ABSTRACT
This research aims to describe the process of ecological succession by associating the decomposition stages of pig carcasses with flies from the Calliphoridae family (Diptera). For this, 6 pig carcasses were exposed in Maranhão's Cerrado, utilizing metal cages with sawdust trays to catch immature specimens and "suspended traps" to capture adults. Adults of the Hemilucilia benoisti Séguy, and Hemilucilia townsendi Shannon species were only associated with the swelling stage. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was associated with 2 stages (black putrefaction and fermentation). The species Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were associated with 4 of the 5 stages of decomposition, the latter being the only 1 associated with the initial stage. The larvae abandoned the carcasses to pupate from the second stage of decomposition, with L. eximia being the only 1 leaving the carcasses in the swelling stage, and C. albiceps the only 1 associated with both the fermentation and dry stages. Our findings indicate that calliphorid species can help forensic investigators estimine the post-mortem interval of cadavers in situations similar to those detailed in this study. Since there was a link between adult and immature species and certain stages, they can be used as indicators in future forensic investigations.
Subject(s)
Diptera , Swine Diseases , Animals , Swine , Calliphoridae , Brazil , Cadaver , LarvaABSTRACT
The diversity of Staphylinidae found in termite nests is remarkable. The subfamily Aleocharinae alone contains more than 650 termitophilous species, with termitophilous tribes such as the Corotocini, which includes the genus Termitomorpha Wasman. Here, a new Termitomorpha species from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon is described. Both Termitomorpha fissipennis (Casey) and T. manni (Seevers) are recorded for the first time in Brazil for the states of Pará and Paraíba. The Termitomorpha species identification key is updated. A distribution map for the species is also provided.
Subject(s)
Coleoptera , Isoptera , Animals , Animal DistributionABSTRACT
The genus Termitozophilus Silvestri (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Corotocini) is composed of three species that are associated with termite nests of the genus Cornitermes Wasmann in South America. Although this termite genus is widespread in the Amazon region, the species of the rove beetle genus Termitozophilus associated with it are less known. In this paper, we describe four new species of Termitozophilus species from the Brazilian Oriental Amazon. Furthermore, we provide information on natural history, post-imaginal growth, behavior, and a taxonomic key to all valid species.
Subject(s)
Coleoptera , Isoptera , Animals , Brazil , Animal DistributionABSTRACT
The minute litter bugs (Heteroptera: Schizopteridae) fauna from the Brazilian Amazon comprises only nine species described during the past four years. In this paper, the Schizopteridae fauna of an Amazonian savanna was surveyed, resulting in the discovery of two new species of Corixidea Reuter and a new species of Schizoptera (Cantharocoris) McAtee Malloch: Corixidea graziae sp. nov., Corixidea quilombola sp. nov., and Schizoptera (Cantharocoris) savannensis sp. nov. The species C. graziae sp. nov. and C. quilombola sp. nov. can be distinguished from other Corixidea species by the shape of the process of mediotergite 8 while S. (Cantharocoris) savannensis sp. nov. can be recognized among species of its subgenus by a combination of the shape of the subgenital plate and right conjunctival appendage. The species herein described represent the first records of these genera for the Brazilian Amazon. We provide diagnoses, photographs of habitus, and illustrations of male genitalia.
Subject(s)
Heteroptera , Animal Distribution , Animals , Brazil , Genitalia, Male/anatomy & histology , Grassland , Heteroptera/anatomy & histology , Heteroptera/classification , Male , Species SpecificityABSTRACT
Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 is a genus of flesh flies predominantly Neotropical in distribution, which comprises small species (4.0-7.3 mm) characterized mainly by vein R1 fully setulose dorsally and wing usually fumose between apical part of vein R2+3 and vein C. The taxonomic revision of the genus resulted in 39 valid species, of which 12 are new to science: N. boruca sp. nov., N. canga sp. nov., N. coendu sp. nov., N. cuzco sp. nov., N. equatoriana sp. nov., N. inca sp. nov., N. lamasi sp. nov., N. matinta sp. nov., N. psittacocercus sp. nov., N. sofiae sp. nov., N. similis sp. nov. and N. tembe sp. nov. Nephochaetopteryx shannoni Dodge, 1968 is a junior synonym of N. flavipalpis Lopes, 1936, syn. nov. and N. linharensis Tibana Santos 1997 is a junior synonym of N. pallidifacies Lopes 1975, syn. nov. A key to the males of all valid species is given, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia.
