Hailman J.P. & Strier K.B.: Planning, Proposing, and Presenting Science Effectively. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, 1997, 182 pp.

Four species of Anagrus (A. breviphragma Soyka, A. incarnatus Haliday, A. fennicus Soyka and A. obscurus Foerster sensu Soyka), that live on Carex riparia Curtis (Cyperaceae) in uncultivated areas along the Po river in the Piacenza province in Italy were analysed using RAPD markers in order to investigate their genetic relationships. High levels of RAPD polymorphism were found in the genus Anagrus, which permitted the fingerprinting of the four species. Analysis of average genetic similarities within species and comparison with average values between species confirms that A. breviphragma, A. incarnatus, A. fennicus and A. obscurus represent four genetically distinct species. A dendrogram constructed from molecular data of single families clearly clustered the four species in different groups, their mutual position reflecting morphological and biological observations.

Komárek S.: Mimicry, Aposematism and Related Phenomena in Animals and Plants. Bibliography 1800-1900. Vesmír, Prague, 1998, 269 pp.

A. schneideri and A. grossulariae clones from southern Poland produced fertile hybrid eggs under experimental conditions. Established hybrid clones expressed normal parthenogenetic reproduction but bisexual generations were not obtained, though a few sexuales developed in some cases. Morphological features of A. schneideri and host-specificity of A. grossulariae tended to dominate in the majority of hybrid clones. Independent inheritance of the studied morphological characters and host specificity can therefore be presumed.

Present results do not exclude the possibility of natural hybridisation of studied aphid species. Natural crosses might cause taxonomic and currant pest management problems.

The development of a detailed population dynamics model to simulate changes in grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) populations on wheat in field conditions requires the identification of every component of the system. The present study proposes a deterministic model for the fecundity function. An optimality theory is applied here to model aphid reproduction in order to obtain a usable mathematical description of larvae laying rate. This rate is assumed to be mainly dependent on temperature since this effect is commonly observed in poikilothermic organisms. It is taken into account by using a thermodependent physiological time scale for measuring adult age. The resulting function is fitted with two data sets. Despite some bias, which is discussed, the model matches relatively well with the observations. The model framework may be easily extended to other species.

Some fossil insects from the Palaeocene of Menat (France), described by Piton as Mantodea, but also Ephemeroptera are revised. The presence of the Neotropical mantid family Chaeteessidae in the Palaeocene of France, inferred by Gratshev & Zherikhin, is confirmed. The presence in Menat of the mantid family Empusidae was an error of interpretation. The order Ephemeroptera is represented only by an undescribed nymph. Biogeographic implications are discussed briefly.

A projected global temperature rise of 2-3°C can be represented by the change in mean annual temperature experienced over some 10° of latitude or approximately 700 m of altitude in the hills of northern Britain. Using an altitudinal rather than latitudinal transect has the advantage of allowing studies of population dynamics and adaptation of life cycles at the centre and edge of a species' range within the same locality with similar vegetation and photoperiod.

Because of their unusual visibility in spittle masses, spittlebugs offer unusual opportunities to study population change in relation to environmental variables, including climate change.
A population of spittlebugs, Neophilaenus lineatus (Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae) has been studied for 10 years on a transect from 20 m to 974 m on Ben Lomond, Scotland. The time lag in larval development corresponding with a 2-3°C shift in mean temperature is approximately 3 weeks. Much of this arises from a delay in hatching times. There is a significant relationship between the weather in March to July (which spans hatching and early larval development) and the maximum altitude at which larvae are found in the same year. The study suggests that insects with a similar life cycle to Neophilaenus lineatus will respond to a 2°C rise in mean temperature by extending their range and completing the life cycle two to three weeks earlier.

Substrates contaminated with abdominal secretion of first instar larvae of Chrysopa oculata Say or Chrysopa perla (L.) deter females of these species from ovipositing. The intra- and interspecific responses of the females were similar, however, the smaller species, C. oculata, showed a stronger response overall. Although marking with oviposition-deterring pheromone is independent of encounters with conspecific larvae, the contamination of a paper substrate by crowded larvae increases a female response. The increase in response may be due either to the quantity of the pheromone secretion or the amount of marking or both.

