Cockroaches apparently select balanced diets using simple. but robust rules (Geissler & Rollo 1987). These rules are general enough to deal with a complex habitat yet sufficiently specific to contribute a balanced diet, thus leading to the successful maintenance of fitness. Both internal and external stimuli are integrated to elicit the appropriate responses. Feedback information concerning nutritional status may be short-term (e.g. immediate physiological state or sensory input) or long-term (e.g. storage reserves. hormones or learning) so that both coarse and fine-tuning mechanisms are involved in the choice of nutritious and non-toxic foods. The insects' ability to evaluate palatability (scent and taste cues) and nutritional value are essential aspects of the decision-making process. This study investigated the general mechanisms governing changes in preferences with respect to tradeoffs between short and long-term stimuli. On a short-term scale, animals should prefer foods that present immediate positive stimuli according to their innate disposition. However, if a food does not meet long-term physiological needs. the animal should develop an aversion and learning may override a decision based upon a short-term stimulus, or alter innate preferences entirely. The experimental protocol involved measuring amounts and time spent eating. Where appropriate, these values were related to female reproductive productivity to show the link between nutrition and reproductive capacity (fitness). Investigations demonstrated the ability of cockroaches to use coarse controls to compensate for long term general starvation as well as specifically depleted nutrients such as carbohydrates and protein. Cockroaches also showed discrimination between the quality of carbohydrate diets. The ranking of palatability among foods was not a fixed attribute but varied relative to the items available. With large nutritional imbalances that required time to correct, dietary management was less discriminatory with respect to food quality and was largely concerned with increased quantity. Relatively well nourished animals showed much greater selectivity with regard to quality. Thus, the coarse and fine-tuned control systems stressed different strategic tactics. Reproductive success was linked to responses to malnourishment. Reproductive output was increased even over control levels when animals compensated for energy depletion by switching to alternate resources. This contradicted the prediction of maximization of reproductive output (fitness) by maximization of energy intake from optimality theory. The results were interpreted with respect to optimal foraging theory, the currently accepted paradigm for ecological feeding relations. The results not only conflicted with the predictions of optimal foraging theory in most respects, they suggest a completely different paradigm that is incompatible with a hypothesis of maximization of net energy gain. Instead. cockroaches appear to regulate feeding with respect to evolutionarily determined set points related to innate growth and production rates. Moreover, the criteria for decisions are a multiplicity of nutritional requirements, not simply energy, as proposed by optimal foraging theory. Some of the decisions made with respect to nutritional balancing result from direct response to external or internal stimuli, and others are a learned association between long-term benefits and correlated sensory cues. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

No description available.

The structure of insect cuticle has been reviewed briefly and an account given of the processes by which hardening (tanning) occurs after the moult. The sclerotin wall of the cockroach ootheca is formed by the intermingling of the accretions of the left and right colleterial glands. This system, because of its comparative convenience, is studied with a view to shedding light on the sclerotin formation in the cuticle. With reference to their role in sclerotization, the properties of insect blood and cuticle oxidases are reviewed and comparisons made with the animal and plant enzyme grouse they most resemble - tyrosinases and laccases. The function of copper in these oxidases is discussed. A method was developed for determining the protein concentrations, in the presence of phenolic compounds, of the diluted secretion from the left colleterial glands of Periplaneta. This involved digestion (6N-HCl, 6 hours) of the protein followed by estimation