Insect (Hexapoda) diversity in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: updated taxonomic checklist and new records

ABSTRACT Hexapods, commonly known as insects, are a neglected taxonomic group in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, with unanswered questions about their species richness and the ecological processes in which they are involved (e.g., colonization, introduction, establishment, and extinction). Herein, we provide an updated Hexapod checklist with current nomenclatural combinations. The entomofauna of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is currently composed of 453 species in 21 orders. The orders, and their respective number of species, are: Blattaria (9), Coleoptera (118), Collembola (29), Dermaptera (3), Diplura (1), Diptera (134), Embioptera (1), Hemiptera (29), Hymenoptera (59), Isoptera (2), Lepidoptera (25), Mantodea (1), Neuroptera (3), Odonata (5), Orthoptera (11), Phasmatodea (1), Phthiraptera (6), Psocoptera (3), Siphonaptera (1), Thysanoptera (10), and Zygentoma (2). The archipelago has 263 new taxon records (family + genera + species). Thirty-eight species (3.39%) were described from local specimens and most of them are likely endemic species. This study more than doubles our knowledge (from the previous 190 records) of the entomofauna in this large Brazilian archipelago. This study also provides a baseline for studies on its conservation status and for implementing future environmental management programs.

Description of the female of Spodochlamys marahuaca Jameson & Ratcliffe, 2011 (Melolonthidae, Rutelinae, Anatistini) and additional records for the Brazilian species of the genus

The previously unknown female of Spodochlamys marahuaca Jameson & Ratcliffe, 2011 is described and illustrated for the first time based on two specimens collected in the region of the Juruá River, Amazonas state, Brazil. The specimens constitute a new record for Brazil. The identification key for species of Spodochlamys is updated, as well as the geographic distribution of the other two Brazilian species, S. caesarea Burmeister and S. iheringi Ohaus. (AU)

Description of the last larval instar and pupa of Chlorota paulistana Ohaus, 1912 (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae: Rutelini)

ABSTRACT The first immature description for a South American species of the genus Chlorota Burmeister, 1844 (Melolonthidae: Rutelinae) is presented. The last larval instar and female pupa of Chlorota paulistana Ohaus, 1912 are described. Illustrations and diagnostic characters are also presented, along with additional characters for the genus, and a new state record for Pernambuco is added. With this study, two species of immatures of Chlorota are now known and their diagnostic characters and differences are here discussed.

A checklist of Rutelinae MacLeay, 1819 (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae) of Bahia, Brazil / Um checklist dos Rutelinae MacLeay, 1819 (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae) da Bahia, Brasil

Abstract A list of species of Rutelinae from Bahia state, Northeastern Brazil, is presented. The list is based on specimens deposited in Brazilian collections. The list includes 4 tribes, 23 genera, 101 species and 17 subspecies. The genera Byrsopolis Burmeister, 1844, Pseudodorysthetus Soula, 2008 and Trizogeniates Ohaus, 1917 are recorded for the first time in Bahia and Northeastern Brazil. Thirty species are newly recorded in Bahia: Areoda espiritosantensis Ohaus, 1905, B. laticollis Burmeister, 1855, Bolax flavolineata (Mannerheim, 1829), Chlorota abdominalis Ohaus, 1926, C. espiritosantensis Ohaus, 1912, Dorysthetus espiritosantensis Ohaus, 1905, D. fulgidus (Waterhouse, 1881), Leucothyreus acanthurus Ohaus, 1917, L. albopilosus Ohaus, 1917, L. campestris Burmeister, 1855, L. cayapo Ohaus, 1931, L. duplopunctatus Frey, 1976, L. eligius Ohaus, 1918, L. fluminensis Ohaus, 1918, L. iridipennis Ohaus, 1917, L. lucipetens Ohaus, 1931, L. occipitalis Ohaus, 1931, L. pallefactus Ohaus, 1924, L. paulista Ohaus, 1917, L. punctulatus Blanchard, 1851, L. suturalis Laporte, 1840, L. trochantericus Ohaus, 1917, L. verticalis Ohaus, 1924, Macraspis cincta (Drury, 1872), Paranomala tricostulata (Ohaus, 1897), P. violacea (Burmeister, 1844), Pseudodorysthetus calcaratus (Spinola, 1835), and Trizogeniates planipennis Ohaus, 1917. Pelidnota unicolor unicolor (Drury, 1778) is recorded for the first time in Bahia. Fourteen species are identified and will be described in subsequent papers: 10 of Leucothyreus MacLeay, 1819, 2 of Lobogeniates Ohaus, 1917 and 1 species of Byrsopolis Burmeister, 1844 and Pelidnota MacLeay, 1819. Rutelini is the richest tribe with 16 genera and 49 species. The information presented in the list generates an important set of knowledge regarding the diversity of Rutelinae of Bahia and Brazil and provides the basis for conducting future research within the group.

