Arthropods, 2014, 3(1)

Arthropods

Vol. 3, No. 1, 1 March 2014

International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Arthropods ISSN 2224-4255 Volume 3, Number 1, 1 March 2014 Editor-in-Chief WenJun Zhang Sun Yat-sen University, China International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Editorial Board Andre Bianconi (Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), Brazil) Anton Brancelj (National Institute of Biology, Slovenia) Hans-Uwe Dahms (Sangmyung University, Korea) A. K. Dhawan (Punjab Agricultural University, India) John A. Fornshell (Northern Virginia Community College, USA) Xin Li (Northwest A&F University, China) Oscar E. Liburd (University of Florida, USA) Ivana Karanovic (Hanyang University, Korea) Enoch A Osekre (KN University of Science and Technology, Ghana) Rajinder Peshin (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, India) Michael Stout (Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, USA) Eugeny S. Sugonyaev (Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia)

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Article

Epigeus macroinvertebrates species assemblages along a

successional gradient in Hailuotu Island (Bothnia Bay), Finland

Adolfo A. Del Rio Mora Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo., Unidad San

Juanito Itzícuaro, C.P. 58330, Morelia, Michoacán., México

E-mail: [email protected]

Received 22 May 2013; Accepted 26 June 2013; Published online 1 March 2014

Abstract

Epigeus macroinvertebrates were collected during summer time in 2007, by using pitfall traps in different

sites representing vegetation patches situated on land uplift area on successional gradients in the dune shore of

Bothnian on the island of Hailuoto, Northern part of the Gulf of Bothnia, Finland. The sites were divided into

six vegetation patches types or open sands, all of them localized on early, deflation zone and late successional

stages or ecological subgroups: 1) Empetrum patches or microsites (small-scale element distribution in soil-

plant-systems in patches of Empetrum nigrum, in early succession; 2) Empetrum nigrum patches in deflation

zone; 3) open sand in early succession; 4) open sand in deflation zone; 5) Empetrum nigrum patches in late

succession, and 6) open sand in late succession. A total of 19034 specimens belonging to 14 species of Insecta

and only one group to Aranea species were caught and identified. Afterwards they were grouped by trophic

groups as follows: herbivores, predators and detritivores and calculated their richness, abundance, diversity

and evenness for each vegetation type. The data obtained were analyzed by different analytical methods and

relevant between them as MRPP for the purpose of identifying the possible differences between groups and

habitats, which denoted no statistically significant between the 6 environmental types, but if for the case of

composition or populations general diversity as abundance, richness, evenness, diversity. It is enclosed too

Correspondence Analysis (CA) and cluster analysis for epigeus invertebrates species assemblages. As a

support to analysis of results we added on ended the species-accumulation curve and estimation curves Chao1

and Jacknife2 for all ecological types.

Keywords epigeus invertebrates; patches; succession; diversity; richness; Empetrum nigrum ssp.

hermaphroditum (Hagerup) Böche.

1 Introduction

Soil invertebrates are fundamentally in essential processes for the habitat in which they are developed. They

can alter primary production, the structure of the ground, the landlords of microbial activity, the dynamics of

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the organic matter and the cycle of nutrients (Berg and Staaf, 1981; Petersen and Lurton, 1982; Slansky and

Rodriguez, 1987; McClaugherty et al., 1982).

Spatio-temporal variability of the community in turn has important implications for the study system,

which is a coastal forest strip located on the Hailotu Island-Bothnia bay -with a strong successional gradient,

which changes in species composition and trophic structure of soil invertebrate communities should affect

species interactions and food web dynamics (Doblas, 2007; Doblas et al., 2008, 2009a, b, c; Niemelä, 1997;

1999; Similä et al., 2002).

Longer-term studies regarding macroinvertebrates associated with vegetation patches, with emphasis on

Carabids species- have argued that the overall change in the species distribution is caused mostly by climatic

factors and that effects of human influences seem to be secondary (Hengeveld, 1985).

Microhabitats are common on island ecosystems where the flora and fauna which is grouped in patches,

which are potentially maintained by complex interrelationships involving their own soil invertebrates that live

there, depending on that vegetation grouped for protection and life cycles and in turn serve to disperse the

owner plant community in the ecosystem(Borges et al., 2004; Koricheva et al., 2000; Kouki et al., 2001).

Different from aboveground invertebrates, soil invertebrate species, their interrelationships and spatial

distribution has been little studied until today (Zhang 2008, 2011a, b). Between the Arthropod group in coastal

habits, the spiders are known to respond sensitively to environmental and structural changes, which makes

them suitable to study organism–habitat relationships (Wise, 1993; Bell et al., 2001; Oxbrough et al., 2005;

Hendrickx et al., 2007), in coastal habitats in particular.

Spiders constitute one of the most abundant and species–rich arthropod orders. They range among the most

numerous arthropods in all kinds of habitat types (Basset, 1991; Coddington et al., 1991; Borges and Brown,

2004). Spider species occupy a wide array of spatial and temporal niches. Their occurrence is frequently

related to environmental factors (Hatley and MacMahon, 1980; Schmidt et al., 2005; Entling et al., 2007;

Finch et al., 2008)

Poor establishment and reduced seedling growth of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) in northern Sweden is

related to an allelopathic inhibition by the dwarf shrub Empetrum hermaphroditum Hagerup. Indoor bioassays

with green and brown leaves of Empetrum have strong negative effects on rooting ability, radicle elongation,

and growth of Scots pine seedlings. Bioassays with soil samples show that phytotoxic substances leached from

Empetrum foliage accumulate in the soil (Rautio and Markkola, 2006).

Known to as alone that Mycelial fungal biomass in the soil in the vicinity of the seedling roots is higher in

Empetrum than in empty patches and increased along the succession. In Scots pine roots both the diversity of

ectomycorrhizal morphotypes and proportion of root tips colonized by suilloid morphotypes with abundant

external mycelia were in mid succession higher and in late succession lower in seedlings grown in Empetrum

patches compared to patches without Empetrum. In the harsh conditions of the dune shore in the early and mid

succession Empetrum is suggested to promote Scots pine seedling establishment by providing mechanical and

physical shelter whereas in late succession negative interactions (competition and allelopathy) between the

shrub and the Scots pine are dominating. This fact was the first findings/results that an ericoid mycorrhizal

shrub could enhance the performance of both the ECM host and its fungal symbionts (Rautio and Markkola,

2006).

On the same, relative importance of positive and negative interactions between plant species and their

epigeus arthropofauna associated with them may change along disturbance and resource gradients, so positive

interactions are suggested to prevail in low resource, low productivity (high stress) conditions and negative

interactions in high resource availability. Mountain crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum) is

known to have allelopathic impacts on both Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and its ectomycorrhizal symbionts.

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On primary succession gradients in the dune shore of Bothnian Bay, however, Scots pine seedlings are

founded to occur more abundantly in Empetrum patches in early and mid succession stages, whereas patches

without Empetrum are preferred in late succession, however, as it is seem to, this is not reflected on the

number of seedlings or natural regeneration at all these places, which could be due to high pine seed

depredation by carabids and what before has been widely researched (Lindroth, 1985, 1986; Nystrand and

Granström, 2002), although for the study area little details are knew about epigeus invertebrate assemblages

and their abundance at the different environmental types along the successional gradient at Hailotu Island.

The main focus of this study was determine the actual structure and diversity of the soil macroinvertebrates

community under conditions of a successional gradient in Hailotu Island (Bothnia Bay) where is common the

growing of native vegetation and pioneers distributed in patches or microsites, since is not clear even the real

impact of the macroarthropod assemblages on the native vegetation on study area.

2 Methodology

2.1 Study area and caught insects

The study was carried out in northern Finland on the island of Hailuoto 65º03Ń, 24º36É) on two separate

sites around two03Ń, 24 (65 kilometres from each others. Both sites are situating on land uplift area on a

deflation basin behind the dune zone on poor, sandy soil without podsol formation. Vegetation is patchy,

consisting of dwarf shrubs (Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum) lichens (Cladonia spp., Cladina spp.,

Stereocaulon sp.) and mosses (Racomitrium canescens, Polytrichum piliferum, P. juniperinum). Sparsely

distributed young Scots pines are the dominant tree species. Humus layer is patchy and very thin (0.5–1.0 cm),

if present. The mineral soil is acidic (pH 4.8), and organic matter and total nitrogen content are low (0.2% and

< 0.01% of soil dry mass, respectively).

2.2 Trials

Epigeus macroinvertebrates were collected during summer time 2007 year, by using pitfall traps(total 120), for

it the trial sites were divided into six vegetation patches types or open sands, all them localized on early,

deflation zone and late successional stages or ecological subgropups: 1) Empetrum patches in early succession

(Eesu); 2) Empetrum patches in deflation zone (Edefbas); 3) open sand in early succession (OpSesu); 4) open

sand in deflation zone (OpSdefb); 5) Empetrum patches in late succession (Elatsu), and 6) open sand in late

succession (OpSlatsu). All pitfalls trials of medial size (9 cm diameter of 11 cm in height) and made of plastic

were baited with a solution of water mixed with NaCl. Later they were dried, mounted, identified and grouped

by trophic groups as follows: herbivores, predators and detritivores and calculated their richness, abundance,

diversity and evenness for each vegetation type.

All the specimens collected during the study are in the collection of the Zoological Oulu University

Museum, Oulu, Finland.

2.3 Analysis of the results

We assume the pitfalls were equally efficient in catching soil invertebrates in the different 6 succesional

gradient in the forest type described before and growing in coast zone, because all the sample points of them

were homogenous in general structure. Therefore it is suggested that the differences in the catch among sites

should reflect real differences in the abundances of epigeus individuals, specie groups and habitats. For the

composition analysis species were selected according their abundance as minimum 2 specimens,

To evaluate the consistency of the differences in species composition of the soil arthropofauna under

successional gradient, we used the nonparametric statistical test multiple response permutation (MRPP) with

Blossom w2008.04.02; and the structure of epigeus invertebrate assemblages by detrended correspondence

analysis (DCA) with Multivariate Statistical Package 3.1 (Kovach, 1999).

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The values of abundance, richness, diversity and evenness were analyzed by two ways ANOVA with

Minitab15.

Insect caught by pitfall traps were pooled for each site and species richness was estimated for each

successional type (6), as well as for the regional data set using the nonparametric estimators Chao 1 and

Jacknife 2. Accumulation curves were generated after 100 randomizations using Estimate S 8.0 (Colwell,

2006).

Chao1 gives an estimate of the absolute number of species in an assemblage based on the number of rare

species (singletons and doubletons) in a sample, and it is the ratio between observed and estimated

richness(Sorensen et al., 2002; Scharff et al., 2003).

Jacknife2 has been found to perform quite well in extrapolation of species richness with greater precision,

less bias, and less dependence on sample size than other estimators (Petersen et al., 2003; Chiarucci et al.,

2003; Finch et al., 2008.).

The average abundance was measured in number of individuals by trap and the richness as species number

of traps per group.

To calculate the Diversity was used the Shannon Index: H = - ∑ pi log pi; this index considers

simultaneously Richness and Evenness, and their values vary between zero, when a single species, and the

logarithm of Richness (S), where all species are represented with the same number of individuals (Magurran,

1988). The Evenness was calculated using Pielou index (Magurran, 1988): J´= H´/Hmax=H´/lnS which

measures the proportion of the diversity observed in relation to the expected maximum diversity and its values

vary between 0 and 1, the last value corresponds to situations where all species are equally abundant (Moreno,

2001). 3 Results and Discussion 3.1 Species caught and their distribution by successional stages

A total of 19034 specimens belong to 14 species of Insecta and only one group to Araneae species. As shown

in Fig. 1, the largest number of individuals (soil invertebrates) collected during the study corresponded to the

patches OpSlatsu, followed by Elatsu, while in the other vegetable strata had similar amounts of catch

specimens (Eesu, Edefbas, OpSesu and OpSdefb patches). This greater number of specimens collected in the

first two layers correspond to patches mentioned are the preferential microhabitats Lassius niger ant

(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and also can be seen in Fig. 2. Fig. 1 Total number of epigeus invertebrates specimens caught (Mean with SEM). Hailuoto Island (Bothnia Bay, Summer 2007). Empetrum patches in early succession (Eesu), Empetrum patches in deflation zone (Edefbas), open sand in early succession (OpSesu), open sand in deflation zone (OpSdefb), Empetrum patches in late succession (Elatsu) and open sand in late succession (OpSlatsu).

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The arthropods collected and according to their habits and abundance were classified in: herbivores (8),

predators (5) and detritivores (2), taking for it the antecedents registered for each species according to

literature review (Slansky and Rodriguez, 1987). We listed below the habit groups, scientific names and their

corresponding abbreviations (left) are referenced along the manuscript:

Predators

Carabidae

(cer ) Calathus erratus

(cme) Calathus melanocephalus

(aqu) Amara quenseli

( cma) Cymindis macularis (hru) Harpalus rufipes Detritivores (lhi) Lagria hirta (Lagriidae) (bopul)Bolitochara pulchra (Staphylinidae)

Herbivores

(ln) Lasius niger (Formicidae) (mma) Myrmeleotettix maculatus (Acrididae)

(aspp) Aphrodes spp (Cicadellidae) (ptr) Planaphrodes trifasciata(Cicadellidae)

(ar)Araneae (soil spider) (ono) Otiorhynchus nodosus(Curculionidae) (oov) Otiorhynchus ovatus(Curculionidae) (hab) Hylobius abietis (Curculionidae)

The results (Fig. 2) reveal the logical dominance of herbivore species on other types of feeding consumers

representatives of ecosystem unstable dunes and near seashore, where the accumulation of organic matter

could be limited, which explain the few presence of invertebrate detritivores, although many of the soil spiders

(Araneae), for example, could be grouped as herbivores-detritivores and more even as predators; Some species

of them have been reported in coastal grassy vegetation and detritus, in sandy sites with low vegetation and in

clay shores and stones (Heimer and Nentwig, 1991).

Moreover, seem to be the population model is simple and continue on seaboard coast: cycle beginning

richness of herbivores and predators from Empetrum early succession patches and keeping stable on next stage

(Edefbas) and lowing for the case of the predators; on Empetrum late succession there a apparent equilibrium

between richness of herbivores and predator but significantly low of the two first successional stages. When

open sand early succession newly is raised the herbivores and predator tough no as in Eesu and Edefb patches

and ending decrease both fully on open late successional stage, where the ant colonies are prevalent. Occurs,

this system is not close and part of these populations come of the natural emigration process, mostly from the

develop forests near to the coastal zone (see fauna composition and species richness).

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Fig. 2 15 Invertebrate species caught in 6 ecological vegetation types (patches) (number of specimens was transformed in Log10).

The soil macroinvertebrate assemblage at the study sites is dominated by arthropods and the dominant

group in number under all the successional gradient is Formicidae (Lasius niger), mostly on patches of Elatsu

and Oslatsu, where evidently its colonies have at the same time more space and less competence for carrying

off and store great amounts of food.

After of ants, Leafhopper Aphrodes spp. (Cicadellidae) and soil spider (Araneae) were the

macroinvertebrates more abundant on all microhabitats monitored. This possibly due the decomposition

process is driven by litter quality, physicochemical environment and composition of the decomposer

community and this last process as a result of carbon and nitrogen utilization by heterotrophic microbial and

animal populations (Hättenschwiler et al., 2005; Berg and Staff, 1981; Berg et al., 1984; McClaugherty et al.,

1982).

Carabids more abundant represented by Calathus erratus are actives as predators, moving on Empetrum

patches and open sand early succession habitats. The others species of this family are more restricted for a

habitat in particular so Calathus melanocephalus have preference only by Empetrum deflation basin and

Cymindis macularis moves inside Empetrum early succession patches; Amara quenseli and Harpalus rufipes

are not common for the study area.

Other carabid species no included here and collected on Empetrum patches by us on late summer (mid-

September 2006) in the study area were: Bembidion nigricorne, Pterostichus niger and Carabus hortensis.

Snout beetles (Curculionidae) Otiorhynchus ovatus and Hylobius abietis (This species is regarded as the most

important pest of conifer seedlings) are occasional on the primary vegetation in the coastal area of the bay,

although periods of high populations of this last specie could be regarding with Pinus seedlings died growing

on Empetrum patches, as we have observed in other years. On the same, relative importance of positive and

negative interactions between plant species and their epigeus arthropods associated with them may change

along disturbance and resource gradients, so positive interactions are suggested to prevail in low resource, low

productivity (high stress) conditions and negative interactions in high resource availability. Mountain

crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum) is known to have allelopathic impacts on both Scots pine

(Pinus sylvestris) and its ectomycorrhizal symbionts. On primary succession gradients in the dune shore of

Bothnian Bay, however, Scots pine seedlings are founded to occur more abundantly in Empetrum patches in

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early and mid succession stages, whereas patches without Empetrum are preferred in late succession, however,

as it is seem to, this is not reflected on the number of seedlings or natural regeneration at all these places,

which could be due too to high pine seed depredation by carabids and what before has been widely

documented (Ovenistrand and Granstroem, 2000), but none of carabid species reported and cited above are not

Pine seed consumers (Lindroth, 1985, 1986; Nystrand and Granström, 2000).

Fig. 3 Specific richness of Herbivores and predators in the 6 successional gradients.

In general, the average species richness was statistically significant when it was compared versus

abundance for 6 successional gradients, as it is mentioned forward.

Table 1 Numbers and percentages share of epigeus invertebrates and individuals occurring in a bay forest under a successional gradient with 6 vegetation patches types at Hailotu Island (Bothnia Bay), 2007.

3.2 Number of soil arthropods caught during the study period Below we present graphically the variation in the number of specimens caught for different species of soil

invertebrates during the different dates at the study period.

The detritivores group appears more frequently on late summer.

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Fig. 4 Number of invertebrates caught during first sampling period (June 28-July 4/2007).

Fig. 5 Number of invertebrates caught during second sampling period (July 4-August 7/2007).

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Fig. 6 Number of invertebrates caught during third sampling period (August 7- August 22/2007).

3.3 Soil arthropods assemblages: abundance, diversity and species richness As it was mentioned, Empetrum vegetation patches are more important ecological niches supporting the most

soil invertebrate assemblages in early successional stages as can see in results obtained.

The invertebrates species were grouped at two levels: summing all them and obtaining by vegetation type

their abundance, richness, diversity and evenness (Table 2); Afterword, They were separate by 3 tropic groups:

herbivores, predators and detritivores and too calculated their four diversity measures (Table 3).

In general in both cases, the average species richness was highest in Eesu and with a decreasing trend in

other successional gradients, but was not statistically significant after to realize the two–way ANOVA (1)

showed below and even more after MRPP (2) (Multi-Response Permutation Procedure). As it is seen, much

highest species abundance in Elatsu and OpSlatsu are determined by the number specimens of ants (Lasius

niger) caught, places where richness was lowest.

Table 2 General diversity of epigeus macroinvertebrates by successional gradients.

Eesu Edefbas Elatsu OpSesu OpSdefb OpSlatsu Abundance 28.53 25,70 258,16 19,20 16,86 286,00 Richness 13 12 7 9 8 5 Diversity 0,223 0,25 0,009 2,58 0,177 0,003 Evenness 0,50 0,524 0,019 5,41 0,371 0,005

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Table 3 Specific diversity of epigeus macroinvertebrates by trophic groups in 6 ecological succesional gradients.

Herbivorous Eesu Edefbas Elatsu OpSesu OpSdefb OpSlatsuAbundance 22,9 19,13 257,43 16,4 14,7 285,8 Richness 7 7 3 5 4 3 Diversity 0,314 0,343 0,006 0,315 0,295 0,11 Evenness 0,371 0,405 0,014 0,451 0,49 0,23 Predators Eesu Edefbas Elatsu OpSesu OpSdefb OpSlatsuAbundance 5,53 0,53 0,66 2,8 2,13 0,2 Richness 5 4 3 4 3 2 Diversity 0,33 0,303 0,171 0,351 0,21 0,195 Evenness 0,472 0,503 0,358 0,583 0,44 0,647 Detritivoros Eesu Edefbas Elatsu OpSesu OpSdefb OpSlatsuAbundance 0,1 0,03 0,06 0 0,03 0 Richness 1 1 1 0 1 0

In general, the more high values of species richness, diversity and evenness are observed in Eesu, Edefbas

and OpSesu, and lower of them are for Elatsu and OpSlatsu.

The herbivores abundance in OpSlatsu is regarding the ant colonies, Lassius niger. For that, the

community of epigeus invertebrates living on Empetrum patches plays an important factor for the stability of

those forest ecosystems. In the case of detritivores, the values corresponding to diversity and evenness of the

specific diversity were zero for 6 habitats, due to lower number of species belongs to these consumers group.

ANOVA test results coincide with the MRPP analysis, although this last analysis give seen significance

between the general diversity between factors (abundance, richness, diversity and evenness obtained between

the invertebrate species caught at the 6 environmental types as shown in the Tables 4 and 5.

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Similarly when all factors were compared under MRPP test, have the successional gradient (vegetation

types), presence of herbivores, predators and detritivores under general and specific diversity as response

variables are not significant. Otherwise, general diversity between factors represented by abundance, richness,

diversity and evenness have differences and this is particularly clear for the case of abundance versus richness.

Table 5 MRPP analysis: comparing grouping variable(s) between response variables.

(-)NS, not significance; *, P<0.05, **, P<0.01

Fig. 7 Species-accumulation curve and estimation curves Chao 1 and Jackknife 2 in ecological subgroup: Eesu (all samples pooled) dataset. Curves are generated from 100 randomizations.

Grouping variable(s)

Response variables

Number of observations

Number of groups

Significance(-)

Successional Gradient

General diversity

12 6 NS

Herbivores Specific diversity

12 6 NS

Predators ----------- 12 6 NS

Detritivores ------------ 12 6 NS

Abundance Richness Diversity Evenness

General diversity between factors

12 4 **

Abundance vs Richness ----------- 6 2 *

Abundance vs Diversity ----------- 6 2 NS Abundance vs Evenness ----------- 6 2 NS

Richness vs Diversity ----------- 6 2 NS Richness vs Evenness ------------ 6 2 NS

Diversity vs Evenness ------------- 6 2 NS

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On the other hand, at all sites the amount of soil macroinvertebrates collected was incomplete, since the

observed total species richness was lower than the estimates obtained by Chao 1 and Jacknife 2. The species

accumulation curves indicated as expected-an asymptotic tendency (Figs 7-12) and too as it is possible

appreciate on them, in general there is no an noticeable difference of the model for 6 vegetation types

monitored.

Fig. 8 Species-accumulation curve and estimation curves Chao 1 and Jackknife 2 in ecological subgroup: Edefbas (all samples pooled) dataset. Curves are generated from 100 randomizations.

Fig. 9 Species-accumulation curve and estimation curves Chao 1 and Jackknife 2 in ecological subgroup: Elatsu (all samples pooled) dataset. Curves are generated from 100 randomizations.

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Fig. 10 Species-accumulation curve and estimation curves Chao 1 and Jackknife 2 in ecological subgroup: OSesu (all samples pooled) dataset. Curves are generated from 100 randomizations.

Fig. 11 Species-accumulation curve and estimation curves Chao 1 and Jackknife 2 in ecological subgroup: OpSdefb (all samples pooled) dataset. Curves are generated from 100 randomizations.

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Fig. 12 Species-accumulation curve and estimation curves Chao 1 and Jackknife 2 in ecological subgroup: Oslatsu (all samples pooled) dataset. Curves are generated from 100 randomizations.

3.4 Correspondence analysis (CA) For the canonical analysis (CA) options were taken the next steps: it was given a common species weighting

and data transformation chosen with square root and calculated the similarity/correlations matrices using cyclic

Jacobi.

