022728   Pramanik M K;Raut S K (Ecology & Ecology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019) : Destruction of Culex quinque asciatus egg-raft by the larvivorous fishes guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and gambusia (Gambusia affinis). Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2311-14.

The larvivorous fishes guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and gambusia (Gambusia qffinis) were offered the egg-rafts of Culex quinquefasciatus separately and with the larval and pupal stages experimentally in laboratory. It was revealed that an individual, irrespective of species and sex consumed 35-66 egg-rafts when the same was supplied as the only food. But, the rate of destruction was reduced to 33 - 47 when they had the opportunity to have larval and pupal preys. Females consumed more egg-rafts than the males. Destruction of mosquito egg-rafts by P. reticulata and G qffinis is reported here for the first time.

1 illus, 19 ref

022727   Panigrahi A (Zoology Dep, Hooghly Mohsin College, Chinsurah-712 101) : Effect of relative humidity on hatching of egs of the tea pest Andraca bipunctata Walker (Lepidoptera : Notodontidae). Indian Biol 2007, 39(2), 9-11.

The eggs of the tea pest Andraca bipunctata Walker while maintained at 17%, 28-33%, 49-57%, 72-77%, 90-94% and 100% relative humidities did not hatch at all at 17% and they required 27-36, 25-32, 22-25, 21-26 and 22-27 days respectively from starting to complete hatching. Percentage of hatching of the eggs recorded 39.21%, 68.16%, 94.10%, 98.76% and 80.52% respectively at the relative humidity grades under study.

1 table, 8 ref

022726   Maity S;Raut S K (Ecology & Ethology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019) : Time requirement for LC₅₀ of Devisulfan 35 and Devifen 20 on mosquito larvae Culex quinauefasciatus and guppies, Poecilia reticulata. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2364-68.

Five doses viz. 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.05 ml/liter of devisulfan 35 and devifen 20 were applied on the fourth instar of Culex quinquefasciatus and the guppies, Poecilia reticulata in winter and summer in Kolkata, India to note the time requirement for these organisms to ensure LC₅₀. It revealed the length of time requirement for these organisms to ensure LC₅₀. It revealed that the length of time though reduced gradually with the decreasing doses of pesticides both the species needed more time in winter than the summer to ensure LC₅₀ The effects of these pesticides exhibited significant differences between devisulfan 35 and devifen 20, between C. quinquefasciatus and P. reticulata and between winter and summer seasons.

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022725   Jyotsna;Gupta V;Singh R K (Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: jyotsnagaur@yahoo.com) : In vivo haematological changes due to antibacterial drug chloramphenicol in charles foster rat. Res Envir Life Sci 2008, 1(2), 69-70.

Antibacterial drug chloramphenicol was orally administered to Charles Foster strain of albino rats. Twenty four rats were divided into four groups of six rats, having equal number of male and female rats. Ist Group rats served as control group, while IInd, IIIrd and IVth Group rats served as treated groups. These groups were orally administered the selected dose levels of 140 mg kg^-1, 280 mg kg^-1, and 560 mg kg^-1 body weight and control group received 1.50 ml distilled water for 5 days. The significant changes were observed in haematological parameters. Total leucocyte count, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelet count were significantly decreased and mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increased due to above dose levels.

1 table, 12 ref

022724   Gajare K A;Gujar N S;Diwan P D;Bansod M A; Wadekar H R;Deshmukh A A (Zoology Dep, Government Vidarbha Institute of Science and Humanities, Amravati-444 604, Email: kavita_kanu@rediffmail.com) : Alterations in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity during growth phase of Lymnaea luteola (L.). J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1455-8.

Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity were studied in 150 individuals of Lymnaea luteola ranging from body wt. 12 mg to 300 mg. Lipid peroxidation in the form of nM of MDA/mg tissue showed biphasic nature. During early phase i.e., from body weight 12 mg to 142 mg there was possibility of negative correlation (r= -0.45 p<0.001) between lipid peroxidation and body weight. During late phase i.e. from body weight 156 mg to 300 mg there was high degree of positive correlation (r=0.83 p<0.001). SOD activity also exhibited biphasic nature i.e. during early phase from body weight 12mg to 122 mg there was negative correlation (r=-0.60 p<0.001) between SOD activity and body weight and in late phase i.e. from 136 mg to 300mg there was no change in SOD activity along with age indicating the onset of imbalance between formation of free radicals and antioxidant defense during late phase.

2 illus, 30 ref

022723   Dutta S K;Raut S K (Ecology & Ethnology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019) : Parental activities in relation to feeding of the hatchings of house sparrow Passer domesticus, occurring in kolkata, India. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2337-40.

Parental activities in relation to feeding of the hatchlings of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, were noted in Kolkata, India. It revealed that a P. domesticus pair had to offer on average 2203.57 ± 6.98 SE times food to the three hatchlings during the period of 11 hours (from 0558 hours to 1653 hours) of active period. The male spent 11.07 ± 0.87 SE and the female spent 15.86 ± 1.44 SE seconds for the collection of food in each occasion while they needed 8.36 ± 0.36 and 9.5 ± 0.81 seconds respectively to feed the same to the hatchlings. In most cases the female partner was seen to wait for the male partner outside the nest prior to feeding the hatchiings. This habit seems to be related with the nest guarding strategy of P. domesticus.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

022722   Dutta A;Bhattacharya D K (Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235) : Interaction between macrophytic biomass and insect biomass in wetland of West Bengal. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2401-6.

