Establecimiento de una línea de base entomológica de malaria en la parroquia San Isidro del municipio Sifontes del estado Bolívar, Venezuela / Establishment of an entomological malaria baseline in the San Isidro parish of the Sifontes municipality of Bolívar state, Venezuela

La malaria en Venezuela es altamente heterogénea y focalizada. En 2016 se reportaron más de 242 mil casos nuevos en el país, de los cuales 73% provenían del estado Bolívar, 42% del municipio Sifontes y 29% de la parroquia San Isidro. Entre octubre 2016 y mayo 2017 se realizó en la parroquia San Isidro un estudio exploratorio, con el fin de establecer una línea basal entomológica en malaria que permitiera la evaluación posterior de Rociamientos Intradomiciliarios de Insecticida y Mosquiteros Tratados con insecticida de Larga Duracion.Las capturas de mosquitos adultos con Trampas Mosquito Magnet Independence™, atrayente humano y en reposo pre-hematofágico, permitieron determinar que en esta parroquia, hay por lo menos tres especies de anofelinos con actividad hematofágica antropofílica, An. darlingi, An. albitarsis s.l. y An. nuneztovari s.l., cuyos hábitos de reposo y actividad de picada fueron descritos. Asimismo, el muestreo de hábitats larvales permitió determinar que las lagunas residuales de la actividad minera son los más importantes y que An. albitarsis s.l. y An. triannulatus s.l. son las especies de mayor prevalencia en estos hábitats. Estos hallazgos permiten actualizar la data entomológica de este foco caliente de malaria y sientan las bases para la evaluación y seguimiento de las medidas de control de vectores implementadas(AU)

Malaria in Venezuela is highly heterogeneous and focused. In 2016, more than 242,000 malaria cases were reported in the country, from which 73% came from Bolivar state, 42% from Sifontes municipality and 29% from the San Isidro parish. Between October 2016 and May 2017, an exploratory study was carried out in order to establishing an entomologic baseline that would allow posterior evaluations of indoors insecticide spraying and long lasting insecticidal nets. Adults captures with Mosquito Magnet Independence™ traps, human landing, and pre-feedingresting habits allowed to determine that in San Isidro there are at least three anopheline species with significant anthropophilic activity: An darlingi, An. albitarsis s.l. and An. nuneztovari s.l. Resting habits and biting activities were described for the three species. Likewise, larval sampling were carried out which allowed to identify that abandoned gold mine dugouts are the most important habitatsfor these species. Particularly, An. albitarsis s.l. and An. triannulatus s.l. were the most prevalent anophelines colonizing these breeding sites. Our results update entomologic data of this malaria hot spot area and establish the baseline for further evaluations ofthe vector control measures implemented(AU)

Embarcaciones fluviales como medio de dispersión de Aedes aegypti hacia zonas fronterizas de la amazonia peruana / River boats as a means of expansion of Aedes aegypti towards border zones of the peruvian amazon