with ninhydrin of the total amino acids in the hydrolysate. Investigation of the properties of the copper-containing (0.1-0.2%) phenoloxidase of the left colleterial gland showed that the enzyme is specific towards diphenols (especially ortho-) and is therefore not a tyrosinase. In the majority of its properties the oxidase resembles a laccase, although it is more specific than the plant enzymes. Phenolic substrates bearing an amino group in the side chain are not active - a property which clearly distinguishes the cockroach phenoloxidase from the blood tyrosinase of insects. Towards certain substrates (catechol, hydroquinone, homoprotocatechuic acid) activity is unexpectedly stable to boiling while towards others (protocatechuic acid and its aldehyde) it is destroyed. Possibly non-enzymic, as well as enzymic, activity exists. The effect of some substances (detergents, dopa, catechol, tyrosine, ascorbic acid) on the activity of the phenoloxidase towards protocatechuic acid (3 μmoles) is measured. The stimulation caused by ascorbic acid (0.15 andmu;moles) is related to the possible requirement of cuprous ions for enzyme activity. The phenoloxidase activity which resides in a articulate fraction of the gland secretion, is (unlike other copper oxidases) not inhibited by metal chelating agents, such as phenylthiourea, diethyldithiocarbamate, ethylenediaminetetracetic acid and 4-chlororesorcinol, in the presence of sodium phosphate buffer (0.1M -, pH 6.8). Cyanide and borate are effective inhibitors, however. Varied attempts to purify the participate enzyme and thus to fractionate it from the prosclerotin or structural protein met with little success. The specific activities (Q_O₂'s) of the supernatants obtained after high speed centrifugation (100,000-182,000 andtimes; g) are approximately five to ten times higher than those (3.93±1.15(10)) of untreated enzyme preparations. An examination of this "purification" led to the conclusion that the enzyme activity appeared to be rather dependent on the state of aggregation of the protein particles. Further evidence of this effect was inferred from the stimulating action of anionic (deoxycholate) and neutral ("Tween") detergents (added prior to buffering) upon phenoloxidase activity. Prior to the institution, as a regular procedure, of dialysis (0.01M-NaCl) of the colleterial gland secretion (to remove endogenous phenolic compounds), a long induction period (ca. 20-60 mins.) before commencement of oxygen uptake by enzyme and substrate was frequently observed. This long period was minimized by the addition of right gland homogenate or ascorbic acid. In section II, the phenolic compounds found in insect cuticle and in cockroach colleterial glands were examined with reference to their biosynthesis and to their role in sclerotization. Protocatechuic acid, its 4-o-β-D-glucoside and p-tyrosine were identified (chromatographically and spectrophotometrically) in homogenates of left colleterial gland. After aerobic incubation (37°C) of these homogenates substances strongly resembling catechol and tyramine were separated by paper chromatography and identified by their u.v. spectral properties after elution. Protocatechuic acid and p-tyrosine, when added (with and without right gland preparation) to homogenates of left glands, increased the production of catechol and tyramine respectively. From densitometric measurements of ferric chloride/ferricyanide sprayed paper chromatograms the aerobic conversion by left gland homogenate of p-tyrosine (1 andmu;mole added) into tyramine (0.62 andmu;moles) was demonstrated, The amine was also separated by absorption on Amberlite-IRC (H⁺). The decarboxylase systems responsible for catechol and tyramine production, whether induced or not, were heat labile. There is some manometric evidence that the former enzyme is located in right gland cells while the latter is present in the larger gland tissue. These findings are made uncertain by the retardation of the reactions in presence of inorganic buffers (and an anaerobic atmosphere) and by extraneous gas evolution particularly during incubation of mixed homogenates of both glands. In the light of some evidence, the possibility that tyramine might be enzymically oxidized by homogenates of left gland is weighed. The significance of such a reaction, together with the decarboxylation of p-tyrosine and protocatechuic acid, is discussed with regard to the biosynthesis of tanning quinones from the p-tyrosine of the insect blood.

