Abstract In Chile, Lobesia botrana is a pest submitted to a campaign of eradication/contention. Its management uses mating disruption (CS) as a fundamental control tool which is usually indirectly evaluated by the suppression of male captures in traps and/or by the fruit damage reduction in treated fields. However, the goal of mating disruption technique is to avoid mating. The current study provides the bases to use the "sentinel female" technique as a direct and alternative method to evaluate CS efficacy by measuring the percentage of mating in females. In studies conducted in laboratory, the age at post-emergence copulation from the pupa and the dimensions of the bursa copulatrix in virgin and mated females were evaluated in adult females. Additionally, two methods of virgin females' confinement (females with a tied wing or females in cages with restricted access) were evaluated, measuring the respective % copulation when exposed to virgin males, which was contrasted with unconfined virgin females. It was determined that the females mate before 48 hours after mating with a male. The bursa copulatrix of a virgin female measures 0.9 ± 0.03 mm long x 0.2 ± 0.01 mm wide, while in a mated female it measures 1.1 ± 0.5 x 0.5 ± 0.3 mm, which constitutes an objective criterion to determine the female mating status. Virgin females were able to mate in all treatments; 100% of the unconfined females copulated, 92% copulated with a tethered wing and 64% in cages. It is concluded that the method of confinement in cages works to directly evaluate the efficacy of CS.

Resumen En Chile, Lobesia botrana es una plaga sometida a una campaña de erradicación/contención. Su manejo emplea la confusión sexual (CS) como una herramienta de control fundamental, la cual es habitualmente evaluada indirectamente por la supresión de capturas de machos en trampas y/o por la evaluación de la disminución del daño en fruta, en campos tratados. Sin embargo, el objetivo de la CS es la disrupción (evitación) de la cópula. El presente estudio proporciona bases para el uso de la técnica de la "hembra centinela" como método alternativo y directo para la evaluación de la eficacia de la CS midiendo el porcentaje de cópulas en hembras. En estudios conducidos en laboratorio se evaluó en hembras adultas la edad a la copula post emergencia desde la pupa y las dimensiones de la bursa copulatrix en hembras vírgenes y copuladas. Adicionalmente, se evaluaron dos métodos de confinamiento de hembras vírgenes (con un ala amarrada a una plataforma versus jaulas de acceso restringido), midiendo los respectivos % de cópula al exponerlas a machos vírgenes, lo que se contrastó con las hembras vírgenes no confinadas. Se determinó que las hembras copulan antes de las 48 horas desde el emparejamiento con un macho. La bursa copulatrix de una hembra virgen mide 0,9 ± 0,03 mm de largo x 0,2 ± 0,01 mm de ancho, mientras que en una hembra copulada mide 1,1 ± 0,5 x 0,5 ± 0,3 mm, lo que constituye un criterio objetivo para determinar el estatus de cópula de una hembra. Las hembras vírgenes fueron capaces de copular en todos los tratamientos; 100% de las hembras no confinadas copularon, 92% copularon con un ala amarrada y 64% en jaulas. Se concluye que el método de confinamiento en jaulas funciona para evaluar de forma directa la eficacia de la CS.

ABSTRACT Pair-formation, courtship, copulatory, and post-copulatory behaviors of Eidmanacris meridionalis Desutter-Grandcolas, 1995, were described under laboratory conditions and compared with congeneric species and other Phalangopsidae crickets whose mating behavior has been previously studied. Field observations for the species are also reported. Mating behaviors were observed in E. meridionalis couples: they first remained motionless, and then began walking through the arena screening the substrate. Mating behavior started with antennal contact, followed by males positioning themselves in front of females, that, when receptive, mounted on the males back and started feeding on metanotum secretions of the males. Copulation (female-above-male position) started with the engaging of copulatory structures and stopped with couple detachment. The end-to-end position was observed once, right after couple detachment. Males always remained with the spermatophore, which was eaten after removal or, alternatively, left in the substrate. The main differences in mating behavior of Eidmanacris species regard the mating position and the duration of the reproductive stages, suggesting that other reproductive repertoires can be observed in the genus since 27 species have not yet been studied in regards their reproductive behavior. We can also assume that the morphological, genetic, and chemical diversity found among the species of Phalangopsidae reflects in the behaviors of pair-formation, courtship, copulation, and post-copulation, leading to a diversity of copulation positions, duration of the stages, methods of attracting partners and parental investment. The description of Phalangopsidae mating patterns can provide important information for future evolutionary and phylogenetic studies, apart from useful for distinguishing cryptic species. Pairformation, Pairformation Pair formation, formation Pair-formation courtship postcopulatory post DesutterGrandcolas, DesutterGrandcolas Desutter Grandcolas, Grandcolas Desutter-Grandcolas 1995 reported E couples motionless substrate contact females receptive femaleabovemale female above male detachment endtoend end once spermatophore or alternatively stages 2 morphological genetic pairformation, pairformation pair pair-formation postcopulation, postcopulation post-copulation positions investment studies 199 19 1

