Revision of the bark louse genus Bicuspidatus (Psocodea: Peripsocidae) with description of a new species from China.

Bicuspidatus is a small genus of the family Peripsocidae, erected by Li (1993) with B. pulchipunctatus as the type species. Adults of this genus can be easily distinguished from other peripsocids by the phallosome with bicuspid apical process in males or by the subgenital plate with modestly elongated, distally bilobed posterior lobe in females. Bicuspidatus currently comprises three species: B. guangdongensis Li, 1993, B. pulchipunctatus Li, 1993 and B. sigillatus Li, 1993, all are known only from Guangdong Province, China. According to previous studies, these three species can be distinguished by the markings on the forewings and a few characteristics of phallosome (Li 1993, 2002). In this study, we present a taxonomic revision of Bicuspidatus based on examination of 40 specimens collected from various localities, including the type specimens of B. guangdongensis, B. pulchipunctatus and B. sigillatus. Furthermore, 12 of them were used for molecular analyses based on partial sequences of COI gene. As a result, B. guangdongensis and B. sigillatus are here considered as junior synonyms of B. pulchipunctatus. We redescribe B. pulchipunctatus and describe a new species from Xizang Autonomous Region, China. An updated distribution map and a revised key to the species of Bicuspidatus are also provided.

Efficient symptomatic treatment and viral load reduction for children with influenza virus infection by nasal-spraying Bacillus spore probiotics.

Influenza virus is a main cause of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children. This is the first double-blind, randomized, and controlled clinical trial examining the efficacy of nasal-spraying probiotic LiveSpo Navax, which contains 5 billion of Bacillus subtilis and B. clausii spores in 5 mL, in supporting treatment of influenza viral infection in pediatric patients. We found that the nasal-spraying Bacillus spores significantly shortened the recovery period and overall treatment by 2 days and increased treatment effectiveness by 58% in resolving all ARTIs' symptoms. At day 2, the concentrations of influenza virus and co-infected bacteria were reduced by 417 and 1152 folds. Additionally, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6 in nasopharyngeal samples were reduced by 1.1, 3.7, and 53.9 folds, respectively. Compared to the standard control group, treatment regimen with LiveSpo Navax demonstrated significantly greater effectiveness, resulting in 26-fold reduction in viral load, 65-fold reduction in bacterial concentration, and 1.1-9.5-fold decrease in cytokine levels. Overall, nasal-spraying Bacillus spores can support the symptomatic treatment of influenza virus-induced ARTIs quickly, efficiently and could be used as a cost-effective supportive treatment for respiratory viral infection in general.Clinical trial registration no: NCT05378022 on 17/05/2022.

The unique C-mannosylated hypertrehalosemic hormone of Carausius morosus: Identity, release, and biological activity.

Previous studies had shown that the corpora cardiaca (CC) of the Indian stick insect, Carausius morosus, synthesizes two hypertrehalosemic hormones (HrTHs)-decapeptides which differ in the way that the chromatographically less-hydrophobic form, code-named Carmo-HrTH-I, is modified by an unique C-mannosylated tryptophan residue at position 8. The availability of milligram amounts of this modified peptide in synthetic form now makes it possible to study physico-chemical and physiological properties. This study revealed that the synthetic peptide co-elutes with the natural peptide from the CC chromatographically, is heat stable for at least 30 min at 100°C, and causes hyperlipemia in acceptor locusts (a heterologous bioassay) and hypertrehalosemia in ligated stick insects (conspecific bioassay). In vitro incubation of Carmo-HrTH-I together with stick insect hemolymph (a natural source of peptidases) demonstrated clearly via chromatographic separation that the C-mannosylated Trp bond is stable and is not broken down to Carmo-HrTH-II (the more-hydrophobic decapeptide with an unmodified Trp residue). This notwithstanding, breakdown of Carmo-HrTH-I did take place, and the half-life of the compound was calculated as about 5 min. Finally, the natural peptide is releasable when CC are treated in vitro with a depolarizing saline (high potassium concentration) suggesting its role as true HrTHs in the stick insect. In conclusion, the results indicate that Carmo-HrTH-I which is synthesized in the CC is released into the hemolymph, binds to a HrTH receptor in the fat body, activates the carbohydrate metabolism pathway and is quickly inactivated in the hemolymph by (an) as yet unknown peptidase(s).

