Sucking insects and their predators on tree canopies of a monocultural stand of Caryocar brasiliense / Insetos sugadores e seus predadores na copa de Caryocar brasiliense em sistema de monocultura

Abstract Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees are widely distributed throughout the Cerrado ecosystem. The fruits of C. brasiliense trees are used by humans for food and as the main income source in many communities. C. brasiliense conservation is seriously threatened due to habitat loss caused by the land-use change. Sucking insects constitute an important ecological driver that potentially impact C. brasiliense survival in degraded environments. In addition, insects sampling methodologies for application in studies related to the conservation of C. brasiliense are poorly developed. In this study, sucking insects (Hemiptera) and their predators were recorded in three vertical strata of Caryocar brasiliense canopies. The distribution of sucking species showed vertical stratification along the canopy structure of C. brasiliense. The basal part of the canopy had the highest numbers of sucking insects Aphis gossypii (Glover 1877) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Bemisia tabaci (Genn. 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and their predators Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), spiders (Araneae), and Zelus armillatus (Lep. & Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Predators' distribution follows the resource availability and preferred C. brasiliense tree parts with a higher abundance of prey.

Resumo Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) é amplamente distribuído por todo o ecossistema de cerrado. Os frutos de C. brasiliense são utilizados na alimentação humana e constitui uma importante fonte de renda para muitas comunidades. A perda de habitat provocada pelas mudanças de uso da terra coloca em risco a conservação de C. brasiliense. Insetos sugadores constituem um importante fator ecológico que, potencialmente, afeta o fitness de C. brasiliense em ambientes degradados. Além disso, as metodologias de amostragem de insetos para aplicação em estudos relacionados à conservação de C. brasiliense são pouco desenvolvidas. Neste estudo, o número de insetos sugadores (Hemiptera) e seus predadores foram avaliados em três estratos verticais do dossel de C. brasiliense. A distribuição das espécies sugadoras apresentou estratificação vertical ao longo da estrutura do dossel. O estrato basal do dossel apresentou o maior número de insetos sugadores Aphis gossypii (Glover 1877) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) e Bemisia tabaci (Genn. 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), e seus predadores Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), aranhas (Araneae) e Zelus armillatus (Lep. & Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Os predadores distribuíram-se de acordo com a disponibilidade de recursos, ocorrendo em maior número nas partes do dossel com maior abundância de suas presas.

Sucking insects and their predators on tree canopies of a monocultural stand of Caryocar brasiliense

Abstract Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees are widely distributed throughout the Cerrado ecosystem. The fruits of C. brasiliense trees are used by humans for food and as the main income source in many communities. C. brasiliense conservation is seriously threatened due to habitat loss caused by the land-use change. Sucking insects constitute an important ecological driver that potentially impact C. brasiliense survival in degraded environments. In addition, insects sampling methodologies for application in studies related to the conservation of C. brasiliense are poorly developed. In this study, sucking insects (Hemiptera) and their predators were recorded in three vertical strata of Caryocar brasiliense canopies. The distribution of sucking species showed vertical stratification along the canopy structure of C. brasiliense. The basal part of the canopy had the highest numbers of sucking insects Aphis gossypii (Glover 1877) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Bemisia tabaci (Genn. 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and their predators Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), spiders (Araneae), and Zelus armillatus (Lep. & Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Predators' distribution follows the resource availability and preferred C. brasiliense tree parts with a higher abundance of prey.

Resumo Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) é amplamente distribuído por todo o ecossistema de cerrado. Os frutos de C. brasiliense são utilizados na alimentação humana e constitui uma importante fonte de renda para muitas comunidades. A perda de habitat provocada pelas mudanças de uso da terra coloca em risco a conservação de C. brasiliense. Insetos sugadores constituem um importante fator ecológico que, potencialmente, afeta o fitness de C. brasiliense em ambientes degradados. Além disso, as metodologias de amostragem de insetos para aplicação em estudos relacionados à conservação de C. brasiliense são pouco desenvolvidas. Neste estudo, o número de insetos sugadores (Hemiptera) e seus predadores foram avaliados em três estratos verticais do dossel de C. brasiliense. A distribuição das espécies sugadoras apresentou estratificação vertical ao longo da estrutura do dossel. O estrato basal do dossel apresentou o maior número de insetos sugadores Aphis gossypii (Glover 1877) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) e Bemisia tabaci (Genn. 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), e seus predadores Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), aranhas (Araneae) e Zelus armillatus (Lep. & Servi., 1825) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Os predadores distribuíram-se de acordo com a disponibilidade de recursos, ocorrendo em maior número nas partes do dossel com maior abundância de suas presas.

