual (food inside a glass beaker) or chemical (food inside a mesh cage wrapped with cheese cloth) cues or both. Each test tadpole (starved for 24 h before the trials) was placed in a centrally kept mesh cage for 5 min to enable perception of food cues. Each trial lasted for 10 min and the time spent by test tadpoles in each stimulus zone was recorded. The tadpoles showed no bias towards any particular side of the apparatus or trial procedure (end bias tests). In tests with visual cues at one end of the test tank also, the tadpoles moved randomly as in end bias tests. In contrast, in tests with chemical cues in one stimulus zone, the tadpoles spent majority of their time near chemical cues of food rather than in the zone that was chemically blank or provided only visual cues. In tests with food in open space in one zone and in the mesh cage in the opposite zone (both providing water-borne chemical cues), the tadpole distribution was random. The findings thus show that S. breviceps tadpoles detect food by chemical sensory mechanism rather than visual ones.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

006433   Subramanian N;Mohana Krishnan H;Venkatachalam P;Kamatchi P A C (P.G. Zoology Dep, Pachaiyappa's College for Men, Kanchipuram-631 502) : Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme is a biochemicla tumour marker in cervical carcinoma patients. Int J Hum Genet 2009, 9(1), 5-12.

To establish Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme is a biochemical tumor marker in cervical carcinoma patients for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of the disease. The Serum and cervical tissue LDH isoenzyme was analyzed qualitatively by Poly Acrylamide Disc Gel Electrophoresis method. The total LDH activity was estimated quantitatively by the method of UV spectrophotometry. 50 untreated cervical carcinoma patients were taken up and compared with age matched healthy females (controls). Out of 50 patients, 5 patients were histologically classified as well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (Grade-I), 23 were moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (Grade-II) and 22 were poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (Grade-Ill). Grade-l patients did not show any change, in the serum and cervical tissue LDH isoenzyme fractions compared to the controls but variation in electrophoretic mobility have been observed. Grade-II patients showed two new additional isoenzyme fractions in LDH₂ and LDH₃, locations, where as Grade-Ill patients showed only three LDH isoenzyme fractions. The total LDH activity in both serum and cervix tissue of normal individuals are 0.458±0.0796 units/ml; and 0.680±0.0218 units/mg. Grade-I patients did not show any change in total LDH activity (serum: 0.384±0.0404 units/ml; cervical tissue: 0.589±0.0292 units/mg; P<0.01). Grade-Ill patients showed much lower values (serum: 0.284±0.0109 units/ml; cervical tissue: 0.327±0.043 units/mg; P< 0.001), where as Grade-II patients showed significant increase in total LDH activity (serum: 0.878±0.0531 units/ml; cervical tissue: 1.296±0.0813 units/mg; P<0.001) respectively. The results suggest that LDH isoenzyme is useful biochemical tumor marker for diagnosis and to assess the grade of malignancy.

4 illus, 4 tables

006432   Srivastava N;Verma H (Fish Biology Lab, Centre for Advanced Studies, Zoology Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan) : Alterations in biochemical profile of liver and ovary in zinc-exposed fresh water murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch). J envir Biol 2009, 30(3), 413-16.

Sub-chronic exposure (15 days) of Channa punctatus to sub-lethal concentrations of zinc (10, 15 and 25 Zn mg l^{-1) resulted in a significant decline of hepatic and ovarian glycogen, cholesterol, total proteins and total lipids. DNA and RNA contents were also estimated in the ovary. These parameters simultaneously decline with an increase in dose and duration of the experiment. A decline in all parameters studied thus reflects an adverse influence of Zn exposure on metabolism as well as reproductive activity of the fish.}

1 illus, 27 ref

006431   Sreekantha;Gururaja K V;Ramachandra T V (Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Nestedness pattern in freshwater fishes of the western ghats: an indication of stream islands along riverscapes. Curr Sci 2008, 95(12), 1707-14.

Fragmented habitats exhibit distinctive patterns of species richness and species composition. They often exhibit patterns of pronounced nestedness, wherein the species present in comparatively depauperate locations represent statistically proper subsets of those present in locations that are richer in species. The current study has been conducted on the freshwater fishes of Sharavathi River, considering 41 stream and reservoir sites with 261 sampling events to understand the nestedness pattern in fish communities. Of the 64 fish species collected, 39 are from the reservoir and 33 from the stream islands. For the species of the stream islands, including the reservoir fishes in the stream, the nestedness index, T was 8.27°C, while species exclusive to stream islands had T = 10.5°C. In contrast, in species that are common to both stream islands and the reservoir, T was 0.37°C. Relatively higher T in the exclusive stream species composition implies that they are highly depauperated due to fragmentation in the streams and its negative influence on the stream fish communities.

