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Exploring genital and pregenital musculature in Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera: Muscidae: Reinwardtiinae): Insights into evolutionary relationships with subfamily Azeliinae Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 O. G. Ovtshinnikova, T. Ivorra, V. S. Sorokina
The male genital, pregenital skeleton, musculature of male terminalia, and the ovipositor were studied in Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp). A comparison was conducted between the terminal segments and muscles of S. nudiseta and previously studied species of the subfamily Azeliinae. Notable differences were found between previously studied species of the subfamily Azeliinae and Synthesiomyia + Muscina
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Anatomy and histology of the male reproductive tract of the parasitoid wasp Hymenoepimecis bicolor (Brullé, 1846) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 Laryssa Lemos Silva, Jamile Fernanda Silva Cossolin, Thiago Gechel Kloss, Jessica Roberta Lacerda Alvim, Aline Beatriz Reis, José Cola Zanuncio, Bárbara Monteiro de Castro e Castro, José Eduardo Serrão
Hymenoepimecis wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) are ectoparasitoids of spiders that modify the hosts’ behaviour by inducing changes in webs. Variations in the male reproductive tract contribute to enhancing our understanding of the reproductive behaviour of these insects. This study describes the morphology of the male reproductive tract of Hymenoepimecis bicolor (Brullé, 1846) using light microscope
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Evolution of snake skin: Role of cutaneous tactile corpuscles in Hierophis viridiflavus (Lacépède, 1789) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Alessio Alesci, Sebastian Marino, Dario Di Fresco, Anthea Miller, Laura Saccardi, Sergio Famulari, Marco Albano, Davide Di Paola, Nunziacarla Spanò, Eugenia Rita Lauriano
The skin of snakes acts as the first interface between these reptiles and the environment they live in. It plays an important role in the ecology of these organisms, and specialised structures, such as tactile corpuscles, are crucial in the sensing of a wide variety of stimuli. This study, by examining the presence, localisation and colocalisation of serotonin, substance P, PGP 9.5 and tubulin, wants
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Speculations on the loss of regeneration derived from developmental modifications during land adaptation in some evolutionary lineages of animals Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 Lorenzo Alibardi
Regeneration varies largely among metazoans. Aside molecular processes, this epiphenomenon depends on the biological complexity and evolutive history of each species during the adaptation to their specific environment. While most species adapted to marine or freshwater conditions can extensively regenerate, those adapted to terrestrial conditions and parasitism lost the ability to regenerate. They
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Skin structure of the slow worm lizard Anguis fragilis (Anguidae, Sauria, Reptilia) with emphasis on the epidermal micro‐ornamentation in relation to the animal movements Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-02-26 Antonio Bonfitto, Maria Roberta Randi, Lorenzo Alibardi
Skin structure of the slow worm lizard Anguis fragilis (Anguidae, Sauria, Reptilia) with emphasis on the epidermal micro‐ornamentation in relation to the animal movements (Acta Zoologica, Stockholm). The structure of the skin and superficial micro‐ornamentation in the slow worm Anguis fragilis, a limbless lizard with a fossorial activity, was examined using histology, immunofluorescence, scanning and
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Suitability of emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) eggs for in ovo imaging research as an alternative to conventional animal model: First experience and non-invasive investigation of physiological embryonal development on computed tomography Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-02-16 Olga Perkas, Marta Pomraenke, Julia Greiser, Veronika Porwoll, Steffen Wiegand, Christian Kuehnel, Thomas Winkens, Martin Freesmeyer
Fertilized bird eggs are an alternative model to conventional animal testing. In recent studies, a preclinical imaging model based on large ostrich eggs was introduced in a clinical research centre using imaging systems designed for humans, thus bypassing the need for dedicated small animal imaging systems. Ostrich eggs are only laid during the season with increased daylength, which limits its year-round
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Differential expression of reproduction‐related genes in shrimps from East Pacific fisheries Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-02-19 Laura R. Jimenez‐Gutierrez
Shrimp fisheries and culture are important food sources worldwide. Central East Pacific fisheries are mainly supported by four species: Penaeus brevirostris, P. californiensis, P. stylirostris and P. vannamei. However, the same shrimp fishery practices, management strategies and closures are applied to these four species despite their differences in life history and reproductive periods. Most molecular