Diversity, distribution and host plants of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Espírito Santo, Brazil / Diversidade, distribuição e plantas hospedeiras de cochonilhas escama (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) no Espírito Santo, Brasil

Abstract: Armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), are phytophagous species that occur in major biogeographic regions of the world. Because of the importance of diaspidids as pests, there is widespread interest in countries that export and import unprocessed agricultural products in increased knowledge of this group which includes invasive and quarantine pests of great economic concern. The diversity, geographic distribution, and host of diaspidids were studied from November 2002 to December 2018 in 34 municipalities in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Forty species of Diaspididae from 27 genera were collected and identified. The species Acutaspis perseae (Comstock), A. umbonifera (Newstead), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock), Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Morganella longispina (Morgan), Mycetaspis apicata (Newstead), and Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskel) were found for the first time in Espírito Santo. The plant families Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Arecaceae, Asparagaceae, and Rutaceae had the greatest number of host plant species of armored scale. Fifty-seven new host associations were observed for 25 species of diaspidids and 11 diaspidid species were recorded for the first time from nine families of plants. Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) was the most polyphagous species observed with 17 host plant species from 12 families, followed by Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), and Parlatoria proteus (Curtis). With these new records, 41 species and 28 genera of Diaspididae have been recorded in Espírito Santo.

Resumo: As cochonilhas escama (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), são espécies fitófagas que ocorrem nas principais regiões biogeográficas do mundo. Devido à importância dos diaspidídeos como pragas, existe um amplo interesse nos países que exportam e importam produtos agrícolas não processados no aumento do conhecimento desse grupo, o que inclui pragas invasoras e quarentenárias de grande importância econômica. A diversidade, distribuição geográfica e hospedeiros de diaspidídeos foram estudadas de novembro de 2002 a dezembro de 2018 em 34 municípios do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Quarenta espécies de Diaspididae de 27 gêneros foram coletadas e identificadas. As espécies Acutaspis perseae (Comstock), A. umbonifera (Newstead), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock), Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Morganella longispina (Morgan), Mycetaspis apicata (Newstead) e Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskel) foram encontradas pela primeira vez no Espírito Santo. Cinquenta e sete novas associações de hospedeiros foram observadas, em um total de 25 espécies de diaspidídeos; estes incluem 13 novos registros de famílias em um total de 11 espécies de diaspidídeos e nove famílias de plantas. Myrtaceae, Moraceae e Arecaceae foram as famílias botânicas com o maior número de espécies de diaspidídeos observadas. Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) foi a espécie mais polífaga, com 17 espécies de plantas hospedeiras de 12 famílias observadas, seguida por Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green) e Parlatoria proteus (Curtis). Com esses novos registros, 41 espécies e 28 gêneros de Diaspididae foram registrados no Espírito Santo.

Efecto de las aguas jabonosas sobre el comportamiento de hemípteros semiacuáticos (Gerromorpha) de dos ecosistemas acuáticos neotropicales / Effect of soapy water on the behavior of semiaquatic hemipterans (Gerromorpha) from two neotropical aquatic ecosystems

