Melanoloma viatrix Hendel (Diptera, Richardiidae): New Pest of Pineapple Plantations in the North of Brazil.

This is the first record of Melanoloma viatrix Hendel as well as in its host (pineapple) in Brazil. Previously, M. viatrix had been found in pineapple plantations in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. In Brazil, this fly was initially reported in pineapple purchased from a commercial establishment in the municipality of Porto Grande, Amapá State, in 2020. Subsequently, M. viatrix was found in a commercial pineapple plantation, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. cv. Pérola, also in Porto Grande, Amapá State. In the pineapple samples, 2,320 specimens of M. viatrix were collected on a single day on that rural property (approximately 2 ha). The larvae open galleries in the pulp that cause the pineapple to rot, making it unviable for consumption and commercial sale. This communication aims to alert phytosanitary authorities of the need to establish control strategies to prevent the spread of the pineapple fly to other states in Brazil.

Historical Note on the Genus Trichogramma (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) in Brazil, Focusing on Taxonomy and Diversity.

The history of the taxonomy of Trichogramma parasitoid wasps can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, species identifications were based on external morphological characters; however, these identifications proved to be confusing and inaccurate. In the second phase, starting in the 1970s, taxa were identified based on charcteristics of the male genital capsule , leading to a major advance in Trichogramma taxonomy. The history of Trichogramma taxonomy in Brazil is recent and mainly related to species that parasitize agricultural pests. In Brazil, the first phase of Trichogramma taxonomy occurred in the 1960s, while the second phase occurred from the 1980s onward. In this second phase, Trichogramma taxonomy progressed significantly and knowledge of Trichogramma diversity as well as associations with lepidopteran pests improved markedly in Brazil as well as worldwide. The last five decades have seen significant progress in studies in Brazil, with taxonomy evolving from identifications based exclusively on morphological characters to integrative taxonomy, encompassing biology (crosses) and morphometry. This historical outline presents the phases of Trichogramma taxonomy in Brazil, addressing the hurdles encountered in the first descriptions, erroneous records of the species, and species descriptions since the 1980s. We highlight the importance of accurately identifying Trichogramma taxa for their use in biological control, as well as species diversity and associations with lepidopteran hosts.

Establishment of Sinoxylon anale Lesne (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) in Brazil: Identification, Host Plants, Distribution, and Damage.

Damage from Sinoxylon anale Lesne, a woodboring beetle not previously known to be established in Brazil, was observed in young jabuticaba trees (Plinia cauliflora, Myrtaceae) in a nursery in the municipality of Laranjal Paulista, state of São Paulo. We immediately advised MAPA ("Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento") and collected samples from the nursery and from different hosts in nearby areas, to identify the specimens and investigate the dynamics of the infestation in the jabuticaba trees. Sinoxylon anale was also collected in ethanol-baited and ultraviolet-light traps and in dry branches of the native species pau-jacaré (Piptadenia gonoacantha, Fabaceae) and inga (Inga vera, Fabaceae), and the exotic pau-d'água (Dracaena fragrans, Asparagaceae) in the municipality of Piracicaba, state of São Paulo. These collections established that S. anale larvae and adults develop in dead branches of four new host plants. Taxonomic studies using morphological parameters and DNA barcoding confirmed the identification of S. anale. An illustrated key to the three Sinoxylon species now recorded in Brazil is provided, and the COI gene sequences have been made available in a public database. Sinoxylon anale probably attacked the young jabuticaba trees after they were killed by larvae of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae). So far, S. anale has been found established only in two locations in the same area of the state of São Paulo.

Taxonomy and Biological Control: New Challenges in an Old Relationship.

Biological control and taxonomy are continuously developing fields with remarkable impacts on society. At least 80 years of literature have documented this relationship, which remains essentially the same in its mutualistic nature, as well as in its major challenges. From the perspective of Brazilian taxonomists, we discuss the impacts of important scientific and social developments that directly affect research in these areas, posing new challenges for this lasting relationship. The increasing restrictions and concerns regarding the international transit of organisms require improvements in research related to risk assessment for exotic biological control agents and also stimulate prospecting within the native biota. In our view, this is a positive situation that can foster a closer relationship between taxonomists and applied entomologists, as well as local surveys and taxonomic studies that are necessary before new programs and agents can be implemented. We discuss the essential role of molecular biology in this context, as an iconic example of the synergy between applied sciences and natural history. As our society comes to need safer and more sustainable solutions for food security and the biodiversity crisis, scientific progress will build upon this integration, where biological control and taxonomy play an essential role.

Annotated checklist and illustrated key to parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae, Eulophidae and Pteromalidae) of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in Brazil.

The hymenopteran parasitoids of pest species of Tephritidae in Brazil are best known by their most prominent species, members of Braconidae and Figitidae. Species in the less-studied families Diapriidae, Eulophidae and Pteromalidae, which are mostly pupal parasitoids, have been largely neglected and the literature on these groups is sparse and scattered. Therefore, their importance as natural enemies of fruit flies is likely underestimated. Here, we present a parasitoid-host-plant checklist of all diapriids, eulophids and pteromalids that parasitize fruit flies of economic importance in Brazil, namely Anastrepha species and Ceratitis capitata. A compilation of information of the seven species of these parasitoids occurring in Brazil-Coptera haywardi Loiácono and Trichopria anastrephae Lima (Diapriidae), Tetrastichus giffardianus Silvestri (Eulophidae), Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani), Spalangia endius Walker, S. gemina Boucek and S. simplex Perkins (Pteromalidae)-including their taxonomic status, general biology, and potential as biocontrol agents, is presented. Additionally, we provide an illustrated key to species, aiming to highlight key morphological features and facilitate identification at species level, stimulating future research on these groups.