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar el riesgo entomológico de Aedes aegypti durante el recorrido fluvial en embarcaciones con rutas fronterizas de Loreto. Materiales y métodos . La población de estudio fueron los mosquitos presentes en tres embarcaciones con rutas fronterizas en Loreto. El riesgo entomológico de Aedes se determinó mediante ovitrampas, revisión de criaderos, colecta e identificación taxonómica de mosquitos adultos. Resultados . El riesgo entomológico varió según trayecto y época. Se identificó un riesgo entomológico medio a muy alto en época de creciente y en la ruta de ida hacia las zonas fronterizas. La población vectorial predominante en época de vaciante fue Mansonia sp. (74,8%), Culex sp. (12,8%) y Aedes aegypti (0,4%); en creciente predominó Culex sp. (45,1%), Mansonia sp. (26,8%) y Aedes aegypti (19,7%). En ningún caso se evidenció Aedes albopictus. Conclusiones. Existe riesgo entomológico de moderado a alto durante la etapa de creciente en las embarcaciones fluviales que viajan desde Iquitos hacia las zonas fronterizas de Loreto. Nuestros resultados evidencian que las embarcaciones fluviales son un medio de dispersión de Aedes aegypti.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess the entomological risk of Aedes aegypti in boats traversing border river routes in Loreto. Materials and Methods. The study population consisted of mosquitoes present in three boats covering border routes in Loreto. The entomological risk of Aedes was determined through ovitraps, the inspection of breeding sites, and the collection and taxonomic identification of adult mosquitoes. Results. The entomological risk varied according to the route and the season. A medium to very high entomological risk was identified in the high-water season and on the outward route to the border areas. The predominant vector population in the low-water season was Mansonia sp. (74.8%), Culex sp. (12.8%), and Aedes aegypti (0.4%); in the high-water season, Culex sp. (45.1%), Mansonia sp. (26.8%), and Aedes aegypti (19.7%). In no case did we find Aedes albopictus. Conclusions. There is moderate to high entomological risk during the high-water season in riverboats traveling from Iquitos to the border areas of Loreto. Our results show that river boats are a means of expansion of Aedes aegypti.

Gestión espacial de riesgos entomoecológicos en Santiago de Cuba / Space management of entomoecologic risks in Santiago de Cuba

Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo, de tipo ecológico, en el municipio de Santiago de Cuba, en el año 2015, con el propósito de identificar la existencia de patrones espaciales respecto a la infestación por Stegomyia aegypti y así desarrollar un análisis pronóstico espacial al respecto. Para ello se utilizaron variables simples y complejas, resumidas y con utilización de paradigmas de la complejidad (redes neuronales y gestión geoespacial). Se observó que la dispersión aleatoria de Stegomyia aegypti condiciona patrones difusos de la infestación, mayormente definida por la dinámica social, más que por las propias características biológicas del vector. De igual modo, la utilización de la Epidemiología panorámica proveyó nuevas aristas de conocimientos en el análisis del problema

An observational, descriptive and ecological study was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, in the year 2015, with the purpose of identifying the existence of space patterns regarding the Stegomyia aegypti infestation and in this way developing a space prognosis analysis in this respect. Thus, summarized simple and complex variables were used, as well as complexity paradigms (neuronal nets and geospace management). It was observed that the randomized dispersion of Stegomyia aegypti conditions diffuse patterns of the infestation, mostly defined by the social dynamics, more than by the common biological characteristics of the vector. In the same way, the use of the panoramic Epidemiology provided new edges of knowledge in the analysis of the problem

New classification of natural breeding habitats for Neotropical anophelines in the Yanomami Indian Reserve, Amazon Region, Brazil and a new larval sampling methodology

Here we present the first in a series of articles about the ecology of immature stages of anophelines in the Brazilian Yanomami area. We propose a new larval habitat classification and a new larval sampling methodology. We also report some preliminary results illustrating the applicability of the methodology based on data collected in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest in a longitudinal study of two remote Yanomami communities, Parafuri and Toototobi. In these areas, we mapped and classified 112 natural breeding habitats located in low-order river systems based on their association with river flood pulses, seasonality and exposure to sun. Our classification rendered seven types of larval habitats: lakes associated with the river, which are subdivided into oxbow lakes and nonoxbow lakes, flooded areas associated with the river, flooded areas not associated with the river, rainfall pools, small forest streams, medium forest streams and rivers. The methodology for larval sampling was based on the accurate quantification of the effective breeding area, taking into account the area of the perimeter and subtypes of microenvironments present per larval habitat type using a laser range finder and a small portable inflatable boat. The new classification and new sampling methodology proposed herein may be useful in vector control programs.

Research Progress on Forensic Entomotoxicology / 法医学杂志

Forensic entomotoxicology is a branch of forensic medicine, which applies entomology, toxicology and other related studies to solve the poisoning cases. It has an obvious advantage in the investigation on poisoning death. Based on the expounding definition and research of entomotoxicology, this paper reviews research progress and application value in some aspects of forensic medicine, such as the effects of drugs/toxins on the growth and development of sarcosaphagous insects and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the drugs/toxins in the poisoned body tissue.