Resumen Introducción: Los hemípteros semiacuáticos son insectos que podrían ser de los mejores indicadores de la calidad del ambiente acuático, específicamente en cuanto al contenido de sustancias que rompen la tensión superficial. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que evalúen cómo estos insectos se ven afectados por cambios en la tensión superficial del agua. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto que tienen las aguas jabonosas sobre la capacidad de locomoción de tres especies de hemípteros semiacuáticos neotropicales. Métodos: Desde agosto hasta noviembre 2020, realizamos experimentos ex situ, con nueve grupos de diez individuos de la familia Veliidae (N = 90) y Gerridae (N = 90), en donde cada grupo individualmente, fue sometido a la entrada de aguas jabonosas durante tres minutos. Para esto, diseñamos un acuario que consistía en tres cajas de plástico a diferentes alturas, conectadas entre sí, de modo que se generaba un flujo de corriente. Utilizamos jabón en polvo para ropa, jabón líquido para manos, y jabón en barra para platos. De cada tipo de jabón preparamos una concentración baja (9 ppm), media (50 ppm) y alta (200 ppm). Mediante grabaciones, registramos el tiempo que duraron los hemípteros en el agua, así como su capacidad para salir de la misma, y si se hundían o no. Resultados: Encontramos que, sin importar el tipo de jabón, el tiempo que permanecen los hemípteros en el agua contaminada, se reduce drásticamente conforme aumenta la concentración, pero dicho impacto varía según la especie, siendo Rhagovelia solida (familia Veliidae) menos afectada por la contaminación en comparación con Platygerris caeruleus y Potamobates unidentatus (familia Gerridae). Conclusión: El uso de estos táxones como indicadores del grado de contaminación de los ríos por detergentes y jabones, puede ser muy útil, sobre todo si se toma en cuenta las diferencias de sensibilidad según la familia o género del grupo.

Abstract Introduction: Semiaquatic hemipterans are insects that may be among the best indicators of the quality of the aquatic environment, specifically in terms of the content of substances that break surface tension. However, no studies are evaluating how these insects are affected by changes in the surface tension of the water. Objective: To determine the effect of soapy water on the locomotion ability of three species of neotropical semiaquatic hemipterans. Methods: From August to November 2020, we conducted ex situ experiments, with nine groups of ten individuals of the family Veliidae (N = 90) and Gerridae (N = 90), where each group individually, was subjected to the entry of soapy water for three minutes. For this, we designed an aquarium consisting of three plastic boxes at different heights, connected to each other, so that a current flow was generated. We used powdered laundry soap, liquid hand soap, and bar soap for dishes. For each type of soap we prepared a low (9 ppm), medium (50 ppm) and high (200 ppm) concentration. By means of recordings, we recorded the time the hemipterans spent in the water, as well as their ability to get out of the water, and whether or not they sank. Results: We found that, regardless of the type of soap, the time spent by hemipterans in contaminated water decreases drastically as the concentration increases, but the impact varies by species, with Rhagovelia solida (family Veliidae) being less affected by pollution compared to Platygerris caeruleus and Potamobates unidentatus (family Gerridae). Conclusions: The use of these taxa as indicators of the degree of contamination of rivers by detergents and soaps can be very useful, especially if we take into account the differences in sensitivity according to the family or gender of the group.

Revision of the American genus Platyvelia Polhemus & Polhemus, 1993 (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha: Veliidae)

ABSTRACT The subfamily Veliinae (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha: Veliidae) includes ten genera worldwide, seven of which are endemic to the American continent. Here, we provide a revision of Platyvelia Polhemus and Polhemus, 1993, which is distributed from the United States to northern Argentina, and included nine valid species prior to this study. Six species are redescribed, the synonymies of P. egregia (Drake and Harris, 1935) and P. verdica (Drake, 1951) with P. brachialis (Stål, 1860) are proposed, a lectotype is designated for P. annulipes, and two species groups are erected based on male characters: the P. annulipes group and the P. brachialis group. Keys to the species groups and species within each group, photos, and distribution maps are also included.

A new leafhopper genus of Erythroneurini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from karst area in southwestern China

ABSTRACT Guizhou is regarded as one hotspot for China's Erythroneurini diversity, from where numerous rare new species have been, or are being, described. A new genus and species of Erythroneurini from Huajiang, Guizhou, China, Anuihuajianga pyramidalis gen. et sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The new genus is characterized by subgenital plate extremely short, with long macrosetae dorsally at base, and small teeth-like setae at apex. The characteristic aedeagus shaped like two overlapping cones can also easily distinguish it from other genera. In general, this study further enriches the diversity of Erythroneurini in southwestern China.

