The SISBIOTA-Diptera Brazilian Network: A long-term survey of Diptera from unexplored Brazilian Western Arc of Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal

ABSTRACT The SISBIOTA-BRASIL was a three-year multimillion-dollar research program of the Brazilian government to document plants and animals in endangered/understudied areas and biomes in Brazil. Distributional patterns and the historical events that generated them are extensively unknown regarding Brazilian fauna and flora. This deficiency hinders the development of conservation policies and the understanding of evolutionary processes. Conservation decisions depend on precise knowledge of the taxonomy and geographic distribution of species. Given such a premise, we proposed to research the diversity of Diptera of the Brazilian western arc of Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Rondônia. Three important biomes of the South American continent characterize these Brazilian states: Amazon forest, Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), and Pantanal. Besides their ecological relevance, these biomes historically lack intensive entomological surveys. Therefore, they are much underrepresented in the Brazilian natural history collections and in the scientific literature, which is further aggravated by the fact that these areas are being exponentially and rapidly converted to commercial lands. Our project involved over 90 collaborators from 24 different Brazilian institutions and one from Colombia among researchers, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, and technicians. We processed and analyzed nearly 300,000 specimens from ~60 families of Diptera collected with a large variety of methods in the sampled areas. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the genera and species diversity of 41 families treated. Our results point to a total of 2,130 species and 514 genera compiled and identified for the three states altogether, with an increase of 41% and 29% in the numbers of species and genera known for the three states combined, respectively. Overall, the 10 most species-rich families were Tachinidae, Cecidomyiidae, Tabanidae, Psychodidae, Sarcophagidae, Stratiomyidae, Bombyliidae, Syrphidae, Tephritidae, and Asilidae. The 10 most diverse in the number of genera were Tachinidae, Stratiomyidae, Asilidae, Mycetophilidae, Syrphidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae, Dolichopodidae, Sarcophagidae, and Chloropidae. So far, 111 scientific papers were published regarding taxonomic, phylogenetic, and biogeographical aspects of the studied families, with the description of 101 new species and three new genera. We expect that additional publications will result from this investigation because several specimens are now curated and being researched by specialists.

Insect (Hexapoda) Diversity in the Oceanic Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Scenopinidae (Diptera) / Diversidade de insetos (Hexapoda) no Arquipélago Oceânico de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil: Scenopinidae (Diptera)

Abstract: This paper covers the first record of window flies, Scenopinidae (Diptera), in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Scenopinus schulzi Enderlein, which is briefly characterized. This species was recorded in low numbers: three males and 13 female specimens. The occurrence of scenopinids in Fernando de Noronha is regarded as an extension of the Brazilian mainland continental fauna. The colonization of the archipelago is discussed.

Resumo: Este trabalho faz o primeiro registro de uma espécie de Scenopinidae no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil: Scenopinus schulzi Enderlein, brevemente caracterizada. Esta espécie foi registrada em baixa densidade: três machos e 13 fêmeas. A ocorrência de scenopinideos em Fernando de Noronha é atribuída à extensão territorial da fauna continental e sua colonização no arquipélago é discutida.

The sweat bees from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) / Halictídeos do arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Abstract: The sweat bees from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago are presented and illustrated herein. The species recorded are Augochlora (Augochlora) laevipyga (Kirby, 1890), Augochlora (Augochlora) sp., new record, and Lasioglossum (Dialictus) atripyga (Kirby, 1890). The Kirby species are redescribed based on recently collected specimens, including the first illustration of the male terminalia. The unidentified species is also shortly characterized.

Resumo: Os halictídeos do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha são aqui apresentados e ilustrados. As espécies registradas são Augochlora (Augochlora) laevipyga (Kirby, 1890), Augochlora (Augochlora) sp., novo registro, e Lasioglossum (Dialictus) atripyga (Kirby, 1890). As espécies descritas por Kirby são redescritas com base em espécimes recentemente coletados, incluindo a primeira ilustração das terminálias dos machos. A espécie não identificada também é resumidamente caracterizada.

Insect (Hexapoda) diversity in the Oceanic Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Seasonality and Populational Density of Tabanidae (Diptera) / Diversidade de insetos (Hexapoda) no Arquipélago Oceânico de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil: Sazonalidade e Densidade Populacional de Tabanidae (Diptera)

Abstract: The seasonal population density is informed for two epidemiologically important species of bloodsucking Tabanidae, Tabanus occidentalis Linnaeus and T. pungens Wiedemann, recorded at the Fernando de Noronha archipelago that was never connected to the continent. The two species are widespread in the Neotropical Region, have not been recorded from any other oceanic island, and have most likely been introduced accidentally in the archipelago. Tabanus occidentalis dominated the samples, encompassing 99.6% of the specimens collected in the two local seasons, rainy and dry. Tabanus pungens was rarer, encompassing 0.4% of the specimens collected mainly in the dry season. The tabanids of Fernando de Noronha are able to transmit blood pathogens, bringing risks to the health of the livestock. They also pester the tourists, which brings losses to the local tourist industry. Larvae of both species were already collected in the water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Linnaeus and it is highly recommend that this introduced aquatic plant be removed from the ponds of Fernando de Noronha to control tabanid populations.