The present paper deals with the interaction between monthly macrophytic biomass and Insect biomass during the period January 2002 to December 2002. A gradual increasing trend in macrophytic biomass production was observed during winter month. Ephemeroptera and Odonates were more abundant during summer months than in winter and monsoon. Ephemeroptera were absent in June and July in all wetlands. Hemipterans were recorded maximum during winter months as compared to other seasons, whereas Coleopterans were found to be more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. In Eichhomia crassipes, it was maximum (120.4 g/m²) in May in Khiramari beel and Coleoptera biomass also maximum (2.4 g/m²) in the same month. Nelumbo nucifera was minimum (18.4 g/m²) in January in Krishna Sayer lake and Coleoptera biomass also minimum (0.0001 g/m²) in the same month. Odonates and Ephemeropterans were correlated positively and significantly with submerged macrophytic biomass (Ceratophyllum demersum and Vallisneria spiralis) but their correlation with emergent (Alternanthera philoxeroides and Nelumbo nucifera) macrophytic biomass were negative but significant. Hemipterans and Dipterans may be considered as comparatively less associated group with macrophytes. On the degree of interaction and association of insects with macrophytes, the former may be categorized into not interacted, strongly interacted, less interacted groups. Not interacted groups of insects with the macrophytes were Hemiptera and Diptera. The strongly interacted insects were Odonata, Ephemeroptera and Coleoptera. The less interacted groups of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera (Ranatra, Laccotrephes, Diplonychus), Coleoptera (Laccophitus, Canthydrus, Amphiops, Berosus) and Diptera (Chironomids).

3 tables, 22 ref

022721   Das M;Ganguly A;Saha H K;Haldar P (Entomology Research Unit, Zoology Dep, Visva Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235) : Estimation of food consumption and growth of common acridid species (Orthoptera : Acrididae) in laboratory condition. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2252-4.

Insects offer us many benefits, including their use in animal nutrition. Insects are natural food for many vertebrates. Various workers have shown positive results on broiler growth fed on insect feed. Among insects acridids have good amount of protein. Hence they can be used as alternative feed for livestock industries. For that a continuous supply is required and that can only be accomplished by acridid farming. Here an experiment was conducted to determine food consumption and growth of the chosen bivoltinc species i.e. Acrida exaltata (Walker) and Tylotropidius varicornis (Walker) and the multivoltine species i.e. Dittopternis venusta (Walker), Truxalis indica (Bolivar). Growth was measured in terms of total weight gain (TWO), percent weight gain (PWG) and percent specific growth rate (SGR). Among the four species the PWG of D. venusta was found to be highest while their consumption rate was lowest. Moreover D. venusta is a multivoltine species. It was concluded that this species may be the most potential among the four species for acridid farming to utilize it as animal feed supplement for enhancement of livestock industries.

1 table, 15 ref

022720   Chatterjee S K;Ghosh S;Ghosal A (Life Science Laboratory, Institute of Science Education, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-731 104) : Effect of mahua oil cake on blood parameters of the fish Channa punctatus (Bloch). Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2183-5.

Effect of sublethal doses of mohua oil cake (MOC) on hemoglobin concentration and number of RBC in the blood of the fish Charma punctatus was studied after five and ten days of exposure. Values of Hb and RBC number from exposed and control fish were compared and analyzed. MOC was found to be toxic to hematological parameters.

1 table, 14 ref

022719   Bansal N;Uppal (NO, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab-141 004) : Gross anatomical and histomorphological studies on the lingual papillae in tiger (Pathera tigris). Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(8), 846-47.

Gross, histomorphological and histochemical information on the lingual papillae in tiger was elucidated in this study. Filliform papillae, fungiform papillae, circumvallate papillae were studied.

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021660   Swain D;Rout S D;Behura B K (NO, , Debendrapur, P.O. Takatpur, Baripada, Orissa) : Population structure of two species of non-human primates in the similipal tiger reserve, Mayurbhanj, Orissa, India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1296-1308.

Generally three species of non-human primates occur in the State of Orissa (India). Among these only two species of non-human primates occur in the forests of Similipal hills of Mayurbhanj District. A census for different species of wild mammals occurring in the Similipal Tiger Reserve was undertaken during May, 2004. The results of population structure of two species of non-human primates, viz. Semnopithecus entellus entellus and Macaca mulatto. were furnished. The census was carried out for four consecutive days in the line transect method covering a total distance of 122 km. Of the 144 troops sighted consisting of 1,505 Hanuman langurs, the mean troop size worked out to 9.6 ± 1.19. The highest and lowest density of Hanuman langur was 162.5 and 1.7 per km² respectively. Similarly, out of 12 macaque troops sighted consisting of 138 individuals, the troops were made up of 4 to 25 individuals, with a mean of 11.5 ± 1.82. The population density was 10-98.3 per km², with a mean of 26.86.

