Entomological Communications

(337 Artigos indexados)

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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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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New records of Teratomyzidae (Diptera, Sphaeroceroidea) for the Brazilian fauna - (2026)

João P. V. Rodrigues, Lucas Rossito, Claudio J. B. de Carvalho

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. For the first time, Teratoptera chilensis Malloch, 1933 is recorded from Brazil. Additionally, we discuss the geographical distribution of the family.

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Telebasis vulcanoae (Machado, 1980) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae): discovery of a population in Northeastern Brazil and potential distribution in South America - (2026)

Antonio B. S. Farias, Thiago C. Gomes, Henrique Venâncio, Jean C. Santos

Volume: 8 - Issue: 0

Resumo. In this study, we report the first record of Telebasis vulcanoae (Machado 1980) in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil, expanding its known distribution previously restricted to Minas Gerais and Bahia. Specimens were collected on the campus of the Federal University of Sergipe in areas with temporary rainwater pools and small semi-deciduous forest fragments. We also investigated the potential distribution of species in South America using a niche modelling procedure that adopted the described occurrence records and bioclimatic variables. Eighteen specimens (10 females and eight males) were sampled. Niche modelling revealed that T. vulcanoae has high environmental suitability in the northern and central-western regions of Brazil, mainly in coastal and forested areas. Our study contributes to future research on the conservation status of T. vulcanoae, which is currently classified as Data Deficient in the IUCN Threatened Species List.

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A Low-Cost Shape-from-Focus Workflow for 3D Geometric Morphometrics: Proof of Concept Using Trypoxylus dichotomus (Linnaeus, 1771) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Genitalia - (2025)

Wonseok Choi

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Two-dimensional (2D) photography is widely used in geometric morphometrics (GM), but loss of information and orientation errors remain concerns in volumetric structures. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging provides more accurate shape representations for such structures, but it typically requires expensive equipment. We developed a low-cost automated workflow based on a shape-from-focus (SFF) algorithm to reconstruct partial 3D surfaces from uniformly stepped focus stacks. As a proof of concept, we applied this method to the male genitalia of Trypoxylus dichotomus (Linnaeus, 1771) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), comparing 2D and 3D landmark analyses. The reconstructed 3D models yielded reliable regions for landmark and semilandmark placement. Both 2D and 3D analyses revealed consistent hypoallometric scaling, but the choice of size proxy (3D centroid size versus linear length) had a greater impact on allometric inference than the dimensionality of landmarks. The SFF workflow provides a rapid and inexpensive alternative for generating 3D models suitable for GM, and highlights the importance of validating 2D measures against centroid-based proxies.

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A new species of Heimbra Cameron, 1909 (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) from Eastern Uruguay - (2025)

Nelson W. Perioto, Rogéria I. R. Lara

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. A new species of Heimbra Cameron, 1909 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) from eastern Uruguay, is described and illustrated. The species is diagnosed and differentiated from its congeners by the following combination of characters: mesopleuron contiguously punctate, appearing dull along the posterior margin; male tergite 7 lacking a transverse groove; and the mesoscutellum orange-brown laterally with a dorsal, longitudinal dark band. The description is based on four male specimens collected with Malaise traps in the municipality of Castillos, Departamento de Rocha, Uruguay. A revised key to the species of Heimbra, incorporating the newly described species, is provided. This discovery increases the number of known Heimbra species to nine and represents the second species of this genus recorded for Uruguay.

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A rare trophic interaction: Carnivory by Helicogonus princeps (Brölemann, 1902) (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae) on the frog Physalaemus cuvieri Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura, Leptodactylidae) in Brazil - (2025)

Juan C. Diaz-Ricaurte, João P. S. Vieira-Alencar, Luiz F. M. Iniesta, Rodrigo S. Bouzan, Márcio Martins

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Millipedes (Diplopoda) are predominantly detritivores, and reports of carnivory in the group remain rare. Here, we describe a potential case of perimortem predation involving the frog Physalaemus cuvieri Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura, Leptodactylidae) and the millipede Helicogonus princeps (Brölemann, 1902) (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae) in Brazil. Two adult females of H. princeps were observed tightly coiled around the frog and consuming its tissues over a 20-hour period. Although it was not possible to determine whether the frog was alive at the onset of the interaction, the behavior suggests either opportunistic predation or carrion feeding. This event represents one of the few documented instances of vertebrate consumption by millipedes and highlights the need for further investigation into the trophic ecology of this understudied group.

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A Scarab Feeding on Another Scarab: First Observation of Necrophagy by Canthon histrio (Saint-Fargeau & Audinet-Serville, 1828) on a Dead Passalidae - (2025)

Clemensou Dos-Reis, Fernando Z. Vaz-de-Mello, Jacques H. C. Delabie

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Besides the widely known behavior of Atta predation by Canthon spp., knowledge of the dietary range of Canthon species is scarce. This note documents the first observation of necrophagy by the dung beetle Canthon histrio on a recently dead Passalidae beetle. The dung beetle exhibited typical nesting behavior by digging into the substrate beneath the Passalidae, although it faced challenges due to the compacted soil. This observation highlights the diverse dietary habits of Canthon species, suggesting that necrophagy may be more widespread than previously documented.

