Unusual toxic accident caused by Calosoma alternans, Fabricius 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in a Venezuelan patient / Accidente tóxico inusual provocado por Calosoma alternans, Fabricius 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) en un paciente venezolano

Coleopteran insects can produce toxic substances containing multiple components which have so far not been properly described. To report an unusual case of intoxication by excretion from Calosoma alternans Fabricius 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in a Venezuelan patient from a periurban neighborhood near the mesothermal raining forest. The toxic activity caused a clinical status characterized by digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastralgia, an increase in bowel movements and probable kidney inflammation with intense pain in both lumbar regions, which did not correspond to the classic dermal damage. In conclusion, a unique case is presented of intoxication by a coleopteran species, with a clinical description not previously reported(AU)

Los insectos coleópteros pueden producir sustancias tóxicas que contienen numerosos componentes que aún no han sido descritos adecuadamente. Presentar un caso inusual de intoxicación por excreciones de Calosoma alternans Fabricius 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) en un paciente venezolano residente en un barrio periurbano cercano a la selva tropical mesotérmica. La actividad tóxica provocó un cuadro clínico caracterizado por síntomas digestivos como náuseas, vómitos, epigastralgia, aumento del número de deposiciones y probablemente inflamación renal, con dolor intenso en ambas regiones lumbares, lo que no se corresponde con el daño dérmico clásico. En resumen, se presenta un caso singular de intoxicación provocada por una especie de coleóptero, con una descripción clínica no reportada anteriormente(AU)

Carabid beetle assemblages in three environments in the Araucaria humid forest of southern Brazil

Carabid beetle assemblages in three environments in the Araucaria humid forest of southern Brazil. Carabidae is composed mainly by ground-dwelling predator beetles. It is the fourth most diverse group within Coleoptera, but its diversity in the Neotropical region is understudied. Here we describe and analyze the diversity of carabid beetles in a region of subtropical rain forest dominated by Araucaria angustifolia with different landscapes. Three areas were chosen in an environmental integrity gradient: primary forests, secondary forests and old Pinus plantations. Pitfall traps were taken monthly, in a total of 14 samples per area. 1733 adult carabid beetles, belonging to 18 species, were sampled. There were differences in richness and abundance between the sampled areas. The total scores followed the same tendency: primary forests (14 species/747 individuals), secondary forests (13/631) and Pinus forests (10/355). An analysis of similarity shows differences in species composition, for both areas and seasons. Galerita lacordarei was the most abundant species for all samples and seasons. Carabid species show similar responses in accordance with habitat heterogeneity and disturbance. The abundance of Galerita lacordarei was influenced by temperature, for all sampled sites. Environmental changes affect the carabid assemblages and decrease diversity, possibly interfering in local dynamics. Seasonality patterns seem to indicate an increase in individual movement during summer, probably in search of resources. It is suggested that microhabitat patchiness is probably an important factor affecting carabid beetle diversity at small spatial scales.

Notes on Species of the Laboulbeniales from Yunnan Province of China

Six species of the genus Laboulbenia were collected from some regions of Yunnan Province, China, in July, 1994. They are as follows; Laboulbenia acupapi Spegazzini was collected on Abacetus submetallicus (Nietner) and Stenolophus iridicolor Redtenbacher. The host of this fungus has been only found on genus Acupalpus in the world so far, but it was newly found on genus Abacetus and Stenolophus. Laboulbenia anoplogenii Thaxter subsp. abaceti Santamaria was collected on Abacetus submetallicus (Nietner). Laboulbenia elaphri Spegazzini was collected on Nebria ochotica Sahlberg, but the host of this fungus has been only found on genus Elaphrus in the world so far. It was newly collected on genus Nebria. Laboulnebia flagellata Peyritsch was collected on Harpalus platynotus Bates and Platynus sculptipes (Bates). Laboulbenia polyphaga Thaxter was collected on Harpalus bungii Chaudoir. Laboulbenia vulgaris Peyritsch was collected on Bembidion misellum Harold and Bembidon scopulium (Kirby).

The species of Notiobia Perty (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Harpalini) from Brazil

The new species Notiobia glabrata, N. maxima and N. pseudolimbipennis are described. A key to the 11 Notiobia (s.str.) species known from Brazil, data about the distribution of each species and taxonomical remarks are provided. Notiobia parilis Bates, 1878 is a junior synonym of N. nebrioides Perty, 1830, and Notiobia umbrata Bates, 1882 is a junior synonym of N. jlavicinctus Erichson, 1847. The Brazilian Notiobia species belong to at least three different species groups, each distributed from Brazil over the North-Western part of South America, Central America to Mexico.

As novas espécies Notiobia glabrata, N. maxima e N. pseudolimbipennis são descritas. São fornecidos uma chave para as onze espécies de Notiobia (s.str.) conhecidas para o Brasil, dados sobre a distribuição c características taxonômicas de cada espécie. Notiobia parilis Bates, 1878 é uma sinonímia de N. nebrioides Perty, 1830, e Notiobia umbrata Bates, 1882 é uma sinonímia N. flavicinctus Erichson, 1847. As espécies de Notiobia do Brasil pertencem a pelo menos três diferentes grupos de espécies, cada um distribuído do Brasil para a parte Noroeste da América do Sul, e da América Central até o México.