Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is the most destructive and cosmopolitan oligophagous pest of potato and many Solanaceous crops. Larvae damages potato leaves and tuber in both field and storage and causing significant yield losses. Chemical management of PTM through the use of pesticides is challenging, as the extensive application of these chemicals to control the pest leads to numerous health problems, destruction of beneficial organisms, and the development of insecticide resistance in pest populations. A safe and sustainable approach to pest control is to use parasitoid wasps as biological control agents. In this review, sixty-five species of parasitoid wasps of PTM under six families (Braconidae, Chalcididae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Ichneumonidae and Trichogrammatidae) have been reported. Copidosoma koehleri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Apanteles subandinus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Orgilus lepidusa (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been successfully introduced to control PTM worldwide. In warm environmental conditions, Trichogramma principium (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is a better candidate for mass rearing and release as a biological control agent against PTM. Under favorable environmental conditions, successful parasitoid establishment is achievable through intercropping, combined releases of parasitoids from diverse families and sterile PTM, selective pesticide application, and improved mass rearing technologies. This review provides insights that can assist policymakers in making informed decisions for more effective pest management programs. Bangladesh J. Zool. 52(3): 185-195, 2024
Along with the feeding behaviour, understanding the nutritional requirements of a threatened species can aid in effective conservation strategies. This study aimed to analyze whether the nutritional properties of food items correlate with the time spent feeding in Northern Plains Gray Langurs (Semnopithecus entellus). We studied eight groups of Langurs living in the non-forested area of Jessore, Bangladesh, from September 2012 to August 2013. Data on time spent feeding was collected through 10-minute continuous focal animal sampling from a total of 303 observation hours. Meanwhile, food items consumed by langurs, were collected from their habitat and afterwards, nutritional properties were analyzed from the food science laboratory of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science (INFS) and the Center for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka. The results showed that there were marked differences in protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, and moisture content among food items of different plant species. We correlated the nutritional properties of analyzed food items with the time spent feeding on those particular food items. None of the nutritional content in food items significantly correlates with the langurs’ feeding time spent on particular food items. The findings suggest that langurs exhibit opportunistic feeding behaviour, prioritizing accessibility over macronutrient contents. Additionally, other factors such as food availability, seasonal variation, secondary metabolites, and social dynamics may play a critical role in shaping langurs feeding patterns. Therefore, future research on ecological and physiological factors, along with the other nutritional composition, such as fiber content and secondary metabolites, should be considered in order to better understand langurs’ dietary decisions. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 45-56, 2025
Echinococcosis is an ignored silent cyclozoonotic illness in many resource-poor pastoral regions impacting a variety of animal species, such as wildlife and cattle, causes of substantial morbidity and mortality and it also has zoonotic implications. The damage produced by these tapeworm larvae constitutes a complicated and multi-faceted threat to human health. This manuscript digs into the essence of this parasite ailment, examining its causative agents, varied forms, and perilous dissemination. The diagnosis becomes a detective story, employing immunological clues and imaging's vigilant eye. Finally, the vital role of prevention, a harmonious concerto including deworming, hygiene, and education, takes the stage, trying to silence the parasite's silent melody. This abstract is a call to action, a rallying cry against the silent pain produced by echinococcosis. Echinococcosis, with its many forms and convoluted life cycle, reminds us of the intricate interactions between people, animals, and the environment in the world of infectious diseases. By understanding its complexities, we may work towards effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, guaranteeing a safer travel for all. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 03-18, 2025
