Entomological Communications

(301 Artigos indexados)

First report of the invasive species and potential pest Zaprionus tuberculatus Malloch, 1932 (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in Pará, Brazil - (2025)

Mayara F. Mendes, Carlos J. E. Lamas

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This paper reports the first occurrence of the potential pest Zaprionus tuberculatus Malloch, 1932 (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in the municipality of Belém, Pará, Brazil, specifically in the Amazon region at the vicinity of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. This report is crucial for collecting data on the geographic distribution and population growth of this invasive species, which will aid in the development of strategies for pest management programs. Furthermore, new points records for the invasive species in Brasília are presented for the first time, extending the spread of Z. tuberculatus across Brazil.

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Foraging Activity in Polybia striata (Fabricius, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) - (2025)

Izabella Schaefer, Wilker Morais, Lucas R. Oliveira, Bruno C. Barbosa, Fábio Prezoto

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Foraging ensures resource acquisition for feeding, nest construction, and colony maintenance in social wasps. This study examined the foraging activity and dripping behavior of Polybia striata (Fabricius, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in an urban environment, analyzing their correlation with temperature and humidity. Observations took place on the campus of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, totaling 50 hours between January and February 2018. Every 30 minutes, departures and returns to the nest were recorded, along with climatic variables. Foraging activity peaked between 9:00 and 13:30, the hottest period of the day. The number of departures increased with temperature and decreased with humidity, suggesting that hottest conditions favor foraging while high humidity inhibits it. Always after rainfall, wasps engaged in dripping behavior, regurgitating small water droplets from the nest structure. This behavior occurred more frequently in the morning and was linked to nest maintenance. In addition to advancing knowledge of the species' ecology, this study may inform management strategies in urban areas.

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If you seek, you will find: second record of Melanoloma viatrix Hendel, 1911 (Diptera, Richardiidae) in pineapple in Brazil and its distribution in the country - (2025)

Aprigio L. Oliveira-Filho, Israel S. Pinto, Hilda B. Luz, Thiago H. R. Pádua, Francisco Limeira-de-Oliveira, Ricardo Adaime, Marcoandre Savaris, Roberto A. Zucchi

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The pineapple fly, Melanoloma viatrix Hendel, 1911 (Diptera, Richardiidae), is a pest in pineapple plantations in several South American countries. In Brazil, pineapple damage by M. viatrix was first reported in a commercial plantation in the state of Amapá. We report this pest from a single pineapple sample collected in the municipality of Itaituba, state of Pará, from a plantation operated under the family farming system. As in other South American countries, pineapple is the sole known host of M. viatrix. Examination of specimens deposited in two Brazilian collections revealed that, in addition to the states of Amapá and Pará, M. viatrix also occurs in the states of Maranhão, Tocantins, and Mato Grosso. However, no host information is known for the specimens deposited in collections; therefore, M. viatrix is known to damage pineapple only in Amapá and Pará. Given the extensive geographical distribution of the pest, surveys of host plants and sampling in other Brazilian pineapple-producing states are needed to establish effective management strategies and prevent the spread of the pest within Brazil.

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Occurrence of Aglae caerulea Lepeletier & Serville, 1825 (Apidae, Hymenoptera) in the Cerrado biome: new records from Minas Gerais state, Brazil - (2025)

Jean H. Ignácio-Souza, Thiago H. A. Tosta, Leo C. Rocha-Filho, Solange C. Augusto

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Aglae caerulea Lepeletier & Serville, 1825 (Apidae, Hymenoptera) is a rare cleptoparasitic species primarily associated with the Amazon rainforest and gallery forest in the Cerrado Biome. Here, we report two new records of A. caerulea from surveys conducted in seasonal semideciduous forest remnants of Cerrado, extending its home range to Minas Gerais state, Brazil. During these surveys, five A. caerulea males were attracted to methyl cinnamate. These findings highlight the importance of forested habitat in the Cerrado for supporting rare euglossine species and contribute to a better understanding of the distributional range and habitat use of A. caerulea.

