有机磷农药敌敌畏对赤潮异弯藻（Heterosigma akashiwo）的毒物刺激效应

研究了敌敌畏（0.001、0.01、0.1、1、10mg·L-1）对赤潮异弯藻（Heterosigma akashiwo）生长、叶绿素a、类胡萝卜素、可溶性蛋白、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性的影响。结果表明,在0.001、0.01、0.1mg·L-1三个质量浓度处理下,微藻第3~5d的相对增长率显著高于对照组。1和10mg·L-1质量浓度处理下,最初微藻增长受抑制,培养7d后出现补偿增长现象。在0.01和0.1mg·L-1敌敌畏质量浓度下,叶绿素a含量和对照相比分别提高了5.9%和5.2%,类胡萝卜素含量分别比对照组提高了9.0%和11.2%。96h可溶性蛋白含量分别比对照组提高了7.1%和15.3%。和对照组相比,SOD和CAT在24h时主要受抑制作用,48h时SOD活性恢复,趋于和对照组一致,而CAT活性受到强烈诱导。结果显示当敌敌畏浓度低于0.1mg·L-1时,对赤潮异弯藻主要表现刺激生长作用,而当浓度超过1mg·L-1时,主要表现抑制作用。     

4,4'-二氨基二苯基甲烷对浮萍(Lemna minor L.)毒性作用

以浮萍(Lemna minor L.)为受试生物,通过研究不同浓度(0、0.6、1.8、5.4、16.2和48.6 mg·L-1)的4,4'-二氨基二苯基甲烷(4,4'-methylenedianiline,MDA)对浮萍生长、叶绿素含量、PSⅡ最大光化学效应(Fv/Fm)、质膜透性及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的影响,初步探讨MDA对水生植物浮萍的毒性作用.实验结果表明,在7d暴露时间下,MDA对浮萍叶片数、叶片数生长率、叶片干质量和叶面积都有显著的抑制作用,且抑制程度与MDA的浓度呈正相关.其对浮萍叶片数生长抑制的7d半数效应浓度(7 d-ECs0)为26.7 mg·L-1,95％置信限为22.3 ～ 32.1 mg·L-1;对浮萍叶片数产量抑制的7 d-EC50为0.62 mg-L-1,95％置信限为0.53～0.74 mg-L-1;对浮萍总叶面积及干质量产量抑制的7 d-EC50＜0.6 mg·L-1.MDA处理导致浮萍总叶绿素含量和Fv/Fm下降,而浮萍质膜透性显著增加.低浓度MDA对浮萍SOD、POD和CAT酶活性无显著影响,但随着MDA浓度的升高SOD、POD和CAT酶活性显著升高,当MDA浓度达到48.6 mg· L-1时,抑制POD和CAT酶活性.以上结果表明,MDA能够直接损伤质膜,干扰叶绿体功能并抑制光合活性,而氧化损伤是质膜损伤引起的继发性应激,继而引起膜脂质过氧化,加剧质膜损伤,从而进一步抑制浮萍的生长.     

马拉硫磷及其水解产物对圆瘤浮萍的生长抑制及氧化损伤作用

为了探讨马拉硫磷和主要水解产物对圆瘤浮萍的生长抑制作用及可能的氧化损伤机制,采用静态培养法,研究不同浓度的马拉硫磷及其水解产物二甲基二硫代磷酸酯(DMDTP)、二甲基硫代磷酸酯(DMTP)、二甲基磷酸酯(DMP)对圆瘤浮萍生长、叶绿素含量、叶绿体活性、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量的影响。结果表明,暴露7 d后,浓度为100 mg a.i.·L-1处理下的浮萍叶状体生长量与空白对照组无显著性差异;DMDTP、DMTP和DMP对圆瘤浮萍叶状体生长量的半数抑制浓度(7 d-IC50)分别为52.9、45.5和98.0 mg a.i.·L-1。随着试验液中DMDTP、DMTP和DMP浓度的升高,圆瘤浮萍叶绿素含量均明显降低,叶绿体活性则分别表现为诱导-抑制、抑制和抑制效应。在DMDTP、DMTP和DMP胁迫下,脂质过氧化产物丙二醛(MDA)含量明显增加;圆瘤浮萍体内的抗氧化酶系统均受到影响。总体表现为随着DMDTP浓度的增加,SOD活性先降低后升高;DMTP和DMP胁迫下,SOD活性呈现先降后升再降的趋势;POD和CAT活性则随3种水解产物浓度的增加呈现先升后降趋势;这表明抗氧化酶系统对外部胁迫的应答很复杂。马拉硫磷对圆瘤浮萍的毒性较小,其水解产物DMDTP、DMTP和DMP均对圆瘤浮萍的生长产生一定的毒性作用。在实际生产中,应多加关注马拉硫磷水解产物对环境生物的风险评估。     