Subject(s)
Diptera , Sarcophagidae , Animal Distribution , Animals , MaleABSTRACT
The present study aims to document the community composition, abundance, and species richness of saprophytic fly species (Mesembrinellidae, Neriidae, Ropalomeridae, and Sarcophagidae) of the Volta Grande region of the Xingu River, a poorly sampled area impacted by the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. Five collecting trips were carried out between 2014 and 2016, when traps baited with fermenting bananas were used. A total of 154 specimens, three genera, and six species were collected of Mesembrinellidae; 196 specimens, three genera, and seven species of Neriidae; 272 specimens, three genera, and six species of Ropalomeridae; and 624 specimens, 22 species and 10 genera of Sarcophagidae. Species accumulation curves for all families except Sarcophagidae demonstrated a strong tendency towards stabilization, showing that sampling efforts were sufficient to record most of the targeted species. Laneela perisi (Mariluis, 1987) (Mesembrinellidae) is a new record for the state of Pará. Among Ropalomeridae, Apophorhynchus amazonensis Prado, 1966, is a new record for Pará. Among Sarcophagidae, Helicobia aurescens (Townsend, 1927) is newly recorded from the Brazilian Amazon, and Ravinia effrenata (Walker, 1861) and Titanogrypa larvicida (Lopes, 1935) are new records for Pará.
O presente estudo teve como objetivo documentar a composição, abundância e riqueza das espécies de moscas saprófitas (Mesembrinellidae, Neriidae, Ropalomeridae e Sarcophagidae) da Volta Grande do rio Xingu, uma área pouco amostrada e impactada pela Hidrelétrica Belo Monte. Foram realizadas cinco expedições de coleta entre 2014 a 2016, quando foram utilizadas armadilhas contendo banana em fermentação como isca. Foram coletados 154 espécimes, três gêneros e seis espécies de Mesembrinellidae; 196 espécimes, três gêneros e sete espécies de Neriidae; 272 espécimes, três gêneros e seis espécies de Ropalomeridae; e 624 espécimes, 22 espécies e 10 gêneros de Sarcophagidae. As curvas de acumulo de espécies para todas as famílias, exceto Sarcophagidae, demonstraram uma forte tendência à estabilização, mostrando que o esforço amostral foi suficiente para registrar a maioria das espécies-alvo. Laneela perisi (Mariluis, 1987) (Mesembrinellidae) é um novo registro para o estado do Pará. Entre os Ropalomeridae, Apophorhynchus amazonensis Prado, 1966, é um novo registro para o Pará. Em relação aos Sarcophagidae, Helicobia aurescens (Townsend, 1927) é um novo registro para a Amazônia Brasileira e Ravinia effrenata (Walker, 1861) e Titanogrypa larvicida (Lopes, 1935) são novos registros para o Pará.
ABSTRACT
The family Termitaphididae and the species Termitaradus trinidadensis (Morrison) are recorded for the first time from Brazil. This species had been found only in Trinidad and Tobago and is redescribed based on specimens collected in Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen) termite nests from forested and open areas in the Brazilian Amazon. Scanning electron micrographs of integumental ornamentation, illustrations of male and female terminalia, and pictures of live specimens are provided for the first time.
Subject(s)
Heteroptera , Isoptera , Moths , Animals , Brazil , Female , MaleABSTRACT
The genus Voragocoris Weirauch, 2012 is composed of Voragocoris schuhi Weirauch, 2012 and Voragocoris amrishi Makhan, 2013, previously recorded from Peru and Suriname, respectively. In this paper, a new species, Voragocoris weirauchae sp.n., is described based on specimens collected in the Brazilian Amazon, representing the first record of the genus from Brazil. We provide diagnosis, description, photographs of habitus, and scanning electron micrographs of the diagnostic features. A key to species based on males of Voragocoris is also presented.
Subject(s)
Heteroptera , Animals , Brazil , MaleABSTRACT
Hermetia goncalvensi Albuquerque, 1955 (Diptera: Stratiomyidae: Hermetiinae) has been known from only the male holotype collected in 1951 from the state of Bahia, Brazil, but currently lost or destroyed. No specimens have been reported over the last 60 years since its description. Here we bring together records of additional specimens of both sexes-one male and 28 females-from 13 localities in five Brazilian states, in addition to the type locality. A detailed redescription of the species is provided which includes the puparium, male and female terminalia, biological information, and a distribution map.
