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Third instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus exposed to alpha-cyanopyrethroids: from hyperactivity to death.

The hyperactivity, incoordination, recovery, and mortality produced by four alpha-cyanopyrethroids usually used for Chagas disease vector control (beta-cypermethrin, beta-cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and deltamethrin) were evaluated on third instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus. All pyrethroids modified the locomotor activity of the nymphs, which increased linearly as a function of the log of insecticide concentration. lambda-Cyhalothrin showed the lowest values of Effective Concentration 50%, Lethal Concentration 50%, Effective Time 50%, and Lethal Time 50% when insecticides were applied by contact with treated filter papers. Recovery from incoordination was observed after topical application of the insecticides. The recovery was inhibited by the simultaneous application of piperonyl butoxide, suggesting that biotransformation by mixed-function microsomal oxidases is involved in the process of recovery.

Animals↗

Diagnostic DNA amplification from individual tick eggs, larvae and nymphs.

The species of single tick eggs, larvae and nymphs was determined by PCR amplification and characterization of the hypervariable, second transcribed spacer (ITS2) of the multicopy ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA). Engorgement of larvae and nymphs did not preclude species identification. The method is generally applicable for ixodid and argasid ticks and can be used for epidemiological studies requiring the identification of individuals from pre-adult stages.

Animals↗

Pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycetes) and permethrin to Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs.

Effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, for controlling nymphal Ixodes scapularis, was tested in laboratory and field trials. In the laboratory, M. anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin strain ESC1 was moderately pathogenic, with an LC50 of 10(7) spores/ml and induced 70% mortality at 10(9) spores/ml. In a field study, however, 10(9) spores/ml M. anisopliae did not effectively control questing I. scapularis nymphs, and significant differences were not detected in pre- and post-treatment densities. For nymphs collected and returned to the laboratory for observation, mortality was low in treatment groups, ranging from 20 to 36%. To assess whether a chemical acaricide would synergistically enhance pathogenicity of the fungus, we challenged unfed nymphal I. scapularis with combinations of M. anisopliae and permethrin, a relatively safe pyrethroid acaricide, in two separate bioassays. Significant interactions between M. anisopliae and permethrin were not observed, supporting neither synergism nor antagonism.

Animals↗

High resolution 1H NMR spectroscopic studies of the composition of the haemolymph of crowd- and solitary-reared nymphs of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria.

High resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy provided a rapid and non-invasive means of establishing a multicomponent profile of the low molecular weight organic metabolites present in the haemolymph of crowd-reared and solitary-reared desert locusts. Assignments of the 1H NMR resonances detected in the one-dimensional (1D) spectra were supported by the comparison of chemical shifts with those of commonly found metabolites, the application of 2D NMR spectroscopy, and spiking of authentic standards into the sample. The haemolymph metabolite profile was found to comprise trehalose, a series of amino acids, organic acids, lipids, ethanol and the polyamine putrescine. In total, it was possible to detect simultaneously and potentially quantify over 20 endogenous compounds. An interesting difference between the phases was the higher putrescine concentrations present in solitary-reared nymphs, which may indicate a role of this compound in phase determination. In addition, differences in the concentrations of trehalose, lipids, acetate and ethanol were also observed between solitary-reared and gregarious-reared nymphs enabling the ready differentiation of the two phases based on the NMR spectra of the haemolymph.

Amino Acids↗

Description of the nymph and larva and redescription of the female of Ixodes neuquenensis Ringuelet, 1947 (Acari: Ixodidae), a parasite of the endangered Neotropical marsupial Dromiciops gliroides Thomas (Microbiotheria: Microbiotheriidae).

The female of Ixodes neuquenensis Ringuelet, 1947 (Acari: Ixodidae) is redescribed and the nymph and larva are described from specimens collected from the endangered marsupial Dromiciops gliroides Thomas (Microbiotheria: Microbiotheriidae) in Argentina. At first sight the female of I. neuquenensis resembles a member of the subgenus Ixodes Latreille, 1795. However, the female of I. neuquenensis is peculiar in having the combination of two spurs on coxae II-IV and a pair of chitinous plaques internal to coxa I. Both the nymph and larva have an anterior and posterior process on palpal article I, characteristics of the subgenus Ixodiopsis Filippova, 1957 and some representatives of the subgenus Pholeoixodes Schulze, 1942. Analysis of 16S mitochondrial rDNA sequences showed no strong relationship with any known Ixodes subgenus.