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The ecological drivers of variation in pectoral girdle anatomy in frogs Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-01-29 Mónica Carina Soliz, Virginia Abdala, María José Tulli
In this ecomorphological study, we investigate how the ventral pectoral girdle morphology of anurans correlates with their locomotor modes, habitat preferences, and phylogenetic relationships. We analysed 18 morphometric variables of the pectoral girdle's ventral region across 19 anuran species, encompassing diverse locomotion modes (jumping, hopping, walking, and swimming) and habitats (arboreal,
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Light and scanning electron imaging confirm sexual dimorphism in scales and anal-fin rays of the genera Anatolichthys and Paraphanius (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Aphaniidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-01-23 Sevil Sungur, Hamid Reza Esmaeili, Sorour Echreshavi, Erdoğan Çiçek
The investigation of secondary sexual dimorphism is a significant and exciting research topic since it has to do with sexual selection, which is connected to selecting a mate and male competitiveness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microscopic characteristics of scales in several body parts and anal-fin rays of nine species of the old world cyprinodontiform fishes belonging to the
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Ontogeny of a threatened freshwater minnow: Implications for conservation Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2024-01-11 Evangelia Karageorgou, Yiannis Kapakos, Roberta Barbieri, Leonidas Vardakas, Nafsika Karakatsouli, Eleni Kalogianni
Investigating the ontogeny of threatened freshwater fishes is vital for designing future conservation actions that will increase the potential of species' persistence. This study provides a detailed description of the early life stages of a threatened freshwater fish species, the Evrotas minnow Pelasgus laconicus, which occupies aquatic ecosystems with extreme seasonal hydrological variation. The study
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Ventral adhesive area in the limbs of walking cuttlefish (paintpot cuttlefish, Ascarosepion tullbergi): An adaptation for stable aquatic locomotion Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-12-21 Ayano Omura, Haruka Takano, Taketeru Tomita, Tetsuo Yamaguchi, Shin-ichiro Oka
Walking is a locomotion mode in which animals move over the ground using their appendages. Walking is observed in both terrestrial and aquatic animals, but the morphology and diversity of appendages in the latter group have been less extensively studied. The present paper reports on the “adhesive areas,” which may represent morphological and physiological adaptations for stable aquatic walking, in
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Peering into the unknown world of amphisbaenians (Squamata, Amphisbaenia): A summary of the life history of Amphisbaena alba Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-12-12 Carlos Jared, José Duarte de Barros Filho, Simone G. S. Jared, César Alexandre, Pedro Luiz Mailho-Fontana, Selma M. Almeida-Santos, Marta Maria Antoniazzi
Capturing data on the life of fossorial vertebrates is difficult since access to the subterranean environment is made unfeasible by its density and opacity. Collecting specimens is only possible through excavation work, causing damage or even death to the specimens. Due to the obstacles of in situ studies, the scarce information comes from reports obtained indirectly, mainly through specimens preserved
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Variation in larval traits between closely related species of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium amazonicum and M. pantanalense) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-12-03 Caio Santos Nogueira, Rogerio Caetano Costa, João Alberto Farinelli Pantaleão
Larval morphology is a valuable tool for understanding the life history of decapod crustaceans. This approach has proven valuable in confirming taxonomic revisions based on molecular or adult morphology analyses. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare larval traits (e.g. development time, morphology, and larval size) between Macrobrachium amazonicum and M. pantanalense, two closely related species
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When pink is a question: Comparative gross and microscopic skin structure analyses reveal the histological basis of skin colour in Galápagos pink land iguanas (Conolophus marthae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-11-23 Gregory A. Lewbart, Giuliano Colosimo, Christopher Gaudette, Tatiane T. Negrão Watanabe, Joshua Parker, Christian Sevilla, Glenn P. Gerber, Gabriele Gentile
One of the rarest and most unusual iguanas on the planet is the Galápagos pink land iguana (Conolophus marthae). There have been a number of hypotheses on the source of their pink coloration, including that the colour is from blood and a relative lack of dermal pigmentation. We obtained full thickness skin biopsies of three species and compared tissue from darkly pigmented areas and lightly pigmented
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Morpho-ecospaces, or how to measure biodiversity in a different way Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-11-05 Joachim T. Haug, Viktor Baranov, Florian Braig, Carolin Haug
