Entomological Communications

(351 Artigos indexados)

A protocol for the visualization and quantification of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott, 1923) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) endophytic eggs in maize leaf tissues - (2026)

Gabriel S. Dias, Aline S. Guidolin

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This study aimed to develop a simple and efficient method for quantifying eggs of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott, 1923) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), the corn leafhopper. This insect exhibits endophytic oviposition, inserting eggs into maize leaf tissues, which hinders direct visualization and complicates fertility assessments and life-table studies. Traditional egg detection techniques often rely on labor-intensive clarification procedures, specialized reagents, or extended staining periods, limiting their practicality for large-scale experiments. Here, we present a rapid, low-cost protocol for the clarification and staining of maize tissues containing D. maidis eggs. The method enabled clear detection of endophytic eggs while preserving tissue integrity and allowed samples to be stored in the staining solution for up to three weeks prior to analysis. This protocol provides a practical and scalable approach for egg quantification in D. maidis and can be readily adapted to different plant developmental stages, tissue characteristics, or insect species exhibiting endophytic oviposition. Overall, this method facilitates efficient reproductive and ecological studies by simplifying egg visualization and enabling high-throughput sample processing.

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Adaptation of Mischocyttarus sp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) to anthropized environments: Nesting on ornamental plants - (2026)

Antônio M. O. Toledo

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Social wasps are essential components of ecosystems, acting as pollinators, predators of herbivorous insects, and bioindicators of environmental quality. Their nesting behavior is influenced by substrate availability, structural characteristics, thermal conditions, and predator avoidance. In urban areas, ornamental plants are widespread and may provide suitable microhabitats for wasp colonies, especially when combined with artificial supports such as pots. However, little is known about how these ornamental plant-pot systems influence nest site selection by social wasps. This study investigates the occurrence and nesting behavior of Mischocyttarus sp. in ornamental plants in a residential urban environment in southeastern Brazil. We evaluated plant architecture, substrate stability, and nest positioning to explore factors that may influence nesting decisions. Special attention was given to structural and microclimatic features, such as thermal regulation and camouflage potential, which could enhance colony establishment and survival in anthropized landscapes. By focusing on the interactions between wasps and common ornamental plants, this study offers insights into the behavioral plasticity of Mischocyttarus sp. and highlights the often-overlooked ecological role of urban vegetation. The findings contribute to a better understanding of insect adaptation to urban environments and raise important considerations for urban biodiversity conservation through landscaping choices.

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Bephratelloides princepstenebris sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), a new species from Amazon Rainforest - (2026)

Nelson W. Perioto, Rogéria I. R. Lara

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. In this study, we describe and illustrate Bephratelloides princepstenebrarum Perioto & Lara sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) based on a specimen collected in an area of Amazon rainforest near Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. In addition, a key to the species of Bephratelloides is included.

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Comparison of sampling methods for estimating thrips populations in onion crops - (2026)

Lara B. Ribeiro, Samuel R. França, Daniel C. Nogueira, Monique F. Malaquias, Mariana M. F. Oliveira, Carlos G. da Cruz, Flávio L. Fernandes

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Accurate sampling is crucial for managing onion thrips. We evaluated three field techniques: tapping method, bagging method, and blue sticky trap, against direct counting as the reference standard in 30 fields. Assessment integrated relative variance (RV), economic precision (EP), cost, time, and correlation with absolute density. The blue sticky trap was the only method with adequate precision (RV=5.27%) and highest EP (135.50). Although the bagging method was cheapest per sample, the blue sticky trap offered the best field cost-benefit ($3.64/ha) and strongest correlation (R²=0.79), establishing it as the most reliable tool for IPM monitoring.

