不同土壤类型中外源汞对白符跳（Folsomia candida）的毒性研究

参考国际标准化组织(ISO)颁布的跳虫毒性测试方法 ISO11267,分析了汞(Hg)在我国9种典型土壤中对白符跳(Folsomia candida)的急性毒性及繁殖毒性。发现Hg在不同类型土壤中对白符跳的半数致死浓度(LC₅₀)变化为(0.92～1.94) mg·kg^-1,而对白符跳繁殖产生影响的半数效应浓度(EC₅₀)变化范围为(0.98～2.43) mg·kg^-1,产生10%影响的浓度(EC10)变化范围为(0.29～1.40) mg·kg^-1 。将土壤的主要理化性质(pH、OM、CEC)与Hg对白符跳的EC₅₀进行相关性回归分析,发现土壤CEC与EC₅₀呈显著正相关关系(r=0.8624,p<0.01),随着土壤CEC的增大,Hg的EC₅₀值也趋于升高。因此,土壤CEC可能是导致不同类型土壤中汞对白符跳毒性差异的主要因素。本研究结果可为制定基于我国土壤类型的生态筛选值提供基础参考数据。     

黑斑蛙与非洲爪蟾蝌蚪急性毒性试验方法敏感性的比较

两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性试验是评价化学品急性毒性的一种方法。以毒死蜱、乙草胺、重铬酸钾和全氟辛烷磺酸盐(PFOS)为测试物,比较了我国本土黑斑蛙(Rana nigromaculata)与国际通用种非洲爪蟾(Xenopus laevis)在蝌蚪急性毒性试验中的敏感性。结果发现：2类蝌蚪分别进行的11次试验中,空白对照组黑斑蛙蝌蚪死亡率(0.9%)远低于非洲爪蟾蝌蚪的死亡率(5.8%);重铬酸钾和PFOS对黑斑蛙蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为34.0 mg·L^-1和81.0 mg·L^-1,而对非洲爪蟾蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为51.6 mg·L^-1和92.1 mg·L^-1,显示黑斑蛙蝌蚪对这2种化学品的敏感性略高于非洲爪蟾蝌蚪;毒死蜱和乙草胺对黑斑蛙蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为0.41 mg·L^-1和4.1 mg·L^-1,而对非洲爪蟾蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为0.12 mg·L^-1和3.1 mg·L^-1,显示黑斑蛙蝌蚪对这2种化学品的敏感性略低于非洲爪蟾。鉴于2类蝌蚪对化学品的敏感性存在差异,且黑斑蛙蝌蚪的自然死亡率低,材料更易获得,笔者认为黑斑蛙蝌蚪比非洲爪蟾更适合作为蝌蚪急性毒性试验的材料,用于我国化学品环境管理中的毒性评价。     

十二烷基苯磺酸钠(SDBS)及消油剂对刺参幼参的急性毒性

为探究表面活性剂对海洋棘皮动物的影响,测定了十二烷基苯磺酸钠(SDBS)和消油剂对刺参(Stichopus japonicas )幼参的急性毒性。结果显示,SDBS对刺参幼参的72 h-LC₅₀和96 h-LC₅₀分别为2.50和1.71 mg·L^-1;消油剂对刺参幼参的96 h-LC₅₀为7 498.94 mg·L^-1。刺参幼参相对于多刺裸腹溞(Moina macrocopa )和脊尾白虾仔虾(Palaemon carincauda )对SDBS的敏感性较高,相对于安氏伪镖水蚤(Pseudodiaptomus annandalei )对SDBS的敏感性则较低,SDBS对刺参幼参的毒性明显大于十二烷基磺酸钠(SDS),消油剂的96 h-LC₅₀ 远远大于SDBS和SDS,毒性非常小,但这仅是对刺参幼参而言,大多数研究忽视了消油剂自身对生物体存在的影响,因此这方面的研究工作还需要继续开展。     

