Revision of the species of Mythimna Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Pseudaletia) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Leucaniini) occurring in Brazil

ABSTRACT The genus Mythimna Ochsenheimer, 1816 groups aproximatelly 270 species worldwide. This genus is subdivided into many subgenera and species-groups, with those species occurring in the Neotropical region included in the subgenus Mythimna (Pseudaletia) Franclemont, 1951. Species of this subgenus frequently reach high population levels, causing economic damage to Poaceae cultivars. Hence, it is crucial a well-defined taxonomy allowing rapid and precise identifications. However, the species of this subgenus are cryptic, their recognition requires molecular analyses and in-depth morphological studies, which has often resulted in misidentifications. In Brazil, the occurrence of the following species had been mentioned: Mythimna (P.) adultera (Schaus, 1894), Mythimna (P.) roraimae Franclemont, 1951, Mythimna (P.) sequax Franclemont, 1951, and Mythimna (P.) unipuncta (Haworth, 1809). Yet, until now, we lack a broader knowledge about the geographic distribution and taxonomy of these species. Thus, this study aims to revise the taxonomy of those species based on morphological and molecular (COI) data to provide an updated comprehension of this group in the country. The analysis of 1,664 specimens allowed us to confirm the presence of three species in the country: Mythimna (P.) adultera, Mythimna (P.) sequax, and Mythimna (P.) unipuncta. A lectotype for Mythimna (P.) adultera is designated; a new synonym is proposed: Pseudaletia roraimae syn. nov. of Mythimna (P.) unipuncta; and a new species, Mythimna (P.) celiae sp. nov. is described from Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Oviposition of Minstrellus grandis (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) in a harmful ant-plant symbiosi

The oviposition behavior of the rare butterfly Minstrellus grandis (Callaghan, 1999) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) is recorded for the first time. Two females laid eggs on the old leaves of an unidentified Triplaris sp. (Polygonaceae), a myrmecophytic plant typically known as 'Triplaria' or 'novice' tree, inhabited by aggressive 'taxi' ants of the genus Pseudomyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). These observations suggest that M. grandis caterpillars live associated with one of the most harmful types of Amazon ant-plant symbiosis. (AU)

Before it is too late: description of a new genus and species of butterfly from a highly threatened Brazilian biome

Abstract A new genus, Nhambikuara Freitas, Barbosa & Zacca gen. nov., and species, Nhambikuara cerradensis Freitas, Barbosa & Zacca sp. nov., of the highly diverse Neotropical butterfly subtribe Euptychiina are described. Nhambikuara cerradensis sp. nov. is the type species for the genus, and Euptychia mima Butler, 1867 is also transferred to the new genus, as Nhambikuara mima (Butler, 1867) comb. nov., from the genus Zischkaia Forster, 1964. The taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, geographic distribution and natural history of species of the genus are also discussed.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:41AD7568-3490-4F63-A019-32D5592A8C44

Notes on the geographic distribution and subspecific taxonomy of Sais rosalia (Cramer) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Ithomiini), including the first records in Paraguay

Notes on the geographic distribution and subspecific taxonomy of Sais rosalia (Cramer) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Ithomiini), including the first records in Paraguay. This paper provides comments on the subspecific taxonomy and geographic distribution of Sais rosalia (Cramer, 1779) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Ithomiini), as well as an up-to-date distributional map, complemented with unpublished distributional data based on specimens deposited in the Coleção Entomológica Pe. Jesus S. Moure, Curitiba, Brazil and the Museo de Historia Natural, Lima, Peru. The following synonyms are proposed: Sais rosalia camariensis Haensch, 1905 syn. rev. as junior subjective synonym of Papilio rosalia Cramer, 1779 and Sais rosalia brasiliensis Talbot, 1928 syn. rev. as junior subjective synonym of Sais rosalia rosalinde Weymer, 1890. Additionally, the first country records of Sais rosalia in Paraguay, including the southernmost record of the species, are documented.

