The use of Proteinase K to access genitalia morphology, vouchering and DNA extraction in minute wasps

ABSTRACT Genitalia are rich source of characters in insect taxonomy. Usually, they are examined after dissection and cleaning with potassium hydroxide (KOH), procedure that may damage both genital morphological structures and intracellular molecular contents. Enzymatic procedure with Proteinase K has been used to clean muscle off the genitalia while extract DNA, but its damage to the genital structures has not been evaluated. Herein, we qualitatively compare the use of KOH and Proteinase K to prepare genital structures in minute insects (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae). We show that Proteinase K is better to preserve the genital structure and provides quality DNA.

ITS-2 sequences-based identification of Trichogramma species in South America / Identificação molecular de espécies de Trichogramma na América do Sul via sequenciamento da região ITS-2

Abstract ITS2 (Internal transcribed spacer 2) sequences have been used in systematic studies and proved to be useful in providing a reliable identification of Trichogramma species. DNAr sequences ranged in size from 379 to 632 bp. In eleven T. pretiosum lines Wolbachia-induced parthenogenesis was found for the first time. These thelytokous lines were collected in Peru (9), Colombia (1) and USA (1). A dichotomous key for species identification was built based on the size of the ITS2 PCR product and restriction analysis using three endonucleases (EcoRI, MseI and MaeI). This molecular technique was successfully used to distinguish among seventeen native/introduced Trichogramma species collected in South America.

Resumo Sequências do Espaço Transcrito Interno 2 (ITS2) têm sido utilizadas em estudos taxonômicos e sua utilidade constatada pela confiabilidade que o método confere à identificação das espécies de Trichogramma. Esta técnica molecular foi bem sucedida em distinguir dezessete espécies nativas e introduzidas de Trichogramma, coletadas na América do Sul. As sequências do DNAr variaram de 379 a 632 pb. Em 11 linhagens de T. pretiosum estudadas, o endosinbionte Wolbachia foi detectado pela primeira vez. Estas linhagens telítocas foram encontradas no Peru (9), Colômbia (1) e Estados Unidos (1). Uma chave dicotômica para identificação de espécies foi construída baseada no tamanho do produto da PCR do ITS2 e em análises de restrição utilizando-se três endonucleases (EcoRI, MseI and MaeI).

Two new species of Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) from areas of Atlantic Rainforest at São Paulo State, Brazil / Duas novas espécies de Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) de áreas de Mata Atlântica do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Two new species of Dryinidae are described and illustrated Dryinus auratus Martins, Lara, Perioto & Olmi sp. nov. and Gonatopus mariae Martins, Lara, Perioto & Olmi sp. nov., both from areas of Atlantic Rainforest at São Paulo State, Brazil. Keys to species are provided. .

Duas novas espécies de Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) de áreas de Mata Atlântica do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Duas novas espécies de Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) são descritas e ilustradas: Dryinus auratus Martins, Lara, Perioto & Olmi sp. nov. e Gonatopus mariae Martins, Lara, Perioto & Olmi sp. nov., ambas provenientes de áreas de Mata Atlântica do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. São fornecidas chaves para as espécies.

In vitro antibacterial effect of wasp (Vespa orientalis) venom

The emergence of antibacterial resistance against several classes of antibiotics is an inevitable consequence of drug overuse. As antimicrobial resistance spreads throughout the globe, new substances will always be necessary to fight against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Venoms of many animals have recently gained attention in the search for new antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases. Thefore, the present study aimed to study the antibacterial effects of wasp (Vespa orientalis) crude venom. Two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two gram-negative ones (Escherichia coli and Klesiella pneumonia) were compared for their sensitivity to the venom by determining the inhibition zone (Kirby-Bauer method) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). A microbroth kinetic system based on continuous monitoring of changes in the optical density of bacterial growth was also used for determination of antimicrobial activity.

A case of stings in humans caused by Sclerodermus sp. in Italy

In the last years, stings of Sclerodermus species in humans have been sporadically reported in Italy. In order to draw attention to these bethylid wasps of medical importance, we report the case of documented Sclerodermus sp. stings on the dorsum, abdomen, arms, and thighs of a 40-year-old man and his wife. The sting sites developed raised red itchy rash. The source of environmental contamination was identified in a worm-eaten sofa purchased from a used furniture dealer and placed in the living room about a month and half earlier. The lesions on the man and his wife rapidly healed within 3 to 4 days once they left the house and treatment for the lesions was instituted. Physicians, dermatologists, medical and public health entomologists, as well as specific categories of workers should be aware of the risk of exposure to Sclerodermus stings.