有机磷农药草甘膦异丙胺盐对球形棕囊藻的刺激效应

设置0、0.001、0.01、0.1、1和10mg·L-16个质量浓度梯度,测定了草甘膦异丙胺盐(Glyphosate-isopropylammonium)农药对球形棕囊藻(Phaeocystis globosa)生长、叶绿素a含量、SOD和CAT活性的影响,探讨了有机磷农药对球形棕囊藻的毒物刺激效应。结果表明,低浓度的草甘膦异丙胺盐对球形棕囊藻的生长呈现出刺激效应。在实验所设定的6个质量浓度梯度范围内,0.001mg·L-1和0.01mg·L-1质量浓度处理下的刺激效应最为显著。该两个质量浓度处理下,球形棕囊藻的平均相对增长率比对照分别提高了1.27%和0.45%,叶绿素a含量分别比对照提高了9.2%和2.5%,SOD活性提高了5.9%和7.2%,CAT活性提高了93%和155%;而当草甘膦异丙胺盐质量浓度在0.1mg·L-1以上时,球形棕囊藻的生长率、叶绿素a含量、SOD活性均显著低于对照。草甘膦异丙胺盐在0.001mg·L-1和0.01mg·L-1范围内对球形棕囊藻均呈现刺激效应,而高于0.1mg·L-1时球形棕囊藻各生理指标表现出显著抑制效应。研究结果为了解有机磷农药对海洋微藻生长的影响特征,揭示有机磷农药对微藻产生低促高抑的规律和为深入探索赤潮暴发的成因提供依据。     

典型重金属胁迫对日本沼虾的氧化损伤及交互作用

为深入探讨水体不同浓度重金属联合对水生生物的慢性毒性机制,本研究以日本沼虾(Macrobranchium nipponense)为受试生物,镉(Cd)和铅(Pb)为目标金属,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、金属硫蛋白(MT)和丙二醛(MDA)为测试终点,研究不同浓度的Cd和Pb单一及联合暴露对日本沼虾的氧化损伤及交互作用。实验结果表明:Cd对虾的致死浓度为1 mg·L-1,当其与同浓度Pb联合时,致死毒性增强;在0.01 mg·L-1和0.1 mg·L-1下联合时均表现为拮抗作用。不同处理组对标志物产生不同程度的诱导或抑制效应,其中,SOD活性均受到胁迫抑制,0.1 mg·L-1Cd暴露10 d后对肝胰腺SOD抑制率达53.38%,0.1 mg·L-1Pb暴露10 d后对肌肉SOD抑制率达70.02%;CAT活性整体受胁迫激活,肝胰腺与肌肉CAT活性在时间尺度上呈现相反的变化规律;肝胰腺中MT和MDA对重金属的敏感性要高于肌肉;综合生物标志物响应(IBR)评价表明,机体在时间尺度上可通过酶活性调节而具有一定的解毒功能,但并不能消除重金属引起的氧化损伤,且重金属单一毒性要高于联合毒性,其中Cd对肝胰腺毒性最大,Pb对肌肉毒性最大。研究结果能够为水体重金属生态风险预警、水质基准制定及流域水环境管理提供依据。     

土壤汞污染对油菜的氧化胁迫效应

为了明确土壤汞污染的植物毒性效应,利用盆栽模拟试验研究了汞污染土壤对油菜的氧化损伤.结果表明,低浓度的汞污染轻微促进油菜的生长,汞浓度超过1.0 mg·kg-1就显著抑制植物生长,引起叶片面积变小、失绿变黄甚至枯萎等生理现象.随着汞浓度的增加,丙二醛(MDA)含量增加,当汞的浓度增加到8.0 mg·kg-1时,MDA的含量是对照组的4.17倍.随着汞浓度的增加,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性升高,过氧化物酶(POD),过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性先升高后下降,其中SOD和POD在8.0 mg·kg-1汞处理下,活性达到最大,CAT在0.5 mg·kg-1汞处理下活性最大.土壤汞含量为超过1.0 mg·kg-1时,油菜可食部分汞浓度大于食品安全国家标准《食品中污染物限量》(GB 2762—2012)的规定.油菜吸收的汞主要累积在根部,因此在利用此类植物进行土壤修复时,需要清除植物的地下部,才能实现植物修复的目的.     