Circadian Rhythms are the outputs of an internal biological clock common to all animals. Most circadian rhythms have about a 24-hour period and can synchronize with the earth’s solar day. Our lab primarily studies the circadian rhythms of spiders because their internal clocks can be extremely different from 24 hours (some as much as five hours different), yet they can remain synchronized with the solar day. The objective of this study is to identify a non-spider species for comparison with spiders that, a) has a clear and measurable circadian rhythm, and b) can easily be bred and reared in the lab. Gromphadorhina Grandidieri, also known as Black Tiger Hissing Cockroach (hereafter referred to as ‘hissers’), is one of the very many species of African Hissing Cockroaches native to rainforests in Madagascar. These species get the nickname ‘hisser’ because of their defense mechanism that forces air through spiracles which are breathing holes in the exoskeleton to make a hissing noise like a cat would. These animals are colonial and are easily bred and reared in captivity. Our hypotheses were that G. Grandidieri will be nocturnally active with a typical animal circadian rhythm of close to 24 hours. To carry out this experiment we measured locomotor activity in Juvenile and adult hissers for 5 days in a 12:12 hour light:dark cycle followed by 7-10 days in constant darkness to reveal the animals’ internal clock period. We measured this using an activity monitor which records when an individual moves across an infrared light beam. Data were taken from 32 individuals in this manner. Our results showed that juveniles had a mean circadian rhythm of 24.03 + 0.49 hours, and that adults had a mean rhythm of 24.12 + 0.90 hours. Most, but not all, individuals had a clear and measurable circadian rhythm and survived the duration of the experiment. Locomotor activity in the light:dark cycle was mainly in the dark phase, confirming that these animals are generally nocturnal. Overall, our hypotheses were supported and we have identified an excellent comparison species for future research in our lab.

<p>German cockroach (<i>Blattella germanica</i> L.) is an important urban pest that poses health risks. They carry pathogenic microorganisms, and the allergens present in their feces and cast skins can trigger asthma attacks. Gel bait formulations containing insecticides (indoxacarb and fipronil) have been used for German cockroach control for more than a decade. However, historical data suggests that cockroaches can develop resistance to insecticides that are repeatedly used. Therefore, we investigated the status and inheritance patterns of fipronil and indoxacarb resistance in cockroach strains collected from the state of Indiana and Illinois. In the first objective, topical dose-response bioassays were performed to determine fipronil and indoxacarb resistance levels in adult males of three field strains (D-IL, I-IN, and S-IN) and the laboratory-susceptible Orlando strain. Comparison of LD₅₀ (median lethal dose) values between the susceptible and field strains revealed that resistance to both insecticides in the D-IL and I-IN strains was <10-fold. However, fipronil and indoxacarb resistance levels in the S-IN strain were 20- and >10,000-fold, respectively. </p> <p> </p> <p>In the second objective, choice feeding bioassays were performed to test the performance of the resistant S-IN strain (adult males) on commercial fipronil and indoxacarb baits. Complete (100%) mortality of the S-IN strain was observed on fipronil baits. However, average mortality on indoxacarb baits was ~20% at 14d. In the third objective, synergist bioassays were done with PBO and DEF to investigate the mechanism of indoxacarb resistance. PBO did not significantly increase mortality in the S-IN strain at LD₅₀, but DEF did, suggesting increased hydrolase activity as a potential mechanism of indoxacarb resistance. In the last objective, reciprocal crosses were performed between the resistant S-IN strain and the susceptible Orlando strain to determine patterns of insecticide resistance. Topical bioassays and associated LD₅₀ values for the F1 generation adult males indicated that fipronil resistance was inherited as an incompletely dominant trait with sex-linkage. In contrast, indoxacarb resistance was inherited as a codominant trait and was not sex-linked. Our results indicate that resistance can evolve independently in different field strains. High-level indoxacarb resistance observed in the S-IN strain warrants additional research on the indoxacarb target-site as a possible resistance mechanism.</p>

Piezoelectric materials have been widely used in applications such as transducers, acoustic components, as well as motion and pressure sensors. Because of the material’s biocompatibility and flexibility, its applications in biomedical and biological systems have been of great scientific and engineering interest. In order to develop piezoelectric sensors that are small and functional, understanding of the material behavior is crucial. The major objective of this research is to develop a test system to evaluate the performance of a sensor made from polyvinylidene fluoride and its uses for studying insect locomotion and behaviors. A linear stage laboratory setup was designed and built to study the piezoelectric properties of a sensor during buckling deformation. The resulting signal was compared with the data obtained from sensors attached a cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis. Comparisons show that the buckling generated in laboratory settings can be used to mimic sensor deformations when attached to an insect. An analytical model was also developed to further analyze the test results. Initial analysis shows its potential usefulness in predicting the sensor charge output. Additional material surface characterization studies revealed relationships between microstructure properties and the piezoelectric response. This project shows feasibility of studying insects with the use of polyvinylidene fluoride sensors. The application of engineering materials to insect studies opens the door to innovative approaches to integrating biological, mechanical and electrical systems.