2 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

021659   Suresh N;Ranganathan L S (Zoology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: cnsuresh2006@rediffmail.com) : Ontogeny of lymphoid organs - thymus, spleen and kidney in Catla catla (Hamilton). Indian J Fish 2008, 55(4), 317-22.

Ontogeny of the lymphoid organs thymus, spleen and kidney were studied in the Indian major carp Catla catla during the early development stages i.e., from day one post-hatch to three months of age. Routine histological methods were adopted to study the development of these organs. Thymus appeared as thymic analogue and kidney appeared as an undifferentiated mass of stem cells on first day of post-hatch whereas spleen appeared on the fifth day of post-hatch.

13 illus, 27 ref

021658   Sujatha K;Padmavathi P;Iswarya Deepti V A; Shrikanya K V L (Marine Living Resources Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: sujatha.mlr@gmail.com) : Epinephelus magniscuttis Postel, Fourmanoir and Gueze, 1963, 1963 - new record from Indian waters. Indian J Fish 2008, 55(4), 341-3.

With the extension of trawl net operations to deeper waters off Visakhapatnam, middle east coast of India, a new grouper species Epinephelus magniscuttis Postel, Fourmanoir and Gueze, 1963 hitherto unknown from Indian waters was recorded. Full description of the species is provided.

^ssc1 illus, 3 tables, 5 ref

021657   Sreelatha K B;Geetha P R (Post Graduate Dep of Zoology and Research Centre, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram-695 012) : Histomorphological derangements in the ovary of Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) treated with methanolic extract of Annona squamosa leaves. Entomon 2008, 33(2), 107-12.

Topical application of methanolic extract of Annona squamosa leaves caused histomorphological aberrations in the ovary of the adult Oryctes rhinoceros affecting full growth of ovum.

4 illus, 11 ref

021656   Singh A P (Entomology Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun) : Butterflies of renuka wildlife sanctuary, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1326-38.

Two sampling surveys during November 2007 and June 2008 in Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent areas, located in the West Himalayan foothills, revealed the occurrence of 118 species of butterflies. Amongst these were seven protected species under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 including some rarities like the Brown Onyx, H. viola, Gaudy Baron, Euthalia lubentina; Great Swift, Peliopidas assamensis and Large-banded Swift, P. sinensis. Besides, 12 species from adjoining 'temperate' forests migrated down during winter to this 'deciduous' habitat. Species similarity of Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary was determined to be more similar to New Forest, Dehra Dun located at the base of the Himalayan foothills than Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary located nearby on the Shiwalik ranges. High point diversity and presence of rare species of conservation priority all make this Sanctuary a unique habitat in the region.

1 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

021655   Rana N;Saxena N;Sharma H N;Saxena P N (Zoology Dep, School of Life Sciences, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra, Email: dr_pnsaxena@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative genotoxicity of alpha-cyano pyrethroids on Drosophila melanogaster. Entomon 2008, 33(2), 135-8.

Polytene chromosomes found in third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster consist of puffs in which DNA strand uncoil, protrude out as a loop and produces number of copies of mRNA and dark and light bands which contain various concentrations of DNA and proteins in the chromatin. Number of puffs and dark bands increased after intoxication with cypermethrin and alphamethrin.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

021654   Rajesh Kumar;Sharma G;Rarmamurthy V V (National Pusa Collection (Insects), Entomology Div, , IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012) : Biosystematics of Psara basalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae) on spinach. Indian J Ent 2008, 70(4), 408-10.

^ssc1 illus, 9 ref

021653   Parhi J;Lakra W S;Majumdar K C;Mukherjee S C; Goswami M;Ravinder K;Sahoo L (Fish Genetics Div, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra-400 061) : Molecular phylogeny of freshwater prawn (Genus: Macrobrachium) species based on mtDNA 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(4), 425-9.

Molecular phylogeny of genus Macrobrachium was studied using 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. The gene was amplified and sequenced to document the sequence variation between nine Macrobrachium species. Based on the phylogenetic investigation, M. rosenbergii, M malcolmsonii, M. gangeticum, M lamarrei and M. sankolii were grouped under one cluster and M. equidens, M. rude, M. idella and M. scabriculum formed a separate clade. Similarity indices between the sequences indicated maximum similarity between M. gangeticum and M. malcolmsonii and it was minimum between M. sankolii and M. rude. The hybridizable species including M. malcolmsonii, M gangeticum and M. rosenbergii; are very close to each other.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

021652   Meena R L;Korvadia V T;Dave A B;Joshi P N (Gujarat State Forest Dep, Kachchh Circle, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat) : Greater rann of Kachchh, Kachchh district, Gujarat with special reference to Flamingo city. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1393-7.

1 illus, 5 ref

021651   Janardan Singh;Raghuraman M;Yadav R S;Prasad S (Entomology and Agril. Zoology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005) : First report of diplurans (Insecta : Diplura) from Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J Ent 2008, 70(4), 337-40.

