Hans Henderickx

X-ray micro-CT reconstruction reveals eight antennomeres in a new fossil taxon that constitutes a sister clade to Dundoxenos and Triozocera (Strepsiptera: Corioxenidae)

Eocenoxenos palintropos gen. nov. et sp.nov., a new fossil strepsipteran taxon from Baltic amber is described. The position of the new genus is based on cladistic analyses of morphological data sets. Most data of the fossil where retrieved with 3D micro-CT scan reconstructions. The new taxon is unambiguously situated as a sister group of the Dundoxenos-Triozocera clade within the Corioxenidae. The eocene taxon combines derived characteristics typical of Corioxenidae with the posession of eight antennomeres with five long flabella, a regained ancestral characteristic.

Electrical Tensions on Farrowing House Equipment

Electrical tensions up to 600 mVDC between the floor and the farrowing crate were noticed. Voltages of the different floor panels not only differed significantly, but even the voltage of adjacent panels differed up to 400 mVDC. Although the differences remained almost constant during periods up to a few weeks, they changed sometimes suddenly and significantly. Also, on water bowls, feed troughs and concrete floors, galvanic voltages were recorded. No link between voltage, behavior, and production has yet been determined.