Os Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera, Hesperioidea) da RPPN Klagesi, Santo Antônio do Tauá, Pará, Brasil: nova contribuição para o conhecimento da biodiversidade da área de endemismo Belém / The Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera, Hesperioidea) from RPPN Klagesi, Santo Antônio do Tauá, Pará, Brazil: a new contribution to biodiversity's knowledge of Belém endemism area

Embora a região Belém seja uma das áreas mais exploradas da Amazônia com coletas desde o século XVIII, grande parte das informações se encontra dispersa em coleções internacionais, o que dificulta a reunião de dados e interpretações biogeográficas. Visando ampliar o conhecimento da fauna de lepidópteros da região, o presente estudo levantou uma lista de 225 espécies de Hesperiidae encontradas na RPPN Klagesi durante aproximadamente 24 anos de amostragens esporádicas, embora mais freqüentemente na última década. São adicionadas 113 espécies previamente não relacionadas para a região, a qual passa a ser a área de maior riqueza conhecida de Hesperiidae dentre todas as regiões de endemismo da Amazônia brasileira até então inventariadas. No entanto, o conhecimento da diversidade de Hesperiidae em outras áreas de endemismo é tão restrito, que a riqueza de espécies deve ser utilizada apenas como indicador de esforço amostral ao invés de inferências biogeográficas. Três das regiões de endemismo ainda não apresentam nenhum inventário de fauna (Xingú, Napo e Imeri), enquanto as demais são reconhecidas por um ou poucos inventários. Portanto, para que a lepidopterofauna amazônica seja realmente conhecida e utilizada em estudos de biogeografia e conservação, são necessários esforços direcionados nestas regiões ainda totalmente desconhecidas ou mesmo a reunião de informações sobre coletas já realizadas, cujo material se encontra disperso em coleções pelo mundo.

The region of Belém is one of the best known area of the Amazon Forest, given its scientific explorations since the 18th century. However much of the informations about the biological diversity of the region is scattered at several museums around the world, thus making it harder to access and to propose biogeographical hypothesis.. Aiming to contribute to the knowledge of lepidopterological diversity of the region, the present study lists 225 species of Hesperiidae present at Private Natural Reserve Klagesi registered during approximately 24 years of sporadically collecting, although more frequently on the past decade. One hundred and thirteen species not yet registered in endemism's region of Belém are added, which makes it the richest of all Amazonian endemism areas in Brazil. However, the Amazonian skippers are so poorly known that this richness index can only be used for effort comparisons instead of biogeographical or ecological inferences. Three of the endemism regions still lack information about their diversity (Xingú, Napo and Imeri), while others are known basically from one or a few inventories. Therefore, focused sampling at those unknown areas or gathering information at international museums are indispensable strategies to obtain a better knowledge of Amazonian butterfly diversity so they can be used for biogeographical studies and conservation management.

Hesperioidea e Papilionoidea (Lepidoptera) coligidos em expedição aos Rios Nhamundá e Abacaxis, Amazonas, Brasil: novos subsídios para o conhecimento da biodiversidade da Amazônia Brasileira

Hesperioidea e Papilionoidea (Lepidoptera) coligidos em expedição aos Rios Nhamundá e Abacaxis, Amazonas, Brasil: novos subsídios para o conhecimento da biodiversidade da Amazônia Brasileira. Objetivando um aprimoramento do conhecimento da lepidopterofauna diurna da Amazônia brasileira, este estudo lista 180 taxa coligidos em cinco pontos distintos de dois afluentes do Rio Amazonas, envolvendo as áreas de endemismo Guiana e Rondônia. As coletas foram passivas e ativas e as diferentes localidades comparadas através de análise de Escalonamento Multidimensional Não-Métrico (NMDS).

Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea (Lepidoptera) collected in an expedition to the Nhamundá and Abacaxis rivers, Amazonas, Brazil: new insights for understanding the biodiversity of the Brazilian Amazon. Aiming at improving the knowledge of the diurnal lepidopterofauna of the Amazon rainforest, this study lists 180 taxa collected at five different points along two tributaries of the Amazon River, including the Guyana and Rondonia areas of endemism. The different localities were compared using Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling analysis (NMDS).

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.

Aspectos biológicos e morfologia externa dos imaturos de Memphismoruus stheno (Prittwitz) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) / Biological aspects and external morphology of immature stages of Memphis moruus stheno (Prittwittz) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Immature stages of Memphis moruus stheno (Prittwittz) were subject of a behavior, biological and morphological study. The morphological study was carried out through observation by stereoscopic microscopy with camera lucida and micrometric lens attached for illustrations and measurements, respectively; and scanning electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis. Behavioral data were obtained through direct observation in the field and laboratory. Eggs were laid on the underside of leaves of two Lauraceae species. The first to third instars build frass chains, the fourth and the fifth instars build a conical shelter using a single leaf of the host plant. Before pupation, larvae bend its body ventrally and the pupae are incapable of movement. Descriptions, illustrations and photographs of egg, all five instars and pupa are given. The cephalic morphology and chaetotaxy of first instar were described and illustrated. Results are compared with other Charaxinae immature stages.

Imaturos de Chrismopteryx undularia (Blanchard) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) / Immatures of Chrismopteryx undularia (Blanchard) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae)

Ovo, larva e pupa de Chrismopteryx undularia (Blanchard, 1852) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae) são descritos e ilustrados.

Egg, larva and pupa of Chrismopteryx undularia (Blanchard, 1852) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae) are described and illustrated.

Morfologia do exoesqueleto de adultos de Memphis moruus stheno (Pritwittz) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Charaxinae) / Exoskeleton morphology of the adult of Memphis moruus stheno (Pritwittz) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Charaxinae)

O presente trabalho visa fornecer subsídios para estudos morfológicos comparativos de Charaxinae neotropicais. Memphis moruus stheno (Prittwitz, 1865) é a segunda espécie neotropical de Anaeini e a primeira do gênero Memphis a ter sua morfologia detalhada. A morfologia externa é apresentada com descrições, ilustrações e imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura de estruturas da cabeça e apêndices cefálicos, região cervical, tórax e apêndices torácicos, abdome e genitálias masculina e feminina. A morfologia de M. moruus stheno é comparada com uma espécie do gênero proximamente relacionado Zaretis Hübner, [1819].

This study is intended to allow further comparative morphological studies on the Neotropical Charaxinae. Memphis moruus stheno (Prittwitz, 1865) is the second species of Anaeini and the first in the genus Memphis to have its morphology published in detail. The external morphology is presented with descriptions, line drawings and scan electron microscopy of the head and its appendages, cervix, thorax and its appendages, abdomen and both male and female genital armatures. Memphis moruus stheno is compared with a species of its closely related genus Zaretis Hübner, [1819].

Uma nova subespécie de Parides bunichus (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae, Troidini) do interior da Bahia, Brasil / A new subspecis of Parides bunichus (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae, Troidini) from the interior of Bahia, Brazil

Parides bunichus almas ssp.nov. é descrita com base em material coletado no Pico das Almas, Rio de Contas, Bahia, Brasil.

Parides bunichus almas ssp.nov. is described from Pico das Almas, Rio de Contas, Bahia, Brazil.

Parasitism of Brassolis sophorae laurentii Stichel (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Brassolinae) Pupae by Conura morleyi (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae, Chalcidini), in the State of Alagoas, Brazil

This scientific note reports the association between the parasitoid Conura morleyi (Ashmead) and Brassolis sophorae laurentii Stichel pupae in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. This parasitoid exhibits gregarious development, with production up to 146 individuals per pupa throughout a single opening. The sex proportion of the parasitoids was one male for one female.