Species of the genus Dryopomera subgenus Mimoncomera Pic are revised, illustrated and keyed and species-groups are proposed. The following new species are described: D. (M.) kinabaluensis sp. n. (Sabah), D. (M.) muluensis sp. n. (Sarawak), D. (M.) conifera sp. n. (Malaya), D. (M.) kedahensis sp. n. (Malaya), D. (M.) horaki sp. n. (Vietnam), D. (M.) pahangensis sp. n. (Malaya), D. (M.) javana sp. n. (Java), D. (M.) penangensis sp. n. (Malaya), D. (M.) loebli sp. n. (Sabah), D. (M.) sabahensis sp. n. (Sabah) and D. (M.) cincticollis sp. n. (Sarawak). The following species are transferred to Dryopomera: D. (M.) longiceps (Pic, 1943) comb. n. from Mimoncomera Pic and D. (M.) nitidicollis (Pic, 1936) comb. n. from Xanthochroa Schmidt.

Philomessor (Attumbrinus) henroti sp. n. from Morocco is described and illustrated. The description of P. (A.) bolivari Jeannel, 1936 is completed and male and female genitalia are also illustrated. A key for the three species in the subgenus Attumbrinus Jeannel, 1936 is provided.

Various types of univoltine life cycle and its regulation were studied in Heteroptera. Very often, univoltinism was ensured by obligatory diapause in the species-specific stage. Obligatory egg diapause has been known in mirids Leptopterna dolobrata and Calocoris roseomaculatus. Obligatory nymphal diapause was investigated in Coptosoma scutellatum and obligatory adult diapause with quantitative photoperiodic regulation of nymphal growth was found in Coreus marginatus and Palomena prasina. Univoltinism occurs also in polyvoltine species. For example, in Arma custos and Pyrrhocoris apterus the univoltine development is regulated by environmental factors. Three peculiarities of the photoperiodic response in A. custos (high thermal optimum and threshold and adult photoperiodic sensitivity only) determine diapause induction in each generation throughout the temperate zone. P. apterus has facultative diapause and both univoltine and bivoltine life cycle in the forest-steppe zone. Usually both pathways may occur in the same vegetative season. In cool years, environmental conditions promote increase in univoltinism, whilst, in those warmer, bivoltinism prevails. The univoltine cycle, including summer and winter diapauses, was found in Picromerus bidens. It is concluded that univoltinism may promote spreading of the species area by the use of natural resources during limited periods of year.

In outdoor and laboratory pupal populations of Galleria mellonella four types of external gas exchange were found: (i) a cyclic and sudden deep-air suction-intake, followed instantly by a rapid release of CO₂, occurring at every 8-14 s at 30°C and identified as UDFµC (Unidirectional Flow Microcycles); (ii) intermittent but slow emission of CO₂ without sudden air suction-intake; (iii) chaotic rhythm of gas exchange and (iv) continuous respiration.

Wandering larvae at rest and mobile prepupae in cocoons exhibited the same type of gas exchange and some individual breathing patterns which persisted during later pupal development.
Regular stereotyped abdominal movements acted as ventilating movements only in individuals which did not exhibit UDFµC in gas exchange. Externally imperceptible abdominal movements due to extracardiacal pulsations of haemolymphal pressure played an inessential role in active tracheal ventilation. The rhythms of abdominal movements persisted in pupae independently of the gaseous exchange type and individual breathing patterns.
Among pupae taken from beehives, individuals with UDFµC dominated, while in some laboratory generations only those with chaotic breathing rhythms were found. However, no distinct developmental factors were revealed that could exert influence on the individual formation of the gas exchange pattern.

CO₂ output in Tetrodontophora bielanensis was measured in the temperature range 0 to 20°C using gas chromatography after acclimation to 5, 13 and 19°C in the laboratory. The effect of acclimation temperature on mean CO₂ output was not significant. The relationship between respiration and experimental temperature was found to vary depending on the acclimation temperature. It was not possible to obtain a significant mathematical description of the relationship after acclimation to 5°C. The relationship was exponential at acclimation temperature 13°C and linear after acclimation to 19°C. The importance of acclimation to temperature and metabolic cold adaptation in different populations is discussed.

Cecidopsylla sinensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from specimens collected in Canton and Hong Kong. The new species is closely related to Cecidopsylla schimae Kieffer and C. horakae Burckhardt, from which it differs in the shape of the male and female terminalia.