1 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

006430   Shoiab M;Irshadullah M (Parastitology Sect, Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002, Email: malikirshadullah@yahoo.co.in) : Antioxidant enzymes in male and female Haemonchus contortus. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 53-5.

Level of various antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione S-transfrase (GST) were investigated in the cytosolic extracts of male and female Haemonchus contortus to provide some basic information related to survival of the parasite in the host body against oxidative stress. The activities of SOD, GST and catalase were found higher in male than female parasite. Appreciable amount of SOD, catalase and GST in this parasite indicate the presence of complete defence system against host produced Raective oxygen species (ROS) and in the protection of membrane damage induced by lipid peroxidation products.

1 illus, 21 ref

006429   Senthil Kumar A;Moorthi M;Ramakrishnan N; Dhanapakiam P;Ramasamy V K;Raja Rajeswari A (Post Graduate and Research Dep of Zooogy, Sri Vasavi College, Erode-638 316) : Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki in the control of two mosquito species (Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus). J envir Biol 2009, 30(3), 433-5.

Bioinsecticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) was used for controlling the mosquito species (Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus) which gave a significant (p<0.05) mortality in both species. The higher concentration of Btk was highly effective compared to the control ones. The controlling effect was dose and time dependent. Among the studied mosquitoes the C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ 0.154%) was more susceptible than A. stephensi (LC₅₀ 0.372%) towards the bioinsecticide Btk.

1 table, 24 ref

006428   Saxena S;Dutta Sumana;Shukla G (Limnology Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal(M.P.)) : Observation of length-weight relationship and condition factor of Tor tor (Hamilton,1822) from Narmada river, M.P.. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 121-4.

The relationship between length and weight of Tor tor (Ham) was studied from Narmada river near Hoshangabad and Shahganj. The length and weight of this species follow the general parabolic equation Shahganj>W=.00096 L^{3-2157 and Hoshangabad>W=.00111 L3.935. The values of regression co-efficient n are 3.2157 and 3.0935, that means the fishes of Narmada river follows cube law.}

2 illus, 18 ref

006427   Saxena R;Sukumaran S A (Zoology Dep, B.N.P.G. College, Udaipur(Raj.)) : Use of clove oil (Syzigim aromaticum) and eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus rostrata) for controlling callosobruchus maculatus coleoptera bruchidae. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 129-32.

Clove oil (Syzigium aromaticum) and Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptas rostrata) arc two very frequently used medicinal oils. They have very strong and pungent smell. These oils have high feeding inhibitory and growth inhibitory effects and they also considerably reduced adult emergence, fecundity and viability of eggs. In the present study they have considerably reduced the longevity, fecundity and adult emergence of C.maculatus. Out of these two oils, clove oil has been found to be more effective (pest control achieved 96 to 100%) as grain protcctant.

4 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

006426   Roy C (Zoology Dep, G. C. College, Silchar-788 004) : Species composition and population characteristics of rice field anurans of barak valley, north east India. J Ecobiol 2008, 23(4), 379-87.

The population dynamics of anuran species in four paddy fields of Barak Valley, (Singari Basti & Uttar krishnapur in Cachar, Dorakona in Karimganj & Narayanpur in Hailakandi District), Assam has been studied from 2002 to 2005. Four different species of anurans were found to inhabit the paddy field ecosystem, viz., Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Fejervarya limnocharis, Euph/yctis cyanophlyctis, of the family Ranidae and Duttaphrynus melanostictus (family - Bufonidae). Population density, frequency analysis and relative abundance of Fejervarya limnocharis was the most dominant (94% ) followed by E. cyanophlyctis, D. melanostictus and H. tigerinus. Their populations were found to fluctuate (37%-94%) seasonally with change of temperature and relative humidity. The abundance of F. limnocharis was also found to be significantly correlated with rainfall. The study revealed that out of four sampling sites the diversity of amphibia in Dorakona site was the highest (1.3%) In Singari Basti, dominance of F. limnocharis is revealed by evenness value (E=0.808). The time of survey periods, viz., from 5:30 - 9:30 PM revealed that peak period of activity of the anuran was between 7:30 -8:30 PM (54.7%) followed by 6.30to 7.30 PM (24.3%), 8.30- 9.30 PM (14.2%), 5.30-6.30 PM (5.9%).