First time several insect specimens belonging to different families of Diplura (Insecta : Diplura) under the genera Japyx, Anajapyx and Compodea are reported from different ecosystems of Uttar Pradesh. Modified Tullgren funnels were used for extraction of diplurans. Mango orchard (Mangifera indica L.), teak plantation (Tectona grandis), bamboo groves (Bambusa sp.) and floral garden (Tabernciemontana divaricata (L.)) were surveyed for collection of diplurans. Mango orchard soil litter recorded the presence of the families viz. Japygidae, Anajapygidae and Compodidae.

3 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

021650   James P S B R (NO, , No. 832/27, 3rd Main, 2nd Cross, Prem Nivas Road, Kammanahalli, P.O., St. Thomas Town, Bangalore-560 084, Email: psbrjames@gmail.com) : Osteo-taxonomic distinction of fishes of the family leiognathidae. Indian J Fish 2008, 55(4), 305-10.

The subtle external taxonomic differences between closely resembling species of Leiognathidae have been osteologically 1 substantiated by highlighting the differences in the skull bones. Amongst them, the vomer, epiotic, basisphenoid and palatine were found to be characteristic of most of the species.

7 illus, 7 tables, 9 ref

021649   Hore U;Uniyal V P (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Use of spiders (Araneae) as indicator for monitoring of habitat conditions in tarai conservation area, India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1371-80.

The efficacy of spider as indicator of habitat conditions in Tarai Conservation Area was examined. To compare habitat specific spider communities, five vegetation types were sampled from March 2005 to August 2006 by using pitfall traps and other semi- quantitative collection methods along transects. Along with spider sampling 11 habitat variables on sampled transects for each habitat types were measured. Cluster analysis and subsequent indicator value analysis produced substantially different cluster numbers for the five habitat-specific spider communities. Indicator species of each habitat were identified and species found strongly influenced by canopy cover and moistures regime in the habitat.

1 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

021648   Gokhlesh Kumar;Swaminathan T R;Rathore G;Sood N;Kapoor D (National Bureau of Fish Resources (ICAR), , Canal Ring Road, P.O. Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002) : Detection of Edwardsiella tarda from fish by the specific amplification of a 450 bp fragment of 16S rRNA gene and its sequencing. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(4), 430-2.

9 ref

021647   Dasgupta S;Sankar K;Gupta A K (Forestry Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand) : Density, group size and sex ratios of gaur (Bos gaurus H. smith) in a sub-tropical semi-evergreen forest of North-East India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1281-8.

Study on status and distribution of gaur was carried out in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS), Tripura between 2002 and 2004. The density of gaur was found to be 1.5 groups per km² and 5.9 individuals per km². The group size of gaur ranged between 2 and 14 and the observed overall sex ratio (Bulls : Cow) was 58 : 100. Gaur density in TWS remained without any significant change and thus showed that the population is not facing any immediate threat, if not removed directly by poaching, hunting or epidemics. Group size and sex ratio of gaur observed in TWS is comparable with any of the population so far reported from India and thus can be seen as a potential population for the long term conservation.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

021646   Cherian P T;Tilak J (Zoology Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom, Trivandrum-695 581) : New genus and new species of chloropidae (Diptera) from India. Entomon 2008, 33(2), 129-33.

New genus Paraapallates with type species P. convexa, sp. n. is described from India.

1 illus, 7 ref

021645   Chauhan N P S;Lalthanpuia (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Status and distribution of malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) in north-eastern states, India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1339-48.

Sun bear is the least known bear species and one of the most neglected large mammals in India. No information is available on its status, distribution, ecology and population threats from India. The surveys were conducted in the North-eastern region during 2002-2008 and information on status and distribution of Sun bear was collected in well designed questionnaire formats. In Arunachal Pradesh, direct and indirect evidences of Sun bear confirmed its presence in Namdapha Tiger Reserve and Murlen National Park and probability of its occurrence is shown in few protected areas. They are also present in Fakim WLS and Intanki WLS in Nagaland. In Mizoram, Sun bears occur in many protected areas including Dampa Tiger Reserve. Presence of Sun bears has been confirmed in the Chandel and Ukhrul districts of Manipur, but it showed patchy distribution. The paper presents its legal status and discusses conservation problems like population threats, habitat threats and human-bear interactions. Recommendations for conservation and management of Sun bear have also been made.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

021644   Buhroo A A;Ramamurthy V V (Post Graduate Dep of Zoology, Kashmir Univ, Hazratbal, Srinagar-190 006) : Seasonal history and activity of the bark beetle Scolytus nitidus Schedl (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) on apple trees in Kashmir. Indian J Ent 2008, 70(4), 385-8.

Scolytus nitidus Schedl on apple in Kashmir overwintered in all its larval stages by the end of November and remained inactive throughout winter. These resumed their activity at initial silver-tip stage in the Red Delicious cultivar almost always in the first week of March. The larvae pupated at the pink-bud stage and the first swarm of adults appeared at the completion of petal fall in the third week of April with three generations in an year. Larvae from the second swarm of adults in late July and early August entered the winter months along with third generation larvae when most of the leaves had fallen off from almost all trees by November. Thus the scolytid overwintered coinciding the dormancy of the host, and the emergence of first generation adults considerably prolonged with second and third generations overlapping with each other.