The results of similarity matrix and eigenvalues are detailed as follows:

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The complete matrix was displayed in a scatter plot (joint plot), creating CA graph with the main purpose

to visualize more clearly the affinities between different soil invertebrates species and their relation with the

vegetation patches or habitats.

Fig. 13 Correspondence Analysis (CA) for 11 epigeus invertebrates at 6 microhabitats in Hailotu Island (Summer 2007).

In correspondence analysis(CA) and obtained in this case only for 11 macroinvertebrates species (analysis

were removed from those species collected in numbers 1), can be differentiated 3 invertebrate groups relevant

to their respective microhabitats and are preferably for ant ln more open space and less competition between

species, and greater availability of pasture and moving mostly on microhabitats as OpSlatsu, Elatsu; the next

group is composed by soil spiders ar and leafhoppers ptr occupying microhabitats of intermediate or transition:

Edefbas and OpSdebas and finally, as the leafhopper species aspp preferably in OpSesu and carabids cer and

aqu together here along with the more abundant grasshopper mma caught in the microhabitat-Eesu.

Other species such as carabid cme and weevil ono showed no preference for a specific microhabitat (axis 1,

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North, Fig. 13), and a detritivores , the long-jointed beetle lhi (axis 1, South, Fig. 13) although this may be

explained in large part because abundant species and incidental catch. Moreover, to visualize the relationship of epigeus macroinvertebrate groups was analyzed by a

dendrogram(UPGMA) with eucledian distance; Then, we can appreciate the near relationship between carabid

cer and leafhopper ptr, followed closely by a larger and more compact species group very closed to each other

and divided: carabid cme and weevil ono and, here, carabid cma and long-jointed beetle lhi , carabid aqu and

grasshopper mma; Other distant group consisting composed by sand spiders ar and leafhooper aspp and finally,

the ant Lassius niger (ln), interrelated with the above groups but forming a specific group independent.

Fig. 14 Cluster analysis: dendrogram representative for 11 soil macroinvertebrates.

All previous information on the structure, richness and diversity of soil arthropods in a succession in the

coastal area of the island of Hailuoto is of significant importance for protection, conservation and restoration

of natural ecosystems (Kremen et al., 1993; Niemelä, 1999; Pearce and Venier, 2006; Petersen et al. 2003;

Wilson, 1987; Wiggings et al., 1991; Uotila et al., 2001, 2002), such as where the study was conducted.

Acknowledgments The author wish to thanks the facilities provided by the Museum of Zoology, University of Oulu, Finland, for

the use of the huge collection of arthropods in the corroboration of all species cited here, especially for Dr.

Jouni Aspi, the curator. Grateful thanks go to Professors Pasi Rautio (METLA) and Annamari Markkola

(University of Oulu) , and for the young and talented taxonomist of insects: Mikko Pentinsaari.

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Article

Mineral composition of edible crab Podophthalmus vigil Fabricius

(Crustacea: Decapoda)

P. Soundarapandian1, D. Varadharajan1, S. Ravichandran2 1Faculty of Marine Sciences, Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502. Tamil

Nadu, India 2Department of Zoology, Government Arts College, Kumbakonam, India


Received 21 February 2013; Accepted 25 March 2013; Published online 1 March 2014

Abstract

Totally 7 minerals were reported in the present study. For the individual contribution 5

(Sodium>Calcium>Potassium>Iron>Magnesium),7(Sodium>Calcium>Iron>Potassium>Phosphorus>Magnesi

um>Zinc) and 4(Calcium>Sodium>Iron>Magnesium) minerals were reported in males, females and berried

females respectively. In all sexes sodium and calcium were maximum and magnesium was minimum.

Comparatively females contain maximum amount of minerals than males and berried females. Phosphorous

and zinc were absent in males whereas potassium was absent in addition to phosphorous and zinc in berried

females. Among different sexes females contain maximum amount of minerals (61.56 mg) followed by males

(39.92 mg) and berried females (35.11 mg). From the study females contain maximum amount of minerals

than berried females and males. So it is recommended to consume females to get maximum minerals.

Keywords minerals; males; females; berried females; Podophthalmus vigil.

1 Introduction

Minerals are called as micronutrients and necessary for physiological and biochemical processes by which the

human body acquires assimilates and utilized food to maintain health and activity but also ensuring adequate

immune-competence and cognitive development. So exploring minerals from marine organisms is important

especially in crabs. It becomes a worldwide delicacy amongst seafood aficionados and high in essential

nutrients and is extremely beneficial for health (Soundarapandian and Ananthan, 2008; Soundarapandian et al.,

2010). Thus, the meats are also prominent sources of minerals, mainly iron, calcium, potassium phosphorus

and zinc, which aids in reducing oxidative damage to cells and tissues and acts as an antioxidant by cancelling

out the carcinogenic effects. Mineral values of different crab species have been previously investigated in

various parts of the world. Davis (1996) studied marine crustaceans; Küçükgülmez et al. (2006) studied


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Callinectes sapidus; Moronkola et al. (2011) reported Callinectes amnicola. Jimmy and Arazu (2012) studied

two edible Crabs Callinectes amnicola and Uca tangeri. However, the study of the mineral content in

Podophthalmus vigil Fabricius is very limited. Since crab is consumed by local population on regular basis. In

the present investigation mineral content was studied in all sexes of the crab, P. vigil.

2 Materials and Methods

The male, female and berried females of P. vigil were procured from Parangipettai

(Lat. 11021’ N; Long. 790 46’ E) landing centres. The carapace of the crabs was opened and the edible parts of

muscle tissues were removed with sharp forceps. The removed muscle tissues were homogenized with pestle

and mortar. The grounded muscles were then freeze dried and powdered and eventually stored in refrigerator

for further analysis. To the 5g of crab tissue samples, mixture of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and perchloric

acid at a ratio of 10:5:1 was added for digestion at 30 ºC. The digests were filtered suitably and aspirated in

digital flame photometer (Modal No.CL 22D, Elico pvt, India), the values obtained were expressed in mg/100g

(Guzman and Jimeneza, 1992).

The data were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and difference between means were

determined by Duncan’s multiple range tests (P<0.05) using SPSS version 17.0.

3 Results

The minerals of the P.vigil muscle tissue is shown in Table1 and Fig. 1. Totally 7 minerals were reported in the

present study. For the individual contribution 5 (Sodium>Calcium>Potassium>Iron>Magnesium), 7

(Sodium>Calcium>Iron>Potassium>Phosphorus>Magnesium>Zinc) and 4 (Calcium>Sodium>Iron>

Magnesium) minerals were reported in males, females and berried females respectively. In all sexes sodium

and calcium were maximum and magnesium was minimum. Comparatively females contain maximum amount

of minerals than males and berried females. Phosphorous and zinc were absent in males whereas potassium

was absent in addition to phosphorous and zinc in berried females. Among different sexes females contain

maximum amount of minerals (61.56 mg) followed by males (39.92 mg) and berried females (35.11 mg).

Table 1 Mineral composition (mg/100g) in the muscle of P. vigil. (Values are mean of three values ±SE)

S.No. Minerals Male Female Berried

1 Calcium 11.46±0.43c 14.58±0.37 a 12.98±0.48 b

2 Magnesium 0.99±0.54 c 2.50±0.49 a 1.09±0.39 b

3 Iron 7.45±0.46 c 13.32±0.48 a 8.54±0.36 b

4 Sodium 11.5±0.34 c 15.89±0.41 a 12.50±0.51 b

5 Potassium 8.52±0.36 10.52±0.48 -

6 Phosphorus - 3.09±0.33 -

7 Zinc - 1.66±0.39 -

Total 39.92±2.13 b 61.56±2.95 a 35.11±1.66 c

-: Trace amount. Different superscripts in a rows are significantly different (P<0.05).

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Fig. 1 Mineral composition (mg/100g) in the muscle of P. vigil.

4 Discussion

Marine foods are very rich sources of mineral components. The total content of minerals in the raw flesh of

marine fish and invertebrates is in the range of 0.6 – 1.5% wet weight. Mineral components such as sodium,

potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and iodine are important for human nutrition (Sikorski et al.,

1990). Crustaceans are also good sources of various minerals and high quality protein. Crab meat is an

excellent source of minerals, particularly calcium, iron, zinc, potassium and phosphours (Sifa et al., 2000;

Adeyeye, 2002; Gokoglu and Yerlikaya, 2003; Naczk et al., 2007). Living organisms require trace amounts of

some heavy metals including iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, strontium, vanadium and zinc.

Excessive levels of these metals, however, can be detrimental to living organisms (Prajapati et al., 2012).

Other heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury have no known beneficial effect on organisms and

their accumulation over time in the bodies of mammals can cause serious illness (Hawkes, 1997). The fish and

shellfish can absorb minerals directly from the aquatic environment through gills and body surfaces. Almost all

the elements that occur in seawater are found to some extent in aquatic animals and these includes Na, K, Ca,

P, Al, Ba, Cd, I, Cr, Pb, Li, Hg, Ag, St and Va. Eyo (2001) reported that the mineral content of fish makes

unavoidable in the diet, as it is a source of different minerals that contribute greatly to good health.

The minerals are serving as components of bones, soft tissues (Sulfur amino acids, metalloproteins) co-

factors and co-activators of various enzymes important in human nutrition. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium

and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) are considered to be as macro elements and iron, copper, zinc, iodine,

chromium, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, selenium are considered as trace elements that are required for

normal functioning, for instance the more soluble minerals such as Ca, P, Na, K and Cl are involved in the

maintenance of acid-base balance and membrane potential. The main functions of essential minerals include

skeletal structure, maintenance of colloidal system and regulation of acid-base equilibrium. Minerals also

constitute important component of hormones, enzymes and enzyme activators (Belitz and Grosch, 2001). It is

known that variations in the mineral composition of marine foods are closely related to seasonal and biological

differences (species, size, dark/white muscle, age, sex and sexual maturity), area of catch, processing method,

food source and environmental conditions (water chemistry, salinity, temperature and contaminant).

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Considering the elemental composition of common food items (dairy products, meat, fish, cereals and

fruits), C. pagurus hepatopancreas is a good source of Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se (FAO/WHO, 2002; Martins,

2006). The more soluble minerals such as Ca, P, Na, K and Cl also have osmoregulatary function and the

maintenance of acid-base balance and membrane potentials (Davis et al., 1992). Some elements such as Mg,

Al, Ca, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn are necessary for maintenance of optimum health thus are important from nutrition

point of view. Metals such as Pb, Cd, As and Hg are detrimental to optimum health and have toxicological

effect and the tissue samples are also used as a bio-indicator to assess bioavailability of contaminant

concentrations in coastal water in environmental studies (Mohapatra et al., 2007).

The aquatic environmental/ecosystem and their inhabitants are exposed and sensitive to effects of

environmental pollution from heavy metal contamination. Aquatic animals accumulate large quantities of these

xenobiotics and the accumulation depends upon the intake and elimination from their body (Karadede et al.,

2004). Among different aquatic organisms; oysters, crab and mussels, accumulate large quantities of heavy

metals due to their habitat and feeding nature. Many metals (Co, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn) are essential trace

elements for aquatic organisms and are involved in biochemical processes such as enzyme activation (Lall,

1989).

In the present study, sodium and calcium was maximum and Magnesium was minimum irrespective of the

sex. In individual contribution 5(Sodium > Calcium > Potassium > Iron > Magnesium), 7 (Sodium >

Calcium > Iron> Potassium > Phosphorus > Magnesium > Zinc) and 4(Calcium> Sodium > Iron > Magnesium)

minerals are reported in males, females and berried females respectively. These are very much comparable

with studies of Hagashi et al. (1979), Anon (1999), Thirunavukkarasu (2005) and Sudhakar (2009). Gokoglu

and Yerlikaya (2003) investigated the mineral contents of blue crab, C. sapidus and swimming crab P.

pelagicus and suggested that Na, Ca, Zn, Cu values for blue crab and swimming crab were not significantly

different. Trace elements content in haemolymph of normal and red sternum mud crab were observed by

Salaenoi et al (2006). The average Ca contents of green tiger shrimp and speckled shrimp were 60.28mg/10 g

and 60.44 mg/10 g, respectively (Yannar and Celik, 2006). Chen et al. (2007) reported the concentration of

nine elements (Zn, Fe, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Mg, Ca, and P) in different tissues of crab meat and edible viscera of

Chinese mitten crab, E. sinensis. Mohapatra et al. (2009) studied the concentration of 10 elements (ppm) (K,

Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Sr and Pb) in S. serata, S. tranquebarica, P. monodon, P. indicus and

M.rosenbergii. Sudhakar et al. (2009) assessed the minerals content of hard and soft shell crabs P.

sangiunolentus. Mohapatra et al. (2009) recorded the concentration of nine elements (K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn,

Se, Br and Pb) in different tissues of mud crab S. serrata.

The calcium and phosphorus together account for 70 to 80% of the minerals in the skeleton of fish (Nair

and Mathew, 2000). In the present study calcium and megnesium alone contribute 50%. Calcium is maximum

in females than males of P. vigil. Similar results were reported in P. sanguinolentus (Sudhakar et al. 2009), S.

tranquebarica (Thirunavukkarasu, 2005) and E. sinesnsis (Chen et al., 2007). Ca has an essential role in blood

clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Calcium is nutritionally very important (up to 1.9% Ca is

available in human body) and provides rigidity to the skeleton and plays a role in many metabolic processes

(FAO/WHO, 2002). It is also essential for hard tissue structure, blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve

transmission and osmoregulation and as a cofactor for enzymatic procession (Lovel, 1989). The higher Ca

content in male crabs are likely because this species has a sexual dimorphism, in which males have bigger

claws and harder exoskeletons (composed by calcium phosphate). Particularly during the premoult period of C.

pagurus, hepatopancreas accumulates Ca that is likely used in the exoskeleton calcification (Luquet and Marin,

2004).

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Magnesium is maximum in females than berried females and males. Magnesium was already reported in P.

sanguinolentus (Sudhakar et al., 2009), S. tranquebarica (Thirunavukkarasu, 2005) and E. sinesnsis (Chen et

al., 2007). Magnesium is important for human nutrition and it is required for body’s enzyme system. In

addition to maintain bone health, magnesium acts in all cells of soft tissues, where it forms part of the protein-

making machinery and necessary for energy metabolism. Mg is cofactor for enzyme systems (Food and

Nutrition Board, National Research council, 1989).

Iron is maximum in females than berried females and males. Iron was already reported in E.sinesnsis

(Chen et al., 2007). Iron is one of the very important essential trace elements since it has several vital

functions in human system. It serves as a carrier of oxygen to tissues from the lungs by red blood cell.

Adequate Fe in the diet is very important for avoiding some major health problems (Belitz and Grosch, 2001;

Camara et al., 2005). Adequate iron in the diet is very important for decreasing the incidence of anaemia,

which is considered a major health problem, especially in young children. Iron deficiency occurs when the

demand for iron is high, e.g., in growth, high menstrual loss, and pregnancy (Belitz and Grosch, 2001; Camara

et al., 2005). Transition metal ions, particularly Cu and Fe, have been known as the major catalysts for

oxidation (Thanonkaew et al., 2006). Sodium contribution is maximum irrespective of the sex. In individual contribution sodium is the highest

in females followed by berried females and males of P. vigil. Sodium was already reported in P.

sanguinolentus (Sudhakar et al., 2009), S. tranquebarica (Thirunavukkarasu, 2005) and E. sinesnsis (Chen et

al., 2007). Sodium is the principal cation of the extra cellular fluid and regulator of its volume. Sodium also

helps to maintain acid-base balance and is essential for nerve system.

Potassium is maximum in females than males and totally absent in berried females. Potassium was already

reported in P. sanguinolentus (Sudhakar et al., 2009), S. tranquebarica (Thirunavukkarasu, 2005) and E.

sinesnsis (Chen et al., 2007). Potassium is important to maintain the pH, storage and transfer of energy and

nucleotide synthesis. Phosphorous is available only in females and totally absent in males and berried females.

Phosphorous was already reported in E. sinesnsis (Chen et al., 2007). The phosphorous (adenosine

polyphosphate) act as a key substance for energy release and present in phospholipids (Decker and Tuczek,

2000). Ca and P are necessary to maintain an optimal bone development, with more of both minerals being

required during childhood and growing stages to prevent rickets and steomalacia. The calcium and

phosphorous together account for 70 to 80% of the minerals in the skeleton of fish (Nair and Mathew, 2000).

Zinc is available only in females and totally absent in males and berried females. Zinc was already reported

in P. sanguinolentus (Sudhakar et al., 2009), S.tranquebarica (Thirunavukkarasu, 2005) and E. sinesnsis

(Chen et al., 2007). Zinc is an essential trace element for all living species, since is an important component of

several enzymes (Chen et al., 2007) and plays an essential role in a number of biological processes involved in

growth and development (FAO/WHO, 2002). MacFarlane et al. (2000) in semaphore crab also reported higher

Cu and Zn accumulation in females than to males. From the study female contains maximum amount of

minerals than berried females and males. So it is recommended to consume females to get maximum minerals.

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Article

The effects of some domestic pollutants on the cumacean (Crustacea)

community structure at the coastal waters of the Dardanelles, Turkey

A.Suat Ateş1, Tuncer Katağan2, Murat Sezgin3, Hasan G. Özdilek4, Selçuk Berber1, Musa Bulut1 1Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, TR- 17100 Çanakkale, Turkey 2Ege University, Fisheries Faculty, TR- 35100 Bornova-İzmir, Turkey 3Sinop University, Fisheries Faculty, TR- 57000 Sinop, Turkey 4Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, TR- 17100 Çanakkale, Turkey


Received 2 September 2013; Accepted 8 October 2013; Published online 1 March 2014

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of sewage pollution on the cumacean assemblages found in

the coastal waters of the Dardanelles. The samples were collected by a SCUBA diver between July 2008 and

April 2009 and a total of 102 specimens belong to 5 cumacea species, Bodotria arenosa mediterranea,

Cumopsis goodsir, Cumella limicola, Iphinoe maeotica and Pseudocuma longicorne was recorded. The

dominant species, Iphinoe maeotica has the highest dominance value (36.66%). Multiregression approach

resulted in statistically insignificant relationship between physical, chemical and biochemical variables of

water and sediment and Bodotria arenosa mediterranea, Cumopsis goodsir, Cumella limicola, and Iphinoe

maeotica. Based on multiple regression test, a significant relationship with R2 = 92.2%, F= 7.876 and p= 0.000

was found between six water and sediment quality constituents and numbers of Pseudocuma longicornis at the

stations studied of the Dardanelles. On the other hand, water temperature (β= -0.114; t= -2.811, p= 0.016);

sediment organic matter (β= -0.011; t= -2.406; p= 0.033) and water phosphorus (PO4) (β= 0.323; t= 3.444; p=

0.005) were found to be the most important water and sediment parameters that affect Pseudocuma longicornis.

Keywords Cumacea; crustacean; community; sewage pollution; the Dardanelles; Turkey.

1 Introduction

Every human activity generates wastes in all forms, solid, gaseous, and liquid (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003).

Domestic water pollution from industrial, agricultural and urban areas end up in freshwater or brackish water

sources, affecting water resources if not properly treated before discharge (Botkin and Keller, 2003). Coastal

water pollution is among one of the most crucial water pollution problems since community use such sources


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for fishing, swimming and other recreational activities. In Turkey, wastewater treatment is a major problem

since 45% of domestic wastewater is discharged into seas (TSI, 2010). Despite the fact that industrial water

pollution is not a major problem in Turkey, quantity of domestic wastewater has increased dramatically over

the past few decades due to expansion of urbanization in Turkey. Turkish seas are connected via two sea straits,

named Bosporus and Dardanelles. Dardanelles connects the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Dominant

water flow is from Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and then to the Aegean. However, coastal urban areas are

main concern due to their untreated wastewater discharges followed inputs from ships. It is reported that

approximately 50000 ships pass through the Dardanelles every year. Coastal zone, however, are more polluted

with wastewaters disposal from small communities followed by ship activities. The effect of untreated

wastewater disposal on coastal zone is in general observed as eutrophication. With the effect of dry period and

ambient air temperature, eutrophication is observed especially in August. However, dilution of water pollution

with respect to higher precipitation and therefore runoff do not cause eutrophication in the winter months,

especially in January.

Crustaceans are mostly used as bioindicators and biomonitors in different aquatic ecosystems and they are

known as bioindicators in polluted areas (Rinderhagen et al., 2000). Sewage pollution impacts benthic

organisms. Changes due to pollution are determined by community structure of benthic fauna primarily

(Arasaki et al., 2004). Although some temporary changes in organic matter are observed due to sewage

pollution at initial stages, sensitive species soon leave the polluted zone if pollution is a persistent problem

(Bat et al., 2001). To determine the distribution of indicator species is crucial in maping of pollution gradients

(Corbera and Cardell, 1995). Many study on the subject were carried out on polychaetes and molluscs (Bellan,

1967).

Crustaceans are the first of sensitive livings among benthic assemblages affected by quantity of sewage

pollution (Bat et al., 2001; Del Vals et al., 1998; Guerra-García and García-Gómez, 2004). Physical

environmental factors as well as pollutant concentrations are important in determination of benthic community

and low biodiversity is a fact on sewage pollution affected areas in coastal zones (Morrisey et al., 2003).

Sewage pollution’s effects on crustaceans in the Mediterranean ecosystem are found in the following studies.

Del Val et al. (1998) and Guerra-García and García-Gómez (2004) studied the effects of sewage pollution on

crustaceans found in soft bottoms of two different littoral systems of Cadiz Bay (the eastern Atlantic) and of

Ceuta Harbour (the Gibraltar Strait) respectively. Additionally, García Raso and Manjón Cabeza (2002)

determined the effects of sewage pollution on decapod crustaceans in the upper-infralittoral zone of Barbate

Coast (the southern Spain). Recently, Hamouda and Abdel-Salam (2010) studied the distribution models of

macrobenthic communities including cumaceans found in Abu-Qir Bay (Alexandria, Egypty) in where organic

pollution occurs. Extreme organic pollution causes to disappear of sensitive species in the environment

(Hamouda and Abdel-Salam, 2010).

Bat et al. (2001) mentioned effects of domestic wastewater discharge on several crustacean species at the

depths of 0.5-1 m on the coast of Sinop Harbour (the southern Black Sea, Turkey). Albayrak et al. (2006)

sampled four different locations in the northern Marmara Sea in order to determine levels of pollution due to

organic material discharges. Tuğrul-İçemer and Koşun (2003) carried out a study underlining that benthic

community structure under sewage pollution in Antalya Bay (the eastern Mediterranean). Similar to our study,

Corbera and Cardell (1995) studied indicative cumaceans affected by eutrophication in the soft bottoms of

Barcelona coast (the southern Spain).

Despite of several studies (Tuğrul-İçemer and Koşun, 2003 for the Mediterranean Sea, Kocataş et al., 1988

for the Aegean Sea, Albayrak et al., 2006 for the Sea of Marmara, Okuş et al., 1996 for the Bosporus, Bat et al.,

2001 for the Black Sea) regarding the effects of pollution on benthic communities of the Turkish coast

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occurred, there is no research indicated the effects sewage pollutants on the structure of macrozoobenthic

communities in relation to environmental conditions in the Dardanelles. The Dardanelles is a long, narrow, and

shallow strait. Saros Bay is located in the North part of the Dardanelles is known as an important fisheries

activity area and it is expressed that water coming from the Black Sea is discharged into the northern Aegean

and the Saros after passing the Dardanelles. Therefore, the end point of the water flow from the Black Sea is

this region. Any type of pollution is highly expected to accumulate in the region.

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of sewage pollution on the cumacean assemblages on soft

bottoms of the Dardanelles.

