Infestation of cassava genotypes by Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell) (Diptera: Lonchaeidae).

The objectives of this work were to assess the infestation of ten genotypes of cassava by the shoot fly Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell) and to investigate effects of plant age, temperature or precipitation on cassava plants infestation by the shoot fly. Thirty-two individuals of each cassava genotype were planted and analyzed every two weeks in order to calculate the percentage of plants infested by shoot fly larvae at each sampling event and per genotype. Infestation by the fly was different across the genotypes. Genotype IAC Caapora 105-66 and genotype IAC Cascuda were resistant to shoot fly infestation, whereas the genotype IAC 15 was the most susceptible to this insect. Plant age may have an influence on infestation by shoot flies. Advanced plant age apparently favors lower or even inexistent infestation rates. However, infestation rate does not seem to be affected by temperature or precipitation.

Cassava shoot infestation by larvae of Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell) (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) in São Paulo State, Brazil.

Among the pests of cassava, the shoot fly, Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell), is one of the most prevalent. It attacks mainly the terminal shoots and causes infested plants to produce lateral shoots. Reports on this species are rare or inexistent; thus, the purpose of this study was to assess three different areas for N. perezi infestation. The survey began in March 2008 and finished in February 2009. Fortnightly analyses were performed starting 45 days after planting, calculating the rate of infestation by N. perezi larvae in each study area. The areas were correlated separately for each parameter: fortnightly mean temperature, fortnightly mean rainfall, and plant age. The N. perezi larvae occurrence rate was higher in area 1 - which presented the highest population peaks in autumn and winter. There was only a single population peak in area 2, in winter; and area 3 presented the weakest population peak among the three, in November. The shoot fly population dynamics in the studied region is separately correlated to temperature, rainfall and plant age: temperatures above 23ºC, relatively high rainfall and older plants seem to have a negative effect on populations of this insect.

Cassava shoot infestation by larvae of Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell) (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) in São Paulo State, Brazil

Among the pests of cassava, the shoot fly, Neosilba perezi (Romero & Ruppell), is one of the most prevalent. It attacks mainly the terminal shoots and causes infested plants to produce lateral shoots. Reports on this species are rare or inexistent; thus, the purpose of this study was to assess three different areas for N. perezi infestation. The survey began in March 2008 and finished in February 2009. Fortnightly analyses were performed starting 45 days after planting, calculating the rate of infestation by N. perezi larvae in each study area. The areas were correlated separately for each parameter: fortnightly mean temperature, fortnightly mean rainfall, and plant age. The N. perezi larvae occurrence rate was higher in area 1 - which presented the highest population peaks in autumn and winter. There was only a single population peak in area 2, in winter; and area 3 presented the weakest population peak among the three, in November. The shoot fly population dynamics in the studied region is separately correlated to temperature, rainfall and plant age: temperatures above 23ºC, relatively high rainfall and older plants seem to have a negative effect on populations of this insect.

TABELA DE VIDA DE FERTILIDADE DE BREVIPALPUS PHOENICIS (GEIJSKES, 1939) (ACARI: TENUIPALPIDAE) EM DIFERENTES CULTIVARES DE CAFÉ (COFFEA SPP.)

ABSTRACT This work was carried out aiming at constructing a fertility life table for the coffee ringspot mite, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), reared on the leaves of four coffee cultivars (Icatu Vermelho, Apoatã, Obatã and Mundo Novo), kept in climatic chambers at 25 ± 1º C, relative humidity of 70 ± 10% and photophase of 14 hours. Females of B. phoenicis were placed on the leaf surfaces (arenas), for a period of 24 hours for oviposition. After this period, the females and the excess eggs were removed, leaving only one egg of B. phoencis on each arena. The arenas were examined daily, evaluating the mite survival and the number of eggs laid. Fertility life table was prepared using the data obtained. B. phoenicis mites presented significant differences in survivorship and population growth rates, when reared on different coffee cultivars. The most favorable cultivars for the multiplication of B. phoenicis were, in this sequence: Apoatã, Mundo Novo and Obatã, based on the finite rates of increase. Icatu Vermelho proved to be the least favorable cultivar for the multiplication of B. phoenicis.

