New records of Ceratocampinae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) species from the Cerrado of Maranhão, Brazil / Novos registros de espécies de Ceratocampinae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) para o Cerrado do Maranhão, Brasil

Abstract Ceratocampinae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is the second most diverse subfamily of Saturniidae with 300 species described in 30 genera from southern Canada to northern Argentina. Species of this subfamily are widely distributed in Southeast Brazil, with many endemics to the Cerrado, and important as indicators of ecosystem quality. Specimens of Ceratocampinae were collected in the Parque Estadual do Mirador, Maranhão state, Brazil. Adeloneivaia acuta (Schaus, 1896), Adeloneivaia schubarti Barros & O. Mielke, 1970, Eacles penelope (Cramer, 1775) and Megaceresa pulchra (Bouvier, 1923) are recorded for the first time in Maranhão state and Northeast Brazil and Eacles fairchildi May & Oiticica, 1941, only for Maranhão. The record of five Ceratocampinae (Saturniidae) species increases the knowledge on the diversity and the importance of preserving those of this subfamily in the Cerrado biome of Maranhão state and the Northeast region of Brazil.

Resumo Ceratocampinae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) é a segunda subfamília mais diversa de Saturniidae com 300 espécies descritas em 30 gêneros do sul do Canadá ao norte da Argentina. Espécies desta subfamília estão amplamente distribuídas no Sudeste do Brasil, com muitas endêmicas do Cerrado e importantes como indicadores da qualidade do ecossistema. Espécimes de Ceratocampinae foram coletados no Parque Estadual do Mirador, estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Adeloneivaia acuta (Schaus, 1896), Adeloneivaia schubarti Barros & O. Mielke, 1970, Eacles penelope (Cramer, 1775) e Megaceresa pulchra (Bouvier, 1923) são registradas pela primeira vez no estado do Maranhão e Nordeste do Brasil e Eacles fairchildi May & Oiticica, 1941 apenas para o Maranhão. O registro de cinco espécies de Ceratocampinae (Saturniidae) aumenta o conhecimento sobre a diversidade e a importância da preservação das espécies dessa subfamília no bioma Cerrado maranhense e na região Nordeste do Brasil.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) / Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): primeiro relato de parasitismo em Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Potential interactions between herbivorous arthropods and of their natural enemies on Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) trees

ABSTRACT The study of arthropod communities foraging on monocultures of native plants (e.g. Caryocar brasiliense) in biodiversity hotspots (e.g. Brazilian Cerrado) is important to understand the processes driving their performance. This study evaluated the possible interactions between galling herbivores, free-feeding arthropods, and of their natural enemies on C. brasiliense trees, in an orchard (monoculture). The possible competition observed were: i) between galling insects with defoliators and phytophagous mites, ii) between sucking insects, iii) between phytophagous mites and, iv) between Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with Histiostoma sp. (Acari: Histiostomidae) on C. brasiliense trees. Numbers of predators and prey, parasitoids and hosts, and predators and parasitoids were directly related among them. The competitive interactions between herbivorous predator and parasitoid may reduce Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) populations, a potential pest of C. brasiliense. The predator Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the parasitoids Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) and Ablerus magistretti (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are important to determine the numbers of Eurytoma sp. and of its galls. These natural enemies may be important to control this galling insect on C. brasiliense trees. The arthropod competition affected their guild associated to C. brasiliense trees.

Biological aspects of Caligo teucer (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) with banana tree leaves

ABSTRACT Caligo teucer (Linnaeus, 1758) is widely distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Ecuador. The objective was to study biological aspects of Caligo teucer japetus Stichel, 1903 with banana leaves, Musa sapientium L. (Zingiberales: Musaceae), in the butterfly garden, under environmental conditions, and in the laboratory of biological control of insects at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil at 24 ± 2 oC, 68 ± 10% relative humidity and 12 hours photophase. The duration of the egg incubation, larvae, pupa and egg to adult periods of C. teucer japetus were, respectively, 11.8 ± 0.1; 53.9 ± 0.9; 17.9 ± 0.3 and 82.6 ± 1.0 days for females, and 11.8 ± 0.1; 50.3 ± 0.6; 18.4 ± 0.3 and 79.4 ± 0.6 days for males in cages in the laboratory. The longevity of C. teucer japetus adults was 26.0 ± 10.4 and 47.5 ± 8.7 for females and 24.7 ± 3.5 and 35.4 ± 15.7 for males in the butterfly garden and in laboratory cages, respectively. The high survival and the relatively short period of development of its immature stages confirm that banana leaves are an adequate food substrate for the development and survival of Caligo teucer japetus.

Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) infestation on seeds of Sorghum drummondii (Poaceae) in packages sold in retail stores

ABSTRACT Insect damage to stored seeds is a challenge. Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a major pest of seeds and grains in the world, but without record in seeds of the sudangrass (Sorghum drummondii (Poaceae)). The objective of this work was to report, for the first time, the occurrence and damage by R. dominica in S. drummondii seeds, sold in sealed packages in retail market. Four samples with 500 seeds each and without adult insects were separated from a package. The initial weight was obtained with a precision scale and the seeds were stored. The number of adult insects, the weight loss and the infestation rate of the seeds were evaluated 60 days later and the average between samples used to extrapolate the damage per package. An adult of R. dominica, on average, was obtained for each seven seeds and 54.06% of the seeds were damaged, with an average weight loss of 36.09%. This is the first report of R. dominica in sudangrass seeds and the damage inflicted shows that this insect may cause losses in the quantity and quality of seeds due to its rapid populational growth.

Diolcogaster flammeus sp. nov. from Brazil, a new Microgastrinae wasp (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of importance in biological control

ABSTRACT A new species of Diolcogaster (Ashmead, 1900) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is described and illustrated. Additionally, a key to all New World species formally published of the xanthaspis species-group (to which the new species belongs) is provided. The solitary larval parasitoid Diolcogaster flammeus sp. nov. was collected in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This natural enemy was reared from caterpillars of Agaraea minuta (Schaus, 1892) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) feeding on plants of spiked spiralflag ginger, Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw. and ginger spiral, Costus spiralis (Jacq.) Roscoe var. spiralis (Costaceae). The fauna of the xanthaspis group in the New World included just three published species prior to this publication. Diolcogaster flammeus sp. nov. is the only yellow-orange species of the xanthaspis group recorded in the New World thus far.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Abstract The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

Resumo A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Seven decades of studies with Asopinae predators in Brazil (1933●-○2014) / Sete décadas de estudos com asopinae predadores no Brasil (1933●-○2014)

Studies of Asopinae predators in Brazil were initiated in the 1930's, focusing on the use of these insects in biological control programs. However, the beginning of a period of major contributions to the knowledge on Asopinae predators started in the year 1986, with the release of the first research results, in the Proceedings of the X Brazilian Congress of Entomology in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. In 1991 the first scientific paper was published on the predator Podisus connexivus Bergroth [= Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas)] (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), with study of the biological parameters of this predator for alternative feeding of the caterpillars Bombyx mori Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) and larvae Musca domestica (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae). The first master thesis studying Asopinae predators in Brazil was defended in 1990 at the Federal University of Lavras, which focused was on biology and predatory capacity of Podisus nigrolimbatus [= Brontocoris nigrolimbatus = Brontocoris tabidus] and Podisus connexivus [= Podisus nigrispinus] in the laboratory. Throughout all these years of research and investigations, advances with Asopinae predators occurred in several fields that resulted in a better understanding of these insects, making them an effective tool for controlling insect pests in the agriculture and forestry sectors.

Estudos dos predadores Asopinae no Brasil foram iniciados na década de 1930 focando o uso desses insetos em programas de controle biológico. Entretanto, o início de um período de grandes contribuições sobre o conhecimento de predadores Asopinae iniciou-se a partir do ano de 1986, com a divulgação do primeiro resultado de pesquisa, nos Anais do X Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia em Maceió, Alagoas. Em 1991, foi publicado o primeiro artigo científico sobre o predador Podisus connexivus Bergroth, 1891 [= Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851)] (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), com o estudo dos parâmetros biológicos desse predador em alimentação alternada de lagartas de Bombyx mori Linnaeus, 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) e larvas de Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae). A primeira dissertação de mestrado com predadores Asopinae no Brasil, foi defendida em 1990, na Universidade Federal de Lavras, onde o foco foi a biologia e a capacidade predatória de Podisus nigrolimbatus [= Brontocoris nigrolimbatus = Brontocoris tabidus] e Podisus connexivus [= P. nigrispinus] em laboratório. Ao longo de todos esses anos de investigações, os avanços com predadores Asopinae ocorreram em vários ramos que resultaram em um melhor entendimento desses insetos, tornando-os uma eficiente ferramenta no controle de insetos pragas nos setores agrícola e florestal.

