scholarly journals Life history of the false flower mantid (Harpagomantis tricolor Linnaeus, 1758) (Mantodea: Galinthiadidae) and its distribution in southern Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Bianca Greyvenstein ◽  
Hannalene du Plessis ◽  
Johnnie Van den Berg
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Adult Longevity ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Nymphal Stage ◽  
Duration Of Copulation ◽  
The Mean

The false flower mantid is the common name for the Mantodea species Harpagomantis tricolor (Linnaeus, 1758). This species uses camouflage as a defense mechanism. Limited information (Kaltenbach 1996, 1998) exists on its distribution in southern Africa or about its life history. This species, and Mantodea to an extent, are not usually included in biodiversity studies from this region. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of this species in southern Africa based on museum collection records and to study the biology of Harpagomantis tricolor under captive breeding conditions. The distribution of Harpagomantis and its morphological variety, i.e., discolor, were determined utilising the historical insect collection records of seven national museums throughout South Africa. Field collected H. tricolor males and females were mated and reared under laboratory conditions to record their life history parameters of nymphal duration, oothecae structure, size and incubation duration, adult longevity, and sex ratio. The results of this study indicate that the mean duration of the lifecycle of H. tricolor is 191.33 ± 37.96 days. All but three H. tricolor individuals had five nymphal instars, and the mean duration of the nymphal stage was 140.20 ± 31.03 days. The mean duration of copulation was six hours, while the average incubation period of oothecae was 144.71 ± 9.33 days. These results indicate that oothecae of H. tricolor probably overwinter under field conditions and that males of this species have evolved various mechanisms to increase the likelihood of ensuring their own genetic offspring. This study bridges the gap in rudimental research in which Mantodea, in general, has been overlooked and establishes a basis on which ecological interactions, habitat preferences, and imminent threats to H. tricolor can be established.

LIFE HISTORY STUDIES OF THE TOBACCO FLEA BEETLE, EPITRIX HIRTIPENNIS (MELSHEIMER) (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

1987 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Davis Martin ◽  
G. A. Herzog
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Larval Stage ◽  
Flea Beetle ◽  
Pupal Stage ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Adult Longevity ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Controlled Conditions ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean

The life history of the tobacco flea beetle, Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer) (= Epitrix parvula Fab.) was studied under the controlled conditions of 27 ± 2.8°C, 80 ± 6% and a 14L:10D photophase. Eggs matured in ca. 4 days, the larval stage, including 3 instars, developed in 13 days, prepupal development took 3 days and the pupal stage lasted approximately 5 days. There was a 24 day interval between oviposition and adult emergence. Females laid 3.1 eggs/day with a 13 day period between adult emergence and first oviposition. The mean number of total eggs/female was 138.6 ± 14.7. Female oviposition continued until a few days before death and adult longevity was approximately 70 days. A visual means of distinguishing between male and female beetles was also developed.

scholarly journals Distribution of Galepsus spp. in Southern Africa and Life History of Galepsus lenticularis (Mantodea: Tarachodidae)

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Bianca Greyvenstein ◽  
Hannalene Du Plessis ◽  
Nicolas Moulin ◽  
Johnnie Van den Berg
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
First Record ◽  
Survival Strategy ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
History Of ◽  
Biological Aspects ◽  
The Mean

Galepsus Stäl is a genus within the Mantodea and has hardly been studied in Africa. The distribution of the Galepsus genus in Southern Africa was established, based on insect collection records, and the biology of Galepsus (Lygdamia) lenticularis Saussure, was studied. In Southern Africa, 11 species of Galepsus were recorded. The first record of Galepsus (Onychogalepsus) centralis Beier, in South Africa was recorded during this study. The mean number of eggs per ootheca was 49.8 (±21.1) and unfertilized oothecae were significantly shorter and contained fewer eggs than hatched and unhatched oothecae, suggesting that females might invest fewer resources into production of oothecae that will not produce prodigy. No parthenogenesis was observed during this study. Although the mean duration of the male and female nymphal stages were similar, longevity of adult females (91.2 ± 35.0 days) was three times longer than that of males (26.3 ± 15.4 days). This phenomenon as well as the long period (20 ± 14.1 days) between oviposition of different oothecae, and duration of the incubation period (20.25 ± 6.3 days) suggests a survival strategy to reduce competition between siblings. Total longevity of males (166.9 ± 38.8) and females (252.9 ± 54.2) differed significantly. This study provides information on the distribution of Galepsus spp. in Southern Africa and describes the biology of G. lenticularis under captive breeding conditions, and contributes to the understanding of various biological aspects of G. lenticularis which has never been studied before.