Animals↗

Density of questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults infected by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Switzerland: spatio-temporal pattern at a regional scale.

Lyme borreliosis, the most important vector-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere, causes health problem for populations in endemic areas. In the present study, the density of questing Ixodes ricinus ticks and their infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) was examined in 11 areas located on the Swiss Plateau and in an alpine valley. From 1999 to 2001, free-living I. ricinus ticks were collected on a monthly basis by flagging vegetation in these areas. Each tick was examined for the presence of B. burgdorferi sl using direct fluorescent antibody assay, and for isolation of the bacteria. Borreliae were characterized by PCR followed by RFLP. Density of questing ticks varied greatly between studied areas. Borreliae were observed in ticks collected in all investigated sites. However, the prevalence of infection differed significantly among areas. Infection prevalence varied from 9% to 40% in nymphs and from 22% to 47% in adults. Adult ticks were significantly more infected (129/366, 35%) than nymphs (109/552, 20%). There was no correlation between nymphal density and infection prevalence as well as between adult density and infection prevalence, but there was a correlation between density of ticks and density of infected ticks. During the spring peak of questing tick density, a range of 2-30.3 infected ticks per 100 m(2) was observed. B. burgdorferi sl isolates (n = 129) were obtained from ticks collected in 10/11 areas. Five Borrelia species were identified: B. garinii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae, and six mixed infections were also obtained. Borrelia species were heterogeneously distributed in the different areas.

Animals↗

Effectiveness of selected granular acaricide formulations in suppressing populations of Ixodes dammini (Acari: Ixodidae): short-term control of nymphs and larvae.

Applications of selected granular acaricide formulations to the shrub layer of forested habitats during the peak activity periods of Ixodes dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin nymphs and larvae significantly reduced the abundance of these stages on Peromyscus leucopus. The granules effectively penetrated growing vegetation and suppressed populations of subadult ticks questing in the leaf litter. The use of granular acaricide formulations provides the only documented method of control of free-living I. dammini nymphs and larvae in dense vegetation. As such, this technique will serve as a major component of any integrated control program against this vector tick species.

Animals↗

Field estimates of numbers of Ixodes scapularis (Acari:Ixodidae) larvae and nymphs per hectare successfully feeding on Peromyscus leucopus in Massachusetts.

The numbers of blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, per hectare that engorged as larvae and nymphs on white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque), were estimated at 3 sites in coastal Massachusetts. Estimates of numbers of engorged ticks dropping per day from trapped mice were multiplied by mark-recapture estimates of the density (numbers per hectare) of white-footed mice to estimate numbers of ticks engorging on mice per hectare. In 1991, estimates of seasonal totals per hectare of I. scapularis nymphs completing blood meals on P.leucopus ranged from 825 +/- 68 at Nonamesset to 6,654 +/- 770 at Menemsha. This absolute sampling method (the drop-off method) was compared with drag sampling for nymphal ticks. Per hectare estimation of engorgement rates overcomes a shortcoming associated with drag sampling because site-to-site comparisons can be made even where vegetation structure differs markedly among sites. The drop-off method may be used to quantify the contribution of any host to the engorged tick population, provided sufficient such hosts can be collected on a weekly basis.

Animals↗

Microhabitat-independent regional differences in survival of unfed Ixodes scapularis nymphs (Acari:Ixodidae) in Connecticut.

The effects of habitat and microclimate on survival of unfed nymphal black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis Say (approximately I. damnini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin), were studied under natural conditions in southcentral and northwestern Connecticut. At both coastal and inland locations, survival of 3 groups of 20 wild-caught questing nymphs placed in nylon mesh bags was monitored in each of 3 different habitats (field, forest canopy, and forest/field edge) during summer 1995. Simultaneously, soil temperature, ground-level air temperature, and relative humidity were measured continuously within each habitat at both sites. The number of ticks surviving in each habitat was monitored weekly. Average daily survival rates of nymphs were related inversely to soil temperature but were not related to air temperature or humidity. Overall, nymphal ticks at the inland site survived significantly longer than those at the coastal site; however, no significant differences in mortality rates were found among habitats. These results suggest that inland environmental conditions are suitable for lengthy survival of unfed nymphal I. scapularis in regions where this tick is not yet abundant.