RESUMO Este trabalho foi realizado visando elaborar a tabela de vida de fertilidade do ácaro da mancha-anular do cafeeiro, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), criado em folhas de quatro cultivares de café (Icatu Vermelho, Apoatã, Obatã e Mundo Novo), mantidas em câmara climatizada a 25º ± 1º C, UR 70 ± 10% e fotofase de 14 horas. Fêmeas de B. phoenicis foram colocadas sobre a superfície das folhas (arenas), por um período de 24 horas, para oviposição. Após este período, as fêmeas e os ovos excedentes foram retirados deixando-se apenas um ovo por arena. As arenas foram examinadas diariamente para se avaliar a sobrevivência e o número de ovos depositados. Preparou-se uma tabela de vida de fertilidade com os dados obtidos. Os ácaros B. phoenicis apresentaram diferenças de sobrevivência e taxas de crescimento populacional, quando criados nos diferentes cultivares de café. Os cultivares mais favoráveis para a multiplicação de B. phoenicis foram, nesta ordem: Apoatã, Mundo Novo e Obatã, baseando-se nas taxas finitas de incremento. Icatu Vermelho mostrou-se o cultivar menos favorável à multiplicação de B. phoenicis.

Tabela de vida de fertilidade de Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) em diferentes cultivares de café (Coffea spp. ) / Fertility life table of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on different coffee cutivars (Coffea spp. )

Este trabalho foi realizado visando elaborar a tabela de vida de fertilidade do ácaro da mancha-anular do cafeeiro, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), criado em folhas de quatro cultivares de café ('Icatu Vermelho', 'Apoatã', 'Obatã' e 'Mundo Novo'), mantidas em câmara climatizada a 25º ± 1º C, UR 70 ± 10% e fotofase de 14 horas. Fêmeas de B. phoenicis foram colocadas sobre a superfície das folhas (arenas), por um período de 24 horas, para oviposição. Após este período, as fêmeas e os ovos excedentes foram retirados deixando-se apenas um ovo por arena. As arenas foram examinadas diariamente para se avaliar a sobrevivência e o número de ovos depositados. Preparou-se uma tabela de vida de fertilidade com os dados obtidos. Os ácaros B. phoenicis apresentaram diferenças de sobrevivência e taxas de crescimento populacional, quando criados nos diferentes cultivares de café. Os cultivares mais favoráveis para a multiplicação de B. phoenicis foram, nesta ordem: 'Apoatã', 'Mundo Novo' e 'Obatã, baseando-se nas taxas finitas de incremento. 'Icatu Vermelho' mostrou-se o cultivar menos favorável à multiplicação de B. phoenicis.

This work was carried out aiming at constructing a fertility life table for the coffee ringspot mite, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), reared on the leaves of four coffee cultivars (Icatu Vermelho, Apoatã, Obatã and Mundo Novo), kept in climatic chambers at 25 ± 1º C, relative humidity of 70 ± 10% and photophase of 14 hours. Females of B. phoenicis were placed on the leaf surfaces (arenas), for a period of 24 hours for oviposition. After this period, the females and the excess eggs were removed, leaving only one egg of B. phoencis on each arena. The arenas were examined daily, evaluating the mite survival and the number of eggs laid. Fertility life table was prepared using the data obtained. B. phoenicis mites presented significant differences in survivorship and population growth rates, when reared on different coffee cultivars. The most favorable cultivars for the multiplication of B. phoenicis were, in this sequence: Apoatã, Mundo Novo and Obatã, based on the finite rates of increase. Icatu Vermelho proved to be the least favorable cultivar for the multiplication of B. phoenicis.