Abstract Spix's yellow-toothed cavies are rodents displaying high biological and farming potential. Knowledge of cavy reproductive aspects is paramount for satisfactory breeding. This study aimed to determine the gestation length and characterize the reproductive cycle phases of Spix's yellow-toothed cavies, also investigating potential male effects on these processes. The investigated animals were categorized into three groups: Gestational follow-up (G1), with a 5:1 female-to-male enclosure ratio; estrous cycle (G2), with a 5:1 female-to-male ratio with a male confined to a cage; and G3, consisting of five females and no male. Daily colpocytological examinations were performed, with the presence of spermatozoa on the microscopy slides indicative of copulation. G1 females were separated from the male immediately after copulation, with this being considered day "zero" of the pregnancy. G2 and G3 females were evaluated for two complete estrous cycles and qualitatively assessed through vaginal smears. The gestation length of the Spix's yellow-toothed cavies averaged 59 ± 2.24 days, with a continuous polyestrous cycle lasting 14.8 ± 0.73 days in G2 and 14.6 ± 0.75 days in G3. The proestrus phase was characterized by the dominance of parabasal cells, dyes, bacteria, and leukocytes; the estrus phase, by superficial cells with the predominance of anucleate cells with and without the presence of bacteria; the metestrus phase, by parabasal cells and numerous genuine cells, neutrophils, and bacteria; and the diestrus phase, mainly by basal, parabasal, and mutant cells, as well as high amounts of vaginal mucus, neutrophils, and bacteria. The presence of a male cavy significantly influenced diestrus duration, prolonging this phase, which is potentially attributed to female progesterone production effects. Spixs Spix s yellowtoothed yellow toothed breeding processes groups followup follow up G1, G , (G1) 51 5 1 5: femaletomale G2, (G2) cage performed copulation zero "zero pregnancy smears 224 2 24 2.2 148 14 8 14. 073 0 73 0.7 146 6 075 75 dyes bacteria leukocytes neutrophils basal mucus duration (G1 (G2 22 2. 07 7 0. (G

Resumo O preá é um roedor com elevado potencial biológico e zootécnico a ser explorado, sendo o conhecimento sobre os aspectos reprodutivos fundamentais para que sua criação seja satisfatória. Objetivou-se determinar a duração da gestação em preás, e a caracterização das fases do ciclo reprodutivo, verificando, se existe influência da presença do macho neste processo. Os animais foram separados em três grupos: Acompanhamento gestacional (G1), 5:1, proporção de fêmea e macho no box; Ciclo estral, 5:1, com o macho preso em gaiola (G2) e cinco fêmeas em outro box sem o macho (G3). O exame colpocitológico ocorreu diariamente, identificado o espermatozoide na lâmina como cópula. As fêmeas do G1 foram separadas assim que copulavam e contadas como dia “zero” da gestação. As fêmeas do G2 e G3 foram avaliadas ao longo de dois ciclos estrais completos, avaliados qualitativamente pelo o esfregaço vaginal. O período de gestação em preás foi de 59±2,24 dias, com um ciclo poliéstrico contínuo, com duração de 14,8±0,73 dias no G2 e 14,6±0,75 dias no G3. O proestro caracterizou-se pelo predomínio de células parabasais, intermediárias, bactérias e leucócitos; o estro, células superficiais, com predomínio das anucleadas com presença ou não de bactérias; metaestro, células parabasais e grande quantidade de células intermediárias, neutrófilos e bactérias; diestro, predomínio de células basais, parabasais e intermediárias e grande quantidade de muco vaginal, neutrófilos e bactérias. A presença do macho influenciou significativamente a duração do diestro, tornando-se mais longa, fato que pode estar atrelado a influência sobre a produção de progesterona na fêmea. explorado satisfatória Objetivouse Objetivou reprodutivo verificando processo grupos G1, G , (G1) 51, 51 5 1, 1 5:1 estral (G2 . (G3) diariamente cópula zero “zero completos vaginal 59224 59 2 24 59±2,2 contínuo 148073 14 8 0 73 14,8±0,7 146075 6 75 14,6±0,7 caracterizouse caracterizou leucócitos estro superficiais metaestro diestro basais tornandose tornando longa (G1 5: (G (G3 5922 59±2, 14807 7 14,8±0, 14607 14,6±0, 592 59±2 1480 14,8±0 1460 14,6±0 59± 148 14,8± 146 14,6± 14,8 14,6 14,