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Description of the exoskeleton microstructure of Phanaeus vindex MacLeay, 1819 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) - (2026)

Jackson Wheat, Matyas Buzgo

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Phanaeini is a New World tribe of scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) whose members are noteworthy for their iridescence—the phenomenon that a color changes as the angle at which it is viewed changes. Iridescence has evolved independently in various clades of animals, including multiple clades of arthropods. Recently, a team of researchers have described the microstructure of the elytra (the hardened forewing) of the iridescent beetle Chrysina gloriosa (LeConte, 1854) (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae). The North American Phanaeus vindex MacLeay, 1819 also displays iridescence; however, the microstructure of P. vindex’s elytra has not yet been elucidated. The null hypothesis is therefore that the elytra of P. vindex is the same microstructurally as that of C. gloriosa. Following analysis, we have accepted the null hypothesis: P. vindex displays elytral hexagonal cells called "conic focal domains" that, when viewed from above, are microstructurally similar to those of C. gloriosa. The subfamily that is sister to Rutelinae, Dynastinae, is non-iridescent and also lacks domains in its elytra, giving further evidence to the hypothesis that the domains are responsible for iridescence.

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Distribution and structural infestations by the old and new house borers (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in California and the USA - (2026)

Siavash Taravati

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Despite being a well-known species in the Eastern United States and Europe, the old house borer [Hylotrupes bajulus (L., 1758) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)] has not been reported from the West Coast yet. The idea of its presence on the West Coast may be a myth, likely influenced by some American pest control textbooks that cover this species. On the other hand, the new house borer [Arhopalus productus (LeConte, 1850) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)] has been reported infesting lumber and dying trees on and west of the Rocky Mountain range for many years. This species maybe underreported and understudied by entomologists and pest control experts. In this article, I will review the biology and distribution of the two species, their morphological differences, and provide new scientific information on a new case study describing the behavior and structural damage caused by A. productus in Southern California.

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First published record of Atta opaciceps Borgmeier, 1939 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) attacking neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss.) in Brazil, with observations on foraging behavior - (2026)

Daniel M. Pacheco, Rodolfo M. de Souza, Andressa Ribeiro, Antônio C. Ferraz-Filho, Luciana B. Silva

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This study reports the first published record of Atta opaciceps Borgmeier, 1939 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) attacking neem trees (Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Meliaceae) in Brazil. Observations were conducted over eight consecutive days in an urban afforestation transect located at the Universidade Federal do Piauí, Bom Jesus campus. Intense foraging activity by an active colony resulted in progressive defoliation of Az. indica individuals. Soldier and worker ants were collected from different nest openings and identified based on external morphological characters through comparison with voucher specimens deposited in an institutional entomological collection and previously identified by a specialist; voucher specimens from the present study were subsequently deposited in a biological collection. Foraging activity was exclusively restricted to neem trees during the observation period and was characterized by the detachment of leaflets through petiolule cutting, followed by their fall to the ground and subsequent retrieval, with a low incidence of the typical semicircular cuts commonly observed on fresh leaf tissues. This harvesting strategy, previously reported for other Atta Fabricius, 1804 species foraging on neem, may represent a flexible behavioral response to the chemical defenses of this host, potentially reducing exposure to volatile bioactive compounds present in fresh tissues. These observations contribute to the knowledge of the interaction between At. opaciceps and neem and highlight the need for further studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this foraging behavior.

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First record of bird and spider species preying on dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the Amazon Forest - (2026)

Renato P. Salomão, Cleiton Valentim, Andre F. A. Lira

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Predator-prey relationships are critical for establishing trophic networks, but our understanding of these interactions is hindered by a lack of records in tropical rainforest ecosystems. Although literature indicates that dung beetles may be preyed by a wide range of animal species, surprisingly, there are no such antagonistic records between dung beetles and other species in the Amazon forest. The objective of this study is to present two records of such interactions in the Amazon, involving a bird and a spider species preying on dung beetles. The bird Galbula albirostris Latham, 1790 (Aves: Galbulidae) was observed feeding on a Deltochilini dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in a terra firme forest, while a Canthidum sp. was captured in a Trichonephila sp. (Araneae: Nephilidae) spider web on an artificial island also located in a terra firme forest. While birds are the most commonly recorded predators of dung beetles in the literature, there are few records of such predation events with spider species. The scarcity of data regarding predatory behavior on dung beetles in the Amazon forest underscores the need to assess these interactions to establish their importance in maintaining food webs.