Resistência à ivermectina em populações de Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) provenientes de granjas de galinhas poedeiras / Resistance to ivermectin in populations of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) from poultry farms

Bioensaios concentração-resposta foram realizados com o objetivo de estudar o efeito larvicida e detectar possível resistência à ivermectina em dez populações de M. domestica provenientes de granjas de galinhas poedeiras. Para tal finalidade, o meio de cultura para larvas foi tratado com diferentes concentrações de ivermectina (0,015; 0,03; 0,06; 0,125; 0,25 e 0,5 ppm). Atividade larvicida da ivermectina e anomalias nas pupas foram detectadas. A população mais resistente à ivermectina foi Monte Mor, SP (CL= 0,262 ppm e FR= 13,1). As populações de Campinas, SP (CL= 0,141 ppm 50 50 e FR = 7,1), Promissão, SP (CL= 0,110 ppm e FR = 5,5), Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP (CL= 0,102 50 50 ppm e FR = 5,1), Holambra, SP (CL= 0,071 ppm e FR = 3,6) e Hortolândia, SP (CL= 0,068 ppm e 50 50 FR = 3,4) foram mais resistentes que as de Sumaré, SP (CL= 0,052 ppm e FR = 2,6), Sarapuí, SP (CL 50 50 = 0,050 ppm e FR = 2,5) e Itanhandu, MG (CL50 = 0,047 ppm e FR = 2,4). A população mais susceptível à ivermectina foi Grande Porto Alegre, RS (CL50 = 0,020 ppm e FR = 1,0). Os resultados indicam que a ivermectina pode ser eficaz contra larvas deM. domestica. Entretanto, resistência foi suspeitada em algumas das populações, sendo importante a realização de novos estudos nesses locais.

Larvicidal effect and resistance to ivermectin in 10 populations of Musca domestica from poultry farms was evaluated by concentration-response bioassays. For this purpose, the larval growth medium was treated with different concentrations of ivermectin (0.015, 0.03, 0.06, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm). As a result, larvicidal activity of ivermectin was observed and some anomalies were detected in pupae. The population from Monte Mor, SP, was the most resistant to ivermectin (LC50 = 0.262 ppm and RF = 13.1). Fly populations from Campinas, SP (LC50 = 0.141 ppm and RF = 7.1), Promissão, SP (LC50 = 0.110 ppm and RF = 5.5), Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP (LC50 = 0.102 ppm and RF = 5.1), Holambra, SP (LC50 = 0.071 ppm and RF = 3.6) and Hortolândia, SP (LC50 = 0.068 ppm and RF = 3.4) were more resistant than the ones from Sumaré, SP (LC50 = 0.052 ppm and RF = 2.6), Sarapuí, SP (LC50 = 0.050 ppm and RF = 2.5), and Itanhandu, MG (LC50 = 0.047 ppm and RF = 2.4). The population most susceptible to ivermectin was that from Grande Porto Alegre, RS (LC50 = 0.020 ppm and RF = 1.0). The results indicate that ivermectin can be effective against larvae ofM. domestica. However, since resistance was suspected in some of the populations studied, it is important to carry out new studies in these places.

RESISTÊNCIA À IVERMECTINA EM POPULAÇÕES DE MUSCA DOMESTICA (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE) PROVENIENTES DE GRANJAS DE GALINHAS POEDEIRAS