2 Material and Methods

2.1 Sample collection, study area and field measurements.

Study area includes 8 sampling points, 4 of them are located on the Anatolian Coast and other 4 are located on

the European Side. GPS coordinates of the sampling stations are: 1. Gelibolu; 40°40΄617˝N 26°66΄692˝E, 2.

Lapseki; 40°34΄661˝N 26°67΄985˝E, 3. Çanakkale; 40°15΄474˝ N 26°40΄879˝ E, 4. Kilya Inlet (reference site);

40°20΄472˝N 26°36΄117˝E, 5. Eceabat; 40°18΄253˝N 26°36΄046˝E, 6. Kilitbahir; 40°15΄048˝N 26°37΄878˝E, 7.

Kepez Harbour (reference site); 40°10΄360˝N 26°37΄339˝E, 8. Dardanos; 40°07΄493˝N 26°35΄806˝E (Fig. 1).

Samples of cumacean at the depths of 0 to 5 m were collected from three different transects (depth counters of

0.5, 2 and 4 m) using a quadrate system of 30x30 cm by a Scuba diver and preserved in buffered formalin.

Samplings were carried out on July 17, 2008, November 12, 2008, February 16, 2009 and April 29, 2009,

seasonally.

Fig. 1 Map of the study area showing the sampling stations (1: Gelibolu, 2: Lapseki, 3: Çanakkale, 4: Kilya Inlet, 5: Eceabat, 6: Kilitbahir 7: Kepez Harbour, 8: Dardanos).

2.2 Sediment type of sampling sites

Sampling depths were selected in localities that pouring down domestic waste to the marine environment. For

the reference stations, the same sampling depths were adopted. Hence, the depth of each sample showed a

different structure of the bottom. The bottom of 2-5 m of Kilitbahir sampling station is partly covered by

Mytilus galloprovincialis. Kilya station is silty. Eceabat station (2-4 m) is sandy bottom with meadows,

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Zostera marina. While Lapseki sampling site has fine sand, Çanakkale sampling site is partly covered by algae

and coarse sand with rocks. Kepez Harbour is dominated by mytilid bivalve, Mytilus galloprovincialis at depth

of 4 m. Dardanos sampling site is covered with fine sand of meadows, Zostera marina. Sediment organic

matter was determined by 550 °C incineration of washed known weight of sediment samples (generally 50

grams) for two hours. The difference between incinerated and raw sediment weight provided percent organic

matter. Sediment organic matter was determined by the high temperature oxidation method adopted by Craft et

al., 1991. In addition to loss of ignition at 550 °C using furnace, organic carbon and total nitrogen were also

determined by the high temperature oxidation method. Loss of ignition method requires a weighed dry

material and slowly increasing furnace set up 550 °C and waiting generally 1 to 2 hours at this temperature.

TOC analyzers are gaining in favour because of short test periods. Clean sand sample was also tested to

compare with results obtained from sediment samples.

2.3 Sea water quality parameters

Dissolved oxygen, water temperature, electrical conductivity, pH and salinity were measured using YSI 556

model MPS on site. Water samples were collected using dark color 1 liter clean glass bottles. Ammonia,

nitrate, nitrite, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxigen Demand, and anionic detergents were

determined using Standard Methods (Apha Awwa, 2005). Moreover, water organic constituents were

determined using Hach-5000 spectrophotometer. There replicates were tested for all parameters and

statistically no difference were found after data evaluation. Quality control was ensured when testing

parameters in laboratory.

2.4 Ecological data analyses

Triocular stereo microscope was used to determine of specimens belonging to cumaceans found from the study

area. The specimens of cumacean were defined based on the study of Ledoyer (1965). To elucidate the

community structure, Soyer (1970)’s frequency index (¦f%), Bellan-Santini (1969)’s quantitative dominance

index (Di%), Shannon and Weaver (1949)’s diversity index (Hˊ) as well as its evenness component (Jˊ) and

Bray and Curtis (1957)’s similarity index were calculated. The community structure was investigated by

group-averaging cluster analysis based on the Bray and Curtis (1957). In calculating of (Shannon and Weaver,

1949)’s diversity index (Hˊ) as well as its evenness component (Jˊ) primer program 6.0 was used.

The frequency index of a particular species was estimated by

f= (m/M)×100

where, m is number of stations where species of concern exists, and M is number of all stations.

The dominance index of a certain species was estimated by Di = (m/M)×100, where m = individual number

of a species in the stations and, M = total individual numbers of all species.

The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was estimated by

H´= - Σ pi (log2pi),

where S = total individual number of a species, and N =total individual numbers of all species.

The Pielou evenness index was estimated by

J´= H´/ log2S

where H’= Shannon index value; S = species number.

Bray and Curtis (1957)’s similarity index is

Bray-Curtis Sjk=100 {1- |Σ|yij - yik|/Σ|yij + yik||}

2.5 Statistical data analyses

Variance analyses were completed to see whether there are statistical differences between sampling sites and

sampling time (seasons). These analyses were completed using SPSS 10.0. Moreover, physical and chemical

water quality parameters were tested in order to see which ones are correlated. Friedmann test was adopted to

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see cumacea species distribution with respect to seasonal changes

FD = [12 / (b×t×(t+1)] × Σ[(Sj)2-(3×b×(t+1)]

where b is number of sampling stations (8) and t is number of seasons (4), and Sj is standart deviation of the

data set.

All collected parameters were evaluated using MANOVA (multiple analysis of variance). The correlation

between species compositioin and polluants was evaluated using a Spearman Correlation. The relationship

between the physico-chemical parameters and domestic pollutants in sea water was identified by the method of

canonical discriminant analysis.

3 Results

3.1 Environmental conditions

Seasonal mean dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was computed to be 7.13 (±0.59) mg L-1. Çanakkale was

found to have the highest DO concentration (9.79 mg L-1) in April 2009. Lapseki discharge site was found to

have the lowest DO value (3.68 mg L-1) in July 2008. Seasonal average value of salinity was computed to be

25.52 (±1.30) ‰ for all sampling sites and times. Dardanos discharge sampling site was found to have the

highest salinity value (30.5‰) in November 2008. Lapseki discharge sampling site was found to have the

lowest salinity value (23.6‰) in April 2009. Mean sea water temperature among all stations and sampling

times was determined to be 16.02 (±5.82) °C for sampling area. The highest sea water temperature (26.77 °C)

belongs to Kilya reference sampling site in July 2008 despite the fact the lowest (8.87 °C) was recorded at

Gelibolu discharge site in February 2009 (Table 1). Table 1 includes all the physical and chemical data

measured in the sampling area. Based on two-way ANOVA, only sampling times was found to create

differences in DO, pH and sea water temperature statistically. However, both sampling times and sampling

sites were found to create statistical differences in salinity and electrical conductivity according to two-way

analysis of variance (MANOVA).

3.2 Water pollutants (NH4+, NO3

-, NO2-, PO4

-3, sediment organic matter and anionic detergent)

Ammonia (NH4+) concentration of all sampling times and locations was computed as 35.94 (±50.26) mg L-1 on

average. The highest ammonia levels belong to Çanakkale and Lapseki discharges as 168 and 166 mg L-1 in

July 2008 respectively. Kilya and Kepez harbour sites were detected to have the very low ammonia

concentration as 0.06 mg L-1 (both) in April 2009. Moreover, Kilya reference site was found to be the cleanest

in terms of NH4+ as 0.05 mg L-1 in February 2009 (3.68 mg L-1) in July 2008. Nitrate (NO3

-) concentration of

all sampling times and locations was computed as 0.30 (±0.22) mg L-1 on average. The highest nitrate level

(0.85 mg L-1) was detected at the Lapseki discharge in November 2008. Çanakkale and Eceabat discharges

were found to have the lowest nitrate concentration as 0.01 mg L-1 (both) in February 2009. Mean nitrite

(NO2-) level of all sampling times and locations was computed as 0.057 (±0.04) mg L-1. The maximum nitrite

level was measured at the Gelibolu discharge as 0.158 mg L-1 in February 2009. Interestingly Kepez harbour

reference station was found to have a high level of nitrite as 0.151 mg L-1 in February 2009. Dardanos

discharge site was found to have the lowest nitrite concentration of 0.004 mg L-1 in July 2008.

Mean sediment organic matter (percent SOM) of all sampling times and locations was computed as 2.85

(±2.16) %. The maximum SOM level was found at Lapseki discharge as 9.86% in April 2009 possibly due to

less variation in temperature, continuous sewage discharge and structure of the site since it is less affected by

flow in the strait. The lowest SOM (0.55%) was measured at Kilitbahir discharge because of the fact that the

highest flow in the strait is near this site. As expected. Kilitbahir site was recorded with the lowest SOM as

1.75 %. Mean anionic detergent of all sampling times and locations was computed as 0.04 (±0.02) mg L-1. The

highest detergent value. 0.105 mg L-1. was measured at Gelibolu discharge site in July 2008. The lowest

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amount of detergent (0.011 mg L-1) was found at Kepez harbour probably due to the fact that there is a

wastewater treatment plant. Kepez and Kilya reference sites. Average anionic detergent concentration was

computed to be 0.63 and 0.62 mg L-1 at Gelibolu and Lapseki discharge sites to be the highest among all

sampling stations taking into account only of individual sampling sites not the individual sampling time (Table

2).

Table 1 Dissolved oxygen, seawater temperature, seawater salinity, pH, electrical conductivity values measured at study site.

Sampling

Period

July 2008 November 2008 February 2009 April 2009

Stations O2

mg L-1

T

(°C)

S

(‰)

pH O2

mg L-1

T

(°C)

S

(‰)

pH O2

mg L-1

T

(°C)

S

(‰)

pH O2

mg L-1

T

(°C)

S(‰) pH

Çanakk

ale (D) 4.19 23.7 23.3 8.21 5.00 15.25 25.6 8.32 9.63 9.18 27.8 5.30 9.79 14.26 24.4 7.07

Lapseki

(D) 3.68 24.57 22.6 8.15 3.34 15.70 24.6 8.25 9.65 9.31 27.4 6.40 8.72 13.68 23.6 6.85

Gelibol

u (D) 5.58 25.03 22.8 8.33 5.56 16.17 25.5 8.51 9.61 8.87 27.6 7.48 8.13 13.10 24.3 6.50

Kilya

Inlet

(R)

8.46 26.77 23.1 8.53 5.90 16.30 25.7 8.55 9.25 9.24 26.5 7.55 7.95 13.50 23.3 6.48

Eceabat

(D) 7.40 25.60 22.9 8.39 6.01 16.01 25.5 8.46 9.56 9.24 27.4 8.09 8.90 13.31 24.2 6.52

Kilitbah

ir (D) 5.16 25.1 23.1 8.31 5.68 16.37 25.6 8.33 9.20 9.12 27.6 8.79 8.90 13.23 24.3 7.05

Kepez

Harbou

r (R)

5.14 24.39 23.5 8.30 5.28 16.22 26.1 8.45 5.68 9.65 28.3 5.44 8.65 14.10 24.8 6.74

Dardan

os (D) 6.49 24.36 28.1 8.44 5.83 16.07 30.5 8.70 7.94 9.61 28.3 5.13 8.04 15.75 28.6 6.88

DO (mg L-1): Dissolved oxygen. T (°C): Seawater temperature. T (‰): Seawater salinity. pH: Activity of Hidrojen ion. EC (mS/cm): Conductivity.

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Table 2 Ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, sediment organic matter, and anionic detergent measured measured during the study. Sampling

period

July 2008 November 2008 February 2009 April 2009

Stations NH4 NO3 NO2 OM AD NH4 NO3 NO2 OM AD NH4 NO3 NO2 OM AD NH4 NO3 NO2 OM AD

Çanakkale (D) 168 0.08 0.012 8.22 0.058 56.1 0.76 0.079 16.7 0.078 48.3 0.01 0.105 22.5 0.056 0.72 0.16 0.018 50.2 0.048

Lapseki (D) 166 0.4 0.031 14.1 0.067 121 0.85 0.092 13.7 0.053 7.8 0.74 0.057 22.5 0.083 0.13 0.15 0.014 98.6 0.045

Gelibolu (D) 1.47 0.32 0.113 8.75 0.105 1.89 0.60 0.041 34.9 0.057 1.62 0.15 0.158 13.1 0.049 0.41 0.22 0.036 45.0 0.039

Kilya Inlet (R) 72.4 0.28 0.039 11.4 0.028 11.6 0.34 0.028 12.9 0.021 0.05 0.42 0.074 15.1 0.014 0.06 0.18 0.034 56.9 0.014

Eceabat (D) 33 0.11 0.036 12.3 0.066 52 0.12 0.047 28.5 0.037 77.1 0.01 0.092 11.0 0.061 3.90 0.31 0.047 44.3 0.041

Kilitbahir (D) 33.7 0.02 0.031 5.50 0.019 13.5 0.15 0.038 18.9 0.029 3.5 0.17 0.023 18.8 0.044 1.93 0.41 0.043 26.6 0.033

Kepez Harbour

(R) 14 0.28 0.074 16.2 0.024 12.9 0.11 0.096 19.4 0.027 16 0.20 0.151 20.1 0.013 0.06 0.60 0.036 46.3 0.011

Dardanos (D) 131 0.32 0.004 72.9 0.027 97.3 0.41 0.034 28.6 0.026 2.71 0.40 0.118 33.2 0.018 0.40 0.20 0.037 65.8 0.014

Average and

Standart

Deviation

77.4

(68.3

)

0.23

(0.14)

0.043

(0.035)

18.7

(22.2

)

0.05

(0.03

)

45.8

(44.2

)

0.42

(0.29

)

0.057

(0.02

8)

21.7

(7.99

)

0.041

(0.02

)

19.64

(23.6

1)

0.26

(0.25)

0.10

(0.05

)

19.5

(6.96

)

0.04

(0.03)

0.91

(1.33

)

0.28

(0.16)

0.033

(0.011)

54.2

(21.2)

0.031

(0.015)

*: All variabales are presented as mg L-1 and OM: sediment organic matter (‰)

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Table 3 Total number of specimen belong to species found, values of dominance (Di%), and of seasonal abundance (f%) of cumaceans in the study area.

3.3 Faunal composition

A total of 102 specimens belong to 5 cumacean species in the soft bottoms of the depths between 0 and 5 m of

8 different stations (6 discharges, 2 references) in the Dardanelles was reported. Among these species Cumella

limicola has the highest dominance value of 35.29%. This species was followed by Iphinoe maeotica with

value of 32.35% and Cumopsis goodsir (Di%=15.68). The lowest value (Di%=3.92) is belong to Pseudocuma

longicorne. The annual values of dominance of all cumaceans are presented in Table 4. All cumacean species

found here appeared to constitute permanent components of the fauna (with f% values >50). In winter 2009,

there was a highest number of individuals (n=48), while Cumella limicola and Iphinoe maeotica were

observed in this period with a maximum number of individuals (N=17).

The highest number of specimens was found at Lapseki discharge station (42 specimens), and the lowest

value was 4 at Çanakkale discharge and Kepez Harbour site (Fig. 2; Table 3). In the study area, the maximum

species (5) was recorded in Autumn 2008 and Winter 2009 seasons. At least species was observed in Summer

2008 with 3 species. The highest number of individual (58 specimens) was recorded in winter 2009. This

season was followed by Spring 2009 with 34 specimens and Autumn 2008 15 specimens. The lowest value (5

specimens) was reported in summer 2008 (Fig. 3).

The diversity index values (Hˊ) at the sampling stations ranged between 0.46 and 1.91. The evenness index

(Jˊ) values belong to the stations mainly ranged between 0.46 and 0.95 (Fig. 4). Hˊ values for Çanakkale and

Kepez Harbour stations couldn’t be calculated because only single species was recorded from the stations cited.

The seasonally values of the equitability and diversity indices showed a similar development and the diversity

(Hˊ) was highest in February 2009. The diversity index values (Hˊ) in sampling seasons ranged between 0.4

and 0.68. Moreover, the evenness index (Jˊ) values according to the seasons mainly ranged between 0.80 and

0.98 (Fig. 5).

These results show that cumaceans were generally more abundant in the winter and spring as compared to

other seasons. According to results of the Bray and Curtis (1957)’s similarity index, the seasons Spring and

Winter 2009 shared the same similarity groups with a value of 81.26%. on the one hand. the similarity value

was 69.63% between winter-spring 2009 group and Autumn 2008 (Fig. 6).

Bray and Curtis (1957)’s similarity analysis shows that Gelibolu, Lapseki, Dardanos discharge sites and

Kilya Inlet reference station shared the same group and the similarity value for these stations is approximately

66%. The highest similarity was observed between the Eceabat discharge station and Kepez Harbour reference

station with a value of 69.74% (Fig. 7).

Calculation of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs) (Zhang, 2012a, b) between biotic (species’

number) data and domestic pollutants (NH4, NO3, NO2, organic matter in sediment, and anionic detergent)

Species Kilitbahir Eceabat

Kilya Inlet Gallipoli

Lapseki Canakkale

Kepez Harbour

Dardanos

Total

specimen (Σ)

Dominance

(Di%)

Seasonal

frequency (f%)

Bodotria arenosa mediterranea

0 0 0 1 5 4 0 3 13 12.74 100

Cumopsis goodsir

2 0 0 0 10 0 0 4 16 15.68 75

Cumella limicola 6 9 1 2 13 0 4 1 36 35.29 100

Pseudocuma longicorne

3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 3.92 50

Iphinoe maeotica 0 1 11 5 14 0 0 2 33 32.35 100

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parameters revealed a statistically non-significant correlation (p < 0.05). A positive correlation is observed

between the cumacean fauna and the pollutants, NO3 (rs = 0.72; p < 0.05), organic matter (rs = 0.43; p < 0.05),

NH4 (rs = 0.31; p < 0.05) and anionic detergent (rs = 0.23; p < 0.05).

Bodotria arenosa mediterranea was found to be statistically indifferent at stations based on Friedman test

(FD = 7.56 < χ2 (0.05; 7) = 14.1). Cumopsis goodsir was also indifferent in terms of numbers identified by

sampling stations according to Friedman test result (FD = 4,67 < χ2 (0.05; 7) = 14.1). Cumella limicola was

determined to be indifferent in terms of numbers grouped by sampling stations after completing Friedman test

(FD = 8,33 > χ2 (0.05; 7) = 14.1). Pseudocuma longicorne also showed no statistical difference among sampling

stations based on Friedman test result (FD = 2,33 < χ2 (0.05; 7) = 14.1). Iphinoe maeotica was also found not

statistically different based on numbers according to Friedman test (FD = 6,69 < χ2 (0.05; 7) = 14.1). In summary,

Friedman test result indicates that the stations and seasons have no effect on number of specimens belong to

the species indicated above.

Multivariate non-parameteric tests also confirmed that no statistically significant results exists. Bodotria

arenosa mediterranea, Cumopsis goodsir, Cumella limicola, Iphinoe maeotica species were found to have no

statistical relevance with water and sediment quality parameters examined (organic constituents of water)

based upon multiple linear regression. Besides seawater temperature (β= -0.114; t= -2.811 (p= 0.016));

quantity of organic matter in sediment (β= -0.011; t= -2.406 (p= 0.033)) was found to be the most important

water and sediment parameters that affect the the number of individual belong to Pseudocuma longicornis. In

addition, water temperature and organic matter in sediment were determined to have negative impact on

number of individuals belong to Pseudocuma longicorne.

Although not found statistically significant, at least one parameter examined (electrical conductivity pH,

OM, AD, temperature, and salinity in water (spectorophotometrically measured 254 nanometers), sediment

water content (%), NO3-, NH4

+ was found to be related with Bodotria arenosa mediterranea.

Fig. 2 The number of species and individuals recorded at the sampling stations.

4

42

8 104

111013

05

1015202530

354045

Çanak

kale

Lapse

ki

Gelibolu

Kilya I

nlet

Eceab

at

Kilitba

hir

Kepez

Harb

our

Dardan

os

Sampling stations

The

num

ber

of s

peci

es a

nd in

divi

dual

s

The number of speciesThe number of specimens

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15

34

3

5 5 45

48

05

1015202530354045505560

Summer 2008 Autumn 2008 Winter 2009 Spring 2009

Seasons

The

num

ber o

f spe

cies

and

indi

vidu

als

The number of species

The number of specimens

Fig. 3 The number of species and individual found during the sampling seasons.

1,91

0,00 0,00

1,84

1,29

0,770,46

1,43

0,900,95

0,000,00

0,92

0,81

0,480,46

0,00

0,50

1,00

1,50

2,00

2,50

Kilitba

hir

Eceab

at

Kilya I

nlet

Gelibo

lu

Lapse

ki

Çanak

kale

Kepez

Har

bour

Dardan

os

Sampling sites

H

0,000,100,200,300,400,50

0,600,700,800,901,00

JH´ J´

Fig. 4 Values of the diversity (Hˊ), evenness (Jˊ) at the sampling points.

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0,40,8

0,96

0,98

0,96

0,68

0,67

0,57

Summer 08

Autumn 08

Winter 09

Spring 09

Sam

plin

g se

ason

H and J values

H´ J´

Fig. 5 Values of the diversity (Hˊ), evenness (Jˊ) in the seasons.

Fig. 6 Similarity of the cumacean community in the sampling seasons (Bray-Curtis index).

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Fig. 7 Similarity of the cumacean community at the sampling stations (Bray-Curtis index).

4 Discussion

Benthic assemblages are widely used as indicators and for the detection of human impacts on marine

environments (Del Pilar Ruso et al., 2007). In this study, the consequences of domestic sewage discharge from

different localities of the Dardanelles, which connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea and a part of

Turkish straits system, and reference sites, which have natural back sides and have less pollution were

examined. The effects of raw sewage discharged at different communities situated on the strait on coastal

macrobenthic communities were not specifically studied. With this detailed study, the effects of sewage

disposals released from communities (namely Eceabat (population 5,498 according to 2007 census). Gallipoli

(population 31,746 according to 2007 census), Lapseki (population 10,612 according to 2007 census) and

Çanakkale (population 86,544 based on 2007 census), which is the capital of Çanakkale Province and one

municipality (Kepez population is approximately 10,000) and one village (Kilitbahir, population is

approximately 1,000)) and one natural (Kilya Inlet) were examined. In addition to these, Dardanos is a

summer resort and domestic sewage is also discharged there. Kepez is the only community that has been

served with a wastewater treatment plant since 2007. The sampling site at Kepez is also next to the harbour

and is affected by strong surface current. Effects of pollution of coastal waters (0-5 m depth) from domestic

wastewater on cumacea species were studied. As known, shallow coastal waters and estuarines are dynamic

zones because of strong waves and mixing of freshwater and salty water. This natural variation may cause

main reason of organism stress. Yet, nutrients, organic matter and pollutant entrance in such environments

might change environmental circumstances (Venturini et al., 2004).

Present literature about sewage pollution on seas underline that environmental factors (water mass, benthic

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and pelagic communities sediment, trophic chain) are affected differently with diverse discharges (Echavarri-

Erasun et al., 2007). Sewage pollution can change structural integrity of biodiversity (Terlizzi Et al., 2002).

Several benthic groups such as macroalgae, tunicates, poriferas, bivalves, and crustaceans impact in where

domestic pollution is a reality. Moreover, the present populations of these organisms decline with respect to

time (Chapman et al., 1995), since domestic wastes bring nitrogen, organic carbon, and phosphorus into

aquatic systems. In other words, sewage pollution is a mixture of many types of toxic matter and its harmfully

effects the biota. Eutrophication has an important role in destruction of biodiversity in aquatic environments

(Elmanama et al., 2006).