3 illus 5 tables, 33 ref

006425   Praveen Kumar;Paliwal A;Solanki S (P.G. Zoology Dep, Ganjdundwara P.G. College, Ganjdundwara, Etah (U.P.)) : Impact of pesticides on fish fauna in Kunvar river of Sadabad district, Hathras (U.P.). Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 117-20.

The study deals with the distribution and seasonal fluctuations of certain physico-chemical parameters, due to the effect of various pesticides in relation to fish fauna in Kunvar river watern of Sadabad, district Hathras (U.P.). A comparison of physico-chemical characteristics of Kunvar river and its fish fauna revealed a deterioration in the quality of water as well as in fish production. The present study was carried out from January,2007 to December,2007. The probable causes of fluctuations in various physico-chemical data of water was due to various pesticides on fish fauna and fish production have also analyzed in different parameters.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

006424   Pradip Kumar;Gupta Y C;Tiwari V;Tiwari S (Zoology Dep, B.S.A. College, Mathura (U.P.)) : Zinc induced histological alterations in liver of Cirrhinus mrigala. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 109-110.

Effect of zinc ions on the histological changes in liver of low and high concentrations, on Cirrhinus mrigala have been studied. Four test sub lethal concentrations, viz. 0.50,1.00,1.25 and 1.50 ppm of zinc were used. Histological alterations shows hepatic cells and glomeruli were ruptured.

4 ref

006423   Pemola Devi N;Jauhari R K (Parasitology Lab, Zoology Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun-248 001, Email: jauharik@hotmail.com) : Reappraisal on anopheline mosquitoes of Garhwal region, Uttarakhand, Inda. J Vector Borne Dis 2008, 45(2), 112-23.

Study examines occurrence of anopheline mosquitoes in seven districts-Dehradun, Pauri, New Tehri, Hardwar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand state, India. The methodological approach comprised sampling and processing of adult/immature mosquitoes, data compilation, meteorological information and parasitological survey. A total of 87 localities covering 24 tehsils/blocks were surveyed during January 2000 to December 2005 for mosquito sampling. The study encountered 18 species of anophelines including three malaria vectors namely Anopheles culicifacies, An. fluviatilis and An. stephensi collected from Kalsi, Dehradun City, Sahaspur, Hardwar town, Roorkee, New Tehri town and Kotdwar localities. An. pallidus has been recorded for the first time from the Garhwal region. All the collected species have been presented with particular reference to their both adult and immature distribution, brief account of bionomics and some ecological notes. Out of 18 collected anopheline species, 15 were non-vectors and they were found to create nuisance to the inhabitants. As far as the species distribution was concerned the diversity was more at elevation between 150 and 1000 m above the mean sea level, while the immature of some species were not recovered from those localities where their adults were collected. Certain species of Anopheles were climate determined and their distribution was localized while some others were cosmopolitan.

1 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

006422   Pandey A;Awasthi J K;Dubey R K (Zoology Dep, N. D. College, Shikohabad (U.P.)) : Observations on the longevity of goat biting louse damalinia caprae (Gurlt)(Phthiraptera), on various food sources in laboratory conditions. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 133-6.

The present study on goat body louse Damalinia caprae reports on the survival period of adult lice in laboratory of various foods. It was observed that lice survived maximum 21 days on skin scurf at 36.5°C temperature and 20 days at 70-75% R.H. Further hair fibers used as food material, the lice did not survived longer than 07 days at same temperature and R.H. The optimum conditions for rearing of Damalinia caprae are 36.5°C temperature and 70-75% R.H.

2 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

006421   Misra A K (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. College, Kanpur (U.P.)) : Importance of photoperiods in the testicular growth in Channa punctatus. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 125-8.

The study is an attempt to explore the significance of photoperiod in the regulation of testicular growth in Channa punctatus. Live, mature acclimatized specimens of Channa punctatus (male) were transferred to different photoperiodic schedule under the observation for 40 days. It is experimentally proved that fishes grew faster and mature sexually early in long term photoperiod i.e, (20 hrs. L/4 hrs. D) in comparison of short duration of light (4 hrs. L/20 hrs. D). The body weight of the experimental fishes were also affected in different photoperiodic (light/ dark) schedule. There was no significant change in the body weight and testicular growth in the Natural day length (N.D.L.) group.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

006420   Maurya R C;Srivastava U C (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: ucsrivastava@rediffmail.com) : Histoenzymological distribution of acetylcholinesterase in the rostral forebrain of squirrel, Funambulus pennanti. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(11-12), 361-7.

