Primeros datos sobre los eupélmidos asociados a agallas en Cataluña (Hym., Chalcidoidea, Eupelmidae) con la descripción del macho de Macroneura seculata (Ferrière, 1954)

In this paper we deal with five species of eupelmids associated with galls, of which Macroneura vesicularis (Retzius), M. seculata (Ferrière), Eupelmus annulatus Ness and E. splendens Giraud are the first records for Catalonia. The male of M. seculata is described for the first time and new data is given about the hosts of the found species.En este estudio incluimos cinco especies de eupélmidos obtenidos de agallas, de las cuales Macroneura vesicularis (Retzius), M. seculata (Ferrière), Eupelmus annulatus Ness y E. splendens Giraud son primeras citas para Cataluña. Se describe el macho de M. seculata por primera vez para la ciencia y se dan nuevos datos de 10s hospesdores de alguna de las especies encontradas

Sobre las especies de Aprostocetus Westwood, 1833, recolectadas en Cataluña en agallas de cinípidos producidas sobre especies del género Rosa y Quercus (Hym., Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae)

Este estudio representa la primera aportación al conocimiento del género Aprostocetus Westwood en las agallas de cinípidos para la zona catalana. En él, destaca la presencia de 5 especies distintas, de las cuales A, eurytomae, A. biorrhizae y A. fusificola se citan por primera vez para la Península Ibérica. También se dan nuevos datos sobre sus ciclos biológicos, sobre las preferencias cecidológicas y la variabilidad cromàtica.This research represents the first contribution to the knowledge of Aprostocetus Westwood from cynipid galls, found in the area of Catalonia. The presence of five different species is highlighted, some of which are mentioned for the iberian Peninsula for the first time: A. eurytomae, A. biorrihzae, and A. fusificola. Moreover, new data are given regarding their biological cycles, cecidological preferences and chromatic variability

Development of a biomarker panel for identifying stressed marine mammals

Increasing anthropogenic disturbance in marine ecosystems such as fishing, oil-drilling, and noise pollution can have detrimental effects on the reproduction and survival of apex predators such as marine mammals. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in increased circulating glucocorticoid (GCs) hormones, which alter expression of target genes encoding metabolic enzymes and other mediators of stress. Prolonged HPA axis stimulation may increase catabolism of nutrient stores and suppress immune and reproductive functions, impacting the fitness of marine mammals. GCs measurements are used to identify wild animals experiencing stress. However, these measurements may not be sensitive enough to distinguish between an acutely and a chronically stressed individuals. In this study, we present a new approach of assessing stress states in marine mammals, by measuring expression levels of gene markers in blubber. We previously characterized transcriptional and metabolic profiles and identified genes and metabolites that were differentially expressed in response to single and repeated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration in juvenile northern elephant seals. We then measured expression of these target genes in blubber tissue collected from juvenile northern elephant seals in their natural baseline stress states (n=30), and correlated their gene expression values with cortisol, aldosterone, total triiodothyronine (tT3), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), and triglyceride levels, and body condition index. We found that blubber genes that were upregulated in response to repeated ACTH administration in the previous study were positively correlated with cortisol and inversely correlated with tT3 in the baseline sample set. These markers included genes that encode a lipid particle protein (PLIN1), an adipogenesis promoting transcription factor (DKK1), an oxidative stress enzyme (GPX3), and a lipid metabolism enzyme (AZGP1). Blubber genes differentially expressed in response to acute ACTH administration in the previous study included an adipokine (ADIPOQ) and a ketogenesis enzyme (HMGCS2), which were upregulated, and an adipogenesis inhibitor, TGFBI, which was downregulated. ADIPOQ and HMGCS2 were positively correlated with cortisol and negatively correlated with tT3 levels, while TGFBI was positively correlated with tT3 and body condition index, and negatively correlated with rT3 in the baseline sample set. These results provide insights into the molecular mediators of the physiological stress response and provide markers that can be used as a part of a potential diagnostic panel for differentiating between acute and prolonged stress states in marine mammals

Revision of the types of species of Alloxysta described by Cameron and Fergusson (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Charipinae) and deposited in the Natural History Museum (London), including a key to the fauna of Great Britain

Type material of the species of Alloxysta described by Cameron and Fergusson and deposited in the Natural History Museum of London has been revised. Seven species are considered valid: Alloxysta abdera Fergusson, 1986, A. basimacula (Cameron, 1886), A. crassa (Cameron, 1889), A. mullensis (Cameron, 1883), A. piceomaculata (Cameron, 1883), A. pleuralis (Cameron, 1879) and A. semiaperta Fergusson, 1986. A. basimacula, A. crassa, A. maculicollis (Cameron, 1886), A. perplexa (Cameron, 1889) and A. piceomaculata are here removed from synonymy with A. macrophadna (Hartig, 1841). A. rufi ceps (Cameron, 1883) is removed from synonymy with A. victrix (Westwood, 1833). A. caledonica (Cameron, 1886) and A. perplexa are here synonymized with A. basimacula. A. maculicollis, A. ruficeps and A. ruficollis (Cameron, 1883) are here synonymized with A. castanea (Hartig, 1841). A. ancylocera (Cameron, 1886) was correctly synonymized with A. fuscicornis (Hartig, 1841), A. curvicornis (Cameron, 1883) was correctly synonymized with A. victrix and A. filicornis (Cameron, 1889) was correctly synonymized with A. macrophadna. Complete redescriptions and illustrations are given for valid species. A key for all the Alloxysta species found so far in Great Britain is given