Nijhum Dwip National Park is a biodiversity-rich coastal ecosystem that plays a crucial role in preserving a variety of plant and animal species. It is made up of a series of islands, primarily covered by mangroves, tidal forests, and mudflats which serve as vital habitat for birds. A study was conducted on the impacts of anthropogenic activities on birds of Nijhum Dwip National Park from October 2023 to March 2024. Studying the impacts of anthropogenic activities on birds of this area is significant for ensuring the long-term health of bird populations, especially migratory species that rely on the diverse ecosystems of the park. A total of 67 species of birds belonging to 56 genera, 32 families and 13 orders were recorded from Nijhum Dwip National Park. The eight major anthropogenic activities (overfishing, tourism, hunting, deforestation, sound pollution, settlement, agricultural practices, and water pollution) were observed in the study area throughout the study period. Of all the human activities, overfishing caused a severe level (27.88%) of disturbance followed by tourism (21.15%), hunting (18.26%), and sound pollution (14.42%) having a moderate level of disturbance. This study reveals that human disturbances have a severe impact on the habitat, food, breeding behaviour, and survival of birds. The obtained results are significant for the conservation and management efforts since they indicate levels of human disturbances across the habitat. By understanding the threats posed by human activities, we can preserve the habitat of birds and maintain the integrity of the ecosystem which contributes to the broader goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the region. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 31-44, 2025
One hundred fresh specimens of pama croaker Otolithoides pama Hamilton, 1822 (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) from Vatiary costal area, Chittagong, Bangladesh, were necropsied to explore the species composition, study the community structure, microhabitat preference and infection dynamics of helminth parasites. Overall, 79.0% of examined fishes were parasitized by twelve species of parasites namely, Microcotyle spinicirrus and Pseudempleurosoma haywardi (Monogenea), Uterovesiculurus hamati, Phyllodistomum folium, Helicometrina elongata and Stephanostomum sp. (Digenea), Parachristianella trygonis (larva) and Unidentified cestode larva (Cestoda), Philometra protonibeae, Spirocamallanus notopteri and larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) and Acanthocephalus sp. (Acanthocephala). The present parasite community was dominated by nematodes, Contracaecum sp. was the core species with highest prevalence (67%) and abundance (8.82). Except the unidentified cestode larva (rare species), the rests were satellite species. Among the recovered parasites, M. spinicirrus (gill), P. protonibeae (ovary) and Acanthocephalus sp. (intestine) showed strict organ specificity and Contracaecum sp. was cosmopolitan in nature found to harbor body cavity, stomach, intestine and pyloric caeca. The females (84.91%) were found to be more susceptible to parasitic infection than male (72.34%). Stages of sexual maturity of fish had a significant influence on the prevalence, the gravid fishes were found to be 100% infected and the infection rate was lowest in the spent fishes. Significant positive correlation was observed between weight and prevalence. The association between infection site (organs) and prevalence was also significant. The intestine was the most preferred microhabitat (55.0%) while the liver, kidney, testis and swim bladder were resistant to parasitic infection. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 79-98, 2025
The Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) is a unique species among lizards, commonly found in human habitats and often regarded as a pest. Like all vertebrates, these geckos are susceptible to parasites. In this investigation, a total of 54 H. frenatus specimens were collected from randomly selected households in various locations throughout Dhaka city to examine parasitic infections. The study's results revealed that 61.11% of the geckos were infected with endoparasites. The infection rate for female geckos (63.64%) was higher than that for males (59.38%). A total of 61 parasites were collected from different organs including the body cavity, stomach, intestine, and lungs of the house geckos. Four species of parasites were identified, belonging to the groups trematode (Ganeo kumaonensis), nematoda (Strongyloides cruzi and Neopharyngodon gecko), and pentastomida (Raillietiella frenatus). Notably, the pentastomid Raillietiella frenatus had not been previously recorded in H. frenatus in Bangladesh. The prevalence of the identified parasites was as follows: Ganeo kumaonensis (9.26%), Strongyloides cruzi (7.41%), Neopharyngodon gecko (37.04%), and Raillietiella frenatus (18.52%). Among these, the nematode exhibited the highest prevalence at 44.44%, while the trematode showed the lowest at 9.26%. A significant number of parasites were also collected from the stomach, accounting for 27.78% of the total. Additionally, when examining various length groups, those geckos measuring 9.5-10.49 cm in length showed a higher susceptibility to parasitic infections (88.23%) compared to other length groups. Similarly, in different weight groups, geckos weighting 2.5-3.49 grams were found to have a higher susceptibility to parasitic infections (78.12%). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the host's weight and the parasite burden. The significance of the current study lies in identifying the parasites that infect this unique species within the study area. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 57-66, 2025