Gerromorpha: semiaquatic insects, development in last decade in Colombia / Gerromorpha: insectos semiacuáticos, desarrollo en la última década en colombia

RESUMEN El presente trabajo resume las principales tendencias en el conocimiento de los gerromorfos en el ámbito mundial, relacionadas con los avances en sistemática molecular, su uso como indicadores de ambientes cambiantes y la ampliación del saber en varios países Neotropicales. Se revisa la información publicada sobre los Gerromorpha en la última década (2009-2019) en Colombia y se contemplan los diferentes aspectos biológicos, taxonómicos, ecológicos y de distribución geográfica. El desarrollo y el progreso sobre los heterópteros semiacuáticos son la base del emprendimiento de otras investigaciones en Colombia y en el Neotrópico, especialmente en regiones como Mesoamérica y Sudamérica.

ABSTRACT The present work summarizes the main worldwide trends in the Gerromorphans knowledge which are related to the advances in molecular systematics, their use as indicators of changing environments, and knowledge broadening in several Neotropical countries. The information published about Gerromorphans in last decade (2009-2019) in Colombia is reviewed, and the different biological, taxonomic, ecological and geographical distribution aspects are considered. The development and progress about semiaquatic Heteroptera are the base to undertake further investigations in Colombia and at the Neotropic, especially in regions such as Mesoamerica and South America.

Expression of Pinellia ternata leaf agglutinin under rolC promoter confers resistance against a phytophagous sap sucking aphid, Myzus persicae

BACKGROUND: Piercing/sucking insect pests in the order Hemiptera causes substantial crop losses by removing photoassimilates and transmitting viruses to their host plants. Cloning and heterologous expression of plantderived insect resistance genes is a promising approach to control aphids and other sap-sucking insect pests. While expression from the constitutive 35S promoter provides broad protection, the phloem-specific rolC promoter provides better defense against sap sucking insects. The selection of plant-derived insect resistance genes for expression in crop species will minimize bio-safety concerns. RESULTS: Pinellia ternata leaf agglutinin gene (pta), encodes an insecticidal lectin, was isolated and cloned under the 35S and rolC promoters in the pGA482 plant transformation vector for Agrobacterium-mediated tobacco transformation. Integration and expression of the transgene was validated by Southern blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. Insect bioassays data of transgenic tobacco plants showed that expression of pta under rolC promoter caused 100% aphid mortality and reduced aphid fecundity up to 70% in transgenic tobacco line LRP9. These results highlight the better effectivity of pta under rolC promoter to control phloem feeders, aphids. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested the potential of PTA against aphids and other sap sucking insect pests. Evaluation of gene in tobacco under two different promoters; 35S constitutive promoter and rolC phloemspecific promoter could be successfully use for other crop plants particularly in cotton. Development of transgenic cotton plants using plant-derived insecticidal, PTA, would be key step towards commercialization of environmentally safe insect-resistant crops.

Veliidae (Insecta: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) from Colombia: Description of a new species and of the male of Euvelia meta Molano, Moreira & Morales, 2016

Abstract Stridulivelia (Aenictovelia) chocoana sp. nov. (Heteroptera: Veliidae: Veliinae) is described based on specimens from the Colombian department of Chocó. The new species is diagnosed by pronotal humeral angles, body length, male hind trochanter and paramere shape. Furthermore, we describe and illustrate the previously unknown male of Euvelia meta Molano, Moreira & Morales, 2016 (Heteroptera: Veliidae: Microveliinae) and its range is extended to Amazonas and Vichada departments.