Resumo: A densidade populacional e a sazonalidade é informada para duas espécies epidemiologicamente importantes de Tabanidae, Tabanus occidentalis Linnaeus e T. pungens Wiedemann, registradas no arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, o qual nunca foi conectado ao continente. As duas espécies estão amplamente distribuídas na Região Neotropical, não foram registradas em nenhuma outra ilha oceânica e provavelmente foram introduzidas acidentalmente no arquipélago. Tabanus occidentalis dominou as amostras, englobando 99,6% dos exemplares coletados nas duas estações locais, chuvosa e seca. Tabanus pungens foi mais rara, abrangendo 0,4% dos espécimes coletados principalmente na estação seca. Os tabanídeos de Fernando de Noronha são capazes de transmitir patógenos do sangue, trazendo riscos à saúde do gado. Eles também incomodam os turistas, o que traz prejuízos para a indústria turística local. Larvas de ambas as espécies já foram coletadas na alface d'água Pistia stratiotes Linnaeus e é altamente recomendável que esta planta aquática, introduzida no arquipélago, seja removida das lagoas de Fernando de Noronha para o controle de populações de tabanídeos.

First report of Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the parasitoid Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

ABSTRACT We recorded for the first time the presence of the two fruit flies pests, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the parasitoid Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil. The specimens were collected in traps installed during June/2019 to February/2020. The fruit flies and the parasitoid species are widespread in the Brazilian mainland and have most likely been introduced accidentally in the archipelago.

Insect (Hexapoda) diversity in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: updated taxonomic checklist and new records

ABSTRACT Hexapods, commonly known as insects, are a neglected taxonomic group in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, with unanswered questions about their species richness and the ecological processes in which they are involved (e.g., colonization, introduction, establishment, and extinction). Herein, we provide an updated Hexapod checklist with current nomenclatural combinations. The entomofauna of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is currently composed of 453 species in 21 orders. The orders, and their respective number of species, are: Blattaria (9), Coleoptera (118), Collembola (29), Dermaptera (3), Diplura (1), Diptera (134), Embioptera (1), Hemiptera (29), Hymenoptera (59), Isoptera (2), Lepidoptera (25), Mantodea (1), Neuroptera (3), Odonata (5), Orthoptera (11), Phasmatodea (1), Phthiraptera (6), Psocoptera (3), Siphonaptera (1), Thysanoptera (10), and Zygentoma (2). The archipelago has 263 new taxon records (family + genera + species). Thirty-eight species (3.39%) were described from local specimens and most of them are likely endemic species. This study more than doubles our knowledge (from the previous 190 records) of the entomofauna in this large Brazilian archipelago. This study also provides a baseline for studies on its conservation status and for implementing future environmental management programs.

Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora) of the Northeastern Brazil: new records and an identification key / Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora) do Nordeste do Brasil: novos registros e uma chave de identificação

Abstract: Here, we provide a list of seven species collected in the Brazilian states of Ceará, Maranhão and Piauí, housed in the Coleção Zoológica do Maranhão (CZMA), Cerantichir peruana (Hennig, 1937), Glyphidops durus (Cresson, 1926), Glyphidops filosus (Fabricius, 1805), Glyphidops flavifrons (Bigot, 1886), Glyphidops vittatus (Cresson, 1912), Nerius pilifer Fabricius, 1805 and Nerius plurivittatus Bigot, 1886. Representatives of Neriidae are recorded and mapped for the first time in the states of Ceará, Maranhão and Piauí, while the species C. peruana, G. durus, G. flavifrons and G. vittatus represent new records for the Northeast Region of Brazil. A key for the identification and diagnoses of Northeastern Brazilian neriids are provided.

Resumo: Uma lista de sete espécies coletadas nos estados brasileiros do Ceará, Maranhão e Piauí é disponibilizada, baseada em material depositado na Coleção Zoológica do Maranhão (CZMA), Cerantichir peruana (Hennig, 1937), Glyphidops durus (Cresson, 1926), Glyphidops filosus (Fabricius, 1805), Glyphidops flavifrons (Bigot, 1886), Glyphidops vittatus (Cresson, 1912), Nerius pilifer Fabricius, 1805 e Nerius plurivittatus Bigot, 1886. Representantes de Neriidae são registrados e mapeados pela primeira vez nos estados do Ceará, Maranhão e Piauí, enquanto C. peruana, G. durus, G. flavifrons e G. vittatus representam novos registros para a Região Nordeste do Brasil. São apresentados uma chave para a identificação e diagnoses dos neríideos da Região Nordeste brasileira.