Piezoelectric materials have been widely used in applications such as transducers, acoustic components, as well as motion and pressure sensors. Because of the material’s biocompatibility and flexibility, its applications in biomedical and biological systems have been of great scientific and engineering interest. In order to develop piezoelectric sensors that are small and functional, understanding of the material behavior is crucial. The major objective of this research is to develop a test system to evaluate the performance of a sensor made from polyvinylidene fluoride and its uses for studying insect locomotion and behaviors. A linear stage laboratory setup was designed and built to study the piezoelectric properties of a sensor during buckling deformation. The resulting signal was compared with the data obtained from sensors attached a cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis. Comparisons show that the buckling generated in laboratory settings can be used to mimic sensor deformations when attached to an insect. An analytical model was also developed to further analyze the test results. Initial analysis shows its potential usefulness in predicting the sensor charge output. Additional material surface characterization studies revealed relationships between microstructure properties and the piezoelectric response. This project shows feasibility of studying insects with the use of polyvinylidene fluoride sensors. The application of engineering materials to insect studies opens the door to innovative approaches to integrating biological, mechanical and electrical systems.

Submitted by Marlene Santos (marlene.bc.ufg@gmail.com) on 2014-12-03T20:21:41Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Rayssa Fátima Hubner-Campos - 2011.pdf: 2511470 bytes, checksum: ee6ac73ef51b071c0cfb2f0afc90bff9 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Cláudia Bueno (claudiamoura18@gmail.com) on 2014-12-05T14:27:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Rayssa Fátima Hubner-Campos - 2011.pdf: 2511470 bytes, checksum: ee6ac73ef51b071c0cfb2f0afc90bff9 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-05T14:27:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Rayssa Fátima Hubner-Campos - 2011.pdf: 2511470 bytes, checksum: ee6ac73ef51b071c0cfb2f0afc90bff9 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-12-09 / Periplaneta americana is a synanthropic cockroach that carries pathogens, contaminates food and the environment, and causes severe health problems, such as recurrent episodes of asthma and other allergies, especially in children. Actually, the control of this pest is difficult due to acquired multiple resistance to chemical insecticides and the ineffectiveness of these products in oothecae. Entomopathogenic fungi are used for biological control against insects of medical and veterinary importance. However, there is little information about the effectiveness and the potential of entomopathogenic fungi to combat P. americana. In present study the pathogenicity of 11 fungal strains belonging to seven different genera was evaluated in nymphs of P. americana. Fungi that caused mortality > 90% in nymphs in the first test, were assayed in oothecae of P. americana. For the test with adults the fungus that caused higher mortality in nymphs and oothecae was selected. Conidia were formulated in oil-in-water (Graxol® 10%) at 108 conidia/ml. Nymphs, oothecae and adults were then treated topically with 0.5 µl, 2.5 µl and 50 µl of the formulate, at a final dose of 5 x 104 conidia/nymph, 2,5 x 105 conidia/oothecae and 5x103, 104, 5x104, 105 or 5x105 conidia/adult, respectively, and incubated in a humid chamber at 25 ± 1ºC and 12 h photophase. The mortality of nymphs and adults was checked daily for 25 days and the growth of fungi on the surface of the cadavers evaluated for up to 15 days. The development of the inoculated fungus on the ootheca was assessed daily during 45 days and subsequent hatching of nymphs monitored for another 15 days. Control nymphs, adults and oothecae were treated with the emulsion without conidia. Adults and nymphs whether treated as adults and nymphs or nymphs hatched from treated oothecae, were fed with dry cat food (0.5 g) (Whiskas®) and water through moistened cotton (0.1 ml) arranged in small containers. First dead nymphs were observed