Biodiversity of Coreoidea and Pentatomidae (Heteroptera) from Atlantic forest protected areas. Insights into their conservation

ABSTRACT Although the majority of threatened species are likely to be tropical insects, knowledge of the diversity, ecological role and impact of insect biodiversity loss on ecosystem processes is very limited. Specimens belonging to four families of Heteroptera: Pentatomidae, Coreidae, Alydidae and Rhopalidae, were collected from a protected area in the Paraná Forest, the largest ecoregion of the Atlantic Forest, in Argentina. The assemblages were characterized and the biodiversity estimated, and they were compared with the assemblages found in five other protected areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In our study area, Pentatomidae had the greatest richness and diversity; Coreidae was the second most diverse family, with highest sampling deficit, highest percentage of singletons, and lowest inventory completeness; and Rhopalidae was the best sampled family with asymptotic rarefaction curves. We explored the application of the Species Conservation Importance index, following four criteria, to evaluate the relative importance of the pentatomid species studied and its usefulness for assigning conservation values to areas. We found similar Site Conservation Values among the six areas and noted that the use of criteria was limited by the lack of information, being crucial to increase the knowledge of most of the species.

Caracterización del comportamiento y las señales vibratorias en Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) durante el cortejo y la cópula / Characterization of the behavioral and vibrational signals in Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) during courtship and copulation

Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a neotropical species belonging to the family Pentatomidae with over 4 000 species described, and is distributed from Florida to Brazil. This study describes the sexual behavior and reported for the first time the production of substrate vibrations by males and females during copulatory behavior and mating. Courtship and copulatory behavior, as well as the diverse signals, were recorded with a phonographic cartridge connected to a video camera. Female vibrations were reproduced in the absence of females and the responses by males were recorded. At least three types of substrate vibrations were distinguished in males and one in females, and these signals were characterized by their low frequency, varying from 127 to 180Hz. The sounds of E. floridianus males were significantly different in frequency, duration and number of pulses, both in courtship and in copulation, for the purring and drumming sounds. The production of sounds in this species is associated principally with mechanical, stimulatory behavior during courtship and copulation. Patterns of behavior and their relation to substrate vibrations suggest that these signals are important for the males in the context of mate location and sexual selection.

Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) es una especie neotropical perteneciente a la familia Pentatomidae con más de 4 000 especies descritas, y se distribuye desde la Florida hasta Brasil. Este estudio describe el comportamiento sexual y reporta por primera vez la producción de vibraciones de sustrato por machos y hembras durante el comportamiento precopulatorio y la cópula. Se grabó tanto el comportamiento de cortejo y de cópula como las diversas señales producidas utilizando un cartucho fonográfico, conectado a una cámara de video. Posteriormente se reprodujo las vibraciones de las hembras en ausencia de estas y se registró las respuestas de los machos. Se distinguieron al menos tres vibraciones de sustrato distintas para los machos y una para las hembras, y se caracterizaron por ser señales de baja frecuencia que van desde los 127 hasta 180Hz. Las sonidos de los machos en E. floridianus fueron significativamente diferentes en la frecuencia, duración y número de pulsos tanto en el cortejo como en la cópula para los sonidos de ronroneo y tamborileo. La producción de sonidos en esta especie se asoció principalmente con comportamientos estimulatorios- mecánicos durante el cortejo y copula. Patrones de comportamiento y su relación con las vibraciones del sustrato sugiere que estas señales pueden ser importantes para los machos en el contexto de la localización de su compañera y la selección sexual.

Dermoscopy as an auxiliary method in the diagnosis of social wasp (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) stings

We describe the case of a 32-year-old male patient that sought medical treatment complaining of severe pain in his second and third right-hand fingers. The symptoms had started two hours before. The hypotheses of spider bite, scorpion or insect sting and injury caused by a foreign body were considered in the differential diagnoses. On dermoscopy, two foreign bodies were identified on his skin. After extraction, we concluded that they were wasp stingers.