The current biodiversity crisis warrants accurate measuring of biodiversity, often achieved by counting species or higher taxonomic units, with morphological or molecular methods. Alternatively, trait-centred approaches categorise organisms into distinct ecological roles and then count the number of occupied roles to measure biodiversity. Even combinations of trait-based and taxonomic approaches are
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Regeneration and regengrow in multicellular animals derive from the presence of processes of organ metamorphosis and continuous growth in their life cycles Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-10-29 Lorenzo Alibardi
The present review formulates an evolutionary hypothesis on the distribution of regeneration in invertebrates and vertebrates. Regeneration is a basal ancestral property of animals living in aqueous environment where life was generated. The specific life cycles that evolved in each phylum indicate that only adult aquatic animals with asexual reproduction, larval stages and metamorphosis, possess broad
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The macroscopical anatomy of the lungs and thorax of the African lion (Panthera leo) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-10-24 Carmen Alicia Marais, Martina Rachel Crole
The left and right lungs extend from the second rib to the 13th, while only a small portion is present cranial to the 4th rib. The basal border of the left lung extends horizontally from the second costochondral junction (CCJ) to just ventral to the seventh CCJ, and then dorso-caudally to the angle of the 13th rib. The right lung has a similar configuration except for the basal border, which is located
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Formation of Intra-Epidermal bodies (IEBs) is associated with giant macrophage-like cells that patrol fish epidermis Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-10-19 Joseph A. DePasquale
Intra-epidermal bodies (IEBs) are large dynamic circular structures that form within fish scale epidermis. IEBs are believed to reflect the sequestering of intra-epidermal debris, such as damaged or dead cells, within the epidermis. The present report describes an association between a giant cell that patrols the epidermis and the formation of IEBs. The giant cell, likely macrophage-related, is a broadly
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Tail regeneration at different ontogenetic stages of the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum suggests possible changes in regeneration between larval and metamorphic individuals Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-10-13 Vivien Bothe, Nadia B. Fröbisch
Urodele amphibians possess remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing them to rebuild lost body parts. Contrary to lizards, salamanders can fully restore their tails, including the neural spine and components of the vertebral column. The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is the vertebrate model organism for regeneration research due to its ease of breeding in captivity. However, axolotls are paedomorphic
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Adhesive organs with complex neuromuscular system: Organization of rhopalioids in Haliclystus auricula James-Clark, 1863 (Cnidaria: Staurozoa) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-10-13 Domracheva Maria, Khabibulina Valeriia
Staurozoa is a small group of marine stalked jellyfish, some of which have specialized attachment organs — rhopalioids, or so-called anchors. The adhesive function of these organs was mentioned in numerous studies; however, the mechanism of their temporary attachment is still unknown. Moreover, it is assumed that rhopalioids may be homologous to rhopalia of scypho- and cubozoans and provide sensory
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Reproductive cycle of the flying fish Hemiodus unimaculatus (Bloch, 1794) (Characiforms: Hemiodontidae) in the upstream area of the Tucurui hydroelectric plant, Pará, Brazil Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-10-04 Maria Clara Rosa Silva, Jeane Rodrigues, Hadda Tercya Lima Silva, Paulo de Souza Jesus, Cristiane Vieira da Cunha, Keid Nolan Silva Souza, Larissa Nunes de Oliveira, Ronaldo Barros Macena, Caio Maximino, Diógenes Henrique de Siqueira-Silva
The reproductive cycle of Hemiodus unimaculatus in the upstream area of the Tucuruí reservoir in the Tocantins River was described. The animals were collected monthly for 1 year in the Tauiry Village, municipality of Itupiranga, Pará. The individuals had their biometry taken, the gonads removed and weighed to calculate the gonadossomatic index and processed for histological analysis. A total of 103
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Reproductive pattern of the southern bunchgrass lizard (Sceloporus aeneus) from Cuautepec de Hinojosa, Hidalgo, Mexico Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-09-11 Norma L. Manríquez-Morán, Jorge E. González-Espinoza, Saúl F. Domínguez-Guerrero, Gabino de la Rosa-Cruz
