A new structure on the frons of male adults of the Asian rice spittlebug Callitettix versicolor (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae)

A new structure, here tentatively named the “frontal gland,” specifically found on frons of male adults of the Asian rice spittlebug, Callitettix versicolor (Fabricius, 1794) (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae), is reported. Adult C. versicolor is distinctly dimorphic in frons morphology. The frons in female adults, like that in most cercopid species, is normally swollen and nearly bulbose and is covered with short pilosity, while the frons in male adults is visibly different, with the lower 3/5 of the postclypeus and anteclypeus being centrally flat, bare and smooth on the surface. SEM observations revealed that the flat frons surface of the male adults is covered with numerous, very fine pores. In total, each frons has over 4500 pores on the central flat area, with an average density of 55.5 ± 1.50 pores per 100 µm2. The distance among the pores averages 10.63 ± 1.8 µm. Each pore unit is composed of a round, deep cavity in which one central conical process is set. The cavity is delimited by a cuticular rim and the opening of the cavity averages 2.89 ± 0.20 µm in diameter. The central, conical process has a sponge-like apex and measures 2.52–2.70 µm in diameter. In addition, one or two (two in most cases) extremely fine pits (0.42–0.56 µm in diameter) are located on the marginal cuticle rim surrounding the cavity and its central conical process. These cuticular, fine pits are located proximal to the pores, at a distance of 0.98–1.96 µm. These porous structures are not present on the frons in female adults. They are assumed to be an exocrine gland system and are possibly the male sex pheromone-releasing glands, as they are only present in male adults. Observations of mating behavior showed that it is likely that the secretions made by the frontal gland constitute short-range attractants and may fulfil aphrodisiac functions to stimulate mating. The species of Auchenorrhyncha were previously thought to communicate via acoustic signals, but the findings described here suggest that at least one Auchenorrhynchan species also uses chemicals for sexual communication.

Thoracic scent efferent system of Pentatomoidea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera): a review of terminology

The terminology used for structures constituing the thoracic scent efferent system is reviewed and discussed, with the emphasis on the Pentatomoidea. The most suitable terms are selected and suggested for a general use, i.e., scent gland system, metathoracic scent apparatus, thoracic scent efferent system, internal scent efferent system, internal orifice, vestibule, vestibular furrows, external scent efferent system, ostiolar plate, metepimeral pseudosuture, ostiole, ostiolar groove, periostiolar depression, vestibular scar, peritreme, supporting projection, median furrow, auricle, spout, (peritremal) groove, (peritremal) ruga, (peritremal) disc, peritremal lobes, terminal lobe, pseudoperitremal structures, pseudoperitreme, evaporatorium, evaporatory channel, gyrification, mycoid microsculpture, mycoid surface, mushroom body, stem, cap, bridge, alveole, trabeculae, peritremal microsculpture, peritremal surface. The traditional terminology describing the external scent efferent system (especially peritreme) in Cydnidae is discussed and reinterpreted. All the suggested terms are illustrated by scanning electron micrographs and an extensive synonymic list is given for most of them.

Evolution and role of the follicular epidermal gland system in non-ophidian squamates

Many lizard and amphisbaenian lineages possess follicular glands in the dermis of the inner thighs and/or the area anterior to the cloaca. These tubular glands produce a holocrine secretion that finds its way to the external world through pore-bearing scales (femoral and/or preanal pores). Secretions are composed of proteins and many lipophilic compounds that may function as chemosignals in lizard and amphisbaenian communication. In recent years, we have begun to develop an understanding of the adaptive significance of these secretions, and they are currently thought to play an important role in a variety of processes in these animals. While it appears that epidermal gland secretions function in intra- and interspecific recognition and territoriality, research has focused largely on their role in mate assessment. Despite these recent studies, our knowledge on the true role of the chemicals found in epidermal secretions remains poorly studied, and there are many possible avenues for future research on this topic. Here, we review the literature on the follicular epidermal glands of non-ophidian squamates and provide a first taxon-wide overview of their distribution.

Influence of a Diester Glucocorticoid Spray on the Cortisol Level and the CCR4+ CD4+ Lymphocytes in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis: Open Study

This study investigated the influence of 0.00584% hydrocortisone aceponate spray (HCA; Cortavance Virbac SA, Carros, France) on blood serum cortisol levels and peripheral blood CCR4+ CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Patients were randomly divided into group I (N=8) and group II (N=8). The dogs in group I were sprayed with HCA on the affected skin once a day for three weeks. The dogs in group II were treated once a day for 3 days followed by no treatment for 4 days for a total of three weeks. For the dogs in group I and group II the CADESI-03 scores before and after use of HCA showed significant reduction (P<0.01). The postcortisol level after the use of HCA in group I showed 36.0% decrease and showed significant suppression (P<0.01). By comparison, the use of HCA on group II did not show decrease in postcortisol levels. There was a tendency of suppression for hypothalamus—pituitary gland—adrenal gland system, but it was not serious influence. In addition, there was no influence on peripheral blood CCR4+ CD4+ lymphocytes percentage in dogs in group I after treatment with HCA.Corrigendum to “Influence of a Diester Glucocorticoid Spray on the Cortisol Level and the CCR4+ CD4+ Lymphocytes in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis: Open Study”