Animals↗

Dermacentor hunteri (Acari: Ixodidae): seasonal variation in questing adults and on-host juvenile stages, and host associations and feeding behavior of larvae and nymphs.

Dermacentor hunteri Bishopp is the only completely desert adapted tick in the Nearctic realm, and chiefly parasitizes desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis Shaw) as an adult. The remainder of its life history has been unknown. We conducted field investigations in the Sonoran desert of the temporal and spatial variation of adult host-seeking ticks and of the host associations of juvenile ticks. Additionally, the feeding success of juvenile ticks was assessed in the laboratory. Adult ticks were found in significant numbers only in plateau and rocky slopes habitats, chiefly during the period from January to June. Questing adults were not found in July and August, and they were present in small numbers from September through December. Juvenile stages were found only on desert woodrats, Neotoma lepida Thomas (larvae and nymphs), and cactus mice, Peromyscus eremicus Baird (larvae only), in March, May, and early June. In the laboratory; both larvae and nymphs fed on N. lepida, but only larvae fed on P. maniculatus bairdii (Wagner). We concluded that the life history of D. hunteri may be constrained by the co-distribution of desert bighorn, desert woodrats, and perhaps cactus mice; and that adults oversummer either on desert bighorn or sequestered in favorable microclimates off the host.

Animals↗

Arabidopsis transcriptome changes in response to phloem-feeding silverleaf whitefly nymphs. Similarities and distinctions in responses to aphids.

Phloem-feeding pests cause extensive crop damage throughout the world, yet little is understood about how plants perceive and defend themselves from these threats. The silverleaf whitefly (SLWF; Bemisia tabaci type B) is a good model for studying phloem-feeding insect-plant interactions, as SLWF nymphs cause little wounding and have a long, continuous interaction with the plant. Using the Affymetrix ATH1 GeneChip to monitor the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transcriptome, 700 transcripts were found to be up-regulated and 556 down-regulated by SLWF nymphs. Closer examination of the regulation of secondary metabolite (glucosinolate) and defense pathway genes after SLWF-instar feeding shows that responses were qualitatively and quantitatively different from chewing insects and aphids. In addition to the RNA profile distinctions, analysis of SLWF performance on wild-type and phytoalexin-deficient4 (pad4) mutants suggests aphid and SLWF interactions with Arabidopsis were distinct. While pad4-1 mutants were more susceptible to aphids, SLWF development on pad4-1 and wild-type plants was similar. Furthermore, although jasmonic acid genes were repressed and salicylic acid-regulated genes were induced after SLWF feeding, cytological staining of SLWF-infested tissue showed that pathogen defenses, such as localized cell death and hydrogen peroxide accumulation, were not observed. Like aphid and fungal pathogens, callose synthase gene RNAs accumulated and callose deposition was observed in SLWF-infested tissue. These results provide a more comprehensive understanding of phloem-feeding insect-plant interactions and distinguish SLWF global responses.

Animals↗

Identification of phytoplasmas in eggs, nymphs and adults of Scaphoideus titanus Ball reared on healthy plants.

A survey for the presence of aster yellows-related phytoplasmas in the different life stages of Scaphoideus titanus was carried out by means of PCR and nested-PCR assays. Using a phytoplasma 16Srl group-specific primer pair followed by RFLP analysis of amplified products, we were able to detect and identify phytoplasmas from eggs, newly hatched nymphs, fourth and fifth instar nymphs and adults reared on ten phytoplasma-free Vicia faba seedlings. Two of these broad beans became infected, whereas PCR failed to detect phytoplasmas in the same ten plants before leafhopper rearing. These results suggest the possibility of transovarial transmission of aster yellows-related phytoplasmas in S. titanus.

Animals↗

Adult and nymphs of Microtriatoma trinidadensis (Lent, 1951) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) caught from peridomestic environment in Bolivia.