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Absence of Anastrepha grandis (Macquart, 1846) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the coastal plain of Piauí, Brazil - (2025)

Maria E. S. Valentim, Lanna L. G. S. O. Rocha, Gerane C. D. Bezerra-Silva, Márcio A. Silva

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Brazil is a large producer of cucurbits; despite the productive advantage, the country still has a low insertion in the international market due to the quarantine restrictions imposed by the Anastrepha grandis (Macquart, 1846) (Diptera: Tephritidae) presence. In this context, we conducted a study using McPhail traps and fruit sampling for three consecutive harvests to investigate the presence of A. grandis in commercial watermelon cultivation located in the Irrigation District of the Coastal Plateau of Piauí, Northeast Brazil. Anastrepha grandis was not registered in the coastal plain of Piauí, demonstrating the potential to establish a Pest Free Area. For this purpose, developing a pilot project on a larger time scale covering several properties and municipalities in Piauí is necessary.

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Another brick in the wall: new record and key to Anastrepha Schiner, 1868 (Diptera, Tephritidae) from Pará, Brazil - (2025)

Roberto A. Zucchi, Alexandre S. Araújo, Aprigio L. de Oliveira-Filho, Israel de S. Pinto, Mateus S. L. Aurélio, Marcoandre Savaris

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Despite advances in studies on fruit flies belonging to the genus Anastrepha Schiner, 1868 (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the state of Pará, Brazil, over the past two decades, knowledge of their diversity remains incipient, particularly when considering the vast geographical expanse of the state. Only 35% of the documented species have been associated with their respective hosts. Anyway, for Anastrepha parishi Stone, 1942, which is reported for the first time in Pará State, all records of this species in Brazil have been associated with their designated hosts. In addition to this new record, we discuss the distribution of Anastrepha consobrina (Loew, 1873) in Pará, whose original description was based on specimens collected in the state in the early 19th century. Since then, A. consobrina has not been collected in Pará. A key to the 40 species of Anastrepha known in Pará is presented.

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Ant nests found in mature pods of Cassia fistula L. and the extended phenotype of herbivores as house to opportunistic twig dwellers - (2025)

Felipe G. Gonçalves, Maycon R. Silva, Gustavo Tsujimoto, José M. S. Bento, Marcoandre Savaris

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Ants can present specialized or opportunistic nesting habits; the latter not being restricted to a single or a narrow set of host species in an ecological interaction. Herein we report ant colonies belonging to seven species and four genera inside ripe pods of Cassia fistula L. (Fabaceae) with signs of previous occupation by herbivores. Among the species found nesting in pods previously excavated by phytophagous insects are Cephalotes targionii (Emery, 1894); Cephalotes eduarduli (Forel, 1912); Crematogaster aff. victima Smith, 1858 and Crematogaster sp. (Myrmicinae); Myrmelachista nodigera Mayr, 1887 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae); Pseudomyrmex gracilis (Fabricius, 1804) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae) and Tapinoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae), all of which showed opportunistic behavior by using pods previously hollowed and holed by phytophagous insects. This is the first record of Cephalotes Latreille, 1802 ants nesting in structures other than trunks and branches.

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Armadilha atrativa padronizada e de baixo custo para coleta de Diptera (Insecta) atraídos por substratos proteicos - (2025)

Alex S. B. de Souza, Nelson L. M. Fernandes

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. The use of baited traps is essential for sampling necrophagous Diptera Linnaeus, 1758 in both ecological and forensic studies. Ferreira's trap is a widely used model in Brazil; however, traditional versions can present logistical challenges under field conditions. This study proposes a simple, cost-effective modification to the original design, using standard plastic honey jars as the new apparatus. The modified trap is characterized by its portability, ease of assembly, and the ability to allow rapid specimen retrieval. The effectiveness of the modified trap was successfully demonstrated during field collections. The system is designed for use by a single researcher and has proven to enable efficient specimen capture comparable to that achieved with classical traps. This design is especially recommended for sampling blowflies and other Diptera attracted to decomposing organic matter.

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Armored Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on Dypsis lutescens and Phoenix roebelenii (Arecaceae) in Urban Environments of Costa Rica - (2025)