Factors like larger wings, greater thorax mass, a higher thorax-abdomen ratio, more stored reserves, and lower wing loading enhance flight performance, movement and dispersal. This study assessed the flight activity of three species—Melanitis leda (both male and female), Apis dorsata (worker female), and Calliphora sp. (both male and female)—and evaluated their dorsolongitudinal flight muscle (DLM) and forewing area. Tethered technique was used to observe the flight activity. A. dorsata showed the longest mean flight duration (4.14 min), followed by male M. leda (2.30 min), female M. leda (1.42 min), female Calliphora sp. (1.35 min), and male Calliphora sp. (0.19 min). In M. leda, male flight activity correlated positively with forewing volume (r = 0.565) and negatively with DLM volume (r = -0.91), while female showed strong positive correlation with forewing volume (r = 0.925) and weak positive correlation with DLM volume (r = 0.274). In A. dorsata, flight activity slightly decreased with larger wings (r = -0.07) and DLM (r = -0.560). In Calliphora sp., male showed negative correlations with forewing (r = -0.328) and DLM volumes (r = -0.567), while female showed positive (r = 0.316) and weak negative (r = -0.089) correlations, respectively. These findings highlight the complex interplay between flight morphology and activity, offering new insights into the conservation strategies of different insect species. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 99-109, 2025
The study was aimed to assess the wildlife diversity at the Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) campus between November 2023 and October 2024. Data were collected through direct field observations using the line-transect method, plot counting, and interviews with local people. A total of 131 species were identified, representing 24 orders and 69 families. Among these, 5 species (3.82%) were amphibians, 16 species (12.21%) reptiles, 97 species (74.05%) birds, and 13 species (9.92%) mammals. Species richness was highest in tree habitats (53 species, 25.60%), while the winter season was recorded with the highest occurrence (102 species, 35.92%). Among the recorded species, 39 (29.77%) were categorized as very common, 14 (10.69%) as common, 22 (16.79%) as fairly common, and 56 (42.75%) as few. Duttaphrynus melanostictus was found as the most abundant amphibian (49.06%), Calotes versicolor among reptiles (28.74%), Passer domesticus among bird species (10.81%), and Canis aureus was the abundant mammal (27.03%). According to diversity indices, birds exhibited the highest diversity with a Shannon-Wiener index (H = 3.39) and Simpson's diversity index (Ds = 0.95). Of the 97 bird species, 83 (85.57%) were resident and 14 (14.43%) were migratory. Conversely, amphibians showed the highest evenness (E = 0.60). The findings suggest the need for long-term systematic monitoring and a comprehensive conservation strategy to conserve the wildlife diversity of the study region. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 111-123, 2025
Dragonflies and damselflies are collectively known as odonates under the insect order Odonata. This group of insects is sensitive to environmental changes; therefore, acts as an ecological indicator. Field-based investigation on their diversity, abundance, and status is crucial to assess the ecological condition of any given landscape. Therefore, this study was carried out in an urban area of Habiganj Sadar Upazila between March 2020 and February 2021. Opportunistic surveys across different habitat types of two selected sites were followed for data collection. From the study, a total of 42 species of Odonata under 29 genera, 7 families, and 2 suborders have been recorded. Suborder Anisoptera contained the highest number of species (n=25), and Libellulidae was the dominant family (n=21) among 7 families. From the recorded species, 11 species were very common, 10 species were common, 6 species were uncommon, and 14 species were rare. Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed site A and the rainy season having the highest diversity (H′ = 3.1475 and H′ = 3.1119, respectively) of odonates. This preliminary study will provide information for future conservation steps for this charismatic insect group in the study area. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 19-30, 2025