Resumo É apresentada uma lista de espécies de Rutelinae do estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. A lista é baseada em espécimes depositados em coleções brasileiras. A lista inclui quatro tribos, 23 gêneros, 101 espécies e 17 subespécies. É feito o primeiro registro para a Bahia e região Nordeste dos gêneros Byrsopolis Burmeister, 1844, Pseudodorysthetus Soula, 2008 e Trizogeniates Ohaus, 1917. Trinta espécies de Rutelinae foram registradas pela primeira vez para a Bahia e região Nordeste: Areoda espiritosantensis Ohaus, 1905, B. laticollis Burmeister, 1855, Bolax flavolineata (Mannerheim, 1829), Chlorota abdominalis Ohaus, 1926, C. espiritosantensis Ohaus, 1912, Dorysthetus espiritosantensis Ohaus, 1905, D. fulgidus (Waterhouse, 1881), Leucothyreus acanthurus Ohaus, 1917, L. albopilosus Ohaus, 1917, L. campestris Burmeister, 1855, L. cayapo Ohaus, 1931, L. duplopunctatus Frey, 1976, L. eligius Ohaus, 1918, L. fluminensis Ohaus, 1918, L. iridipennis Ohaus, 1917, L. lucipetens Ohaus, 1931, L. occipitalis Ohaus, 1931, L. pallefactus Ohaus, 1924, L. paulista Ohaus, 1917, L. punctulatus Blanchard, 1851, L. suturalis Laporte, 1840, L. trochantericus Ohaus, 1917, L. verticalis Ohaus, 1924, Macraspis cincta (Drury, 1872), Paranomala tricostulata (Ohaus, 1897), P. violacea (Burmeister, 1844), Pseudodorysthetus calcaratus (Spinola, 1835) e Trizogeniates planipennis Ohaus, 1917. Foi feito o primeiro registro de Pelidnota unicolor unicolor (Drury, 1778) para a Bahia. Foram identificadas 14 espécies, que serão descritas em trabalhos posteriores: dez de Leucothyreus MacLeay, 1819, duas de Lobogeniates Ohaus, 1917 e uma de Byrsopolis Burmeister, 1844 e Pelidnota MacLeay, 1819. A tribo Rutelini apresenta a maior riqueza com 16 gêneros e 49 espécies. Os resultados aqui apresentados têm importantes informações para o conhecimento de Rutelinae, no estado da Bahia e no Brasil, e servirão de base para a realização de futuras pesquisas com o grupo.

Flight patterns and sex ratio of beetles of the subfamily Dynastinae (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae)

ABSTRACT Dynastinae is one of the most representative subfamilies of Melolonthidae (Scarabaeoidea) and has considerable ecological importance due mainly to interactions with plants of the families Araceae and Annonaceae. This relationship has led to the evolution of nocturnal activity patterns, which are influenced by environmental conditions. In the present study, abiotic factors were investigated to comprehend the influence on the flight patterns and identify the sex ratio of beetles from this subfamily. A study was conducted at Campo de Instrução Marechal Newton Cavalcanti in northeastern Brazil between December 2010 and November 2011. Thirteen species of Dynastinae were identified, most of which were from the genus Cyclocephala. Abundance and richness were greater in the dry season. Six species exhibited peak flight activity at specific periods of the night. More females than males were recorded for Cyclocephala distincta and C. paraguayensis. The present findings suggest that rainfall reduces the flight activity of these beetles and different time schedules may be related to mating behavior, foraging behavior and the avoidance of interspecific resource competition.

Coleoptera species of forensic importance from Brazil: an updated list

ABSTRACT A list of the Coleoptera of importance from Brazil, based on published records was compiled. The checklist contains 345 species of 16 families allocated to 16 states of the country. In addition, three species of two families are registered for the first time. The fauna of Coleoptera of forensic importance is still not entirely known and future collection efforts and taxonomic reviews could increase the number of known species considerably in the near future.

Histerideos (Staphyliniformia: Coleoptera: Histeridae) dos Campos Gerais, Parana, Brasil