With the effect of pollution, dominant cumacean species are reported between 5 and 13 m as Bodotroia

pulchella and Pseudocuma longicorne and Pseudocuma simile and Iphinoe armata below 20 m by Corbera

and Cardell (1995). In addition, sediment organic matter was found to be between 0.6 and 1.1% in Barcelona,

Spain (Corbera and Cardell, 1995) also reported that Iphinoe rhodaniensis has the highest biomass value and

its existence is triggered with the increase of pollution. In our study, reported cumaceans are Bodotria arenosa

mediterranea. Iphinoe maeotica, and Pseudocuma longicorne. These species were found in winter season

when sediment organic matter is 1.95±0.69%. Moreover, these species were found dominant at the depths

between 0 and 2 m. The most dominant species were found to be Cumella limicola (Di=35.29%) and Iphinoe

maeotica (Di=%32.35).

Hamouda and Abdel-Salam (2010) reported two cumaceans, Bodotria scorpioides and Iphinoe serrata on

the coasts of Abu-Qir Bay (Alexandria, Egypt) in where organic matter is observed. Iphinoe serrata was the

dominant species with its dominance value of 97.75%. The structure of cumacea community in this study are

affected more by nitrite content in seawater.

The physical environmental factors and the concentrations of pollutants in seawater are important in

determining of benthic community structure and in polluted areas the community has a low species diversity

(Morrisey et al., 2003). This status is same for Lapseki, Gallipoli, and Çanakkale discharges. While no species

was recorded for Lapseki discharge in summer sampling, the same station has 21 cumacean specimens for

spring season. Discharge points for Çanakkale and Gallipoli, while these values for summer, spring is 0 to 0

and 3 and 5 respectively. This can be explained with the increase in the number of specimens in the stations

cited owning to excessive precipitation during spring period. Due to precipitations observed during spring the

input of freshwater carried by stream constituted the pollution in Lapseki sampling point caused the dilution of

local contaminants.

The Dardanelles is rarely polluted by urbanization and industrial facilities where are located its around

because of Çanakkale has the lowest population density in Marmara Region up to date. Also, an important

amount of wastewater originated with all eastern Europe, a part of the middle Europe, and the group of

independent states are unpurifiedly moved by upper current to the Black Sea, the Bosporus, the Sea of

Marmara, and the Dardanelles. Even if the pollutant concentrations are low in the areas such as bay sheltered

(example of anionic detergent as Kilya Inlet, the average annual; 0.019±0.005 mg/L), accumulation of some

pollution is reality during no fresh water input (in summer months especially) if discharges of domestic

pollution happens (e.g. Lapseki).

Deep discharge of sewage of Çanakkale province center (in the Dardanelles undercurrent Aegean Sea to

the Marmara Sea), domestic pollution, especially the tide was low at times (summer and autumn), the inlets

and small bays in areas where pollutant accumulation is possible. Wastewater is less dense than sea water

(have lower specific gravity), but without any particular stream impacts directly related to the horizontal

surface layer can be transported away from the discharge point. Denitrification via nitrite and nitrate in water

and nitrous oxide are converted (Sawyer et al., 2003).

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Lapseki discharge points throughout the year than other stations in the NH4+ and NO3

- the reason why the

highest value of the accumulated sediments in the long term can be connected to the organic debris. The most

important element of livings on the basis of only the nitrogen and phosphorus in terms of nitrate nitrogen,

which is a derivative of the Dardanelles, nor seasonal sampling locations differ in terms of what can be said.

The organic matter content of water in the Black Sea and the Marmara and Aegean probably varies with the

convection dynamics. North-east wind is generally strong, mistral wind and south due to the strong currents of

change in systems locality has led to removal of pollutants from the study area. Based on our observations we

can say that, especially in summer time when parts of the residential area of the strait at night discharges are

intense. The impact of these discharges under the influence of wind and currents in the Strait will be gone in

the morning as possible, but it was a part of sunlight during the discharge of pollution that cannot be intense.

Canonical Discriminant Analysis showed that anionic detergent concentration is the main factor among all

physical and chemical factors examined in the study. Wilks’ Lambda was found to be 4.981 (p=0.018) for

anionic detergent. Discriminant function analysis showed that physical and chemical constituents measured in

this study differ notably in winter compared to other seasons. It is hard to tell, however, that whether

temperature or fresh water inputs to the system or both together, equally, cause differences among the

parameters examined. It could be concluded that change in some physical and chemical constituents differ due

to the fact that summer resorts, seasonal runoff difference, although not examined, and most importantly

temperature in the study area. With the expected population change, increase in some physical and chemical

water quality parameters will probably be experienced in the future if pollution control measures would not be

taken beforehand.

However, study in discharge points in recorded number of species than the expected due to the reason that

the pollutant factors of sediment in water and strong currents and wind action because of its intensity

negatively affecting absence is considered.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey CAYDAG

107Y332 code project.

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Article

Redescription and new distributional records of Matuta planipes

(Fabricius, 1798) (Crustacea; Decapoda; Matutidae) from Chennai

Coast, Tamil Nadu K. Silambarasan, K. Velmurugan, E. Rajalakshmi, A. Anithajoice

P.G. and Research Department of Zoology, Sir Theagaraya College, Chennai-600021, India


Received 18 November 2013; Accepted 25 December 2013; Published online 1 March 2014

Abstract

Matuta planipes is reported for the first occurrence from Chennai coast, Tamil Nadu. Four female and two

male specimens was caught in trawl net near Kasimedu fish landing center, on September 2013. The

morphological characters of Matuta planipes, is having on surface regions of male chela a single spine, frontal

lobes and carapace covered with reticulated loops as compared with bispinose chela, rounded lobes and

minutely spotted carapace of the latter, these characters mostly differs from Matuta victor. The specimen has

been compared with the earlier reports and other similar species.

Keywords Matuta planipes; trawl net; Kasimedu; Chennai coast.

1 Introduction

Crabs constitute an important crustacean resource in trawl catches and they also from an important ecological

entity in their habitat. Although the commercial fishery supported by species belonging to the family

Portunidae, there are numerous brachyuran crab species from other families which are also caught accidentally

in trawl nets and landed as low value by catch. Brachyuran crabs comprise about 700 genera and 5000 to

10,000 species worldwide (Ng, 1998; Ng et al., 2008). Crabs of the family Calappidae and Matutidae known as

box crabs, shamefaced or moon crabs are one of the most fascinating crabs in the tropical and subtropical seas

of the world ocean (Galil and Clark, 1995).The moon crabs belonging to family Calapidae, it was containing

16 genera, of which 7 in fossils. The Callapidae crabs have been studied from Indian waters was represented

by (Dana, 1852). In India 705 brachyuran crab species, 28 families, 270 genera heave been reported

(Venkataraman and Wafar, 2005). A total of 991 species of brachyuran crabs have been recorded from the

Indian waters (Lakshmi Pillai and Thirumullu, 2008). Tamil Nadu coast one of the states in India has 404


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species of crabs belonging to 26 families and 152 genera were recorded by Kathirvel (2008). Though relatively

more taxonomic works on the brachyuran crabs have been done on the fauna of Indian regions, our

information on the fauna of Indian sub-continent is very scanty. Among the species reported from India many

need detailed taxonomic revision and redescription. One such species is Matuta planipes first described by

Fabricius 1798. In the present study, this species is redescribed and newly recorded from the Kasimedu,

Chennai coast, Tamil Nadu.


During the survey of brachyuran fauna of Matuta planipes (Fabricius, 1798) has four adult female and two

male species were collected in Chennai coast using trawl net. Trawl net hauled from depth of 40 m to 60 m.

The specimen was preserved in 10% formalin and its taxonomy was confirmed to species level using various

literatures (Sethuramalingam and Ajmalkhan, 1991; Jayabaskaran et al., 2000). The specimen was deposited in

the Department of Zoology, Sir Theagaraya College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

3 Results

This species is available in various parts of the world. In earlier periods Alcock, 1896 was recorded in Indian

water, after a long period recorded in this species at Kasimedu, Bay of Bengal, Chennai Coast. So, this species

consider as the redescription and new distributional records of Chennai coast (Fig .1 a & b). The systematic

position and diagnostic features, coloration and distribution are as follows:

Systematic Position

Phylum - Arthropoda

Class - Crustacea

Order - Decapoda

Sub order - Pleocymata

Infra order - heterotremata

Super family - Leucosioidea

Family - Matutidae

Genus - Matuta

Species - planipes

(a). Matuta planipes – dorsal view

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(b). Matuta planipes- ventral view

Fig. 1 a & b Matuta planipes.

Diagnostic features

Surface of carapace minutely granulate, small tubercles clustering around six dorsal tubercles, largest cluster

surrounding mesogastric tubercle, front with straight horizontal lobes laterally and slightly emarginated

rostrum medially. Ischium of third maxilliped tuberculate. Anterolateral margins nearly uniformly crenulate,

tubercles somewhat larger posteriorly. Lateral spine 0.2 carapace width. Postero lateral margin oblique, with

granulate carina extending to base of lateral spine. Carpus of cheliped with two obtuse tubercles on outer

surface, its upper margin carinate, granulate, internal anterior angle produced. Upper margin of palm cut in to

three teeth, proximal tooth tuberculate. Upper external surface with two rows of granulate low tubercles,

proximal most in lower row largest. Mid palm, in male, rounded ridges extending to tip of lower finger,

proximally with granulate tubercle followed by a prominent, acuminate spine. Mid palm, in female, five

tubercles, second tubercle spine like. At lower proximal angle of palm a small granulate tubercle. Lower

margins with row of tubercles terminating at base of dactylus. In female, an additional row of obtuse granules

parallel to lower margin. Distinctly milled ridge on outer surface of dactylus in male, absent in female.

Plastron finely granular.

Colouration

Carapace with reticulating brown lines forming small rings anteriorly and larger, elongate loops posteriorly.

Type Locality

Bay of Bengal (Chennai Coast).

Distribution

Indian Ocean (Fabricius, 1798, Galil and Clark, 1995); Persian Gulf (Stephensen, 1945); Strait of Hormuz

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(Stephensen, 1945); Pakistan- Karachi (Alocock, 1896, Tirmizi and Kazmi, 1991); India – Sundarbans and

Gangetic Delta, Mahanadhi Delta, Madras and Bombay (Alocock, 1896); Srilanka (Galil and Clark, 1995);

Burma (Alocock, 1896);and near Tavoy (Chopra and Das, 1937); Distribution map for Matuta planipes was

given in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 Distribution map for Matuta planipes (courtesy: Ocean Biogeographic Information System).

4 Discussion

The present record matches well with the earlier descriptions and illustrations of Matuta planipes was reported

by Alocock (1896) from Indian Ocean. Dana (1852) was reported 16 genera of Calappidae family from Indian

waters. Sankarankutty (1965) were reported the species from Andaman and Nicobar islands. Ng et al (2008)

has been reported the species from Singapore coastal waters. Meher Fatima (2003) has recorded two species of

Matutidae family from Karachi in Pakistan. Recently Varadharajan et al (2012) have reported the species from

Pondicherry coast, South east coast of India. Although, Matuta planipes and Matuta victor are very similar

morphologically certain distinctive characters have been described in having a single spine on external surface

of male chela, straight lateral frontal lobes (Galil and Mendelson, 2013). Hence, this species report is an

extended distribution and a new record from the Bay of Bengal at Indian water.

References

Alcock A. 1896. Materials for a carcinological fauna of India. No.2. the Brachyura oxystoma. Journal of

Asiatic society of Bengal, 65(2): 134-296

Chopra BN, Das KN. 1937. Further notes on crustacea decapoda in the Indian museum. IX. On three

collections of crabs from Tavoy and Margay archipelago. Record of the Indian Museum, Calcutta, 39(4):

377-434

Dana JD. 1852. Conspectus Crusacerorum Quae in Orbis Terrarum circumnavigation, Carole Wilkes e classe

Reipublicae Foederatae e Duce, and lexit et descripts. Proceedings of the Academy of National Sciences of

Philadelphia, 10- 28, USA

46

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Galil BS, Clark PF. 1995. A Revision of the genus Matuta weber, 1795 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Calappidae).

Zoologische Verhandelingen, Leiden, 294: 1-55

Galil BS, Mendelson M. 2013. A record of the moon crab Matuta victor from the Mediterranean of Israel. Bio

Invasion Records, 2(1): 69-71

Jeyabaskaran R, Ajmalkhan S, Ramaiyan V. 2000. Biodiversity project on Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve.

Parangipettai: Centre of Advanced Study of Marine Biology, Annamalai University, India

Kathirvel M. 2008. Biodiversity of Indian marine brachyuran crabs. Rajivghandhi Chair Special Publications,

7: 67-78

Lakshmipillai S, Thirumillu P. 2008. New records of Brachyuran crabs from the Chennai coast. Journal of

Marine Biological Association of India, 50(2): 238-240

MeherFathima. 2003. Length weight study of two species of crabs Matuta planipes and Matuta lunaris from

Karachi, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(4): 397-398

Ng PKL. 1998. Crabs. In: FAO Special Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of The

Western Central Pacific. Volume 2: Cephalopods, Crustaceans, Holothurians and Sharks (Carpenter KE,

Niem VH, eds). 1045-1155, Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome, Italy

Ng PKL, Guinot D, Davies PJF. 2008. Systema brachyuran. Part- I. An annotated checklist of extent

brachyuran crabs of the world. Raffles Bulletin Zoology, 17: 1-286

Sankarankutty C. 1965. On Decapoda brachyuran from the Gulf of Mannar and Palks bay. Proceedings

symposium of crustaceans. Marine Biological Association of India, I: 347-362

Sethuramalingam SA, Ajmalkhan S. 1991. Brachyuran Crabs of Parangipettai. Tamil Nadu: Centre of

Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, India

Stephensen K, 1945. The brachyuran of the Iranian Gulf with an appendix: The male pleopod of the Brachyura.

In: Danish Scientific Investigations in Iran, Part-4. 57-237, Copenhagen, Denmark

Tirmizi NM, Kazmi QB. 1991. Marine fauna of Pakistan: crustacean: Brachyura (Dromiacea,

Archaeobrachyura, Oxystomata, Oxyrhyncha). University of Karachi BCCI (Bank Credit Common Int)

Foundation Chair Publication, 1: 1-244

Varadharajan D, Pushparajan N, Soundarapandian P. 2012. New record of portunid crabs from Pondicherry

coast, south east coast of India. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives, 3(5): 1255-

1257

Venkataramana K, Waffer M. 2005. Coastal and marine biodiversity of India. Indian Journal of Marine

Sciences, 34(1): 57-75

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Article

Checklist of the subfamilies Mirinae and Orthotylinae (Hemiptera:

Heteroptera: Miridae) in western parts of Kerman Province, Iran Mohsen Shamsi1, Reza Hosseini1, Asghar Shirvani2

1Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran 2Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Kerman University, Kerman, Iran



Abstract

A faunal study was carried out on the subfamilies Mirinae and Orthotylinae (Heteroptera: Miridae) from

different parts of western Kerman Province on various host plants. In total 16 species belonging to 14 genera

were collected and identified from different host plants and localities.

Keywords Fauna; Miridae; plant bugs; Kerman Province; Iran.

1 Introduction

The Plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) are the most populated family of Hemiptera order, with approximately

11,020 described species (Cassis and Schuh, 2012). Size variation in Mirid bugs is from 1 to 15 mm. In term

of food behavior, Plant bugs are Phytophagous, Carnivorous, and Omnivorous. This family comprising eight

subfamilies which among them subfamilies Mirinae and Orthotylinae are the most diverse. The Mirinae is the

largest subfamily of Miridae with 6 tribe and more than 4000 described species (Cassis & Schuh, 2012). This

subfamily is defined by pretarsal and genitalic characters (Schwartz, 2008). Orthotylinae is another subfamily

that is comprised with six recognized tribes and more than 2000 described species (Schuh, 2002-2013). The

outstanding features of this subfamily that can be noted, are the greatly enlarged male parameres and

exaggerated endosomal spicules (Asquith, 1994).The existing species of these two subfamily have a wide

range of hosts including those which are plant feeder or predacious (Slater & Baranowski, 1978). Many of

plant feeder in Mirinae subfamily like Lygus Hahn and Adelphocoris Reuter directly damage the organs of

plants by feeding from plants sap and also indirectly damages them by potentially transferring plant pathogens.

Also species in Phytocoris Fallen genus are predaceous that nymphs and adults prey on mites, mite eggs,

aphids, and other small arthropods. In Orthotylinae subfamily species Ceratocapsus Reuter genus are

predaceous that nymphs and adults prey on mites and aphids (Braimah et al., 1982).


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Recently much attention has been focused on Iranian Plant bugs fauna. There are numbers of publications have

been published on Iranian mirid bugs in different regions (Hosseini, 1997; Hosseini and Linnavuori, 2000;

Hosseini et al., 2000, 2002a, b; Hosseini, 2013a, b, c; Hosseini, 2014; Linnavuori and Hosseini, 1998, 1999,

2000; Lashkari and Hosseini, 2012; Yarmand et al., 2004; Linnavuori, 2006, 2007, 2009; Mirab-Baloo, 2008;

Arkani; 2009, Ebrahimi et al, 2012). As a part of an extensive research on Plant bugs in Kerman, the aim of

this study was to collect and identify the species of the subfamilies Mirinae and Orthotylinae in Kerman

Province.

The Kerman Province, geographically is located on the south of Iran, neighbors with Khorasan and Yazd

Province in the north, Hormozgan Province in the South, Sistan-Baluchistan Province in the East and Fars

province in the West. Kerman is one of the Iran's largest provinces and occupied about 11% of this country.

The precipitation rate in this province is about 120 mm per year. Kerman province has a great variety of

climates. Extreme differences in elevation, latitude, and located in the vicinity of the world's driest deserts are

the reasons for this diversity (Society and Department of Geography Kerman Province, 2012).

Fig. 1 Map of Kerman province, its adjacent provinces and position in Iran. where shows the position of three cities of Baft, Sirjan and Bardsir among other cities of Kerman.


The research was conducted in the west of Kerman Province from different locations by collecting adult mirids

during summer 2012. Sampling was conducted in three cities in the western regions of the province including;

Baft (2283m, 29˚13'59''N, 56˚36'08''E) that is located on the southern east of province, neighbors with Jiroft in

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the east, Sirjan in the west, Bardsir in the north and Hormozgan Province in the south). Sirjan (1746m,

29˚27'07''N, 55˚40'52''E) that is neighbor with Baft from the east, Shahrebabak from the north, Fars province

from the west and Hormozgan Province from the south) and Bardsir (2046m, 29˚55'39''N, 56˚34'19''E) that is

adjacent to Baft from the south, Kerman from the east and north, and Sirjan from the west (Fig. 1). Specimens

were collected by sweep net and light trap. The sweeping method was used to collect living bugs on flowering

plants, shrubs, and foliage of trees. A sweep net (45cm diameter and 75cm length) was used for sweeping in

vegetation, and bushnet was used for tree foliages. The collected specimens were killed promptly in a small

tube containing Ethyl acetate, then they were transferred to the laboratory and were prepared for identification

under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZX 12). The genitalia was separated from males and mounted on slide by

using glycerin. Identification was done by relevant taxonomic keys (Wagner and Weber, 1964; Wagner, 1971;

1973) and compared with type species available in the Natural History Museum of University of Guilan. All

the specimens were deposited in the department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of

Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

3 Results

In this study, a total of 60 specimens belonging to16 species and 14 genera were collected. The collected

species are as follow:

Subfamily: Mirinae

Stenodema turanica Reuter, 1904

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Torang, August 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Medicago sativa (Fabaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Gogher, July 2012, (2625m, 29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Bardsir,

September 2012, (2046m, 29˚55'39''N, 56˚34'19''E), (Weeds), (M. Shamsi), Negar, August 2012, (2094m,

29˚51'34''N, 56˚47'57''E), Glycyrrhiza sp. (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Europe, Asia (Aukema & Rieger, 1999), Irano-Turanian (Linnavuori, 2009).

Lygus gemellatus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1835)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Torang, Agust 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Teriticum sativum (Poaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Bezenjan, August 2012, (2358m, 29˚14'48''N, 56˚41'50''E), (M. Shamsi), Kiskan, August 2012,

(2611m, 29˚22'46''N, 56˚38'14''E), Medicago sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Rabor, August 2012, (2330m,

29˚17'29''N, 56˚54'45''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Gogher, August 2012, (2625m, 29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E),

Teriticum sativum (Poaceae), (M. Shamsi), Baft, August 2012, (2283m, 29˚13'59''N, 56˚36'08''E), M. sativa

(Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), khabr, August 2012, (2140m 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), T. sativum (Poaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Sirjan: Zeydabad, July 2012, (1726m, 29˚36'55''N, 55˚32'12''E), Trifolium sp. (Leguminosae), (M.

Shamsi), Bardsir: Bardsir, August 2012, (2046m, 29˚55'39''N, 56˚34'19''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi),

Negar, September 2012, (2094m, 29˚51'34''N, 56˚47'57''E), T. sativum (Poaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Holopalaearctic (Linnavuori 2007), Europe, Asia , North Africa, North India, Nepal, Pakistan (Aukema &

Rieger, 1999).

Lygus pratensis (Linnaeus, 1758)

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Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft:Torang, August 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Medicago sativa (Fabaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Dashtab, July 2012, (2026m, 29˚59'45''N, 56˚38'12''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Bezenjan,

September 2012, (2358m, 29˚14'48''N, 56˚41'50''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Kiskan, August 2012,

(2611m, 29˚22'46''N, 56˚38'14''E), Trifolium resupinatum (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Rabor, July 2012, (2330m,

29˚17'29''N, 56˚54'45''E), T. resupinatum (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Orzooiieh, July 2012, (1169m, 28˚22'42''N,

56˚29'10''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Sirjan: Sirjan, August 2012, (1746m, 29˚27'07''N,

55˚40'52''E), T. resupinatum (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Negar, July 2012, (2094m, 29˚51'34''N,

56˚47'57''E), (M. Shamsi), T. resupinatum (Fabaceae), Lalezar, July 2012, (2844m, 29˚31'11''N, 56˚49'09''E),

M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Ghaleaskar, September 2012, (2659m, 29˚30'44''N, 56˚41'07''E), M. sativa

(Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Holopalaearctic (Linnavuori 2007).

Eurystylus bellevoyei (Reuter, 1879)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Baft, July 2012, (2283m, 29˚13'59''N, 56˚36'08''E), Pirus malus (Rosaceae), (M. Shamsi),

Dashtab, September 2012, (2026m, 29˚59'45''N, 56˚38'12''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Kiskan, September 2012,

(2611m, 29˚22'46''N, 56˚38'14''E), Medicago sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Rabor, September 2012, (2330m,

29˚17'29''N, 56˚54'45''E), Onobrychis sativa (Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi), Orzooiieh, July 2012, (1169m,

28˚22'42''N, 56˚29'10''E), Solanum tuberosum (Solanaceae), (M. Shamsi), August 2012, (2844m, 29˚31'11''N,

56˚49'09''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Gogher, August 2012, (2625m, 29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E), M.

sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Sirjan: Sirjan, August 2012, (1746m, 29˚27'07''N, 55˚40'52''E), M. sativa

(Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Zeydabad, July 2012, (1726m, 29˚36'55''N, 55˚32'12''E), (Weeds), (M. Shamsi),

Nosratabad, September 2012, (1724m, 29˚30'31''N, 55˚35'46''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Bardsir,

August 2012, (2046m, 29˚55'39''N, 56˚34'19''E), S. tuberosum (Solanaceae), (M. Shamsi), Lalezar, July 2012,

(2844m, 29˚31'11''N, 56˚49'09''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Ghaleaskar, August 2012, (2659m, 29˚30'44''N,

56˚41'07''E), Pirus malus (Rosaceae),(M. Shamsi), Negar, September 2012, (2094m, 29˚51'34''N, 56˚47'57''E),

(M. Shamsi),

Comments

Eremian with a wide distributional range in the Holomediterranean and sudanes subregions (Linnavuori, 2009),

Europe, Asia, Afrotropical regions and Orietal (Aukema & Rieger, 1999).

Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze, 1778)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Baft, July 2012, (2283m, 29˚13'59''N, 56˚36'08''E), Medicago sativa (Fabaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Dashtab, July 2012, (2026m, 29˚59'45''N, 56˚38'12''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Gogher,

August 2012, (2625m, 29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E), Glycyrrhiza sp. (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Kiskan, August

2012, (2611m, 29˚22'46''N, 56˚38'14''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Sirjan: Nosratabad, September

2012, (1724m, 29˚30'31''N, 55˚35'46''E), Glycyrrhiza sp. (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Mahmoodabad, September

2012, (1733m, 29˚31'40''N, 55˚36'23''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Sirjan, September 2012, (1746m,

29˚27'07''N, 55˚40'52''E), Onobrychis sativa (Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Ghaleaskar, September

2012, (2659m, 29˚30'44''N, 56˚41'07''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Negar, August 2012, (2094m,

29˚51'34''N, 56˚47'57''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi).

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Comments

Holopalaearctic (Linnavuori, 2007), Europe, Asia, North Africa, North India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kashmir and

North America (Aukema & Rieger, 1999).

Agnocoris reclairei (Wagner, 1949)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: khabr, August 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), Salix sp. (Salicaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Bongan, September 2012, (2615m, 29˚18'31''N, 56˚43'30''E), S. pendula (Salicaceae), (M. Shamsi),

Orzooiieh, July 2012, (1169m, 28˚22'42''N, 56˚29'10''E), S. Purpurea sp. (Salicaceae), (M. Shamsi), Torang,

August 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Salix sp. (Salicaceae), (M. Shamsi), Dashtab, september 2012,

(2026m, 29˚59'45''N, 56˚38'12''E), Salix sp. (Salicaceae), (M. Shamsi), Sirjan: Sirjan, August 2012, (1746m,

29˚27'07''N, 55˚40'52''E), S. sp. (Salicaceae), (M. shamsi), Balvard, July 2012, (1949m, 29˚24'26''N,

56˚00'41''E), S. sp. (Salicaceae), (M. Shamsi), Mahmoodabad, September 2012, (1733m, 29˚31'40''N,

55˚36'23''E), S. sp. (Salicaceae), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Ghaleaskar, August 2012, (2659m, 29˚30'44''N,

56˚41'07''E), S. sp. (Salicaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

The species was collected by light trap in gardens and deciduous forests. Euro-Siberian (Linnavuori, 2007).

Dichrooscytus persicus Josifov, 1974

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Torang, August 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Cupressus sempervirens

(Cupressaceae), (M. Shamsi), khabr, july 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), C. sempervirens

(Cupressaceae), (M. Shamsi), Rabor, September 2012, (2330m, 29˚17'29''N, 56˚54'45''E), C. sempervirens

(Cupressaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Irano-Turanian (Linnavuori, 2007).

Liocoris tripustulatus (Fabricus, 1781)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Bardsir: Lalezar, July 2012, (2844m, 29˚31'11''N, 56˚49'09''E), Salix sp. (Salicaceae), (M.

Shamsi).

Comments

Holomediterranean, extending to Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Iraq (Linnavuori, 2007).

Charagochilus gyllenhali (Fabricus, 1807)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Baft, July 2012, (2283m, 29˚13'59''N, 56˚36'08''E), Galium sp. (Rubiaceae), (M. Shamsi),

Khabr, August 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Gogher, August 2012, (2625m,

29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Bongan, July 2012, (2615m, 29˚18'31''N,

56˚43'30''E), Galium sp. (Rubiaceae), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Lalezar, July 2012, (2844m, 29˚31'11''N,

56˚49'09''E), Onobrychis sp. (Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi), Ghaleaskar, September 2012, (2659m, 29˚30'44''N,

56˚41'07''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Holopalaearctic (Linnavuori, 2007).

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Megacoelum hormozganicum Linnavuori, 2004

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Torang, July 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Glycyrrhiza sp. (Fabaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Khabr, July 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Dashtab, September 2012,

(2026m, 29˚59'45''N, 56˚38'12''E), Glycyrrhiza sp. (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Endemic to Iran (Linnavuori, 2009).

Orthops frenatus (Horvath, 1894)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Khabr, August 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), Medicago sativa (Fabaceae), (M.

Shamsi), Gogher, July 2012, (2625m, 29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E), M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Dashtab,

July 2012, (2026m, 29˚59'45''N, 56˚38'12''E), Onobrychis sp. (Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi), Torang, July 2012,

(2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Lalezar, July 2012, (2844m, 29˚31'11''N, 56˚49'09''E),

M. sativa (Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi), Ghaleaskar, September 2012, (2659m, 29˚30'44''N, 56˚41'07''E), M. sativa

(Fabaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

The species were collected by light trap. Irano-Turanian, recorded from Armenia, Iran, Afghanistan, and

Middle Asia (Linnavuori, 2007).

Orthops pilosulus (Jakovlev, 1877)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Gogher, July 2012, (2625m, 29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E), Amaranthus sp. (Amaranthaceae),

(M. Shamsi), Torang, August 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Kiskan, August

2012, (2611m, 29˚22'46''N, 56˚38'14''E), Onobrychis sp. (Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi), Rabor, september 2012,

(2330m, 29˚17'29''N, 56˚54'45''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Bardsir: Lalezar, september 2012, (2844m,

29˚31'11''N, 56˚49'09''E), Onobrychis sp. (Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi), Ghaleaskar, August 2012, (2659m,

29˚30'44''N, 56˚41'07''E), Amaranthus sp. (Amaranthaceae), (M. Shamsi), Torang, September 2012, (2145m,

28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Amaranthus sp. (Amaranthaceae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Irano-Turanian (Linnavuori, 2007).

Creontiades pallidus (Rambur, 1839)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Orzooiieh, July 2012, (1169m, 28˚22'42''N, 56˚29'10''E), Gossypium arboreum

(Malvaceae), (M. Shamsi), Torang, August 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Onobrychis sp.

(Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi), Khabr, August 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), Onobrychis sp.

(Leguminosae), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

Holomediterranean, widely distributed in the Middle East and the Ethiopian Region (Linnavuori, 2007).

Taylorilygus apicalis (Fieber, 1861)

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft:Torang, september 2012, (2145m, 28˚45'21''N, 56˚48'52''E), Artemisia aucheri

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(Asteraceae), (M.Shamsi), Khabr, August 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), A. aucheri (Asteraceae),

(M.Shamsi), Dashtab, July 2012, (2026m, 29˚59'45''N, 56˚38'12''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi).

Comments

The species were collected by light trap. Cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions (Linnavuori, 1999).

Subfamily: Orthotylinae

Orthotylus flavosparsus Sahlberg, 1841

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Baft: Bezenjan, July 2012, (2358m, 29˚14'48''N, 56˚41'50''E), (Weed), (M. Shamsi), Khabr,

August 2012, (2140m, 28˚48'59''N, 56˚20'49''E), Rosa damascene (Rosaceae), (M. Shamsi), Gogher, July 2012,

(2625m, 29˚28'42''N, 56˚24'37''E), (M. Shamsi), Sirjan: Balvard, August 2012, (1949m, 29˚24'26''N,

56˚00'41''E), (Weed), (M. Shams), Bardsir: Lalezar, september 2012, (2844m, 29˚31'11''N, 56˚49'09''E),

(Weed), (M. Shamsi), Ghaleaskar, September 2012, (2659m, 29˚30'44''N, 56˚41'07''E), R. damascene

(Rosaceae), (M. Shamsi),

Comments

Holarctic (Linnavuori, 2007).

Globiceps fulvicollis Jakovlev, 1877

Material examined

Iran, Kerman, Bardsir: Lalezar, July 2012, (2844m, 29˚31'11''N, 56˚49'09''E), Onobrychis sp. (Leguminosae),

(M. Shamsi).

Comments

West-Palaearctic (Linnavuori, 2007).

References

Arkani T. 2009. Biodiversity and faunal study of plant bugs (Miridae) in crops and fruit trees of Arak and

suburb. Msc Thesis, Islamic Azad University Arak Branch, Iran

Asquith A. 1994. Revision of the endemic Hawaiian genus Sarona Kirkaldy (Heteroptera: Miridae:

Orthotylinae). Bishop Museum Occas Paper, 40: 1-81

Aukema B, Chr Rieger. 1999. Catalogue of the Heteroptera of the Palaeratic Region Vol 3. The Netherlands

Entomological Society, Netherlands

Blatchley WS. 2010. Heteroptera or True Bugs of Eastern North America. The Nature Publishing Company,

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Brimah SA, Kelton LA, Stevart RK. 1982. The predaceous and Phytophagus Plant bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae)

found on apple trees in Quebec. Le Naturaliste Canadien, 109(2): 154-180

Cassis G, Schuh RT. 2012. Systematic, biodiversity, biogeography, and host associations of the Miridae

(Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha). The Annual Review of Entomology, 57: 377-404

Ebrahimi A, Hosseini R, Shoushtari RV. 2012. A faunal study of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Ghorveh

and its counties (Kurdistan province, Iran). Entomofauna, 33(4): 25-40

Hosseini R. 1997. A faunal study of Miridae (Heteroptera) in Guilan province. M.Sc thesis, Guilan University,

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Hosseini R. 2013a. On the genus Pilophorus HAHN (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Guilan province and adjacent

areas. Entomofauna, 34: 105-116

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Hosseini R. 2013b. On the tribe Dicyphini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Bryocorinae) in Guilan province

and adjacent area (Iran). Entomofauna, 34: 157-158

Hosseini R. 2013c. On the tribe Stenodemini (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae) in Guilan province and adjacent

areas (Iran). Entomofauna, 34: 377-396

Hosseini R. 2014. On the genus Adelphocoris (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Guilan province (Iran) and its adjacent


Hosseini R, Linnavuori, R. 2000. A faunal study on the mirids of Guilan province (Het.: Miridae,

Orthotylinae). Proceeding of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress. Isfahan University of Technology,

Iran

Hosseini R, Linnavouri R, Sahragard A. et al. 2000. Taxonomic study on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of Guilan

province (subfamily: Orthotylinae). Proceeding of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress. Isfahan

University of Technology, Iran

Hosseini R, Sahragard A, Hajizadeh J. et al. 2002. Taxonomic study of Mirid bugs in Guilan province-Tribe

Phylini. Proceeding of the 15th Iranian Plant Protection Congress. Razi University of Kermanshah, Iran

Hosseini R, Sahragard A, Hajizadeh J. et al. 2002b. Taxonomic study on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of Guilan

province. Proceeding of the 15th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, 307, Razi University of Kermanshah,

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The Society and Department of Geography Kerman province. 2013. http://geography.kermanedu.ir/toc.htm.

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Lashkari M, Hosseini R. 2012. A revised identification key to the Lygus-species in Iran (Hemiptera: Miridae).

Entomofauna, 33: 81-92

Linnavouri RE. 2006. Studies on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of guilan and the adjacent provinces in northern

Iran.I. Description of new species. Acta Universittatis Carolinae Biologica, 49: 219-243

Linnavouri RE. 2007. Studies on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of guilan and the adjacent provinces in northern

Iran.II. List of species. Acta Entomologyca Musei Nationalis Pragae, 47: 17-56

Linnavouri RE. 2009. Studies on the Nepomorpha, Geromorpha, Leptopodomorpha and Miridae excluding

Phylini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) of Khuzestan and adjacent province of Iran. Acta Entomologyca Musei

Nationalis Prage, 49(1): 1-32

Linnavouri RE, Hosseini R. 1998. New species of the Miridae (Heteroptera) from Iran. Acta Universitis

Carolinae, Biologica, 42: 3-15

Linnavouri RE, Hosseini R. 1999. On the genus Dicyphus (Heteroptera, Miridae, Dicyphinae) in Iran. Acta

Universitis Carolinae, Biologica, 43: 155-162

Linnavouri RE, Hosseini R. 2000. On the Polymerus subgenus Poeciloscytus FIEBER (Heteroptera, Miridae,

Mirinae) in Iran. Acta Universitis Carolinae, Biologica, 44: 189-194

Mirab-Balou M, Rasoulian GH, Khanjani R, et al. 2008. Study on Taxonomy of Phytophagus bugs of the

family Miridae and introducing insects natural enemies of the Alfalfa tarnished plant bug in Hamadan

Alfalfa farms (west of Iran). Pakistan Entomology Journal, 30(1)

Schuh RT. 2002-2013. On-line Systematic Catalog of Plant Bugs (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae).

http://research.amnh.org/pbi/catalog.

Schwartz MD. 2008. Revision of the Stenodemini with a review of the included genera (Hemiptera:

Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 110(4): 1111-

1201

Slater JA, Baranowski RM. 1978. How to Know the True Bugs (Hemiptera- Heteroptera). Brown Company

Publisher, Dubuque, Iowa, USA

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Wagner E,Weber H. 1964. Heteroptera Miridae. Faune de France 67. Federation Francaise des Societies de

Sciences Naturelles, Paris, France

Wagner E. 1971. Drei neun Heteroptera anus Iran (Heteroptera, Miridae). Reichenbachia, 14: 31- 37

Wagner E. 1974. Die Miriden Hahn, 1831. Des Mittelmeerrranmes und der Markaronescischen Inseln. Teil 1.

Entomologische Abhandlungen Herausgegeben von Stoatl. Mus. Fur Naturkunde Dresden 37,

Supplementary 1-2: 484

Yarmand H, Sadeghi E, Asgari H, et al. 2004. Diversity of some Miridae (Heteroptera) species associated with

forests and rangelands of Iran. Proceeding of 16th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, Iran

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Article

A study on the genus Orthops FIEBER (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae)

in Iran Reza Hosseini Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran



Abstract

This paper is the extension of a series of synoptic taxonomic treatments on the Miridae known from Guilan

and other provinces in Iran. In the genus Orthops FIEBER five species are known from Iran, including

Orthops (Montanorthops) pilosulus (Jakovlev, 1877), Orthops (Orthops) frenatus (Horváth, 1894), Orthops

(Orthops) basalis (Costa, 1853), Orthops (Orthops) campestris (Linnaeus, 1758) and Orthops (Orthops) kalmii

(Linnaeus, 1758). Pinalitus cervinus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1841) as a similar species to Orthops group is

included in this study. In this paper diagnoses, host-plant information, distribution data, and illustrated keys to

the genera and species are provided. For all species, illustrations of the adults and selected morphological

characters are provided to facilitate identification.

Keywords Miridae, Orthops; taxonomy; Guilan province.

1 Introduction

Mirid bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are one of the most species rich families of insects, with approximately

11020 described species. This family comprising eight subfamilies which among them Mirinae subfamily has

six tribes, including Herdoniini, Hyalopeplini, Mecistoscelini, Mirini, Resthenini and Stenodemini (Cassis and

Schuh, 2012), however Schuh (2013) has added Scutelliferini tribe to the above list.

Species in Orthops genus belong to the tribe Mirini. So far, 35 species has been recognized in this genus

belong to two subgenus Orthops and Montanorthops (Schuh, 2013). They have 3-6 mm body length. Vertex

provided with a margin or border. Genitalia of the males and females distinctly small. Body color variable, but

very seldom green, in that case the rostrum does not exceed the intermediate coxae (Wagner and Weber, 1964)

So far a few taxonomic works has been done on Miridae bugs in Iran (Hosseini, 1997; Hosseini and

Linnavuori, 2000; Hosseini et al., 2000, 2002a, b; Hosseini, 2013a, b, c; Hosseini, 2014; Linnavuori and

Hosseini, 1998, 1999, 2000; Linnavuori and Modarres, 1999; Linnavuori, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010;


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Arkani et al., 2011; Lashkari et al., 2011; Lashkari and Hosseini, 2012; Ebrahimi et al., 2012).

In this genus five species are known from Guilan and other provinces in Iran, including, Orthops

(Montanorthops) pilosulus (Jakovlev, 1877), Orthops (Orthops) frenatus (Horváth, 1894), Orthops (Orthops)

basalis (Costa, 1853), Orthops (Orthops) campestris (Linnaeus, 1758) and Orthops (Orthops) kalmii

(Linnaeus, 1758) (Linnavuori, 2007).

There is a lack of information for identification of Miridae species in Iran specially in Guilan province.

This work is an extension of a series of synoptic taxonomic treatments and re-description on the Miridae

known from Guilan and other provinces of Iran in order to fill this information gap. In this paper following

information including diagnoses, host-plant information, distribution data, and illustrated keys for five species

of Orthops and also Pinalitus cervinus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1841) as a similar species to Orthops group are

provided. For most species, illustrations of selected morphological characters are provided to facilitate

identification.


2.1 Collection of specimens

The sweep net, bush net and light trap was used for collecting mirids on vegetation and trees. The bugs felt on

the net were quickly picked off by an aspirator. Then collected specimens were killed promptly in a small tube

contains Ethyl acetate. Specimens after transferring to the laboratory were mounted on rectangular cards. All

specimens were examined using an Olympus SZX 12 stereomicroscope. A part of specimens examined in this

study were used from the insects’ collection available at the Natural History Museum of University of Guilan.

Illustrations of genitalia were prepared using a drawing tube attached to the stereomicroscope. Photographs of

specimens were taken using a Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel/Kiss X3 Digital) camera equipped by a Canon

EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens. Identification was done by relevant taxonomic keys (Wagner and Weber,

1964; Wagner, 1971). Identified species were confirmed by mirid specialist Dr. R.E. Linnavuori (Finland). All

species are kept in the insect collection of the Natural History Museum of University of Guilan. For species

collected from Guilan province information including altitude, latitude and longitude were provided for each

collection site. The system and nomenclature follows the catalogue of Aukema and Rieger (1999).

3 Results

The following is the key to the species of Orthops.

1- Species with shallow punctures, collar hair much longer than width of collar, spines on tibia dark

(Subgenus Orthops) …………………………………………………………………………....…….……….2

- Species with deep punctures, suppressed hairs on pronotal collar, spines on tibia yellow, color golden

yellow with reddish splashes and black markings (Subgenus Motanorthops) …………………..……..……. 5

2- A brown line on external side of each tibia from its base to the middle ……. O. (Orthops) frenatus

- Rarely brown line is present, but if present, interrupted near the knee …………….. ………............ 3

3- Side edge of the corium pale, concolorous. Apophysis of right paramere in the form of a

punch ..............................................................………………………………….. O. (Orthops) campestris

- Side edge of corium narrowly black. Apophysis of right paramere in the form of a hook ............... 4

4- Length of 3rd antennal segment < 0.55 mm, Elongated species ……… O. (Orthops) basalis

- Length of 3rd antennal segment > 0.5 mm, Scutellum usually with a triangular basal spot. Oval

elongated species…………..………………………………………………….... O. (Orthops) kalmii

5- Species entirely orange-red ………………………………………..…. O. (Montaorthops) pilosulus

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Orthops (Orthops) frenatus (Horváth, 1894) (Fig. 1A-C, 7A)

Material examined

Guilan province: Deylaman (36°53'05'' N, 49°54'26'' E, elev. 141 m), 16.-20.vii.1996, 18.-20.vii.1998; Barasar

(36°46'43'' N, 49°45'31'' E, elev. 1171 m), 23.vii.1996; Jirandeh (36°42'00" N, 49°47'28" E, 1343 m), 6.-

8.vii.1996.

This species has been reported from Korasan province: (70 km W of Darreh Gaz, , 14.VI.1994; Khalkanlod

30 kmE of Quchan, 7.VI. 1994; Khargh 70 km SW of Quchan, 8-9.VI. 1994; Mashhad, V-VII.1994) –

collected from mountain meadows (Linnavuori and Modarres 1999); Ardabil province: (Khalkhal, 30.vii.1996,

20.vii.1998; 20-30 km E of Khalkhal, 1.-21.vii.1996; Majareh – Khalkhal, 28.vii.1996), Tehran province:

(Azad Bar, 8.-10.vii.1995) and Alborz province: (Karaj, 12.-13.vii.2002) Linnavuori (2007); Khuzestan

province: (Bagh Malek, 9.–11.v.2007); Esfahan province: (Shahreza – Semirom, 11.vi.2003); Fars province:

(Dasht-e-Arzhan, 12.–13.vi.2003; Shul – Sangar, 17.–18.vi.2003); Ilam province: ( Ilam, 8.–9.vi.2005); West

Azerbaijan province (Kitkeh 50 km S of Mahabad, 19.–20.vii.2004, Marangalu near Urumiyeh, 15.–

17.vii.2004) (Linnavuori 2009)

Diagnosis

O. fernatus has a different morphology from O. kalmii (Linnaeus, 1758), O. campestris (Linnaeus, 1758) and

O. basalis (Costa, 1853). In this species there is a brown line on external side of each tibia from its base to the

middle (Fig. 1B) while in other three species external side of tibia is entirely pale or with a brown spot at the

knee and rarely the brown line is present but interrupted near the knee (Kerzhner, 1996). Apophysis of left

paramere in the form a sharp curved hook. Sensory lobe with a strong hunch (Fig. 1C).

Specific taxonomical diagnostic characters are shown in Table 1.

Fig. 1 Orthops (Orthops) frenatus (Horváth, 1894). (A): Adult; (B): Leg; (C): Left paramere.

Comments

Orthops frenatus Horvath, 1894 has been considered as a junior synonym of Orthops kalmii Linnaeus, 1758 in

Schuh (2013). This species usually is found in mountain meadows and at light in gardens at riversides and in

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hilly steppes. Recorded from Armenia, Iran (Tabriz), Afghanistan, and Middle Asia Kerzhner (1996), Irano-

Turanian (Linnavuori, 2007).

Table 1 Diagnostic taxonomical characters in four species of Orthops (numbers are ratio or size (in mm).

Orthops (Orthops) campestris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 2A-C, 7C)

Material examined

Guilan province: Masuleh (37°09'14'' N, 48°59'11'' E, elev. 1023 m), 28.vii.1996.

This species has been reported from Ardabil province: (Khalkhal, 30.vii.1996; 20-30 km E of Khalkhal, 1.-

12.vii.1996), Tehran province: (Azad Bar, 2410 m a.s.l., 8.-10.vii.1995), Mazandaran province: (Hassan Abad,

6.-7.vii.1995) (Linnavuori, 2007) and West Azerbaijan province (Marangalu near Urumiyeh, 15.–17.vi.2004)

(Linnavuori, 2009).

Diagnosis

Color from a pale yellow or greenish, rarely green, with drawings or brownish black, with a fine pubescence

and clear. O. campestris is the smallest and most oval Orthops species. This species has short antennae.

Antennas variables color, usually black, with a yellow section, the 3rd segment is much shorter than the head

width. Legs yellow, femora with two brown rings in the apical part. Oval elongated (Fig. 2A). 2nd antennal

segment barely as thick as the first. The right paramere small, in form of a punch (Fig. 2C). In the left

paramere (Fig. 2B) the sensory lobe very large, almost quadrangular, the apophysis acute, equipped with a

small point, which is directed towards the rear. Specific taxonomical diagnostic characters are shown in Table

1.

Length: 3.6 to 4.6 mm male, female 3.85 to 4.7 mm.

Comments

On undergrowth in deciduous forests. West-Palaearctic (Linnavuori, 2007). Holopaléarctique species (Wagner

and Weber, 1964). This species lives on Umbelliferae. Adults hibernate and are colored in green after

hibernation.