The study investigated the prevalence of ectoparasites in Rui, Labeo rohita collected from greater Mymensingh, Bangladesh, between July 2022 and June 2023. A total of 960 samples were randomly collected to identify the ectoparasites using a microscope, and in the second phase, direct smears were prepared from probable lesions. In this study, a total of ten different ectoparasites were identified, including myxozoans (Myxobolus sp., Thelohanellus sp., and Henneguya sp.); ciliophorans (Trichodina sp., Tripertiella sp., and Ichthyophthirius multifilis); monogeneans (Dactylogyrus sp. and Gyrodactylus sp.); and crustaceans (Ergasilus sp., Argulus sp., and Lernea sp.). Myxozoans and ciliophorans were more prevalent among these parasites, followed by the monogeneans and crustacean parasites. The highest ectoparasitic prevalence (35.04%) was recorded from January to February, while the lowest (6.67%) was from July to August. This study indicates that winter was more favorable for the outbreaking of these ectoparasites in L. rohita cultured using carp polyculture system earthen ponds in greater Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Carp polyculture farmers are suggested to take preventive measures like avoiding the deterioration of water quality, high stocking density, and application of lime and common salt in inhibiting the outbreak of these ectoparasites for better production, economic return, and sustainability of Indian major carp culture in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(1): 67-77, 2025
Street foods offer affordable, nutritious, and accessible food options for many urban residents in developing countries. Most university students in Bangladesh rely on street foods due to their appealing appearance. However, these foods are often prepared and served under poor hygienic conditions, making them potential sources of parasitic contamination and faeco-oral disease transmission. Considering the increasing demand for these food items among students, a study was carried out on 50 food samples comprising three types of foods: tamarind water of snacks (27 samples), fruit juices (16 samples), and sliced fruits (7 samples), and 50 corresponding fecal samples from vendors of Dhaka University Campus to assess the parasitic contamination in street foods. Food vendors were also asked to fill a questionnaire on their socio-economic and demographic profile and hygienic practices. It was found that 46 (92%) food samples were contaminated with 6 different types of parasites (Blastocystis hominis, Cystoisospora belli, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura); their prevalence ranged between 4% and 48%. Besides, 92% of vendors were infected with 7 different parasites; the highest prevalence was observed for B. hominis (66%). Out of 4 identified parasites in food and corresponding stool samples, B. hominis (40%) was the most prevalent parasite, followed by C. belli (32%), A. lumbricoides (26%), and H. nana (2%). Fisher’s exact tests revealed that there was a significant association between the presence of B. hominis (p=0.002) and C. belli (p=0.001) in stool and its presence in food. We also found a significant association (at 5% significant level) between the presence of C. belli in food and the water sterilization practice of the food vendors (p-value=0.03). The study shows the serious health risks resulting from poor hygiene practices. So, we need to take immediate action to mitigate the significant public health risks, particularly those who consume street food in the area. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(2): 201-208, 2025
The mola carplet (Amblypharyngodon mola) is a well-adored small indigenous fish species (SIS) in Bangladesh. To evaluate the molecular and classical identification of the fungus associated with dried fish, the mola carplet was the subject of the current study. Aspergillus lentulus, a very common fungus in mola carplet was characterized molecularly using a 590 bp PCR product of its ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region. The molecular phylogenetic tree constructed therefrom showed 100% sequence similarity in A. lentulus species complex. The impact of cultural medium on mycelial growth and development of A. lentulus was pointed. The mycelial growth of A. lentulus was highest (71 mm) on the potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, followed by (53 mm) in glucose peptone (GLP), (51 mm) in potato sucrose agar (PSA), (39 mm) in yeast extract agar (YEA), and (29 mm) Hoppkins (29 mm), respectively. A. lentulus grew and developed vegetatively best at 30°C and 7.0 pH, respectively. As far as we are aware, this experimental identification of the dry fish fungus Aspergillus lentulus from the mola carplet is the first report and confirmation of a fungus in Bangladesh using both traditional and molecular methods. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(2): 209-218, 2025