Xenomonitoring of Different Filarial Nematodes Using Single and Multiplex PCR in Mosquitoes from Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Wuchereria bancrofti, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens are filarial nematodes transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles genera. Screening by vector dissection is a tiresome technique. We aimed to screen filarial parasites in their vectors by single and multiplex PCR and evaluate the usefulness of multiplex PCR as a rapid xenomonitoring and simultaneous differentiation tool, in area where 3 filarial parasites are coexisting. Female mosquitoes were collected from 7 localities in Assiut Governorate, were microscopically identified and divided into pools according to their species and collection site. Detection of W. bancrofti, D. immitis, and D. repens using single PCR was reached followed by multiplex PCR. Usefulness of multiplex PCR was evaluated by testing mosquito pools to know which genera and species are used by filarial parasites as a vector. An overall estimated rate of infection (ERI) in mosquitoes was 0.6%; the highest was Culex spp. (0.47%). W. bancrofti, D. immitis, and D. repens could be simultaneously and differentially detected in infected vectors by using multiplex PCR. Out of 100 mosquito pools, 8 were positive for W. bancrofti (ERI of 0.33%) and 3 pools each were positive for D. immitis and D. repens (ERI 0.12%). The technique showed 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity. El-Nikhila, El-Matiaa villages, and Sahel Seleem district in Assiut Governorate, Egypt are still endemic foci for filarial parasites. Multiplex PCR offers a reliable procedure for molecular xenomonitoring of filariasis within their respective vectors in endemic areas. Therefore, it is recommended for evaluation of mosquito infection after lymphatic filariasis eradication programs.

Xenomonitoring of Different Filarial Nematodes Using Single and Multiplex PCR in Mosquitoes from Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Wuchereria bancrofti, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens are filarial nematodes transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles genera. Screening by vector dissection is a tiresome technique. We aimed to screen filarial parasites in their vectors by single and multiplex PCR and evaluate the usefulness of multiplex PCR as a rapid xenomonitoring and simultaneous differentiation tool, in area where 3 filarial parasites are coexisting. Female mosquitoes were collected from 7 localities in Assiut Governorate, were microscopically identified and divided into pools according to their species and collection site. Detection of W. bancrofti, D. immitis, and D. repens using single PCR was reached followed by multiplex PCR. Usefulness of multiplex PCR was evaluated by testing mosquito pools to know which genera and species are used by filarial parasites as a vector. An overall estimated rate of infection (ERI) in mosquitoes was 0.6%; the highest was Culex spp. (0.47%). W. bancrofti, D. immitis, and D. repens could be simultaneously and differentially detected in infected vectors by using multiplex PCR. Out of 100 mosquito pools, 8 were positive for W. bancrofti (ERI of 0.33%) and 3 pools each were positive for D. immitis and D. repens (ERI 0.12%). The technique showed 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity. El-Nikhila, El-Matiaa villages, and Sahel Seleem district in Assiut Governorate, Egypt are still endemic foci for filarial parasites. Multiplex PCR offers a reliable procedure for molecular xenomonitoring of filariasis within their respective vectors in endemic areas. Therefore, it is recommended for evaluation of mosquito infection after lymphatic filariasis eradication programs.