ABSTRACT Larvicidal effect and resistance to ivermectin in 10 populations of Musca domestica from poultry farms was evaluated by concentration-response bioassays. For this purpose, the larval growth medium was treated with different concentrations of ivermectin (0.015, 0.03, 0.06, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm). As a result, larvicidal activity of ivermectin was observed and some anomalies were detected in pupae. The population from Monte Mor, SP, was the most resistant to ivermectin (LC50 = 0.262 ppm and RF = 13.1). Fly populations from Campinas, SP (LC50 = 0.141 ppm and RF = 7.1), Promissão, SP (LC50 = 0.110 ppm and RF = 5.5), Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP (LC50 = 0.102 ppm and RF = 5.1), Holambra, SP (LC50 = 0.071 ppm and RF = 3.6) and Hortolândia, SP (LC50 = 0.068 ppm and RF = 3.4) were more resistant than the ones from Sumaré, SP (LC50 = 0.052 ppm and RF = 2.6), Sarapuí, SP (LC50 = 0.050 ppm and RF = 2.5), and Itanhandu, MG (LC50 = 0.047 ppm and RF = 2.4). The population most susceptible to ivermectin was that from Grande Porto Alegre, RS (LC50 = 0.020 ppm and RF = 1.0). The results indicate that ivermectin can be effective against larvae ofM. domestica. However, since resistance was suspected in some of the populations studied, it is important to carry out new studies in these places.

RESUMO Bioensaios concentração-resposta foram realizados com o objetivo de estudar o efeito larvicida e detectar possível resistência à ivermectina em dez populações de M. domestica provenientes de granjas de galinhas poedeiras. Para tal finalidade, o meio de cultura para larvas foi tratado com diferentes concentrações de ivermectina (0,015; 0,03; 0,06; 0,125; 0,25 e 0,5 ppm). Atividade larvicida da ivermectina e anomalias nas pupas foram detectadas. A população mais resistente à ivermectina foi Monte Mor, SP (CL= 0,262 ppm e FR= 13,1). As populações de Campinas, SP (CL= 0,141 ppm 50 50 e FR = 7,1), Promissão, SP (CL= 0,110 ppm e FR = 5,5), Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP (CL= 0,102 50 50 ppm e FR = 5,1), Holambra, SP (CL= 0,071 ppm e FR = 3,6) e Hortolândia, SP (CL= 0,068 ppm e 50 50 FR = 3,4) foram mais resistentes que as de Sumaré, SP (CL= 0,052 ppm e FR = 2,6), Sarapuí, SP (CL 50 50 = 0,050 ppm e FR = 2,5) e Itanhandu, MG (CL50 = 0,047 ppm e FR = 2,4). A população mais susceptível à ivermectina foi Grande Porto Alegre, RS (CL50 = 0,020 ppm e FR = 1,0). Os resultados indicam que a ivermectina pode ser eficaz contra larvas deM. domestica. Entretanto, resistência foi suspeitada em algumas das populações, sendo importante a realização de novos estudos nesses locais.

Resistência à ivermectina em populações de musca domestica (diptera: muscidae) provenientes de granjas de galinhas poedeiras

ABSTRACT Larvicidal effect and resistance to ivermectin in 10 populations of Musca domestica from poultry farms was evaluated by concentration-response bioassays. For this purpose, the larval growth medium was treated with different concentrations of ivermectin (0.015, 0.03, 0.06, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm). As a result, larvicidal activity of ivermectin was observed and some anomalies were detected in pupae. The population from Monte Mor, SP, was the most resistant to ivermectin (LC50 = 0.262 ppm and RF = 13.1). Fly populations from Campinas, SP (LC50 = 0.141 ppm and RF = 7.1), Promissão, SP (LC50 = 0.110 ppm and RF = 5.5), Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP (LC50 = 0.102 ppm and RF = 5.1), Holambra, SP (LC50 = 0.071 ppm and RF = 3.6) and Hortolândia, SP (LC50 = 0.068 ppm and RF = 3.4) were more resistant than the ones from Sumaré, SP (LC50 = 0.052 ppm and RF = 2.6), Sarapuí, SP (LC50 = 0.050 ppm and RF = 2.5), and Itanhandu, MG (LC50 = 0.047 ppm and RF = 2.4). The population most susceptible to ivermectin was that from Grande Porto Alegre, RS (LC50 = 0.020 ppm and RF = 1.0). The results indicate that ivermectin can be effective against larvae ofM. domestica. However, since resistance was suspected in some of the populations studied, it is important to carry out new studies in these places.

