ABSTRACT Yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, has been associated with several severe human diseases. Larvae and adults of Ae. aegypti has been widely studied, but pupae have not received much attention. In this study, external morphology and chaetotaxy of Ae. aegypti pupae were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine additional morphological characteristics for proper species identification. Ae. aegypti pupae exhibit high mobility with rapid submergence in response to external disturbances. Pupae contact air through paired respiratory horns. A pupal body is covered with a translucent cuticle composed of a cephalothorax and a narrow, articulated abdomen. Anterior region of cephalothorax is occupied by mouthparts and a flattened head. Adult's compound eyes are visible on both sides of their head. Before compound eyes, antennae emerge in upper part and are bent in reverse along sides of thorax. First abdominal segment has two straightforward palmate bundles, essential for maintaining pupal body above water's surface. Compared to other eight abdominal segments, ninth is relatively tiny; it holds a couple of movable appendages called paddles which are fundamental organs in pupal movement, and a midrib supports them. This morphological analysis of pupae attributes of Ae. aegypti is critical for controlling mosquito-borne diseases and taxonomy. mosquito Ae studied attention study SEM (SEM identification disturbances horns narrow abdomen head Adults Adult s thorax bundles waters water surface segments tiny movement them mosquitoborne borne taxonomy

RESUMO O mosquito da febre amarela, Aedes aegypti, tem sido associado a várias doenças humanas graves. As larvas e os adultos do Ae. aegypti foram amplamente estudados, mas as pupas não receberam muita atenção. Neste estudo, a morfologia externa e a caetotaxia das pupas de Ae. aegypti foram investigadas por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) para determinar características morfológicas adicionais para a identificação adequada da espécie. As pupas de Ae. aegypti apresentam alta mobilidade com rápida submersão em resposta a distúrbios externos. As pupas entram em contato com o ar por meio de chifres respiratórios emparelhados. O corpo da pupa é coberto por uma cutícula translúcida composta por um cefalotórax e um abdômen estreito e articulado. A região anterior do cefalotórax é ocupada por peças bucais e uma cabeça achatada. Os olhos compostos do adulto são visíveis em ambos os lados da cabeça. Antes dos olhos compostos, as antenas emergem na parte superior e são dobradas em sentido inverso ao longo das laterais do tórax. O primeiro segmento abdominal tem dois feixes palmados retos, essenciais para manter o corpo da pupa acima da superfície da água. Comparado com os outros oito segmentos abdominais, o nono é relativamente pequeno; ele possui dois apêndices móveis chamados pás, que são órgãos fundamentais no movimento da pupa, e uma nervura mediana os sustenta. Essa análise morfológica dos atributos das pupas do Ae. aegypti é fundamental para o controle de doenças transmitidas por mosquitos e para a taxonomia. amarela graves Ae estudados atenção estudo MEV (MEV espécie externos emparelhados articulado achatada tórax retos água abdominais pequeno pás sustenta taxonomia

RESUMO Neste trabalho foram analisadas a biologia populacional e aspectos reprodutivos de duas espécies simpátricas de Hyalella em uma nascente encontrada na região noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. As amostragens foram realizadas por uma pessoa durante dez minutos com puçá no período de um ano (Março/2018 a Abril/2019) e transportadas ao laboratório. Todos os indivíduos amostrados foram sexados, mensurados e separados por classes de tamanho de comprimento do cefalotórax (CC). Hyalella gauchensis Streck & Castiglioni, 2017 foi 22,7 vezes mais frequente e apresentou comprimento do cefalotórax médio significativamente superior a Hyalella longipropodus Limberger, Graichen & Castiglioni, 2021. Machos apresentaram maior tamanho corpóreo (CC) que as fêmeas, embora ocorram em menor número em ambas as espécies. A distribuição de frequência total em classes de tamanho de CC foi bimodal em machos e juvenis e polimodal em fêmeas de H. gauchensis. Em H. longipropodus a distribuição foi bimodal em machos, fêmeas e juvenis. Tanto H. gauchensis quanto H. longipropodus tiveram seu pico reprodutivo e de recrutamento durante as estações mais frias do ano (outono e inverno, respectivamente), entretanto, houve separação temporal sazonal dos picos de intensidade entre as duas espécies, o que poderia indicar diferentes estratégias e/ou adaptações evolutivas para a coexistência das mesmas. Sul Brasil Março/2018 Março2018 Março 2018 (Março/201 Abril/2019 Abril2019 Abril 2019 laboratório sexados CC. . Castiglioni 201 227 22 7 22, Limberger 2021 (CC H outono inverno respectivamente, respectivamente , respectivamente) entretanto eou ou mesmas Março/201 Março201 (Março/20 Abril/201 Abril201 20 2 202 Março/20 Março20 (Março/2 Abril/20 Abril20 Março/2 Março2 (Março/ Abril/2 Abril2 Março/ (Março Abril/