Optimización del muestreo de invertebrados tropicales: Un ejemplo con escarabajos coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) en Venezuela / Sampling optimization for tropical invertebrates: An example using dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in Venezuela

The development of efficient sampling protocols is an essential prerequisite to evaluate and identify priority conservation areas. There are few protocols for fauna inventory and monitoring in wide geographical scales for the tropics, where the complexity of communities and high biodiversity levels, make the implementation of efficient protocols more difficult. We proposed here a simple strategy to optimize the capture of dung beetles, applied to sampling with baited traps and generalizable to other sampling methods. We analyzed data from eight transects sampled between 2006-2008 with the aim to develop an uniform sampling design, that allows to confidently estimate species richness, abundance and composition at wide geographical scales. We examined four characteristics of any sampling design that affect the effectiveness of the sampling effort: the number of traps, sampling duration, type and proportion of bait, and spatial arrangement of the traps along transects. We used species accumulation curves, rank-abundance plots, indicator species analysis, and multivariate correlograms. We captured 40 337 individuals (115 species/morphospecies of 23 genera). Most species were attracted by both dung and carrion, but two thirds had greater relative abundance in traps baited with human dung. Different aspects of the sampling design influenced each diversity attribute in different ways. To obtain reliable richness estimates, the number of traps was the most important aspect. Accurate abundance estimates were obtained when the sampling period was increased, while the spatial arrangement of traps was determinant to capture the species composition pattern. An optimum sampling strategy for accurate estimates of richness, abundance and diversity should: (1) set 50-70 traps to maximize the number of species detected, (2) get samples during 48-72 hours and set trap groups along the transect to reliably estimate species abundance, (3) set traps in groups of at least 10 traps to suitably record the local species composition, and (4) separate trap groups by a distance greater than 5-10km to avoid spatial autocorrelation. For the evaluation of other sampling protocols we recommend to, first, identify the elements of sampling design that could affect the sampled effort (the number of traps, sampling duration, type and proportion of bait) and their spatial distribution (spatial arrangement of the traps) and then, to evaluate how they affect richness, abundance and species composition estimates.

El presente trabajo propone una estrategia sencilla de optimización del diseño muestreal para escarabajos coprófagos que puede ser aplicada a muestreos basados en trampas atrayentes en amplias escalas geográficas y generalizada a otros tipos de muestreo. Para ello, analizamos muestras colectadas en ocho localidades con hábitats contrastantes y diferentes características del muestreo entre 2006-2008. Se capturaron 40 337 ejemplares (115 especies/ morfoespecies, de 23 géneros). El número de trampas fue el aspecto del muestreo más importante para obtener estimadores de riqueza confiable. El tiempo de muestreo para generar estimadores precisos de abundancia y la disposición espacial de las trampas para captar adecuadamente la diferencias en composición entre localidades. Sugerimos que una estrategia óptima de muestreo para obtener estimadores precisos de riqueza, abundancia y diversidad consistiría en: (1) colocar 50-70 trampas para maximizar el número de especies detectadas, (2) muestrear entre 48 y 72 hrs y colocar grupos de trampas a lo largo de un transecto para estimar confiablemente la abundancia de las especies, (3) colocar siete grupos de al menos 10 trampas para registrar adecuadamente la composición de cada localidad y (4) separar los grupos de trampas por distancias mayores a 5-10km para minimizar la autocorrelación espacial.

Reflection of estimating postmortem interval in forensic entomology and the Daubert standard / 法医学杂志

Estimating postmortem interval (PMI) is always the emphasis and difficulty in forensic practice. Forensic entomology plays a significant indispensable role. Recently, the theories and technologies of forensic entomology are increasingly rich. But many problems remain in the research and practice. With proposing the Daubert standard, the reliability and accuracy of estimation PMI by forensic entomology need more demands. This review summarizes the application of the Daubert standard in several aspects of ecology, quantitative genetics, population genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology in the practice of forensic entomology. It builds a bridge for basic research and forensic practice to provide higher accuracy for estimating postmortem interval by forensic entomology.