Ocorrência de mosca-branca em Annona squamosa no estado de São Paulo / Occurrence of whitefly on Annona squamosa in São Paulo State, Brazil

No Brasil, é restrito o conhecimento sobre distribuição geográfica e plantas hospedeiras de moscas-brancas (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), principalmente em plantas cultivadas. Nesta comunicação, é registrada a ocorrência de Aleurodicus mirabilis (Cockerell, 1898) em altas infestações em fruta-do-conde (Annona squamosa Linnaeus, 1753) no estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

In Brazil the knowledge about the geographical distribution and host plants of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is limited, mainly on crops. In this communication, the occurrence of Aleurodicus mirabilis (Cockerell, 1898) in high infestations in custard apple (Annona squamosa Linnaeus, 1753) is recorded in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Aquatic insect community of lake, Phulbari anua in Cachar, Assam.

An investigation on the water quality and aquatic insect community of an oxbow lake (Phulbari anua) of south Assam, North-East India was carried out during February to April, 2010. Aquatic insect community of the oxbow lake was represented by 9 species belonging to 9 families and 4 orders during the study period. Order Ephemeroptera and Hemiptera were found to be dominant. Record of 5 species and 5 families from the order Hemiptera showed that this is the largest order in terms of aquatic insect diversity of the lake. Computation of dominance status of different species of aquatic insects of the lake based on Engelmann’s Scale revealed that Anisops lundbladiana and Cloeon sp. were eudominant in the system. The Shannon- Weiner’s Diversity Index (H’) and Shannon evenness values (J’) were found to range from 0.3-0.69 and 0.53 -0.97, respectively indicating perturbation of the system. Again in terms of physico-chemical properties of water the lake is in a satisfactory condition where all the parameters are well within the range of IS 10500. The DO values were found to range from 6.8 to14.8 mgl-1. Free CO2 fluctuated from 1 to 4.98 mgl-1 and nitrate in water ranged from 0.4 to 2.1 mgl-1. Margalef’s water quality index values of most of the samplings also indicated clean water condition of the lake. Correlation coefficient analyses of the environmental variables, aquatic insect diversity and density of the lake revealed that aquatic insect diversity of the lake is mainly governed by dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and free carbon dioxide.

Occurrence of the stinkbug Edessa meditabunda F. (Pentatomidae) in differents cultivars of lettuce Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) / Ocorrência do percevejo Edessa meditabunda F. (Pentatomidae) em diferentes cultivares de alface Lactuca sativa L.(Asterace)

There are few research involving vegetables pests, especially when we consider the culture of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the presence of stinkbugs Edessa meditabunda over four cultivars of lettuce. The experiment was conducted in field conditions in the vegetable garden of farm Florentino, Novo Progresso, south Pará State (7°07'45.71"S 55°23'21.13"W), between the months october and december 2010. We used four cultivars of lettuce: Elba (curly group), Teresa (american group), Regina (smooth group), and Mimosa (clippings group). The samplings of stinkbugs were made in december, when the plants had 30 days after transplantation. In each cultivar was randomly selected one lettuce plant per line, totaling 10 plants sampled from each cultivar/day and 30 plants per cultivar during all samplings. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the averages were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Were collected 443 adults, 127 nymphs and 50 postures of E. meditabunda.The results shows that the incidence of adults was higher in cultivars Elba (curly group) and Teresa(american group) (p<0,001) and the abundance of nymphs and postures of E. meditabunda were statistically higher in the cultivar Elba (curly group) than others cultivars (p<0,001), indicating the preference of stinkbugs for these cultivars. Considering the few studies conducted with E. meditabunda, and this being the first to obtain information about the occurrence of stinkbugs attacking different cultivars of lettuce, we suggest further studies to evaluate the physiological and morphological effects caused by these insects in lettuce.