ABSTRACT In this work, the population dynamics and reproductive aspects of two sympatric Hyalella species in a river spring were analyzed in the northwestern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The samplings were performed by one person, for ten minutes and using a hand net for one-year period (March 2018 to April 2019) and transported to the laboratory. All individuals sampled were sexed, measured, and separated by cephalothorax length (CC) size classes. Hyalella gauchensis Streck & Castiglioni, 2017 was 22.7 times more frequent and showed significantly greater mean cephalothorax when compared to Hyalella longipropodus Limberger, Graichen & Castiglioni, 2021. Males had a larger body size (CC) than females, although they occur in smaller numbers in both species. The total frequency distribution in CC size classes was bimodal in males and juveniles, and polimodal in females of H. gauchensis. In H. longipropodus the distribution as bimodal in males, females and juveniles. Both H. gauchensis and H. longipropodus had their breeding season and recruitment during the colder seasons of the year (fall and winter, respectively). However, there was a seasonal temporal separation of the intensity peaks between the two species, which could indicate different strategies and/or evolutionary adaptations for their coexistence. work Sul Brazil person oneyear March 201 2019 laboratory sexed measured (CC Castiglioni 227 22 7 22. Limberger 2021 juveniles H fall winter respectively. respectively . respectively) However andor or coexistence 20 2 202

Abstract The presence of a long-wavelength sensitive (LWS) opsin gene was demonstrated in the stygobitic crustacean Creaseria morleyi (Creaser, 1936) by PCR readings from genomic DNA. In order to find the expression of this gene in extraocular tissue, shrimps were collected and placed in a tank to expose them to light/dark conditions for a period of 72 hours, and immediately after, sacrificed and sampled for RNA in the eyes, cephalothorax, abdomen, and sixth abdominal segment plus uropods. The transcripts of the LWS opsin gene were found in the eyes and abdomen of individuals exposed to light. The expression of these opsins could be involved in extravisual functions such as synchronization of their biological processes with environmental cycles related to diurnal vertical migration. longwavelength long wavelength (LWS Creaser, Creaser (Creaser 1936 DNA tissue lightdark light dark 7 hours after cephalothorax uropods migration 193 19 1

ABSTRACT: The production chain of Penaeus vannamei require detailed quality evaluation from farm to processing plant, to maintain the quality standards. We evaluated the impact of production chain steps in main defects of P. vannamei as red hepatopancreas, detached cephalothorax and post-mult. Red hepatopancreas and detached cephalothorax exhibited the highest defect incidence, which are related to capture method and post-harvest handling procedures. Red hepatopancreas showed a positive correlation (r = 0.56; P = 0.008) with post-molts. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 53.91% of total data variance, where the second principal component (PC2) contributed with 19.39% separating shrimp defects and management steps based on square cosines of red hepatopancreas and transport time. These results suggested that steps of production chain as well as post mortem process are directly related to shrimp defects, and the knowledge of these factors can contribute to improve the product quality. ABSTRACT plant standards postmult. postmult mult. mult post-mult incidence postharvest harvest procedures r 0.56 056 0 56 0.008 0008 008 postmolts. postmolts molts. molts post-molts PCA (PCA 5391 53 91 53.91 variance PC2 PC (PC2 1939 19 39 19.39 time 0.5 05 5 0.00 000 00 539 9 53.9 (PC 193 1 3 19.3 0. 0.0 53. 19.