Evaluation of the semen characteristics after induced spermiation in the bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus / Características e avaliação do sêmen de rã-touro Lithobates catesbeianus induzidos à espermiação

Evaluation of semen characteristics after hormonal induction of the bullfrog could provide valuable information on the gametes of this species, which may be useful for projects related to artificial fertilization, animal improvement, and cryopreservation. Bullfrog males were induced to spermiate with buserelin acetate (GnRHa), and their semen was subsequently analyzed. GnRHa (0.4 µg) was administered to the bullfrog males with secondary sexual characteristics such as weight > 200 g, yellow chin, nuptial callus, and amplexus reflex, being the semen collected after 60 min. The semen volume was 5.76 mL, light-colored. The other characteristics of the semen were: vigor of 4.80, motility of 93%, concentration of 14.24 × 106 mL-1, and content of normal spermatozoa of 70%. The volume, color, vigor, motility, sperm concentration, and content of normal spermatozoa were adequate in these bullfrog semen samples. Evaluation of the bullfrog semen samples based on this set of parameters is essential for decision-making about the quality and destination of the semen.

Avaliação de que as características do sêmen, após a indução hormonal da rã-touro, pode fornecer informações valiosas sobre os gametas desta espécie, podendo ser útil para projetos relacionados à fertilização artificial, melhoramento animal, e criopreservação. Machos de rã-touro foram induzidos à espermiação com acetato de buserelina (GnRHa) e o sêmen foi posteriormente analisado. GnRHa (0,4 mg) foi administrado à rã- touro do sexo masculino com características sexuais secundárias, tais como peso superior a 200 g, papo amarelo, calo nupcial, e reflexo amplexo, e seu sêmen foi coletado após 60 min. O sêmen da rã-touro apresentou volume de 5,76 mL, coloração turva, vigor espermático de 4,80; motilidade espermática de 93%, concentração de 14,24 x 106 SPTZ mL-1 e 70% de espermatozoides normais. O volume, cor, vigor, motilidade, concentração espermática e o número de espermatozoides normais das amostras do sêmen de rã-touro são adequados. O conjunto dos parâmetros para avaliação das amostras de sêmen de rã-touro é indispensável para a tomada de decisão sobre a qualidade e destino do mesmo.

Potential of aromatic and medicinal plant extracts from Cerrado biome to control the velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis / Potencial de extractos de plantas aromáticas y medicinales del bioma Cerrado para controlar la oruga Anticarsia gemmatalis

Anticarsia gemmatalis was treated with aromatic and medicinal plant extracts from Cerrado biome: Acisanthera sp., Adenocalymma nodosum, Bidens sulphurea, Lepidoploa aurea, Dimorphandra mollis, and Salvertia convallariaeodora. Extracts of astilbin from D. mollis or L. aurea were the most toxic to eggs and have reduced the sex ratio of A. gemmatalis pupae. Extracts of B. sulphurea, astilbin from D. mollis or S. convallariaeodora reduced the weight of male pupae and those of astilbin from D. mollis, the weight of female pupae of A. gemmatalis. The viability of the stages from egg to caterpillar was lower with extracts of astilbin from D. mollis or L. aurea; from caterpillar to pupa with Acisanthera sp. or astilbin from D. mollis and from pupa to adult with Acisanthera sp., A. nodosum, B. sulphurea or astilbin from D. mollis. Extracts of astilbin from D. mollis and L. aurea presented greater potential for future studies on toxicity of A. gemmatalis.