Customized anterior craniocervical reconstruction via a modified high-cervical retropharyngeal approach following resection of a spinal tumor involving C1–2/C1–3

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-440
Author(s):  
Shaohui He ◽  
Chen Ye ◽  
Nanzhe Zhong ◽  
Minglei Yang ◽  
Xinghai Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Spinal Tumor ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Improvement Rate ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Cervical ◽  
Occipital Condyles

OBJECTIVEThe surgical treatment of an upper cervical spinal tumor (UCST) at C1–2/C1–3 is challenging due to anterior exposure and reconstruction. Limited information has been published concerning the effective approach and reconstruction for an anterior procedure after C1–2/C1–3 UCST resection. The authors attempted to introduce a novel, customized, anterior craniocervical reconstruction between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae through a modified high-cervical retropharyngeal approach (mHCRA) in addressing C1–2/C1–3 spinal tumors.METHODSSeven consecutive patients underwent 2-stage UCST resection with circumferential reconstruction. Posterior decompression and occiput-cervical instrumentation was conducted at the stage 1 operation, and anterior craniocervical reconstruction using a 3D-printed implant was performed between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae via an mHCRA. The clinical characteristics, perioperative complications, and radiological outcomes were reviewed, and the rationale for anterior craniocervical reconstruction was also clarified.RESULTSThe mean age of the 7 patients in the study was 47.6 ± 19.0 years (range 12–72 years) when referred to the authors’ center. Six patients (85.7%) had recurrent tumor status, and the interval from primary to recurrence status was 53.0 ± 33.7 months (range 24–105 months). Four patients (57.1%) were diagnosed with a spinal tumor involving C1–3, and 3 patients (42.9%) with a C1–2 tumor. For the anterior procedure, the mean surgical duration and average blood loss were 4.1 ± 0.9 hours (range 3.0–6.0 hours) and 558.3 ± 400.5 ml (range 100–1300 ml), respectively. No severe perioperative complications occurred, except 1 patient with transient dysphagia. The mean pre- and postoperative visual analog scale scores were 8.0 ± 0.8 (range 7–9) and 2.4 ± 0.5 (range 2.0–3.0; p < 0.001), respectively, and the mean improvement rate of cervical spinal cord function was 54.7% ± 13.8% (range 42.9%–83.3%) based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score (p < 0.001). Circumferential instrumentation was in good position and no evidence of disease was found at the mean follow-up of 14.8 months (range 7.3–24.2 months).CONCLUSIONSThe mHCRA provides optimal access to the surgical field at the C0–3 level. Customized anterior craniocervical fixation between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae can be feasible and effective in managing anterior reconstruction after UCST resection.

SET-VALUED PERFORMANCE APPROXIMATIONS FOR THE QUEUE GIVEN PARTIAL INFORMATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Yan Chen ◽  
Ward Whitt
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Decay Rate ◽  
Waiting Time ◽  
Partial Information ◽  
Upper And Lower Bounds ◽  
Interarrival Time ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Third Moment

In order to understand queueing performance given only partial information about the model, we propose determining intervals of likely values of performance measures given that limited information. We illustrate this approach for the mean steady-state waiting time in the $GI/GI/K$ queue. We start by specifying the first two moments of the interarrival-time and service-time distributions, and then consider additional information about these underlying distributions, in particular, a third moment and a Laplace transform value. As a theoretical basis, we apply extremal models yielding tight upper and lower bounds on the asymptotic decay rate of the steady-state waiting-time tail probability. We illustrate by constructing the theoretically justified intervals of values for the decay rate and the associated heuristically determined interval of values for the mean waiting times. Without extra information, the extremal models involve two-point distributions, which yield a wide range for the mean. Adding constraints on the third moment and a transform value produces three-point extremal distributions, which significantly reduce the range, producing practical levels of accuracy.

scholarly journals Polymorphic DNA microsatellite markers for forensic individual identification and parentage analyses of seven threatened species of parrots (family Psittacidae)

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Jan ◽  
Luca Fumagalli
Keyword(s):  
Microsatellite Markers ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Genomic Library ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Individual Identification ◽  
Illegal Trade ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dna Microsatellite ◽  
Dna Microsatellite Markers

The parrot family represents one of the bird group with the largest number of endangered species, as a result of habitat destruction and illegal trade. This illicit traffic involves the smuggling of eggs and animals, and the laundering through captive breeding facilities of wild-caught animals. Despite the huge potential of wildlife DNA forensics to determine with conclusive evidence illegal trade, current usage of DNA profiling approaches in parrots has been limited by the lack of suitable molecular markers specifically developed for the focal species and by low cross-species polymorphism. In this study, we isolated DNA microsatellite markers in seven parrot species threatened with extinction (Amazona brasiliensis,A. oratrix,A. pretrei,A. rhodocorytha,Anodorhynchus leari,Ara rubrogenysandPrimolius couloni). From an enriched genomic library followed by 454 pyrosequencing, we characterized a total of 106 polymorphic microsatellite markers (mostly tetranucleotides) in the seven species and tested them across an average number of 19 individuals per species. The mean number of alleles per species and across loci varied from 6.4 to 8.3, with the mean observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.65 to 0.84. Identity and parentage exclusion probabilities were highly discriminatory. The high variability displayed by these microsatellite loci demonstrates their potential utility to perform individual genotyping and parentage analyses, in order to develop a DNA testing framework to determine illegal traffic in these threatened species.