A new classification of genus Neoperla and systematic studies of other Perlinae (Plecoptera: Perlidae).

A new formal classification for the largest genus of Perlinae, Neoperla, is introduced to replace the artificial split of the genus into two informal groups. Globally, there are close to 300 named species, with the number rising all the time. The monophyletic clymene-group is assigned to Neoperla (Neoperla) with ~ 140 species in North America, Africa and parts of Asia; its seven main subgroups are briefly characterized. The polyphyletic Asian montivaga-group is replaced by two monophyletic subgenera, N. (Borneella), new subgenus (six species), and N. (Formosita) Klaplek, new status (~125 species). Five species groups in N. (Formosita) are recognized and diagnosed. For 85% of the species known by mid-2023 (DeWalt et al. 2023), their assignment to supra-specific taxa is summarized in a table, while a further 40 species cannot be placed at present. Some additions, remarks and corrections to the phylogenetically oriented synopsis of Perlinae by Sivec, Stark & Uchida (1988) are made. The new species N.(F.) fasciata is named. Eighty-eight figures, including numerous new original photographs, are presented.

Revision of the bark louse genus Ceratostigma Li, 2002 (Psocodea: Psocidae: Psocinae) with description of a new species from China.

The bark louse genus Ceratostigma Li, 2002 is revised with description of Ceratostigma stagona sp. n., from Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A new combination of an Indonesian endemic species, C. lisae (Thornton, 1984) comb. n., is proposed, and thus Ceratostigma is newly recorded from Indonesia. A distribution map and a key to species of Ceratostigma are also provided.

A new species of sucking louse (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from the pale field rat, Rattus tunneyi (Rodentia: Muridae), in Australia.

We describe and illustrate a new species of sucking louse, Hoplopleura tunneya new species, from the Australian pale field rat, Rattus tunneyi Thomas (Rodentia: Muridae). Currently, 22 species of the genus Hoplopleura Enderlein, 1904 (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) are known from Australian endemic rodents. Among the seven new endemic rodent species of the genus Rattus in Australia, R. tunneyi is one of five hosts to Hoplopleura lice. In addition, we give a list of all the species of Hoplopleura known from Australian endemic rodents. Including the introduced species Polyplax spinulosa, the total number of sucking louse species known from Australian endemic rodents is now 24.

Systematic revision and phylogeny of Paragripopteryx Enderlein, 1909 (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae).

Among the Neotropical gripopterygids, the genus Paragripopteryx occurs along the Brazilian Atlantic coast to Uruguay. Since its first recognition by Enderlein in 1909, the genus underwent a confusing taxonomic history with some combinations. In this study, we aim to revise Paragripopteryx and present the first morphology-based phylogeny for the genus. The analysis comprised 38 morphological characters and their respective states in 30 terminal taxa, including 13 Paragripopteryx species, two new species identified as belonging to Paragripopteryx, and 15 outgroup species, among which we can highlight 12 different South American genera and one Australian genus of Gripopterygidae. The cladistic analysis yielded a parsimonious tree for k = 3 (137 steps, consistency index = 0.445, and retention index = 0.591) where most Paragripopteryx are nested, except for Uruguayan Paragripopteryx munoai. We can then infer that in its current circumscription Paragripopteryx is polyphyletic. The following two species are described: Paragripopteryx dasalmas sp. nov. and Paragripopteryx ogum sp. nov. Paragripopteryx baratinii is designated as a nomen dubium. Additionally, we provide a key for species identification, updated geographical records, and illustrations for all species. As a corollary, our study gathers relevant morphological information that can help to better understand this genus and create foundations for the next steps.

Dipsocus gen. n.: A new bark louse genus of the tribe Thyrsophorini (Psocodea: Psocidae: Psocinae), with description of a new species from China.

A new bark louse genus of the tribe Thyrsophorini, namely Dipsocus gen. n., is herein described. This genus differs from the other genera of Thyrsophorini by male hypandrium divided into two parts, basal part strongly sclerotized, distal part weakly sclerotized; female pigmented area of subgenital plate roughly T-shaped, stem of T-shaped area thread-like and distally bifurcated. We also describe a new species, i.e., D. fashengi sp. n., from Guangxi, China, and provide a key to the seven Thyrsophorini genera found in China.