two days after treatment with Beauveria bassiana IP 361, Metarhizium robertsii IP 34, M. anisopliae sensu lato IP 46, B. bassiana IP 3, M. frigidum ARSEF 4561 and Purpureocillium lilacinum IP 320. Beauveria bassiana IP 361, M. robertsii and M. anisopliae caused mortality in more than 80% of the tested nymphs. The other fungi tested caused less than 20% mortality in nymphs. In adults mortality depended on the dose and did not differ between the sexes. The inoculated fungus began to grow distinctly on the cadavers three days after incubation of dead nymphs and adults in a humid chamber. Testing activity of IP 34 and IP 46 in oothecae, mycelium grew on the surface of the treated ootheca 11 days after incubation and new conidia were formed at ≥ 20 days. In 31% of oothecae treated with IP 46 and 23% treated with IP 34, oothecae had shrunk and no nymphs had hatched. In all controls and oothecae treated with conidia, nymphs began to hatch 33 days after incubation. All hatched nymphs survived for the following 25 days. M. anisopliae, M. robertsii and B. bassiana IP 361 were pathogenic to nymphs and have potential for biological control of P. americana. / Periplaneta americana é uma barata sinantrópica que veicula patógenos, contamina ambientes e alimentos e provoca graves problemas de saúde, como episódios recorrentes de asma e outras alergias especialmente em crianças. Atualmente, o controle desta praga é difícil devido à resistência adquirida a vários inseticidas químicos e a ineficácia destes produtos sobre a fase de ooteca. Fungos entomopatogênicos são usados para o controle biológico de insetos de importância médica e veterinária. Entretanto, há poucas informações sobre a eficiência e o potencial de fungos entomopatogênicos para combater P. americana. O presente estudo avaliou a patogenicidade de 11 fungos pertencentes a sete diferentes gêneros, sobre P. americana. Os fungos que causaram mortalidade > 90% em ninfas, em um primeiro experimento, foram testados também em ootecas desta espécie. Em adultos, selecionou-se o fungo que causou maior mortalidade em ninfas e ootecas. Conídios foram formulados em óleo-água (Graxol® a 10%) a 108 conídios/ml. Ninfas, ootecas e adultos foram tratados topicamente com 0,5 µl, 2,5 µl e 5,0 µl do formulado, numa dose final de 5x104 conídios/ninfa, 2,5x105 conídios/ooteca e 5x103, 104, 5x104, 105 ou 5x105 conídios/adulto, respectivamente, e incubados em câmara úmida a 25 + 1º e 12 h de fotofase. A mortalidade de ninfas e adultos foi verificada diariamente por 25 dias e o crescimento do fungo sobre a superfície dos cadáveres acompanhado por até 15 dias. Durante 45 dias foram avaliados diariamente o desenvolvimento do fungo inoculado sobre a ooteca e a eclosão de ninfas, e a sobrevivência destas após a eclosão, foi acompanhada por mais 15 dias. As ninfas, ootecas e adultos do grupo controle foram tratados com a emulsão sem conídios. Os adultos e as ninfas tratadas ou eclodidas de ootecas tratadas foram alimentadas com ração para gatos (0,5 g) (Whiskas®) e água através de algodão umedecido (0,1 ml) oferecidos em pequenos containers. Primeiras ninfas mortas foram observadas dois dias após o tratamento com Beauveria bassiana IP 361, Metarhizium robertsii IP 34, M. anisopliae sensu lato IP 46, B. bassiana IP 3, M. frigidum ARSEF 4561 e Purpureocillium lilacinum IP 320. B. bassiana IP 361, M. robertsii e M. anisopliae causaram mortalidade em mais de 80% das ninfas. Os demais fungos testados causaram mortalidade em ninfas inferior a 20%. Em adultos a mortalidade dependeu da dose e não diferiu entre os sexos. O fungo inoculado iniciou crescimento distinto sobre os cadáveres após o terceiro dia de incubação das ninfas e adultos mortos em câmara úmida. Micélio cresceu sobre a superfície das ootecas tratadas com fungos IP 34 e IP 46 após 11 dias de incubação e os novos conídios foram visualizados com ≥ 20 dias. 31% das ootecas tratadas com IP 46 e 23% com IP 34 tornaram-se ressecadas e abauladas e nenhuma ninfa eclodiu dessas ootecas. Em ootecas do grupo controle e em ootecas tratadas com conídios, a eclosão de ninfas iniciou após 33 dias de incubação. Todas as ninfas eclodidas dessas ootecas sobreviveram durante 25 dias. M. anisopliae, M. robertsii e B. bassiana IP 361 foram patogênicos para ninfas e apresentam potencial para o controle biológico de P. americana.