BDE-47对斑马鱼胚胎-幼鱼的急性毒性及氧化应激作用

为研究2,2',4,4'-四溴联苯醚(BDE-47)对斑马鱼胚胎-幼鱼急性毒性、氧化应激及细胞凋亡的影响,以受精后3 h的斑马鱼胚胎为染毒对象,用概率单位法计算BDE-47对斑马鱼胚胎-幼鱼的96 h-LC₅₀;再参照96 h-LC₅₀按一定比例级差设置0.25、0.5、1.0、2.0 mg·L^-1 4个浓度组和1个对照组(0 mg·L^-1)进行96 h半静水式毒性试验,检测斑马鱼超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和细胞凋亡情况。结果表明,BDE-47对斑马鱼96 h的急性毒性LC₅₀为3.77 mg·L^-1(95%可信区间1.93～10.27 mg·L^-1);2.0 mg·L^-1剂量组与对照组相比,SOD活性和MDA含量显著增加,且CAT活性与BDE-47染毒浓度之间存在明显的剂量-效应关系;0.5 mg·L^-1 BDE-47染毒96 h后,即观察到斑马鱼幼鱼出现明显细胞凋亡,主要集中于神经管和脑部。研究表明,BDE-47可以影响斑马鱼体内抗氧化防御系统,并能诱导细胞凋亡;BDE-47导致神经组织的氧化损伤可能在动物神经毒性中起重要作用。     

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂对黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂1,2-苯并异噻唑-3-酮（BIT）和甲基异噻唑啉酮（MIT）虽已在多种行业中广泛使用,但目前有关其毒性尤其对水体中生物毒性的数据还较少。鉴于BIT和 MIT在水体中普遍存在,本文研究了这两种污染物对两栖动物黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性。黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪分别暴露系列浓度的BIT和 MIT,观察化学品对其生长、发育和运动的影响,计算96小时半数致死浓度（96 h-LC₅₀）和96小时半数致畸浓度（96 h-TC₅₀）,确定最小生长抑制浓度（MCIG）。结果发现,BIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为2.99 mg?L^-1和0.60 mg?L^-1,MCIG小于0.40 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为6.44 mg?L^-1。MIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为5.30 mg?L^-1和2.36 mg?L^-1,MCIG为2.59 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为7.58 mg?L^-1。根据《化学农药环境安全评价准则报批稿》中两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性的分级标准,判定BIT和MIT的毒性等级为中等。该毒性数据为异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂的环境管理提供参考。     

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂对黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂1,2-苯并异噻唑-3-酮（BIT）和甲基异噻唑啉酮（MIT）虽已在多种行业中广泛使用,但目前有关其毒性尤其对水体中生物毒性的数据还较少。鉴于BIT和 MIT在水体中普遍存在,本文研究了这两种污染物对两栖动物黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性。黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪分别暴露系列浓度的BIT和 MIT,观察化学品对其生长、发育和运动的影响,计算96小时半数致死浓度（96 h-LC₅₀）和96小时半数致畸浓度（96 h-TC₅₀）,确定最小生长抑制浓度（MCIG）。结果发现,BIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为2.99 mg?L^-1和0.60 mg?L^-1,MCIG小于0.40 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为6.44 mg?L^-1。MIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为5.30 mg?L^-1和2.36 mg?L^-1,MCIG为2.59 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为7.58 mg?L^-1。根据《化学农药环境安全评价准则报批稿》中两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性的分级标准,判定BIT和MIT的毒性等级为中等。该毒性数据为异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂的环境管理提供参考。     

甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐对泥鳅的急性毒性

将泥鳅暴露于甲维盐进行急性毒性实验,依据概率单位法计量不同暴露时间甲维盐相应的半致死浓度以及安全浓度。结果表明,甲维盐对泥鳅的48 h-LC₅₀为14.137 mg·L^-1 ,96 h-LC₅₀为6.765 mg·L^-1。甲维盐浓度与泥鳅的死亡率呈现明显的剂量效应关系。随着暴露时间延长,半数致死浓度降低,安全浓度降低。采用组织学方法评估了不同浓度的甲维盐暴露下,泥鳅视网膜、皮肤、鳃的组织学结构变化。在20 mg·L^-1甲维盐急性暴露下,泥鳅皮肤出现脂褐质沉积、分泌细胞减少、神经丘细胞大量丢失。同时甲维盐能够造成视网膜变薄,视细胞的內节/外节丢失,引起视觉障碍。     

PFOS潜在替代品全氟丁基磺酸钾对不同营养水平水生生物的毒性

全氟丁基磺酸钾(PFBSK)作为全氟辛基磺酸(PFOS)潜在的替代品,极易溶于水,主要存在于水体中,因而其水生毒性的研究十分重要。采用OECD 201、OECD 202、OECD 203和OECD 211标准试验方法,研究了PFBSK对羊角月牙藻(Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata)、大型溞(Daphnia magna)和中国本土鱼种稀有鮈鲫(Gobiocypris rarus)的急性毒性效应以及对大型溞繁殖的影响。组合多终点急慢性水生生物毒性结果：PFBSK的急性毒性终点均大于100 mg·L^-1,大型溞繁殖试验的无观察效应浓度(NOEC)为571 mg·L^-1,最低可观察效应浓度(LOEC)为981 mg·L^-1。按GHS分类导则,PFBSK未表现出急性毒性和慢性毒性。与之相比,PFOS则对水生生物表现出毒性,黑头软口鲦(Pimephales promelas)为最敏感物种,其96 h-LC₅₀为4.7 mg·L^-1;大型溞繁殖试验的NOEC为12 mg·L^-1。按GHS分类导则,属于中等毒性物质。可见,PFBSK较PFOS水生毒性明显降低。     