磺胺甲恶唑污染对颤蚓的氧化胁迫

在实验室模拟条件下分别采用动、静态生物实验方法,研究了不同浓度的磺胺甲恶唑(sulfamethoxazole,SMZ)对颤蚓(Monopyle phorus limosus)体内抗氧化防御系统的影响以及颤蚓暴露于单一浓度的SMZ后,其体内典型的抗氧化酶,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的活性随时间的响应。结果显示:染毒8d后,颤蚓体内SOD的活性先降低后逐渐升高。SMZ染毒浓度达到1.00mg·L-1时,SOD的活性被显著诱导(P<0.01),为对照组的1.30倍。过氧化物酶(POD)活性的变化趋势明显分为先升高、再降低2个阶段。染毒浓度达到0.25mg·L-1时,POD的活性受到最大诱导(P<0.01),约为对照组的1.40倍。各处理组过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性均高于对照组,并且随着SMZ暴露浓度的增加,CAT活性的变化趋势是逐渐降低的,与SMZ染毒浓度间存在较好的剂量-效应关系。随着SMZ暴露时间的延长,SOD、POD和CAT的活性变化趋势类似,均为先升高后降低,并在第8天时达到最大值(P<0.01),增长率分别为32%、26%和82%。综上,SMZ能诱导颤蚓体内产生氧化胁迫,而CAT在活性氧自由基的清除中发挥主要作用。     

亚砷酸钠对酵母细胞抗氧化酶活性和脂质过氧化的影响

以模式生物酿酒酵母为材料,研究亚砷酸钠对细胞生长、抗氧化酶活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量及胞内活性氧(ROS)水平的影响。结果显示,加入亚砷酸钠(终浓度0.1~0.6 mmol·L~(-1))后,培养液在600 nm处的光密度值(OD600值)低于对照组,并呈浓度依赖性降低。经亚砷酸钠处理12 h后,酵母细胞中过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)活性均增高,但胞内ROS水平和MDA含量与对照组无显著差异。砷处理24 h后,POD在0.2 mmol·L~(-1)砷处理组中活性最高,而CAT、SOD和T-AOC活性呈浓度依赖性增高;胞内ROS水平和MDA含量在高浓度砷组(0.4和0.6 mmol·L~(-1))显著增高。结果表明,亚砷酸钠可抑制酵母细胞生长,改变细胞内抗氧化酶活性,较高浓度时可引起细胞氧化损伤。     

全氟辛烷磺酸对真鲷鳃抗氧化酶和组织损伤的影响

为了探讨全氟辛烷磺酸(PFOS)对真鲷(Pagrosomus major)的毒性及致毒机理,采用半静态毒性试验方法研究PFOS对真鲷的96 h急性毒性,并分析低浓度(0.1 mg.L-1)、中浓度(1.0 mg.L-1)和高浓度(2.0 mg.L-1)PFOS胁迫对真鲷鳃组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和过氧化物酶(POD)活性,脂质过氧化物(MDA)含量以及组织损伤的影响。结果表明,PFOS对真鲷的96 h半致死浓度〔ρ(LC50)〕为22.56 mg.L-1。在PFOS胁迫阶段,低浓度组真鲷鳃组织SOD活性呈现先受诱导后受抑制的趋势,而中、高浓度组受到显著抑制(P<0.05),胁迫15 d时高浓度组抑制率为14.86%;各浓度组CAT活性的变化趋势呈"U"型,7和15 d时高浓度组诱导率分别为40.53%和62.32%;低浓度组POD活性在胁迫1 d时呈受诱导效应,之后下降至对照组水平(P>0.05),中、高浓度组则呈现先受抑制后受诱导的趋势,胁迫15 d时高浓度组诱导率为63.05%;MDA含量变化没有表现出明显的规律性。在净水恢复结束时,各浓度组真鲷鳃组织SOD活性恢复到对照组水平,而CAT、POD活性和MDA含量与对照组相比仍有显著差异(P<0.05)。在PFOS胁迫下真鲷鳃组织出现鳃丝上皮脱落与鳃丝融合现象,病变程度随着暴露浓度的增加和暴露时间的延长而加深。可见,PFOS可对真鲷鳃组织产生多个层面的毒性效应。     

超富集植物李氏禾对铬诱导的氧化胁迫响应

为探讨超富集植物李氏禾(Leersia hexandra Swart)耐受和超富集重金属铬的生理机制,采用水培法,研究不同质量浓度、不同价态的铬处理及不同处理时间对李氏禾幼苗不同部位抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、CAT)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量的影响.结果表明,随着铬胁迫时间的延长,SOD、POD、CAT三种酶活呈现逐步升高的趋势.随着铬胁迫质量浓度的增加,MDA逐渐升高,3种抗氧化酶先升后降,Cr33 质量浓度为40 mg·L-1和Cr6 质量浓度为20 mg·L-1时分别出现峰值.Cr3 质量浓度低于40 mg·L-1,Cr6 质量浓度低于20 mg·L-1时,抗氧化酶在李氏禾应答铬胁迫的反应中起重要作用,超过此质量浓度范围,抗氧化酶系统将受到损害.     