RESUMO: A cadeia produtiva do Penaeus vannamei exige avaliações detalhadas quanto à qualidade do produto desde o campo até a planta de processamento, considerando a importância da manutenção dos padrões de qualidade. Foi avaliado o impacto das etapas da cadeia produtiva nos principais defeitos do P. vannamei como hepatopâncreas vermelho, cefalotórax desprendido e pós-mudas. Hepatopâncreas e o cefalotórax desprendido foram os defeitos de maior incidência, e estão relacionados ao método de despesca e manuseio pós-abate. O hepatopâncreas vermelho apresentou correlação positiva (r = 0,56; P = 0.008) com pós-muda. A Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP) explicou 53,91% da variância total dos dados, onde o segundo componente principal (PC2) contribuiu com 19,39% separando os defeitos do camarão e as etapas de manejo com base nos cossenos quadrados do hepatopâncreas vermelho e tempo de transporte. Esses resultados sugerem que as etapas da cadeia produtiva bem como o processo post mortem estão diretamente relacionados aos defeitos dos camarões, e o conhecimento desses fatores pode contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade do produto. RESUMO processamento pósmudas. pósmudas pós mudas. mudas pós-mudas incidência pósabate. pósabate abate. abate pós-abate r 0,56 056 0 56 0.008 0008 008 pósmuda. pósmuda muda. muda pós-muda ACP (ACP 5391 53 91 53,91 dados PC2 PC (PC2 1939 19 39 19,39 transporte camarões 0,5 05 5 0.00 000 00 539 9 53,9 (PC 193 1 3 19,3 0, 0.0 53, 19, 0.

Keywords The productive performance of Clarias gariepinus, fed with by-products from the pulp extraction process of the lobster cephalothorax (Panulirus argus), was evaluated. An amount of 240 young fish of 10.16 ± 0.07 g initial mean weight were used, placed according to a completely randomized design in four treatments with three repetitions. The treatments were: control (100 % fish by-products), TI (75 % fish by-products and 25 % lobster by-products), TII (50 % fish by-products and 50 % lobster by-products) and TIII (100 % lobster by-products). Animals were fed for 45 days and feed was provided at 15 % of the biomass. The increase in lobster by-products in the rations decreased the amount of feed supplied per animal (137.15, 120.38, 109.72 and 86.53 g). Similarly, growth indicators (74.51, 52.91, 43.01 and 20.51 g) and feed conversion (2.41, 3.18, 3.78 and 9.81) were unfavorable when increasing the levels of these by-products, due to lower feed intake and, therefore, of proteins. Survival was 100 % for all treatments. The negative results were related to the high concentrations of chitin in natural form and calcium, present in these by-products. It is concluded that fresh lobster by-products were not feasible for feeding Clarias gariepinus. Its transformation into products with high added value, such as chitin, chitosans and protein concentrates, is recommended for subsequent evaluation as growth enhancers in this species.