毒死蜱、马拉硫磷和氰戊菊酯对赤子爱胜蚓（Eisenia foetida）的急性毒性

采用滤纸接触法和土壤培养法研究了毒死蜱(Chlorpyrifos)、马拉硫磷(Malathion)和氰戊菊酯(Fenvalerate)对赤子爱胜蚓(Eisenia foetida)的急性毒性效应.滤纸接触法试验浓度分别设置为,毒死蜱:3.14、6.28、9.42、12.56、15.70、18.84μg·cm-2;马拉硫磷:3.10、6.20、12.40、18.60、24.80、31.40μg·cm-2;氰戊菊酯:0.31、0.62、1.24、1.86、2.48、3.14μg·cm-2.土壤培养法试验浓度分别设置为,毒死蜱:100、125、150、175、200、225、250mg·kg-1;马拉硫磷:350、400、450、500、550、600mg·kg-1;氰戊菊酯:20、30、40、50、60、70、80mg·kg-1.结果表明:采用滤纸接触法测得的各农药对蚯蚓48h的半数致死浓度(LC50)分别为毒死蜱12.26μg·cm-2、马拉硫磷19.61μg·cm-2、氰戊菊酯1.03μg·cm-2;采用土壤培养法测得的各农药对蚯蚓7d的LC50分别为毒死蜱427.67mg·kg-1、马拉硫磷742.53mg·kg-1、氰戊菊酯81.81mg·kg-1,14d的LC50分别为毒死蜱182.21mg·kg-1、马拉硫磷497.29mg·kg-1、氰戊菊酯37.46mg·kg-1.根据《化学农药环境安全评价试验准则》,这3种农药对蚯蚓的毒性均为低毒级.     

啶氧菌酯对斑马鱼的安全性评价及其生物富集行为研究

啶氧菌酯是一种新型的内吸性杀菌剂,本研究对其水生生物的毒性和累积风险进行了评估。啶氧菌酯原药对斑马鱼的急性毒性试验结果显示,96 h-LC₅₀为0.0509 mg a.i. L^-1。设置0.005 mg L^-1(1/100LC₅₀)和0.05 mg L^-1(1/10LC₅₀)2个浓度8 d生物累积试验。在0.005 mg L^-1组,第8天斑马鱼体内啶氧菌酯浓度达到0.48 mg kg^-1,生物富集系数(BCF_{8 d})缓慢增长到80.00。而在0.05 mg L^-1组,第8天斑马鱼体内的啶氧菌酯浓度为5.27 mg kg^-1,BCF_{8 d}值为99.42。研究表明,啶氧菌酯对斑马鱼为有剧毒,同时具有中等生物累积效应。因此在使用过程中,需要考虑其对水生生物的毒性和水生食物链的放大效应。     

Antennal responses of four species of tree-killing bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to volatiles collected from beetles,and their host and nonhost conifers

Summary. Host selection in tree-killing bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is mediated by a complex of semiochemical cues. Using gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometric analyses, we conducted a comparative study of the electrophysiological responses of four species of tree-killing bark beetles, the Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, Hopkins, the mountain pine beetle, D. ponderosae Hopkins, the spruce beetle, D. rufipennis Kirby, and the western balsam bark beetle, Dryocoetes confusus Swaine, to volatiles captured by aeration of 1) bole and foliage of four sympatric species of conifers, Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm., interior spruce, Picea engelmannii x glauca, and interior fir, Abies lasiocarpa x bifolia, and 2) con- and heterospecific beetles at three stages of attack. We identified 13 monoterpenes in the conifers and nine compounds in the volatiles of beetles that elicited antennal responses. There was no qualitative difference in the terpene constitution of the four species of conifers and very little difference across beetle species in their antennal response to compounds from conifers or beetles. The lack of species-specific major or minor components in conifers suggests that beetles would need to detect differences in the ratios of different compounds in conifers to discriminate among them. Attraction to hosts and avoidance of nonhost conifers may be accentuated by perception of compounds emitted by con- and heterospecific beetles, respectively. The 22 compounds identified are candidate semiochemicals with potential behavioural roles in host location and discrimination.     