4 illus, 11 ref

021643   Bhattacharya T;Sathyakumar S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Abundance, group sizes and habitat use patterns of Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and goral (Nemorhaedus goral) in Chenab valley, Chamoli district (Uttarakhand). Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1359-70.

Chenab Valley in Urgam Reserve Forest of Chamoli District (Uttarakhand), was surveyed during March-April 2005, to estimate abundance and record observations on the group sizes, sex ratios, and habitat utilization patterns of Himalayan tahr and Goral. Encounter rate for tahr was 7.57 ± 1.17/hr scan and for goral, it was 0.47 ± 0.19 /km. Mean group size of Himalayan tahr (n=34), was 7.88±5.07 and for goral (n=21), it was 2.71±1.90. Himalayan tahr largely used the 2,500-3,500m altitude range, eastern and southern aspects, and steep slope categories. Goral mostly used the 2,000-2,500m altitude range, eastern and southern aspects, and moderate to steep slopes. Habitat utilization patterns of tahr and Goral show clear ecological separation between the two species. As Chenab Valley is located between the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, it has significance and potential for conservation of Himalayan tahr, goral and other large mammals as this area lies outside the Protected Area network, but offers habitat contiguity and consequently movement of animal populations.

5 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

020816   Tulika Kumari;Sinha S K (PG Dep of Zoology, Vinoba Bhave Univ, Hazaribag) : Description and statistical observation of Raillietina jharkhandensis SP. NOV.. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 71-9.

The Genus Raillietina Fuhrmann 1920 is a common tape worm found as endoparasite of different vertebrate host. A new species of Raillietina i.e. R. jharkhandensis has been discovered from intestine of Callus gallus from Dhanbad, North Chhotanagpur, Jharkhand. This new species is described. A total of 11 specimens are discovered and all together 27 parameter were taken into account for statistical variation. The Character of Raillietinejharkhandenisis are compared with 19 species of Raillietina already reported from various authors.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

020815   Tripathi A (Zoology Dep, Ranchi College, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi) : Histoenzymological distribution of acetylcholinesterase in the pretectum of Indian wall lizard Hemidactylus flaviridis. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 11-17.

Pretectum is the transition zone between prosencephalon and mesencephalon of the brain, which receives many inputs and sends outputs to various brain centers, thus imparting a major share in brain functioning. The present contribution deals with histochemical mapping of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in various nuclear groups and fibre tracts of the pretectum of Indian wall lizard, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, by employing a modified histochemical technique to visualize AChE containing neurons, suggested by Hedreen et.al.( 1985). Four strata of the optic tectum layers; stratum opticum, stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale, stratum griseum centrale and stratum griseum periventriculare showed intense staining, while stratum album centrale and stratum fibrosum periventriculare showed mild reaction. Most of the nuclei of pretectum except nucleus posterodorsalis demonstrated intense activity for AChE. In contrast commissures showed total negativity. The significance of the distributive pattern of AChE has been discussed from functional point of view.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

020814   Tiwary N P;Pramod Kumar;Pritam Kumar;Prasad V;Deo D P;Prakash Om;Prasad R R (College of Commer, Patna (Magadh Univ), Patna) : Endocrine kidney of the freshwater air breathing fish, Channa gachua (Bloch) in relation to effect of heavy metal pollutants. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 107-10.

Channa gachua was exposed to sublethal concentrations of HgCI₂ (0.4 ppm), CdCI₂ (1.5 ppm) and CuCI₂ (1.0 ppm) for 30 days. Head kidney showed increased number of interrenal cells upto 10 days of exposure, but later on the number appeared to be slightly decreased. In CdCI₂ treated fish hyderplasia was observed in the interrenal and chromaffin cells. However, in HgCI₂ and CuCI₂ treated fish the interrenal cells exhibited shrinkage. Chromaffin cells lost their identity due to their distruction after 30 days of exposure in both HgCI₂ and CuCl₂, however their number was found to be increased. The hyperplasia observed in all the test fish, indicating more release of cortisol and catecholamines during the heavy metal stress to cope up with the toxic environment. Secondary physiological responses on the metabolic alterations were also observed.

1 table, 9 ref

020813   Sinha B K;Hembrom A;Mahto M;Pandey P N (Zoology Dep, S S M College, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Email: b_kishoresinha@yahoo.co.in) : Pedosphere drivers for succession in a derelict ecosystem. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 1-10.

Soil mesofaunal communities; hymenoptera, isoptera, coleoptera, homoptera and arachnids play an important role in the process of restoration of the derelict ecosystem. A study was conducted in three OBDs and one nonOBD of different age group viz.; 5, 15, 30 and 50 years old plantation stands. It was observed that hymenoptera dominated in all four stands followed by isoptera. The relative density was very high for these two orders. The weighted Shannon index was highest for 5 year stand and 50 year stands. 75 percent dissimilarity were observed among 5 and 15 years old stand. High number of catches in younger stands was represented by r-select species, which are later replaced by K-select species in older stands. Perhaps, these are drivers for succession in pedosphere ecosystem.