Deals with the histoenzymological distribution of acetylch6linesterase (AChE) in the rostral forebrain of the Funambulus to establish its cholinergic functions. In the rostral forebrain of Funambulus distinct groups of striatal cholinergic interneuron were observed. These consisted of the striatum (caudate-putamen), nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle. All of these showed a very high intensity of AChE activity due to the presence of cholinergic neurons, distributed throughout the nucleus, and also due to the cholinergic afferents. Neocortex of the Funambulus was without the cholinergic perikarya, whereas all the neocortical lamina contained at least some cholinergic activity. Certain neurons of the basal forebrain had been demonstrated as being the source of a major cholinergic afferent to the neocortex region. The functional significance of the enzyme has been discussed in relation to its variable distribution in the different nuclear groups of the rostral forebrain of Funambulus.

7 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

006419   Majumdar T N;Gupta A (Zoology Dep, Haflong Government College, Haflong-788 819) : Acute toxicity of endosulfan and malathion on Chironomus ramosus (Insecta : Diptera : Chironomidae) from north Cachar hills, Assam, India. J envir Biol 2009, 30(3), 469-70.

Acute toxicity tests for the pesticides endosulfan and malathion on the larvae of Chironomus ramosus were conducted. Median Lethal Concentration (LC₅₀) values of endosulfan were 0.55 x 10^-2, 0.16 x 10^-2, 0.089 x 10^-2 and 0.036 x 10^-2 ppb respectively, while those for malathion were 0.139 x 10^-2, 0.054 x 10^-2, 0.019 x 10^-2 and 0.0032 x 10^-2 ppb respectively, at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr. Thus Chironomus ramosus larvae were more sensitive to malathion at all hours of toxicity tests than endosulfan.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

006418   Mahesh Chandra;Verma R K (Entomological Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, R.B.S. College, Agra (U.P.)) : Antennal receptors of subfamilies thripinae and panchaetothripinae of the family thripidae in order thysanoptera. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 183-6.

The basic function of the receptor is to receive stimulus from the environment and transfer them to receptor organ. Depending upon the nature of stimulus, they activate the receptors and insects posses many kinds of receptors like mechanoreceptor, tectoreccptor, chcmoreceptor, thermoreceptor, photoreceptor and hygroreceptor. The detail information regarding the receptor organ on antennae of some thrips would serve good purpose for taxonomy of the group. Setae as receptor organs on the antenna! segments have modified according to specific stimuli. This study can be regarded at first preliminary attempt of the receptor organs of Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus^ and Thrips tabaci on antennal segments. It has been reported that setae modified as trichoid sensilla, scnsilla basiconica, microtrichia and sensilla chactica due to some specific environmental conditions in their habitat.

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

006417   Kalse A T;Patil D R;Patil N B (Zoology Research Lab, Rashtriya Arts Science and Commerce College, Chalisgaon, Jalgaon (M.S.)) : Stilesia songirensis N.SP. (Cestoda : Thysanosomatinae) from Capra hircus. Life Sci Bull 2008, 5(2), 147-50.

The genus Stilesia was erected by Railliet in 1893, with its type species S.globipunctata (Rivolta,1874) from Ovis aries. The present communication deals with the morphology of a new species Stilesia songirensls collected from Goat, Capra hircus. It differs from all the known species of the genus with the scolex globular, neck small, mature segments wider than long, acraspedot, genital pores unilateral, irregularly alternate, testis 7-8 in number (4+3 or 4+4 on each side), cirrus pouch oval in shape, cirrus thin, vas deference slightly coiled, ovary oval with prominent acini, vagina posterior to cirrus pouch.

1 illus, 16 ref

006416   Bharti M (Zoology Dep, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, Email: adubharti@yahoo.co.in) : Diptera: Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae from India. J ent Res 2008, 32(1), 79-82.

Current status of calliphorids (Diptera:Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae) has been reviewed from India. Family Calliphoridae represents 66 species belonging to 16 genera and family Rhiniidae represents 57 species under 12 genera from India.

10 ref

006415   Bharti H (Zoology Dep, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, Email: himenderbharti@antdiversityindia.com) : Redescription of Crematogaster subnuda subnuda Mayr, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae : Myrmicinae). J ent Res 2008, 32(1), 83-8.

Crematogaster subnuda subnuda is redescribed in detail on the basis of major and minor workers, female and male castes are described for the first time. This adds to much needed information regarding this species.