Diet-induced chemical phytomimesis by twig-like caterpillars of Biston robustum Butler (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Summary. Polyphagous caterpillars of the giant geometer Biston robustum resemble the twigs of their respective food sources in color and shape. Common predatory ants, including Lasius and Formica, were often observed to freely prowl directly on caterpillars bodies, even after antennal contact. This suggests that the cuticular chemicals of the caterpillars resemble those of the twigs of the foodplants, so we analyzed both by GC and GC-MS. The chemical compositions differed among caterpillars fed on a cherry, Prunus yedoensis, a chinquapin Castanopsis cuspidata, and a camellia Camellia japonica. The cuticular chemicals of the caterpillars resembled those of their corresponding food sources. When the caterpillar diets were switched from the cherry to camellia or chinquapin at the 4^th instars, the caterpillars cuticular chemicals changed after molting to resemble those of their respective foods. Caterpillars also changed their cuticular chemicals when they perched on cherry twigs and fed on camellia or chinquapin leaves, but not when they perched on camellia or chinquapin twigs and fed on cherry leaves. The chemical similarities between the caterpillars and the twigs were due to the digestion of host leaves, which indicates that this is a diet-induced adaptation.     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

Benthic macrophyte communities in the Ghar El Melh lagoon (North Tunisia)

This work deals with the biodiversity and distribution of benthic macrophytes in the Ghar El Melh lagoon, a Mediterranean coastal lagoon located in the North of Tunisia. An inventory was made of the benthic flora and submerged macrophyte communities were mapped during two successive campaigns (the summer of 1999 and the winter of 2000). The following 24 macrophyte species were identified: seven red algae, two brown algae, 11 green algae, and four marine angiosperms. The results were compared with available data from the literature. Ruppia cirrhosa is the most dominant species. It is found in all lagoon parts, except in the west sector.Ruppia beds are usually associated withCladophora forming heterogeneous communities. During summerRuppia cirrhosa shows a large distribution, covering an area of ca. 21.4 km², with dense, extensive beds covering 80–100%. In winter, severalCladophora species have a very large distribution as well, covering nearly an area of 28.5 km² with an average cover of 46%. The green algaeCaulerpa prolifera is confined to the eastern part of the lagoon which is mainly affected by seawater. In comparison with previous situations, many transformations were observed in biodiversity and spatial distribution of the dominant communities. Thus,Cymodocea nodosa andZostera beds, which dominated in the 1970s, were replaced byZostera andCaulerpa prolifera in the 1980s and are currently succeeded byRuppia cirrhosa andCladophora. Restoration of the Ghar El Melh lagoon will enable an increase in the exchange with the open sea and the circulation of water, in particular in the confined zones. This should considerably improve the water quality and would positively influence the phytobenthic communities.     

Comparison of the insecticidal effects of water extracted and intact aromatic plants onAcanthoscelides obtectus,a bruchid beetle pest of kidney beans

Summary Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) is one of the most damaging pests of kidney beans,Phaseolus vulgaris L. worldwide. However, aromatic plants from the families Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Poaceae can protect kidney beans by direct or delayed insecticidal effect, through increased adult mortality and inhibition of beetle reproduction (both oviposition and adult emergence). The efficiency of hydrodistillated and intact plants fromThymus vulgaris andT. serpyllum, Mentha piperata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Satureia hortensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Laurus nobilis, Origanum vulgare, andCymbopogon nardus was compared. For both extracts,Origanum vulgare had the best effect. The insecticidal effect was induced by more than the essential oils because no significant difference was noticed between distilled and intact plants extract. Inhibition of reproduction was particularly important. These results suggest that lipidic as well as non lipidic, allelochemicals, such as phenolics, or non-protein amino-acids, or flavonoids may be involved in the toxicity of aromatic plants to this beetle.     

Absolute configuration of the major sex pheromone component of the satin moth, Leucoma salicis, verified by field trapping test in Hungary

Summary. Male satin moths, Leucoma (Stilpnotia) salicis L. (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae) were attracted only to (3Z,6R,7S,9R,10S)-isomer out of the four (3Z)-cis-6,7-cis-9,10-diepoxy-3-henicosenes (leucomalure). This was demonstrated by field trapping test with a bivoltine population in a mixed poplar-willow forest along the flood area of the river Danube at Adony, Hungary.     