5 illus, 6 tables, 31 ref

020812   Singh M K;Ranjit Singh;Singh A K;Kumar Ajit Singh;Reshman Yasmin;Aparna;Jaya Kumari (Zoology Dep, Magadh Univ, Bodh Gaya) : Effect of some hormones on water, Lipid and protein contents in different tissues of Mystus vittatus (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 115-18.

An attempt has been made to study the effect of L-thyroxine (T₄) and testosterone on water, lipid and protein content of some tissues (Liver, Muscle, Brain, Kidney and ovary) in a fresh water teleost, Mystus vittatus (Bloch). The regional distribution of water, Iipid and protein differ greatly in different body tissues. Treatment of T₄ and testosterone results in an increase in liver and kidney water. The treatment of T₄ and testosterone results in slight increase of liver, kidney and brain Iipid on one side and decrease of gonadal Iipid on other side. Further the treatment of T₄ and testosterone resulted in decrease in the protein contents of liver, muscle and kidney on one side and increase of brain and gonadal protein on other side.

1 table, 8 ref

020811   Singh K R (Entomology Laboratory, P.G. Dep of Zoology, L.S. College, B.R.A. Bihar Univ, Muzaffarpur-842 001) : Feeding habits of dermapteran insects, Labidura ripaia (Pallas) and Euborelia annulipes (Lucas) in relation to their digestive system. Bull envir Sci 2006, 24(2), 175-80.

The anatomy of the alimentary canal of Labidua riparia (Pallas) and Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) has been described in detail. The detail morphological studies of the different parts of the alimentary canal have been observed and described. Enteric-caecae are absent in these two species of dermapteran insects and the intestine is not differentiated into ileum and colon. Long thread like malpighian tubules have been observed and position of peritrophic membrane and its function have been described. The mid gut of the earwig species, L ripaia and E. annulipes has been found comparatively smaller than foregut. The relationship of feeding habits and digestive system has been established in two species of dermapteran insects to have a knowledge of natural food of these two species.

2 illus, 19 ref

020810   Singh K A;Ranjit Singh;Razauddin M;Apurva; Kumar U;Ranjan K P;Om Prakash (Zoology Dep, M.G. College, Gaya) : Respiratory physiology in Oxygaster bacaila (Ham) following exposure to sublethal levels of two pesticides - a comparative study. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 119-21.

The effects of sublethal concentrations of ekatin (0. 76 ppm) and malathion (2.85 ppm) on oxygen consumption in oxygaster bacaila (Ham) were studied at various periods of exposures. The rate of the oxygen consumption increased significantly during the first 36-hours of exposure which later declined gradually in ekatin exposure. Malathion significantly decreased the oxygen consumption during the different exposure periods.

1 table, 10 ref

020809   Shinde S N;More V R;Kalyankar S D (Zoology Dep, Govt. College of Arts and Science, Aurangabad) : New species of the genus Mehraorchis (Shrivastava, 1934) from Rana tigrina. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 120-2.

The investigation reports a new species of the genus Mehraorchis from Rana tigrina. Srivastava, (1934) established the genus Mehraorchis ranarum as type species for flukes, collected from cysts in the body cavity of Rana cyanophlyctis in Sitapur Oudh (India). Later Bhalerao (1936) reported same species from bile duct, gall bladder of Rana tigrina in Hoshiyarpur, Punjab. A third species M. Chamaeleonis was collected by Simha (1958) from gall bladder of chameleon in Hyderabad. Present fluke differs from all known species, hence, it is considered as new species of genus Mehraorchis, and named as M. saintkabiri n. sp.

1 illus, 9 ref

020808   Shinde S N;More V R;Kalyankar S D (Zoology Dep, Govt. College of Arts and Science, Aurangabad) : New species of the genus Plurogenoides (Travassos, 1921) from Rana tigrina. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 115-18.

The communication deals with a new species of genus Pleurogenoides collected from the intestine of Rana tigrina at Aurangabad. Present species differ from all known species in having body elongated, maximum width at the middle of the body, the oral sucker sub-terminal, larger than ventral. Ventral sucker pre-equatorial, posterior margin touches to the equator. Intestinal ceca reaches up to the anterior margin of tests. Seminal vesicle multilobed, cirrus protruded out of the body. Ovary rounded intra-cecal pre-acetabuiar. Uterus well developed occupying posterior half and intra-testicular space. Vitellaria follicular, arranged in two groups, extending from posterior third of oral sucker to anterior margin of testes.

1 illus, 18 ref

020807   Sharma J;Mandloi A K;Pathak E (NO, Govt. M.H. College of H.Sc. & Sc. for Women, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Macrozoobenthos of Supatal lake, Jabalpur (M.P.). Bull envir Sci 2006, 24(2), 201-7.