Subject(s)
Diptera , Animals , Female , Geography , MaleABSTRACT
The genus Hoplonannus McAtee Malloch, 1925 is composed of H. brunneus, H. paenebrunneus, H. craneae, and H. australis, all previously recorded from Central and South America. In this paper, we describe Hoplonannus bifidus sp.n. and Hoplonannus robustus sp.n. based on several specimens collected in the Brazilian Amazon, representing the first record of the genus from northern Brazil. We provide diagnoses, photographs of habitus, scanning electron micrographs of male genitalia, and illustrations of female genitalia. A key to species based on males of Hoplonannus is also presented.
Subject(s)
Heteroptera , Animals , Brazil , Female , Genitalia, Male , MaleABSTRACT
The Syrphidae genus Domodon Reemer, 2013 so far included two species, D. zodiacus Reemer, 2013 and D. peperpotensis Reemer, 2014, both recorded only from Suriname. Additional specimens belonging to this genus have been collected in many other localities in South and Central America. In this paper, the genus is revised and three new species are described: D. caxiuana sp. nov. (northern South America), D. inaculeatus sp. nov. (northern South America), and D. sensibilis sp. nov. (Costa Rica). The distribution of D. peperpotensis is extended to include French Guiana. Photographs of the type material of the new species and illustrations of male genitalia of all species are provided, as well as a key to species.
Subject(s)
Diptera , Animal Distribution , Animals , Central America , Costa Rica , French Guiana , Male , North America , South America , SurinameABSTRACT
The genus Hypsohapsis Hoey-Chamberlain Weirauch was erected based on only one male specimen from southern Brazil (São Paulo). Hypsohapsis amazonica sp.n., described herein from the Brazilian Amazon, is based on a male and two females collected in pristine tropical forest. The female of Hypsohapsis is described for the first time. In addition, an updated key to the genera of Hypselosomatinae is provided.
Subject(s)
Heteroptera , Animals , Brazil , Female , MaleABSTRACT
The white-sand enclaves in the Amazon Basin are small areas scattered through the tropical forest, with sandy and nutrient-poor soils and an unusual vegetation type. The insect fauna of this ecosystem is poorly known, especially in the eastern Amazon. The flesh fly fauna of an area of open herbaceous white-sand vegetation known as "Campo Redondo" in the municipality of Cametá, state of Pará, was surveyed, resulting in the discovery of 43 species in 11 genera representing the subfamilies Sarcophaginae and Miltogramminae. Four new species are described: Dexosarcophaga (Dexosarcophaga) campina sp. nov., Helicobia cametaensis sp. nov., Helicobia domquixote sp. nov., and Metopia fofo sp. nov. Lepidodexia (Lepidodexia) grisea Lopes and Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) setifrons (Lopes) are newly recorded from Brazil. Dexosarcophaga (Bezzisca) ampullula (Engel), D. (Dexosarcophaga) transita Townsend and Titanogrypa (Cucullomyia) larvicida (Lopes) are newly recorded from the Brazilian Amazon.
Subject(s)
Diptera , Sarcophagidae , Animals , Brazil , Ecosystem , ForestsABSTRACT
Flesh flies of the genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 were studied from the Brazilian Amazon region. The male terminalia of all species are illustrated. The female terminalia are described and illustrated for all species for which the female is known. The female terminalia of six species are described for the first time; those of seven species are redescribed and documented through new illustrations. A new species of the subgenus Pattonella Enderlein, 1928, Peckia (Pattonella) juruti sp. nov., is described. It is similar to Peckia (Pattonella) smarti (Lopes, 1941) in the shape of the cercus and distiphallus, but differs in the shape of the gonites, juxta and capitis. Peckia (Peckia) hillifera (Aldrich, 1916) is recorded from Brazil for the first time; Peckia (Euboettcheria) florencioi (Prado Fonseca, 1932) is newly reported for the Brazilian Amazon. A key to the 21 species of Peckia so far recorded from the Brazilian Amazon is provided, allowing the identification of both sexes where known. The females of only five of these species remain unknown.
Subject(s)
Diptera , Sarcophagidae , Animals , Brazil , Female , Male , TerminaliaABSTRACT
A new species of Cladochaeta Coquillett (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is described, C. caxiuana sp. nov. from the Brazilian Amazon, based on 10 male and 10 female specimens obtained from nymphs of Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Amyot Serville, 1843) (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae). The female of Cladochaeta atlantica Pirani Amorim, 2016 is described based on specimens reared from spider egg sacs of the spider Cryptachaea migrans (Keyserling, 1884) (Araneae: Theridiidae) obtained in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. This is the first record of this fly genus attacking a spider egg sac. The species Cladochaeta sororia (Williston, 1896) is recorded for the first time from Brazil, based on specimens collected in an urban garden in the Amazon. In addition, an unidentified female specimen of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 was obtained from the cocoon of a spider wasp of the genus Notocyphus Smith (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae).