Fungivory: a new and complex ecological function of Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) / Fungivoria: uma nova e complexa função ecológica de Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

We report the discovery that the earwig predator Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) feed on Puccinia polysora Underw uredospore, the causal agent of Southern Rust of Corn (SRC), which is a primary disease affecting the maize crop in Brazil. We performed experiments in laboratory and greenhouse to test the effect of D. luteipes (1st/2nd and 3rd/4th instars, and adults) fungivory on the P. polysora uredospore concentration. All trials showed a significant reduction of the initial concentration of uredospore. There was a reduction in uredospore concentration with increase in number of D. luteipes feeding on them. We also tested the uredospore consumption by quantifying its percentage in the feces of D. luteipes. Nymphs of the 2nd, 4th instar and adults fed 88%, 85%, and 83.8% of the uredospore, respectively. For nymphs of the 3rd instar, the percentage of uredospore consumption (75.6%) was statistically significant compared with the other groups. In greenhouse experiment, at twenty-eight days after plant inoculation with 9.9 x 104 uredospores, the percentage of uredospore consumption was 81.7%. Our results confirmed the fungivory of D. luteipes on P. polysora uredospore. This is the first report of D. luteipes fungivory, which may play an important role in the biological control of P. polysora in corn.

Relatamos a descoberta de que o predador Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) se alimenta de uredosporos de Puccinia polysora Underw, o agente causal da ferrugem polisora que é uma doença primária que afeta a cultura do milho no Brasil. Realizamos experimentos em laboratório e em casa de vegetação para testar o efeito da fungivoria de D. luteipes (1º/2º e 3º/4º iìstares e adultos) sobre a concentração de uredosporos de P. polysora. Todos os ensaios mostraram uma redução significativa da concentração inicial de uredosporos. Houve uma redução na concentração de uredosporos com o aumento do número de D. luteipes alimentando-se deles. Também testamos o consumo de uredosporos quantificando sua porcentagem nas fezes de D. luteipes. Ninfas do 2º e 4º ínstar, assim como adultos, alimentaram-se de 88%, 85% e 83,8% dos uredosporos, respectivamente. Para ninfas do 3º ínstar, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos (75,6%) foi estatisticamente significativo em comparação com os outros grupos. No experimento em casa de vegetação, aos 28 dias após a inoculação das plantas com 9,9 x 104 uredosporos, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos foi de 81,7%. Nossos resultados confirmaram a fungivoria de D. luteipes em uredosporos de P. polysora. Este é o primeiro relato de fungivoria de D. luteipes, que pode ter papel importante no controle biológico de P. polysora em milho.

A new species of the bark louse genus Clematoscenea (Psocodea: Psocidae) from Xizang, China.

A new species of the bark louse genus Clematoscenea Enderlein, 1907, namely Clematoscenea biprocessus sp. n., is described from Xizang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be diagnosed by the forewing with a nearly V-shaped brown marking on proximal half in female but hyaline on corresponding region in male, and by the abdomen dorsally with a yellow band. Keys to species of Clematoscenea based on male and female characters are also provided.

Toxicity of Varronia curassavica Jacq. Essential Oil to Two Arthropod Pests and Their Natural Enemy.

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of the Varronia curassavica Jacq. essential oil to two cosmopolitan and polyphagous pest species, the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) and the green aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer). Additionally, we tested the essential oil toxicity to a generalist predatory insect, the green lacewing Ceraeochrysa cubana Hagen. The treatments consisted of four essential oil concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%) and one control (Tween® 80 + water). At 0.75% concentration, the V. curassavica essential oil caused the highest mortalities for both pests. The concentration of 1.0% of the essential oil interfered mainly in the rates of oviposition and egg hatching and caused a decrease in the instantaneous population growth rate (ri) of T. urticae. Survival of the C. cubana was not affected by the highest tested concentration of the essential oil (1%). Tested concentrations V. curassavica essential oil were toxic to T. urticae and M. persicae, but not to the predator C. cubana.