RESUMO A falta de informações sobre anatomia, fisiologia e biologia reprodutiva em muitas espécies de serpentes impossibilita compreender melhor a reprodução desses animais em vida livre e aprimorar as biotécnicas reprodutivas nessas espécies em cativeiro. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a morfologia dos testículos de Epicrates cenchria e correlacionar esses achados com aspectos ambientais e da biologia reprodutiva. Os testículos de cinco espécimes de E. cenchria foram avaliados histologicamente, sendo possível observar sazonalidade na produção espermática, com presença de espermatozoides maduros nos períodos mais chuvosos e quentes do ano, bem como o maior volume testicular nesses períodos. Correlacionando-se esses achados com o relatado em literatura sobre período de cópulas, pressupõe-se um padrão pré-nupcial (ou associado) em E. cenchria.

ABSTRACT The lack of information about anatomy, physiology and reproductive biology in many snake species makes the understanding of these free-living animals’ reproduction and reproductive biotechnics application in captivity difficult. The present study aims to evaluate the Epicrates cenchria’s testicle morphology and correlate these findings with environmental aspects and reproductive biology. The testicles of five specimens of E. cenchria were histologically evaluated, and it was possible to observe seasonality in sperm production, with the presence of mature spermatozoa in the wettest and warmest periods of the year, as well as the highest testicular volume in these periods. Correlating these findings with that reported in the literature on copulation period presupposes a prenuptial (or associated) pattern in E. cenchria.

Abstract Night-foraging cyclocephaline scarab beetles rely on floral structures of specific plant hosts for food and shelter, as well as mating sites. Although the role of floral fragrances as long-range attractants in these interactions has been elucidated, the mechanisms that mediate close-range mate discrimination in aggregations are still unclear. We recorded the mating-oriented behavior of male Cyclocephala distincta, focusing on the influence of contact signaling and movement over mate selection in a series of controlled bioassays. Roughly half of the males chose a conspecific female over another male, readily engaging in copulation upon initial contact. The remainder males required more experience, acquired through successive mounts on both females and males. Eventually, all focal males invested in copulation with females. When faced with the choice for a live or an inert conspecific female, male C. distincta preferred the former in 76% of cases, although we also recorded sexual investment on inert females (10% of cases). In paired experiments with an inert female or a male, nonetheless, focal males significantly opted for the opposite sex, and that included mating with the inert females. Innate characteristics of the females of C. distincta are evaluated by males synergistically, and not separately, in discriminating potential sexual partners.

Abstract The ovulation mechanism is one of the fascinating physiological processes in reproductive biology in mammals. From the reproductive point of view, the species have been classified as spontaneous or induced ovulators. Although the release of GnRH followed by the preovulatory LH surge is shared between both types of ovulation, the stimulus to initiate GnRH release varies between both categories. In spontaneous ovulators, ovulation depends on the systemic concentration of ovarian steroids, however, in induced ovulators, different stimuli such as copulation, environmental, and social cues can facilitate or induce ovulation regardless of the increases in systemic estradiol concentration. In this review, we document evidence that a male-derived protein is the main factor responsible for inducing ovulation and also modulating the ovarian function in the domestic South American camelid, the llama. The neurotrophin beta-Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF) is the principal factor present in the semen of llamas responsible for inducing ovulation in this species. After the intrauterine deposit of semen during mating, β-NGF is absorbed through the endometrium to reach the circulatory system, where it reaches the hypothalamus and stimulates GnRH release. The potential site of action of this neurotrophin at the brain has not been elucidated, however, hypotheses are raised that the factor may cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate upstream neuronal networks that lead to the stimulation of GnRH-secreting neurons. It is possible that β-NGF could be sensed at the median eminence without crossing the blood-brain barrier. Finally, it has been observed that this factor is not only a powerful stimulator of ovulation but also has a luteotrophic effect, resulting in the development of a corpus luteum capable of secreting more progesterone when compared to other ovulation-stimulating analogues. mammals view ovulators categories steroids however copulation environmental review malederived male derived camelid llama betaNerve beta Nerve βNGF β NGF (β-NGF mating system elucidated bloodbrain blood GnRHsecreting neurons Finally effect ovulationstimulating stimulating analogues