Pesquisas envolvendo pragas de hortaliças são escassas, principalmente quando consideramos a cultura da alface. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a presença de percevejos Edessa meditabundaF.em quatro cultivares de alface. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de campo, na horta da Fazenda Florentino, município de Novo Progresso, sul do Estado do Pará, Brasil (7°07'45.71"S 55°23'21.13"W), entre os meses de outubro e dezembro de 2010. Foramutilizadas quatro cultivares de alface, sendo elas: Elba (do grupo crespa), Teresa (do grupo americana), Regina (do grupo lisa) e Mimosa (do grupo repicada). As coletas de percevejos foram realizadas em dezembro, quando as plantas já apresentavam 30 dias de transplante. Em cada cultivar foi sorteado uma planta de alface por linha, totalizando 10 plantas amostradas em cada cultivar/dia e 30 plantas por cultivar durante todas as coletas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Foram coletados 443 adultos, 127 ninfas e 50 posturas de E. meditabunda. Os resultados mostram que a incidência de adultos foi maior nas cultivares Elba (crespa) e Teresa (americana) (p<0,001) e que a abundância de ninfas e posturas de E. meditabunda foram maiores na cultivar Elba (crespa) quando comparados com as outras cultivares (p<0,001), indicando a preferência dos percevejos por estas cultivares. Considerando a escassez de trabalhos sobre E. meditabundaem alface, e sendo este o primeiro a obter informações sobre a ocorrência deste percevejo em diferentes cultivares, fica como sugestão para posteriores estudos, analisar os efeitos fisiológicos e morfológicos que E. meditabunda causa sobre as diferentes cultivares de alface.

Veliidae (Insecta, Heteroptera, Gerromorpha) from southeastern Brazil: three new species from Rio de Janeiro State, a new species group for Neotropical Rhagovelia Mayr, and notes on distribution and synonymy / Veliidae (Insecta, Heteroptera Gerromorpha) do Sudeste do Brasil: três novas espécies do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, um novo grupo para espécies neotropicais de Rhagovelia Mayr, e notas sinonímicas e de distribuição

Microvelia nelsoni sp. nov., M. takiyae sp. nov., and Rhagovelia mangaratiba sp. nov. are described. Rhagovelia scitula and R. whitei are transferred from the robusta group to the new whitei group. Rhagovelia denticulata is synonymized under R. scitula. Microvelia longipes, Oiovelia brasiliensis, Rhagovelia sooretama, R. trianguloides, R. vaniniae, and Stridulivelia quadrispinosa are recorded for the first time from Rio de Janeiro State. Additional new municipality records in Rio de Janeiro State are presented for Microvelia braziliensis, M. ioana, M. mimula, M. pulchella, Paravelia basalis, P. itatiayana, Rhagovelia accedens, R. agra, R. aiuruoca, R. elegans, R. hambletoni, R. henryi, R. itatiaiana, R. lucida, R. macta, R. modesta, R. novana, R. scitula, R. tenuipes, R. tijuca, R. triangula, and R. zela. Corrections are presented for the previously published distributions of Rhagovelia aiuruoca, R. lucida, R. macta, and R. triangula.

Microvelia nelsoni sp. nov., M. takiyae sp. nov. e Rhagovelia mangaratiba sp. nov. são descritas. Rhagovelia scitula e R. whitei são transferidas do grupo robusta para o novo grupo whitei. Rhagovelia denticulata é sinonimizada com R. scitula. Microvelia longipes, Oiovelia brasiliensis, Rhagovelia sooretama, R. trianguloides, R. vaniniae e Stridulivelia quadrispinosa são registradas pela primeira vez no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Ocorrências adicionais novas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro são apresentadas para Microvelia braziliensis, M. ioana, M. mimula, M. pulchella, Paravelia basalis, P. itatiayana, Rhagovelia accedens, R. agra, R. aiuruoca, R. elegans, R. hambletoni, R. henryi, R. itatiaiana, R. lucida, R. macta, R. modesta, R. novana, R. scitula, R. tenuipes, R. tijuca, R. triangula e R. zela. Correções acerca das distribuições de Rhagovelia aiuruoca, R. lucida, R. macta e R. triangula são apresentadas.

Review of Thoreyella Spinola with the description of two new species from Brazil (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae)

Review of Thoreyella Spinola with the description of two new species from Brazil (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae). Thoreyella Spinola is revised, with detailed descriptions of the four known species (T. brasiliensis Spinola, 1850, T. trinotata Berg, 1878, T. cornuta Berg, 1883 and, T. taurus Jensen-Haarup, 1931), and two new species from Brazil: T. maracaja sp. nov. (Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul states) and T. paraiba sp. nov. (Paraíba State). New geographical country and state/ province records are as follows: T. cornuta from Rio Grande do Sul; T. brasiliensis from Mato Grosso, Espírito Santo, Catamarca, and Córdoba; and T. trinotata from Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). A key to all species is given.