Sex ratio and parental investment in Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) agamemnon Richards (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) / Razão sexual e investimento parental em Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) agamemnon Richards (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)

The life history and sex ratio data of the solitary wasp Trypoxylon agamemnon nesting in trap-nests in southern Brazil was recorded from January 2002 to December 2007. Its sex ratio is strongly female-biased, being bivoltine or multivoltine with until three generations per year. It has two alternative life histories (diapause and direct development) and overlapping generations. In addition to the conflict of interest between the sexes, it is possible that local mate competition occurs between males and may cause a greater investment in the production of females.

Dados sobre a história de vida e a razão sexual da vespa solitária Trypoxylon agamemnon, que nidifica em ninhos-armadilha, foram registrado no sul do Brasil de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2007. Sua razão sexual tendeu fortemente às fêmeas sendo bivoltina ou multivoltina, com até três gerações ao ano. Ela apresenta dois tipos de historia de vida (com diapausa e com desenvolvimento direto), e sobreposição de gerações. Além do conflito de interesses entre os sexos, é possível que a competição local por parceiros ocorra entre machos provocando um maior investimento na produção de fêmeas.

In vitro antibacterial effect of wasp (Vespa orientalis) venom

The emergence of antibacterial resistance against several classes of antibiotics is an inevitable consequence of drug overuse. As antimicrobial resistance spreads throughout the globe, new substances will always be necessary to fight against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Venoms of many animals have recently gained attention in the search for new antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases. Thefore, the present study aimed to study the antibacterial effects of wasp (Vespa orientalis) crude venom. Two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two gram-negative ones (Escherichia coli and Klesiella pneumonia) were compared for their sensitivity to the venom by determining the inhibition zone (Kirby-Bauer method) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). A microbroth kinetic system based on continuous monitoring of changes in the optical density of bacterial growth was also used for determination of antimicrobial activity.

A case of stings in humans caused by Sclerodermus sp. in Italy

In the last years, stings of Sclerodermus species in humans have been sporadically reported in Italy. In order to draw attention to these bethylid wasps of medical importance, we report the case of documented Sclerodermus sp. stings on the dorsum, abdomen, arms, and thighs of a 40-year-old man and his wife. The sting sites developed raised red itchy rash. The source of environmental contamination was identified in a worm-eaten sofa purchased from a used furniture dealer and placed in the living room about a month and half earlier. The lesions on the man and his wife rapidly healed within 3 to 4 days once they left the house and treatment for the lesions was instituted. Physicians, dermatologists, medical and public health entomologists, as well as specific categories of workers should be aware of the risk of exposure to Sclerodermus stings.

New species of the genus Dentigaster Zettel (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae) from Brazil / Nova espécie do gênero Dentigaster Zettel (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae) do Brasil

A new species of the genus Dentigaster Zettel, 1990 (Braconidae, Cheloninae) is described from savannah areas of Mato Grosso, São Paulo and Minas Gerais states, Brazil. This is the fourth species of the genus known for brazilian fauna.

Uma nova espécie do gênero Dentigaster Zettel, 1990 (Braconidae, Cheloninae) é descrita em áreas de Cerrado dos Estados de Mato Grosso, São Paulo e Minas Gerais, Brasil. Essa é a quarta espécie do gênero conhecida para a fauna brasileira.

Description of the male Hymenoepimecis japi Sobczak et al. 2009 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) parasitoid of Leucauge roseosignata Mello-Leitão 1943 (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) / Descrição do macho de Hymenoepimecis japi Sobczak et al. 2009 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) parasitoide de Leucauge roseosignata Mello-Leitão 1943 (Araneae: Tetragnathidae)

The male of Hymenoepimecis japi (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) is described and illustrated. The specimen was collected in a modified web (cocoon web) of Leucauge roseosignata (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) made in a laboratory. Both, host and parasitoid were collected in Reserva Biológica Serra do Japi, located in Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil.