Técnica de Criação e Aspectos Biológicos de Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae) em Frutos de Coqueiro / Rearing Technique and Biological Traits of Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) (Lepidoptera: Phyci.. dae) in Coconut Fruits

Rearing Technique and Biological Traits of Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae) in Coconut Fruits. Larvae of the coconut moth Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) develop in flowers and fruits of coconut, Cocos nucifera, causing precocious abscission of these structures and, hence, yield decrease. This work studied a feasible and suitable rearing technique for A. subrufella using fruits of coconut. We first determined the appropriate density of larvae to be reared per coconut fruit (among two, three, four or five larvae) and later tested the suitability of this rearing technique for three successive generations. The storage of egg and pupal stages during 0, 5, 10 and 20 days was also studied at 12ºC. Based on the fertility life table parameters, the best results were achieved by rearing two or three larvae per fruit as they yielded the best net reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of population increase. In addition, eggs and pupae of A. subrufella can be stored at 12ºC up to five days with viability higher than 90 percent. Adult moths emerged from pupae stored for five days at 12ºC produced an average of 219.4 eggs and lived 18.8 days. Storage periods for eggs and pupae over 10 days significantly reduced egg viability and adult fecundity, respectively. Thus, the technique in here described was shown to be suitable for the continuous rearing of A. subrufella in laboratory conditions.

Avaliação de parâmetros moleculares para vigilância entomológica do aeds (stegomyia)aegypti ( Linnaeus, 1762) / Evaluation of molecular parameters for entomological surveillance of AEDs (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762)

Apesar do combate recorrente ao mosquito vetor da dengue, o Aedes aegypti, mais de 80% dos estratos da cidade de Salvador-BA apresentam condição de alerta ou risco de surto de dengue. Visto que as abordagens tradicionais para controle do mosquito vetor da dengue não têm produzido os efeitos esperados, o presente estudo avaliou parâmetros moleculares para vigilância entomológica do A. aegypti utilizando ferramentas de geotecnologia e de genética de populações como forma de apoiar o trabalho de campo e ações integradas das instâncias responsáveis pelo controle da dengue. O desenho do estudo apresentou um componente transversal, descrevendo dados sobre a genética de população de larvas de A. aegypti coletadas em Salvador e amostras controle coletadas no ano de 2009 em Jacobina e Vitória da Conquista, além da cepa Rockfeller, e um longitudinal, sobre amostras de quatro áreas (Plataforma, Itapagipe, Tancredo Neves e Itapuã) durante quatro ciclos do LIRAa Salvador entre 2007 a 2009. O DNA de cada larva foi isolado pelo método DNAzol® e genotipado por 5 marcadores SSR através da técnica de PCR e eletroforese capilar. A distribuição espacial dos criadouros foi realizada utilizando-se ortofotos pelo programa Arcview v. 9.3. Para a análise da diferenciação populacional e teste de hipótese foram utilizados os programas GenePop, GenAlEx e Spade, e para inferência populacional utilizamos o programa structure. Os marcadores encontraram-se, em geral, em equilíbrio de H-W e comportaram-se como independentes. Quando utilizamos a estatística Φpt e RST foi possível discriminar significantemente (p<0,05) populações geneticamente diferenciadas de A. aegypti a nível de município, áreas do município de Salvador e estratos pertencentes a estas áreas. O programa structure indicou K igual a 2 populações como ideal para representar os dados, considerando a população de Salvador uma miscigenação de populações de A. aegypti de outras regiões do estado. Os resultados do estudo longitudinal mostraram uma diferenciação entre os ciclos de 2008.3 e 2009.4. As medidas de Ne variaram consideravelmente por área e ciclo evidenciando o efeito de gargalo de garrafa em diferentes períodos em cada área, apesar de não haver correlação com o IIP. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluímos que o controle vetorial produz alterações sobre a estrutura populacional do A. aegypti, mas que não são efetivas. O uso do georreferenciamento e de informações genéticas do vetor poderiam contribuir para a definição das áreas de abrangência das populações do A. aegypti e para a tomada de decisões a respeito do manejo do tratamento.