The acts of excreting special fluids containing the secretory products of the Malpighian tubules and smearing them onto the cuticle, referred to as anointing, were observed after moult in 12 species of subfamilies Cicadellinae, Typhlocybinae, Iassinae, Deltocephalinae, Idiocerinae, Macropsinae, Agalliinae, Ulopinae (Cicadellidae) and in Gargara genistae (F.) (Membracidae). Among the species studied anointing was not recorded in Idiocerinae nymphs and in adults of Iassus lanio (L.) only. Usually the first act of anointing was observed 1-3 hours after moulting. Nymphs of Oncopsis, Macropsis, Agallia, Ulopa and Gargara bathe in secretory drops excreted onto the plant surface, in contrast to other nymphs exuding fluids directly onto the body. The fluids excreted by adult leafhoppers of all subfamilies and by nymphs of some Deltocephalinae and Cicadella were found to contain brochosomes, secretory products of the specialized Malpighian tubules. In these cases anointing is associated with repetitive acts of grooming, resulting in formation of a coating of brochosomes on the cuticle. In contrast, the nymphs of the other leafhopper subfamilies, as well as nymphs and adults of G. genistae, secrete brochosome-free fluids, which appear distinct from faeces and contain other secretory products, which, probably, originated from the Malpighian tubules. In addition, nymphs and adults of various leafhopper species occasionally wash their tarsi with a transparent fluid (probably faeces) secreted from the anus. The functions of the brochosome-free anointing and the washing of legs remain obscure. Nevertheless, the characters related to anointing appear to be of value for the classification and assessing relationships between the higher taxa of the Membracoidea.

The genus Stiphrosoma Czemy, 1928 is revised and redefined to include species of the Anthomyza laeta-group and its relationships are discussed. Four Palaearctic species are recognized: Stiphrosoma sabulosum (Haliday, 1837), S. fissum sp. n. (North Korea), S. cingulatum (Haliday, 1855) comb. n., and S. laetum (Meigen, 1830) comb. n. All available type material was revised and 4 lectotypes are designated; all species are (re)described, illustrated, keyed and their relationships, biology and distribution surveyed. Wing polymorphism of S. sabulosum is discussed and sexual dichroism in S. fissum sp. n. and S. cingulatum is described.

The monotypic oxyteline Bledioschema Smetana is widely distributed in the Rhododendron forests of northern Anatolia. The description of its adult characters are complemented, the larval characters are described and the phylogenetic relationships are discussed. Based on adult characters, Bledioschema is more closely related to Aploderus than to Bledius as has been assumed. The larval characters of Bledioschema show a relationship to the Oxytelus-Anorylus-Platystethus lineage.

Photoperiodic response was studied in a pentatomid bug, Graphosoma lineatum (L.). When insects were reared from eggs under constant temperature of 26°C and long-day (18L : 6D) conditions, they developed into reproductive adults and started oviposition about 30 days after ecdysis. Short-day (12L : 12D) conditions and 26°C induced adult diapause. Both diapausing and reproductive adults displayed the photoperiodic response. Reproductive adults stopped oviposition about 10 days after the transfer to short-day conditions, and diapause adults started oviposition about 40 days after the transfer to long-day conditions.

Adults from the field were exposed either to short-day or long-day conditions. In late summer, adults that had already entered diapause responded to long-day photoperiod and started oviposition about 65 days after transfer. Thus, diapause induced under natural conditions appeared more intensive than the short-day ''laboratory'' diapause. Overwintered adults collected in spring started oviposition in both regimens about 7 days after the transfer. The absence of photoperiodic response indicated that diapause was over. However, under short-day photoperiod, females ceased oviposition about 11 days after its onset and re-entered diapause.
Czech population of G. lineatum has a facultative adult diapause induced by short-day photoperiod. The adults are sensitive to photoperiod before and in early hibernation and the completion of diapause is accompanied by a reversible loss of photoperiodic response. After a short period of oviposition the photoperiodic response is resumed. Thus, G. lineatum shows the recurrent photoperiodic response.