Anticarsia gemmatalis fue tratada con extractos de plantas aromáticas y medicinales del bioma Cerrado: Acisanthera sp., Adenocalymma nodosum, Bidens sulphurea, Lepidoploa aurea, Dimorphandra mollis, y Salvertia convallariaeodora. Extractos de astilbin de D. mollis o L. aurea fueron los más tóxicos para los huevos y han reducido la proporción sexual de pupas de A. gemmatalis. Extractos de B. sulphurea, astilbin de D. mollis o S. convallariaeodora redujeron el peso de las pupas macho y el de astilbin de D. mollis, el peso de las pupas hembras de A. gemmatalis. La viabilidad de los estadíos de huevo a oruga fue menor con extractos de astilbin de D. mollis o L. aurea; de oruga a crisálida con Acisanthera sp. o astilbin de D. mollis y de pupa a adulto con Acisanthera sp., A. nodosum, B. sulphurea o astilbin de D. mollis. Extractos de astilbin de D. mollis y L. aurea presentan un mayor potencial para futuros estudios sobre la toxicidad sobre A. gemmatalis.

Buserelin acetate-induced spermiation in Leptodactylus ocellatus and evaluation of semen characteristics / Espermiação com acetato de buserelina em Leptodactylus ocellatus e avaliação de características seminais

By understanding the hormonal action behind the induction of spermiation in Leptodactylus ocellatus can help in the collection of semen for artificial insemination and cryopreservation. The experiments were conducted at the Experimental Frog Farm of the Federal University of Viçosa. Seven L. ocellatus males with the following secondary sexual characteristics were selected: black thorns, developed forelimbs, and amplexus reflex. Spermiation was induced in these animals by applying daily 0.4 µg buserelin acetate hormone (GnRHa) for 7 days, being the semen collected 90 min after the application. The volume, color, vigor, motility, sperm concentration, and spermatozoa morphology were subsequently evaluated. Three animals responded to GnRHa induction, enabling the collection of seven samples of semen, and the first sample was collected 97.5h after the first application. The semen of the creole frog presented the following characteristics: an average volume of 0.38 mL, murky color, sperm vigor of 3.71, sperm motility of 77.14%, sperm concentration of 6.60 x 106 SPTZ mL-1, and 69% of normal sperm. GnRHa can induce spermiation in the creole frog. Although the volume of collected semen was low, the color, vigor, motility, concentration, and spermatozoa content showed to be adequate.

O conhecimento da ação de hormônios na indução à espermiação de Leptodactylus ocellatus pode permitir a coleta de sêmen para estudos de fertilização artificial e criopreservação. O experimento foi realizado no Ranário Experimental da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, onde sete machos de L. ocellatus com as características sexuais secundárias: acúleos negros, membros anteriores desenvolvidos e reflexos ao amplexo foram induzidos à espermiação com aplicação do hormônio acetato de buserelina (GnRHa) na dosagem de 0,4 µg, durante sete dias a cada 24h e o sêmen coletado após 90 min. O volume, cor do sêmen, vigor espermático, motilidade espermática, concentração espermática e morfologia dos espermatozoides foram avaliados. Três animais responderam à indução pelo acetato de buserelina permitindo a coleta de sete amostras de sêmen, a primeira após 97,5h da primeira aplicação. O sêmen da rã-manteiga apresentou volume médio de 0,38 mL, coloração turva, vigor espermático de 3,71; motilidade espermática de 77,14%, concentração de 6,60 x 106 SPTZ mL-1 e 69% de espermatozoides normais. O acetato de buserelina pode induzir à espermiação da rã-manteiga. O volume seminal coletado foi baixo, mas a coloração, vigor, motilidade, concentração e número de espermatozoides de L. ocellatus foram adequados.

Dermatite vesicante pelo Paederus sp. relato de 19 casos em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Vesicant dermatitis: report of 19 cases and first record of Paederus sp. Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Dermatitis vesicante por Paederus sp. informe de 19 casos em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil

A ocupação desordenada de ambientes e a sinantropia aumentam os acidentes por artrópodes de importância médica em áreas urbanas. De outubro de 2009 a abril de 2010, após forte calor e chuvas, foram identificados na zona urbana de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 19 casos de dermatite vesicante, com observação de correlação entre as histórias clínico-epidemiológicas, aspectos clinico-morfológicos e evolutivos da dermatite por pederina. Dois coleópteros identificados na Universidade Federal de Viçosa como Paederus sp. foram coletados neste período, embora não correlacionados aos casos. Este relato de caso visa registrar a presença da dermatite vesicante e a ocorrência atípica do agente causticante no município, contribuindo com aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos para o diagnóstico e tratamento desta dermatose.