Efficient sampling of ground-dwelling arthropods using pitfall traps in arid steppes

Pitfall trapping is probably the most frequently used method for sampling grounddwelling arthropods. While the capture of specimens in pitfall traps largely depends on the number of individuals in the sampled area, trap design and trapping effort for a given environment, can also affect sampling success. The aim of this study was to determine the best pitfall trapping design for collecting ground-dwelling arthropods in the wind-blown and cold arid steppe areas of Patagonia. We tested four designs of traps, six types of preservative and different times of activation as well as the quantity of traps. Both preservation attributes and sampling efficiency differed between different trap designs and fluids compared. We conclude that in order to obtain reliable data on the structure of a community of ground-dwelling arthropods in Patagonia, at least three pitfall traps per experimental unit are required. In addition, traps should be opened for a minimum of 10 days filled with 300 ml of 30 percent ethylene glycol. We also suggested the use of a simple trap design (i. e. without funnel or roof). We believe these findings will contribute to more appropriate sampling of the ground dwelling fauna of Patagonia as well as other arid areas, leading to more reliable diversity studies.

Responses of Coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari)(Coleoptera: Scolytidae), to vertical distribution of methanol: ethanol traps

Captures of the coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) were assessed in traps in the field. IAPAR designed traps [plastic bottles (2 L) lured with methanol:ethanol (1:1) in a vessel] were placed either at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5m high from the ground or simultaneously tested in the 2004 fructification season. Traps placed at the three heights trapped 5.5 times more CBB than the others, mostly at the traps placed at 0.5 m (75 percent). Treatments using the IAPAR designed trap placed at 1.2 m high; IAPAR trap with a white plastic plate above (IAPAR modified I) at 1.2 m high; IAPAR at 0.5 m high and two additional vessels at 1.0 and 1.5m high (IAPAR modified II) and T-163 trap [three red plastic cups (300 ml) and a red plastic plate as a cover] lured with M:E (1:1) at 1.2m height were compared in the vegetative (2005) and fructification (2006) periods. IAPAR modified II (dispenser vessels placed at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m) trapped more beetles than the remaining types (2.72 times more beetles than IAPAR design); and IAPAR modified I traps trapped more beetles than T 163 and IAPAR traps in the vegetative period. In the reproductive period, IAPAR modified II trapped less beetles than IAPAR and IAPAR modified I. In 2007 vegetative season, IAPAR modified II trap were compared with IAPAR trap and trapped 2.8 times more beetles. The positive responses to a vertical distribution of the volatile attractants in the vegetative period of the planting allow the development of more efficient trapping systems for CBB.

Alternative techniques to study characters of the genitalia in Lepidoptera

The present note aims to describe two alternative methods for observing genitalia in Lepidoptera. The first one provides means to examine both male and female genitalia without spoiling the scales of the abdomen, preserving it attached to the thorax and aesthetically similar to an unexamined specimen. The second one provides ways of observing certain characters on the male genitalia in a non-destructive way, and does not depend on time-consuming removing and dissection of the abdomen. It is expected that the presented techniques will help on morphological studies and on identifying similar species which consistently differ in genitalic armatures.

Avaliação rápida da diversidade de formigas em sistemas de uso do solo no sul da Bahia / Rapid evaluation of ant diversity in land use systems in southern Bahia, Brazil

We aimed to compare the soil ant diversity in different land use systems from Atlantic Forest area, in Southern Bahia state, Brazil. The ants were sampled in 16 sites: two primary forest sites (un-logged forest); three young secondary forests (<8 years old); three intermediate secondary forests (8-20 years old); three old secondary forests (>20 years old); three Eucalyptus grandis plantations (3-7 years old), and two introduced pastures. Each site was sampled in three sampling points 15 m apart, and distant over 50 m from the site edge. In each sampling point we gathered the litter from a 1 m² and extracted the ants with Winkler extractors during 48h. We found 103 ant species from 29 genera and eight subfamilies. The five richest genera were Pheidole (19 species), Solenopsis (8), Apterostigma (10), Hypoponera (7) e Paratrechina (5). The highest ant richness density was found in the primary forest (7.4 species/sample; S = 37; n = 5); followed by the old secondary forest (5.33 species/sample; S = 48; n = 9); young secondary forest (5.25 species/sample; S = 42, n = 8); eucalyptus plantation (4.22 species/sample; S = 38, n = 9), intermediate secondary forest (3.5 species/sample; S = 35, n = 10, and introduced pasture (2.67 species/sample; S = 16, n = 6). The ecosystems with higher structural complexity showed the highest ant richness density by sample. Therefore, in the Atlantic Forest region, the eucalyptus plantation is a better alternative of land use to conserve the ant biodiversity than pastures, and quite similar to native secondary forests in ant community characteristics.