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Record of Cinnamomum verum (Lauraceae) as a host for treehoppers (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha: Aetalionidae and Membracidae) - (2025)

Glauco C. de S. Oliveira

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Cinnamon plants are attacked by different phytophagous insects, but there are no records of infestations by treehoppers. Thus, this note reports Notogonioides erythropus (Burmeister, 1835), Talipes appendiculatus (Fonseca, 1936), and Bolbonota sp. (Hemiptera: Membracidae) using a cinnamon tree as a host in an urban area of southeastern Brazil. Additionally, the formation of an interspecific aggregation between the leafhopper Aethalion reticulatum (Linnaeus, 1767) (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) and N. erythropus is recorded.

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Reducing Bycatch in Aquatic Insect Sampling: Evaluating a Size-Dependent Exclusion Device for UV Light Pan Traps - (2025)

Alexander B. Orfinger, Hunter J. Smith

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. A growing body of research indicates that insect populations are declining worldwide, underscoring ongoing anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. Considering these conservation concerns, novel strategies to protect insects and other species vulnerable as bycatch to insect collecting techniques should be considered. These methods should ideally minimize bycatch while not impacting the recovery of target taxa. In the field of aquatic entomology, the UV light pan trap is widely used. While effective, this method incurs significant bycatch of unwanted arthropods and occasionally vertebrates, which both compromises the sample and has conservation implications. The goal herein was to develop and test a size-based bycatch exclusion device deployed with UV light pan traps for reducing non-target catches. This simple, cost-effective design does not require any modifications of the existing trap itself beyond adding a domed cage. "Caged" and "uncaged" traps were simultaneously deployed at two streams in northwest Georgia, USA, for a total of twelve trapping events over three months. Caddisflies (Trichoptera) served as the target taxa, namely net-spinning caddisflies (Hydropsychidae) and microcaddisflies (Hydroptilidae), and total numbers of these were counted and compared between caged and uncaged traps. No significant differences were detected between treatments. Therefore, the data suggest that these exclusion devices do not negatively impact adult caddisfly sampling and should exclude undesired large insects, such as dobsonflies, certain saturniid moths, and many vertebrates. Although these results are positive, they are preliminary, and additional questions must be addressed which are discussed in this study.

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Some practical and biological information useful for Zoraptera (Insecta) studies - (2025)

José A. Rafael, Francisco F. Xavier Filho, João F. Vidal

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The data presented here summarizes essential information to enhance the collections and breeding of Zoraptera. We present our experience collecting specimens, primarily in the Amazon Basin, ranging from the precarious use of soft paintbrushes to the highly effective method of using a lightweight 9-volt portable aspirator when exploring under the bark of rotting wood and on the sheaths of live plants. The portable aspirator transformed the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) Zoraptera collection into the largest in the world, with over 4,500 specimens. We use a headlamp better to see the dark adult specimens against the dark substrate. We report on a mixed colony comprising more than 1,000 specimens on the same fallen trunk. We provide an easy method for growing specimens in the laboratory to obtain eggs, nymphs, and adults. We also present a rapid identification method for live specimens manipulated over a small amount of water using a soft paintbrush. Based on more than 3,000 specimens collected for Brazilozoros huxleyi Bolivar y Pieltain & Coronado, 1963 and Brazilozoros weidneri New, 1978 we obtained only 2% of the alated specimens in the field. The sex ratio for both species was close to 1:1.

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Southernmost Record of the threatened Platycypha amboniensis Martin 1915 (Odonata: Chlorocyphidae), Endemic to the Highlands of Central Kenya - (2025)

Anthony Karani, Laban Njoroge

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Habitat fragmentation poses a significant global challenge to tropical forests, impacting on species, including endemic aquatic insects. Peripheral populations of range-restricted species are particularly vulnerable in rapidly changing landscapes. This study presents the southernmost occurrence of Kenya Jewel (Platycypha amboniensis Martin, 1915) (Odonata: Chlorocyphidae) and the first from a restored forest in upland Kenya. This damselfly is globally threatened, extremely rare in the region, and is confined to the montane streams of Central Kenya's highlands. This occurrence is compared with the species' distribution in Central Kenya, with a discussion on conservation measures. This finding not only extends the known range and extent of occurrence of P. amboniensis but also provides evidence that the species is persisting in isolated patches outside protected areas, necessitating urgent conservation action.