scholarly journals Age estimation, growth and maturity of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758)) from Iberian Atlantic waters

2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1086-1102 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Piñeiro ◽  
M Saínza
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Age Estimation ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Merluccius Merluccius ◽  
Consistent Manner ◽  
The Mean ◽  
First Maturity ◽  
European Hake

Abstract Difficulties in age estimation for hake (Merluccius merluccius) have hampered the assessment of stocks. Here, we describe new, agreed ageing criteria based on the interpretation of the pattern of otolith growth. Improved estimates of von Bertalanffy growth parameters, and new estimates of maturity ogive parameters and length–weight relationships for European hake from Iberian Atlantic waters are presented. The results came from a study carried out during 1996–1997 and provide the first published account of the main life history traits of Southern stock hake. von Bertalanffy growth parameters of males were L∞ = 70cm, K = 0.18 year−1, and t0=−0.97 year, and those of females were L∞ = 89cm, K = 0.13 year−1, and t0 = −1.15 year. Growth of sexes differed from age 3 onwards, with females being on average larger and heavier than males. The estimated total length (L, cm)–total weight (W, g) relationships were W=0.0132135L2.8134246 for males and W=0.0086471L2.942563 for females. Spawning took place from December to May with a peak in February. The mean length and age at first maturity were 32.8 cm at 2.5 years for males and 45 cm at 4.4 years for females. Application of new ageing criteria showed that otolith sections may be used to determine ages up to 5 years in a consistent manner. These results indicate that hake of the Southern stock grow at higher rates and mature earlier than previously considered. Summaries of hake's life history parameters from other marine regions are also presented in order to make information that belongs largely to the grey literature available.

LIFE HISTORY PARAMETERS IN MELANOPLUS SANGUINIPES (F.) IN TWO CRESTED WHEATGRASS PASTURES

1988 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norma E. Sanchez ◽  
Jerome A. Onsager
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Adult Longevity ◽  
Melanoplus Sanguinipes ◽  
Crested Wheatgrass ◽  
Life History Parameters ◽  
Preoviposition Period ◽  
Point Estimates ◽  
Two Populations ◽  
Net Replacement

AbstractA combination of published techniques provided point estimates of life history parameters for two natural field populations of Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) in crested wheatgrass pastures. Stage-specific survival rates averaged 0.4798, 0.2261, 0.7628, and 0.6903 for egg, instars I–III combined, instar IV, and instar V, respectively. Daily survival rates of adults averaged 0.9702, but were slightly lower for females than for males. Estimated duration of nymphal instars averaged 8.4 days, the adult preoviposition period averaged 13.3 days, and adult longevity averaged 26.7 and 36.3 days in the two populations. Oviposition rates were estimated for up to four successive ovipositions, and net replacement rates of populations also were estimated. Neither population replaced itself, indicating that potential capacities for increase were not approached under conditions of these studies.

First Life Table of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera: Muscidae) From Palearctic Region for Analyzing the Effect on Its Dispersal Ability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Ivorra ◽  
Borja García-Martínez ◽  
Anabel Martínez-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Life Table ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Predatory Behavior ◽  
Intrinsic Rate Of Increase ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Adult Longevity ◽  
Reproduction Rate ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Palearctic Region ◽  
The Mean

Abstract To better understand the population dynamics and dispersal ability of insect species, it is often helpful to derive a life table containing fundamental demographic data. The aim of this study was to determine a life table for the predatory necrophagous species Synthesiomyia nudiseta (van der Wulp, 1883) on a pig liver diet and under controlled laboratory conditions (29.5 ± 2. 5°C, RH 50 ± 15%, and a photoperiod of 12:12). This species has medical and veterinary importance and its distribution extends in tropical and subtropical areas and now it has been established in the southwestern of Europe. The mean adult longevity was 36. 18 ± 2. 06 d and the net reproduction rate, R, was 27.65 offspring/female, the mean generation time, T, was 22. 09 d, the finite rate of increase, λ, was 1. 16 d−1, and the intrinsic rate of increase, r, was 0. 15 d−1. These results indicate that S. nudiseta cannot be considered an r-strategist as the most common synanthropic necrophagous blowflies due to its predatory behavior; however, its invasive and colonist abilities are discussed. This is the first life table study of this species from Palearctic region to analyze the effect of its dispersal ability.

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