Increase of multi-metal tolerance of three leguminous plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus mosseae on the growth and metal uptake of three leguminous plants (Sesbania rostrata, Sesbania cannabina, Medicago sativa) grown in multi-metal contaminated soil. AMF colonization increased the growth of the legumes, indicating that AMF colonization increased the plant’s resistance to heavy metals. It also significantly stimulated the formation of root nodules and increased the N and P uptake of all of the tested leguminous plants, which might be one of the tolerance mechanisms conferred by AMF. Compared with the control, colonization by G. mosseae decreased the concentration of metals, such as Cu, in the shoots of the three legumes, indicating that the decreased heavy metals uptake and growth dilution were induced by AMF treatment, thereby reducing the heavy metal toxicity to the plants. The root/shoot ratios of Cu in the three legumes and Zn in M. sativa were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with AMF colonization, indicating that heavy metals were immobilized by the mycorrhiza and the heavy metal translocations to the shoot were decreased.     

Main nutrient compounds in food bodies of Mexican <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia</Emphasis> ant-plants

Summary. Myrmecophytic plants use obligate ant mutualists as a constitutive indirect defence mechanism. These plants often produce cellular food bodies (FBs) to nourish their resident ants. Lipids, proteins, and even highly specialised compounds such as glycogen have been reported from FBs, but detailed chemical analyses of FB composition have so far been presented only for Southeast Asian Macaranga and Central American Piper myrmecophytes. Here we report the chemical composition of FBs of five myrmecophytic Acacia (Fabaceae) species from Mexico using HPLC (carbohydrates and proteins) and GC-MS (lipids). Feeding experiments revealed no hints on any use of external food sources by the inhabiting Pseudomyrmex ants. These ants obviously rely completely on FBs and extrafloral nectar provided by their hosts. The total content of nutrients in Acacia FBs was 15-25% of FB dry mass, being much lower than in Macaranga or Piper FBs. Proteins were dominating (8-14 % dm) in Acacia FBs and thus were present in higher amounts than in Macaranga FBs, yet in lower amounts than in Piper. Lipids contributed 1-9 % of dry mass, showing a lower proportion than in FBs of Macaranga or Piper. Carbohydrates made up 3-11 % dm, reaching in most Acacia species the same range as observed in Macaranga and in Piper FBs. Water content was 18-24 % of FB fresh mass, and structural tissue obviously made up a much higher proportion in Acacia FBs than in Macaranga or Piper FBs. Both characters might represent an adaptation to producing FBs unprotected at the leaf tips under dry conditions. Acacia FBs contain all amino acids and all fatty acids that are considered essential for insects, and their contents of lipids and proteins are higher than in the leaves from which they are ontogenetically derived. This indicates a putatively adaptive enrichment of nutritionally valuable compounds in structures functioning as ant-food.     

Toxicity assays of ladybirds using natural predators

Nestling blue titsParus caeruleus L. were given diets containing homogenized ladybirds, to assess the effects of their chemical defences. The 2spot, 10spot and water ladybirds produced no apparent toxic effects when small numbers were given at regular intervals.The pine and kidney-spot ladybirds slightly inhibit growth and may be toxic to very young nestlings. The Water ladybird is extremely distasteful to this predator, despite its lack of toxicity. The results are discussed with reference to the proposed Müllerian and Batesian mimetic relationships between the ladybird species.     

Net energetic advantage drives honey bees (Apis mellifera L) to nectar larceny in Vaccinium ashei Reade

Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) act as primary nectar thieves in rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade), piercing corollas laterally to imbibe nectar at basal nectaries. Honey bees (Apis mellifera L) learn to visit these perforations and thus become secondary nectar thieves. We tested the hypothesis that honey bees make this behavioral switch in response to an energetic advantage realized by nectar-robbing flower visits. Nectar volume and sugar quantity were higher in intact than perforated flowers, but bees (robbers) visiting perforated flowers were able to extract a higher percentage of available nectar and sugar so that absolute amount of sugar (mg) removed by one bee visit is the same for each flower type. However, because perforated flowers facilitate higher rates of bee flower visitation and the same or higher rates of nectar ingestion, they are rendered more profitable than intact flowers in temporal terms. Accordingly, net energy (J) gain per second flower handling time was higher for robbers on most days sampled. We conclude that the majority evidence indicates an energetic advantage for honey bees that engage in secondary nectar thievery in V. ashei.Communicated by R. Page