Resumo O tumor venéreo transmissível canino (TVTC) é uma neoplasia transmitida principalmente através da cópula, com elevada incidência em cães errantes no Brasil. No processo de evolução tumoral do TVTC, são reconhecidas as fases de progressão, estacionária e de regressão. O estado imunológico do hospedeiro está relacionado ao comportamento biológico da doença, contudo, a observação de regressão espontânea em casos de TVTC de ocorrência natural é incomum. Foi atendida uma paciente canina, resgatada da rua, por apresentar massa ulcerada na genitália externa e infestação por carrapatos. Foram realizados exame citopatológico, que diagnosticou TVTC, e exames laboratoriais que evidenciaram anemia discreta e grave trombocitopenia. Com isso e diante da impossibilidade de realizar outros exames, foi também estabelecido o diagnóstico presuntivo de erlichiose monocítica canina (EMC) e instituído tratamento para a hemoparasitose. Durante o acompanhamento, foi observada rápida melhora dos sinais clínicos e das alterações laboratoriais, bem como a redução espontânea da massa tumoral. Em sequência, foi realizada nova avaliação citopatológica do TVTC e verificado o aumento quantitativo de linfócitos maduros e plasmócitos, em meio as células tumorais, achado compatível com a fase estacionária da doença. A partir desse momento, optou-se por realizar apenas acompanhamento clínico e avaliação citopatológica da neoplasia. Foram observados contínua remissão clínica e achados microscópicos compatíveis com a fase de regressão do tumor, até sua remissão completa. Pondera-se que a melhora na saúde geral da paciente após o tratamento da EMC esteja relacionada à regressão espontânea do TVTC, e que realização simultânea de exames clínico e citopatológico seriados pode ser viável e útil ao acompanhamento das fases de evolução do TVTC.

Abstract The canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVTC) is a neoplasm transmitted mainly through copulation and with a high incidence in stray dogs in Brazil. In the process of tumor evolution of TVTC, the progression, stationary and regression phases are recognized. The host immunity is related to the disease’s biological behavior, however, spontaneous regression observation in cases of naturally occurring TVTC is uncommon. A canine patient was attended, after beeing rescued from the street, due to an ulcerated mass in the external genitália and tick infestation. Cytopathological examination, which diagnosed TVTC, and laboratory tests that showed mild anemia and severe thrombocytopenia were performed. In view of the impossibility of carrying out other exams, it was made the presumptive diagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), and treatment was instituted. During follow-up it was observed quick improvement in clinical signs and laboratory changes, as well as a reduction in tumor mass. A new cytopathological evaluation was carried out, and was verified increase in mature lymphocytes and plasmocytes in the midst of the tumor cells, finding compatible with the stationary phase of the disease. From that moment on, it was decided to perform only clinical and cytopathological follow-up. In the following evaluations, continuous clinical remission and cytopathological findings compatible with those described in the regression phase were observed, until its complete remission. It is considered that the improvement in the general health of the patient after the treatment of CME is related to the spontaneous regression of TVTC, and that simultaneous performance of serial clinical and cytopathological exams may be feasible and useful for monitoring the stages of evolution of TVTC.

