Table Of ContentMISCELLANEOUS NOTES
107
3. Parameres broad in the middle, phallobase oval, aedeagus of the genus Pheropsophus resemble and show
pointed lineifrons (Chaud.) similiarities with those ofother genera ofthe family
Carabidae.
Taxonomic Importance
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The oval shaped parameres and long pointed
aedeagus of male genitalia of genus Pheropsophus I thank Dr. B.A. Khan, Reader, Zoology
show resemblance to other genera of Harpalini, Department, Agra College, for his guidance and
whereas the structure of parameres and aedeagus My
valuable criticism. thanks are also due to the
greatly differs at both generic and species levels. Principal, Dr. M. Singh and to Dr. (Mrs.) R.K.
Parameres of Chlaenius are elongated, and narrow Sharma, HOD, Zoology, Agra College, Agra for
whereas they are elongated and hairy in Trechus and providing laboratory and library facilties.
Tcichys, and pointed and with bristles in Abacetus.
Aedeagus of Diplocheila is broad apically and August 1995 S.P SINGH
1,
narrow proximally. The oval shaped paramere and Department ofZoology,
long pointed aedeagus of the studied species Agra College, Agra.
Reference
Andrews (1935): The fauna of British India. Coleoptera, tance.
Carabidae and Harpalinae. Taylor & Francis, London. Tuxen, S.L. (1956): Taxonomist’sGlossary ofGenitaliaininsects.
Sewak, R. (1985): Male genitalia ofsome species of Catlwrsiiis Cophenhagen: Ejnar Munksgaard (Odonata). (by F.C.
Hope(Coleoptera: Scarabidae)and itsTaxonomic impor- Fraser), pp. 25-30.
CILIATE INFESTATION ON THE PHYTAL HALACARIDAE (ACARI) FROM THE
29.
KOVALAM BEACH (KERALA COAST)
The epibiontic ciliate infestation on the Table I
PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OFCILIATE
macrolaunal assemblages of Pelagial, benthal and
INFESTATION IN DIFFERENT HALACARID SPECIES
phytal realms in the marine environment are well
known. However, the epibiontic ciliate infestations Name ofSpecies July 1987 October 1987
on the meiofauna and their impact on the eco-biology
Rhombognathus
of the meiofauna are less known.
scuttutus Male 40 30
Hagerman (1966, Ophelia 3: 1-43) reported
Female 15 13
an unidentified species of Halacaridae (Acari) R. papuensis Male 5 40
infested by cibates found among the phytal sediments Female 40 17
of Fucus serratus from Oresund. Rhombognathus
While studying the phytal meiofauna from the nymphs and larvae 0 0
Kovalam beach (Keralacoast), some halacarids were
Copidognathus spp. 0 0
observed to be heavily infested by peritrichous 0 0
ciliates and are reported here. The present Agauopsis brevipalpus brevipalpusO 0
observation is of relevance in the ecobiology of the
phytal Halacaridae which are known to serve as
food for higher trophic levels in the littoral Among different species ofHalacaridae, many
Rhombognathus scuttutus and R. papuensis were
environments.
108 JOURNAL BOMBAYNATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. 93 (1996)
infested by ciliates. The ciliate infestation, both from the Kovalam beach are sandy in nature. The
qualitatively and quantitatively appears to be canopies of the littoral phytal realm appear to act
influenced by the relative size ofthe meiofaunal host as shock absorbers against wave action. The phy-
and its taxonomic position. Ciliate infestation was sical frictional force of attrition of the sand grains
absent in Copidognathus spp. and Agauopsis is ameliorated, facilitating settlement of epibiontic
brevipalpus brevipalpus (Table 1). Rhombognathus life.
larva and nymph were also not found infested by The ciliate infestation on the meiofauna may
the ciliates. possibly affect their competitive ability,
The number of ciliates per halacarid ranged reproduction, locomotion and bio-energetics.
between 8-10. The attachment of the ciliates is
confined to the exo-skeleton or cuticular zones of Acknowledgement
the host.
The impact of the ambient biotic and abiotic I wish to record my deep sense ofindebtedness
parameters besides the physiogonomy of the to Dr. Use Bartsch, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland,
phyta on the epibiontic infestation needs Hamburg, Germany for her encouragement, and
investigation. The halacarid found in the sandy suggestions.
habitat (Psamobiont form, interstitial form) were
devoid of ciliate infestation. Most probably, the March 7, 1995 TAPAS CHATTERJEE
physical angularities ofthe sand grains cause attrition Deptt. ofBiology,
and dislodgement or abrasion of the attached Indian School ofLearning,
epibiontic life while the host animal burrows into I.S.M. Annexe,
the sediments. However, the phytal sediments studied Dhanbad-826004, Bihar.
—
DELPHINIUM ALTISSIMUM WALL. (RANUNCULACEAE) A NEW RECORD FOR
30.
SIKKIM HIMALAYA
(With a text-figure)
During my recent plant survey ofWest Sikkim 3-lobed, coarsely toothed, cordate at the base,
in September 1994, 1 came across aDelphiniumlAnn. 5-7 nerved, pale green above and whitish green
in Sardong. The plant was identified as Delphinium below, puberulous. Cauline leaves sessile, linearly
altissimum Wall, which had not been recorded earlier branched, 3-lobed, entire, alternate, sparsely hairy.
from Sikkim Himalayas. The voucher specimens are Inflorescence a receme, 7-18 cm long, terminal or
deposited in the herbarium of the Botanical Survey axillary; receme 2.5-9 cm long with 2-6 pedicellate
of India, Gangtok. flowers, terete, sparsely hairy; Peduncle 4.5-9 cm
The description of the species along with a long, terete sparsely hairy; ovary 1.1 -2.5 cm
diagram (Fig. 1) is given below. long with 2-3 linear bractioles. Flowers 2.5-2.6 cm
Delphinium altissimum Wall, in Hook. J.D., across or 2.8-3 long, whitish blue, sparsely
Flora British India 1 : 1 26. 1 888. hairy, spread-ing with 2 cm long spur behind. Spur
Plant 69-106 cm tall. Stem terete but slightly subulate, slightly incurved, sparsely hairy. Sepals 5
grooved on one side, sparsely hairy, much branched, free; dorsal sepal 2.65-2.7 x 0.6-0.8 cm, sparsely
with few dimorphic leaves. Radical leaves 2-4, hairy externally elliptic-ovate, apiculate tip
with 20-34 cm long petioles; lamina 5-13 x 6.3-15 with tubular base enclosing spur; lateral sepals 4,
cm. broader than long, 5-7 fid, lobes broadly cuneate unequal, elliptic-oblong, upper whitish blue