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The First record of Megaloptera (Insecta: Neuropterida) from Sergipe state, Brazil - (2025)

Antonio B. S. Farias, Stefany A. dos Santos, Kim R. Barão, Guilherme R. Demetrio, Neusa Hamada, Jean C. Santos

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Megaloptera comprises approximately 400 species, of which 25 are recorded in Brazil and belong to Corydalidae and Sialidae. Here, we provide new occurrence records for Corydalus diasi Navás, 1915 (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) in Serra de Itabaiana National Park, Sergipe, where two females and five males were collected using light traps from June 2022 to May 2023. Specimens were identified using morphological analysis. We provide illustrations that will aid in the elucidation of the species and can be used to understand its morphological variation. Originally described in Ceará in 1915, C. diasi is now known to occur in several Brazilian states, expanding its distribution to 2,231,711 km², covering ecotonal areas between the Atlantic Forest and the Caatinga in Northeastern Brazil. We highlight the lack of information on Megaloptera in the Northeast, a region affected by Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls, and emphasize the need for further sampling in ecologically diverse areas to uncover invertebrate diversity and support the development of conservation policies.

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Two new reports of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) infesting Ficus pumila L. (Moraceae) in the Brazilian Midwest - (2025)

Marcelo T. Castro, Sandro C. L. Montalvão, Vera R. S. Wolff

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Ficus pumila L. (Moraceae) is a species frequently used as an ornamental plant in many Brazilian regions. Until now, 22 species of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) have been reported infesting F. pumila around the world. In this work, two new reports of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) associated with F. pumila in the Brazilian Midwest are presented: Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green, 1896), infesting leaves, and Hemiberlesia lataniae (Signoret, 1869), infesting fruits, both in the same plant located in the Federal District, Brazil. Studies with scale insects in Central Brazil must be stimulated to catalogue and expand the knowledge about new interactions, occurrence, and possible new species of Cerrado biome.

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Unveiling a New Association: First Record of Psocoptera in Social Wasp Nests - (2025)

Bruno C. Barbosa, Tatiane T. Maciel, Daniel M. Lima

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Social wasp nests provide stable microhabitats that can support diverse arthropod communities. This study reports the first record of psocopterans associated with social wasp colonies, highlighting a potential commensal relationship. We analyzed 88 colonies and nests between 2016 and 2018 in secondary urban forest fragments in Brazil. A total of 219 psocopterans were recorded in 15 nests, with Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, 1931 being the most abundant species. The presence of nymphs and adults in both active and abandoned nests suggests that these insects exploit the nests regardless of colony activity. These findings emphasize the role of social wasp nests as important microhabitats and provide new insights into the ecological interactions within these structures, contributing to a broader understanding of arthropod biodiversity.

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Confirmation of Elaphria agrotina (Guenée, 1852) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding on sugarcane - (2024)

Vinícius F. Nascimento, Letícia B. de Lacerda, Pedro G. Peixoto, Dagmara G. Ramalho, Joice M. de Souza, Sarah C. da Silva, Gilson F. de Matos, Sergio A. De Bortoli

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This study reports the observation of Elaphria agrotina (Guenée, 1852) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) attacking sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). These specimens were collected in a sugarcane field under renovation while feeding on bait traps made from sugarcane stalks. Larvae were also detected within soil layers up to 6 cm deep, near to crop residues and rhizomes. Notably, they were found on sugarcane plants displaying 'dead heart' symptoms. The presence of this species in bait of sugarcane stalks raises concerns about potential secondary damage to the crop, which is already susceptible to other pests, and the possibility of it causing infestations in healthy plants.