10 illus, 19 ref

006414   Barnali M;Gautam A;Banerjee S (Fisheries Research Unit, Zoology Dep, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: samirban@vsnl.net) : Vulnerability of the mosquito larvae to the guppies (Poecilia reticulata) in the presence of alternative preys. J Vector Borne Dis 2008, 45(3), 200-6.

Predatory potential of the larvivorous fishes can be affected by the presence of alternative preys. The predation pattern of the sewage dwelling Poecilia reticulata (Peters 1872) on the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823 (Diptera: Culicidae) was evaluated in the presence of alternative preys. The predation of Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae by different size groups of P. reticulata fishes was evaluated. In addition to this, the niche breadth (N) and diet breadth (B) were measured following Manly's selectivity index (S_i) as an indicator of variation of such predation pattern in the presence of alternative prey types, like chironomid larvae and tubificid worms. The consumption of IV instar Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae by individual P. reticulata ranged between 65 and 84 in a 3 h feeding period and varied with the size of fish (F_{2, 33} = 34.91; p<0.001). The selectivity coefficient revealed a significantly low preference for the Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae (0.16, CL: 0.05 - 0.27; p< 0.05) compared to the chironomid larvae and tubificid worms, when all the three prey types were present. The niche breadth (N) and diet breadth (B) ranged from 0.77 to 0.92 and 0.69 to 0.93, respectively. The total consumption of all the prey types varied with the predator density, but the selectivity index for the mosquito larvae was significantly low in all the instances. P. reticulata can consume a good number of mosquito larvae, with the consumption rate varying with the body size. P. reticulata fishes exhibit low preference for mosquito larvae as prey in the presence of alternative controphic preys like chironomid larvae and tubificid worms. Though establishment and sustenance of P. reticulata in new habitats will be favoured by the presence of alternative preys, but vulnerability of mosquito larvae may be reduced with availability of multiple preys in natural conditions.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

006413   Agnihotri R K;Sharma D;Sharma Y (Veterinary Parasitology Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176 062) : Incidence of gastrointestinal helminths in dogs of Himachal Pradesh. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 89-90.

Total of 236 faecal samples from five districts of Himachal Pradesh namely Kullu (44), Shimla (22), Mandi (42), Kangra (99) and Una (29) were screened to record the incidence of various gastrointestinal helminths of canines by using standard techniques. Out of 236 samples, 125 (52.90%) were found positive for one or the other type of gastrointestinal helminthic infection. Eggs of the hookworms were found predominantly (19.06%) followed by Dipylidium caninum (16.10%), taeniid (8.47%), Toxocara canis (5.93%) and trichurids (3.38%). Overall highest incidence of gastrointestinal helminths was recorded from district Kullu (59.09%) followed by Kangra (54.54%), Mandi (52.3%), Una (48.20%) and lowest in district Shimla (40.90%).

^ssc1 table, 7 ref

005453   Verma K K (NO, , HIG - 1/327, Housing Board Colony, Borsi, Durg-491 001) : Flight loss in ratite birds and the presence of a functional phallus in paleognaths has it been due to convergent polyphyly or parallelophyly?. Bionotes 2008, 10(4), 121-2.

3 illus, 4 ref

005452   Tseng L C;Ram Kumar;Dahms H U;Chen C T;Chen Q C;Hwang J S (NO, Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean Univ, Keelung-202 224, Email: jshwang@mail.ntou.edu.tw) : Epipelagic mesozooplankton succession and community structure over a marine outfall area in the northeastern Sout China sea. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 275-80.

This study analyses distribution and abundance patterns of mesozooplankton communities at 13 stations in the coastal waters over a marine outfall area in the northeastern South China Sea. Cruises were conducted in March, June and September 2002, and plankton samples were collected with a 333 μm North Pacific net. The Mesozooplankton was dominated by calanoid Copepods, Cladocera, Chaetognatha and Pteropoda. Stations located near the entrance of the harbor provided a relatively higher abundance of Noctilucales and Radiolarians. In total, 20 zooplankton groups were identified in which, Calanoida, Cladocera, Chaetognatha, Pteropoda, Poecilostomatoida andAppendicularia comprised 92.77% of the total zooplankton abundance. Copepoda dominated in all three cruises, comprising 65.32% of the total mesozooplankton abundance. Samples collected in June recorded higher mesozooplankton abundance than March and September samples. Onshore stations recorded higher BOD values, higher abundance of Noctilucales and Radiolarians and a relatively lower abundance of the overall mesozooplankton. Total mesozooplankton abundance did not correlate significantly with temperature, pH, or dissolved oxygen, but correlated negatively with BOD.

