Dynamics of cell and tissue genesis in the male reproductive system of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) and Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas, 1772): a comparative analysis

Ticks are classified into three families: Argasidae, Ixodidae, and Nutalliellidae. The taxonomy and phylogeny within Ixodidae are still discussed by the specialists, thus requiring further studies. Amblyomma cajennese and Amblyomma aureolatum (Brazil) belong to two species complexes known as “cajennese” and “ovale”, respectively, and are directly related to the transmission of the Brazilian spotted fever. This confirms the medical and veterinary significance of these species, as well as the need for further morphological studies that will bring a better understanding of their taxonomy, phylogeny, and control. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize the morphology of the male reproductive system of A. cajennese and A. aureolatum when unfed and after 4 days of feeding, thereby seeking to: (a) distinguish the two species or “complexes”, and (b) study an internal system which has the potential to be targeted by acaricides. Therefore, males from both species (unfed and after 4 days of feeding) were cold-anesthetized, dissected, and had their reproductive systems removed for histological analysis. The results showed that the morphology of the male reproductive system is generally similar between both species, like in other Ixodidae ticks, exhibiting a multilobed accessory gland complex related to seminal fluid secretion, a pair of vasa deferentia and a pair of testes housing germ cells (spermatocytes) in different stages. The main differences were found in the development of the accessory gland complex cells and germ cells, showing that the maturation of the male reproductive system starts later in A. aureolatum, when compared to A. cajennese. However, during the blood meal, A. aureolatum development is increased, thus making germ cell maturation and gland complex activity higher than in A. cajennese. This study shows the differences in the development of the male reproductive systems of both species, while providing information that can assist in the establishment of new control methods.

Contribution to the biology and fishery of the deep-water red crab, Chaceon Affinis (A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier, 1894) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Geryonidae) in deep waters of the Canary Islands (Central-East Atlantic)

[EN] This crab was captured in the whole range of depths sampled, although its highest abundance was found between 600 and 800 m, on muddy-rocky bottoms. Moreover, significant differences were observed in the average weight and length, according to depth of capture, island of origin, and date of survey. In general, the b parameter of length-weight relationship indicates a negative allometric growth pattern, although in some cases it was not statistically different from isometry, particularly in males. Males were heavier, larger, and more abundant in catches than females.

La poesía de Domingo López Torres: hacia el surrealismo en Canarias

[ES] A causa de su militancia en el partido socialista, el poeta canario Domingo López Torres (1910-1937) murió asesinado en los inicios de la Guerra Civil española tras permanecer varios meses en prisión. Su compromiso no sólo fue político, sino también literario. Enemigo de todo tradicionalismo, simpatizó con aquellas tendencias estética s renovadoras que incorporaban los estilos, las ideas y conductas más progresistas de la Europa de los años 30, llegando a desempeñar un papel vital en el proceso de recepción del surrealismo en la isla de Tenerife. Este artículo describe el paulatino acercamiento de López Torres al movimiento vanguardista liderado por André Breton. Con ese objetivo se analizan sus dos obras fundamentales: Diario de un sol de verano y Lo imprevisto , ambas inéditas hasta 1987 y 1981, respectivamente. Mientras el primer volumen, escrito hacia 1929, conecta con los principios del Ultraísmo, con el regionalismo postulado por su paisano Pedro García Cabrera, con la “poesía pura” de Juan Ramón JJiménez o con las facetas neopopulistas de García Lorca y de Alberti, el segundo, compuesto en la cárcel de Fyffes poco antes de morir, revela ya el uso de imágenes y procedimientos abiertamente sur realistas.