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Development and validation of mathematical model for population estimation of the two-spotted spider mite in soybeans - (2024)

Ezequiel G. Souza, Antonio J. Steidle-Neto, Daniela C. Lopes, Priscilla T. N. Maia, Marcos A. M. Fadini

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae) causes bronzing and leaf drop in soybeans, reducing grain production and quality. Using colorimetric measurements in soybean-producing areas can be an alternative for monitoring the mite, aiding in the estimation of field populations. The objective of this study was to estimate the quantity of the two-spotted spider mite in soybeans through colorimetric measurements using the CIE-L*a*b* color space. Soybean plants at the V3 stage were used with 4 treatments (Control=0; T1=30; T2=60; and T3=100 adult female T. urticae per plant), 4 repetitions, and 170 measurements. Regression and variance analyses were performed using Origin Pro 2015 software. Prediction equations were calibrated. Our results show that there was a significant difference for the L*, a*, and ΔE* variables. Regression analyses presented determination coefficient values of 0.87, 0.93, and 0.55 for L*, a*, and b*, respectively. The use of the (a*) variable in the CIE-L*a*b* color space proved effective in distinguishing between infestation levels. The model created to estimate the quantity of mites on soybean leaves has the potential to be applied in soybean production areas with infestations of the two-spotted spider mite.

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Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on the Performance of Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard, 1960 (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus longipes Evans, 1968 (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tomato Plants - (2024)

Pauliana A. Silva, Carla C. M. Arce, Angelo Pallini, Livia M. S. Ataide

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Inducible anti-herbivore defenses in plants are predominantly regulated by jasmonic acid (JA). The red spider mite Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard, 1960 (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an invasive pest known for its detrimental impact on tomato plants and other Solanaceae crops. Here, we investigated the extent to which T. evansi and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes Evans, 1968 (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are affected by induced JA-defenses. Initially, we artificially induced the JA-response in tomato plants using exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and subsequently assessed the effect of JA defenses on spider mite by evaluating mortality and oviposition rates. Our findings revealed a higher mortality and lower oviposition rates on plants treated with MeJA compared to non-treated control plants. Furthermore, we examined the predatory mite's predation rates on spider mite eggs produced on MeJA-treated and non-treated tomato plants. The results showed a reduced predation on T. evansi eggs derived from MeJA-treated plants, indicating a potential negative impact of JA-induced defenses on the predator's performance. Finally, we released five predatory females on T. evansi-infested tomato plants treated and non-treated with MeJA, monitoring the predator population density for three generations. Predator population was not affected, as the abundance of larvae and adults was not significantly different between treatments. These findings underscore the negative impact of JA defenses on herbivores and highlight the trade-off it may pose on natural enemies.

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First record of Caliothrips phaseoli Hood, 1912 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) causing damage to forage grasses - (2024)

Fabricia Z. V. Torres, Lucas C. Torres, Élison F. B. Lima

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This paper reports the first record of Caliothrips phaseoli Hood, 1912 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) causing damage to forage grasses of the species Panicum maximum in the pasture formation phase. Due to the damage observed, it is assumed that the occurrence of these insects at the beginning of the grass implementation phase can, in large infestations, reduce the photosynthetic area of ​​the plants, delaying their growth and consequently the formation of the pasture.

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First record of Hololepta (Leionota) reichii (Marseul, 1853) (Coleoptera: Histeridae) in meliponaries of the state of Ceará (Brazil) and notes on the methods used to control this pest - (2024)

Hiara M. Meneses, Epifânia E. de M. Rocha, Paloma Eleutério, Adriana A. Mota, Luiz W. Lima-Verde, Ana C. Dierings, Breno M. Freitas

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Meliponaries are an alternative for the preservation of stingless bee species, in addition to producing raw material for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The presence of invaders that can cause damage to the integrity of productive areas is something that is frequently reported. The same happens in meliponaries, where bees can have many natural enemies, whether vertebrates or invertebrates. Updating new records and management methods are crucial to avoid major losses in production. The aim of this work is to report the first occurrence of the clown beetles, Hololepta (Leionota) reichii (Marseul, 1853) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Histeridae) in meliponaries of the state of Ceará, Brazil, and provide notes on the methods used to control it. A total of 109 individuals (40 females; 69 males) were collected between February and July 2022, placed in alcohol 70%, and subsequently identified. Measures such as the removal of decaying organic materials from nearby the colonies, added to frequent inspection, internal and external cleaning of the hive boxes after infestations, in addition to the elimination of beetles found in the hives, had a positive effect in reducing the records of attacks.

