Two new genera and species of Tubuliferan thrips (Thysanoptera: Insecta) from India

The new genera and species Araeothrips longisetis and Salothrips indicus are discussed in this paper

Multidimensional links in biodiversity research: an integrated exercise

The advent of viable techniques for phylogenetic estimates together with evidences on their relationships on the basis of molecular biology have kindled an increased interest in systematic and biodiversity studies. The coming together of systematists, ecologists, developmental and molecular biologists as well as the biotechnologists would give an impetus to the study of biodiversity. Thus, the integration of basic and applied sciences will result in an effective understanding of the dynamics of biodiversity and help in overcoming the deterioration of the biological systems as well as the diverse environmental problems plaguing society

Models for the predatory behaviour of some reduviids from Southern India (Insecta-Heteroptera-Reduviidae)

The predatory behaviour of three reduviids, the millipede-feedingHaematorrhophus nigroviolaceus (Reuter) (Ectrichodiinae), the insectivorousPirates affinis Serville (Piratinae) and the haematophagousTriatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer) (Triatominae), both under natural and laboratory conditions, is discussed. Visual stimuli elicited by the moving prey appear important for the initiation of feeding response. The olfactory stimuli from the defensive secretions of the prey appear to enhance the response and help in the continuation of feeding. In the haematophagousTriatoma rubrofasciata, while feeding responses are elicited only by the temperature gradient around their vertebrate hosts, the visual and olfactory senses play only a minor role. On the basis of observations on feeding behaviour, appropriate predatory behaviour models for the three reduviid species have been constructed

Cecidogenous Crotonothrips (Thysanoptera)- Memecylon interactions: host relations, nutritive tissue, tissue dynamics and cecidogenetic patterns

The host relations of Crotonothrips with Memecylon on the criterion of gall formation appear interesting. In the light of the morphogenetic courses that the susceptible host organ, the leaf, show, an attempt has been made to assess their functional efficiency in terms of structural adaptations envisaging the organisation of a nutritive zone, and tissue dynamics taking Memecylon edule, Memecylon lushingtonii, and Memecylon umbellatum as models

Thrips-fimgus association with special reference to the sporophagous Bactrothrips idolomorphus (Karny). (Tubulifera: Thysanoptera)

Aspects of feeding and fungal spore preference in terms of the percentage of gut-spore composition, and the relative preference of sporophagous Tubulifera to Coelomycetes, Ascomycetes, Hyphomycetes are highlighted. A positive correlation between the width of the maxillary stylets and the fungal spore size indicates the relationship between the two in the choice of the spore type for feeding. The incidence of reproductive polymorphism among the majority of large spore feeding thrips and their absence in hyaline spore feeders, the role of abiotic factors such as temperature and relative humidity in determining the type of reproduction and their influence on the post-embryonic development inBactrothrips idolomorphus are discussed. Numerical variation in the pre-vitellogenic, vitellogenic and developing oocytes during oviparity, ovoviviparity and viviparity is also discussed

Functional morphology of pylorus and rectal glands in Reduviidae (Insecta-Heteroptera)

Anatomical and histological studies of the alimentary organs of sixteen reduviids, with diverse food habits indicate structural variations. The terminal part of the tubular second midgut of these predaceous insects has a permanent sac-like region with distinct histology, concerned with absorption of digested food. In addition, the digestive system is characterised by a reduced pylorus with pyloric-intestinal and pyloric-rectal valves, surrounded by flask-shaped ampullae of the four malpighian tubules. The ampullary cells with their filamentous apices and with fibrillar cytoplasmic processes are concerned with. water absorption. Commonly in all these terrestrial insects, the anterior end of the rectum also bears a well-developed, inverted cup-like rectal gland, the cells of which also absorb water from the excreta stored in the impermeable, intima lined rectum. Members of Ectrichodiinae show simple ampullary cells and a unique rectum, reported for the first time among reduviids with scattered dome-shaped glandular cells as found in Homoptera and in some phytophagous Heteroptera. The simple nature of the alimentary organs indicates its primitive organization within the reduviid subfamilies

Functional morphology of the salivary system in some Reduviidae (Insecta-Heteroptera)

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Biochemical correlates in Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus-Terminalia catappa interactions with special reference to leaf infestation patterns

Leaf age correlated infestation patterns of Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus on Terminalia catappa revealed specificity in stage and site selection. An indepth analysis of the quantitative as well as qualitative profiles of proteins, amino acids and fatty acids in age specific leaves exemplified a correlatable influence on the infestation patterns

On the developmental morphology of the rosette galls of Acacia leucophloea Willd., (Mimosaceae) induced by Thilakothrips hablu Ramk. (Thysanoptera: Insecta)

Thilakothrips babuli induces rosette (artichoke) galls on the axillary buds of Acacia leucophloea. As a result of feeding by the building populations of thrips, axillary shoot meristems are destroyed, and primordial palisade tissues of the leaflets and cortical tissues of the shoot axis are transformed into nutritive cells of specialised morphology. Very similar to the galls induced by mites, midges, chalcids, and chloropids, Thilakothrips-induced Acacia galls also have a characteristic morphology, involving the inhibition of elongation of the shoot axis and crowding of maldeveloped leaflets. While describing the cecidogenesis in relation to the biology of the gall maker, an attempt has been made to discuss the morphological convergence among shoot apex galls

The cereal thrips Haplothrips ganglbaueri Schmutz with particular reference to the trends of infestation on Orzya sativa and the weed Echinochloa crusgalli

The trends of infestation of Haplothrips ganglbaueri on Oryza sativa and the weed Echinochloa crusgalli in paddy fields are discussed, along with its biological and taxonomical aspects