The disordered occupation and the synanthropy of urban environments increase the number of accidents of medical importance caused by arthropods in urban areas. After intense heat and rain, from October 2009 to April 2010 were identified in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 19 cases of dermatitis vesicant, with observation of correlation between the clinical histories, epidemiological and evolutionary clinical-morphological aspects of the dermatosis by pederin. Two beetles, identified at the Federal University of Viçosa, as Paederus sp. were collected during this period although not correlated to the occurrences. This case report aims to show the presence of the vesicant dermatitis, its clinical and therapeutic implications for human health and record the atypical occurrence of blistering agent in Viçosa, contributing with epidemiological and clinical aspects to the development of dermatosis research work in the region.

La ocupación desordenada de los entornos y la sinantropia aumentan los accidentes por artrópodos de importancia médica en las zonas urbanas. De octubre de 2009 a abril de 2010, después de un intenso calor y lluvias, fueron identificados en la zona urbana de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 19 casos de dermatitis vesicante, con la observación de la correlación entre las historias clínico-epidemiológicas, los aspectos clínico-morfológicos y evolutivos de la dermatitis por pederina. Dos coleópteros identificados en la Universidad Federal de Viçosa como Paederus sp fueron recogidos durante este período, aunque no estaban correlacionados con las ocurrencias. Este informe tiene como objetivo mostrar la presencia de dermatitis vesicante, sus implicaciones clínicas y terapéuticas para la salud y registrar la aparición atípica del agente caustícate en Viçosa, contribuyendo con aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta dermatosis, atípica de la región.

Does the aggressiveness of the prey modify the attack behavior of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)? / A agressividade da presa altera o comportamento de ataque do predador Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)?

Does the aggressiveness of the prey modify the attack behavior of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)? The stink bug Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) is a predator found in several Brazilian regions, which possesses desirable attributes as a natural control agent and in biological control programs. The aim of this study was to test if the attack behavior and predation success of S. cincticeps were affected by prey species. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), and Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) were offered to S. cincticeps in laboratory bioassays where predatory attack and prey defensive behaviors were observed for 2-hour periods. The attack behavior of S. cincticeps changed with the prey species offered. More than 25% of T. molitor and S. frugiperda larvae were immediately attacked, but T. arnobia was not immediately attacked by S. cincticeps. Successful attack (i.e., successful insertion of the predator stylets into the prey) depends on the region of the body attacked, with a greater proportion of successful attacks in the anterior than in the median or posterior regions. Larvae of T. arnobia and S. frugiperda displayed a sequence of abrupt head and body movements in response to S. cincticeps attack. Attempts of predation were more successful on T. molitor and S. frugiperda than on T. arnobia. Information about the differential attack behavior of S. cincticeps on different prey species is important for designing successful biological control programs using this hemipteran predator.

A agressividade da presa altera o comportamento de ataque do predador Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)? O percevejo Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) é um predador encontrado em várias regiões brasileiras, que possui atributos desejáveis como agente de controle natural ou em programas de controle biológico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar se diferentes espécies de presa podem afetar o comportamento de ataque e o sucesso de predação de S. cincticeps. Larvas de Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) e Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) foram oferecidas a S. cincticeps, em bioensaios de laboratório, onde o comportamento de ataque do predador e o comportamento de defesa das presas foram observados por período de duas horas. O comportamento de ataque de S. cincticeps às presas apresentou variações nas frequências dos atos predatórios. O sucesso da inserção dos estiletes na presa depende da parte do corpo que é atacada (anterior, mediana ou posterior), apresentando maior sucesso quando o ataque ocorre na região anterior. As larvas de T. arnobia e S. frugiperda apresentaram maior frequência de movimentos bruscos quando atacadas por S. cincticeps, enquanto as de T. molitor não exibiram tais reações. Consequentemente, o sucesso da predação de S. cincticeps foi maior sobre T. molitor e S. frugiperda e consideravelmente menor em T. arnobia. Essas informações sobre as diferenças no comportamento de ataque de S. cincticeps a diferentes presas são úteis para os programas de controle biológico envolvendo hemípteros predadores.