Minor V. Solano-Gutiérrez, Paul Hanson

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Armored scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) were collected from Dypsis lutescens (H. Wendl) Beentje & J. Dransf., 1995, and Phoenix roebelenii O’Brien, 1889, in urban Costa Rica. Lopholeucaspis cockerelli (Grandpré & Charmoy, 1899), previously known only from intercepted plant material, was found on both palms (P. roebelenii—new host record). Pseudischnaspis bowreyi (Cockerell, 1893), also previously recorded only from interceptions, was identified on both species (new host records). Ischnaspis longirostris (Signoret, 1882) was identified on both palms, Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan, 1889) on P. roebelenii (new host record), Hemiberlesia cyanophylli Signoret, 1869 on P. roebelenii (new host record) and D. lutescens, H. palmae (Cockerell, 1893) on P. roebelenii (new host record) and D. lutescens, Pinnaspis strachani (Cooley, 1899) on D. lutescens, Pinnaspis apidistrae (Signoret, 1869) on D. lutescens and P. roebelenii (new host record), Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret, 1869 on P. roebelenii, Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan, 1889) on both palms (new host records), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard, 1869) on P. roebelenii (new host record), and Aspidiotus destructor Signoret, 1869 on both palms. Among parasitoids, Aphytis sp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was reared from C. dictyospermi and I. longirostris, and Signiphora sp. (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae) from H. cyanophylli and I. longirostris. This is the first record of a species of Signiphora Ashmead, 1880 parasitizing I. longirostris. The identified armored scales are highly polyphagous and not exclusive to palms, highlighting the need for further research on their diversity and ecology, as well as their natural enemies, in tropical urban environments.

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Breaking a 120-year gap: Isosomodes kopenawai sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), a newly discovered species from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest - (2025)

Nelson W. Perioto, Rogéria I. R. Lara

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. In this study, Isosomodes kopenawai Perioto & Lara, sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) is described and illustrated, based on a female specimen collected near Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The new species is distinguished by a combination of morphological characters, including head coloration (brown to orange), mesosomal orange pigmentation, and propodeal structure (foveate with a deep, narrow, laterally carinate median channel). An updated identification key to Isosomodes species is provided.

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Checklist of Ganaspis Förster, 1869 species from Brazil, with a new record and redescription of Ganaspis hookerii Crawford, 1913 (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) - (2025)

Fabiana E. Gallardo, Vanina A. Reche, Nikolas G. Cipola

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This study provides a checklist of Ganaspis Förster, 1869 species recorded in Brazil, including data on their hosts and distribution within the country. Additionally, Ganaspis hookeri Crawford, 1913 is recorded for the first time in Brazil (Paraná State) and is redescribed. In Brazil, Ganaspis now has five recorded species.

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Comunidade de formigas associadas à cochonilha-rosada da cana-de-açúcar em sistemas convencional e orgânico de produção - (2025)

Maiara A. Cruz, Rodrigo M. Feitosa, Ana Lúcia B. G. Peronti, Nilza M. Martinelli

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo.  In agroecosystems, the interaction between ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and hemipterans can increase populations of these phytophagous insects, promoting injuries and damage caused by them to crops. The aim of this study was to list the species of ants associated with the mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), classifying them according to their presence in the different parts of sugarcane plants. In addition, we verified whether the adopted cultivation system could alter the ant community associated with mealybugs. The experiment was carried out in 2018/19 agricultural harvest, in two sugarcane stands, variety CTC4, in conventional and organic system, both in the municipality of Jardinópolis, SP, Brazil. Ants were collected in the mealybug colonies fixed in different plant structures and sugarcane development stages, including preliminary inspections on the roots of clumps and during plant development, evaluating aerial structures: sprouts, tillers and stalks. Eighteen species of ants were recorded. From these, eight were recorded exclusively in the conventional system, two only in the organic system and eight ant species were common for both systems. It is noteworthy that, for each of the plant structures, clumps and stems, six species of ants occurred exclusively foraging in the mealybug colonies. For sprouting, mealybugs and ants were not observed. We conclude that the cultivation system adopted in the cane field seems to influence ant community associated with S. sacchari. These results can help us to advance in the knowledge about how associated ants can alter the infestation indices of the mealybug in sugarcane fields.

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Confirmation of Acutaspis albopicta (Cockerell, 1898) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Brazil: occurrence on baru (Dipteryx alata Vogel, Fabaceae), a native Cerrado plant species - (2025)

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

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. Recent research has been shown that Cerrado hosts a high richness of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) associated with native and exotic plants from different families and botanical species. This work aimed to report for the first time an association of an armored scale insect (Diaspididae), Acutaspis albopicta (Cockerell, 1898), with baru (Dipteryx alata Vogel, Fabaceae), a native tree from Cerrado biome, in Federal District, Brazil. Additionally, this is the first occurrence of this species of Diaspididae in Central Brazil. Acutaspis albopicta was first mentioned in Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, associated with Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae), but, until now, there was no evidence of its occurrence in the country. In this work, there is a confirmation of A. albopicta in Brazil, and macroscopic and microscopic descriptions and illustrations are presented.

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Damage caused by the mite Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, 1949 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on 'Cortibel' guava fruits (Psidium guajava) in northeastern São Paulo State - (2025)

Daniel J. de Andrade, Vinícius Dorigan

Volume: 7 - Issue: 0

Resumo. This study reports damages caused by Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, 1949 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) mites in guava fruits in northeastern São Paulo State, Brazil. High population densities of B. yothersi were observed, primarily infesting green peduncles and young fruits of guava (cv. Cortibel RG). The mites caused dark spots on the fruit skin, rendering them unsuitable for in natura market sale.

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