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First record of Hister cavifrons Marseul, 1854 (Coleoptera: Histeridae) for Santa Catarina's Island, Brazil - (2026)

Maria E. S. Varela, Sol G. Hesseln, Fernando W. T. Leivas, Carlos J. C. Pinto

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Hister cavifrons Marseul, 1854 (Coleoptera: Histeridae) is a common species in Brazilian territory mostly associated with animal carcasses that has previously been recorded in the Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado biomes across several Brazilian states, ranging from the North to the South of the country. The highest number of records is from the state of Paraná, while Santa Catarina has only two records from inland municipalities. This note presents the first record of H. cavifrons on the coast of Santa Catarina specifically in the municipality of Florianópolis and the third for the state. The species was sampled in Biguá [Nannopterum brasilianum (Gmelin, 1789) (Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae)] carcass, an aquatic bird commonly found along the Santa Catarina coast, marking the first record of this species associated with this animal, during the month of April (autumn season).

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First record of Leptoconops brasiliensis (Lutz, 1913) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for the Northeast region of Brazil - (2026)

Jhonata A. Santiago, Luis P. de Carvalho, Felipe A. C. Pessoa, Emanuelle de S. Farias

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo.  The genus Leptoconops Skuse, 1889 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), is a small haemotophagic biting midge that comprises 173 described species with a broad global distribution. Despite its evolutionary, biological, and vector importance, the genus remains poorly studied, particularly in the Neotropical region, where only 13 species are known across five subgenera: Leptoconops (Brachyconops) Wirth & Atchley, 1973, Leptoconops (Holoconops) Keiffer, 1918, Leptoconops (Leptoconops) Skuse, 1889, Leptoconops (Megaconops) Wirth, 1973 and Leptoconops (Proleptoconops) Clastrier, 1974. In Brazil, Leptoconops (Holoconops) knowltoni Clastrier & Wirth, 1978, and Leptoconops (Megaconops) floridensis Wirth, 1951 are known from Santa Catarina, while Leptoconops (Leptoconops) brasiliensis (Lutz, 1913) has been reported from Pará (type locality), Acre, Amazonas, and Goiás. Here, we update the expanding geographic distribution of the genus in Brazil, reporting the first occurrence of L. (L.) brasiliensis in the state of Maranhão, expanding its known range and underscoring the need for further taxonomic and faunistic research.

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First record of Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa, 1847) (Hemiptera: Oxycarenidae) on Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvales: Malvaceae) in Brazil and characterization of plant injuries - (2026)

Kelly I. S. Silva, Lucas J. B. Soares, Gleice A. de S. Gonçalves, Antonio H. de Souza, Juliana M. Oliveira, Ítalo Marcossi, Marinalva W. Pedrosa

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), also known as red sorrel, is an unconventional food plant (UFP) recognized for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. Its primary commercial product is the calyx, which is susceptible to attack by the cotton seed bug [CSB; Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa, 1847) (Hemiptera: Oxycarenidae)], a pest associated with Malvaceae crops such as cotton. However, until now, there have been no records of this pest causing damage to roselle plants in Brazil. This study aims to report the occurrence of O. hyalinipennis on roselle and to describe the injuries inflicted by this pest. Observations were conducted in June 2024 at the Campo Experimental Santa Rita of EPAMIG Centro-Oeste, in Prudente de Morais, Minas Gerais, on an organically cultivated crop. The damage initially appeared as translucent spots on the surface of developing calyces, progressing to darkened cracks, deformations, necrosis, fruit abortion, and weight loss, which rendered the calyces unmarketable. CSB individuals were observed at various developmental stages, primarily inside the calyces near the seeds. Initially, the symptoms were misdiagnosed as a fungal disease; however, the correct association with the insect was only established during post-harvest inspection. This constitutes the first record of O. hyalinipennis causing damage to roselle in Brazil, underscoring the importance of monitoring this crop to prevent losses and ensure the quality of the final product.