Mecoptera (Insecta) do estado do Maranhão: chave para identificação das espécies e descrição da fêmea de Bittacus latreillei(Collucci & Amorim) / Mecoptera (Insecta) from Maranhão state: identification key for species and description of the female of Bittacus latreillei (Collucci & Amorim)

Coletas recentes no estado do Maranhão indicaram que os mecópteros parecem ser abundantes neste estado. Foram estudadas 55 espécimes de quatro espécies: Bittacus diversinervis Souza Lopes & Mangabeira, 1942, B. femoralis Klug, 1836, B. latreillei (Collucci & Amorim, 2000) e Issikiella araguaiensis Penny & Arias, 1983. A maioria dos indivíduos foi coletada entre os meses de outubro e fevereiro, período chuvoso no Maranhão. Uma chave de identificação para essas espécies e a descrição da fêmea de B. latreillei são apresentadas.

Recent field collections in Maranhão state, Brazil, indicate that the mecopterans seem to be abundant in this state. 55 specimens of four species were studied: Bittacus diversinervis Souza Lopes & Mangabeira, 1942, B. femoralis Klug, 1836, B. latreillei (Collucci & Amorim, 2000) and Issikiella araguaiensis Penny & Arias, 1983. Most of the specimens were collected between October and February, the rainy season in Maranhão. An identification key for these species and the description of the female of B. latreillei are presented.

Tabanidae (Diptera) do estado do Maranhão, Brasil: III. Descrição de Philipotabanus (Mimotabanus) henriquesi sp. nov. / Tabanidae (Diptera) from the state of Maranhão, Brazil: III. Description of Philipotabanus (Mimotabanus) henriquesi sp. nov.

Philipotabanus (Mimotabanus) henriquesi sp. nov. é descrita e ilustrada baseada em 30 fêmeas e dois machos coletados em vegetação de Cerrado, nos municípios de Carolina, Alto Parnaíba e Mirador, região sul do estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Este é o primeiro registro de uma espécie do subgênero no Brasil.

Philipotabanus (Mimotabanus) henriquesi, sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on 30 females and two males specimens collected in open vegetation of "Cerrado", in Carolina, Alto Parnaíba and Mirador municipalities, in southern Maranhão state, Brazil. This is the first record of species of the subgenus in Brazil.

Tabanidae (Diptera) do Estado do Maranhão, Brasil: IV. Descrição de Dichelacera (Dichelacera) gemmae sp.n. / Tabanidae (Diptera) of Maranhão State, Brazil: IV. Description of Dichelacera (Dichelacera) gemmae sp.n.

Dichelacera (Dichelacera) gemmae sp.n. é descrita baseada em 28 fêmeas coletadas em vegetação de cerrado, no município de Carolina, Sul do Maranhão.

Dichelacera (Dichelacera) gemmae sp.n. is described based on 28 females collected in open vegetation of "cerrado", in Carolina municipality, South of Maranhão state, Brazil.

Tabanidae (Diptera) do Estado de Maranhão, Brasil II: descrição de Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) rafaeli, sp. nov. / Tabanidae (Diptera) of State of Maranhão, Brazil II: description of Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) rafaeli, sp. nov.

Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) rafaeli sp. nov. é descrita e ilustrada de nove espécimes coletados em Carolina, MA. A espécie nova é comparada com as espécies Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) laticlava Wilkerson & Fairchild, 1983; Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) bitriangulata Lutz & Castro, 1935 e Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) enderleini Kröber, 1931.

Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) rafaeli, sp.nov. is described and figured from nine specimens collected in Carolina, state of Maranhão, Brazil. The new species is compared with the species Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) laticlava Wilkerson & Fairchild, 1983; Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) bitriangulata Lutz & Castro, 1935 e Esenbeckia (Esenbeckia) enderleini Kröber, 1931.

Phorcotabanus cinereus (Wiedemann, 1821) (Diptera, Tabanidae), an ornithophilic species of Tabanid in Central Amazon, Brazil

In Central Amazon, Brazil, the tabanid Phorcotabanus cinereus (Wiedemann) was recorded attacking the native duck Cairina moschata (Linnaeus) (Anseriformes, Anatidae). The flight and behavior of the tabanid during the attacks and the host's defenses were videotaped and analyzed in slow motion. The tabanid was recorded flying rapidly around the heads of the ducks before landing. Landing always took place on the beak, and then the tabanid walked to the fleshy caruncle on the basal part of the beak to bite and feed. Firstly the duck defends itself through lateral harsh head movements, and then, when it is being bitten, it defends itself by rubbing its head on the body, or dipping the head into water, when swimming. If disturbed, the fly resumed the same pattern of flight as before and would generally try to land again on the same host and bite in the same place. This feeding activity was observed predominantly between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm and always in open areas, near aquatic environments, from June 1996 to January 1997, the dry season in Central Amazon. To test the attractiveness of other animals to P. cinereus, mammals, caimans and domestic and wild birds were placed in suitable habitat and the response of P. cinereus observed. P. cinereus did not attack these animals, suggesting that this species has a preference for ducks, which are plentiful in the region