Defensive gland of the diplopod Urostreptus atrobrunneus: structure and content

• Grant number: 11/15278-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2012
• End date: February 28, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Histology
• Principal Investigator: Carmem Silvia Fontanetti Christofoletti
• Grantee: Cristina Moreira de Sousa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The diplopods are considered important macro-arthropods in soil and play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem because they feed on decaying organic matter, promoting enrichment, aeration and humidification of the same. They have little or no natural enemies because the exoskeleton impregnated with calcium salts that make them resistant, and the presence of defensive glands, which secrete a toxic substance of strong, unpleasant odor. Usually do not have large population, but population explosions may occur due to environmental imbalances, climate change and the use of pesticides that can eliminate potential competitors. The species Urostreptus atrobrunneus points of infestation in urban centers of Sao Paulo state, causing many disorders of the human population. Because it is a newly described species, some of its biology and morphology is known. So a study on defensive glands of these animals is justified by the contact that it has presented to human populations and other animals. Thus, the aim of this project is to elucidate the morphology, structure and content of these glands in U. atrobrunneus. It is believed that this study may offer possible insights for future investments in the development of tools in effective control of urban pests. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

SOUSA, Cristina Moreira de. Glândula de defesa do milípede Urostreptus atrobrunneus: estrutura e conteúdo. 2014. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências. Rio Claro Rio Claro.