Potential of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Astigmata: Acaridae) for the Biological Control of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

This work investigated the potential of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Astigmata: Acaridae) to control Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) in the laboratory. L. serricorne is the most destructive insect pest ever found on stored tobacco. The experimental delineation had 33 arenas being each experimental unit with 11 arenas of experiments with eggs, larva of L. serricorne with the density of T. putrescentiae maintained constant, where from 11 of these arenas, eight were for the analysis of predation and three to evaluate the natural mortality of the insect. The highest predation rate was found during the larval stage with, approximately, 54, 68 and 78% mortality of L. serricorne from the fourth until the sixty day of predation. These results indicated that it was possible to use the predatory mite T. putrescentiae in pest management programs of L. serricorne in the storage units of tobacco.

Quality Control of Trichogramma atopovirilia and Trichogramma pretiosum (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) adults reared under laboratory conditions

The objective of this work was to assess the flight capacity, parasitism and emergence of Trichogramma atopoviriliaand two strains of T. pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) (L1 and L2). The flight capacity of these species was assessed in test units consisting of a plastic PVC cylinder with a rigid transparent plastic circle on the upper part and an extruded polystyrene disk closing its bottom. A tube was placed in each test unit containing a card with 300 Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs parasitised by Trichogramma. These cards were assessed to determine the parasitism rate and adult emergence of these natural enemies. T. atopovirilia and T. pretiosum L1 presented adequate flight capacity and parasitism, in addition to high percentages of adults emerged.

Development and reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed with Thyrinteina arnobia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) reared on guava leaves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the development and reproduction of P. nigrispinus in laboratory when fed with T. arnobia reared on guava leaves. This predator showed nymphal stage of 21.11 days, survival of 60 percent and periods of pre-oviposition, number of eggs/mass and eggs/female and egg viability of 6.10 days, 26.24 eggs, 314.90 eggs and 82.65 percent, respectively. These results demonstrated that T. arnobia fed with guava leaves was an adequate supply of food to P.nigrispinus.

Food extraction by the males of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) from cotton leafworm larvae

In this work, the effect of different densities (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) of 3rd instar Alabama argillacea (Huebner) larvae on food consumption by Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) males was evaluated. The densities established were converted to weight of prey offered: 13.4 mg (one larva), 33.3 mg (three larvae), 54.3 mg (five larvae), 81.8 mg (seven larvae), and 110.34 mg (nine larvae). The quantity of food consumed by P. nigrispinus increased with the prey density. The density of preys did not affect the time spent by the predator to ingest the food. The quantity of food extracted per minute was always higher in smaller densities and lower in higher densities. Males mean body weight did not differ statistically between the treatments tested, and weight gain was smaller in the first two densities tested. Relative consumption rates increased with the quantity of larvae offered. P. nigrispinus males might change its predatory behavior as a function of the quantity of prey available.

O efeito de diferentes densidades (1, 3, 5, 7 e 9) de 3º lagartas do instar de Alabama argillacea (Huebner) no consumo de alimento por machos de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) foi avaliado em condições de laboratório. As densidades utilizadas foram convertidas a peso de presa oferecida: 13,40 mg (1 lagarta), 33.30 mg (3 lagartas), 54,30 mg (5 lagartas), 81,80 mg (7 lagartas) e 110,34 mg (9 lagartas). A quantidade de alimento consumido pelo macho de P. nigrispinus aumentou com a densidade da presa. A densidade da presa não afetou o tempo gasto pelo predador para ingerir o alimento. A quantidade de alimento extraído por minuto pelo predador foi sempre maior nas mais baixas densidades e menores nas mais altas densidades. O peso corpóreo médio dos machos de P. nigrispinus não difereriu entre os tratamentos testados e o seu ganho de peso foi menor nas duas primeiras densidades testadas. As taxas de consumo relativo aumentaram com a quantidade de lagartas oferecidas. Os machos de P. nigrispinus podem mudar seu comportamento predatório em função da quantidade de presas disponíveis.