Chemical compositions and repellent activity of Clerodendrum bungei Steud. essential oil against three stored product insects.

BACKGROUND: Several species of Verbenaceae have been widely used in medicine, and some species of Verbenaceae have been observed good insecticidal activity, such as Lantana camara and Vitex negundo. There is no report about repellent activity of Clerodendrum bungei Steud. (C. bungei) against stored product insects. The chemical composition of C. bungei essential oil (EO) were identified, repellent activity of methanol extract, EO of C. bungei and two main components of EO against T. castaneum, L. serricorne and L. bostrychophila were evaluated for the first time. RESULTS: EO of C. bungei was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC. A total of 25 components of the C. bungei EO were identified. The principal compounds in the EO were myristicin (75.0%), 2,2,7,7-Tetramethyltricyclo[6.2.1.0(1,6)]undec-4-en-3-one (4.1%) and linalool (3.4%). Results of bioassays indicated that C. bungei EO exerted strong repellent activity against three target insects. As main constituents, myristicin and linalool also had certain repellency. CONCLUSION: This work suggests that the EO of C. bungei has promising potential to develop into botanical repellents for the control of pest damage in warehouses and grain stores.

The first record of the bark louse genus Symbiopsocus (Psocodea: Psocidae) from Vietnam, with description of a new species.

The bark louse genus Symbiopsocus includes 23 species, all of which known from East Asia. Here we report the first record of Symbiopsocus from Vietnam, with description of Symbiopsocus vietnamicus sp. nov. A revised key to the species of Symbiopsocus is provided.

Megacraniinae-The Palm Stick Insects: A new subfamily of Old World Phasmatodea and a redefinition of Platycraninae Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893 (Phasmatodea: "Anareolatae").

The subfamily Platycraninae Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893 is polyphyletic in the traditional treatment. None of the genera attributed to the subfamily is closely related to the type-genus Platycrana Gray, 1835, which has already been suggested by morphological studies. The main key feature of Platycraninae traditionally used to characterize the subfamily, the remarkably large head and strongly enlarged genae ("cheeks"), is not true for Platycrana. Consequently, all other genera, the true "Palm Stick Insects" need to be removed from Platycraninae and are here accommodated in Megacraniinae subfam. nov.. Megacrania Kaup, 1871 is chosen as the type-genus of this new subfamily, because the name very well describes the main characteristic of this clade. Previous molecular studies have shown Megacraniinae subfam. nov. to be a member of the Old World family Phasmatidae s. str. (= Lanceocercata Bradler, 2001), which is characterized by the enlarged, laterally flattened and foliaceous or lanceolate cerci and by the male anal segment longitudinally split into two movable, interiorly dentate hemi-tergites that serve as a clasping apparatus to grasp the female abdomen during copulation and makes lacking a vomer. Neither character is true for Platycrana and Platycraninae sensu nov. respectively. Molecular studies have revealed Platycraninae sensu novo as the sister group of Phasmatidae s. str. (= Lanceocercata). The tribe Stephanacridini Günther, which has previously been without a subfamilar affiliation is transferred as a subordinate taxon of Platycraninae sensu novo. Platycraninae is characterized and distinguished from Phasmatidae s. str. (= Lanceocercata) by the small cylindrical cerci, simple anal segment and presence of a vomer in males, as well as the strongly keeled subgenital plate and remarkably elongated, filiform gonapophysis VIII of females, which greatly project over the apex of the abdomen. Characterizations are presented for Megacraniinae subfam. nov. as well as Platycraninae sensu nov. and its two tribes Platycranini and Stephanacridini. Lists of genera are provided for the three taxa. Three genera are removed from Platycraninae and Megacraniinae subfam. nov.: The Australian Echetlus Stål, 1875 is transferred to Phasmatinae: Acanthomimini and Redtenbacherus Özdikmen Darilmaz, 2008 and Elicius Günther, 1935 are transferred to Lonchodidae: Necrosciinae. The male of Megacrania spina Hsiung, 2007 as well as the eggs of Megacrania brocki Hsiung, 2002, Erastus apalamnus Rehn, 1904, Ophicrania apterus (Redtenbacher, 1908), Ophicrania nigroplagiatus (Redtenbacher, 1908), Platycrana viridana (Olivier, 1792) and Macrophasma lyratus (Redtenbacher, 1908) are illustrated for the first time. Xenomaches moderata (Kirby, 1884) from the island of Ambon is synonymised with Platycrana viridana (Olivier, 1792) (syn. nov.).