Chilled packing systems for fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the sterile insect technique

We evaluated three packing systems (PARC boxes, "GT" screen towers and "MX" screen towers) for the emergence and sexual maturation of sterile fruit flies, at three adult fly densities (1, 1.2 and 1.3 fly/cm²) and three food types. At the lowest density, results showed no significant differences in the longevity and flight ability of adult Anastrepha ludens (Loew) and Anastrepha obliqua Macquart among the three packing systems. Higher densities resulted in a decrease in these parameters. In the evaluation of the three food types, no significant differences were found either on longevity or flight ability of A. ludens. However, the greatest longevity for both sexes A. obliqua was obtained with commercial powdered Mb® and the mix of sugar, protein and corn starch on paper (SPCP) food types. The highest value for flight ability in A. obliqua males was obtained with powdered Mb® and SPCP food types, and for females with Mb® powdered food. Our data indicated that GT and MX screen tower packing systems are an alternative to the PARC boxes, since they were suitable for adult fly sexual maturation without any harm to their longevity or flight ability. The tested foods were equivalent in both fruit fly species, with the exception of the agar type for A. obliqua, which yielded the lowest biological parameters evaluated. Our results contribute to the application of new methods for the packing and release of sterile flies in large-scale programs.

Estudio incesante de meliponini al estilo de JMF Camargo / Incessant study of meliponini in the style of JMF Camargo

El entomólogo, naturalista y artista João Maria Franco de Ca margo fue un científico que estudió las abejas sin aguijón (Meliponini) con singular interés. La enorme biodiversidad de estas primeras abejas del planeta, fue para él una inagotable mina de inspiración, curiosidad y trabajo intelectual. Docente, investigador y dibujante privilegiado de la academia. Académico por vocación, inició la mayor colección de abejas tropicales con 150.000 abejas. Co la borador incondicional y perfeccionista, guardián de los detalles. Ge neroso con su exuberante conocimiento es pe cializado en sistemática y biogeografía. Su admirable contacto con las abejas fue el legado de su vida. Este ine fable asombro por el mundo de los Meliponini generó im portantes preguntas y laboriosas respuestas, que se irradiaron y motivaron a los más jóvenes. Las enseñanzas originales de su maestro Jesús Santiago Moure, crecieron y se multiplicaron en el fértil discípulo que fue João Maria Franco de Ca mar go, quien a su vez preparó a Silvia Regina de Menezes Pedro, actual curadora de la colección de abejas en Ribeirão Preto.

The entomologist, naturalist and artist João Maria Franco de Camargo was a scientist who studied stingless bees (Me li ponini) with singular interest. The enormous biodiversity of these first bees in the planet, was for him an inexhaus tible mine of inspiration, curiosity and intelectual work. Acade mic lecturer, researcher and privileged drawer. Academic by vocation, initiated the biggest collection of tropical bees with 150.000 bees. Unconditional collaborator and perfectionist, guardian of details. Generous with his exuberant specialized knowledge in systematics and biogeography. His admirable contact with the bees was the legacy of his life. This ineffable amazement for the Meliponini world generated important questions and laborious answers, irradiating and motivating the youngests. The original teachings of his master Jesús Santiago Mou re, grew and multiplied in the fertile disciple João Maria Fran co de Camargo, who also trained Silvia Regina de Me nezes Pedro, current curator of the bee collection in Ri beirão Preto.