This is the first report of adult and nymphs (20 nymphs of all stages and 4 adults) of Microtriatoma trinidadensis (Lent 1951) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) collected in peridomestic environment, in the department of La Paz, Bolivia. These specimens were associated to Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão 1993. The exceptional finding of M. trinidadensis in peridomestic environment, illustrates the general tendency of triatominae to adapt to human dwellings and dependences.

Animals↗

Immune responses of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) knock out mice to repeated Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) nymph infestations.

To investigate the immunological mechanisms of acquired resistance to tick infestation, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) deficient mice (IFN-gamma mice) were used to assess interleukin-4 (IL-4) and antibody production levels against tick salivary gland antigen on three successive infestations with Haemoaphysalis longicornis Neumann nymphs. The engorged body weight of the ticks decreased during the second and third infestations. Similar observations were noted in IFN-gamma+/+ mice. However, the engorged body weight of the ticks from IFN-gamma +/+ mice were considerably lower than those from IFN-gamma-/- mice. A marked increase in antibody production during the second and third infestations was observed indicating that IFN-gamma-/- mice could acquire immunological resistance against H. longicornis nymphs. Moreover, IL-4 levels were higher during the first and third infestations but decreased during the second infestation. IL-4 levels were significantly higher in IFN-gamma-/- mice than in IFN-gamma+/+ mice. We have shown here that the statistically significant high IL-4 levels observed in IFN-gamma-/- mice may be a result of type 2 helper cell (Th2) polarization. However, the apparently higher IL-4 levels during the first and third infestations and the notable decline during the second infestation suggest that other cytokines or factors in the host immune system may play a part in regulating IL-4 levels.

Animals↗

A laboratory study of predation by damselfly nymphs, Enallagma civile, upon mosquito larvae, Culex tarsalis.

The nymph of the damselfly, Enallagma civile, feeds on the larvae of the mosquito Culex tarsalis amongst a variety of other small aquatic invertebrates. Average daily consumption of 3rd instar Cx. tarsalis larvae by the last nymphal stage of E. civile was 6.06 larvae (range 4.64-8.67). Experiments in which density of prey (mosquito larvae) and predators (E. civile nymphs) were varied, showed that more prey was consumed as prey density increased. However, fewer prey were consumed at higher predator densities; mutual interferences among predators at higher predator densities was suspected.

Animals↗

[The reaction of taiga ticks to an attractant. 1. The experimental contact of nymphs with attractant-acaricidal granules].

Four experimental variants used the following: 1) granules only from a filler (control); 2) those from a filler and an attractant; 3) and 4) those from a filler, an attractant, and a toxicant (permethrin or lambda cigalothrin, respectively). Each experiment used 20 nymphs of the first laboratory generation. 90 and 25% were in contact with attractive and control granules, respectively. Out of the nymphs in experiments 3 and 4 granules, 94 and 100% died. The contacts of 4 sec or more duration led to death. The experimental findings suggest that the designing and application of attractive acaricidal granules in the foci of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme's disease are promising.

Animals↗

[The correlation of light and hygrothermal factors in the determination of the morphogenetic diapause of the larvae and nymphs of the taiga tick in the northwestern spurs of the eastern Sayan].

In the taiga of the region in question at the latitude 56 degrees N the photoperiod regimens of 25 June and 21 July determine 50% diapause in engorged larvae and nymphs of Ixodes persulcatus. The durations of the day time on these dates are 17 h 34 min and 16 h 45 min respectively. Seasonal fluctuations of temperature and precipitation in May-June are the main reasons for the modification of the critical photoperiod. In some years the critical dates for larvae and nymphs vary under these factors within the limits 11-28 July and 19 June-6 July respectively. The critical durations of the day time for these date limits are 16 h 20 min-17 h 12 min and 17 h 23 min-17 h 37 min respectively.

Altitude↗

[The acaricidal activity of pyrethroids against Ixodes persulcatus P. Sch. nymphs].

The efficiency of 9 drugs based on cipermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, lambdacigalothrin, ciphenothrin, phenothrin against hungry I. persulcatus nymphs was studied in the laboratory setting. The values LD50 and LD99 (in g of an active ingredient per m2) were found when the nymphs got into contacts with the treated filter paper for 10 sec and 1 min. The paper discusses whether the pyrethroids as part of attractant-acaricidal granules can be used to suppress the size of ticks in the tick-borne encephalitis foci.

Animals↗