Taxonomic characters Ratio/Size (in mm) O. campestris O. basalis O. kalmii O. frenatus

Proportions among antennal segments

0.37-1-0.57-0.42 0.37-1-0.57-0.42 0.36-1.18-0.5-0.43 0.36-1-0.53-0.35

Diatone 0.87 0.9 0.93 0.88 Synthlipsis 0.37 0.37 0.32 0.38 Ocular index 1.48 1.48 1 1.65 Base of pronotum 1.5 1.5 1.45 1.55 Length of pronotum 0.75 0.77 0.81 0.78 1st antennal segment/ times as long as diatone

0.42 0.4 0.38 0.4

2nd antennal segment/ times as long as diatone

1.14 1.1 1.26 1.13

2nd antennal segment/ times as long as basal width of pronotum

0.66 0.66 0.81 0.64

Pronotum/ times as broad basally as long in middle

2 1.94 1.79 1.98

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Fig. 2 Orthops (Orthops) campestris (Linnaeus, 1758). (A): Adult; (B): Left paramere; (C): Right paramere.

Orthops (Orthops) basalis (Costa, 1853) (Fig. 3A-C, 7B)

Material examined

Guilan province: Deylaman (36°53'05'' N, 49°54'26'' E, elev. 141 m), 16.-20.vii.1996; Barasar (36°46'43'' N,

49°45'31'' E, elev. 1171 m), 23.vii.1996; Ganjeh (36°44'25" N, 49°24'03" E, elev. 302 m), 14.v.-13.vi.1995,

Jirandeh (36°42'00" N, 49°47'28" E, elev. 1343 m), 6.-8.vii.1996; Masuleh (37°09'14'' N, 48°59'11'' E, elev.

1023 m), 6.-26.vi.1995, 3.-8.vii.1996.

This species has been reported from Ardabil province: (Khalkhal, 30.vii.1996; Khalkhal – Kivi, 4.viii.1996;

Majareh – Kolur, 21.vii.1996), Zanjan province: (Gilankesh 15 km NW of Gilvan, 26.-27.vi.2004) (Linnavuori

2007), West Azerbaijan province: (50 km S of Mahabad, 19.–20.vii.2004), Markazi province (Tafresh, 7.–

8.vi.2006) (Linnavuori, 2009).

Diagnosis

O. basalis is always dark in color and never green like O. campestris and is larger, more elongate. Sometimes

in males three pale spots are seen on the scutellum.

Although this species is very similar to O. kalmii, the 3rd antennal segment is relatively long. The outer

edge of the corium very narrowly black, forehead usually with two black spots. Body shape longer and

narrower (Fig. 3A). Right paramere with a hook-shaped apophysis (Fig. 2C). Left paramere small, rounded

sensory lobe, provided with small teeth, the curved apophysis, very wide at its apex (Fig. 2B). Specific

taxonomical diagnostic characters are shown in Table 1.

Length: 4.1 to 5.2 mm male, female 4.2 to 5.3 mm.

Comments

On undergrowth in gardens and deciduous forests. Holomediterranean with a wide range in Europe. Usually

reported on Apiaceae (Linnavouri, 2007).

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Fig. 3 Orthops (Orthops) basalis (Costa, 1853). (A): Adult; (B): Left paramere; (C): Right paramere.

Orthops (Orthops) kalmii (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 4A-C, 7D)

Material examined

Guilan province: Darreh Dasht (36°48'10'' N, 49°38'24'' E, elev. 1144 m), 18.-21.viii.1998; Dasht-e-Veel

(36°50'48" N , 49°35'32" E, elev. 293 m), 20.viii.-11.ix.1998, 8.-10.ix.2000, 27.-29.vii.2002; Ganjeh

(36°51'14" N, 49°28'09" E, elev. 212 m), 14.v.-13.vi.1995; Lowshan (36°38'09" N, 49°29'26" E, elev. 323 m),

18.-20.viii. 2002; Manjil (36°44'25" N, 49°24'03" E, elev. 302 m), 15.-17.ix.2000; Nasir Masaleh (37°05'41" N,

49°18'56" E, elev. 128 m), 14.-15.viii.2002; Sang Rud (36°39'59" N, 49°42'06" E, elev. 1338 m), 19.-

20.viii.2002.

This species has been reported from Khorasan province: (Golestan Park 150 km W of Bojnurd,

14.VII.1994; Khargh 70 km SW of Quchan, 8-9.VI.1994; Lotfabad, 15.VI.1994; Mashhad, V-VII.1994; Nodeh

30-40 km ESE of Bojnurd, 1 1.VH.1994; Zaman Soofi 65 km W of Bojnurd, 12-13.VII.1994) (Linnavuori and

Modarres 1999); Ardabil province: (20-30 km E of Khalkhal, 1.-21.vii.1996; Kivi, 9.-11.viii.2002); Zanjan

province: (Gilankesh, 5.-6.vii.2004, Abbhar, 29.viii.-9.x.2000); Mazandaran province: (Qaehm Shahr, 1.-

2.vii.2004), Golestan province: (Gorgan Mian Dareh, 13.-14.vii.2003; Talulestan, 15.-16.vii.2004) Linnavuori

(2007) and West Azerbaijan province (Marangalu near Urumiyeh, 15.–17.vii.2004) (Linnavuori, 2009)

Diagnosis

O. kalmii is more elongate and often more extensively dark-marked. This species is very similar to O. basalis,

however the 3rd antennal segment is slightly shorter.

Color like the preceding species. Lateral edge of the corium narrowly black. The drawings of the dorsal

sharper (Fig. 4A). Smaller size. The right paramer higher, its apophysis shorter (Fig. 4B). Left paramer (Fig.

4C) more robust, the sensory lobe rounded, provided with small teeth, the smallest apophysis. Specific

taxonomical diagnostic characters are shown in Table 1.

Length: male 4.1 to 4.7 mm, female 3.9 to 4.6 mm.

Comments

On undergrowth in deciduous forests and gardens and at light in gardens near salt marshes. Holopalaearctic

(Linnavuori, 2007). This species is often found on Apiaceae.

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Fig. 4 Orthops (Orthops) kalmii (Linnaeus, 1758). (A): Adult; (B): Right paramere (different views); (C): Left paramere (different views).

Orthops (Montanorthops) pilosulus (Jakovlev, 1877) (Fig. 5A-C, 7E)

Material examined

Guilan province: Manjil (36°44'25" N, 49°24'03" E, elev. 302 m), 8.-10.v.2000; Sang Rud (36°39'59" N,

49°42'06" E, elev. 1338 m), 21.ix.2000.

This species has been reported from Khorasan province: (Chan Chiroc 50 km S of Tabas, 17.V.1994; Deh

Shor 25 km N of Tabas, 17.IV.1994; Parvand 70-80 km W of Sabzevar, 14-15.V.1996; Sorond and Modar 70

km S of Tabas, 18.V.1994; Tabas, 16-17.IV.1994) (Linnavuori and Modarres 1999); Zanjan province: (Abbhar,

28.ix.-9.x.2000; Gilankesh 9.-13.x.2000); Tehran province: (Evin near Tehran, 14.-16.vii.1995; 25 km NE of

Firuzkuh, 9.vii.2003); Semnan province: (20 km SW of Biyarjomand, 13.-14.v.1996) Linnavuori (2007), and

Kerman province (Caravanseray-e-Farhali, 20.v.1996; Raviz Shahabieh, 1800 m a.s.l., 24.v.1996) (Linnavuori,

2009).

Diagnosis

This species is entirely orange-red. Body size about 4 mm. Finely hairy with whitish densely punctured. Head

smooth, shiny, collar thick, white. Rostrum reddish at the base, and brown at the end. Antenna orange yellow,

where the 3rd and 4th segments fine brownish. Clavus, cuneus reddish-orange in the center.

Underneath of body white, orange-red. Clavus, cuneus in the center and a wide part at the end of the

corium orange-red. Membrane pale, transparent. Legs yellowish, hind leg end red, yellow tibial spines.

Specific taxonomical diagnostic characters are shown in Table 2.

Comments

On Pteropyrum aucheri in hilly steppes. Irano-Turanian (Linnavuori, 2007).

In the insect collection of University of Guilan, R.E. Linnavuori has labeled another species of Orthops in

the subgenus Montanorthops, under title O. sanguinolentus (Reuter), however examining of this specimen did

not show any significant differences with O. pilosulus. He never mentioned the presence of O. sanguinolentus

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in Iran in any of his papers, a possible explanation is that he regarded the two species as synonyms.

Fig. 5 Orthops (Montanorthops) pilosulus (Jakovlev, 1877). (A): Adult; (B): right paramere (different views); (C): left paramere

(different views).

Table 2 Diagnostic taxonomical characters in Orthops (Montanorthops) pilosulus.

Taxonomic characters Ratio/Size (in mm) Proportions between 1st and 2nd antennal segments 0.22-1.06 Diatone 0.9 Synthlipsis 0.35 Ocular index 1.29 Base of pronotum 1.375 Lenght of pronotum 0.75 1nd antennal segment/ times as long as diatone 0.24 2nd antennal segment/ times as long as diatone 1.17 2nd antennal segment/ times as long as basal width of pronotum 0.77 Pronotum/ times as broad basally as long in middle 1.83

Pinalitus cervinus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1841) (Fig. 6A-C, 7F)

Syn: Orthops cervinus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1841)

Material examined

Guilan province: Darreh Dasht (36°48'10'' N, 49°38'24'' E, elev. 1144 m), 27.v.-28.vi.1995, 20.-25.viii.1998;

Dasht-e-Veel (36°50'48" N, 49°35'32" E, elev. 293 m), 20.-25.viii.1998; 40-50 km E of Khalkhal (37°37'57'' N,

48°30'33'' E, elev. 1765 m), 21.vii.1996; Manjil (36°44'25" N, 49°24'03" E, elev. 302 m), 16.v.-14.vi.1995,

30.x.-1.xi.2000; Nasir Mahaleh (Shaft) (37°05'41" N, 49°18'56" E, elev. 128 m), 14.-15.viii.2002; Rasht

(37°15'37'' N, 49°35'25'' E, elev. 1.5 m), vi.-viii.1996; Salan Sar (36°54'36'' N, 49°26'20'' E, elev. 741 m),

23.viii.1998; Sang Rud (36°39'59" N, 49°42'06" E, elev. 1338 m), 19.-20.viii.2002; Sang Rud – Jirandeh

(36°42'00" N, 49°47'28" E, elev. 1343 m), 31.v.1995 ; Tutkabon – Rudbar (36°53'30'' N, 49°31'43'' E, elev.

181 m), 6.-8.vi.2002.

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This species has been reported from Ardabil province (20-30 km E of Khalkhal, 21.vii.1996; Majareh –

Khalkhal, 21.vii.1996) (Linnavuori, 2007).

Diagnosis

Elongated oval species (Table 3). Color from a yellowish brown, reddish or grayish pubescence, thin and clear.

Color of antenna yellow, the apical portion of 2nd , 3rd and 4th segments of antenna blackish brown. Posterior

margin of pronotum brown or black. Cuneus at its top brownish red or black. Length of species 2.5 to 3 times

longer than the width of the pronotum. Second segment of antennae as long or only slightly shorter than the

width of pronotum. Right paramere (Fig. 6C), the mastoid-shaped punch. Left paramere (Fig. 6B) small,

sensory lobe very small.

Length: male 3.8 to 4.2 mm, female 3.9 to 4.4 mm.

Comments

On deciduous trees. West-Palaearctic (Linnavuori, 2007). This species lives on trees with foliage (Tilia,

Fraxinus, Sorbus). Two types of color have been reported for this species: one color property grayish or

grayish brown and the ventral surface greenish, the other one yellowish brown or reddish and yellowish

ventrally (Wagner and Weber, 1964).

Table 3 Diagnostic taxonomical characters in Pinalitus cervinus.

Taxonomic characters Ratio/Size (in mm) Proportions among antennal segments 0.38-1.52-0.56-0.48 Diatone 0.88 Synthlipsis 0.27 Ocular index 0.84 Base of pronotum 1.37 Lenght of pronotum 0.63 1nd antennal segment/ times as long as diatone 0.43 2nd antennal segment/ times as long as diatone 1.72 2nd antennal segment/ times as long as basal width of pronotum 1.1 Pronotum/ times as broad basally as long in middle 2.17

Fig. 6 Pinalitus cervinus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1841), , (A), Adult, (B), Left paramere, (C), Right paramere.

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Fig. 7 (A-C): (A): Orthops (Orthops) frenatus (Horváth, 1894), (B): Orthops (Orthops) basalis (Costa, 1853), (C): Orthops (Orthops) campestris (Linnaeus, 1758).

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Fig. 7 (D-F): (D): Orthops (Orthops) kalmii (Linnaeus, 1758), (E): Orthops (Montanorthops) pilosulus (Jakovlev, 1877), (F): Pinalitus cervinus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1841).

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Dr. Rauno E. Linnavuori (Finland) for confirmation of the identified species.

References

Arkani T, Hosseini R, Vafaei Shoushtari R. 2011. Faunistic study of plant bugs (Miridae) and determination

dominant species in the agricultural farmlands and gardens of Arak and suburbs. Journal of Entomological

Research, 3: 85-93

Aukema B, Rieger Chr. 1999. Catalogue of the Heteroptera of the Palaeractic Region Vol 3. The Netherlands

Entomological Society, Netherlands

Cassis G, Schuh RT. 2012. Systemetic, biodiversity, biogeography, and host associations of the Miridae

(Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha). The Annual review of Entomology, 57: 377-404

Ebrahimi A, Hosseini R, Vafaei Shoushtari R. 2012. A faunal study of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) in

Ghorveh and its counties (Kurdistan province, Iran). Entomofauna, 33: 25-40

Hosseini R. 1997. A faunal study of Miridae (Herteroptera) in Guilan province. MSc thesis, University of

Guilan, Iran

Hosseini R. 2013a. On the genus Pilophorus hahn (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Guilan province and adjacent areas.

Entomofauna 34: 105-116.

Hosseini R. 2013b. On the tribe Dicyphini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Bryocorinae) in Guilan province

and adjacent area (Iran). Entomofauna, 34: 157-158

Hosseini R. 2013c. On the tribe Stenodemini (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae) in Guilan province and adjacent

areas (Iran). Entomofauna, 34: 377-396

Hosseini R. 2014. On the genus Adelphocoris (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Guilan province (Iran) and its adjacent


Hosseini R, Linnavuori, R. 2000. A faunal study on the mirids of Guilan province (Het.: Miridae,

Orthotylinae). Proceeding of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress. Isfahan University of Technology,

Iran

Hosseini R, Linnavouri R, Sahragard A. et al. 2000. Taxonomic study on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of Guilan

province (sub family: Orthotylinae). Proceeding of the 14th Iranian Plant Protection Congress. Isfahan

University of Technology, Iran

Hosseini R, Sahragard A, Hajizadeh J. et al. 2002a. Taxonomic study of Mirid bugs in Guilan province-Tribe

Phylini. Proceeding of the 15th Iranian Plant Protection Congress. Razi University of Kermanshah, Iran

Hosseini R, Sahragard A, Hajizadeh J. et al. 2002b. Taxonomic study on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of Guilan

province. Proceeding of the 15th Iranian Plant Protection Congress, 307, Razi University of Kermanshah,

Iran

Kerzhner IM. 1996. On type specimens of some Palaearctic Miridae in the Hungarian Museum of Natural

History (Heteroptera). Zoosytematica Rossica, 5(1): 99-102

Kerzhner IM, Josifov M. 1999. Cimicomorpha II: Miridae Vol 3. In: Catalogue of the Heteroptera of the

Palaearctic Region (Aukema B, Rieger C, eds). Wageningen, Netherlands

Lashkari M, Hosseini R, Shahbazvar, N. 2011. A preliminary study on the Miridae (Hemiptera) fauna in

Mazandaran province in Northern Iran. Entomofauna, 32: 421-428

Lashkari M, Hosseini R. 2012. A revised identification key to the Lygus-species in Iran (Hemiptera: Miridae).

Entomofauna, 33: 81-92

Linnavuori RE, Modarres, M. 1999. Studies on the Heteroptera of the Khorasan province in N.E. Iran. II.

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Cimicomorpha: Miridae. Entomologica Fennica, 10: 215-231

Linnavuori RE. 2006. Studies on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of Gilan and the adjacent provinces in northern

Iran. I. Description of new species. Acta Universitatis Carolinae Biologica, 49: 219-243

Linnavuori RE. 2007. Studies on the Miridae (Heteroptera) of Gilan and the adjacent provinces in northern

Iran. II. List of species. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae, 47: 17-56

Linnavuori RE. 2009. Studies on the Nepomorpha, Gerromorpha, Leptopodomorpha and Miridae excluding

Phylini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) of Khuzestan and the adjacent provinces of Iran. Acta Entomologica

Musei Nationalis Pragae, 49(1): 1-32

Linnavuori RE. 2010. Studies on the Miridae (Phylinae, addenda to Deraeocorinae and Orthotylinae) of

Khuzestan and the adjacent provinces of Iran. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae, 50(2): 469-414

Linnavuori RE, Hosseini R. 1998. New species of the Miridae (Heteroptera) from Iran. Acta Universitatis

Carolinae, Biologica, 42: 3-15

Linnavuori RE, Hosseini R.1999. On the genus Dicyphus (Heteroptera, Miridae, Dicyphinae) in Iran. – Acta

Universitatis Carolinae, Biologica, 43: 155-162

Linnavuori RE, Hosseini R. 2000. On the Polymerus subgenus Poeciloscytus fieber (Heteroptera, Miridae,

Mirinae) in Iran. Acta Universitatis Carolinae, Biologica, 44:189-194

Schuh RT. 2013. On-line Systematic Catalog of Plant Bugs (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae). Retrieved April

2013 from http://research.amnh.org/pbi/catalog/

Wagner E, Weber H. 1964. Heteroptera Miridae. Faune de France 67. – Federation Francaise des societies de

Sciences Naturelles, Paris, France

Wagner E. 1971. Die Miriden Hahn, 1831. des Mittelmeerraumes und der Markaronesischen Inseln. Teil 1. –

Entomologische Abhandlungen Dresden 37, Supplementary 1

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Article

Predatory habits of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana (Wiedmann) (Diptera:

Culicidae) in the arid environments of Jodhpur, western Rajasthan,

India Himmat Singh, Robin Marwal, Anusha Mishra, Karam Vir Singh Desert Medicine Research Centre, New Pali Road, Jodhpur, India -342005


Received 30 August 2013; Accepted 13 October 2013; Published online 1 March 2014

Abstract

The stable breeding of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana was recorded form different locations of Indian Desert the

“Thar” for the first time. The species being predatory in its larval form was investigated for evaluation of its

biological control aspect in the desert setup where breeding sites and prey species are limited. Though its

predatory habit is established yet using it as biological controlling agent was not found promising due to

untargeted approach due to unlimited outdoor breeding places in sub-humid climatic conditions in rest of India.

Whereas in desert due to limited water sources, mosquito vectors share the available breeding niche this

increases possibility of targeted biological control using predatory species. Laboratory experiments on

predatory habit of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana showed that it preferred Aedes aegypti larvae most (88.5%),

Anopheles stephensi (47.5%) and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae (39.0%). Average consumption of daily larvae

is 18.89 larvae/day. If colonized properly and released in controlled conditions they can be useful in

controlling of socially protected and unattended breeding containers resulting reduction in mosquito population.

Keywords Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana; predatory; biological control; desert.

1 Introduction

Vetorborne disease burden has increased considerably worldwide in recent decades, globally cases have

increased from few millions to several billions per year (WHO Report, 2010). During the year 2010 - 2011 in

India alone the vector-borne disease cases were about 781603 including 1390 deaths which included 745599

malaria cases with 233 deaths, 14047 cases with 93 deaths of dengue, 14820 cases of chickungunya and 7137

cases with 1064 deaths reported due to Japanese encephalitis (National Vectorborne Disease Control Program

Report, 2011).

One of the effective methods of control over vector-borne transmission is through reduction in density of


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vector population through various chemical means but now it is known that continuous use of chemicals for

control is associated with the emergence of insecticide resistance, this has necessitated exploring and opting

for new alternate methods.

Biological control is most suitable in this context as few attempt for introduction of biological agents like

larvivorus fishes i.e. gambusia and guppy have been successful (Chandra et al., 2008) bacteria (Dua et al.,

1993; Kumar et al., 1995; Indranil et al., 1997, Shukla et al., 1997; Biswas et al., 1997), fungi (Chandrahas

and Rajagopalan, 1979; Roberts and Strand, 1977, Poopathi and Tyagi, 2006) and predatory mosquitoes of

subgenera Mucidus (Mattingly, 1961), Culex fuscanus (Ikeshoji, 1966; Panicker et al., 1982) Toxorhynchites

spp. to control Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae (Gerberg and Visser, 1978; Focks et al., 1982;

Sempala, 1983; Ramalingam and Ramakrishnan, 1971; Mogi and Chan, 1996). Introduction of predatory

mosquito species is one of the targeted approaches for control of immature forms of mosquitoes. Lutzia

(Metalutzia) fuscana is one of such species of mosquito whose larvae is reported to feed upon vector species

larvae i.e Anopheles, Aedes and Culex species in several parts of India (Geetha, et al. 1982; Panicker et al.,

1982). Its predatory habit was found to be excellent yet non-targeted in the mesic environmental conditions

due to availability of several outdoor breeding habitats. Stable breeding of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana has

been first time reported from this arid zone (Singh et al., 2013).

The genus of predatory mosquito Lutzia fuscana has been elevated from Culex to Lutzia (earlier Lutzia was

subgenus) earlier Culex (Lutzia) fuscanus (Wiedmann, 1820) is now Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana (Wiedmann)

(Tanaka, 2003). We have also used the same in present communication.

The present study is a laboratory-based study conducted in Vector Biology Laboratory of Desert Medicine

Research Centre, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. We envisage to explore the predatory species preference and potential of

Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana and possibility of its being utilized in mosquito control in the limited outdoor

breeding habitats and in community containers which are socio-culturally protected for cattle drinking, looking

into the predatory habits of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana larvae, laboratory experiments were carried out on

feeding capacity and preference on immature stages of Culex, Anopheles and Aedes species. The results are

presented through this communication.


Larval collection were carried out at seven selected study areas of urban and peri-urban localities of Jodhpur

city (Jhalamand, Khema ka Kunwa, Mandore, Nagori Gate, Salawas and Nehru Park) during 2010-11 on

monthly basis. Collections were carried out at various domestic and peri-domestic water storing containers,

cemented tanks, ponds, ditches, gardens and green complexes with parks, stored/ stagnated water, community

tanks for cattle drinking and artificial fountains in the parks.

Larvae were collected using white enamel bowls (4 cm diameter) with classical dipping method. The

larvae collections were kept in white enamel tray (20 x 15 x 3 cm) in laboratory at 26- 27Co

Three main breeding species of mosquito vectors in the region i.e. Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and

Culex quinquefasciatus, were used for determining the feeding preference of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana

(other sympatric mosquitoes species of seasonal occurrence and of less significance as disease vectors were

not included in the study). However, for the daily consumption of larvae in predatory activity and feeding

preference on different stages of mosquito larvae, laboratory reared Aedes aegypti larvae were used. Only early

IVth stage larvae of predatory species were included in the present experiments to avoid any bias of the

different size and age of larvae.

For estimating species preference, equal number (50 larvae of IVth Instar) of larvae each of Aedes, Culex

and Anopheles were provided to larvae of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana larvae by keeping them in one container

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enamel tray (20 x 15 x 3 cm) for feeding with equal opportunity. The observations were made after 24hrs of

each experiment. After 24 hrs Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana larvae were taken out of the tray and transferred to

the fresh tray, the remaining prey species larvae in the tray were separated and counted. The experiment was

repeated again with fresh set of 150 larvae (50 of each species) with the available larvae of predator in the

following day. The experiment was run for four days.

To estimate feeding preference of fourth stage larvae of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana on different instars i.e.