The activity and isozyme patterns of esterases and phosphatases which hydrolyse ecdysteroid conjugates were studied in whole body extracts of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) and in midgut wall extracts of Galleria mellonella (L.). The activity of esterases was almost ten times higher than that of phosphatases (expressed in µM liberated para-nitrophenol/min/mg protein) and seemed to decline with insect age. Cholinesterase sensitive to eserin comprised 14% of total esterase activity in the nymphs of A. pisum, while in other samples it was negligible. Activity of acid phosphatases in the aphid samples was twice as high as that of alkaline phosphatases, while a reverse 3 : 1 ratio was found in the wax moth. The alkaline phosphatases revealed higher sensitivity to fluoride than the acid phosphatases. Esterases were more variable in their isozyme patterns during development than the phosphatases. A possible mechanism of ecdysteroid mobilization from their conjugates and the role of hydrolyzing enzymes in these processes is discussed.

Temperature models for predicting the flight activity of the plum fruit moth, Cydia funebrana, were developed using male catches in pheromone traps at four locations in the Czech Republic and one in the Slovak Republic. A method of nonlinear regression by means of Richard's formula was used. Total catches of moths from the overwintering and the summer (second) generations were strongly correlated. The regression equation proposed can be used to forecast the expected number of individuals in the summer generation. Whereas the flight curves of the overwintering generation were similar for all populations and years in this study, flight curves of the summer generation differed markedly among populations from different localities. Degree-days from initiation to the peak of flight during the summer were significantly higher at warmer localities, than at the coldest locality. Year to year differences of up to 30 days were found among the flight peaks of the summer generation at the same locality. Regression models proposed for each local population can be used to forecast the phenology of the pest within a year,nd together with other knowledge, they can be used for timing pesticide treatments.

The tolerance of soil inhabiting Collembola to high carbon dioxide concentrations has been assessed in two collembolan life-forms: the surface-dwelling species Allacma fusca, Orchesella cincta and Tomocerus flavescens as well as Folsomia candida, a species from deeper soil layers. Behavioural changes within the former group could be observed during short-term exposure (one hour) to 5 and 10% CO₂, respectively. In contrary, the limit of the tolerable carbon dioxide concentration of the latter species was only reached at 25% CO₂. Long-term tolerances expressed as survival times of the half number of specimens in 10% CO₂ ranged from a few hours (A. fusca, T. flavescens) to a few days (O. cincia) and > 6 weeks in the case of F. candida. These variations in tolerance may be a consequence of different environmental conditions arising from the risk of the species to experience hypercarbia. Although the ability of adult F. candida to survive hypercarbic periods is remarkable, chronic exposure to enriched CO₂ concentrations increased both the duration of egg development and the juvenile mortality rate.

The fundatrix of Aphis popovi Mordvilko, 1932 is redescribed and lectotype designated. Morphometric analysis of Aphis popovi Mordvilko, A. schneideri (Börner) and A. triglochinis Theobald fundatrices showed similarity of A. popovi to A. schneideri and of A. popovi sensu Szelegiewicz nec Mordvilko to A. triglochinis. A key to fundatrices of Ribes-inhabiting Palaearctic species of the genus Aphis L. is presented.

Tipula montana, an upland tipulid of northern Britain and generally considered a montane species, was collected from the northern heath habitat of Waskerley Common, County Durham. The growth rate of larvae of Tipula montana was monitored at temperatures ranging from 1°C to 15°C at long photoperiod of 18 h light and 6 h dark. There was no significant growth at 5°C. At 7°C and above, the growth rate increased significantly in larvae initially in instars II and m. However, the growth rate of larvae initially in instar TV was unaffected by temperature, probably due to nearing the onset of pupation. 7°C is the minimum mean monthly temperature found during the main growing season (May-September) at Waskerley Common. Temperature had no significant effect on the weight at which moults to subsequent instars occurred but did accelerate the larval development.

At Waskerley Common T. montana follows either a one- or two-year life-cycle. If adequate temperatures (i.e. > 7°C) are not maintained during the growing season, fluctuations could occur in the numbers of individuals following the two life-cycles, resulting in varying numbers of adults produced at each emergence.

A new genus, Ctenopleuriphora, is described for a new species, C. decemsetalis, collected in Hainan, China. The genus shows some resemblance to Phlebothrix and Spiniphora in having more than one pair of dorsocentral bristles and to Psyllomyia in having several hair palisades, but differs from other existing genera in possessing a mesopleural comb.

The effects of factors controlling reproduction in Eyprepocnemis plorans (Charpentier) were investigated under laboratory conditions addition to reproductive parameters, such as pre-oviposition period, number of egg-pods per female and growth of oocytes, changes in the volume of the corpora allata (CA), the juvenile hormone (JH) titre in the haemolymph, and the increase of the terminal (t) oocytes were studied through three consecutive gonadotropic cycles. E. plorans was reared successfully under laboratory conditions and the fecundity was compared with other species of Acrididae.