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First record of papaya as host of carambola fruit fly in Brazil - (2024)

José V. T. A. Costa, Maria do S. M. de Sousa, Miguel F. de Souza-Filho, Lailson do N. Lemos, Elizane V. Pantoja, Dori E. Nava, Ricardo Adaime

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. In this work we report for the first time in Brazil the occurrence of carambola fruit fly Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock, 1994 (Diptera: Tephritidae) in fruits of Carica papaya L., from samples collected in the municipalities of Almeirim, state of Pará, and Mazagão, state of Amapá. These findings are discussed in the context of Brazilian fruit growing.

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First record of parasitoidism in Danaus erippus (Cramer, 1775) pupae (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): A possible mediation by an exotic plant species - (2024)

Wenrique Verza, Marcelo T. Tavares, Alan Eriksson

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Monarch butterflies have a close relationship with plants of the Apocynaceae family, especially with the genus Asclepias Linnaeus, 1753, using their toxic cardenolides as a defense against predators. Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, 1811, native from Africa and Asia and introduced in Brazil as an ornamental plant, is a food alternative for monarchs but contains fewer cardenolides than Asclepias, which may make the butterflies more vulnerable to parasitoids. The interaction between wasps of the genus Brachymeria Westwood, 1829 and butterflies of the genus Danaus Kluk, 1802 is seldom reported. This study reports the first case of parasitism by Brachymeria pandora (Crawford, 1914) in pupae of Danaus erippus (Cramer, 1775) in Brazil, collected in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Five butterfly pupae were collected on C. procera; three were parasitized, with 34 emergences of parasitoids. We suggest that the relationship between D. erippus and B. pandora may be facilitated by the lower toxicity of C. procera compared to Asclepias, possibly increasing susceptibility to parasitoidism. The high rate of parasitoidism observed suggests that this possible new interaction could be detrimental to the conservation of D. erippus. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this parasitoid-host interaction also occurs with native Asclepias plants and to investigate the impacts of exotic plants on these types of interactions and on butterfly conservation.

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First records of the exotic ant Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander, 1846) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Balearic Islands - (2024)

Javier Arcos, Francisco Alarcón

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The ant Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander, 1846) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a successful tramp species that is found in several tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world, including hundreds of islands in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans, as well as in many Mediterranean countries. Interestingly, reports of T. bicarinatum in Mediterranean islands are yet scarce. Here we present the first two records of T. bicarinatum in the Balearic Islands.

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First report and injury of Delia sanctijacobi (Bigot, 1885) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) on tomato crop in Brazil - (2024)

Rodolfo V. Castilhos, Juracy C. Lins Junior, Janaína P. Santos, Lucas R. P. Gomes

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The root maggot fly, Delia sanctijacobi (Bigot, 1885) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), is an emerging pest of many vegetables. In this note, we report for the first time the occurrence of D. sanctijacobi damaging the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) culture in Brazil. The occurrence was recorded in a tomato field located in the municipality of Coronel Freitas, Santa Catarina. The damage was characterized by roots consumption, opening of galleries in the stem and plant stand reduction. The first detection of D. sanctijacobi on tomato in Brazil brings an alert to growers and the need of future research about population dynamics and development of management strategies for this species.