Squamata is one of the groups of sauropsids with the greatest diversity in life histories. The timing and expression of events related to reproductive phenology are considered among the most important components of squamate life histories. Here we studied the male and female reproductive patterns, clutch size, and clutch frequency of the oviparous lizard Sceloporus aeneus from a population in the southeast
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Evolutionary study of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles of the domestic cat (Felis catus, Feliformia, Carnivora) based on their topology and innervation Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-08-29 Juan Fernando Vélez-García, José Roberto Kfoury Junior, Maria Angelica Miglino
Extrinsic thoracic limb muscles are a muscular group that supports the thoracic limb in mammals without the clavicle and serve to move the scapula and shoulder joint. However, there are few evolutionary studies of these muscles in Felis catus, which should take into account the topology and innervation of the muscles to hypothesize the muscle derivation from a common ancestor. The main objective of
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Caudal autotomy among populations of the lizard Sceloporus variabilis (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) in contrasting environments Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-08-16 Aaron García-Rosales, Raciel Cruz-Elizalde, Aurelio Ramírez-Bautista, Norma Hernández-Camacho
Caudal autotomy is a behaviour in lizards that favours survival but brings with it some associated costs, mainly loss of energy, which is related to the position of the breaking point. Moreover, the frequency of tail loss can vary at different levels, between sexes, populations, seasons and at an intra- and inter-population level. In this study, we analysed the breaking position of the tails in individuals
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SnoRNAs may accelerate protein synthesis for the rapid growth of the regenerating tail blastema in the lizard Podarcis muralis Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-07-05 Massimo Degan, Lorenzo Alibardi
Tail regeneration in lizards derives from the formation of a regenerative blastema. Numerous snoRNAs exclusively up-regulated in the regenerating tail but absent in the scarring limb of the lizard Podarcis muralis have been detected suggesting they are key genes for regeneration. While most snord-, snora- and scarna-RNAs are activators of protein synthesis and cell proliferation (oncogenes) some may
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Enigmatic fish ear stones: Ontogenetic development of saccular otolith in an endemic toothcarp of the Arabian peninsula, Aphaniops kruppi (Teleostei: Aphaniidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-07-04 Amir Hassan Masoumi, Hamid Reza Esmaeili, Reza Sadeghi
Otolith morphology in the toothcarps of the family Aphaniidae is an important source of taxonomic information. However, little is known about the ontogenetic variation in otolith morphology. In this study, the development of otolith morphology in different life stages of Aphaniops kruppi, an endemic toothcarp of the Arabian Peninsula, is described and discussed. The results reveal (i) a significant
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Mechanosensory cells in annelid oligochaete Lumbricus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758): A new insight on worm evolution Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-06-18 Alessio Alesci, Emmanuele Messina, Krystyna Zuwala, Angelo Fumia, Anthea Miller, Roberta D'Angelo, Michal Kuciel, Marco Albano, Serena Savoca, Gioele Capillo
Ciliated and non-ciliated mechanosensory cells in invertebrates have intricate cytoskeletal structures that, combined with microtubules, act as a mechanical link between external stimulus and signal processing. As a result, they can perceive forces like touch, cuticle deformation, gravity and sound. Through the expression of antibodies against serotonin (5-HT), calbindin, inducible nitric oxide synthase
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On a remarkable sexual dimorphic trait on scales and fins of the old world Cyprinodontiformes (Actinopterygii: Aphaniidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-06-08 Hamid Reza Esmaeili, Sorour Echreshavi, Amir Hassan Masoumi, Abbas Motlagh Nejad
Secondary sexual dimorphism is an interesting and stupendous subject of research study due to the fact that it is a result of sexual selection, mostly attributed to either female mate choice or male–male competition. This study aims to investigate the microscopic characterization of scales and fin rays in several aphaniids (Cyprinodontiformes: Aphaniidae) to find out the possibility of using these
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Gametogenesis in Rhinella bergi (Anura: Bufonidae): Morphological and morphometric analysis Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-06-06 Esteban Cheij, Gabriela Beatriz Olea, Florencia Rodríguez, Jorge Céspedez, Carolina Flores Quintana
This study aims to characterize the gonads, folliculogenesis, and spermatogenesis processes of male and female Rhinella bergi through anatomical, histological and morphometric analysis. We worked with specimens previously collected in the spring and summer seasons (2014–2015), in which the gonads were studied based on morphological, histological and morphometric analysis. The reproductive system was