Phylogenetic analysis of Lachesilla Westwood (Psocodea: Psocomorpha: Lachesillidae) and relationships of sister genera of the subfamily Lachesillinae.

Lachesilla is the most species-rich psocid genus, with 341 species grouped into 19 species groups (with at least 100 undescribed species), plus an additional undescribed species group. We present the first phylogenetic analysis of Lachesilla and a discussion on the relationships of sister genera of the subfamily Lachesillinae. We codified a matrix of 60 morphological characters (16 multistate and 44 binary) formed by 44 terminals: 37 ingroup species and seven outgroup species. A phylogenetic analysis was performed using Maximum Parsimony (MP) as optimality criterion, under equal weights and implied weights approaches. Monophyly of Lachesilla is not recovered, showing a polyphyletic genus divided in two major clades: clade A, composed of the pedicularia species group + Nadleria, and clade B, including the remaining species groups. The implied weights analysis produced a hypothesis with Hemicaecilius as sister group of clade B, nesting seven subclades mainly with low branch support values (symmetric resampling and bootstrap). These results suggest that all species groups, included in this analysis, can be considered monophyletic clades based on several synapomorphies, despite the andra species group was split up showing that L. punctata + L. dentata cluster together with high branch support values, but L. tehuautlensis and L. falcicula were recovered in different subclades.

Parallel evolution of an alpine type ecomorph in a scorpionfly: Independent adaptation to high-altitude environments in multiple mountain locations.

Elucidation of the diversification process of organisms is one of the important tasks of biology. From the viewpoint of species diversity, insects are the most successful group among the diverse organisms on earth and evolutionary adaptation is one of the important factors driving this pattern. Evolutionary adaptation is one of the important factors in the diversification of insects. One of the representative examples of environmental adaptation in insects is the shortening and loss of wings in subalpine and alpine zones. In this study, we focused on the Japanese scorpionfly, Panorpodes paradoxus. In this species, individuals that inhabit mountainous regions and subalpine zones have long wings (the "general type"), and individuals that inhabit higher altitudinal ranges have short wings (the "alpine type"). We collected samples of all Japanese Panorpodes species and one Korean Panorpodes species, and conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA COI (610 bp), COII (688 bp), and 16S rRNA (888 bp) and nuDNA EF1-α (658 bp) and 28S rRNA (524 bp) regions in order to reveal the evolutionary history of the alpine type of P. paradoxus. As a result of molecular phylogenetic analyses, it was revealed that the alpine type of P. paradoxus was polyphyletic, and had evolved to become the alpine type at least twice independently at separate mountain locations. In addition, the result of divergence time estimation suggested that the alpine type is an "ecomorph", having recently adapted to low temperature habitats following mountain uplift within the Japanese Archipelago and subsequent glacial-interglacial cycles.

The Immuno-Enhancement Effects of Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga sinensis) Lyophilized Powder in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice.

Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga sinensis) is an important material used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the immunoregulation effects of E. sinensis Lyophilized Powder (ESL) are unclear. The in vivo study thus designed to elucidate the immuno-enhancement effects of ESL in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). Mice were treated with three doses of ESL (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg). Compared with model group, ESL notably increased the immune organ index, mononuclear macrophages function and the level of nature killer cell (NK) (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was also improved (p < 0.05). The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were enhanced (p < 0.05), while malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and nitrogen monoxide (NO) were reduced (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Meanwhile, cluster determinant (CD)3+ T cell, CD4+ T cell and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were increased (p < 0.01). The cytokines secretion such as interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were notably increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and IL-6 and IL-16 were also enhanced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ESL significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), up-regulated the B cell lymphoma-2 protein (Bcl-2) expression and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in spleen tissues (p < 0.05). In brief, all these findings suggest that ESL could effectively improve immune functions via modulating oxidative systems and innate immune cells. Abbreviations: TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine; ESL: Eupolyphaga sinensis Lyophilized Powder; CCl4: Carbon tetrachloride; ERK: Extracellular regulated protein kinases; CTX: Cyclophosphamide; DTH: Delayed type hypersensitivity; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; CAT: Catalase; MDA: Malonyldialdehyde; NO: Nitrogen monoxide; NK: Nature killer cell; CD: Cluster determinant interleukin; TNF-α: Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; Bax: Bcl-2 associated X protein; Bcl-2: B cell lymphoma-2 protein; Th1: Type-1 helper; Th2: Type-2 helper; FAMEs: Fatty acid methyl esters; DNFB: 2,4 - Dinitrofluorobenzene; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay; MAPK: Mitogen activated protein kinase; Cyt-c: Cytochrome c; SCFAs: Short-chain fatty acids; SDS-PAGE: Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Evaluation of efficacy of the essential oil from Ostericum viridiflorum (Turcz.) Kitagawa in control of stored product insects.