7 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

005451   Thilak J;Ojha P (Zoological Survey of India, Central Regional Station, 168/69, Vijay Nagar, Jabalpur-482 002) : First record of a fish, Glyptothorax trilineatus from Madhya Pradesh (Siluriformes : Sisoridae). Bionotes 2009, 11(3), 93.

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005450   Stephen Dobson F;Oli M K (Biological Sciences Dep, Auburn Univ, Auburn, AL 36849-5407, USA, Email: fsdobson@msn.com) : Life histories of orders of mammals: fast and slow breeding. Curr Sci 2008, 95(7), 862-5.

Mammalian species are known to follow a pattern of 'fast' life histories in species with small body sizes and 'slow' life histories in species with large body sizes. Studied components or axes of life-history variation among ten orders of mammals. Five life-history traits that are sufficient to describe population growth were used: age at maturity, length of reproductive lifespan, juvenile survival, adult survival and mean fertility. Results showed that an axis based on principal components analyses of life histories was significantly and strongly associated with body mass. We show that rabbits and hares have significantly faster life histories, and bats and primates have significantly slower life histories than expected for their body size. Bovidae and Sciuridae, very different sized herbivore families, have similar (close to average score) life histories along the fast-slow continuum. Within sciurids, tree squirrels appeared to have faster life histories than ground squirrels. These results independently confirmed previous conclusions about life histories among mammalian orders.

1 illus, 29 ref

005449   Steele M A (Biology Dep, Wikes Univ, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 18766, USA, Email: msteele@wilkes.edu) : Evolutionary interactions between tree squirrels and trees: a review and synthesis. Curr Sci 2008, 95(7), 871-6.

Tree squirrels, by virtue of their arboreal niches, granivorous (or herbivorous) feeding habits, and long, relatively unchanged history have shared a close evolutionary relationship with many of the woody plants on which they feed. As such, many tree and flying squirrels may be keystone consumers that serve as indicators of the stability of forested ecosystems. Herein, I review the evidence for evolutionary interactions between squirrels and seed trees, and provide a brief overview of the general ways in which the two influence each other's evolutionary history. I review three systems in which detailed studies have demonstrated strong evolutionary interactions between squirrels and trees: one in which squirrels act primarily as seed predators, another as herbivores, and a third in which squirrels act as both seed predators and dispersal agents. I show the detailed methodology required to uncover such interactions and the potential implications of these studies.

^iia2 tables, 48 ref

005448   Srinivas V;Dilip Venugopal P;Sunita Ram (Foundation for Ecologica Research, , Advocacy and Learning, Post Box 28, Puducherry-605 001, Email: srinivasv@feralinda.org) : Site occupancy of the Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica (Erxleben) in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. Curr Sci 2008, 95(7), 889-94.

Status report on the Indian giant squirrel speculates a declining population trend for the species and suggests that a further decline can be expected. Given the wide distribution of the species and the limited resources to accurately estimate abundances to monitor population trends, the proportion of the area occupied by the species could be used as an alternate state variable. Arriving at occupancy rates involves repeated dctection/non-detection surveys and analysis of the data in a capture-recapture framework. We estimate the site occupancy rates for unstudied populations of Indian giant squirrel within the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) using a model that allowed us to estimate this parameter even when the species was not detected. About 180 evidences of the occurrence of the species were recorded from 486 km of trails. The estimated occupancy rate for Indian giant squirrel in KMTR was 0.82 (with a SE of 0.08) with a detection probability of 0.71 (± 0.05). An examination of the species-habitat relationship showed that contiguous patches of moist deciduous and evergreen forests were preferred by the species. The occupancy rates were low in areas with degraded dry deciduous forests and scrub, which were associated with high levels of human disturbance. The estimates from this study provide a benchmark for long-term monitoring and metapopulation studies.

2 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

005447   Singh N;Gupta P K (Zoology Dep, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002) : Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Gambusia holbrooki (Girard) in Nainital lake (Uttarakhand), India. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(1), 82-5.

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005446   Sawarkar D B;Kasambe R (Biology Dep, Dharampeth M.P. Deo Science College, Nagpur-440 033, Email: kasambe.raju@gmail.com) : Survey of amphibian fauna of Nagpur, Maharashtra. Bionotes 2009, 11(3), 84-5.

