Abstract:The collection of Sri Lankan Cantharoidea in the National Museums Colombo was initiated and identified by European and British collectors in the early 1800s. Their collection has been reserved as "Sri Lankan firefly collection" in the National Museums, Colombo. Subsequently no systematic studies have been undertaken in an attempt to confirm the identifications and update the classification of these specimens using recent taxonomic information. During January to June in 2010, we examined 1,214 dry mounted specimens using a stereo microscope to determine external morphology in an attempt to reclassify specimens using up to date taxonomy. The collection originally was arranged into 4 families classified under 27 genera and 63 species. In our opinion, there are 4 families, containing 29 genera and 61 species including 27 Lampyridae species. The collection is clearly marked with labeled specimens indicating any authority for the suggested changes.

The acute toxicity of a glyphosate herbicide Roundup ® , contaminating freshwater ecosystems in Sri Lanka was investigated with two species of the most common freshwater crustaceans: calanoid copepod (Phyllodiaptomus annae Apstein) and decapod shrimp (Caridina nilotica P. Roux). LC50 values in adult males were determined using standard toxicity assays under static conditions. The 48h LC50 value for P. annae was estimated as 1.06 mg/L and the values of 72 h and 96 h LC50 for C. nilotica were 107.53 and 60.97 mg/L, respectively. The present study reveals that Roundup ® may cause a significant impact on native non-target organisms. Further studies are needed to establish the toxic effect of Roundup ® to the very important structural group in the aquatic ecosystems in Sri Lanka.

Seventeen species (17) of firefly genus Curtos Motschulsky have been recorded from South East Asia whereas there were no previous records from Sri Lanka. A first record of the genus Curtos Motschulsky in Sri Lanka and a re-description of males and females of C. costipennis Gorham are presented including light patterns and areas of incidence in Sri Lanka with indications of habitat types.

Dengue has become a national burden in Sri Lanka, and the understanding of breeding ecology of vectors, Aedes aegypti Linnaeus and Aedes albopictus Skuse, is the most effective way to control the disease. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relative larval abundance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in different types and characteristics of containers in three selected localities in Galle district, Sri Lanka. Totally, 550 containers were positive for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae. Aedes albopictus showed the high larval abundance in all studied sites. The larval abundance of artificial containers (90.57%) was high than that of natural containers (9.43%) for both Aedes spp. ( P < 0.05 ). The breeding preference for A. aegypti was high in tires (rubber) (17.82%), while plastic cups (28.00%) were the most preferable container type for Ae. albopictus. Dark color containers than light color containers ( P < 0.05 ) and containers with leaf litter accumulated as detritus ( P < 0.05 ) showed high relative larval abundance for both Aedes species. Containers with 50–100 ml volume of water showed the highest relative abundance of both Ae. aegypti (29.28%) and Ae. albopictus (41.79%) ( P > 0.05 ). The high larval abundance of Aedes recorded in ground level containers (1–5 cm) and their abundance decreased significantly with the increasing of height where containers were found (1–20 cm) ( P < 0.05 ). The significantly high relative abundance was observed with the increase of the shady level for Ae. aegypti (57.34%) and Ae. albopictus (61.32%) ( P < 0.05 ). This knowledge will be helpfull to implement dengue surveillance programs in the area.

Diaphanes lutescens was originally described by Walker, 1858, using specimens from Sri Lanka. The systematics and biology of this species has been unexplored since it was first described in the early eighteenth century. This paper provides a detailed description of systematics and biology of the identified male, female and larvae of D. lutescens with their areas of incidence and habitat types in Sri Lanka. Females and larvae were identified when they were associating with males in the same habitat. Remarks of their flashing patterns and flying behaviour are addressed.