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CXCL14 immunoreactivity is localized in pituitary GH-producing cells and in median eminence somatostatin-containing fibres of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-05-15 Hirohumi Suzuki, Ami Isobe, Toshiharu Yamamoto
This is the first study to examine the distribution of a chemokine CXCL14-like peptide in the pituitary and hypothalamus of an avian species, the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We employed immunohistochemical techniques using a specific anti-human CXCL14 antibody. CXCL14-immunoreactive cells were detected in the caudal lobe of the pars distalis. CXCL14-immunoreactive puncta were densely distributed
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Variability of bone microstructure and growth lines in the evolution of troodontids and dromaeosaurids Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-05-10 Damien Martin, Philip J. Currie, Martin Kundrát
Since the beginning of the 1990s, palaeontologists have been interested in understanding biological processes recorded within the bone microstructure of deinonychosaurian theropods, the group comprising Troodontidae and Dromaeosauridae. Several studies were published on this subject, and the growing database requires the first revision of used terminology and older interpretations. Furthermore, a platform
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Neurogenesis in the regenerating tail of tsinling dwarf skinks (Scincella tsinlingensis) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-05-01 Chun Yang, Jinyu Sun, Zhaoting Kou, Bo Liu
Spinal ganglia and peripheral nerves innervate the regenerating tail and muscles of lizards, which provide new opportunities to probe the mechanisms leading to successful functional recovery following spinal cord injury. The regenerated spinal cord and peripheral nerves were detected using immunohistochemistry in original and regenerating tails of Scincella tsinlingensis. Our results showed that positive
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No evidence for regeneration of pectines in the scorpion Euscorpius italicus (Herbst, 1800) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-04-28 Torben Stemme
Although scorpions have comparatively low regenerative potential, legs and pedipalps are able to regenerate some structures in an often incomplete manner. The most intriguing scorpion appendages are the ventrally located pectines. These organs are equipped with numerous sensilla that scan the substrate for mechanosensory- and chemosensory cues. Due to their ventral position and frequent substrate contact
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Notes on the female reproductive system of the red-and-black froghopper, Cercopis vulnerata Rossi, 1807 (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)-light and electron microscopy studies Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-04-26 Nurcan Özyurt Koçakoğlu, Selami Candan, Hicret Arslan
The morphology of the female reproductive system in Cercopis vulnerata, an economically important species, was examined with light and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The female reproductive system of C. vulnerata has two ovaries, each containing 14 telotrophic meroistic ovarioles joined by two lateral oviducts that open in a common oviduct. In this type of ovarioles, the trophocytes within
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Egg morphology and mating behaviour of Dryops rufipes (Krynicki, 1832) (Coleoptera: Dryopidae) newly recorded from the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-04-18 Hakan Özdamar, Nurcan Özyurt Koçakoğlu, Selami Candan
A group of aquatic Coleoptera specimens was collected from Güvenç Village in the Kahramankazan region of Ankara. Among these specimens was Dryops rufipes (Krynicki, 1832) (Coleoptera: Dryopidae), which is recorded from the Middle Anatolian Region of Turkey for the first time. The egg morphology of D. rufipes is described based on light and scanning electron microscope micrographs. Copulation and oviposition
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Development and structure of the skin in the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) in relation to epidermal adaptation of tetrapods Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-04-11 Lorenzo Alibardi
Analysis of skin development in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, indicates that keratinocytes form 2 to 3 irregular layers in tadpoles of 2–5 cm in length and are fully stratified (7–12 layers) in juveniles of 16.5–26 cm in length. The epidermis produces mucus and mainly contains intermediate filament keratins of acidic nature but also a minute amount of neutral-basic keratins (pI 7
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Trophic ecology, microhabitat specificity and morphology of Gymnodactylus darwinii Gray, 1845 (Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) in an Atlantic Forest remnant in north-eastern Brazil Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-02-11 Leonardo P. C. Oitaven, Paschoal Coelho Grossi, Moacir Santos Tinoco, Felipe da Silva Ribeiro, Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura
Ecological aspects are essential for testing hypotheses about the characteristics, evolutionary processes and behaviour patterns of different taxa. However, for many neotropical lizards, like Gymnodactylus darwinii, such information is scant in the literature. This lizard is endemic to the Atlantic rainforest, occurring from Rio Grande do Norte to São Paulo. Herein, the aspects of trophic ecology,
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IceAgeSafari in Central Europe along the Rhine Valley migration channel – Mid-Late Pleistocene spotted, brown, stripped hyena palaeobiogeography and evolution Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-02-07 Cajus G. Diedrich
At the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene (MIS 21, 800,000 BP), three distinct hyenas remained to appear in Europe with the spotted hyena (Crocuta), brown hyena (Parahyaena) and striped hyena (Hyaena). Each developed in monophyletic lineages, whereas rare brown hyena Parahyaena brunnea mosbachensis (Geib, 1915) and striped hyena Hyaena hyaena prisca De Serres, Dubreuil and Jeanjean, (1828) did not
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Effects of temperature experienced during embryonic development on biomass and C and N composition at hatching in Palaemon serratus (Pennant, 1777) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-02-06 Jean-Baptiste Baudet, Benoit Xuereb, Michael Danger, Vincent Felten, Aurélie Duflot, Emeline Maniez, Frank Le Foll, Romain Coulaud
In decapod crustaceans, the conditions experienced during embryonic development trigger phenotypic plasticity of the larvae at hatching. The objective of this study was to test the effects of temperature during embryonic development of Palaemon serratus on the phenotypic plasticity of hatching larvae. We incubated egg-bearing females from eggs laying to hatching at four temperatures (10, 15, 18 and
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Morphology of a grass-feeding white grub Apogonia cupreoviridis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Diplotaxini) using scanning electron microscopy Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-02-06 Zhi-Chao Jia, Hui Dong, Yu-Tao Li, Xiu-Xiang Zhao, Lu Jiang
Larvae of Melolonthinae (white grubs) are usually considered as serious pests for some of them attacking plant roots and causing great losses of agriculture and forestry. However, not all the white grubs are pest species. In this study, the adult Apogonia cupreoviridis were observed to feed on gramineous grasses and fallen ginkgo leaves, while their larvae were frequently collected in the lawn. The
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The veritable horns of a dilemma: Assessing homology of the parietal and squamosal asperities of Phrynosoma (Squamata: Iguania: Phrynosomatidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-02-03 G. Lawrence Powell, Anthony P. Russell
Members of the genus Phrynosoma all exhibit asperities upon the parietal and squamosal. We examined μ-CT scans of the dermatocrania of ontogenetic series of all but two of the species of Phrynosoma, and defined parietal and squamosal “horns”, distinguishing them from tubercles. We counted parietal and squamosal horns and used phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct the plesiomorphic horn numbers for these
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Ultrastructural observations suggest that lipid material of lizard digital pads derives from degenerating cells in the inter-scale region Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-01-30 Lorenzo Alibardi
Ultrastructural observations suggest that lipid material of lizard digital pads derives from degenerating cells in the inter-scale region. Acta Zoologica (Stockholm). Production of epidermal lipids in lizards occurs in mesos- and alpha-layers, including those present in gecko adhesive pads. Lipid material is present over the setae and spatulae of adhesive pads where adhesion takes place. Lipids are
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Morphology of the major salivary glands of Spix's Yellow-Toothed Cavys (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-01-30 Carlos Eduardo Vale Rebouças, João Augusto Rodrigues Alves Diniz, Ana Caroline Freitas Caetano de Sousa, Radan Elvis Matias de Oliveira, Carlos Eduardo Bezerra de Moura, Ricardo Romão Guerra, Alexsandra Fernandes Pereira, Antônio Chaves de Assis Neto, Moacir Franco de Oliveira
Rodents can present a large number of morphophysiological variations of the digestive system, allowing them to feed on different diets. In this context, the objective was to describe the morphology of the major salivary glands of Galea spixii. Gross dissection, light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy assessments of 12 specimens were carried out. The results demonstrate that
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Immunolocalization of CD3, CD5 and MHCII in amputated tail and limb of the lizard Podarcis muralis marks a scarring healing program Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-01-30 Lorenzo Alibardi
The effect of inflammation on tail and limb amputation in lizards is believed to inhibit regeneration. In support of previous studies, the present experimental and immunohistochemical analysis has detected some markers (CD3, CD5, MHCII) of mammalian T-lymphocytes and macrophages of inflammatory type in three different conditions where inflammation is activated. Bioinformatics comparisons indicate that