Sorption of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) by clays and organoclays

This study focused on the sorption isotherms of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (p,p'-DDT) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p'-DDE) on different original clays (i.e., zeolite, montmorillonite and attapulgite) and organoclay complexes. Sorption of organic pollutants was determined using gas chromatographic (GC) techniques to investigate the sorption behavior, and characterize the effect of, different organic cations. The original clays only sorbed low amounts of p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE, and the sorptive curves can be classified as L-shaped. Organoclays exhibited higher amounts of p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE sorption. The p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE sorption increased with increasing total organic carbon (OC) content of the organoclays. For hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA)-modified organoclays, the dominant adsorptive medium showed the partitioning sorption of hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction, indicating no competitive sorption. The sorptive curves can be classified as C-shaped of constant partition (CP). However, benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA)-modified organoclays exhibited competitive sorption. The sorption isotherm curves can be classified as S-shaped. The sorptive capacity of the HDTMA-modified organoclays for p,p'-DDT were higher than those for p,p'-DDE, but the BTMA-modified organoclays showed a reverse trend. This can be attributed to the different structures and shapes of organic cations, giving different sorptive mechanisms. The p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE sorption onto HDTMA-modified organoclays were caused by chemical interaction, with the BTMA modified organoclays occuring due to physical sorption.     

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.     

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.     

D-Pulegone: A feeding deterrent to deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

Summary D-Pulegone, a monoterpene present in pennyroyålMentha sp. is repellent to a number of vertebrates, decreasing consumption of feed and granular particles. In the present study, several tests were used to determine the reliability of this substance as a feeding deterrent. D-Pulegone (10mM—1M) applied as a coating to apple pieces significantly (P < 0.001) decreased ingestion by deer mice,Peromyscus maniculatus, and prairie voles,Microtus ochrogaster. The deterrent effect of d-pulegone was not diminished following multiple exposures suggesting that this compound may be a promising candidate for use a a general vertebrate repellent. The inhibitory effect of 1M d-pulegone on apple ingestion in voles was abolished when contact was prevented by encasing the stimulus solution in plastic mesh capsules. We conclude that while d-pulegone has repellent properties following direct contact, volatile exposure alone may not be sufficient to elicit avoidance behavior.     

(N-[2-(2-氧-1-咪唑烷基)乙基]-N '-苯基脲(EDU)对环境臭氧胁迫下的水稻和小麦生长的影响

通过对作物定期喷施不同浓度(0、150、300和450 mg·L-1)的N-[2-(2-氧-1-咪唑烷基)乙基]-N'-苯基脲(ethy lenediurea,EDU)溶液,研究EDU对环境O3胁迫下水稻“粤晶丝苗2号”(Oryza sativa L.Yuejingsi 2)和小麦“北农9549”(Triticum a...     

Oviposition-stimulating activity of (E)-capsaicin identified in Capsicum annuum fruit and related compounds towards Helicoverpa assulta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Summary. The oviposition-stimulating activity of (E)-capsaicin identified in the fruits of red pepper, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae), towards the oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta (Guenée), was examined in the laboratory by using choice and no-choice bioassays. Results were compared with those of the commercially available capsanthin and dihydrocapsaicin, another known constituents of C. annuum fruit, and (Z)-capsaicin. In no-choice oviposition bioassays at 10.5 μg/cm², (E)-capsaicin was the most active oviposition stimulant. Weak stimulatory activity was observed with capsanthin, (Z)-capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. In choice oviposition bioassays at 2.6 μg/cm², there were significant differences in oviposition-stimulating activity between (E)-capsaicin and each of the other three alkaloids. Structure-activity relationships indicate that the presence of double bond and its trans configuration appeared to play a crucial role in the oviposition-stimulating activity. On the basis of our results, (E)-capsaicin acts as a contact oviposition stimulant of female H. assulta.     