I,II,III,IV and pupae of Aedes aegypti, 50 larvae (10 larvae of each larval stage of Aedes aegypti) were

provided to predatory larvae in enamel trays (10 x 5 x 1.5 cm). Experiments were conducted in duplicates

(Experiment I and II) each day and repeated for five days. Different instars of Aedes, Culex and Anopheles

larvae used to feed the larvae of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana were laboratory reared and were obtained from

the insectary of Vector Biology Laboratory, Desert Medicine Research Centre, Jodhpur.

Pupae were excluded from the experiments except for larval stage preference studies. During the

experiment in insectary the larvae were maintained under optimum temperature condition of 26-27 oC.

Observations were made after 24hrs of each day of experiment using visual counting method by separating out

the predatory larvae from the experimental trays. Average weight of IVth instar Ae. aegypti was calculated by

weighting 25 larvae separately on electronic balance for biomass calculation. Chi square (χ2) was used as test

of significance and calculated on the actual values.

3 Results

Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana were recorded form seven locations, six from urban localities (Jhalamand,

Nagauri Gate, Khema ka kunwa, Mandore, Nehru park and Jalori Gate) and one from rural locality (Salawas).

Nine species of mosquito alongwith one species of predator were collected during field survey. Occurrence of

Culex quinquefasiatus (20.4%), Anopheles stephensi (20.07%) and Aedes aegypti (17.5%) were higher than

other occurring species (Table 1).

Table 1 Species composition of study sites and larval collection habitat.

Study Sites (Larvae Collection Sites)

An.

ste

phen

si

An.

cul

icifa

cies

An.

sub

pict

us

An.

pul

chir

rim

us

An.

ann

ular

is

Aed

es a

egyp

ti

Aed

es v

ittat

us

Aed

es a

lbop

ictu

s

Cul

ex q

uinq

uefa

scia

tus

Lutz

ia (

Met

alut

zia)

fu

scan

a

Habitat

NEHRU PARK 25.0 0 5.6 0 0 55.6 2.8 0 5.6 5.6

Fountain water , Azadirachta indica tree shade

JHALAMAND 31.6 13.2 15.8 0 2.6 18.4 13.2 0 2.6 2.6

Extra domiciliary cement tanks, with shade of Prosopis julifora tree

KHEMA KA KUAN 25.0 8.3 25.0 0 0 8.3 0 0 16.7 16.7

Cement tank under Ficus religosa tree shade

MANDOR 34.2 13.2 2.6 5.3 2.6 7.9 5.3 10.5 13.2 5.3 Fountain stream under Ficus religosa tree shade

NAGAURI GATE 10.1 3.0 5.1 2.0 2.0 12.1 18.2 2.0 37.4 8.1

Cemented Cattle tank, Ficus religosa tree shade

JALORI GATE 13.5 16.2 13.5 5.4 5.4 10.8 8.1 8.1 13.5 5.4

Cement tank, Ficus religosa tree shade

SALAWAS 21.4 14.3 14.3 0 0 7.1 7.1 0 28.6 7.1

Cemented Cattle tank, Prosopis juliflora tree shade

Total 20.1 8.0 8.8 2.2 2.2 17.5 10.9 3.3 20.4 6.6 *Values in percent.

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The breeding of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana were found maximum in Cemented tanks which were found

under shades of trees like Ficus religosa and Prosopis juliflora (Table 1).

The predatory larvae of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana were found from July to March except three months

from April to June in these locations (Fig. 1). It is observed that high temperature and low RH of summer did

not support outdoor breeding and in addition to this nearly drying of the water bodies and other water

collection results in reduction of prey community during these months. After onset of monsoon the predatory

mosquito larvae population were observed to appear again and its density increases with increase in the density

of prey mosquito species belonging to genera Aedes, Anopheles and Culex (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 Monthly occurrence of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana with respect to rainfall and temperature (Singh et al., 2013).

Fig. 2 Monthly occurrence of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana with other prey species.

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The occurrence of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana is also associated with density of prey population in

breeding sites, frequency of occurrence of prey species during the hotter months of June and July was found

very low (Fig. 2).

The larvae of predator shared niche with Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. vittatus, An. stephensi, An.

culicifaces, An. subpictus and Cx. quinquefaciatus larvae. The predatory larvae mainly found in peri-domestic

cemented containers which were under shades of large trees like Peepal (Ficus religosa), Neem (Azadirachta

indica) and Kikar (Prosopis juliflora).

Occurrence of predatory larvae species was found high with Cx. quinquefaciatus (11time out of 13 times

when predator was found in the cement tanks) followed by Ae. aegypti (10 times out of 13) and Ae. vittatus (9

out of 13 times in cement tanks) though breeding of An. stephensi was high in cement tanks but the occurrence

with Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana was very low (4 out of 13 observations of predator species) (Table 2).

Table 2 Showing details of occurrence of different species larvae with Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana.

Breeding sites

An. stephens

i

An. culicifaci

es

An. subpictu

s

An. pulchirrimu

s

An. annulari

s

Ae.aegypti

Ae. vittatus

Ae. albopictus

Cx quniquefasi

atus

Lutzia fuscanu

s

No. of

Obs.

cement tanks

22 (4)*

3 (0)

10 (0)

0 (0)

1 (0)

28 (10)

21 (9)

0 (0)

29 (11) 13 47

Fountains 24 (3)

7 (3)

9 (1)

1 (0)

5 (0)

2 (1)

1 (0)

3 (0)

11 (2) 3 32

River bed 2 (0)

2 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (0)

2 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

2 (0) 0 3

Stone quarry

5 (0)

4 (0)

3 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

2 (0)

2 (0)

0 (0)

3 (0) 0 7

Pond 0 (0.0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (0)

1 (1)

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (1) 1 1

Water pit 1 (0.0)

0 (0)

1 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (0) 0 2

*Figures in parenthesis are occurrence of species with Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana larvae in same breeding spot

The result showed that Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana preferred Ae. aegypti larvae the most (50.6%, χ2=

31.20 , p≥ 0.001 at df =2) which was found significantly higher than An. stephensi larvae (27.1%, χ2 = 4.02 at

df =2) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (22.3%, χ2= 12.8 , p≥ 0.001 at df =2) (Table 3).

When single predator (IVth stage) larvae was given the choice to feed on different stages of larvae of Ae.

aegypti (50 larvae, 10 of each instar i.e. I,II, III, IV and pupae). The preference of feeding was on fourth instar

larvae (45.5%, χ2= 54.33, p≥ 0.001 at df = 4), followed by third instar (33.5%, χ2= 15.29, p≥ 0.01) and the least

preferred larvae were Ist instar (1.8%, χ2 = 27.66, p≥ 0.01 at df = 4). Although pupae were not consumed by

predator larvae but were found dead may be due to attack by predator causing mortality 2.99 % (Table 4).

Average consumption of larvae by predator (IVth Instar) per day was found to be about 18.4 larvae (using

IVth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti as they were most preferred) (Table 5). On the other hand using mixture of

equal number of three species larvae (Aedes, Anopheles and Culex) the average consumption per day was

about 18.4 larvae (Table 3) which was almost similar to the consumption using single species larvae feeding

experiment (Table 5).

Predatory larvae consumed about 37.21 mg biomass per day (calculated using mean daily consumption

multiplied by the average weight of live Ae. aegypti (n=25, mean weight = 1.96±0.22).

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Table 3 Species wise feeding preference of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana on mosquito vector species.

No of predatory larvae (IV

- Instar)

150 larvae provided, 50 larvae (IVth instar) of each species in each experiment Total consumptionAe.

aegypti %

Preference An.

stephensi %

PreferenceCx.

quinquefasiatus %

Preference

Exp-1 4 43 55.1 15 19.2 20 25.6 78

Exp-2 6 48 42.9 40 35.7 24 21.4 112

Exp-3 5 48 61.5 13 16.7 17 21.8 78 Exp-4 4 38 46.3 27 32.9 17 20.7 82

Total 19 177 50.6 95 27.1 78 22.3 350 Chi Square (Ҳ2) at

df=2 (Calculated on Actual values)

31.2** 4.02 12.81* Avg. consumption/larvae- 350/19=18.4/perday

** Significant at p<0.001; * Significant at p< 0.01

Table 4 Estimation of predatory preference of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana on different larval stages of Ae. aegypti larvae.

Values in parenthesis are percent consumption; ** Significant at p<0.001; * Significant at p< 0.01

Table 5 Feeding capacity estimation of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana on IV instar larvae of Ae. aegypti.

Exp. No. of

Lt. fuscana IVth instar larvae

No. of Aedes larvae

provided

No. of larvae Cons-umed

No. of larvae left

No. of larvae pupated

Average Consumption per

Larvae

Day 1 8 150 150 0 0 18.75

Day 2 6 150 119 30 1 19.83

Day 3 4 150 76 64 10 19

Day 4 2 150 36 97 17 18

Total 20 600 381 191 28 19.05

No of Larvae of Ae. aegypti

Instars-wise comnsuption (10 larvae of each instars)

Ist IInd IIIrd IVth Pupae Larvae

consumed

DAY 1 EX. I 50 0 1 7 6 0 14 Ex II 50 0 0 5 10 1 16

DAY 2 EX. I 50 0 4 7 8 0 19 Ex II 50 0 2 4 7 0 13

DAY 3 EX. I 50 1 2 5 7 1 16 Ex II 50 0 4 7 8 0 19

DAY 4 EX. I 50 1 3 7 8 1 20 Ex II 50 0 5 4 6 1 16

DAY 5 EX. I 50 0 4 6 8 0 18 Ex II 50 1 2 4 8 1 16

Total 500 3 (1.8) 27(16.17) 56 (33.53) 76 (45.51) 5 (2.99) 167 (33.4) Chi Square (Ҳ2)

df=4 27.66** 1.59 15.02* 43.08** 28.06**

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4 Discussion

There have been several reports on its feeding behavior (Jin et al., 2006). The predatory activity of these larvae

was observed during entomological surveys in rest of the places other than the desert part of India. This is also

a first report of presence of this species in the desert scenario. Presence of stable population of Lutzia

(Metalutzia) fuscana is indicator of stability of vector species (Aedes, Anopheles and Culex species) on which

its larvae prey upon in this desert climate.

Except for three months (April to June) it is found throughout the year with stable reemerging population

which also signifies the stability of this predatory mosquito in this fragile and hostile climate of desert.

It was interesting to note that Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana preferred Ae. aegypti over Cx. quinquefasciatus

as reported in other part of India (Ikeshoji, 1966; Panicker et al. 1982; Singh et al. 1984; Thangam and

Kathiresan, 1996; Mariappan et al., 1997; Yanovisk, 2001), This changed preference of feeding of this

predator becomes very important for bio-control of Ae. Aegypti in this part of western Rajasthan as Ae aegypti

is major vector for Dengue and DHF. The possible change in the feeding preference might be due to niche

sharing by both prey and predator species (Aedes aegypti and Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana). A study by Shrama

et al. (2008) on surveillance of Aedes aegypti in Jodhpur showed cement tanks as the most important breeding

containers for Aedes breeding. Our study revealed that Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana also prefer to breed in the

same types of cement containers which are pri-domestic placed under shades of big trees for cattle drinking

The second reason may be due to limited availability of conducive outdoor breeding containers might bound

the mosquito species to share the common niches. Similar observations on the Aedes preference is recently

reported in Sri-lanka (Sinnathamby et al., 2013).

Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana is container and tree hole breeder (Belkin, 1962; Jackson, 1953, Tanaka, 2003;

Rattanarithikul et al., 2005) and breeds in the containers where other mosquitoes are breeding as they serves

food for this mosquito larvae, though cannibalism is obligatory (Hopkins, 1952; Edwards, 1941). Our

preliminary observation seems to be promising for biological control in important mosquito breeding

containers in part of western Rajasthan.

The study by Jackson (1953) in west Nigeria showed that the density of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana larvae

is dependent on the density of other larvae available i. e. one larvae of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana per 60 to 90

other larvae of either species of Aedes, Anopheles or Culex and this was found to be true in this part of desert

also.

Results on feeding behavior shows that single IVth instar predator larvae of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana can eat

an average of 18.8 larvae per day of IVth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and the average biomass consumption

was 37.21 mg/day which was found considerably lower in contrast to the consumption in sub humid areas of

south east coast of India where biomass consumption was reported 76.0 mg/day (Thangam and Kathiresan,

1996). Present study have shown that in case of western Rajasthan where water resources are limited but socio

cultural practices of water storing have stabilize mosquito breeding of vectors of dengue and malaria. In

addition to this in recent past increased supply of water through Indira Gandhi Canal water to city have

increased overall ambience of Jodhpur city and has resulted in creation of gardens and increased larger trees

might have attracted this tree hole / container breeder predatory mosquitoes to this part of desert, on the other

hand due to limited breeding sources available, the sharing of species might have changed the preference of

Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana from Cx. quinquefasciatus (Thangam and Kathiresan, 1996 ) to Ae. aegypti in this

part of desert.

The dynamics of species occurrence in the desert of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana is correlated with other

species occurrence during the year it can be a tool for focused biological control if colonized properly and

released in controlled conditions. They can cover a lot of unattended key breeding containers and resulting

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reduction in mosquito population (Hopkins, 1952; Edwards, 1941) this biological control method seems more

suitable and focused in this setting of desert condition . Although some reports show that there may be lack of

interaction between larvae of mosquito vectors and their natural enemies and/or lower predator survivorship in

certain habitats, particularly shallow water pools and cement tanks (Das et al., 2006) and urban environments

such as temporal habitats (Carlson et al., 2004). A study by Jin et al. (2006) through gut content analysis of

Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana showed chironomidae larvae 78.6% and only 2.5% larvae of mosquitoes in

province of China whereas in this arid part of India where chironomids are not common in appearance, as arid

climate do not support much to them, the possibility of prey choice increases towards mosquito larvae in the

desert part due to less habitat availability the species interaction may occur more frequently

It was observed that ability of larvae consumption increases as larvae grew up and passes stages up to IVth

instar larvae (Appawu et al., 2000). It was also interesting to note that predatory larvae attacks on mostly on

its equal sized prey larvae by attacking them at the joint of head and thorax (Jin et al., 2006).

Ikeshoji (1966) used larvae of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana to control Cx quinquefasciatus larvae in small

ditches in simulated field conditions.

Introduction of such predatory species to those public tanks which are filled for cattle and other animals to

drink water and community do not accept use of insecticide in these key can prove to be very useful. Secondly

in desert there are limited water resources and very less available breeding containers as a result of that species

of mosquito show niche sharing which might have changed this predatory species feeding preference from

Culex to Aedes species. Therefore the predatory species becomes more targeted in absence of large outdoor

breeding sources.

Environmental methods and biological control are alternatives to chemical control and are key components

of the integrated strategy which may go hand in hand to the National Vector Control Program. The successful

implementation of these organisms depends on an in-depth understanding of the ecology of both the targeted

species and the biological controlling predators.

Introduction of prey comes under environmental management strategies that can reduce or eliminate vector

breeding through use of biological controls that target and reduce vector larvae without generating the

ecological impacts of chemical use. The approach is cost-effective, ecological balanced and sustainable for

vector control if used in this type of climatic condition where mostly outdoor breeder larvae are restricted in

pockets.

Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to Director, Desert Medicine Research Centre, Jodhpur for providing facilities of

Laboratory. We are also thankful to staff of Vector Biology Laboratory for providing assistance in laboratory

as well as field work related to present communication

References

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mosquito Culex (Lutzia) tigripes Grandpre and Chamoy (Diptera: Culicidae). Insect Science and its

Application, 20(4): 245-250

Belkin JN. 1962. The Mosquitoes of the South Pacific (Diptera, Culicidae) Vol 2. University of California

Press, Berkeley, CA, USA

Biswas D, Ghosh SK, Dutta RN, Mukhopadhyay AK. 1997. Field trial of bacticide on larval population of

two species of vector mosquitoes in Calcutta. Indian Journal of Malariology, 34(1): 37-41

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Carlson J, Keating J, Mbogo CM, et al. 2004. Ecological limitations of aquatic predator colonization in the

urban environment. Journal of Vector Ecology, 29(2): 331-339

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Journal of Medical Research, 127: 13-27

Chandrahas RK, Rajagopalan PK. 1979. Observations on mosquito breeding and the natural parasitism of

larvae by a fungus Coelomomyces and a mermithid nematode Romanomermis in paddy fields in

Pondicherry. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 69: 63-67

Das PK, Sivagnaname N, Amalraj DD. 2006. Populations interactions between Culex vishnui mosquitoes and

their natural enemies in Pondicherry, India. Journal of Vector Ecology, 31(1): 84-88

Dua VK, Sharma SK, Sharma VK. 1993. Application of Bactoculicide (Bacillus thuringiensis H-14) for

controlling mosquito breeding in industrial scrap at BHEL, Hardwar (U P). Indian of Journal Malariology,

30: 29-35

Edwards FW. 1941. Mosquitoes of the Ethiopian Region. III.-Culicine adults and pupae. Mosquitoes of the

Ethiopian Region. III.-Culicine Adults and Pupae.

Focks DA, Sackett SR, Bailey DL. 1982. Field experiments on the control of Aedes aegypti and Culex

quinquefasciatus by Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology

19: 336-339

Geetha Bai, Viswam MK, Panick KN. 1982. Culex (Lutzia) fuscanus (Diptera: Culicidae) - a predator of

mosquito. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 76: 837-839

Gerberg EJ, Visser WM. 1978. Preliminary field trial for the biological control of Aedes aegypti by means

of Toxorhynchites brevipalpis, a predatory mosquito larva. Mosquito New, 38: 197-200

Hopkins GHF. 1952. Mosquitoes of the Ethopian Region (2nd edn)Vol.1. B.M. (N.H.), London, UK

Ikeshoji T. 1966. Bionomics of Culex( Lutzia) fuscanus. Japanese Journal of Experimental Medicine, 36: 321-

334

Indranil K, Alex Eapen, Ravindran KJ, Chandrahas RK, et al 1997. Field evaluation of Bacillus sphericus

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Article

Diversity of damselflies (Zygoptera) in Gorewada International Bio-

Park, Nagpur, Central India

Patil Kishor Gopal1, Shende Virendra Abaji2, Uke Shrikant Bhimrao3 1Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, R. T. Marg, Nagpur (M.S.) India 2K. Z. S. Science College, Bramhani-Kalmeshwar, Dist- Nagpur (M.S.) India 3Office of Superintendent of Police, Railways, Nagpur (M.S.) India


Received 26 September 2013; Accepted 30 November 2013; Published online 1 March 2014

Abstract

Gorewada International Bio-Park consists of a lake as a major water source, marshy shore and heterogeneity in

vegetation. Its geographical location is 21°11′N 79°2′E. Observations are made through walking line transects

along the lake border to determine the diversity of damselfly. Total 21 species of damselflies belonging to nine

genera (Aciagrion, Agriocnemis, Ceriagrion, Enallagma, Ischnura, Pseudagrion, Rhodischnura, Copera and

Lestes) and three families (Coenagrionidae, Lestidae and Platycnemididae) have been recorded. Out of total

damselflies examined, 52.38% are common, 19.05% are occasional and 28.57% are rare species. The present

study encourages the conservation of a wide range of indigenous damselfly species in this area.

Keywords Damselfly; Zygoptera; Odonata; Insects; Gorewada.

1 Introduction

The earth’s (approximately 3.8 billion year) history of life is representing just 0.1% of all the species of flora

and fauna that have presently lived on earth. Thus 99.9% or virtually all of life that has existed on earth has

gone extinct (Raup, 1991).

Damselflies and dragonflies are among the most attractive creatures on earth belonging to the most popular

insect order- Odonata. These are observed near the ponds, lakes, rivers, ditches and all over the marshy places.

Damselflies (suborder- Zygoptera) have front and hind wings are similar in shape with narrowed base. The

wings of the two sexes are similar in shape. At resting condition wings are held either together above the body

or slightly divergent. The head is elongate transversely and in dorsal view is usually wider than the thorax.

Damselflies and dragonflies can be traced back to the Carboniferous and Permian periods of the Paleozoic

Era (500-200 million years ago). However, modern families of these insects date from the upper Jurassic and


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Cretaceous periods (150-60 million years ago) (Westfall and May, 1996). Silsby (2001) described about 6000

species of dragonflies in all over the world. India is also highly diverse with more than 500 species of Odonata

(Subramanian, 2005). Total almost 1,100 species, Coenagrionidae is the largest family of damselflies, forming

a major part of the odonate fauna in all continents. With Lestidae, it is the only damselfly family of which

many species inhabit standing waters (Dijkstra and Kalkman, 2012). Subramanian (2009) recorded 267 species

diversity of damselfly belonging to 87 genera and 8 families in India.

Gorewada is developing International Bio-Park situated at North-West of Nagpur city and its geographical

location is 21°11′N 79°2′E (Fig. 1 and 2). It is basically divided into African Safari, Bio-Park, Energy Plaza,

Trails, Indian Safari, Height Safari, Rescue Safari and Gorewada Reservoir. Gorewada Reservoir is bordered

by thick forest on three sides. Reservoirs catchment area is approx. 11 sq. mile (17,702.74 sq.mt.). Gorewada

is a good habitat for biodiversity of damselflies. In spite of its global significance, studies of damselflies

diversity of Gorewada International Park have been least undertaken.

Since, the main objective of this study has been conduct preliminary observation of damselflies and carried

out the checklist, occurrence and richness inhibiting the Gorewada International Bio-Park.

Fig. 1 Line transects along the Lake of Gorewada International Bio-Park (Courtesy- Google Map).

Fig. 2 Photograph showing ecology of Gorewada Lake.

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Watching and recording of damselflies has been done during Sunday and holidays in such a way that there

should be least one visit in each line transect during a week for a period of two years from March 2011 to

February 2013. Observations were made through walking transects of 0.7 km to 1.0 km length with 2 m to 5 m

on either side of the lake border. The present study is based on 4 line transects (Fig. 1) to study the damselflies

population. The sites were visited to note maximum species of damselflies and record its activities. The

observations were recorded with the aid of binocular and digital cameras and the species are identified with the

help of photographs, reference books and publications.

3 Results

Gorewada International Bio-Park provides heterogeneity in vegetation. The importance of the lake is as a

major water source and marshy shore. This lake is rich in aquatic fauna which includes micro and macro-

organisms, shrimps, fishes and protein-rich invertebrates. This region is suitable for feeding and resting for

many odonates due to the abundance of food throughout the year.

Table 1 Damselflies of Gorewada International Bio-Park, Nagpur, Central India.

S. N.

Species Common Name Status

Family: Coenagrionidae 1 Aciagrion hisopa(Selys, 1876) Violet-Striped Slender Dartlet O 2 Aciagrion occidentale (Laidlaw, 1919) Green-Striped Slender Dartlet O 3 Agriocnemis lacteola(Selys, 1877) Milky Dartlet R 4 Agriocnemis pygmaea (Rambur, 1842) Pigmy Dartlet C 5 Agriocnemis splendidissima (Laidlaw, 1919) Splendid Dartlet O 6 Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabricius, 1798) Coromandel Marsh Dart C 7 Ceriagrion olivaceum (Laidlaw, 1914) Rusty Marsh Dart R 8 Ceriagrion rubiae (Laidlaw, 1916) Orange Marsh Dart O 9 Enallagma parvum (Selys, 1876) Azure Dartlet C 10 Ischnura aurora (Brauer, 1865) Golden Dartlet C 11 Ischnura senegalensis (Rambur, 1842) Senegal Golden Dartlet C 12 Pseudagrion decorum (Rambur, 1842) Three-Lined Dart C 13 Pseudagrion indicum (Fraser, 1924) Yellow-Striped Blue Dart R 14 Pseudagrion microcephalum (Rambur, 1842) Blue Grass Dartlet R 15 Pseudagrion rubriceps (Selys, 1876) Saffron-Faced Blue Dart C 16 Rhodischnura nursei (Morton, 1907) Pixie Dartlet C Family: Platycnemididae 17 Copera marginipes (Rambur, 1842) Yellow Bush Dart C 18 Copera vittata (Selys, 1917) Blue Bush Dart C Family: Lestidae 19 Lestes elatus (Selys, 1862) Emerald Spreadwing R 20 Lestes umbrinus (Selys, 1891) Brown Spreadwing C 21 Lestes viridulus (Rambur, 1842) Emerald-Striped Spreadwing R

Abbreviations- C- Common; O- Occasional and R- Rare

Total 21 species of damselflies belonging to 9 genera and 3 families (Coenagrionidae, Platycnemididae,

Lestidae) have been recorded (Table 1). Coenagrionids are medium to small sized damselflies with transparent

wings which are rounded attips. The hindwings are shorter than abdomen with non-metalliccolors. Family-

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Coenagrionidae consists of 16 species belong to 7 genera (Aciagrion, Agriocnemis, Ceriagrion, Enallagma,

Ischnura, Pseudagrion and Rhodischnura). Platycnemidids are black colored medium-sized damselflies with

yellow markings and wings are transparent with round-tips. Hindwings are shorter than the abdomen.