RESUMO Bioensaios concentração-resposta foram realizados com o objetivo de estudar o efeito larvicida e detectar possível resistência à ivermectina em dez populações de M. domestica provenientes de granjas de galinhas poedeiras. Para tal finalidade, o meio de cultura para larvas foi tratado com diferentes concentrações de ivermectina (0,015; 0,03; 0,06; 0,125; 0,25 e 0,5 ppm). Atividade larvicida da ivermectina e anomalias nas pupas foram detectadas. A população mais resistente à ivermectina foi Monte Mor, SP (CL= 0,262 ppm e FR= 13,1). As populações de Campinas, SP (CL= 0,141 ppm 50 50 e FR = 7,1), Promissão, SP (CL= 0,110 ppm e FR = 5,5), Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP (CL= 0,102 50 50 ppm e FR = 5,1), Holambra, SP (CL= 0,071 ppm e FR = 3,6) e Hortolândia, SP (CL= 0,068 ppm e 50 50 FR = 3,4) foram mais resistentes que as de Sumaré, SP (CL= 0,052 ppm e FR = 2,6), Sarapuí, SP (CL 50 50 = 0,050 ppm e FR = 2,5) e Itanhandu, MG (CL50 = 0,047 ppm e FR = 2,4). A população mais susceptível à ivermectina foi Grande Porto Alegre, RS (CL50 = 0,020 ppm e FR = 1,0). Os resultados indicam que a ivermectina pode ser eficaz contra larvas deM. domestica. Entretanto, resistência foi suspeitada em algumas das populações, sendo importante a realização de novos estudos nesses locais.

Influência do jejum sobre a fecundidade de dermanyssus gallinae (de geer, 1778) (acari, dermanyssidae)

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of fasting on the fecundity of D. gallinae. Females were maintained in tubes in order to feed on a young bird and then were kept fasting for 1 to 12 days. The results demonstrated that females laid eggs up to the 11th day. The number of eggs laid ranged from 1 to 8, and the greatest means were obtained in females kept up to 8 days fasting. The greatest percentage of eggs laid occurred up to the 3rd day of fasting, with a decrease from the 4th to the 12th day.

RESUMO O trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a influência do jejum na fecundidade de Dermanyssus gallinae. Fêmeas foram colocadas em tubos para se alimentar sobre uma ave jovem e, em seguida mantidas sob jejum por períodos de 1 a 12 dias. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as fêmeas ovipuseram até o 11º dia. O número de ovos depositados variou de 1 a 8, sendo as maiores médias obtidas nas fêmeas mantidas até o 8° dia de jejum. A maior porcentagem de oviposição ocorreu até o terceiro dia de jejum, havendo uma redução do 4° ao 12° dia.

Lonchaeidae associados a frutos de nêspera, eryobotria japonica (thunb.) lindley (rosaceae), com a descrição de uma espécie nova de neosilba (diptera: tephritoidea)

ABSTRACT Loquat production in Brazil is concentrated in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and its economic importance has been growing during the last years, with more than 100 thousand trees under production, mostly in the region of Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. This article presents the diversity of Lonchaeidae species associated with loquat and describes a new species of Neosilba, N. inesperata n. sp.

RESUMO A cultura da nêspera no Brasil está restrita praticamente ao Estado de São Paulo, e está novamente crescendo, contando com mais de 100 mil pés em produção, a maioria concentrado na região de Mogi das Cruzes. A diversidade de Lonchaeidae associada a esta fruta é apresentada neste artigo, juntamente com a descrição de uma nova espécie do gênero Neosilba, N. inesperata n. sp.

Development of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae) at different temperatures.