Características agronômicas de cultivares de mamona em função do local de cultivo e da época de semeadura no Rio Grande do Sul / Characteristics of castor bean cultivars according to the environmental crop and sowing season in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

A mamona (Ricinus communis L.) é uma planta oleaginosa anual e, ocasionalmente, bienal em regiões tropicais, com ciclo médio de 150 dias para a maioria das cultivares anuais e de 120 a 130 dias para cultivares anuais precoces. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar características agronômicas de cultivares das mamonas 'Al Guarany 2002', 'IAC 80', 'IAC 226' e 'BRS 188 Paraguaçu'em função do ambiente de cultivo e da época de semeadura. As cultivares foram semeadas entre o primeiro e o quinto dia dos meses de novembro e dezembro, na Embrapa Clima Temperado, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Cada época teve 12 unidades experimentais em três blocos casualizados. A emergência, a altura de planta e de inserção do primeiro cacho, o período de florescimento e colheita e o ataque de pragas e doenças foram avaliados e analisados com o programa WinStat Versão 2.0. O comportamento entre as cultivares diferiu entre locais de cultivo e época de semeadura. A inserção do cacho foi mais alta, e as florações e colheitas foram mais tardias em plantas da segunda época de semeadura. Danos por pragas e doenças e os descritores morfológicos da planta de mamona apresentaram diferenças entre os locais de cultivo.

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is an oleaginous plant with annual cycle and occasionally biennial cycle in tropical areas, with mean cycle of 150 days for the majority of annual cultivars and 120 to 130 days for annual early cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of castor cultivars according to environmental crop and sowing season. The experiment was conduced at Embrapa Clima Temperado - Pelotas/RS, in two places. The castor cultivars used in this research were 'Al Guarany 2002', 'IAC 80', 'IAC 226' and 'BRS 188 Paraguaçu', which were sown in two sowing times: the first was in early November (between 1st and 5st) and the second was in early December (between 1st and 5st). Each sowing season was constituted of 12 experimental units, distributed in three random blocks. It was evaluated the emergency, plant height and first spike insertion , flowering and harvest time, pest and disease attacks. The WinStat program Version 2.0 was used for data statistical analysis. There was a significant difference among cultivar behaviors between the environmental crops and sowing seasons. The second sowing season provided a larger plant and first spike insertion was higher. It also promoted retardation in the flowering and harvesting time. The differences among cultivars, between the two environmental crops, were clearer in the pest and disease attacks, but also in morphologic characteristics of castor plant.

Fatores de mortalidade natural do Symphyta Neotropical Haplostegus nigricrus (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) / Natural mortality factors of the Neotropical Symphyta Haplostegus nigricrus (Hymenoptera: Pergidae)

Os principais fatores de mortalidade natural de Haplostegus nigricrus Conde (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Pergidae) presente em área de mata secundária no município de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil são descritos. Adultos de H. nigricrus foram amostrados mensalmente, durante um ano, por varredura de vegetação, e seus números correlacionados com a temperatura e precipitação. Os inimigos naturais foram registrados através de larvas e adultos de H. nigricrus mantidos em laboratório e campo e incluem predadores, parasitóides, vírus e fungos. Inimigos naturais não foram observados nas fases de ovo e adulto e a viabilidade das pupas foi reduzida sob condições laboratoriais. Haplostegus nigricrus é bivoltino e seu ciclo de vida coincide fortemente com ambos os picos populacionais. A baixa ocorrência de inimigos naturais, a alta viabilidade da fase de ovo e a forte correlação com os fatores abióticos regionais sugerem que essa espécie tenha alta adaptabilidade aos habitats compostos por Myrtaceae nativas de importância econômica no Brasil.

The main natural mortality factors of Haplostegus nigricrus Conde (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Pergidae) present in a secondary forested area in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, are described. Adults were sampled monthly for one year by sweeping vegetation, and their numbers correlated with temperature and rainfall. Natural enemies were recorded from larvae and adults under both laboratory and field conditions and include predators, parasitoids, viruses, and fungi. Natural enemies were not observed in the egg and adult phases and the pupae viability was even less under laboratory conditions. Haplostegus nigricrus is bivotine, and its life cycle strongly coincides with both. The low occurrence of natural enemies, the high egg viability, and the strong correlation to regional abiotic factors suggest that this species has high adaptability to habitats composed of native Myrtaceae of economic importance in Brazil .