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First record of Thaumasia Perty, 1833 nursery web spider (Araneae: Pisauridae) preying upon Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the Neotropical region - (2026)

Silvio F. B. Lima, Marcio B. DaSilva, Paulo G. L. Coelho Júnior

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Thaumasia Perty, 1833 are opportunistic spiders that inhabit the Neotropical region. This study reports a spider of the genus Thaumasia preying upon Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) in semiarid region of Brazil. A spider of the genus Thaumasia was observed moving rapidly from the fountain's water surface to capture an individual of P. canadensis. After successfully capturing the wasp, Thaumasia sp. was observed partially perched on the wall of the fountain, with the prey still on the water surface and trapped by its chelicerae. The pedipalps and chelicerae of Thaumasia sp. manipulated the head of P. canadensis, which stopped moving shortly after being captured, probably because of the action of the spider's venom. The study records a wasp in the diet of Thaumasia based on the capture of a prey not reported in the literature and allows a better understand the ecological role of arachnids in ecosystems.

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First record of the spider Isigonia limbata Simon, 1897 (Araneae, Anyphaenidae) for Northeast Brazil, with notes on natural history - (2026)

Fláildo S. Araújo, Ruth S. Mendes, Sthefany M. Santos, Luís C. Pereira, Jober F. Sobczak

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This study presents the first record of the spider Isigonia limbata Simon, 1897 (Araneae, Anyphaenidae) in the state of Ceará, extending the species distribution to the Northeast region of Brazil. The research was conducted in a semideciduous montane forest at Sítio São Luíz, in the municipality of Pacoti, located within the Serra de Baturité Environmental Protection Area (APA). The region is characterized by a high-altitude environment that supports the maintenance of isolated humid forests, forming vegetation enclaves surrounded by the semi-arid Caatinga and serving as important biodiversity refugia. During field expeditions conducted in August 2024 and February 2025, male and female specimens of the species were collected, and behavioral observations provided information on its natural history. The I. limbata female constructs three-dimensional silk retreats on the inferior surface of perforated leaves, using the opening as an ambush point to capture prey on the superior surface. During the reproductive period, the spider seeks out intact leaves and constructs a completely sealed retreat in which the female remains with the eggs until they hatch. The construction of these reinforced, isolated shelters suggests a protective strategy against predators, parasitoids, and microclimatic variations, evidencing parental care behavior. The presence of I. limbata in the Northeast, previously recorded only in dense forest areas such as the Amazon, may reflect climatic events that occurred during the Pleistocene, while also reinforcing the importance of these areas for understanding the distribution of the genus Isigonia Simon, 1897 and revealing new occurrences.

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First record of Trichopoda ypiranga (Dios & Nihei, 2017) (Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitizing Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) - (2026)

Suellen K. A. Barros, Camila S. de Oliveira, Rodrigo de V. P. Dios, Ana P. M. da Silva, Rafael M. Pitta

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Trichopoda ypiranga (Dios & Nihei, 2017) (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a parasitoid of adult stink bugs and represents a promising natural enemy for integrated pest management programs. The natural occurrence of T. ypiranga parasitizing adults of Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was investigated in croplands in the mid-north region of Mato Grosso, Brazil, from October 2021 to February 2025. Forty-three samples were collected from soybean, cowpea, millet, sesame, and weeds. In total, 7,754 stink bugs were collected, of which 703 were parasitized, resulting in an overall parasitism rate of 9.06%. The parasitism rate ranged from 1.04% to 30.83%, with the highest rates observed between March and May, particularly in millet (30.8%) and sesame (17.0%) crops. The most abundant parasitoid species was T. ypiranga, accounting for approximately 84% of emergences, with consistent records throughout the sampling period. Other species, such as Cylindromyia brasiliana (Guimarães, 1983), Gymnoclytia sp., and Phasia sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), were less frequently observed. Despite the widespread presence of T. ypiranga, the parasitism rate was considered moderate, potentially influenced by intensive insecticide use in the region. These findings highlight the ecological relevance of T. ypiranga and reinforce its potential role in biological control strategies within integrated pest management programs.

