Identification key for drosophilid species (Diptera, Drosophilidae) exotic to the Neotropical Region and occurring in Brazil

Abstract Thirteen species of drosophilid exotic to the Neotropical Region are recorded in Brazil, and some of them are highly invasive and threaten significantly fruit cultures. We provide an illustrated key for identifying these species, and briefly discuss their taxonomic status, distribution, and occurrence in the Neotropics. The key should not only support newcomers to the study of Drosophila but also facilitate their identification by those interested in insects associated with cultivated areas.

Scenario of the spread of the invasive species Zaprionus indianus Gupta, 1970 (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in Brazil

Zaprionus indianus was first recorded in Brazil in 1999 and rapidly spread throughout the country. We have obtained data on esterase loci polymorphisms (Est2 and Est3), and analyzed them, using Landscape Shape Interpolation and the Monmonier Maximum Difference Algorithm to discover how regional invasion occurred. Hence, it was apparent that Z. indianus, after first arriving in São Paulo state, spread throughout the country, probably together with the transportation of commercial fruits by way of the two main Brazilian freeways, BR 153, to the south and the surrounding countryside, and the BR 116 along the coast and throughout the north-east.

Inventario taxonómico de drosophilidae (Diptera) en el Parque Nacional Yasuni, Amazonia Ecuatoriana

En el Parque Nacional Yasuní, reconocido como un sector de alto endemismo y biodiversidad, ubicado al noroeste de la Amazonía Ecuatoriana se realizó el inventario taxonómico de la familia Drosophilidae. Para la captura de los individuos se utilizaron trampas con atrayente de banano y solución de levadura de cerveza. La identificación taxonómica se realizó usando caracteres morfológicos y la terminalia de los machos. En total se colectaron 7425 individuos clasificados en 34 especies de los géneros: Drosophila Fallén, 1823, Scaptodrosophila Duda, 1923, Neotanygastrella Duda, 1923 y Zaprionus Coquillett, 1901. Seis de estas especies son nuevos registros para el Ecuador: D. araicas Pavan & Nacrur, 1950, D. equinoxialis Dobzhansky, 1946, D. kikkawai Burla, 1954, D. subsaltans Magalhães, 1956, D. neocordata Magalhães, 1956 y D. peninsularis Patterson & Wheeler, 1942. Estos datos incrementan el número de especies registrados para el país y para la región amazónica.

In the Yasuni National Park, a place recognized as a hot spot biodiversity, located in the Northwestern Ecuadorian Amazon was made a taxonomic survey of the Drosophilidae. Individuals were collected using traps with banana and yeast as bait. Taxonomic identifications were made by morphologic characters and male genitalia analysis. We collected 7425 individuals of 34 species, from the genera: Drosophila Fallén, 1823, Scaptodrosophila Duda, 1923, Neotanygastrella Duda, 1923 y Zaprionus Coquillett, 1901. Six of them are new records for Ecuador: D. araicas Pavan & Nacrur, 1950, D. equinoxialis Dobzhansky, 1946, D. kikkawai Burla, 1954, D. subsaltans Magalhães, 1956, D. neocordata Magalhães, 1956 and D. peninsularis Patterson & Wheeler, 1942. This data increase the number of species records to Ecuador and the Amazon Region.

Biogeographical aspects of drosophilids (Diptera, Drosophilidae) of the Brazilian savanna / Aspectos biogeográficos dos drosofilídeos (Diptera, Drosophilidae) da savana brasileira

Some species of drosophilids have been intensely studied, especially in the areas of genetics and molecular biology. However, little is known about their ecology and biogeography. Here, we revise the records of Drosophilidae species in the Cerrado domain, in order to organize the available information and to recognize patterns of geographic distribution and endemism. The 43 sampled sites in this domain reveal 100 species of drosophilids (10 of them exotic to the Neotropical region), distributed in eight genera. The collections were concentrated mainly in the States of Goiás (including the Federal District) and Minas Gerais. Serra do Cipó is the site with the highest richness of these insects. Of the 90 neotropical species found in the Cerrado, 77 also occur outside this domain, most of which are in the Atlantic Forest. Since extensive areas of this domain were poorly sampled for drosophilids and most studies used only baited traps to collect the flies, this absence of endemism should be carefully considered. It is recommended new inventories in poorly sampled regions, especially in the northeastern part of the domain. Also diversification of collection methods and improvement in the taxonomy of these flies are proposed. These directions should provide a significant increase in the list of species of drosophilids of the Cerrado; and thus, increase our knowledge about its biodiversity.