O macho de Hymenoepimecis japi (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) é descrito e ilustrado. O espécime foi coletado em teia modificada "cocoon web" de Leucauge roseosignata (Araneae, Tetragnathidae), construída no laboratório. Ambos, hospedeiro e parasitoide, foram coletados na Reserva Biológica Serra do Japi, localizada em Jundiaí, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

New species of the Eiphosoma dentator (Fabricius, 1804) species-group (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) from Brazil / Nova espécie do grupo Eiphosoma dentator (Fabricius, 1804) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) para o Brasil

A new species of Eiphosoma Cresson, 1865 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) is described based on five specimens collected in organic crops areas in Araraquara and Cravinhos municipalities, São Paulo State, Brazil. A diagnostic key to the neotropical Eiphosoma dentator species-group is also provided.

Descrição de uma nova espécie de Eiphosoma Cresson, 1865 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), baseada em cinco exemplares coletados em áreas de hortas orgânicas nos municípios de Araraquara e Cravinhos, no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Uma chave diagnóstica para as espécies neotropicais do grupo Eiphosoma dentator é também apresentada neste trabalho.

An adaptive view of caste differentiation in the neotropical wasp Polybia (Trichothorax) sericea Olivier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The tribe Epiponini comprehends the swarm-founding Neotropical wasps, with several species endemic to Brazil, which are extremely important in studies of social evolution of wasps. The Epiponini diverge in several ways from the definitions of high eusociality, since caste syndromes range from species without morphological caste differentiation to those with complete caste dimorphism, and all species are polygynous. Frequently, indirect studies based on morphometry and physiology are the only solutions to collect data regarding the natural history and caste system in this tribe, since most species are extremely aggressive and build enveloped nests, usually in places of difficult access. We analyzed morphological parameters in seven colonies of the Epiponini species Polybia (Trichothorax) sericea Olivier in different phases of colonial development. Nine body variables were taken and females were classified according to their ovary development and spermathecal contents. The results showed that caste differences in this species are based on a contrast among variables: queens have larger mesosoma and abdomen, but are smaller in head width and wing length. These results suggest that morphological caste differentiation in this species is based mainly on body shape. We considered this combination of characters as being adaptive. We also showed that caste differences varied according to the colony cycle, with more conspicuous differences when queen number is reduced.

Five new species of the genus Sphelodon (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Brazil with a key to the Neotropical species

The parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae currently includes approximately 37 subfamilies worldwide. Banchinae subfamily is a cosmopolitan group with three tribes: Atrophini, Banchini and Glyptini, this last characterized with oblique grooves on tergites II-IV, a dorsal subapical notch on the ovipositor, and a median apical impression in the subgenital plate. From the latter tribe, the genus Sphelodon, with eight species reported, can be recognized for the presence of a prominent basolateral tooth in the first abdominal tergite. Significant previous comprehensive studies for that group have been done in Costa Rica by local and international experts, but it is highly probable that many species remain undescribed in the region; before this survey, only one species (S. annulicornis) was registered from Brazil. The material reviewed in this study was obtained from main entomological collections of Southeast and South Brazil, from localities corresponding to 17 of the 27 States of the country, although most of the specimens (70.3%) were collected in São Paulo State. Approximately 3 000 specimens of the subfamily have been examined, 29 belonging to Sphelodon. The description format in this work broadly follows previous works; the species were illustrated through SEM in low vacuum mode (without uncoated the specimens). Here five new species of the genus Sphelodon are described and illustrated, one of these (S. brunicornis), differs from the rest of the species by lacking a median band in the flagellum. An identification key to the Neotropical species is provided. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (4): 1621-1635. Epub 2011 December 01.

La familia de avispas parasitoides Ichneumonidae incluye aproximadamente 37 subfamilias a nivel mundial, una de ellas, Banchinae es un grupo cosmopolita con tres tribos: Atrophini, Banchini y Glyptini: los miembros de esta tribu presentan surcos oblicuos en los tergitos II-IV, una muesca dorsal sub-apical en el ovipositor y una impresión media apical en la placa subgenital; este grupo incluye los géneros Levibasis, Teleutaea, Glypta, Zaglyptomorpha y Sphelodon en la región Neotropical. El género mencionado anteriormente se diferencia de los demás por la presencia de un diente baso-lateral en el primer tergito abdominal, y cuenta con 8 especies descritas, sin embargo como Costa Rica es el único país de la región donde se ha realizado un levantamiento riguroso de este grupo, es muy probable que muchas especies no hayan sido descritas todavía. De este género, sólo existe una especie registrada para Brasil (S. annulicornis). Este trabajo se basó principalmente en material obtenido en calidad de préstamo de las colecciones entomológicas más reconocidas del Sur y del Sudeste de Brasil, provenientes de localidades correspondientes a 17 de los 27 estados que existen en este país, aunque la mayoría de ejemplares (70.3 %) fueron recolectados en el estado de São Paulo. Aproximadamente 3 000 ejemplares de la subfamilia fueron examinados, 29 pertenecientes al género de la tribu Glyptini Sphelodon. El formato de descripción de las especies es básicamente el mismo expuesto por Gauld et al. (2002); las microfotografías que ilustran los detalles de las especies nuevas se realizaron en un microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM), en el modo de bajo vacío (los ejemplares no fueron recubiertos). Se describen e ilustran cinco especies nuevas del género Sphelodon, una de ellas, S. Brunicornis, se distingue de las otras especies descritas del género porque no presenta un anillo medio en el flagelo. Se propone una clave de identificación para las especies neotropicales.