The development, viability, and life cycle parameters of Dermanyssus gallinae at five different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C), and at relative humidity 70-85% were evaluated. Life cycle duration was 690.75 h (28 days) at 15 degrees C, 263.12h (11 days) at 20 degrees C, 164.63 h (7 days) at 25 degrees C, 140.69 h (6 days) at 30 degrees C and 172.04 h (7 days) at 35 degrees C. The optimal development temperature for D. gallinae was 30 degrees C, with the greatest survival in all stages and the shortest development time. High mortality at 35 degrees C indicated that this temperature had adverse effects on development of D. gallinae, and that in field conditions D. gallinae populations may decrease or even disappear due to the negative impact of high temperature on development. There were no significant differences in the pre-oviposition period among the four temperatures 20-35 degrees C, indicating that temperature did not affect this part of the life cycle.

Sensitivity of boophilus microplus (acari: ixodidae) to pyrethroids and organophosphate in farms in the vale do paraíba region, são paulo, brazil

ABSTRACT A study to evaluate the resistance of B. microplus to the active principles cypermethrin, deltamethrin and chlorpyriphos was performed together with the survey of the tick control practices used in 12 farms located in Vale do Paraíba Region, São Paulo, Brazil. Results obtained by the larval packet test (LPT) technique, adopted by FAO, showed established resistance to pyrethroids (cypermethrin 16.7% sensitive, 8.3% resistant level I and 75% resistant level II; deltamethrin 25% /sensitive, 33.3% resistant level II and 41.7% resistant level III) and emerging resistance to organophosphate compounds (chlorpiriphos 58.3% sensitive, 33.3% resistant level I and 8.4% resistant level II). The inquiry applied to the farmers showed that the combination of organophosphates and pyrethroids compounds products is the most commonly tick-killing compounds used in the region, followed by amitraz and macrocyclic lactones.

RESUMO Foi realizada pesquisa da resistência do Boophilus microplus aos princípios ativos cipermetrina, deltametrina e clorpirifós e, concomitantemente, feito o levantamento sobre as práticas adotadas no controle do carrapato em 12 propriedades localizadas na região do Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo, Brasil. Os resultados obtidos por meio da técnica LPT (Larval Packet Test), segundo a classificação adotada, mostraram que, para a cipermetrina, 16.7% das fazendas apresentaram populações classificadas como sensíveis; 8.3% com resistência nível I e 75% com resistência nível II. Para a deltametrina, 25% sensíveis; 33.3% com resistência nível II e 41.7% com resistência nível III. Para o organofosforado clorpirifós 58.3% mostraram-se sensíveis; 33.3% com resistência nível I e 8.4% com resistência nível II. Os questionários aplicados aos produtores revelaram que os produtos à base da associação de organofosforados com piretróides são os mais usados na região, seguidos do amitraz e lactonas macrocíclicas.

Omorgus (omorgus) suberosus (fabricius) (coleoptera: trogidae) em esterco de galinhas poedeiras de são joão da boa vista, sp, brasil

ABSTRACT The family Trogidae (Coleoptera) is cosmopolitan and its species are mainly necrophagous. Studies on Omorgus (Omorgus) suberosus (Fabricius, 1775) on excrements in poultry houses are needed due to the scarcity of published information on the species in this kind of environment. A survey for this trogid was carried out in a poultry house in São João da Boa Vista, SP, Brazil, from January 2001 to December 2002 using soil and water flotation traps and Berlese-Tullgren funnel. A total of 2,322 specimens of O. suberosus were collected, being 99.17% by soil trap, 0.51% by Berlese-Tullgren funnel and only 0.30% (7 specimens) by water flotation trap. A significant increase in the capture (P 0.05) of O. suberosus was registered in the summer of 2001/2002, and the soil trap proved to be the most appropriate method (P 0.05) for capture of this species.