Population dynamics of beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga) (Coccina,Pseudococcidae) related to physiological defence reactions of attacked beech trees (Fagus sylvatica)

Summary Changes in the density of beech scale infestation (Cryptococcus fagisuga) of a mature beech stand (Fagus sylvatica) were investigated after gap-cutting in limed and unlimed areas bordering on the gaps and in untreated areas over a 5-year period. Parallelly the concentrations of sucrose, protein amino acids, and procyanidins were examined in the inner and outer bark of non-infested beech trees and beeches infested by beech scale.Irrespective of liming in the areas bordering on the gaps the proportion of beech trees with increasing beech scale infestation was significantly higher, the proportion of beeches with diminishing infestation was significantly lower than in the untreated control areas. Trees with the same infestation tendency occurred in clusters.Physiological defence reactions in the inner and outer bark of the infested beech trees were registrated as an increase in the procyanidin content and a decrease in the protein amino acid content. A change in the outer bark—inner bark—ratio of the infested beech trees showed a transfer of compounds between the inner and outer bark. During the period of observation long-lasting shifts occurred in the pattern of compounds of the bark irrespective of actual infestation intensity.     

Characterization of the benthic vegetation in the Farwà Lagoon (Libya)

This study forms part of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Vegetation in the Mediterranean SEa (United Nation Environmental Program). It was carried out in June 2000 in the Farwà Lagoon, Libya. The mapping of the main benthic vegetation was achieved by compiling the field observations (transect method), and remote sensing of SPOT satellite images. The phytobenthos in the Farwà lagoon covers an area of 1820 ha (65%). Three benthic macrophyte species dominate, namely the marine phanerogamsCymodocea nodosa andPosidonia oceanica, and the algaCaulerpa prolifera. DeadPosidonia oceanica leaves (litter) form veritable mounds in the vicinity of the openings leading to open sea. These leaves, which come from the coastal sea, are brought into the lagoon by currents and tides; their decomposition will lead to high oxygen consumption and the release of hydrogen sulphide. The phenological data ofPosidonia oceanica shoots sampled in the lagoon are similar to those from other stations in the Mediterranean. Conversely, the lepidochronological parameters of shoots sampled in the central part of the lagoon exhibit values that are substantially higher than those generally recorded in the Mediterranean. The mean number of leaves produced annually is 9.9 (mean value for the Mediterranean: 7.5) and the rhizome growth rate is of 35.7 mm.yr⁻¹ (mean value for the Mediterranean: 7.5 mm.yr⁻¹). This hypersaline environment would seem to provide optimum growth conditions for the speciesPosidonia oceanica.     

Sequestration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids by larvae ofTellervo zoilus (Lepidoptera: Ithomiinae) and their role in the chemical protection of adults against the spiderNephila maculata (Araneidae)

Summary Life stages of the primitive Australian ithomiine butterflyTellervo zoilus and its larval hostplant, the apocynaceous vineParsonsia straminea, were quantitatively assayed for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs were found in all stages, mainly as N-oxides, being most concentrated in larvae and freshly-emerged adults. Although adults feed at various confirmed PA sources this probably does not compensate for losses, as wild-caught adults had considerably lower concentrations of PAs. The main alkaloid present in both freshly-emerged adults and in leaves of the host-plant was lycopsamine (1b), stored by butterflies in the N-oxide form. Its presence in higher proportion, in relation to intermedine (1a), in larvae, pupae and adults ofTellervo in relation to the host-plants suggests the inversion of intermedine to lycopsamine by the insects. No 14-member ring macrocyclic PAs were detected in either food-plant or butterflies. Several other PAs were found in wild-caught adults reflecting visits to other PA sources. PAs were also found in high concentrations in freshly-emerged individuals of the danaineEuploea core bred onParsonsia straminea. Wild-caughtDanaus affinis had high PA levels acquired from adult feeding. Freshly emergedEuploea raised onIschnocarpus frutescens andDanaus raised onIschnostemma carnosum (both PA-free) were preyed on by the orb weaving spiderNephila maculata, and showed no PAs. In all cases where PAs were present, most butterflies were liberated, usually cut out of the web unharmed, byNephila. The spider's response was not closely linked to PA concentration, however, and may also depend on hunger levels and previous experience with PA-containing butterflies. All control and other non-PA containing butterflies were consumed although rejection of some body parts of freshly-emergedDanaus affinis suggests that compounds other than PAs may be involved.     

Self-organization of circadian rhythms in groups of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Workers in social groups of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) synchronize their individual free-running circadian rhythms to an overall group rhythm. By monitoring the activity of bees by recording the oxygen consumption and intragroup temperature, it is shown that the rhythm coordination is in part achieved by temperature fluctuations as an intragroup Zeitgeber. Trophallaxis was shown to have only a minor (if any) effect on circadian rhythm synchronization. A model incorporating a feed back loop between temperature and activity can plausibly explain the observed synchronization of individual rhythms in social groups as a self-organization phenomenon. Correspondence to: R.F.A. Moritz