Revisão de Thoreyella Spinola, com a descrição de duas novas espécies do Brasil (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae). Neste trabalho, o gênero Thoreyella Spinola é revisado com descrições detalhadas das quatro espécies conhecidas (T. brasiliensis Spinola, 1850, T. trinotata Berg, 1878, T. cornuta Berg, 1883 e T. taurus Jensen-Haarup, 1931) e duas novas espécies do Brasil: T. maracaja sp. nov. (estados de Mina Gerais, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul) e T. paraiba sp nov. (Estado da Paraíba). Novos registros de distribuição para países e estados/províncias são os seguintes: T. cornuta do Rio Grande do Sul; T. brasiliensis do Mato Grosso e Espírito Santo; Catamarca e Córdoba, e T. trinotata do Brasil. Uma chave dicotômica para as espécies é fornecida.

Ultrastructural and functional aspects of the spermatheca in the american harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The spermatheca of Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) was investigated using fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The aim of the study was to elucidate the structure of this organ, pointing out differences between mated and unmated females. Results have shown an elaborated cuticular structure associated with muscular and glandular tissues. The spermatheca is joined with the common oviduct by the spermathecal duct, forming a thin saccular dilation through two consecutive invaginations. The distal part of the organ is formed by a series of two communicating cuticular chambers. The first cylindrical-shaped chamber, corresponding to the coiled region, is wrapped by longitudinal muscular fibers suspended between two cuticular flanges. The contractions of these fibers compress a deformable zone of the cylinder, pumping the sperm toward the spermathecal duct. Without contractions the cylinder results to be isolated from the proximal part of the spermatheca by means of a valve. The second chamber, corresponding to the spermatheca, is made of two parts: a truncated-conical sub chamber, with a constant cuticular thickness, bearing on itself the distal flange, where muscular fibers are attached. The second part is a bulb-like structure wrapped in a glandular epithelium. The secretory units are composed by two cells: a secretory cell and an associated duct cell. Every evacuating duct shows a little reservoir just after the terminal apparatus, and converge inside the distal bulb after a tortuous path. The functional implications of this structure in the reproductive biology of M. histrionica are discussed.

Feeding behavior of Triatoma vitticeps (Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior of Triatoma vitticeps through the identification of its food sources and the characterization of the blood ingestion process. In addition, we aimed to verify if the saliva of this vector interferes with the perception of the host during the feedings by creating a nervous impulse. Here, we demonstrated that the T. vitticeps saliva reduces, gradually and irreversibly, the amplitude of the compound action potential of the nervous fibre, which helps decrease the perception of the insect by the host. The precipitin reaction demonstrated the feeding eclecticism of this vector, with the identification of eight food sources - most of them found simultaneously in the same insect. The analysis of the electrical signals produced by the cibarial pump during meals demonstrated that the best feeding performance of T. vitticeps nymphs that fed on pigeons is mainly due to the higher contraction frequency of the pump. The longer contact period with the host to obtain a complete meal compared with other triatominae species of the same instar could favor the occurrence of multiple blood sources in T. vitticeps under natural conditions, as it was evidenced by the precipitin test.

Bedbugs (Cimicidae infestation): the worldwide renaissance of an old partner of human kind

Bedbugs have been known as a human parasite for thousands of years, but scientific studies about this insect are recent and limited. Cimex lectularius, the common bedbug, was a well-known parasite in human dwellings until the end of the Second World War. Nowadays, bedbugs are considered uncommon in the industrialized world. Anecdotal reports suggest that bedbugs are getting more common in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. In Brazil, there are few reports about bedbug infestations in the literature. The aim of this article was to alert physicians, especially in Brazil, about this ectoparasitosis, including aspects of the bedbug biology, their parasitism in human host, treatment and prophylaxis.