An invasive pest, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) has been observed infesting tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae) in Central Uganda. The affected farmer made the report, and upon visiting the farm, we observed tiny larvae, green to cream in colour with a black head feeding on tomato leaves, fruit, as well as tender stems. Also, we saw several tiny moths resting on screen house linings. Delta traps baited with TUA-Optima® (Russell IPM) were set in and around the affected farm. Dozens of moths were attracted and trapped on the sticky surface of the traps. The team tentatively identified the insect as T. absoluta. Scientists at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya identified the insect using morphological features and molecular techniques.

Three marine hydroid species, Garveia grisea, Eudendrium glomeratum and Eudendrium merulum, widely spread and abundant in the Mediterranean Sea and with scarce records elsewhere, are reported for the first time from the Moroccan Atlantic coast. As part of a project studying the distribution of the hydroid assemblages from 0 to 30 m depth in the Strait of Gibraltar and the nearby area, the new records reported in the present contribution widen the known biogeographical distribution of these three species.

Several morphotypes of the relatively large bacterium, Epulopiscium sp. were collected from the intestines of three species of surgeonfish (genus: Acanthurus) from shallow waters around the island of St Thomas, in the eastern Caribbean Ocean. This was the first comprehensive study of any of these bacteria from the Atlantic Ocean. They were chemically fixed at the University on St Thomas Island, Virgin Islands and sent to the first author (J.N.G.). Each sample was examined under phase-contrast microscopy with a light microscope. Most cells contained two daughter cells that were very phase-bright; hence, were likely true endospores. They varied from very small, at the ends of the cell, to one-third the length of the cell length to overlapping at the centre. A few contained only one daughter cell or endospore. Based on their sizes, shape, and number of daughter cells, they best fit two of the morphotypes described previously.

This work reports a stranding of a dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in 2004 in Caju Bay at Delta of Parnaiba River, Maranhão State (MA), Brazil. The specimen and the maturity characteristics were identified through skull measurements and morphology. Osteological analyses were carried out and abnormal growth of occipital bones was observed. It is premature at this point to suggest that the dwarf minke whale occurs regularly off the north coast of Brazil; however, more information needs to be collected to assess whether the occurrence of the dwarf minke whale is common in this area.

The first occurrence of Acartia tonsa in a southern Adriatic Sea lagoon (Lesina lagoon) is reported. It was recorded in samples collected during two sampling campaigns carried out in May and July 2004. The arrival of A. tonsa may have caused the disappearance of the formerly abundant A. margalefi.