Supatal is one of the ancient lakes of Jabalpur (M.P.) and utilized for Pisciculture and Trapa culture by the local people. Samples for Macrobenthic analysis were taken from different sampling stations during the year 1996-97. The investigations indicate fluctuations in distribution and abundance of various groups, during different seasons at different stations. The abundant groups at all sampling sites were represented by Oligochaeta, Insecta, Bivalvia and Gastrapoda. Benthos form an important link in the food web and also play significant role in the mud-water exchange of nutrients and indicate the trophic status of the water body. The population of Benthic fauna was very high in those parts which had very high submerged macrophytic vegetation.

3 tables, 21 ref

020806   Sharma A K;Kumar S;Kavita K;Gupta K K (PG-Dep of Zoology, Vinoba Bhave Univ., Hazaribag-825 301) : Effect of larval parasitoid, Bracon greeni ashmead on Eublemma amabilis the lepidopteran predator on lac insect, Kerria lacca Kerr.. J appl Zool Res 2008, 19(2), 215-16.

Larval parasitoid, Bracon greeni Ashmead was evaluated in lac culture against the lepidopteran lac insect predator, Eublemma amabilis Moore (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Results indicated that the suppression in the population of E. amabilis was significant only at higher doses 100 and 120 larval parasitoids/tree, inferring that 6. greeni can be successfully exploited in lac ecosystem for the effective management of E. amabilis a major lac insect predator. Besides, the extensive use of this larval parasitoid can reduce the load of chemical pesticides in lac ecosystem.

1 table, 5 ref

020805   Rokade P B;Ganeshwade R M;Sonwane S R (NO, Balbhim College, Beed-431 122, Email: drpramodrokade@gmail.com) : Impact of dimethoate on food intake and growth in Puntius ticto. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 87-90.

The study deals with the impact of dimethoate pesticide on food intake and growth in Puntius ticto. Average food intake consumed by fish in every week was observed in terms of mg/gm body weight. The fluctuations in the consumption of food were observed in control as well as in experimental fish. As compared to control, feeding rate decreases in two sublethal concentrations of dimethoate. Growth of fish was observed that wet weight of fish was slightly increased.

2 tables, 14 ref

020804   Rokade P B (NO, , Plot No. 18, Flat F-8, Aniket Apartment, Nandanvan Colony, opposite to municipal garden, Aurangabad-431 004) : Structure of pituitary gland of guppy, Poecilia reticulata. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 65-9.

Guppy is a fish which is readily available in any type of waters. Fishes were collected from nearby river resources and brought to the laboratory and acclimatized. fishes were dissected for getting its brain with attached pituitary gland. Block were prepared and cut at 5-7 μ and slides were stained in Mallory's triple stain. Pituitary gland was identified and was studied microscopically for the different cells. All together four types of cells (ACTH, GTH, TSH and LTH) were identified and studied in detail.

5 illus, 11 ref

020803   Razauddin M;Singh A;Singh K A;Shamsher Imam M;Singh A K;Singh M P;Ranjan K P (Zoology Dep, M.G. College, Gaya) : Correlation between seasonal changes in the activity of thyroid gland and Gonad in Anabas testudineus (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 81-5.

Cyclic activity of thyroid glands and gonad were studied in an air breathing fish, Anabas tetudineus to establish, if a relationship exists between them. These glands showed parallelism in their activity. Bilateral oraviectomy brought significant, decrease in thyroid activity in ovariectomized animals (P<0.05). Correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination were high showing interrelationship of these two glands in this fish.

2 tables, 19 ref

020802   Rajoo;Johri R;Johri P K (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. College, Kanpur-208 001) : Nitrification of soil with urea fertilizer induced diabeties in albino rats. J appl Zool Res 2008, 19(2), 217-20.

Plant species like wheat, legumes and cereals are good accumulator of nitrate and nitrite compounds which retained as alloxan monohydrate. Excess urea fertilizer use increases crop yield but a portion of urea is converted in to trihydroxypurine which is oxidized to alloxan molecules and recycled to urea. Comparative study of food consumption, body weight, diabetic panel and biochemical estimations of blood of two group of rats revealed that Group II fed on (8 weeks) wheat grown with (NPK, in which nitrogen is supplemented as urea) become hyperglycemic while Group I fed on wheat grown with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) retained normal values. Such facts are being confirmed in this study. It has, however, been suggested to minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and encourage the use of (FYM) to keep the human population away from induced diabetes.

5 tables, 5 ref

020801   Raghunathan C (Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Station Haddo, Port Blair-744 102) : Present status of holothurians (Ehinodermata) in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 525-44.

Holothurians are commercially important echinoderms, included under Schedule-I category of Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The present status of their density, biomass, diversity, distribution and standing stock has been studied from 18 stations along Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar region. Apart from that the primary and secondary productivities of these regions were also estimated. It is revealed that the population of holothurians was drastically reduced especially Holothuria scabra and Holothuria spinifera as they give high-quality Beche-de-mer. Holothuria atra is the only species predominantly found at all the stations of study. Also discusses the overexploitation of these resources and possible measures to conserve them.