Abstract An experiment was carried out at the Experimental Center La Raya-Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, to determine the effect of copulation duration on ovulation and pregnancy in alpacas. 47 adult females were used (postpartum time ≥ 20 days and presence of a follicle ≥ 7 mm) distributed in three groups, according to copulation time: 20, 35 and 50 min, for G1 (n = 15), G2 (n = 16) and G3 (n = 16), respectively. For the mating, 6 reproducers of proven fertility were used, interrupting the copulation at the established time. Ovulation and pregnancy rates were evaluated on days 7 and 30 post service respectively (by ultrasound and receptivity of the female), the data were analyzed using X2 and simple correspondence. Both the ovulation rate (G1: 73.33%, G2: 81.25% and G3: 81.25%); and pregnancy (G1: 53.33%, G2: 81.25% and G3: 75%) were not different (P> 0.05). Pregnancy rates between G1 and G2 tended to be different (P <0.10), consistent with the simple correspondence analysis. Despite there being no differences in ovulation and pregnancy rates, there was a higher percentage trend in G2 and G3, suggesting that the longer duration of mating would have some positive effect on them, according to the simple correspondence analysis, and the trend of low significance (P <0.10) in favor of pregnancy in G2 compared to G1. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in the effect of copulation duration on ovulation; however, there was a 90% trend for the difference between mating duration of 35 minutes versus 20 minutes (in pregnancy).

Resumen Se realizó un experimento en el Centro Experimental La Raya-Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, para determinar el efecto de la duración de cópula sobre la ovulación y preñez en alpacas. Se utilizaron 47 hembras adultas (tiempo posparto ≥ 20 días y presencia de un folículo ≥ 7 mm) distribuidas en tres grupos, según el tiempo de cópula: 20, 35 y 50 min, para G1(n=15), G2(n=16) y G3(n=16), respectivamente. Para el empadre se utilizaron 6 reproductores de fertilidad comprobada, interrumpiendo la cópula al tiempo establecido. Se evaluó las tasas de ovulación y preñez los días 7 y 30 postservicio respectivamente (por ecografía y receptividad de la hembra), los datos fueron analizados mediante X2 y correspondencia simple. Tanto la tasa de ovulación (G1:73,33%, G2:81,25% y G3:81,25%); como la de preñez (G1: 53,33%, G2: 81,25% y G3: 75%) no fueron diferentes (P >0.05). Las tasas de preñez entre G1 y G2 tendieron a ser diferentes (P<0,10), concordante al análisis de correspondencia simple. A pesar de no haber diferencias en las tasas de ovulación y preñez, se tuvo mayor tendencia porcentual en G2 y G3, sugiriendo que la mayor duración de la cópula tendría algún efecto positivo sobre ellas, según el análisis de correspondencia simple y la tendencia de baja significancia (P<0,10) a favor de la preñez en G2 en comparación con G1. En conclusión, no hubo diferencias significativas del efecto de la duración de cópula sobre la ovulación; sin embargo, hubo una tendencia del 90% para la diferencia entre la duración de la cópula de 35 minutos frente a 20 minutos (en preñez).

ABSTRACT Eyestalk ablation allows the removal of neurohormones that inhibit early reproduction and decreases the time to complete the molting cycle. The present study evaluated the impact of unilateral eyestalk ablation on the behavior of blue crab breeders Callinectes arcuatus in the short term under laboratory conditions. Immature male and female crabs and individuals in the intermolt stage were collected in Ohuira Bay, Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico. Three bioassays were performed: males, females, and male-females each with three treatments; control + xylocaine (50 μL, 5%), squash ablation + xylocaine (50 μL, 5%), ablation by string ligation + xylocaine (50 μL, 5%), each with three replicas and three periods of evaluation after the ablation procedure (10 min, 2 h, and 24 h). Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to evaluate significances (P < 0.05) in the behavior of C. arcuatus. The sizes of blue crab C. arcuatus were 9.72 ± 1.0 cm of carapace width. The feeding behavior of the male-females bioassay was significant at 2 h (P < 0.05). The results obtained were satisfactory using two techniques, unilateral eyestalk ablation by squash and ligation in which pain and aggressiveness indicators were mitigated. Disorientation and aggressiveness in males were significant at 2 h (P < 0.05), and in females after 10 min, and 2 h after ablation (P < 0.05). In the male-females bioassay, aggressiveness was significant at 2 h (P < 0.05). Courtship and copulation were recorded in those crabs subjected to unilateral eyestalk squash ablation (13 and 8, respectively).