Algumas espécies de drosofilídeos têm sido intensamente estudadas, principalmente nas áreas de genética e biologia molecular. Entretanto, a ecologia e biogeografia do grupo ainda são pouco conhecidas. Aqui revisamos os registros das espécies de Drosophilidae no domínio do Cerrado, visando organizar a informação disponível e reconhecer eventuais padrões de distribuição geográfica e endemismos. As 43 localidades amostradas no domínio apresentaram 100 espécies de drosofilídeos (10 delas exóticas à região Neotropical), distribuídas em oito gêneros. As coletas estão concentradas principalmente nos Estados de Goiás (incluindo Distrito Federal) e Minas Gerais. A Serra do Cipó é o local com maior riqueza desses insetos. Das 90 espécies neotropicais encontradas no Cerrado, 77 também ocorrem fora do domínio, a maioria na Mata Atlântica. Como áreas extensas do domínio foram pouco amostradas para drosofilídeos e a maior parte dos estudos utilizaram apenas iscas de banana para coletar as moscas, a ausência de endemismos deve ser analisada com precaução. São recomendados novos inventários em regiões pobremente amostradas, especialmente na parte noroeste do domínio. Também são propostas a diversificação dos métodos de coleta e o aumento do esforço de identificação taxonômico dessas moscas. Essas diretrizes devem permitir um aumento significativo na lista de espécies de drosofilídeos do Cerrado e, consequentemente, no conhecimento da biodiversidade do domínio.

Changes in Brazilian Drosophilidae (Diptera) assemblages across an urbanisation gradient

The present study aims to characterise the assemblages of Drosophilidae sampled from four sites subject to different levels of urbanisation, in the city of Florianópolis, South Brazil. Five samples were collected between August 2000 and August 2001 and five between August 2002 and August 2003 in each site. A gradual change in the dominant species was observed in the urbanisation gradient, with an increase in relative abundance of exotic species in urban areas. Among the native species, the relative abundance of Drosophila capricorni Dobzhansky & Pavan had an expressive decrease. In the other hand the richness in the low urbanisation site increased, probably due to the presence of urban gardens. The diversity index did not vary significantly among sites, but its correlation with evenness and richness changed.

O presente estudo objetiva caracterizar as assembléias de Drosophilidae amostradas em quatro pontos sujeitos a diferentes níveis de urbanização, na cidade de Florianópolis, Sul do Brasil. Foram realizadas cinco amostragens entre agosto/2000 e agosto/2001 e cinco entre agosto/2002 e agosto/2003 em cada ponto. Uma mudança gradual nas espécies dominantes foi observada no gradiente de urbanização, com acréscimo na abundância relativa das espécies exóticas nas áreas urbanas. Entre as espécies nativas, houve um decréscimo expressivo na abundância relativa de Drosophila capricorni Dobzhansky & Pavan. Por outro lado, a riqueza no ponto de baixa urbanização aumentou, provavelmente devido à presença de áreas verdes na cidade. O índice de diversidade não variou significativamente entre os pontos, mas sua correlação com a eqüitabilidade e a riqueza se alterou.

Homology of polytene elements between Drosophila and Zaprionus determined by in situ hybridization in Zaprionus indianus

The drosophilid Zaprionus indianus due to its economical importance as an insect pest in Brazil deserves more investigation into its genetics. Its mitotic karyotype and a line-drawing map of its polytene chromosomes are already available. This paper presents a photomap of Z. indianus polytene chromosomes, which was used as the reference map for identification of sections marked by in situ hybridization with gene probes. Hybridization signals for Hsp70 and Hsr-omega were detected, respectively, in sections 34B and 32C of chromosome V of Z. indianus, which indicates its homology to the chromosomal arm 3R of Drosophila melanogaster and, therefore, to Muller's element E. The main signal for Hsp83 gene probe hybridization was in section 17C of Z. indianus chromosome III, suggesting its homology to arm 3L of D. melanogaster and to element D of Muller. The Ubi probe hybridized in sections 10C of chromosome II and 17A of chromosome III. Probably the 17A is the polyubiquitin locus, with homology to arm 3L of D. melanogaster and to the mullerian D element, as suggested also by Hsp83 gene location. The Br-C gene was mapped in section 1D, near the tip of the X chromosome, indicating its homology to the X chromosome of D. melanogaster and to mullerian element A. The Dpp gene probe hybridized mainly in the section 32A of chromosome V and, at lower frequencies to other sections, although no signal was observed as expected in the correspondent mullerian B element. This result led to the suggestion of a rearrangement including the Dpp locus in Z. indianus, the secondary signals possibly pointing to related genes of the TGF-beta family. In conclusion, the results indicate that chromosomes X, III, V of Z. indianus are respectively correspondents to elements A, D, and E of Muller. At least chromosome V of Z. indianus seems to share synteny with the 3R arm of D. melanogaster, as indicated by the relative positions of Hsp70 and Hsr-omega, although the Dpp gene indicates a disruption of synteny in its distal region.