4 illus, 9 tables, 49 ref

020800   Radhakrishnan M V;Hemalatha S (Zoology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Deterioration of food value of the freshwater fish, Heteropneustes fossilis Bloch. against sublethal cadmium exposure. J appl Zool Res 2008, 19(2), 201-6.

Toxic effects of sublethal doses of cadmium were studied effecting the nutritive value of the freshwater fish Heteropneustes fossilis. The nutritive value of the fish depend upon the amount of total proteins, total carbohydrates and total lipids present in the muscle. Tissue sampling was done after 5,10,20,30 and 45 days of exposure periods. The exposed specimens showed various behavioral changes as restlessness and erratic swimming, coughing and jerky movements. Fish very often came to the water surface to gulp air. Copious amount of mucous secreted were found in the form of a thick layer over the body surface at various stages of treatment. Between 20 and 30 of treatment the fish become gradually sluggish and showed edema. No death occurred either in the control or in the experimental groups during the whole tenure of the experiments. Significant reduction in protein, carbohydrate and lipid content from control to various experimental group was noted. On exposure to sublethal concentration of cadmium 12 ppm the muscle showed gradual increase in the accumulation of cadmium after 45 days exposure periods. From all these observations, the effect of sublethal concentration eventhough at very low level of cadmium affects the nutritive value of the fish H. fossilis.

1 table, 31 ref

020799   Osibona A O;Akande G R (Marine Sciences Dep, Faculty of Science, Lagos Univ, Nigeria) : Nutritional and elemental contents of four commercially important fish species in the Nigerian coastal wasters. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(4), 817-21.

The nutritional and elemental composition of four selected commercially important fish species, Clarias gariepinus, (Burchell, 1822), Tilapia zillii, (Gervais, 1848) Pseudotolithus typus (Bleaker, 1863) and Pentanemus quinquarius (Linnaeus, 1758) from Nigerian coastal waters were determined by analyzing the mineral content in the muscle using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The fish species were obtained from commercial catches at landing sites in Lekki, Epe, Lagos Lagoon and Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research jetty, Victoria Island, Lagos. The essential minerals, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc contents of P. typus were significantly (P <0.05) higher than those of the other three species. Toxic metals, namely cadmium, lead and mercury were accumulated in low concentration in the muscles of the four species examined. The results showed that the species examined had good nutritional values and could thus be good dietary sources for humans. Low levels of toxic metals suggest that the fish species are fit for consumption.

1 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

020798   Olopade O A;Taiwo I O (Renewable Resources Dep, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo Univ, Ago Iwoye, Ogun state, Nigeria) : Ichthyological survey of yewa lagoon, Ogun state, Nigeria. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(4), 685-90.

Survey of occurrence and abundance of fish species in Yewa Lagoon was conducted between March 2007 and S February 2008 using gill nets of various mesh sizes. Results of the study show that a total of 30 species of the fish fauna belonging to 18 families were encountered. Three families namely Cichlidae (27.4%), Bagridae (I 1.61%) and polypteridae (8.68%) constituted the dominant fish families in the lagoon while Tiiapia zillii.Polypterus senegalensis and Chryscihthys nigrodigitatus were major species. Analysis of variance indicated no significant differences between the dry and wet seasons in fish composition.

3 tables, 27 ref

020797   Nath S;Rai A;Gurung K;Das M;Pradhan N;Burman S;Haldar P (Zoology Dep, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734 101) : Comparison of heavy metals level in grasses and grasshoppers from Darjeeling hill. J Hill Res 2008, 21(2), 67-9.

^ssc1 table, 11 ref

020796   Muralidharan C M (Date Palm Research Station, S.D. Agricultural Univ, Mundra-Kachchh-370 421) : Distribution and eco-geography of certain acridids of north Gujarat. J appl Zool Res 2008, 19(2), 121-6.

Study on ecogeography of certain acridids (2002-04) indicated that grassland ecosystem supported maximum and Acrida exalta was most widely distributed species indicating its presence in 75% of the area under study. The study also revealed the preference of soil characteristics by certain species like Aiolopus thalassinus, which was active in black soils of Gujarat. Ecogeography also indicated the activity of Locusta migratoria in certain pockets of this arid region.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

020795   Mithilesh Kumar;Mishra O (P.G. Dep of Zoology, L.N. Mithila Univ, Darbhanga-846 004) : Effect of intensity of infection of helminths on certain haematological parameters of Anabas testudineus (Bloch).. Proc Zool Soc India 2009, 8(1), 45-8.

The effect of intensity of helminth infection on biochemical parameters was studied in Anabas testudineus. The helminth infection led to significant decrease in the level of the blood glucose, plasma protein and serum cholesterol. The blood glucose and plasma protein showed a negative correlation with intensity of infection but serum cholesterol though decreased in host could not exhibit such relation with intensity of infection. The decrease in the blood glucose was due to blocking and destruction of blood vessels and capillaries and extravasation of red blood cells in the infected parts. Parasitism caused decreased rate of protein synthesis and breakdown of cholesterol into free fatty acids.

1 table, 17 ref