First occurrence of Protapanteles (Protapanteles) enephes (Nixon, 1965) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) in Brazil and new biological data / Primeira ocorrência de Protapanteles (Protapanteles) enephes (Nixon, 1965) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) no Brasil e novos dados biológicos

Protapanteles (Protapanteles) enephes (Nixon, 1965) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) was reared from the host Fountainea ryphea phidile (Geyer, 1837) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Charaxinae), collected on Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae) in São Carlos, São Paulo state, Brazil. The hyperperparasitoids Conura sp. (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae) and a Pteromalidae species are registered on this microgastrine species. Male and female specimens and cocoon of Protapanteles (Protapanteles) enephes are illustrated for the first time.

Protapanteles (Protapanteles) enephes (Nixon, 1965) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) foi obtido do hospedeiro Fontainea ryphea phidile (Geyer, 1837) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Charaxinae), cujas larvas foram coletadas sobre Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae) em São Carlos, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os hiperparasitoides Conura sp. (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae) e uma espécie de Pteromalidae são registrados sobre essa espécie de Microgastrinae. Espécimes machos, fêmeas e casulo de Protapanteles (Protapanteles) enephes são ilustrados pela primeira vez.

Nesting biology of four species of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in Chaco Serrano woodland, Central Argentina

Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) (Crabronidae) wasps are solitary spider predators that can build their nests in artificial trap-nests, which enables study of their nesting architecture and biology. Twenty traps (each containing 15-30 internodes of cane) were placed in each of nine sites of Chaco Serrano Woodland in Central Argentina (Córdoba) in October 2005, and were recovered in June 2006. We obtained 91 nests of four species of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum). In the laboratory, each Trypoxylon nest was sectioned longitudinally to study its architecture. The number of brood cells was counted, and the occurrence and length of vestibular and intercalary cells and the pre-closing plug space were recorded. We measured the diameter of the cane entrance, total length of the nest, length of each brood cell, maximum thickness of mud partitions and closing plug thickness. We also recorded the cell contents: the wasps, their natural enemies and the prey spiders. Mortality was assessed and the sex ratio calculated for each species. Finally, the nests were examined to help clarify the function of the vestibular cell. The nest architecture was similar in the four species, with linear brood cells located one after the other separated by mud partitions, as in other species of the subgenus Trypargilum. Forty-eight percent of the nests had vestibular cells, but only two had intercalary cells. The thickness of the mud partitions and the length of the brood cells differed among species and were related to the size of the emerged wasp. The diameter of the nest entrance was directly related to the average length of the fore-tibia. Sex ratios of all species did not deviate from 0.5. Mortality due to parasitoids (Eulophidae; Melittobia sp.) was similar among species, while the mortality due to cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae) in T. lactitarse was higher than in the other species. The presence of vestibular cells was not related either to the mortality due to natural enemies or to the orientation of the trap in the field. Spiders in the family Araneidae were the most frequently collected prey. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1177-1188. Epub 2010 December 01.