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First report of Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting pitaya (Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt) in Brazil - (2026)

Luiza C. F. Zazycki, Daniel L. da Silva, José V. da Silva, Flávio R. M. Garcia, Adriana C. C. da Silva

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Fruit flies are insects with a high destructive potential and require a management and control plan in various fruit crops. Among them, pitaya cultivation (Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt – Cactaceae), which has been increasing in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul e in the all Brazil. Pitaya containing Diptera larvae were collected in the municipality of Costa Rica, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil and taken to the laboratory to adult insect obtention. The adults emerged was identified as Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae). This work is the first report of A. obliqua associated with pitaya fruits in Brazil.

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First report of Andrallus spinidens (Fabricius, 1787) (Hemiptera: Asopinae) in rice crops in Brazil - (2026)

Matheus H. F. Lima, Jocélia Grazia, Lurdiana D. Barros, Ricardo Brugnera, Pedro L. E. R. Cardoso, Roberto S. Graça-Júnior, Ellen C. C. de Araujo, Alaide P. Lima, João V. S. Camara, John J. S. Ausique, Joseane R. de Souza

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Este estudo relata pela primeira vez a ocorrência de Andrallus spinidens (Fabricius, 1787) (Hemiptera: Asopinae) no Brasil (Itapecuru-Mirim, Maranhão). O percevejo foi encontrado predando larvas de Mocis latipes (Guenée, 1852) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em arrozais. Esta espécie é polífaga e comumente encontrada em diversas espécies de gramíneas. M. latipes possui ampla distribuição no continente americano e, em safras recentes, tem demonstrado potencial para causar danos significativos à produção de arroz no estado do Maranhão. Adultos de A. spinidens foram registrados durante a safra 2021-2022, representando o primeiro registro recente desta espécie no Brasil. Adicionalmente, destacamos um espécime da espécie coletado em 1981 em Roraima, também encontrado em arrozais. Este registro contribui para o enriquecimento das informações sobre a distribuição mundial deste asopídeo e sua relevância como agente de controle biológico de pragas do arroz no Brasil.

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First report of Crematogaster acuta (Fabricius, 1804) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in association with palm-aphid on solitary açaí palm seedlings (Euterpe precatoria Martius) in Acre, Brazil - (2026)

Ketlen Bona, Rodrigo S. Santos, Luane K. Fontenele, Kauã M. de Souza, Rodrigo M. Feitosa, Fernando A. Schmidt

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Ant-hemipteran mutualisms are widespread in tropical ecosystems yet remain undocumented in many Amazonian plant species. Here, we report the first record of a trophobiotic association between the acrobat ant Crematogaster acuta (Fabricius, 1804) and the palm-aphid Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel, 1901) on seedlings of Euterpe precatoria Martius, 1842 (Arecaceae) in the state of Acre, Brazil. Ants were observed tending aphid colonies, collecting honeydew, and exhibiting protective behaviors against potential predators. This novel record adds to the growing knowledge of ant-aphid interactions in Amazonian palms and suggests potential ecological implications for aphid persistence and solitary açaí palm seedling health.

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First report of Delia sanctijacobi (Bigot, 1885) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in soybean in Brazil - (2026)

Glauber R. Stürmer, Delmar B. dos Santos, Nayane S. França, Henrique Pozebon, Jonas A. Arnemann

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The root maggot fly, Delia sanctijacobi (Bigot, 1885) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is an important pest of several commercial crops. In this note we report for the first time the occurrence of D. sanctijacobi damaging soybean (Glycine max (L.)) crops in Brazil. The specimens were collected from commercial soybean fields in Saldanha Marinho and Cruz Alta, both in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The attacked soybean plants showed damaged roots, bored stem and reduced plant stand. The species was confirmed by morphological traits and DNA sequencing. The first detection of D. sanctijacobi on soybean in Brazil raises an alert to growers and highlights the need for development of efficient and sustainable management strategies for this emergent pest.

