First PCR isolation of Crithidia mellificae (Euglenozoa: Trypanosomatidae) in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Italy

Crithidia mellificae (Langridge & McGhee, 1967) is a trypanosomatid described in Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758). The pathological effects of this parasite on the host are not well known. In this short communication, we report the first isolation of this pathogen in Italy, as realized in December 2013. The detection of Crithidia spp. was obtained by applying two PCR protocols that target the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) and the sequence of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA), respectively. The PCR products were subjected to sequencing, which confirmed that the strain belonged to Crithidia mellificae

Short, medium and long-term effects of density on the demographic traits of a threatened newt

Mediterranean streams undergo seasonal reductions in water availability that may affect amphibian demography due to habitat loss and the concentration of individuals in the shrinking aquatic habitats. However, there are few empirical examples of how increased population density experienced by larval stages produces long-term effects on growth and fitness at postmetamorphic stages. We tested the effect of four different larval densities on the demography and growth of the endangered stream-dwelling newt Euproctus platycephalus. By manipulating larval populations in experimental aquaria, we analyzed the short-term effects of density in terms of growth and mortality rates as well as of social behavior. To assess medium- and long-term effects we tested the metamorph individuals after 1 and 3 years, respectively, and adults for maternal effect by assessing the relationship between mean larval size and fecundity. Larval body size and growth rate appeared inversely proportional to larval density. Density affected the incidence of aggressive behavior by increasing the rate of mutilation to arms and tail. One-year-old salamanders raised at the highest larval density grew significantly less. All 3-year-old individuals reached comparable body size and body condition irrespective of initial larval density. Salamanders presented a positive relationship between maternal size and (1) fecundity and (2) larval size. In natural conditions, increased density may cause slower growth and a reduction in the percentage of individuals reaching metamorphosis. Prolonged dry periods and increased water withdrawals for agricultural and industrial practices have almost certainly affected the population dynamics of Sardinian newt populations in the long term