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and identify the risk factors among 80 children, aged 0–15 years, who lived in a slum. A sample size of eighty (80) participants was used for the investigation. A structured questionnaire and anthropometric tools were used to identify epidemiological data and risk factors. Stool samples were collected from the children and were subjected to laboratory analysis using the formol-ether concentration technique. The result revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, with an overall prevalence of 80%. Helminths presented a more significant prevalence than protozoans. Ascaris lumbricoides (40%) was the most prevalent parasite, followed by Trichuris trichiura (30.00%), Giardia duodenalis (20.00%), Hymenolepis nana (12.50%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.00%), Taenia sp. Ancylostoma duodenale (7.50%) and Escherichia coli (2.50%). The probability of parasitic infection was higher in boys than girls (p-value= 0.1569, 95% CI 0.72-6.7). The highest infection rate (94.12%) was detected in children in the age group 8-11years, and the least infection rate (33.33%) was detected in the age group 0-3years; additionally, statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between intestinal parasite infections concerning age groups (p- value= 0.0043). 100% prevalence was recorded during the summer season, while 60% prevalence was found in autumn (p value= 0.0003). The study findings showed that illiteracy, poor hygiene practices, drinking water source, house and latrine type, and deworming treatment were the factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Increased hygiene practices, poverty reduction, and deworming promotions are essential to reduce intestinal parasitic infections among slum children. Mass-scale awareness camping could be effective as well. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(2): 158-169, 2025
As the risks associated with vector-borne diseases continue to rise due to climate change and human activities, understanding the current diversity of mosquito species across different habitats is crucial. The current study aimed to assess the diversity, distribution, richness and relative abundance of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 2,147 mosquito specimens were collected between September to November 2023 from six distinct locations of Dhaka district, employing the BG-1 sentinel traps. Ten mosquito species were identified: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex fuscochephala, Culex bitaeniorhynchus, Mansonia annulifera, Mansonia indiana, Mansonia uniformis and Armigeres subalbatus. Culex tritaeniorhynchus was the most abundant species (63.68%), found in all surveyed areas followed by Culex quinquefasciatus (18.57%) and Aedes aegypti (13.02%). Notably, the highest number of Aedes aegypti (6.85%) was trapped in Dhaka north city corporation followed by Dhaka south city corporation (5.31%) and savar (1.01%). Dhaka North city corporation had the highest diversity, with a Shannon-Wiener Index of 1.07 and a Simpson Index of 0.62. In contrast, Savar Upazila had the highest species richness (10 species). This study provides a snapshot of mosquito fauna over a three-month period, highlighting variations in species diversity, relative abundance and distribution across peri-urban and urban landscapes of Dhaka District. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(2): 171-184, 2025
Larval density and food availability can act as limiting factors in the container habitat of Aedes albopictus mosquito vector species. Under laboratory conditions, two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of feeding rates and larval density on the immature development of Ae. albopictus larvae. A cohort of 30 larvae were reared in 300 ml tap water with low and high amounts of food supplied for feeding rates experiment. For density experiment, 20 larvae in low density and 60 larvae in high density treatment was reared with same amount of food in 200 ml tap water. Each treatment was replicated five times. Larvae were reared from hatching to adult emergence with food provisioned per capita and per instar basis. A one-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of the experimental treatments on survivorship, age at pupation and development time. Maximum survivorship of 93.33 ± 4.08% was observed from high food treatment and a reduced survival rate of 75.67 ± 6.08% was found from high density treatment. A prolonged development time of 25.34 ± 0.73 days was resulted from low food treatment and a short development period of 10.29 ± 0.50 days from high food treatment. Male-biased sex ratios (male: female) were recorded from low food (81: 41) and high-density (150:77) treatments respectively. This study supports that survivorship and larval development are influenced by larval density and availability of nutrition levels in container breeding habitats, with potential implications for developing vector control strategies. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(2): 219-229, 2025