Platycnemididae family is consisting of 2 species belonging to single genus (Copera). Lestids are medium-

sized damselflies shows predominantly green or brown ground colored with iridescent markings. Family

Lestidaeis consists of 3 species belonging to single genus (Lestes) (Plate 1 and 2).

Family- Coenagrionidaeis the largest family carries the maximum number of genera and species followed

by Lestidae and Platycnemididae. Out of total 21 damselflies species examined, 11 (52.38%) are common, 4

(19.05%) are occasional and 6 (28.57%) are rare species (Table 2 and Fig. 3).

Table 2 Status of Damselflies of Gorewada International Bio-Park.

S.N. Status No. of species % of species 1. Common 11 52.38 2. Occasional 04 19.05 3. Rare 06 28.57 21 100

Fig. 3 Status of damselflies.

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Plate 1

Figures showing diversity of damselflies. 1. Aciagrionhisopa (Violet-Striped Slender Dartlet); 2. Agriocnemis pygmaea (Pigmy Dartlet); 3.Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Coromandel Marsh Dart); 4. Ceriagrion rubiae (Orange Marsh Dart); 5. Enallagma parvum (Azure Dartlet); 6. Ischnura aurora (Golden Dartlet); 7. Pseudagrion decorum (Three-Lined Dart); 8. Pseudagrion indicum (Yellow-Striped Blue Dart).

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Plate 2

Figures showing diversity of damselflies. 9. Pseudagrion rubriceps (Saffron-Faced Blue Dart); 10. Rhodischnura nursei (Pixie Dartlet); 11. Copera marginipes (Yellow Bush Dart); 12. Copera vittata (Blue Bush Dart), and 13. Lestes umbrinus (Brown Spreadwing).

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Fig. 4 Distribution of genera and species of damselflies in respective families.

4 Discussion

Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi India, had a collection of 273 species of odonata, out of

which 125 species of damselflies were belonging to 10 families. Family- Coenagrionidae reported 38 species

while Lestidae and Platycnemididae reported 10 species each (Sharma et al., 2009). Subramanian et al. (2011)

had examined 8 families of damselflies belonging to 29 genera and 67 species, of which 25 were endemic. The

maximum number of species were reported in Family- Coenagrionidae (25 species) followed by protoneuridae

(15 species), Platystictidae and Lestidae (8 species), Euphaeidae (4 species), Chlorocyphidae and

Calopterygidae (3 species) and only two species were reported in Family-Platycnemididae of damselflies in the

Western Ghats. Manwar et al. (2012) had reported total 9 species of damselflies of which 8 species were

belonging to the family Coenagrionidae and single species from family Platycnemididae in Chatri Lake Region

of Pohara–Malkhed Reserve Forest, Amravati, Maharashtra (India).

However, during the months July 2010 to June 2011, Tijare and Patil (2012) were observed 8 species of

damselflies in and around Gorewada National Park, Nagpur; of which 5 species belonging to Family-

Coenagrionidae, 2 species from Lestidae and single species from Platycnemididae. These above observations

are similar with the present observations.

This study encourages the conservation of a wide range of indigenous damselfly species in an area.

References

Dijkstra DB, Kalkman VJ. 2012. Phylogeny, classification & taxonomy of European dragonflies &

damselflies (Odonata): A review. Organisms Diversity and Evolution, 12(3): 209-227

Manwar NA, Rathod PP, Raja IA. 2012. Diversity & abundance of dragonflies & damselflies of Chatri Lake

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Region, in Pohara–Malkhed Reserve Forest, Amravati, Maharashtra (India). International Journal of

Engineering Research & Applications, 2(5): 521-523

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Ecology & Evolution Volume-1, A-G. W.W. Norton, New York, USA

Sharma G, Ramamurthy VV, Kumar R. 2009. Collection of damselflies & dragonflies (Odonata :Insecta) in

National Pusa Collection, Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi,

India. Biological Forum, 1(2): 47-50

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Subramanian KA. 2005. Dragonflies & damselflies of Penisular India - A field guide. Project Lifescape. Indian

Academy of Sciences, Banglore, India

Subramanian KA. 2009. A Checklist of Odonata (Insecta) of India.

http://zsi.gov.in/checklist/Odonata_Indica_151209.pdf

Subramanian KA, Kakkassery F, Nair MV. 2011. The status & distribution of dragonflies & damselflies

(Odonata) of the Western Ghats. In: The Status & Distribution of Freshwater Biodiversity in the Western

Ghats, India (Molur, et al., eds). 63-71, IUCN, Cambridge, UK

Tijare RV, Patil KG. 2012. Diversity of Odonets in & around Gorewada National Park, Nagpur, M.S. (India).

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Article

New indices for measuring some quality control parameters of the

Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) M. F. Mahmoud Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, 41522, Ismailia, Egypt



Abstract

Even though the existence of interspecific competition and competitive displacement between the

Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) and peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) in the last

two decades in Egypt, Mediterranean fruit fly still occurs and threats many kinds of fruits and vegetables in

Egypt. The objective of this study was to estimate the sexual compatibility, mating performance and relative

sterility between laboratory and wild flies of the Mediterranean fruit fly, C. capitata by new indices (relative

mating index, RMI; relative isolation index, RII; isolation index, ISI; male relative performance index, MRPI;

female relative performance index, FRPI and relative sterility index, RSI). The results revealed that different

doses of gamma radiation 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 Gy had no effect on the various parameters of mating

compatibility, performance and competitiveness of lab strain males of medflies when mated with wild males.

Moreover, no significant assortative or disassortative mating was observed. Therefore, we suggest that the lab

strain males of medfly are compatible of mating with the wild males, at least under the laboratory conditions

employed here.

Keywords sexual compatibility; mating performance; relative sterility; Ceratitis capitata.

1 Introduction

The Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) a colorful insect of the dipteran family

Tephritidae (Trypetidae), is considered one of the most destructive and important pests of edible fruits

worldwide (Weems, 1981; Liquido et al., 1991, 1998; Copeland et al., 2002). It was described by Wiedmann

in 1824 from the type specimen collected a board a ship in the Indian Ocean (1817).

In 1998, peach fruit fly or PFF, Bactrocera. zonata (Saunders) was recorded for the first time in Egypt

(Agamy and Sbahia, near Alexandria). Today, it is well established in most Egyptian provinces and it causes a

severe damage to a wide range of fruits (El-Minshawy et al., 1999). C. capitata and B. zonata causing a


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considerable damage in many fruit species (Ghanium, 2009). The existence of medfly and PFF in the same

hosts caused interspecific competition and competitive displacement between them. Most studies of

competition are descriptive: an increase in the population density of one species co-occurs with a decrease in

another (Connell, 1983; Schoener, 1983, 1985). Therefore, attention of both researches and farmers tend to

control the peach fruit fly only, although sticky traps and infested fruits recorded numbers of medfly in

different regions of Egypt.

Over the last decades, aerial malathion-based bait-spray application has been the most common and

effective control tool against exotic fruit flies (USDA, 1993). The spray consists of the organophosphorous

insecticide malathion mixed with a protein hydrolysate acting as an attractant and feeding stimulant. Malathion

is highly toxic to terrestrial and aquatic non target invertebrates. In fact, a malathion bait spray may disrupt a

substantial portion of natural biological control agents (USDA, 2001). In Egypt, medfly and PPF populations

are typically managed by trapping, partial or complete spraying, bait spraying/collection and deep burial of

fallen fruits. These methods reduce but not sufficiently eliminate its populations.

The Sterile Insect technique (SIT) is a promising, environmentally friendly, methodology for control or

eradication of insect pests. The effectiveness of (SIT) depends on the quality and the ability of sterile

laboratory males to search for females, mating compatibility and effective competitiveness with wild males

(Orozco et al., 2007).

In the present study, sexual compatibility, mating performance and relative sterility between sterile

laboratory males and wild flies of the Mediterranean fruit fly, C. capitata was measured by new indices.


2.1 Wild strain

Wild flies were collected from infested mandarin fruits in El-Sharkia Governorate. Infested fruits were

collected from the host plant and the ground under the trees then distributed in plastic trays (40 cm diameter)

furnished with fine sand to let the larvae mature. The full grown larvae raised out "popping" to pupate in the

fine sand. The pupae were daily collected and pupae in the same age were kept in separate Petri-dishs (10 cm

diameter). Then pupae were kept in adult cages till eclosion. The eclosed peach fruit flies were removed from

cages by aspiration.

2.2 Laboratory strain

The old strain of Medfly was maintained under laboratory conditions 25 ± 2oC, 65 – 75% RH and a

photoperiod of 12/12h (L/D) in the Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal

University. The adults were maintained in a cage (75 x 28 x 28 cm) coated with muslin fabric and placed over

a plastic dish (40 cm in a diameter) filled with tap water (1 liter). Enclosed adults were provided with a diet

consisted of 1 part of protein hydrolysate and 3 parts of sugar by weight. A water soaked cotton clump in a

small cup served as a water source. Larvae were reared in plastic trays (15 × 5 × 3 cm) half-filled with an

artificial diet. The larval diet consisted of wheat bran (1000 g), brewer’s yeast (250 g), sugar (250 g), sodium

benzoate (10 g), hydrochloric acid (10 ml) and water (2000 ml) (Mahmoud et al., 2013).

2.3 Sexual compatibility

Samples of pupae from lab strain were irradiated 2 days before adult emergence with doses of 10, 30, 50, 70

and 90 Gy using a 60Co source (Gammacell irradiator, model 4000A) located at the Atomic Energy Authority,

Gamma Irradiation Unit, Naser City, Cairo, Egypt. The gamma irradiation was carried out at a dose rate of 66

Gy/min. Gamma cell calibrated by using alanine reference dosimeter to verify the dose delivered to the pupae.

5 males, 5 females of the tested wild flies and 5 sterile males, 5 sterile females of lab strain were caged in

small cage measuring 20 × 20 × 20 cm (each group in a separate cage). In order to identify the sterile males

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and sterile females, few amount of fluorescent dye was applied onto the surface of the pupae, which is then

transferred to the teneral adult upon emergence. Throughout the observation period the numbers of matings

were recorded as wild male and female (WW), sterile male and female (SS), wild male and sterile female (WS),

and sterile male and wild female (SW). The tests were conducted with 5 replicates for each dose of irradiation.

Each cage contained sugar and protein hydrolysate at the ratio of 3:1 by weight and source of water.

2.4 Sexual competitiveness

To measure the relative sterility index (sexual competitiveness) between the previously prepared sterile lab

males at 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 Gy and wild males toward wild female: five competitiveness cages (25 × 25 ×

30 cm) were prepared into each cage 15 sterile lab males: 5 wild males: 5 wild females were put. Each cage

contained the previous adult diet. The number of matings was recorded as sterile lab male and wild female

(SW) and wild male and wild female (WW).

2.5 Statistical analysis

To estimate sexual compatibility, the index of sexual isolation (ISI), male and female relative performance

indices MRPI and FRPI, and the relative sterility index (RSI) (Calkins and Parker 2005) were calculated. We

used the 0.25 value as variance limit for equal mating propensity in ISI, MRPI, and FRPI, and for equal

competitiveness in the RSI. Data obtained in all presented experiments were subjected to an analysis of

variance (ANOVA) with the honestly significant difference value calculated as Tukey’s statistic at α = 0.05

(SAS Institute, 2002).

3 Results

The results obtained from the mating compatibility test are shown in Table 1. The relative mating index (RMI)

indicates the overall percentage of the couples that mated. If the competitiveness of the males were equal then

0.25 of the mating pairs would be from each of the treatment groups. All the RMI values were larger than 0.25,

indicating good mating performance (FAO/IAEA/USDA, 2003). In this experiment RMI was 0.82 at 50 Gy,

0.80 at 10 and 70 Gy, 0.78 at 90 Gy and 0.68 at 30 Gy. The relative isolation index (RII) gives an indication of

mating compatibility between wild and sterile laboratory strain. A value of 1 indicates random mating, with

larger values indicating assortative mating. The value of RII can be interpreted as the number of sterile males

that have to be employed to be equivalent to one wild male. Values normally vary between 1.5 and 5, and

values consistently above 3 are a cause for concern. Results in Table 1 show values of RII range from 1.68 to

3.65. This values indicate that satisfactory levels and there was no significant difference among populations in

the experiment (F = 1.6212; P = 0.2079). The index of sexual isolation (ISI) is a measure of mating

compatibility between populations. The index considers the number of couples obtained for each possible

mating combination, with values range from -1 (complete negative assortative mating, that is, all mating are

with members of the opposite population) through 0 (random mating) to +1 (complete positive assortative

mating, that is, total mating isolation of the two populations) (Fig. 1). The ISI values (Fig. 2) show good levels

of compatibility between the sterile flies and the different wild populations, and there was no significant

difference among populations (F = 0.6036; P = 0.6645). The relative sterility index (RSI) indicates the sexual

competitiveness between two strains. Values range between 0 and +1. Zero means that wild females mate only

with wild males; a value of +0.5 indicate that wild females mate indiscriminately with wild or sterile males; a

value of +1 indicate that wild females mate only with sterile males. The RSI in most cases reflected the

preference of wild females for wild males over sterile males. Data shows no significant difference between lab

and wild flies (F = 0.2494; P = 0.9066). The male relative performance index (MRPI) is a measure of the

propensity of sterile males to mate with wild females, with values ranking from -1 to +1. A value of -1

indicates that all matings were carried out by wild males, while a value of +1 indicates that all matings were

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carried out by sterile males. Zero indicates that males from both populations participated equally in matings.

Fig. 3 shows that the sterile males participated equally at obtaining mates with wild males and there was no

differences between the populations (F = 1.0005; P = 0.4304). The female relative performance index (FRPI)

is a measure of the propensity of sterile females to mate with wild males, with values ranking from -1 to +1. A

value of -1 indicates that all matings were carried out by wild females, while a value of +1 indicates that all

matings were carried out by sterile females. Zero indicates that females from both populations participated

equally in mating. Fig. 4 shows that the sterile females were equal at obtaining mates with wild females and

there was no overall differences between the populations (F = 1.1416; P = 0.3656). Data in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4

suggests that the sterile males and sterile females were participated equally in matings when competing against

wild flies of medfly populations

Table 1 Relative mating index (RMI), relative isolation index (RII), isolation index (ISI), relative sterile index (RSI), male relative performance index (MRPI) and female relative performance index (FRPI) obtained from irradiated lab strain mated with wild flies.

Radiation dose(Gy)

RMI RII ISI RSI MRPI FRPI

10 0.80 3.65 ± 2.147 a 0.281 ± 0.189 a 0.383 ± 0.370 a -0.124 ± 0.208 a -0.024 ± 0.143 a30 0.68 1.68 ± 0.535 a 0.174 ± 0.089 a 0.499 ± 0.227 a -0.231 ± 0.245 a -0.028 ± 0.100 a50 0.82 2.28 ± 1.156 a 0.168 ± 0.123 a 0.449 ± 0.182 a -0.084 ± 0.268 a -0.044 ± 0.060 a70 0.80 2.30 ± 1.254 a 0.223 ± 0.080 a 0.316 ± 0.123 a -0.162 ± 0.221 a -0.192 ± 0.050 a90 0.78 2.06 ± 0.855 a 0.187 ± 0.157 a 0.488 ± 0.197 a 0.040 ± 0.178 a -0.053 ± 0.266 aF 1.6212 0.6036 0.2494 1.0005 1.1416 P < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 RMI (Relative mating index) = No. of pairs collected/No. of females released. RII (Relative isolation index) = (SS×WW) / (SW×WS). ISI (Isolation index) = (SS+WW)-(SW+WS) / (SS+WW+SW+WS). RSI (Relative sterile index) = (SW) / (SW+WW). MRPI (Male relative performance index) = (SS+SW)-(WS+WW) / (SS+WW+SW+WS). FRPI (Female relative performance index) = (SS+WS)-(SW+WW) / (SS+SW+WS+WW). Data (± SD) followed by the same letter do not differ significantly according to Tukey’s HSD test.

Fig. 1 Index of sexual isolation comparing the compatibility of the sterile flies with the wild flies.

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Fig. 2 Male mating competitiveness between sterile flies and wild flies.

Fig. 3 Male relative performance index between wild flies with the sterile flies.

Fig. 4 Female relative performance index between wild flies with the sterile flies.

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4 Discussion

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a specific control method that may be applied in the area-wide integrated

pest management of insect pests of medical, veterinary, and agricultural importance. Contrary to chemical and

biological products, sterile insects are non-invasive agents rather than intrusive toxic, pathogenic or otherwise

destructive entities. Therefore, the SIT alone poses a priori an exceptionally low risk to the environment

(Hendrichs, 2001). SIT is widely used to suppress infestations of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), C.

capitata (Wied.) (Hendrichs et al., 2002). The success of an SIT program depends largely on the ability of

sterile lab males to obtain matings with wild males.

Mating compatibility, mating performance and relative sterility are important quality control parameters

that affect the performance of released sterile insects. The present study showed the indices of mating

compatibility and mating competitiveness between wild and sterile population of medfly at different doses of

gamma radiation from 10 to 90 Gy. Wild flies may expose constantly to the natural environmental conditions,

while laboratory flies may expose to fairly stable environmental conditions. This differences cause some

changes in the behavior of laboratory flies. Attempts to obtain 100% sterility in males usually reduce quality,

and it will often be better to reduce the dose so as to obtain a better induction of sterility in the field females by

giving a more competitive male (Toledo et al., 2004; Dyck et al., 2005).

Laboratory tests of mating compatibility and competitiveness may not reliably indicate the situation in the

field (Katsoyannos et al., 1999). A much better measure can be obtained by using a field cage. Standered

procedure for field-cage operation have been defined (Cayol et al., 2002; FAO/IAEA/USDA 2003). A field

cage consists of a mesh cage, 2 m high and 3 m wide, erected over a host plant or other suitable vegetation.

But, it is usually not possible to detect mating pairs directly in the field. Therefore, in this present study, all

experiments of compatibility and competitiveness carried out in lab-cage similar to the field cage but smaller

in size (20 cm high and 20 cm wide) under laboratory conditions.

Data of mating compatibility and competitiveness indices (mating index, RMI; relative isolation index, RII;

isolation index, ISI; male relative performance index, MRPI; female relative performance index, FRPI and

relative sterility index, RSI) demonstrated good sexual compatibility between wild flies and mass reared lab

flies. Results of RMI revealed satisfactory mating propensity between wild and sterile lab flies, because of all

values were larger than 0.25 of observed matings. The RII showed good indication of mating compatibility

between wild and sterile lab flies. Values at all doses of gamma radiation range from 1.68 to 3.65 and indicate

assortative mating. The ISI showed good mating compatibility between wild and sterile lab populations at all

doses of gamma radiation (10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 Gy). Values of MRPI revealed that the sterile lab males which

produced from pupae irradiated with different of gamma doses (10, 30, 50 and 70 Gy) are almost equal mating

propensity with wild males. However, sterile lab males produced from pupae irradiated with 90 Gy were as

effective in copulating with wild females as the wild males. Values of FRPI showed that the sterile lab females

are almost equal mating propensity with wild males and the wild females.

Data in the present study indicate that doses of gamma radiation had no effect on the various parameters of

mating compatibility, performance and competitiveness of lab males of medflies when mated with wild males.

These results can be interpreted in two ways. First, irradiation generally may have no effect on the mating

competitiveness of male medflies. Alternately, irradiation may negatively affect mating ability, but its impact

may vary with the general ‘vigor’ of the flies irradiated, being greater for individuals of low quality.

The satisfactory levels of compatibility and the good competitiveness of irradiated lab males and wild

males observed in this study may encourage the application of the SIT to control C. capitata populations.

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95

Arthropods

Arthropods account for more than 65% of global species and 85% of animal species. On a temperate grassland,

arthropods hold a huge biomass (1,000kg/ha), seconded to plant (20,000kg/ha) and microorganisms (7,000kg/ha)

but much higher than mammals (1.2kg/ha), birds (0.3kg/ha), and nemantodes (120kg/ha). Arthropods play the

role of both pests and beneficial organisms. Some arthropods are important crop pests but others are natural

enemies. Some arthropods are important health pests but many crustaceans are important food sources of

humankinds. Arthropods govern the structures and functions of natural ecosystems, but are always ignored by

researchers. On the global scale, the surveys of mammals, birds and vascular plants were relatively perfect

because they were economically important and easily surveyed. However, arthropods, despite their ecological

and economical importance, have not yet been fully surveyed and recorded due to their difficulties to be

sampled. The research on arthropods must be further promoted. The journal, Arthropods, is inaugurated to

provide a public and appropriate platform for the publication of studies and reports on arthropods.

ARTHROPODS (ISSN 2224-4255) is an international journal devoted to the publication of articles on various

aspects of arthropods, e.g., ecology, biogeography, systematics, biodiversity (species diversity, genetic diversity,

et al.), conservation, control, etc. The journal provides a forum for examining the importance of arthropods in

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environmental management and human health. The scope of Arthropods is wide and embraces all

arthropods-insects, arachnids, crustaceans, centipedes, millipedes, and other arthropods. Articles/short

communications on new taxa (species, genus, families, orders, etc.) and new records of arthropods are

particularly welcome.

Authors can submit their works to the email box of this journal, [email protected]. All manuscripts

submitted to Arthropods must be previously unpublished and may not be considered for publication elsewhere

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In addition to free submissions from authors around the world, special issues are also accepted. The organizer of

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Arthropods ISSN 2224-4255 Volume 3, Number 1, 1 March 2014 Articles Epigeus macroinvertebrates species assemblages along a successional gradient in Hailuotu

Island (Bothnia Bay), Finland

Adolfo A. Del Rio Mora 1-19

Mineral composition of edible crab Podophthalmus vigil Fabricius (Crustacea: Decapoda)

P. Soundarapandian, D. Varadharajan, S. Ravichandran 20-26

The effects of some domestic pollutants on the cumacean (Crustacea) community structure

at the coastal waters of the Dardanelles, Turkey

A.Suat Ates, Tuncer Katagan, Murat Sezgin, et al. 27-42

Redescription and new distributional records of Matuta planipes (Fabricius, 1798)

(Crustacea; Decapoda; Matutidae) from Chennai Coast, Tamil Nadu

K. Silambarasan, K. Velmurugan, E. Rajalakshmi, et al. 43-47

Checklist of the subfamilies Mirinae and Orthotylinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae)

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A study on the genus Orthops FIEBER (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae) in Iran

Reza Hosseini 57-69

Predatory habits of Lutzia (Metalutzia) fuscana (Wiedmann) (Diptera: Culicidae) in the arid

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New indices for measuring some quality control parameters of the Mediterranean fruit fly,

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