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First report of Watshamia Bouček, 1974 (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pirenidae) from the New World, with description of a new species - (2026)

Paul E. Hanson, Sergio Jansen-González

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Only six out of a total of 25 genera of Pirenidae have been recorded from the New World. Here we report the presence of a seventh genus, Watshamia (subfamily Pireninae), and describe Watshamia sasa Hanson & Jansen-González, sp. nov. from Costa Rica This finding suggests that additional genera of Pirenidae may eventually be found in the Neotropics and that in attempting to identify genera of poorly studied taxa, Old World genera should not be discounted. A brief discussion is provided of characters used to separate Pireninae from Tridyminae, as well as an updated summary of the biology of Pirenidae.

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From my Backyard to the World: Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on a Medicinal Plant in Brazil - (2026)

Nyeppson S. Soares, Roberto A. Zucchi, Thiago H. R. Pádua, Ana L. B. G. Peronti, Marcoandre Savaris

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is widely distributed globally and is a significant polyphagous pest affecting a variety of plants of agricultural, medicinal, and ornamental value, including certain weeds. In this study, we present, for the first time, the occurrence and damage caused by P. solenopsis on false lemon balm, Lippia alba (Mill.). N.E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson (Verbenaceae) in Brazil. Specimens of the solenopsis mealybug were collected and examined on L. alba in a residential area of Floriano city, Piauí state, Brazil, from July to November 2025. The damage caused by the mealybug primarily manifests on the branches of false lemon balm, resulting in yellowing and desiccation, with a comparatively lesser impact on the host’s leaves. Throughout our observations, the solenopsis mealybug population on the host declined by November 2025. This represents the first documented instance of P. solenopsis in Piauí, thereby increasing the total number of Brazilian states reporting occurrences of this pest to 11. Additionally, we noted the mutualistic relationship between P. solenopsis and Dorymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). This study also updates information regarding the distribution and host plants of P. solenopsis in Brazil.

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Geographic expansion of Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead, 1906) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae): occurrence in the Federal District, Brazil, on Cinnamomum verum J.Presl (Lauraceae) - (2026)

Marcelo T. de Castro, Vera R. dos S. Wolff, Michely F. S. de Aquino, Sandro C. L. Montalvão

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead, 1906) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a polyphagous scale insect with a wide geographic distribution, having been reported in more than 81 countries. In Brazil, this species has been recorded in the Northeast (Bahia, Maranhão, and Pernambuco), Central-West (Goiás), Southeast (Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo), and South (Rio Grande do Sul) regions associated with mango trees (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae). This study aims to report, for the first time, the occurrence of A. tubercularis in the Federal District, Brazil, associated with seedlings of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (Lauraceae). Aspects related to the morphology, biology, importance, and geographical distribution of this scale insect are discussed in this article.

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Hidden in plain sight: New distribution and host plant records for the lace bug species Gargaphia lunulata (Mayr, 1865) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Brazil - (2026)

Nyeppson S. Soares, Jun Souma, Leonardo S. Duarte, Roberto A. Zucchi, Marcoandre Savaris

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The lace bug species Gargaphia lunulata (Mayr, 1865) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) is a polyphagous pest associated with several plant families, including hosts of agricultural, medicinal, and weedy importance. In this study, we report for the first time the occurrence and damage caused by G. lunulata on chanana, Turnera subulata Sm. (Passifloraceae), in four Brazilian states. This lace bug was collected and inspected on T. subulata in urban areas of the municipalities of Barão de Grajaú (Maranhão), Floriano and São José do Peixe (Piauí), Janaúba (Minas Gerais), and Piracicaba (São Paulo), Brazil, from December 2025 to January 2026. Subsequently, in last April, G. lunulata was also collected from Barbados cherry, Malpighia emarginata DC. (Malpighiaceae) (new host), in a backyard in the municipality of Americana (São Paulo). On both host plants, this lace bug causes damage mainly to the leaves, which became yellowed, curled, and dried. During inspections, eggs, nymphs, and adults of the pest were found on both host plants, indicating that the life cycle was completed on these host plants. The occurrence of G. lunulata was updated to 12 Brazilian states with the inclusion of our records.