Histeridae is a group of beetles with diverse morphology known as generalist predators and which occurs in a wide variety of habitats. The objective of this paper was to present the first list of Histeridae from the Campos Gerais region (Parques Estaduais de Vila Velha, do Cerrado, e do Cânion Guartelá) and provide information about species from protected areas in the state of Paraná. Also were provided appropriate collecting methods for the group. The Histeridae from Campos Gerais are represented by 29 species belonging to eight genera: Haeteriinae sp. (1 sp.), Coelister Bickhardt, 1917 (1 sp.), Epierus Erichson, 1834 (1 sp.), Euspilotus Lewis, 1907 (6 spp.), Hister Linnaeus, 1758 (2 spp.), Omalodes Dejean, 1833 (3 spp.), Operclipygus Marseul, 1870 (6 spp.) and Phelister Marseul, 1854 (9 spp.). Two genera (Coelister and Epierus) and four species (Coelister sp., Phelister brevistrius Marseul, 1854, Phelister panamensis LeConte, 1859 and Phelister pumilus (Erichson, 1834)) were recorded for the first time for the state of Paraná. Five genera (Coelister, Epierus, Euspilotus, Hister and Phelister) and five species (Coelister sp., Omalodes laceratus Marseul, 1853, Phelister brevistrius, Phelister panamensis LeConte, 1859 and Phelister pumilus (Erichson, 1834)) were recorded for the first time for Campos Gerais. The fauna of Histeridae is diverse when compared with surveys conducted in other floristic conditions. However, the majority of species do not demonstrate a selection for open grass field areas. Considering the habitats loss of Campos Gerais it is important to increase the faunistic surveys with appropriate methodology and regional lists of Coleoptera in order to know the biodiversity.

Histeridae é um grupo de besouros com morfologia diversificada, conhecidos como predadores generalistas e que ocorrem em uma ampla variedade de habitats. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma primeira listagem dos táxons de Histeridae ocorrentes na região dos Campos Gerais (Parques Estaduais de Vila Velha, do Cerrado, e do Cânion Guartelá) e fornecer informações sobre as espécies das Unidades de Conservação do Estado do Paraná. Também foram apresentados os métodos apropriados para coleta do grupo. Os Histeridae dos Campos Gerais estão, até o momento, representados por 29 espécies de oito gêneros: Haeteriinae sp. (1 sp.), Coelister Bickhardt, 1917 (1 sp.), Epierus Erichson, 1834 (1 sp.), Euspilotus Lewis, 1907 (6 spp.), Hister Linnaeus, 1758 (2 spp.), Omalodes Dejean, 1833 (3 spp.), Operclipygus Marseul, 1870 (6 spp.) e Phelister Marseul, 1854 (9 spp.). Dois gêneros (Coelister e Epierus) e quatro espécies (Coelister sp., Phelister brevistrius Marseul, 1854, Phelister panamensis LeConte, 1859 e Phelister pumilus (Erichson, 1834)) foram registrados pela primeira vez para o Estado do Paraná. Cinco gêneros (Coelister, Epierus, Euspilotus, Hister e Phelister) e cinco espécies (Coelister sp., Omalodes laceratus Marseul, 1853, Phelister brevistrius, Phelister panamensis LeConte, 1859 e Phelister pumilus (Erichson, 1834)) foram registrados pela primeira vez para os Campos Gerais. A fauna de Histeridae se mostrou diversa quando comparada a levantamentos em outras formações vegetacionais. Entretanto, a maioria das espécies não demonstra uma seleção de hábitat para áreas abertas. Considerando a perda de habitat ocorrida nos Campos Gerais, salienta-se a importância dos levantamentos faunísticos através de métodos apropriados e listagens regionais de Coleoptera para o conhecimento da biodiversidade.

Report of Macraspis pseudochrysis Landin, 1956 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) on açai palms (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in floodplains in the state of Amapá, Brazil / Registro de Macraspis pseudochrysis Landin, 1956 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) em açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) de várzea no estado do Amapá, Brasil

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea) is an East Amazon palm found most frequently in the Amazon River estuary. Riverside dwellers in different regions of the state of Amapá have recently been observing a species of coleopteran attacking the inflorescences of açai palms. With a view to identifying a species of coleopteran attacking inflorescences of E. oleracea in the Brazilian state of Amapá, insects were collected in the regions of Abacate da Pedreira (two individuals) and Ariri (six) in the city of Macapá. Five individuals were also collected in Mazagão. The insects were collected from açai palm inflorescences using entomological nets, then preserved and submitted for identification. They were identified as Macraspis pseudochrysis Landin, 1956 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae). This is the first occurrence of M. pseudochrysis in E. oleracea in the Neotropics.

O açaizeiro [Euterpe oleracea] é uma palmeira da Amazônia Oriental encontrada com mais freqüência no estuário do Rio Amazonas. Recentemente, ribeirinhos em diferentes regiões do estado do Amapá observaram uma espécie de coleóptero que ataca as inflorescências de açaízeiros. Com o objetivo de identificar exemplares de Coleoptera em inflorescências de E. oleracea no estado do Amapá, Brasil, foram coletados 13 indivíduos nas localidades de Abacate da Pedreira (dois exemplares), Ariri (seis)(ambas em Macapá) e no município de Mazagão (cinco), entre outubro de 2010 e fevereiro de 2011. Os coleópteros foram coletados diretamente nas inflorescências de açaizeiros com auxílio de rede entomológica, conservados e enviados para identificação. Todos os indivíduos pertencem à espécie Macraspis pseudochrysis Landin, 1956 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae). Este é o primeiro registro de ocorrência de M. pseudochrysis em E. oleracea na região neotropical.