Palabras Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de Clarias gariepinus, alimentados con subproductos del proceso de extracción de pulpa del cefalotórax de langosta (Panulirus argus). Se utilizaron 240 alevines de 10.16 ± 0.07 g de peso medio inicial, ubicados según diseño completamente aleatorizado en cuatro tratamientos con tres repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron: control (100 % de subproductos de pescado), TI (75 % de SP y 25 % de subproductos de langosta), TII (50 % subproductos de pescado y 50 % subproductos de langosta) y TIII (100 % de subproductos de langosta). Los animales se alimentaron durante 45 días y se suministró el alimento al 15 % de la biomasa. El incremento de los subproductos de langosta en las raciones disminuyó la cantidad de alimento suministrado por animal (137.15, 120.38, 109.72 y 86.53 g). De igual forma, los indicadores de crecimiento (74.51, 52.91, 43.01 y 20.51 g) y la conversión alimentaria (2.41, 3.18, 3.78 y 9.81) se desfavorecieron al incrementar los niveles de estos subproductos, por los menores consumos de alimento y por tanto, de proteínas. La supervivencia fue de 100 % para todos los tratamientos. Los resultados negativos se relacionaron con las altas concentraciones de quitina en forma natural y calcio, presentes en estos subproductos. Se concluye que los subproductos de langosta frescos no fueron factibles para la alimentación de Clarias gariepinus. Se recomienda su transformación en productos de alto valor añadido, como quitina, quitosanos y concentrados proteicos, para su posterior evaluación como potenciadores de crecimiento en esta especie.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-bacterial and antimycobacterial potential of the by-products of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The following extracts were obtained: exoskeleton hexanic, methanolic and acqueous extracts (ExHex, ExMe, ExAc); and cephalothorax hexanic, acetonic and methanolic extracts (CeHex, CeAce, CeMe). Antibacterial effect was determined by the broth microdilution method against Gram-positive bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 51299, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293, and Staphylo-coccus epidermidis; Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, and Salmonella typhimurium; and Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (M. bovis BCG) Danish strain. CeHex resulted active against all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC50= 400 µg mL-1) and against M. bovis BCG (MIC100= 250 µg mL-1). Gas chromatography (GC) of CeHex identified oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, behenic, palmitoleic and linolenic fatty acids. The strong antibacterial activity of CeHex and the identification of its main chemical constituents justify further studies on the clinical applications of this marine by-product.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial antibacteriano y antimicobacteriano de los sub-productos del camarón blanco (Litopenaeus vannamei). Fueron obtenidos los siguientes extractos: extracto hexánico, metanólico y acuoso del exoesqueleto (ExHex, ExMe, ExAc); y extracto hexánico, acetónico y metanólico del cefalotórax (CeHex, CeAce, CeMe). El efecto antibacteriano fue evaluado mediante el método de microdilución en caldo contra las bacterias Gram-positivas: Enterococcus faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 51299, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293, y Staphylococcus epidermidis; bacterias Gram-negativas: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, y Salmonella typhimurium; y Mycobacterium bovis bacilo Calmette-Guérin (M. bovis BCG) cepa Danesa. CeHex resultó activo contra todas las bacterias Gram-positivas y Gram-negativas (MIC50= 400 µg mL-1) y contra M. bovis BCG (MIC100= 250 µg mL-1). Mediante cromatogra-fía de gases (GC) de CeHex se identificaron los ácidos grasos: oleico, linoleico, palmítico, esteárico, behénico, palmitoleico y linolénico. La fuerte actividad antibacteriana de CeHex y la identificación de sus principales components químicos justifican estudios posteriores en las aplicaciones clínicas de este sub-producto marino.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de diferentes niveles de dureza total del agua en la muda, calcificación del exoesqueleto, crecimiento y supervivencia de Cryphiops caementarius. Los camarones machos fueron colectados del río Pativilca (Lima, Perú) y cultivados en recipientes individuales dentro de acuarios (55 L). Se emplearon cuatro niveles de dureza total del agua (100, 200, 300 y 400 mg CaCO3 L-1), con tres repeticiones, respectivamente. Los camarones cultivados en agua con dureza de 300 mg L-1 tuvieron menor periodo de muda (26,7 días) y mayor frecuencia de mudas (tres mudas). El contenido de calcio del exoesqueleto del camarón incrementó (p < 0,05) de 25 a 31 % en agua con dureza de 100 y 400 mg L-1, respectivamente. El mayor grosor del exoesqueleto (144 |jm en cefalotórax y 131 μm en abdomen) fue obtenido en agua con dureza de 400 mg L-1 y el menor grosor (93 |jm en cefalotórax y abdomen) en 100 mg L-1. El crecimiento en longitud fue mayor (p < 0,05) en agua con durezas de 200 y 300 mg L-1. El crecimiento en peso fue similar (p > 0,05) entre tratamientos. La mayor supervivencia (> 94,4 %) se mantuvo en agua con durezas de hasta 300 mg L-1 y la menor supervivencia (77,8 %) fue con 400 mg L-1. La dureza total del agua de 200 y 300 mg L-1 es conveniente para el cultivo del camarón, pero dureza del agua mayor o menor a este rango afectan la muda, el crecimiento y la supervivencia por deficiencia o exceso de calcio acumulado, respectivamente en el exoesqueleto del camarón.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of different levels of total hardness on the molting, calcification of exoskeleton, growth and survival of Cryphiops caementarius prawn. Male prawns were collected from Pativilca river (Lima, Peru) and cultivated in individual containers inside aquariums (55 L). Four levels of the total hardness of water (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg CaCO3 L-1) were used, with three repetitions, respectively. Prawns cultured in water with hardness of 300 mg L-1 has a shorter molting period (26.7 days) and a higher frequency of molts (three molts). The calcium content of the prawn exoskeleton increased (p < 0.05) from 25 to 31 % in water with hardness of 100 and 400 mg L-1, respectively. The greatest thickness of the exoskeleton (144 |jm cephalothorax and 131 |jm abdomen) was obtained in water with a hardness of400 mg L-1 and the smallest thickness (93 |jm in the cephalothorax and abdomen) in 100 mg L-1. The growth in length was greater (p < 0.05) in water with hardness of 200 and 300 mg L-1. The weight growth was similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. The highest survival (> 94.4 %) was maintained in water with hardness up to 300 mg L-1 and the lowest survival (77.8 %) was at 400 mg L-1. The total hardness of 200 and 300 mg L-1 is suitable for prawn farming, but hardness high or lower than this range affects the molting, growth and survival due to deficiency or excess of accumulated calcium, respectively, in the prawn exoskeleton.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the microplastics (MP) in the hairy crab Romaleon setosum (Molina, 1782) (Cancridae), a species of importance for human consumption. In total, 15 individuals of R. setosum acquired between December 2020 and January 2021 at the Ventanilla Fisheries Wholesale Market, Callao, Peru were evaluated. The muscle, gill and digestive tract of each crab was digested with 10% KOH, followed by a filtration process to search for MP. All individuals presented MP in muscle, gills and digestive tract. Blue MP fibres were most abundant in muscle, blue and red fibres in the gill, and black and blue in the digestive tract. In the case of film-type PM, white was the dominant colour in the muscle and digestive tract, while green was observed in the gills. For the fragments, the blue colour was the most abundant in the gill and in the digestive tract, not being observed in the muscle. The number of PM particles were present with the following sequence: digestive tract > gill > muscle and in relation to its shape it was fibre > fragment > film. The blue and black MPs were the dominant ones. The length of the cephalothorax was related to the number of total PM particles, to muscle and to the blue colour.