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Larval and adult lung morphology of Trachycephalus typhonius (Anura: Hylidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2023-01-10 Victoria Malvina Lenain, María Teresa Sandoval, Victor Hugo Zaracho
Morphological studies are useful to develop analysis with taxonomic, phylogenetic, ecological, physiological and evolutionary approaches. During the life cycle, Anurans carry out gas exchange through different structures such as gills, skin and lungs. In general, the development of lungs during the larval period is scarce known and most studies analyse the morphology and ultrastructure of the lung
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Eurasian Grey and White wolf ancestors—800,000 years evolution, adaptation, pathologies and European dog origins Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-12-05 Cajus G. Diedrich
The oldest known wolf appears 800,000 years ago (Marine Isotope Stage 21) in Eurasia with the unspecialized short-legged old Mammoth steppe wolf Canis lupus bohemica nov. spec. From this species, about 600,000–420,000 years ago (MIS 15-11), the interglacial Canis lupus mosbachensis (Soergel, 1925) short-legged Mosbach grey wolf subspecies roamed Eurasia. In the late Middle Pleistocene, there are two
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Sex determination in domestic rock pigeons (Columba livia) using radiographic morphometry Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-12-02 Tomasz Szara, Ozan Gündemir, Ebuderda Günay, Gökhan Gün, Kozet Avanus, Gülsün Pazvant
Determination of sex on the base of external morphological features is very difficult in most birds. However, molecular sex identification methods can be used for sexing of these so-called monomorphic bird species. This study analysed the sexual dimorphism of radiographic morphometric features in rock pigeons whose sexes were determined by the molecular sex identification method. Body weights and 21
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Imaging scale surface topography of an endemic cyprinid fish, Garra sharq from the Arabian Peninsula: An integrated optical light and scanning electron microscopy approach Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-11-23 Sorour Echreshavi, Saud M. Al Jufaili, Hamid Reza Esmaeili
The optical light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques have proven to play a key and noteworthy role in the advancement of morphological studies in general, and in investigating fish scale morphology in particular. These techniques have illustrated several hidden architectural structures in scales that contribute effectively to fish identification and classification. The scale morphological
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Analysis of the kinetics of the eyelids of little owl Athene noctua Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-11-21 Fatma Abdel-Regal Mahmoud, Nahed Ahmed Shawki, Amany Mohamed Abdel-Mageed, Fatma A. Al-Nefeiy
This study gives a comprehensive description of eyelids movement in little owl and discusses the impact of some surrounding conditions in their kinetic performance. The present study used the video's recording technique to record the kinetic activity of eyelids, besides the anatomical and histological studies of the eyelid's structure. The fundamental eyelid movements can be uniquely and reliably characterized
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Loss of nervous system complexity – Morphological analyses shed light on the neuronal evolution in Myzostomida (Annelida) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-11-20 Patrick Beckers, Tobias Gebhardt, Conrad Helm
Myzostomida are putatively nested within the errant Annelida and exhibit a unique morphology. The latter fact might possibly be related to their long host-dependent radiation. Hence, an incomplete segmentation, lack of prominent sensory structures in adults and a dorso-ventrally flattened body are just some examples. Although numerous investigations of the nervous system exist for myzostomids, detailed
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Exploring sexual differences in external morphology and limb muscles of Hylarana guentheri (Anura: Ranidae) during non-breeding season Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-11-20 Hui Li, Shunde Chen, Jianping Jiang, Bing He, Meihua Zhang
Studying sexual dimorphism facilitates better understanding of the general intersexual divergence of the same species and gives insights into the impact of selective forces on each sex. The sexual dimorphism in anuran external morphology or limb muscles has been well studied in reproductive context, but less so outside the breeding season. Herein, the intersexual differences in 12 external morphological
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The regenerating tail of lizard transits through a tumour-like stage represented by the regenerative blastema Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-11-14 Lorenzo Alibardi
Review. The regenerating tail of lizard transits through a tumour-like stage represented by the regenerative blastema. Acta Zoologica (Stockolm). Molecular studies on lizard tail regeneration indicate that the blastema stage is a tumour-like outgrowth capable of self-regulate to produce a new tail. Various oncogenes and tumour suppressors are expressed, and their proteins are localized in specific