Subject(s)
Drosophilidae , Animal Structures , Animals , Brazil , Diptera , Female , Male , Spiders , WaspsABSTRACT
Abstract Oxysarcodexia cocais sp. nov. from Brazil is described and illustrated based on male specimens collected in a babassu palm forest in the state of Maranhão. The remarkable elongated surstylus (as long as cercus) and U-shaped male sternite 5 distinguishes the new species from other species in the genus. In addition, Oxysarcodexia nitidaSoares & Mello-Patiu, 2010 is recorded for the first time from Brazil, and Oxysarcodexia adunca Lopes, 1975 is a new record from the Brazilian Amazon.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT A new species of Sarcofahrtiopsis Hall, 1933, S. terezinhae sp. nov., is described based on male specimens collected in traps baited with rotting crabs in a mangrove forest in the state of Pará, eastern Brazilian Amazon. This species differs from congeneric species in having vesica with a row of toe-like projections. We provide a key to the species of the genus.
RESUMO Uma nova espécie de Sarcofahrtiopsis Hall, 1933, S. terezinhae sp. nov., é descrita com base em espécimes machos coletados com armadilhas contendo caranguejo em decomposição como isca em áreas de mangue no Pará, na Amazônia brasileira. Esta espécie difere das demais espécies do gênero por apresentar vesica com uma fileira de projeções parecidas com dedos. Uma chave para as espécies do gênero é apresentada.
Subject(s)
Amazonian EcosystemABSTRACT
The present study was conducted in five different phytogeographic zones of the Brazilian state of Maranhão, three of which (the Amazon Forest, Cerrado, and Palm Groves) are more heterogeneous, whereas the other two (Marshlands and Mangroves) are more homogeneous. In each zone, nine sites were visited for the collection of necrophagous flies using bait traps in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The calliphorid and sarcophagid communities observed at each site were compared in terms of species richness, composition, and abundance. The more heterogeneous zones had higher species richness, except in the case of the sarcophagids in the forest habitats. The calliphorids Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau- Desvoidy, 1830), Mesembrinella bicolor (Fabricius, 1805), Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani, 1850) and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) were more closely associated with the Cerrado, Palm Grove and Amazon Forest zones, and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 194) with the Mangrove. In the sarcophagids, Peckia (Euboettcheria) subducta (Lopes, 1935) and P. (Pattonella) palidipilosa (Curran & Walley, 1934) were associated with the Amazon Forest, and P. (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) and Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (Fabricius, 1794) with the Palm Grove and Cerrado zones. In the calliphorids, the greatest dissimilarity was recorded between the Amazon Forest and the Mangrove and Lowland grassland zones. In the sarcophagids, by contrast, the greatest dissimilarities were recorded between the Amazon Forest and all the other four zones. In general, then, the phytogeographic zones with the highest environmental heterogeneity were characterized by the greatest species richness and abundance of necrophagous flies.
Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Diptera , Ecosystem , Plants , Animals , Brazil , Conservation of Natural Resources , Geography , Phylogeography , Population DensityABSTRACT
The nomen nudum Liriomyza flagellae is formerly described in this paper as Liriomyza valladaresae sp. nov., based on male and female specimens collected in the Brazilian Amazon and reared from leaves of Alternanthera tenella and Amaranthus viridis (Amaranthaceae). Information on the puparium and the biology of this new species are provided. The species Liriomyza blechi, previously recorded from the U.S.A., Guadeloupe and Dominican Republic, is newly recorded from Brazil, reared from leaves of Blechum pyramidatum (Acanthaceae) and Spigelia anthelmia (Loganiaceae).
Subject(s)
Diptera/classification , Amaranthaceae/parasitology , Animal Distribution , Animal Structures/anatomy & histology , Animal Structures/growth & development , Animals , Body Size , Brazil , Diptera/anatomy & histology , Diptera/growth & development , Ecosystem , Female , Male , Organ Size , Plant Leaves/parasitologyABSTRACT
A new species of Sarcophagidae, Peckia (Peckia) veropeso sp. nov., is described based on adult male specimens collected on organic residues in an urban open air market located on the riverside in Belém, Pará state, Brazil, and in a nearby inundated forest. This species seems to be restricted to periodically inundated riparian habitats locally known as "várzea". The distiphallus of this species is similar to that of members of the monophyletic hilifera (Aldrich)-group in the subgenus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy. It is distinguished from the other species in the subgenus by characteristics of the male terminalia, mainly in the shape of cercus and vesica. A modified key to species of the subgenus Peckia is included.