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar los microplásticos (MP) en el cangrejo peludo Romaleon setosum (Molina, 1782) (Cancridae), especie de importancia para el consumo humano. Se evaluaron 15 individuos de R. setosum adquiridos entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021 en el Mercado Mayorista Pesquero de Ventanilla, Callao, Perú. El músculo, branquia y tracto digestivo de cada cangrejo fue sometido a digestión con KOH al 10%, seguido por un proceso de filtración para la búsqueda de los MP. Todos los individuos presentaron MP en músculo, branquias y tracto digestivo. Las fibras azules de MP fueron más abundantes en el músculo, las azules y rojas en la branquia, y el negro y azul en el tracto digestivo. En el caso del MP tipo film, el color blanco fue el dominante en el músculo y en el tracto digestivo, en tanto que el verde se observó en las branquias. Para los fragmentos, el color azul fue el más abundante en la branquia y en el tracto digestivo, no siendo observado en el músculo. El número de partículas de MP se presentó con la siguiente secuencia: tracto digestivo > branquia > músculo y con relación a su forma fue fibra > fragmento > film. Los MP de color azul y negro fueron los dominantes. La longitud del cefalotórax se observó relacionada con el número de partículas de MP totales, con el músculo y con el color azul.

Abstract The new genus Maxiclavella is proposed to accommodate Clavella simplex Castro Romero and Baeza Kuroki, 1985, which differs from Clavella species, including long and narrow cephalothorax, small bulla, and simple armature of the antenna and antennule. Praeclavella nasalis, new genus and species, was found parasitizing the olfactory sacs of Isacia conceptionis. Praeclavella nasalis could be differentiated from other Clavella species by a biramous antenna with an exopod shorter than the endopod, the base of the cephalothorax with a large lobular and suborbicular projection on each side, a suborbicular bulla, mandibles without secondary teeth, and a suboval male body type. Males of both genera fit well in the Clavella-clade male type, although they differ from each other in many aspects, mainly in the position of the buccal area, which is oriented ventrally in Maxiclavella and distally in Praeclavella nasalis, and in a genital process, which is present in the latter and absent in the former. Genetic distances of mtDNA COI and 28S rDNA supported the validity of the two new genera parasitizing the same host, I. conceptionis. Also Clavella-branch (Clavellinae Wilson), a key based genera on female specimens is presented.