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Reproductive traits and change in body shape of neonates in the Oak Forest Skink, Plestiodon lynxe Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-10-31 Manuel Feria-Ortiz, Uri Omar García-Vázquez, Carlos Joaquín Pavón-Vázquez, Adrián Nieto-Montes de Oca
Reproductive traits are critically important for understanding how organisms adapt to their respective environments. In this study, we provide information on relative litter mass (RLM) and other litter and neonate related characters of nine female Plestiodon lynxe captured in the field. We also recorded seven body dimensions in 16 neonates and 15 two-month juveniles, and on the basis of these dimensions
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Musculature of the male abdominal segments and terminalia of Zaphne barbiventris (Zetterstedt, 1845) and Delia fabricii (Holmgren, 1872) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-10-31 Olga. G. Ovtshinnikova, Vera S. Sorokina
The abdominal and pregenital segments and genitalia were studied in males of Zaphne barbiventris (Zetterstedt, 1845) and Delia fabricii (Holmgren, 1872) (Anthomyiidae). The examined species are very similar in the structure of the sclerites and muscles of their terminal segments. Differences between Delia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 and Zaphne Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 were found only in the structure of
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Scale morphological variation across the flank in four Tonguefishes species collected from the Gulf of Oman (Pleuronectiforms; Cynoglossidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-10-18 Sanaz Kishipour, Azad Teimori, Majid Askari Hesni, Mina Motamedi
The scale morphology of pleuronectiforms in the Gulf of Oman remains insufficiently known. This study used light microscopy and morphological analysis to examine scale variation across the flank of four Tonguefishes species; Cynoglossus arel, C. bilineatus, C. lingua, and C. puncticeps. Scales were extracted from six flank regions, three on the eyed and blind sides, respectively. The most differentiated
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Orexin-A and orexin-B are differently localized in the pars nervosa and pars distalis of the white-spotted conger and Japanese eel pituitaries Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-10-11 Hirohumi Suzuki, Toshiharu Yamamoto
The distribution of orexin-A and orexin-B immunoreactivity was examined in the pituitaries of the white-spotted conger (Conger myriaster) and the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) using immunohistochemical techniques. Orexin-A-immunoreactive puncta were dispersed in the pars nervosa of the neurointermediate lobe, and a part of these puncta were immuno-positive for galanin. In contrast, orexin-B immunoreactive
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Microanatomy of the digestive tract and accessory organs of the Japanese flathead (Inegocia japonica Cuvier, 1829) (Scorpaeniformes, Platycephalidae) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-10-07 Archig Jeamah, Chanyut Sudtongkong, Anan Kenthao, Supapong Imsonpang, Kitipong Angsujinda, Natthawut Charoenphon, Anjaree Inchan, Piyamat Kongtueng, Tappadit Mitparian, Sinlapachai Senarat
The Japanese flathead, Inegocia japonica Cuvier, 1829 is a commercially important fish in small-scale coastal fisheries in Thailand; however, an explanation of its digestive biology is missing. This study describes the digestive tract and accessory organs of I. japonica, using morphological and histological methods. The fish (10 individual fish, 24.5 ± 0.98 cm in total length) were obtained from Libong
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Thermal biology and locomotor performance of the Andean lizard Liolaemus fitzgeraldi (Liolaemidae) in Argentina Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-09-26 Franco M. Valdez Ovallez, Rodrigo Gómez Alés, Vanesa Astudillo, Mariela Córdoba, Gustavo Fava, Rodrigo Acosta, Graciela Blanco, José Villavicencio, Juan Carlos Acosta
Ectotherms thermoregulate to maintain their body temperature within the optimal range needed for performing vital functions. The effect of climate change on lizards has been studied as regards the sensitivity of locomotor performance to environmental temperatures. We studied thermoregulatory efficiency and locomotor performance for Liolaemus fitzgeraldi in the Central Andes of Argentina. We determined
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Development of the dorsal and anal fin in Kneria stappersii (Otomorpha: Gonorynchiformes) Acta Zool. (IF 1.2) Pub Date : 2022-09-21 Ann-Katrin Koch, Timo Moritz, Philipp Thieme
The order Gonorynchiformes was repeatedly studied to gain new insights into the evolution of its sister-taxon, the Otophysi, the most successful freshwater fish taxon worldwide. Previous ontogenetic studies of gonorynchiforms mainly focused on the anterior vertebral column to investigate the evolutionary origin of the Weberian apparatus. Herein, we highlight the ontogeny of a different skeletal complex