Resumen Las arañas saltarinas del género Kalcerrytus habitan en los bosques tropicales húmedos de la región neotropical. Este género incluye 18 especies, solo se conocen ambos sexos para la mitad de estas y de K. leucodon solo se conoce la hembra; la gran mayoría de las especies están registradas para Brasil y existen registros de Bolivia, Ecuador y Guyana Francesa. Los machos se caracterizan por tener un palpo robusto y más esclerotizado que en otros géneros de la subtribu Freyina; las hembras se distinguen por su ancho epigino con grandes aberturas de copulación en forma de embudo y bordes oblicuos. Aquí se describen dos nuevas especies que representan el primer registro del género en Perú. Especímenes pertenecientes a Kalcerrytus mapinguari sp. nov. y Kalcerrytus yacuruna sp. nov. fueron recolectados en la región del río Tambopata, que se caracteriza por la alta biodiversidad que exhiben sus bosques amazónicos bajos. Aquí se proporcionan ilustraciones de la genitalia del macho y de la hembra, así como mapas que registran su distribución.

Abstract Jumping spiders of the genus Kalcerrytus inhabit the moist tropical forests of the Neotropical region. This genus includes 18 species, only both sexes are known for half of these and of K. leucodon only the female is known; the vast majority of species are registered for Brazil and there are records from Bolivia, Ecuador and French Guiana. Males are characterized by having a robust palp and more scleroti-zed than in other genera of the Freyina subtribe; females are distinguished by their broad epigynum with large funnel-shaped copulation openings and oblique edges. Two new species are herein described, and they represent the first record of the genus in Peru. Kalcerrytus mapinguari sp. nov. and Kalcerrytus yacuruna sp. nov. were collected in the Tambopata River region, which is characterized by its highly biodiverse tropical lowland evergreen forests. Illustrations of both male and female genitalia are provided as well as maps recording their distribution.

RESUMO A lagarta-parda do eucalipto, Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), vem sendo relatada de forma significativa em povoamentos florestais. A importância econômica de Thyrinteina arnobia para o setor florestal na atualidade evidencia a necessidade da consolidação do Manejo Integrado de Pragas Florestais (MIP Floresta), incluindo métodos de monitoramento e controle através de semioquímicos, como o emprego de feromônios. Os compostos químicos voláteis (COVs) em substâncias cuticulares de insetos podem contribuir na regulação da interação entre os indivíduos, sendo objeto de estudo da ecologia química. Dessa forma, objetivou-se realizar uma prospecção dos compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) cuticulares em Thyrinteina arnobia e avaliar o papel desses compostos como possíveis feromônios de curta distância. Para o estudo químico de substâncias feromonais, foi realizada a extração de compostos cuticulares (asas e pernas) em Thyrinteina arnobia de machos e fêmeas. Os extratos obtidos foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa com detector de ionização de chamas (GC-FID). Foi realizado um espectro de ação por meio da eletroantenografia acoplada à cromatografia gasosa (CG-EAG) dos extratos de asas e pernas de fêmeas virgens sobre a antena de machos de Thyrinteina arnobia. Contudo, não foi possível observar diferença significativa nas respostas das antenas de machos a nenhum dos estímulos oferecidos. Assim, é possível inferir que Thyrinteina arnobia não faz uso de compostos cuticulares para reconhecimento a curta distância, sendo necessários estudos complementares de comportamento sexual, incluindo observação de corte e cópula.

ABSTRACT The eucalyptus brown caterpillar, Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), has been significantly reported in forest stands. The economic importance of Thyrinteina arnobia for the forestry sector today highlights the need to consolidate the Forest Integrated Pest Management (Forest IPM), including methods of monitoring and control through the use of semiochemicals, such as pheromones. Volatile chemical compounds (VOCs) in cuticular substances from insects, may contribute to the regulation in interaction between individuals, as object of study for chemical ecology. Thus, it was aimed the prospection for cuticular volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Thyrinteina arnobia and the evaluation of the role of these compounds as possible short-distance pheromones for the species. For the study of pheromone chemical substances, cuticular compounds were extracted from wings and legs of Thyrinteina arnobia.The selected extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). An action spectrum was carried out by electroantenography coupled to gas chromatography (GC-EAG) of wings and legs extracts from virgin female upon Thyrinteina arnobia male antenna, however, it was not possible to observe significant differences at the responses of the male antennae to any of the offered stimuli. Therefore, it is possible to infer that Thyrinteina arnobia does not use cuticular compounds for short distance recognition, thus complementary studies of sexual behavior, including observation of courtship and copulation are needed.