Abstract Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) and Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Pérez Farfante, 1967), commonly known as pink shrimps, are two commercially important penaeid species caught by artisanal and industrial fisheries in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The currently known southern distribution for F. brasiliensis extends to Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), while F. paulensis reaches the coastal waters of Buenos Aires (Argentina), although Uruguay represents the southern limit of commercial captures for the latter. In the shrimp season of 2019 (February-May) the presence of F. brasiliensis was recorded together with F. paulensis in the brackish coastal lagoons of Uruguay (34º30’ to 34º50’S). A total of 143 specimens of F. brasiliensis and 152 of F. paulensis were analyzed evaluating morphological, morphometric and genetic differences. The presence of both species was validated based on morphological differences and sequencing the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene. Significant morphometric differences were found between both species, particularly, the larger rostral length in relation to the carapace and cephalothorax length in F. paulensis compared to F. brasiliensis. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed record and commercial catch of F. brasiliensis in Uruguayan waters. This southwards expansion could be explained by extending climatic variability events associated with prolonged periods of positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the region. Given the potential commercial relevance of the species, a better understanding of the southward expansion of F. brasiliensis into Uruguayan waters would be helpful in developing efficient management and conservation strategies under a scenario of increasing water temperatures.

Abstract From January to June 2021, mark-recapture and biometric data were collected from a population of blue crab, Cardisoma crassum Smith, 1870, from Ponuga, in Veraguas, Panama. Recapture histories of 163 crabs indicate strong burrow fidelity. During the dry season (January-March) burrow fidelity was 73.2 %, while in the rainy season (April-June) it was 50.7 %. Population was estimated at 2,569 crabs in 10.93-ha with a density of 0.024 ind. m-2. Cephalothorax width averaged 63.62 ± 6.37 mm for males (50.95-78.01 mm, N = 83) and 61.90 ± 5.47 mm for females (53.21-77.78 mm, N = 80). Blue crab reproductive season was traditionally known to take place just during the rainy season. Here, we report ovigerous females in February and March (dry season), suggesting reproduction may occur throughout the year in Panama. This is the first report of burrow fidelity and continuous biometry measurements in natural conditions for C. crassum. Burrow fidelity seems to be closely related to abiotic factors and is different between dry and rainy seasons.

Abstract In the present study, pentastomids belonging to the order Cephalobaenida were isolated from the lungs of Berber skinks Eumeces schneideri (Famiy: Scincidae), which were morphologically described by light and scanning electron microscopy and taxonomically justi- fied by 18s rDNA molecular analyses of the parasites. Seventeen host specimens were collected from well-vegetated wadis at high altitudes, Jizan, Saudi Arabia as new type locality; twelve specimens (70.59%) were infected. All of the recovered parasites were adults, possessed small broadly triangular cephalothorax flattened on the ventral surface and merged smoothly with a uniformly thick and squat abdomen and terminated in a pair of divergent lobes. The results obtained indicated that the parasites belong to the sharp-tipped posterior-hook Raillietiella spp. distinguished from other raillietiedids of the same group some important characteristic fea- tures including annulus number, shape and dimensions of the buccal cadre, copulatory spicules, and anterior and posterior hooks. The anterior hook of the female specimens (n = 5) had a blade length (AB) of 135±5 (110-146) ^m and shank length (BC) 158±5 (150-169) ^m while the posterior hook was much larger with AB measuring 221 ±5 (200-236) m and BC 286 ±6 (280-289) |o.m. For the male specimens (n = 5), the anterior hook had an AB of 73 ±3 (72-75) |j.m and a BC 102±5 (100-103) ^m. The posterior hook was much larger with AB 190.6±5 (190-191).