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Impact of a Bt-based bioinsecticide on the predatory capacity of Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider, 1851) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) - (2026)

Sarah C. da Silva, Danrley da R. Pacheco, Isabela C. de O. Pimenta, Dagmara G. Ramalho, Sergio A. De Bortoli

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) are predatory insects during their larval stages, feeding on a variety of insect pests including psyllids, miner bugs, whiteflies, mealybugs, and the eggs and larvae of lepidopterans. These predators are integral to various agricultural systems. Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly known as the fall armyworm, is a significant corn pest in Brazil and damages other crops like soybeans, cotton, and tomatoes. To control this pest, strategies such as Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915 (Bt)-based bioinsecticides and Bt transgenic plants are used. However, the rapid development of resistance hinders control, making the integration of different management tactics essential. This study examines the impact of the Bt-based bioinsecticide on the predatory behavior of the first, second, and third larval instars of Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider, 1851) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) through functional response analyses, using neonate S. frugiperda larvae as prey. Distinct functional responses were observed among larval instars. First-instar larvae exhibited a Type III response in both control and Bt-based bioinsecticide (Crystal®) treatments. In contrast, second- and third-instar larvae showed a Type I response in the control and a Type III response under bioinsecticide exposure. The highest attack rates occurred in first- and third-instar larvae in the control treatment, while handling time did not differ among instars or treatments. In conclusion, although the Bt-based bioinsecticide altered the functional response pattern of second- and third-instar larvae, it did not compromise the overall predatory capacity of C. cincta, supporting its compatibility with integrated pest management programs against S. frugiperda.

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Influence of acclimation time on laboratory-recorded social behaviors of the termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) - (2026)

Sara Y. M. Watanabe, Derick Lira, Lázaro Q. Lira Filho, Paulo F. Cristaldo

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Behavioral assays are widely used to investigate social interactions in termites; however, methodological factors such as acclimation time prior to observation remain poorly standardized. Handling and confinement may induce transient stress responses that bias behavioral measurements, yet empirical assessments of this effect are scarce. Here, we evaluated the influence of short-term acclimation time on the expression of social behaviors in the termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) under laboratory conditions. Groups of termites were observed after different acclimation periods (5, 30 and 60 min.), and the frequencies of antennation, vibration, grooming, and trophallaxis were video recorded for posterior quantification. Acclimation time significantly affected vibration behavior, which was more frequent immediately after handling and declined following longer acclimation periods. In contrast, antennation, grooming, and trophallaxis were not significantly influenced by acclimation time. These results indicate that vibration is particularly sensitive to handling-induced stress, whereas other social behaviors are comparatively robust to short-term experimental disturbance. Our findings highlight the importance of reporting and standardizing acclimation time in termite behavioral assays and provide practical guidance for improving methodological consistency and comparability across studies.

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New record of Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder & Sands, 1985 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from southeastern Brazil with comments on its dispersal among freshwater ponds - (2026)

Glauco C. de S. Oliveira, Adaiane C. M. Jacobina, Letícia Vieira, Guilherme R. Demetrio

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder & Sands, 1985 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a weevil native to South America and distributed worldwide as a biocontrol agent of aquatic weeds of the genus Salvinia Ség. Native populations and aspects of this weevil biology, such as dispersal mechanisms, are still poorly known, especially in southeastern Brazil. Here, we report the first record voucher-based of C. salviniae for the state of Minas Gerais, which not only extends its distribution westward in the southeastern region, but also documents the dispersal of individuals among freshwater ponds via mats of Salvinia auriculata Aubl. displaced during a regional river flood, and briefly discuss the ecological importance of such processes.

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