Este trabalho registra o parasitismo de pupas de Brassolis sophorae laurentii Stichel por Conura morleyi (Ashmead) em Alagoas. Essa espécie de parasitóide exibiu desenvolvimento de forma gregária, tendo sido observada a saída de 146 indivíduos por pupa através de um único orifício, e com proporção sexual de um macho para uma fêmea.

Parides klagesi (Ehrmann) redescoberto no Brasil (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae, Troidini) / Parides klagesi (Ehrmann) rediscovered in Brazil (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae, Troidini)

Parides klagesi (Ehrmann, 1904), uma espécie descrita da Venezuela, tem a sua ocorrência confirmada para o Brasil (Pará e Maranhão).

Parides klagesi (Ehrmann, 1904), a species described from Venezuela, has its geographical distribution confirmed to Brazil (Pará and Maranhão).

Tampão genital de Actinote Hübner, como caráter taxonômico (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Acraeinae) / Sphragis of Actinote Hübner, as a taxonomic character (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Acraeinae)

The sphragis morphology of seven species of Actinote Hübner, [1819] from south Brazil are presented and discussed comparatively. Their significant differences and scales were revealed with SEM photographs. They can be usable as characters to identify species.

Color polymorphism and allele frequency in a Brazilian population of the sunflower caterpillar Chlosyne lacinia saundersi (Doubleday) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) / Polimorfismo de coloração e freqüência de alelos em uma população brasileira de lagarta-do-girassol Chlosyne lacinia saundersi (Doubleday) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

The aim of this work was at calculating allele frequency color polymorphism in a population of sunflower caterpillar, Chlosyne lacinia saundersi (Doubleday) from Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil. Allele frequency in insect populations can be used as genetic marker to compare populations from different geographical and host origins. There are three phenotypes conditioned by two loci interacting epistatically. The phenotypes are: rufa (oranged colored larvae), bicolor (black larvae with dorsal orange stripes) and nigra, larvae with the body entirely black, sometimes with dorsal yellow dots, best seen in the fourth and fifth instars. Samples were taken independently in an attempt to obtain all combinations of crossing among genotypes. The genetic mechanism of this polymorphism is well known. A Chi-Square test (chi2) was used to estimate the ideal sample size. The frequencies stabilized, with over 800 fourth and fifth instars larvae even with increased sample size. The allele frequencies were calculated based on the frequency of each phenotype. The allele R of rufa locus had a frequency near 7.0 percent and the allele r near 93.0 percent, the allele B (bicolor) had a frequency around 31.8 percent and allele b frequency near 68.2 percent.

A freqüência de alelos de polimorfismo de coloração da lagarta-do-girassol, Chlosyne lacinia saundersi (Doubleday) foi calculada em uma população, com o objetivo de usar o polimorfismo como marcador genético para comparar populações de diferentes regiões ou oriundas de diferentes hospedeiros. Existem três fenótipos condicionados por dois locos interagindo epistaticamente: rufa, lagartas alaranjadas; bicolor, lagartas pretas com listras dorsais alaranjadas e nigra, lagartas pretas, às vezes com pontuações amareladas, sendo que esse polimorfismo torna-se bem visível a partir do quarto estádio.O mecanismo genético desse polimorfismo é bem conhecido. As amostras foram obtidas de modo independente na tentativa de se incluirem todos os cruzamentos entre os genótipos. Utilizou-se o teste de Qui-Quadrado (chi2) para estimar com precisão o tamanho ideal da amostra. A partir de 800 espécimes de quarto e quinto ínstares, as freqüências estabilizaram. As freqüências gênicas foram calculadas com base na freqüência de cada fenótipo. O alelo R do locus rufa ocorreu na freqüência de 7 por cento e o alelo r teve freqüência de 93 por cento. O alelo B do locus bicolor teve freqüência de 31,8 por cento e o alelo b teve freqüência em torno de 62,2 por cento.