No correlation was found between the volume of CA and the age of adult females, neither with the size of the t-oocytes. The JH-III titre in the haemolymph was very low during pre-vitellogenesis, after which it increased and declined shortly before egg deposition. After the first oviposition, the JH-III titre in the haemolymph did not reach the low values found during pre-vitellogenesis, but did not show high values similar to those recorded before the first egg-laying, as the volume of terminal oocytes increased. Near to the termination of the 2nd gonadotropic cycle the JH-III titre decreased again. No clear cycle of JH-III titre was found in the haemolymph.

Populations of tree-dwelling aphids are typically characterised by dramatic fluctuations in density within years. Seasonal changes in host plant quality and intraspecific competition are important factors in aphid population dynamics. The seasonal changes in life history traits under field conditions and the effects of high density on body size and reproductive potential of the Turkey-oak aphid, M. boerneri were investigated. Aphid body size is at its maximum in early spring, soon after bud burst, and declines progressively as the Turkey-oak foliage matures. The fat content of individuals, as a proportion of total body weight, remains constant throughout the season. By comparison, a small linear decline in the size of the soma results in an exponential decline in the size of the gonads. At small adult body sizes, embryo size (and implicitly birth weight) is conserved, presumably so that the survival of nymphs born in the summer is maximised.

Dispersal behaviour, colonisation and population structure of damsel-fly species were studied in south-east Germany using mark and recapture techniques. The occurrence of damsel-flies at stream sites was correlated with habitat quality, particularly with the stream flow characteristics, riparian vegetation structure and degree of isolation. The damsel-flies had an area specific average dispersal radius of 0.14 to 0.80 km. The maximum dispersal distance observed was 4 km over a 24 h period. Dispersal movements of more than 1 km ranged from 1 to 5% of the population. Dispersal distances depended on habitat quality factors and population density. Movements were not exclusively directed along streams and their tributaries. There was no significant difference in the dispersal behaviour of male and female damsel-flies, although males were recaptured more frequently. To quantify colonisation ability, the study tries to infer the approximate spatial extent of a damsel-fly metapopulation.

The effects of interaction between continuous exposure to different low CO₂ concentrations (0% and 5%) and temperatures (14 and 25°C) on several life-history traits were studied in the two sibling species D. melanogaster and D. simulans. The various combinations of the two factors were applied during egg-to-adult development and during adult life.

Developmental duration was increased by CO₂, particularly at low temperature (14°C), and viability reduced. At low temperature, body size was increased, although wing-length variation was reduced by CO₂ in this condition. The fecundity of flies reared at low temperature was reduced due to a decrease in the number of ovarioles while carbon dioxide often improved egg production in both species. CO₂, unlike temperature, did not appear to be a powerful selective factor, but modified the expression of certain traits, being, in some cases, beneficial to the flies.

A yolk body (yb) trait is the sixth body-colour mutation, discovered in P. apterus, affecting the pteridine biosynthesis. It causes a yolk-like coloration of the mutant body, except the eyes which remain red-pigmented, similarly as in wild-type bugs. While the yb homozygous nymphs and very young imagoes are characterized by yolk-pigmentation of epidermal cells, the body, particularly the forewings of older homozygous mutant adults, turn to yolk-orange colour and then become brick-red. The yb trait exhibits complete penetrance and uniform expression in both sexes. Eight different pteridines have been identified in the yb mutant nymphs and imagoes with use of the paper and thin-layer chromatography. Developmental aspects of the changes in pteridine content found in both studied traits are discussed.

The basic function of the accessory reproductive glands (ARG) of male insects is to provide materials for the production of the spermatophore. The morphology of the ARG of Blattella germanica, including the ejaculatory pouch and duct, the uricose glands, the utricles of the mushroom-shaped body, and the conglobate gland are described. Special attention is given to the fine discrimination of the different tubules associated with the ARG, particularly in the mushroom-shaped body, where up to 12 types of tubule have been recognized. The analysis considered not only morphology and biometry, but also protein pattern. The remarkable diversity found reveals a fascinating complexity, which can be explained if the roles played by the spermatophore they produce are considered.