The natural and ecologically safe control of stored product insects has gained considerable attention in modern society. In this study of further searching for botanical pesticides from wild-growing plant, the contact toxicity and repellency towards Tribolium castaneum and Liposcelis bostrychophila were assessed for the essential oil (EO) from Ostericum viridiflorum. The EO was distilled from aboveground parts of O. viridiflorum and checked by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twenty-two compounds were identified and the main components were ß-caryophyllene (24.3%), α-humulene (21.0%), apiol (10.2%), and carotol (2.5%). For bioactivity tests, results indicated that the EO and its two main compounds (ß-caryophyllene and α-humulene) all showed potent contact toxicity towards L. bostrychophila with LD50 values of 44.52 µg/cm2, 74.11 µg/cm2, and 118.56 µg/cm2, respectively. The EO and the two main compounds also exhibited comparable repellency towards T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila. The results evidenced the EO of O. viridiflorum aboveground parts and its major compounds could be considered for the development of eco-friendly botanical insecticides and repellents in controlling stored product insects.

Proprioceptive input to a descending pathway conveying antennal postural information: Terminal organisation of antennal hair field afferents.

Like several other arthropod species, stick insects use their antennae for tactile exploration of the near-range environment and for spatial localisation of touched objects. More specifically, Carausius morosus continuously moves its antennae during locomotion and reliably responds to antennal contact events with directed movements of a front leg. Here we investigate the afferent projection patterns of antennal hair fields (aHF), proprioceptors known to encode antennal posture and movement, and to be involved in antennal movement control. We show that afferents of all seven aHF of C. morosus have terminal arborisations in the dorsal lobe (DL) of the cerebral (=supraoesophageal) ganglion, and descending collaterals that terminate in a characteristic part of the gnathal (=suboesophageal) ganglion. Despite differences of functional roles among aHF, terminal arborisation patterns show no topological arrangement according to segment specificity or direction of movement. In the DL, antennal motoneuron neurites show arborizations in proximity to aHF afferent terminals. Despite the morphological similarity of single mechanoreceptors of aHF and adjacent tactile hairs on the pedicel and flagellum, we find a clear separation of proprioceptive and exteroceptive mechanosensory neuropils in the cerebral ganglion. Moreover, we also find this functional separation in the gnathal ganglion.

An Alternative Treatment Against Acanthocephala ( Prosthenorchis elegans) in Captive Squirrel Monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus) in Mexico.

We provide the first report of Acanthocephala ( Prosthenorchis elegans) in Mexican non-human primates. There has been no known treatment against this parasite except for surgical removal, and this has been relatively ineffective because of the small juveniles. We report the presence of P. elegans in a captive breeding colony of squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus) in Mexico, and we describe a successful treatment protocol. Treatment involved 2 steps: oral administration of the drugs loperamide chlorhydrate (0.5 mg/0.9 kg/3 days) and niclosamide (0.2 mg/0.9 kg/3 days) followed by surgical removal of adult worms from the intestine. Fecal examination during treatment revealed live adults but no living juveniles and no eggs. Surgery after 1 wk of treatment revealed the presence of adults and an absence of juvenile parasites. All adults were physically extracted during the surgery. All subjects recovered from surgery within 1 wk.