This thesis focuses on the circadian clock genes and their involvement in the photoperiodic time measurement in the linden bug, Pyrrhocoris apterus. Application of the molecular biology methods enabled us to propose the architecture of circadian clockwork. We also investigated the role of several previously undescribed players in the circadian clock. Furthermore, by using molecular biology methods we focused on the involvement of core circadian clock genes in the photoperiodism.

Adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) are neuropeptides from the arthropod AKH/RPCH (adipokinetic hormone/ red pigment concentrating hormone) family. The typical AKH is an octa-, nona- or decamer that is synthesized, stored and released by the neurosecretory cells of the corpora cardiaca (CC) connected to the brain and primarily involved in the mobilization of energy reserves from the fat body in insects. In addition to its well established role in energy metabolism, AKH has also been implicated to be involved in stress responses specifically to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress induced elevation of AKH levels as well as a modulation of biomarkers of oxidative damage following exogenous application of AKH have been demonstrated. However, the discrete steps involved in the mode of action of AKH in triggering an anti-oxidative response is far from clear. Given the role of AKH as a neuroendocrine factor that mediates a response to oxidative stress, the mode of action of AKH at the sub-cellular level was investigated. Using isolated central nervous system (brain) as an in vitro model, we establish that AKH can potentiate an anti-oxidative response to oxidative stress. Further, we also demonstrate that AKH uses a conserved signal transduction mechanism involving both protein kinase C (PKC) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and by mobilizing both intra as well as extra-cellular Ca2+ stores to elaborate its anti-oxidative response. Finally, using the genetically tractable fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, we demonstrate through RNAi mediated knockdown of AKH synthesis as well as overexpression of AKH using the GAL4/UAS system, that the fork-head box transcription factor (dFoXO) might function downstream of AKH signaling in its stress responsive role. These results implicate AKH as a stress hormone while offering possibilities to further identify specific regulatory mechanisms and downstream effector molecules. Since stress signaling pathways are conserved, insights obtained from such studies on insects will offer some unique avenues for understanding stress responses and related pathologies in vertebrates including humans.

The effect of the search image on the ability of hand reared skinks (Chalcides sexlineatus) to reveal a "fake" Batesian mimic was tested with respect to their previous experience with palatable experimental prey (Guyana spotted cockroach Blaptica dubia) which served as a motivational prey as well as midsized mealworm beetle larvae (Tenebrio molitor). The red firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) was used as an aposematic model.

This thesis deals with the relationship between the place of origin and the extend of cold hardiness of fire bug Pyrrhocoris apterus (Linnaeus, 1758). Thirteen populations from twelve European localities were used in the experiment. Linear regressions were used to relate the values of SCP (10th percentile, first quartile, mean and median) of the individual populations to minimum and average winter temperatures of given localities. The relationship between air temperatures and SCP values were significant provided that the data of all populations were used. After the removal of three southern non-diapausing populations this relationship lost its significance.

Presented work focused on researching cold resistance in insects (Pyrrhocoris apterus), especially in qualitative and quantitative composition and seasonal changes in the content of tocopherols and sterols in membranes. Collection of samples, tissue extraction, separation, sample preparation and the final analysis was included. There were detected three different sterols (animal cholesterol, plant sterols: campesterol and sitosterol). Also were detected ?-tocopherol and ?-tocopherol. Volume of cholesterol was in the range of 0.2 to 0.8 mol%, for phytosterols was the range from 1.2 to 15.2 mol%, and for tocopherols was the range from 0.1 to 31.3 mol%. Seasonal fluctuations of sterols and tocopherols were evaluated with a minimum in summer and maximum in winter.

Current models state that insect peripheral oscillators are directly responsive to light, while mammalian peripheral clock genes are coordinated by a master clock in the brain via intermediate factors, possibly hormonal. We show that the expression levels of two circadian clock genes, period (per) and Par Domain Protein 1 (Pdp1) in the peripheral tisue of an insect model species are inversely affected by contrasting photoperiods. The effect of photoperiod on per and Pdp1 mRNA levels was found to be mediated by the juvenile hormone. Our results provide the first experimental evidence for hormonal regulation of circadian clock gene expression in insects.

The present study considers the versatile role of adipokinetic hormones (AKHs). Using the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus as a model insect, the hypothesis that AKHs mediate stress response mechanisms was explored. The outcome indicated that there is a positive feedback regulation between an oxidative stressor action and the level of AKH in insect body, and that AKHs might be involved in the activation of antioxidant protection mechanism. Further results revealed a functional homology between AKH and the mammalian hormone glucagon. The possible effects of glucagon on mobilisation of energy reserves and on elicitation of an antioxidant response to oxidative stress were investigated. As a result, glucagon-immunoreactive material was detected for the first time in the firebug central nervous system and gut. Antioxidant mechanisms are elicited after glucagon treatment but it did not involve mobilization of energy reserves or AKH level changes. As a complement, the existence of a feedback between juvenile hormone and AKH was investigated by topical application of the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene, which influenced the release of AKH from the central nervous system into the haemolymph and induced a partial reduction of lipid content in haemolymph.

The existing research works, dealing with pre-copulatory behaviour in Pyrrhocoris apterus (L.), show that this behaviour follows a simple pattern of mating. The aim of this work is to extend knowledge regarding this type of behaviour. Results were obtained by processing the video footage to monitor the behaviour of individuals of the Central European population (the Czech Republic) as occurred in the respective copulatory zone. Changes were observed in the occurrence and mating activity of each sex depending on climatic conditions and time. Furthermore, the course of individual phases of the mating behaviour, based on mutual interactions and under the influence of external factors, was also observed. These results were supplemented by adding data gained from laboratory experiments, taking place at a temperature of 22 ± 4 řC and involving a long- day type photoperiodic reaction. Based on the results gained, it had been revealed that the climatic conditions significantly influenced the course of behaviour. Individuals of both sexes are physically active during the photo-phase when the intensity of this activity changes in the course of the circadian rhythm. Females display a higher sensitivity to any variation in climate. Males who are influenced by the presence of receptive females show greater locomotive...

So far, nobody examined a human reaction on aposematic signals. I used red firebug's coloration and its modifications in color and pattern for testing the human reactions. People showed refusing reaction on white color and on some types of eye spots. There is a big difference between reactions on red color and black color in different human groups. This needs further research.

So far, nobody examined a human reaction on aposematic signals. I used red firebug's coloration and its modifications in color and pattern for testing the human reactions. People showed refusing reaction on white color and on some types of eye spots. There is a big difference between reactions on red color and black color in different human groups. This needs further research.