La vie en groupe est très répandue dans le monde animal. Ces agrégats peuvent être divers. Certains ne se forment que pendant les phases de repos des individus, d’autres sont maintenus pendant tout leur cycle de vie. De très nombreuses études ont porté sur les avantages et désavantages de la vie en groupe vis-à-vis des attaques des prédateurs. Parmi les coûts identifiés il y a notamment le fait qu’un groupe peut attirer plus facilement des prédateurs, parmi les bénéfices, citons l’augmentation du nombre d’individus qui peuvent détecter une menace et dès la probabilité d’une fuite efficace ou l’effet de dilution. Dans ce cas, la probabilité de se faire capturer lors d’une attaque diminue avec la taille du groupe. Mais dans ces exemples, c’est l’agrégat lui-même qui attire les prédateurs et est dès lors à l’origine des perturbations auxquelles il va être soumis. Il y a cependant d’autres perturbations qui peuvent affecter les agrégats entiers sans que ceux-ci en soient à l’origine. Ces perturbations peuvent être d’origine humaine comme l’urbanisation. Elles sont caractérisées par leur capacité à rendre par exemple un site d’agrégation moins attirant ou même inutilisable. Un exemple classique est celui d’un arbre qui est habituellement utilisé chaque soir par une bande d’oiseux et qui devient moins attirant suite aux bruits et lumières d’origine anthropique. Dans notre étude nous nous intéressons à ce type de perturbations et comment celles-ci affectent le comportement collectif, à court et long terme, d’agrégation. Le modèle retenu est la blatte américaine, Periplaneta americana, dont le site de repos (l’abri) est perturbé avec de la lumière lors de la phase de repos.Sur des temps courts (<10 min), nous avons étudié comment la taille des agrégats influence la fuite collective. Nous avons mis en évidence des phénomènes d’amplification et d’inhibition de la fuite. La probabilité de fuir augmente avec le nombre d’individus fuyant et diminue avec le nombre d’individus agrégés. Toujours à court terme nous avons montré que des blattes isolés ne présentent pas de personnalité (pas de différence interindividuelle) pour les différents paramètres mesurés lors de la fuite résultant d’une perturbation de l’abri. A long-terme (1 semaine) nous avons montré que le choix initial d’un site d’agrégation se maintenait malgré les perturbations imposées. Les blattes ne migrent que lentement que vers un autre abri non perturbé et ce malgré que suite à une perturbation une grande partie du groupe quitte temporairement l’abri. Sur cette longue durée, nous avons mis en évidence non seulement une personnalité pour chaque individu mais également une personnalité collective au niveau du groupe. Ces personnalités sont observées dans les dynamiques d’agrégation et désagrégation journalières et lors des fuites suite aux perturbations. / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第17903号 / 農博第2026号 / 新制||農||1018(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H25||N4799(農学部図書室) / 30723 / 京都大学大学院農学研究科応用生物科学専攻 / (主査)教授 佐久間 正幸, 教授 松浦 健二, 教授 天野 洋 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DGAM