En este trabajo se estudia la biología de la nidificación de cuatro especies de Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) recolectadas a partir de 91 nidos-trampa en el Bosque Chaqueño Serrano de Córdoba, Argentina. La arquitectura de los nidos fue similar para las cuatro especies: celdas de cría ubicadas linealmente, una detrás de la otra separadas por tabiques de barro, como es habitual en otras especies del subgénero Trypargilum. El 48% de los nidos presentó celda vestibular, mientras que sólo dos nidos presentaron celdas intercalares. El ancho de los tabiques y el largo de las celdas de cría difirió entre las especies y estuvo relacionado con el tamaño de las avispas que emergieron. Así mismo, el diámetro del nido-trampa estuvo directamente relacionado con el tamaño corporal promedio de las especies de mayor y menor tamaño. La mortalidad debida a parasitoides (Eulophidae; Melittobia sp.) fue similar para las cuatro especies, mientras que la causada por cleptoparásitos (Chrysididae) fue mayor en T. lactitarse. No fue posible relacionar la presencia de celda vestibular con la mortalidad debida a enemigos naturales para ninguna de las especies. La familia de arañas más frecuentemente utilizada como presa fue Araneidae.

Biologic aspects of different species of Pachodynerus (Hymenoptera; Vespidae; Eumeninae) / Aspectos biológicos de diferentes espécies de Pachodynerus (Hymenoptera; Vespidae; Eumeninae)

The aim of this study was to compare biological aspects of the Pachodynerus species occurring in the Parque Municipal das Araucárias, Guarapuava, Paraná, Southern Brazil. It was carried from December 2001 to December 2004. Forty one nests belonging to 5 species were collected, of which 17 Pachodynerus guadulpensis, 15 Pachodynerus sp., 1 Pachodynerus argentinus, 1 Pachodynerus ca guadulpensis and 7 Pachodynerus nasidens. The nesting activity of Pachodynerus sp., P. argentinus and P. guadulpensis occurred in similar periods, from December to March, with the exception of P.guadulpensis, that built one nest in October. Pachodynerus ca guadulpensis nested in March and P. nasidens from January to April. The nests of Pachodynerus species present a very similar architecture, comprising a linear series of cylindrical cells that fit perfectly into each other forming a continuous tube. With these results we were able to conclude that, even though Pachodynerus species present common characteristics, such as nest architecture, nesting activities and habitats in which they occur, the used resources, mortality rates, etc., vary among groups of species occurring in different regions.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar aspectos biológicos das espécies de Pachodynerus que ocorrem no Parque Municipal das Araucárias, Guarapuava, Paraná, Sul do Brasil. Ele foi realizado de dezembro de 2001 a dezembro de 2004. Quarenta e um ninhos de cinco espécies foram coletados sendo 17 de Pachodynerus guadulpensis, 15 de Pachodynerus sp., um de Pachodynerus argentinus, um de Pachodynerus ca guadulpensis e sete de Pachodynerus nasidens. As nidificações de Pachodynerus sp., P. argentinus e P. guadulpensis ocorreram de dezembro a março, com exceção de P. guadulpensis, que construiu um ninho em outubro. Pachodynerus ca guadulpensis nidificou em março e P. nasidens de janeiro a abril. Os ninhos de todas as espécies de Pachodynerus apresentaram arquitetura similar, com uma série linear de células cilíndricas que se encaixam perfeitamente umas nas outras, formando um tubo contínuo. Pelos resultados deste estudo nós concluímos que, mesmo apresentando características em comum, como a arquitetura dos ninhos, atividades de nidificação e habitats onde ocorrem, os recursos usados pelas espécies de Pachodynerus bem como as suas taxas de mortalidades, etc., variam entre grupos de espécies que ocorrem em diferentes regiões.

Filogenia de avispas del género Netelia (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) con énfasis en las especies costarricenses / Phylogeny of wasps of the genus Netelia (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) with emphasis on Costa Rican species