5 ref

005445   Sandro B (DIVAPRA Entomology and Zoology, , Via Leonardo da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy, Email: sandro.bertolino@unito.it) : Introduction of the American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Europe: a case study in biological invasion. Curr Sci 2008, 95(7), 903-6.

Introduction of the eastern grey squirrel (native to America) in Europe is causing a dramatic decline in the range of the native European red squirrel, due to competition. Grey squirrels compete with the native species mainly for food; furthermore, they can maintain and spread a poxvirus, which causes a lethal disease in red squirrels in Britain. According to some modelling scenarios, grey squirrels will spread from Italy to France and Switzerland in the next 20-30 years, and to a large part of Eurasia in the long term. This would represent a serious threat for the survival of the red squirrel throughout its range. This case study of biological invasion suggests that the risks posed by the introduced species may be minimized with a reduction in animal trade between countries and using a procedure of risk-assessment for every imported species.

2 illus, 40 ref

005444   Samiuddin A;Ahmad Z;Shamim M (Plant Protection Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : New record of subgenus Baeocentrum from India with description of a new species (Hymenoptera : Braconidae). Bionotes 2009, 11(3), 101-2.

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005443   Sajesh Babu;Ramachandra N B (Drosophila Stock Centre, Dep of Studies in Zoology, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006) : Recombination mapping of mutations involved in the development of indirect flight muscles in Drosophila melanogaster. J Cytol Genet 2008, 9(1), 7-11.

Myogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster is orchestrated by genes which are conserved across many phyla. Thus it makes sense to study these genes to get a functional knowledge of how similar genes function in vertebrates. A complete genetic characterization of the genes involved by looking at multiple alleles will help in deciphering their roles. In this paper we report the genetic characterization of six new genes by recombination and new alleles of few genes isolated previously. Many of these genes map into the myosin heavy chain loci. The new genes isolated show a distribution across the second chromosome and map to the regions where several annotated genes with roles in neuronal and muscle development are predicted. The new alleles and new mutations are important resources to study myogenesis.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

005442   Roy M;Ghosh K (Aquaculture Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104) : Antibiotic sensitivity and effect of tetracycline on gut bacterial flora and enzyme activity in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(2), 21-6.

Objective of the study was to exmine the suppressive effect of antibiotics on fish gut bacterial flora. Antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated gut bacterial flora from Labeo rohita fingerlings was determined against some broad-spectrum antibiotics using Himedia Octodiscs. Gut bacteria were sensitive to most of the antibiotics except bacitracin. MIC for two bacterial strains were ≤ 50.01 μ ml^{-1 for ceftriaxone and about 18 μ ml-1 for tetracycline. Later, laboratory acclimatized rohu fingerlings were fed with tetracycline incorporated diets (250 mg 100 g feed-1 and 500 mg 100 g feed-1) for three weeks. The fish fed with antibiotic incorporated diets showed reduction in the gut bacterial population and a significant decrease in the digestive protease and amylase enzymes. The result might contribute to concerns about the ill effects of antibiotics on fish health.}

2 tables, 21 ref

005441   Rahman M A;Haque M M;Khan S (NO, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Riverine Station, Chandpur-3602, Bangladesh) : Food and feeding habits of Chapila, Gudusia chapra (Hamilton-Buchanan) from Rajdhala reservoir. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(2), 13-20.

Feeding habits of chapila, Gudusia chapra, total plankton and limnological conditions in Rajdhala reservoir (24°70' and 25°80' N and 90°29' and 90°48' E), Netrakona, Bangladesh were studied during January to December 2003. The fish was found to be a surface feeder and consumed mainly phytoplankton. Thirty eight genera of phytoplankton belonging to five broad groups such as Chlorophyceae (44.02%), Cyanophyceae (39.00%), Bacillariophyceae (9.44%), Euglenophyceae (1.58%), Dinophyceae (1.58%) and thirteen genera of zooplankton belonging to two major groups such as Crustacea (2.55%) and Rotifera (1.83%) were found in the reservoir throughout the study period. The gut contents of chapila was composed Chlorophyceae (51.02%), Cyanophyceae (37.01%), Bacillariophyceae (6.2%), Dinophyceae (1.33%), Euglenophyceae (0.23%), Crustacea (3.03%) and Rotifera (1.18%). Feeding intensity showed that the fish consumed various food items with full satiation except during breeding season from February to June.

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

005440   Rahman M A;Haque M M (NO, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Riverine Station, Chandpur-3602, Bangladesh) : Gonadal development of Gudusia chapra (Hamilton-Buchanan from Rajdhala reservoir, Bangladesh. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(1), 10-16.