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First report of Acutaspis oliveirai (Lepage & Giannotti, 1942) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Central Brazil: occurrence on Myrsine guianensis (Aubl.) Kuntze (Primulaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado - (2024)

Marcelo T. Castro, Sandro C. L. Montalvão, Vera R. S. Wolff

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo.  Recent research shows that the Cerrado has a great diversity of scale insects (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in association with native plants. This work aimed to report the occurrence of Acutaspis oliveirai (Lepage & Giannotti, 1942) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) found for the first time in Central Brazil and in plants of Myrsine guianensis (Primulaceae), a common species in the Brazilian Cerrado, that has potential for use in landscaping and the recovery of degraded areas. This is the first report of the occurrence of A. oliveirai in a native plant of the Cerrado biome and in the Central Brazil. Acutaspis oliveirai individuals were found on the leaf surface of M. guianensis leaves in two locations in the Federal District, Brazil, causing irregular yellowing and chlorotic spots throughout the leaf blade.

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First report of Dryinus garcetei Olmi, 2012 (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae) in the Northeast region of Brazil - (2024)

André L. Marambaia, Ramon L. Ramos, Matheus E. Trindade-Santos, André L. Martins, Favízia F. de Oliveira, Rafaela L. da S. Santos

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The present study reports the first record of Dryinus garcetei Olmi, 2012 (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae) for Northeast Brazil. This research is very relevant given the scarcity of data regarding the Dryinidae family and the Dryinus Latreille, 1804 genus for this region. Furthermore, illustrations and an updated geographic distribution map of D. garcetei are presented.

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First report of Polyxenidae (Diplopoda: Polyxenida) as a host for Charletonia rocciai Treat & Flechtmann, 1979 (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) in Brazil - (2024)

Luiz F. M. Iniesta, Eli C. Oliveira, Caroline T. Paranhos, Ricardo Bassini-Silva, Rodrigo S. Bouzan, Fernando C. Jacinavicius

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Reports of mites parasitizing arthropods are common worldwide. However, there hasn't been a single record of mite parasitism by any Erythraeidae species on the millipede Polyxenidae in Brazil. To address this gap, we present a record of the species Charletonia rocciai Treat & Flechtmann, 1979 (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae), parasitizing a specimen of this millipede family in the country.

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Ground-dwelling ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in a mining area of Quipama, Boyacá, Colombia, with new species records - (2024)

Angelo J. Ávila-Jiménez, Ricardo Martínez-Gamba

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Mining is a process with great environmental impact that implies important consequences for biodiversity, including its loss. Here, we present a list of 13 species of ants that were collected in a high-impact mining exploitation area of Quipama, Boyacá, Colombia. Notably, the records of Pheidole subarmata Mayr, 1884 and Camponotus ager (Smith, 1858) are new for the department. Although the presence of these species indicates serious disturbance by human activity in the area, there is still a considerable diversity of ants. This study highlights the need for actions to ensure the management and rehabilitation of areas affected by mining.

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Lead bioaccumulation in herbivorous insects and parasitoids reared on plants grown in lead-contaminated soil under field conditions - (2024)

Tiago Morales-Silva, Bruna Corrêa-Silva, Lucas D. B. Faria

Volume: 6 - Issue: 0

Resumo. We investigated the lead (Pb) bioaccumulation in herbivorous insects and parasitoids on kale plants (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) cultivated in soils experimentally contaminated. We cultivated kale in soil with lead nitrate concentrations of 0 (control), 144, 360, and 600 mg/Kg of soil, representing permissible levels for Brazilian soils. The plants were kept in an open greenhouse to allow the natural colonization by insects under field conditions. We collected insects through direct removal or trap bags. Dried samples of leaves, herbivorous sap-sucking and chewing insects, and their respective parasitoids were analyzed utilizing ICP-OES to determine Pb concentrations. Pb was transferred in this system, with insects showing higher Pb content than leaves, and the highest values being found in parasitoids, which exhibited the highest levels ever recorded, even though our foliar Pb levels were lower than those in laboratory assays conducted up to then. These results indicate Pb biomagnification. We discuss Pb bioaccumulation effects on herbivores and parasitoids, comparing them with laboratory studies. We provide unprecedented insights into heavy metal bioaccumulation in field herbivorous insects and parasitoids.

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