Resumen En el presente estudio se aisló un pentastómido perteneciente al orden Cephalobaenida del pulmón de un eslizón bereber (Eumeces schneideri, Familia: Scincidae). Se efectuó su descripción morfológica basada en observación por microscopía óptica y de bar rido y se justificó su ubicación taxonómica mediante análisis molecular del gen 18S del ADNr. Se recolectaron 17 especímenes del citado huésped en valles ubicados a elevadas altitudes, en la región de Jizan (Arabia Saudí); 12 de ellos (70,59%) estaban infectados. Todos los parásitos recuperados eran adultos y poseían un pequeño cefalotórax triangular, aplanado en la super ficie ventral, que se fusionaba con un abdomen abultado y terminado en un par de lóbulos divergentes. Los resultados indicaron que este parásito pertenece a Raillietiella spp., que agrupa especies con gancho posterior puntiagudo; estas se distinguen de otros miembros de la Familia Raillietiella por algunos rasgos característicos, como el número de anillos y la forma y dimensiones del cuadro bucal, las espículas copulatorias y los ganchos anterior y posterior. La caracterización morfológica demostró que el parásito recuperado era muy similar a R. aegypti, previamente aislada del mismo huésped. El alineamiento de secuencias mediante el método de probabilidad máxima basado en el análisis del gen 18s del ADNr detectó identidades del 88-95% con los géneros de pentastómidos disponibles en GenBank. Dentro del árbol filogenético se pudo incluir este parásito dentro del clado monofilético pentastómido con máxima identidad con las especies de Raillietiella. Las secuencias obtenidas fueron depositadas en GenBank, con número de acceso MK970649.1. El presente análisis molecular confirma por primera vez la posición taxonómica de Raillietiella aegypti, anteriormente aislado del mismo huésped.

Abstract The shape of the secondary sexual characters is, traditionally, used to discriminate the marine shrimps at the species level. However, the qualitative evaluation of structures that are morphologically variable in the taxonomy of species can favor misunderstandings and misidentifications. These possibilities of taxonomic inaccuracies are especially alarming when there is a need to evaluate the invasion of introduced species. The present study used geometric morphometric analyses to identify differences in the cephalothorax shape that would help discriminate the native and non-native species of Litopenaeus of the South American coast. The comparative morphology analysis was conducted using the right profile of adult males’ cephalothorax of L. schmitti, captured in the natural environment, and L. vannamei captured in the natural environment or grown in shrimp farms. In intraspecific evaluation, it was not possible to distinguish the specimens of L. vannamei that were grown in shrimp farms from those acclimated to the natural environment. However, significant interspecific differences in shape were found in the shape of this body structure. Additionally, the base position of the first rostral spine to the tip of the hepatic spine is indicated as a characteristic that can be used to distinguish these two species by eye in the field.

Abstract A putative new species of tantulocaridan is reported parasitizing a species of typhlotanaid (Tanaideacea) from the Gulf of Mexico at depths up to 2767 m. The tantulocaridan belongs to Microdajus Greve, 1965, species of which are all known from tanaid hosts in the superfamily Paratanoidea. Tantulocaridan samples included newly settled tantulus larvae, early stages of trunk development and developing males; parasites were found attached to anterior appendages (antennules and pereopods) or bodies of hosts. This material likely represents a new species but the condition and number of available specimens precludes a formal description. The putative new species is most similar to Microdajus aporosus Grygier and Sieg, 1988 and Microdajus tchesunovi Kolbasov and Savchenko, 2010 in having an endopodal seta on each of the sixth thoracopods (lacking in other species). Microdajus tchesunovi is the only described species of Microdajus with males bearing unsegmented sixth thoracopod protopods; this character is also found on the present specimens. Males of the newly reported tantulocaridan can be distinguished from those of M. tchesunovi based on protopod 1-5 morphology and setation of the pits on the cephalothorax (fewer setae in males of the western Atlantic specimens compared to M. tchesunovi). This is the first species of Microdajus reported from the western Atlantic and the first tantulocaridan known from the Gulf of Mexico or northwestern Atlantic.

Abstract Plesionika edwardsii (J.F. Brandt in von Middendorf, 1851) is a cosmopolitan species that inhabits cold temperate and subarctic waters between 50 and 680 m. In the Azorean region, this is the second most abundant shrimp species and populations remain unexploited. To provide insights into a pristine state that can be useful for comparisons across regions and serve as a benchmark for a potential fishery in the future, we analyzed data collected during shrimp trap surveys in the Azores between 1999 and 2000. Plesionika edwardsii were caught between 100 and 600 m depth, with the biggest catches between 200 and 400 m. Sizes varied from 8.3 to 31.3 mm cephalothorax length (CL). Females were bigger and more abundant than males and predominated at depths up to 300 m. Ovigerous females were caught throughout most of the year, with a peak of abundance during the winter. The size at 50 % maturity was 25 mm CL. High variability in distributional patterns and life-history traits has been observed in our study and when compared with literature from other regions, it is difficult to distinguish which differences are potentially fishing-induced. Future studies should investigate the oceanographic processes associated with P. edwardsii ecology and commercial fisheries should be made on a precautionary basis.