RESUMO A família Trogidae (Coleoptera) é cosmopolita e suas espécies têm hábitos principalmente necrófagos. Estudos com Omorgus (Omorgus) suberosus (Fabricius, 1775), em fezes de granja aviária devem ser realizados, uma vez que poucas informações sobre esta espécie, neste tipo de ambiente, estão disponíveis na literatura. Foi realizado um levantamento deste trogídeo em granja de aves poedeiras situada em São João da Boa Vista, SP, Brasil, entre janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2002, utilizando-se, para captura, armadilhas de solo, funil de BerleseTullgren e flutuação em água. Dos 2.322 espécimes de O. suberosus coletados, armadilhas de solo somaram 99,17% do total, 0,51% pelo funil de BerleseTullgren e apenas 0,30% (sete espécimes) foram capturados pela flutuação em água. Aumento significativo (P 0,05) na captura de O. suberosus foi registrado no verão de 2001 / 2002, além do que a armadilha de solo mostrou ser o método mais apropriado (P 0,05) para capturar esta espécie.

Effect of local mate competition on fig wasp sex ratios.

In fig wasps, mating takes place among the offspring of one or a few foundress mothers inside the fig from which mated females disperse to found new broods. Under these conditions, related males will compete with each other for mating and several studies have shown female bias in brood sex ratios as a response to Local Mate Competition (LMC). Studying Pegoscapus tonduzi which pollinates Ficus citrifolia in Brazil, we analysed the effect of LMC (number of foundresses) on the sex ratio of the offspring of pollinating wasps. The relationship between the foundress number and brood sex ratio qualitatively followed the theory, however the empirical sex ratio was more female biased than expected from theoretical values. The model for an optimal sex ratio considers that each foundress wasp contributes the same number of eggs to be bred and that the violation of this assumption may explain the lack of adjustment in relation to the theory.

Effect of local mate competition on fig wasp sex ratios

Em vespas de figo, os acasalamentos ocorrem dentro da prole de uma ou poucas vespas fundadoras, no interior do figo. Posteriormente, as fêmeas acasaladas se dispersam para colonizar novos figos. Sob estas condições, machos aparentados competem entre si por acasalamentos. Vários estudos mostram que esta competição local por acasalamentos (CLA) favorece a ocorrência de uma razão sexual da prole desviada em favor das fêmeas. Estudando Pegoscapus tonduzi que poliniza Ficus citrifolia no Brasil, nós analisamos o efeito da CLA (número de fundadoras) na razão sexual da prole das vespas polinizadoras. A relação do número de fundadoras e a razão sexual da prole seguiu qualitativamente o predito pela teoria, porém, os valores observados foram mais desviados em favor das fêmeas que o esperado. O modelo para razão sexual ótima considera que cada vespa fundadora contribui com o mesmo número de ovos na prole. A violação deste pressuposto explicaria a falta de ajuste dos resultados em relação à teoria.

Estudo da sazonalidade de alphitobius diaperinus em criação de galinhas poedeiras por três diferentes métodos de coleta

ABSTRACT Alphitobius diaperinus, considered a secondary plague of stored grains, is commonly found in industrial aviaries excrements in some parts of the world. It causes economic damages in poultry houses in such a waydirectly, as well as indirectly. A survey of this tenebrionidae in a commercial grange situated in São João da Boa Vista city was carried out from January 2001 to December 2002, by using three distinct collect methods: soil trap, funnel of Berlese-Tullgren and fluctuation in water. Of the total of insects, 94.19% were collected by soil trap, 1.78% by funnel of Berlese-Tullgren and 4.01% by fluctuation in water. This coleopteran was found in all the 75 collectscarried out during the 24 months of experiment, and the soil trap the most sensible method (P 0.05) for the capture of A. diaperinus.