Phylogeny of wasps of the genus Netelia (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) with emphasis on Costa Rican species. Results on the first cladistic analysis of the genus Netelia are presented. The analysis was carried out with the aid of the Hennig86 and Tree Gardener 2.2 programs, using a matrix of 79 taxa and 149 characters, based mainly on external morphology and male genitalia; only three characters are related to the natural history of the species. Within the in-group, representative species of the 11 subgenera of Netelia described in the world were included, although almost 80% of the species examined are from Costa Rica. To test the monophyly of the genus, five tryphonine species - Neliopisthus yui, Chiloplatys lucens, Phytodietus (Neuchorus) penai, P. (N.) lindus and P. (Phytodietus) moragai -were also included in the study group. Labena zerita (Labeninae) was used as an out-group. The search strategies of the trees included phylogenetic reconstruction by parsimony, without and with successive weighting of characters, through the commands bb *and mhennig*. In the analysis without successive weighting, 1 211 equally parsimonious trees with a length of 649 steps, Ci of 23 and Ri of 68, were obtained. In the analysis with successive weighting 1 211 trees with a length of 719 steps, Ci of 20 and Ri of 64, were obtained. The manifold cladograms obtained were summarized through two Majority Rule Consensuses trees, one for each rearch strategy. Support was found for the monophyly of the genus Netelia, and the subgenera N. (Apatagium), N. (Bessobates), N. (Monomacrodon), N. (Parabates), N. (Protonetelia), N. (Toxochilus) and N. (Longiterebates), although this last subgenus was only monophyletic in the analysis without successive weighting. Phylogenetic support was also obtained for the species groups leo, unguicularis and emorsa proposed by Townes (1938) in the subgenus N. (Netelia). The results support the synonymy of N. (Toxochiloides) with the group emorsa in the New World. Phylogenetic support was not found for the subgenera N. (Netelia), N. (Prosthodocis) and N. (Paropheltes), nor for the species groups virgata in N. (Bessobates) and geminata Townes in N. (Netelia). Nor was support found for a phylogenetic relation between the subgenera N. (Apatagium) and N. (Monomacrodon). Finally, with the results obtained here, the presence in Costa Rica of the subgenera N. (Longiterebates) and N. (Parabates), as documented by Gauld (1997), is rejected. The presence of N. (Bessobates) is unconditionally accepted and, for practical reasons, that of N. (Prosthodocis) and N. (Netelia); in addition, the presence of N. (Paropheltes) and N. (Toxochilus) is tentatively proposed. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (Suppl. 1): 213-238. Epub 2009 November 30.

Se presentan los resultados del primer análisis cladístico realizado para el género Netelia. Éste se llevó a cabo con la ayuda de los programas Hennig86 y Tree Gardener 2.2, a través de una matriz de 79 taxones y 149 caracteres, descritos principalmente de la morfología externa y de los genitales de los machos, sólo tres caracteres están relacionados con la historia natural de las especies. Dentro del grupo de estudio se incluyeron a especies representantes de los 11 subgéneros de Netelia descritos en el mundo, aunque casi el 80% de las especies examinadas son costarricenses. Para poner a prueba la monofilia del género, también se incluyeron dentro del grupo de estudio a las cinco especies trifoninas Neliopisthus yui, Chiloplatys lucens, Phytodietus (Neuchorus) penai, P. (N.) lindus y P. (Phytodietus) moragai. Se utilizó como especie externa a Labena zerita (Labeninae). Las estrategias de búsqueda de los árboles incluyeron la reconstrucción filogenética por parsimonia, sin y con peso sucesivo de los caracteres, a través de los comandos bb* y mhennig*. En el análisis sin peso sucesivo se obtuvieron 1 211 árboles igualmente parsimoniosos con un largo de 649 pasos, un Ci de 23 y un Ri de 68; mientras que en el análisis con peso sucesivo se obtuvieron 1 211 árboles con un largo de 719 pasos, un Ci de 20 y un Ri de 64. Los múltiples cladogramas obtenidos fueron resumidos a través de dos árboles consensos Majority rule, uno para cada estrategia de búsqueda. Se encontró sustento a favor de la monofilia del género Netelia, y los subgéneros N. (Apatagium), N. (Bessobates), N. (Monomacrodon), N. (Parabates), N. (Protonetelia), N. (Toxochilus) y N. (Longiterebates), aunque este último resultó monofilético sólo en el análisis sin peso sucesivo. También se obtuvo soporte filogenético para los grupos de especies leo, unguicularis y emorsa propuestos por Townes (1938) para el subgénero N. (Netelia). Los resultados respaldan la sinonimia de N. (Toxochiloides) con el grupo emorsa del Nuevo Mundo. No se encontró soporte filogenético para los subgéneros N. (Netelia), N. (Prosthodocis)y N. (Paropheltes), ni para los grupos de especies virgata de N. (Bessobates)y geminata Townes de N. (Netelia). Tampoco se encontró apoyo para la relación filogenética entre los subgéneros N. (Apatagium) y N. (Monomacrodon). Por último, con los resultados obtenidos aquí se descarta la presencia en Costa Rica de los subgéneros N. (Longiterebates)y N. (Parabates), tal como fue documentado para el país por Gauld (1997), y se acepta incondicionalmente la presencia de N. (Bessobates), y con fines prácticos la de N. (Prosthodocis) y N. (Netelia), demás se propone tentativamente la presencia de N. (Paropheltes) y N. (Toxochilus).