Deals with the histological changes during different developmental stages of gonads, and fecundity of chapila, Gudusia chapra (Hamilton-Buchanan) in Rajdhala reservoir in Netrakona district of Bangladesh. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the histology of gonads revealed that chapila spawns during February to August in the reservoir but the peak period was during March, with a second peak in July. The fecundity of G. chapra was found to range from 32,798 - 1,80,329 with a mean of 1,13,465 ± 19,876 during the period of study. The regression equation between total length (X) and fecundity (Y) of the fish was estimated as Y = -197150 + 25906X, r = 0.698, and between body weight (X) and fecundity (Y) as Y = 34181 + 4281.239X, r = 0.653.

9 illus, 17 ref

005439   Pati D K (NO, Salipur College, Dist.-Cuttack, Orissa) : Present status of fish and fishery in Ansupa lake, Orissa. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(2), 83-4.

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005438   Mitra B;Parui P;Mukherjee M;Bhattacharya K (Diptera Section, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata) : New record of some dipteran insects from Uttarakhand. Bionotes 2009, 11(3), 92.

2 ref

005437   Mandal B;Nagesh T S;Behera S;Devi O J (Faculty of Fishery Sciences, W.B.U.A.F.S., 5, Budherhat Road, P.O.-Panchasayar, Kolkata-700 094) : Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of gangetic bola, Johnius gangeticus talwar from estuarine region of Kakdwip, West Bengal. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(2), 78-82.

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005436   Maduwage K;Meegaskumbura M;Silva A; Pethiyagoda R (Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya Univ, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Email: rohanpet@gmail.com) : Phylogenetic implications of hemipenial morphology in Sri Lankan agamid lizards. Curr Sci 2008, 95(7), 838-40.

2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

005435   Laxma Reddy B;Benarjee G (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Population dynamics of cestode parasite found in the freshwater fish, Channa punctatus. J Ecobiol 2008, 22(4), 349-55.

Cestode parasite, Lytocestus indicus infecting the freshwater teleost, Channa punciatus has been studied for 2 consecutive years (2005 - 06) to analyse the incidence of parasitic infection, intensity of infection, index of infection and their seasonal variation. The data obtained during two consecutive years revealed that the parasitic infection has reached it peak during spring. The parasitic infection occurs between autumn and spring. The parasites attain maturity during April to July. It is recorded that the parasitic infection adversely affected the growth of fish and thus most of the infected fish have shown stunted growth.

1 table, 4 illus, 6 ref

005434   Lata S;Sriwastawa V M S;Maurya J P;Chaudhary S K (Zoology Dep, M.M.V., B.H.U. Varanasi-221 005) : Urea induced testicular changes in Mystus vittatus. J Ecobiol 2008, 23(1), 11-17.

Male fish Mystus vittatus subjected for twelve months under 10 ppm sublethal urea stress caused decrease in gcnadosornatic Index by volume (except in Dec.), diameter of seminiferous tubule, gonatiosomatic weight in spawning period and volume of sperm nucleus from August to Oct. The increase in gonadosomatie weight has been observed during pre and postspawning period and volume of sperrn nucleus during Nov. to May. The damaging effect of urea is evident by substantial degeneration in cytoarchitecture of testes under prolonged stress, which may impede the fertilization of ova.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

005433   Lalit Mohan;Sharma P;Maurya P;Srivastava C N (Applied Entomology & Vector Control Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Faculty o, Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed University), Dayalbagh-282 005, Email: chandnarayan_dei@rediffmail.com) : Bioefficacy of chlorpyriphos and temephos against anopheliene and culicibne larvae. J ent Res 2008, 32(2), 147-50.

Bioefficacy of synthetic insecticides, chlorpyriphos and temephos was observed against third instar larvae of Anopheles Stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus and both mosquito species are found highly susceptible toward these insecticides. LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values for temephos were 0.0081 and 0.0765 ppm after 24 hours and 0.0043 and 0.0299 ppm after 48 hours against anopheline larvae and 0.0041 and 0.0164 ppm after 24 hours and 0.0029 and 0.0116 ppm after 48 hours against culicine larvae. In case of chlorpyriphos, the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were 0.0195 and 0.0578 ppm after 24 hours and 0.0136 and 0.0398 ppm after 48 hours of exposure, respectively. Temephos was more toxic to both the targets than chlorpyriphos.

2 illus, 15 ref