Abstract While semen evaluation is standard practice prior to a sale or when infertility is suspected in other species, it is rarely done in camelids due to the difficulties involved in collecting a sample. The reproductive physiology of alpacas differs to that of other domestic animals and is still poorly understood. In the stallion, a technique was developed for semen collection that pharmacologically induces ejaculation without copulation (ex copula). This study investigates whether semen could be reliably collected by ex copula ejaculation in male alpacas. Eleven male Huacaya alpacas were used in this study, and six ex copula treatment protocols were evaluated: (1) saline (control); (2) xylazine only (0.1 mg/kg); (3) xylazine only (0.2 mg/kg); (4) imipramine only (1.0 mg/kg); (5) imipramine (1.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg); and (6) imipramine (2.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg). Each treatment protocol was repeated two to five times. Azoospermic samples obtained from ex copula ejaculation contained numerous epithelial cells but no sperm. A reliable treatment for pharmacologically inducing ejaculation in alpacas remains to be found.

Abstract In the last decade, studies in bird breeding biology have shown that infidelity is prevalent in socially monogamous species. Here, we describe an extra-pair copulation (EPC) event in the Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus), a socially monogamous bird with year-round territoriality and low levels of extra-pair paternity. Before the EPC, a within-pair copulation (WPC) occurred inside the pair’s territory. The WPC occurred on the ground and between a banded male (ca. 6 years-old) and an unbanded female. Ten minutes later this breeding pair invaded a neighboring territory, presumably to forage. The territorial male was chased back to its territory by an unbanded male neighbor after being detected. The male neighbor was paired with an unbanded female that did not participate in the aggressive interaction. When flying back to its territory the male neighbor copulated with the territorial female on the ground (ie. EPC). The territorial male flew, vocalized, and perched above the male neighbor, interrupting the EPC. The aggressive interaction then ceased as each pair resumed foraging in their respective territories. These observations suggest that Rufous Horneros can use EPC to obtain immediate benefits (food access in a neighbor’s territory). Moreover, WPC may be detected by neighbors and physical mate guarding and/or frequent WPC may be necessary to prevent EPC in the Rufous Hornero.

BACKGROUND Flight tones play important roles in mosquito reproduction. Several mosquito species utilise flight tones for mate localisation and attraction. Typically, the female wingbeat frequency (WBF) is lower than males, and stereotypic acoustic behaviors are instrumental for successful copulation. Mosquito WBFs are usually an important species characteristic, with female flight tones used as male attractants in surveillance traps for species identification. Anopheles darlingi is an important Latin American malaria vector, but we know little about its mating behaviors. OBJECTIVES We characterised An. darlingi WBFs and examined male acoustic responses to immobilised females. METHODS Tethered and free flying male and female An. darlingi were recorded individually to determine their WBF distributions. Male-female acoustic interactions were analysed using tethered females and free flying males. FINDINGS Contrary to most mosquito species, An. darlingi females are smaller than males. However, the male’s WBF is ~1.5 times higher than the females, a common ratio in species with larger females. When in proximity to a female, males displayed rapid frequency modulations that decreased upon genitalia engagement. Tethered females also modulated their frequency upon male approach, being distinct if the interaction ended in copulation or only contact. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of An. darlingi flight acoustics, showing that its precopulatory acoustics are similar to other mosquitoes despite the uncommon male:female size ratio, suggesting that WBF ratios are common communication strategies rather than a physical constraint imposed by size.

ABSTRACT Ejaculate allocation patterns vary widely among species and often depend on characteristics of the individual. However, it is poorly known whether ejaculate allocation patterns change in response to distinct ontogenetic stages (i.e., adolescent vs. adult). The present study aims to describe the mating process and test variations in ejaculate allocation in response to the ontogenetic stage of the Chilean kelp crab Taliepus dentatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834). Mating consists of the following sequence: (1) pre-copulatory guarding (i.e., male grasping female and/or caging female between legs), (2) copulation in sternum-to-sternum position, and (3) post-copulatory guarding (i.e., male grasping female or carrying her around by the chelae). The mating behavior and ejaculate allocation pattern differed between the two contrasting male ontogenetic stages. Adolescent males generally delivered less ejaculate in repeated short copulations and adult males transferred more ejaculate in a single extended copulation. Ejaculate allocation in adolescents was dependent on female size, but not so in adults. Variation in the ejaculate allocation pattern may be common in species with contrasting male ontogenetic stages, where less competitive males (i.e., adolescents) economize their limited seminal reserves. Conversely, adults which have a greater capacity to produce seminal material (fluids + spermatozoa) may invest greater quantities of seminal material.