RESUMO Alphitobius diaperinus(Panzer, 1979), considerado uma praga secundária de grãos armazenados, é comumente encontrado com abundância nos substratos de aviários industriais em várias partes do mundo, causando prejuízos econômicos tanto direta quanto indiretamente. Foi realizado um levantamento deste tenebrionídeo em uma granja comercial de galinhas poedeiras situada no Município de São João da Boa Vista, SP, entre janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2002, utilizando-se três métodos distintos de coleta: armadilhas de solo, funil de Berlese-Tullgren e flutuação em água. Do total de insetos coletados, armadilhas de solo somaram 94,19% de toda população, 1,78% pelo funil de Berlese-Tullgren e 4,01% de cascudinhos capturados pela flutuação em água. Esta espécie de coleóptero ocorreu nas 75 coletas realizadas nos 24 meses de experimento, sendo as armadilhas de solo o método mais sensível (P 0,05) para captura de A. diaperinus.

Survey of acarin fauna in dust samplings of curtains in the city of Campinas, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mite fauna present in 33 living room and 22 bedroom curtain dust samples from 41 different homes in the southern Brazilian city of Campinas, SP. A total of 148 mite bodies were found. Of these, 83 were found in living-room curtain samples (56.1% of total) and 65 were in bedroom curtain dust samples (43.9%). The most frequently observed mite suborders were: Acaridida (n = 79; 53.4%), Actinedida (n=53; 35.8%), Oribatida (n=14; 9.5%), and Gamasida (n=2; 1.3%). The most frequent families were Pyroglyphidae (n=61; 41.2%), Eriophyidae (n=25; 16.9%), Tarsonemidae (n=15; 10.1%), and Glycyphagidae (n=13; 8.8%). No statistical difference was observed between the number of mites found in the samples from living room and bedroom curtains.

Survey of acarine fauna in dust samplings of curtains in the city of Campinas, Brazil

O intuito deste estudo foi avaliar as espécies acarinas encontradas em amostras de poeira de cortinas presentes em 33 salas e 22 quartos de um total de 41 domicílios na cidade de Campinas, SP. Foram encontrados 148 ácaros. Desse total, 83 foram encontrados na sala de TV (56,1% do total) e 65 nos quartos (43,9%). As principais subordens encontradas foram: Acaridida (n = 79; 53.4%), Actinedida (n = 53; 35.8%), Oribatida (n = 14; 9.5%) e Gamasida (n = 2; 1.3%). As principais famílias observadas foram: Pyroglyphidae (n = 61; 41,2% do total), Eriophyidae (n = 25; 16,9%), Tarsonemidae (n = 15; 10,1%) e Glycyphagidae (n = 13; 8,8%). Não houve diferença significativa no número de ácaros observados nas amostras da sala e do quarto.

Variation in population density of horn flies (Haematobia irritans irritans) (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) in Nellore cattle (Bos indicus).

The population density of horn flies was evaluated in the year 1998 in the municipality of Araçatuba, São Paulo Brazil, in relation to temperature and rainfall conditions. Two lots of 30 Nellore steers (Bos indicus) were used which had no insecticidal treatment and were naturally infested with horn flies. The infestations were assessed by two counting methods, i.e., the traditional estimate method and the filming method. The highest fly frequencies were recorded in spring, summer, autumn and the lowest frequencies were recorded in winter. The increase in fly number was positively correlated (P<0.05) with rainfall.

Key-factor analysis of immature stages of Aedes scapularis (Diptera: Culicidae) populations in southeastern Brazil.

Development times and mortality factors were investigated for populations of Aedes scapularis (Rondani) occurring in natural temporary ground pools in southeastern Brazil. Analysis of life tables by the key-factor method showed that mortality caused by desiccation of breeding sites was the principal factor accounting for fluctuations in population sizes throughout the study period. For cohorts that completed development, mortality attributed to predation by aquatic insects ranged from 68 to 96% and was the most important cause of death. In these cohorts, final population size was determined by the high mortality rates that occurred during the fourth larval instar and pupal stages; however, the key-factor best accounting for the population fluctuations was predation of fourth instar larvae. The short mean time of 7.1 days for synchronous development of the larvae and the lack of evidence of density-dependent mortality suggested that the A. scapularis populations were not strongly regulated and can attain relatively high densities.