Natural parasitism by Trichogramma spp. in agroecosystems of the Mid-North, Brazil / Parasitismo natural por Trichogramma spp. em agroecossistemas do Meio-Norte, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The micro-hymenopterans of genus Trichogramma are eggs parasitoids used in the biological control of lepidopteran pests. The objectives of this study was to record the interaction of species of Trichogramma and their hosts on crops in the Mid-North, in the states of Maranhão and Piauí, Brazil. Lepidopteran eggs were sampled on crops and non-crops. Trichogramma atopovirilia , T. manicobai , T. galloi and T. pretiosum occur naturally in eggs of eight lepidopteran species. Natural parasitism shown by Trichogramma species reveals the importance of these parasitoids as agents for biological control in the Mid-North region.

RESUMO: Os micro-himenópteros do gênero Trichogramma são parasitoides de ovos utilizados no controle biológico de lepidópteros. Os objetivos deste estudo foram registrar as interações de espécies de Trichogramma e seus hospedeiros em culturas agrícolas do Meio-Norte, nos estados do Maranhão e Piauí. Foram amostrados ovos de lepidópteros em culturas agrícolas e plantas não cultivadas. Trichogramma atopovirilia, T. manicobai, T. galloi e T. pretiosum ocorreram naturalmente parasitando ovos de oito espécies de lepidópteros. O parasitismo natural evidencia a importância das espécies de Trichogramma como agente de controle biológico de pragas na região do Meio-Norte.

Thrips on fabaceous plants and weeds in an ecotone in northeastern Brazil / Tripes em plantas fabáceas e ervas daninhas em um ecótono no nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Thrips (Thysanoptera) on 33 species of Fabaceae (ornamental and forage) and some weed species were surveyed in areas of caatinga-cerrado ecotone in northeastern Brazil. Twenty species of thrips were identified, all of which are associated for the first time with the plants sampled in this study, totaling 26 new host associations, based on collections of immatures. Five species are probably new to science, illustrating the diversity of thrips in the region. A few thrips species that also occur as pests in other regions of Brazil are discussed. Our data extend the distribution area of thrips species and provide basic information on their associated plants.

RESUMO: Tripes (Thysanoptera) em 33 espécies de Fabaceae (ornamentais e forrageiras) e algumas espécies de ervas daninhas foram inventariadas em áreas de ecótono caatinga-cerrado no nordeste do Brasil. Vinte espécies de tripes foram identificadas, das quais todas são associadas pela primeira vez com as plantas amostradas neste estudo, totalizando 26 novas associações hospedeiras, baseadas em coletas de imaturos. Cinco espécies são provavelmente novas para a ciência, ilustrando a diversidade de tripes na região. Poucas espécies de tripes que também ocorrem como pragas em outras regiões do Brasil são discutidas. Nossos dados estendem a área de distribuição dessas espécies de tripes e disponibilizam informações básicas sobre suas plantas associadas.

Espécies de Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) em pomares de goiaba: diversidade, flutuação populacional e fenologia do hospedeiro / Species of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) in orchards of guavas: diversity, population fluctuation, and host phenology

Os estudos foram conduzidos em pomares de goiaba, em dois municípios do estado de São Paulo. Em Monte Alegre do Sul, o levantamento foi realizado em uma estação experimental da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios, na qual foram coletadas 13 espécies de Anastrepha, desde janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2003. Em Monte Alto, em pomar comercial, foram coletadas oito espécies, desde janeiro a dezembro de 2004. Anastrepha fraterculus foi a espécie mais frequente nos dois municípios. Os parâmetros climáticos exerceram baixa influência sobre a flutuação populacional das espécies de Anastrepha, nos dois pomares. Os picos populacionais das espécies de Anastrepha mais abundantes variaram entre os pomares. A disponibilidade de frutos no pomar e nos entornos é o fator que determina o tamanho das populações de moscas-das-frutas.(AU)

Studies were carried out in guava orchards, in two municipalities of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In Monte Alegre do Sul, the survey was done in an experimental station of Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios, in which 13 Anastrepha species were collected from January 2002 to December 2003. In Monte Alto, in a commercial orchard, eight species were captured, from January to December 2004. Anastrepha fraterculus was the most frequent species in both municipalities. The climatic parameters had low influence on the population fluctuation of the Anastrepha species in both orchards. The most common population peaks of Anastrepha species varied between the orchards. The availability of fruits in the orchard and nearby them is the factor that determines the size of the fruit fly populations.(AU)

Fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) from some localities of Paraguay: new records, checklist, and illustrated key.

This study deals with fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) collected in McPhail traps in the municipalities of Concepción, Belén, Horqueta, Loreto (state of Concepción) and Santa Rosa (state of Misiones), Paraguay. In total, 17 species were captured, 9 of which are new records for Paraguay. All morphological characters used for species identification are illustrated.

Thrips species (Insecta: Thysanoptera) associated to Fabaceae of agricultural importance in Cerrado and Amazon-Caatinga ecotone from Brazilian Mid-North

Little is known about the Thysanoptera fauna from Brazilian Mid-North. In spite of being a region with at least three biomes and some ecotones, the studies on this insect order in the region are related to associations to a few cultivated plant species. On Fabaceae, plant family with the second largest number of records of thrips species associated in Brazil and huge economic importance for Mid-North, there are thrips records only on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). Due to the lack of knowledge on the Thysanoptera fauna in such a diverse area and the importance of crops of this family in the region, this research aimed to survey the thrips species associated to Fabaceae of agricultural importance in areas of Cerrado and Amazon-Caatinga ecotone in Brazilian Mid-North, as well as provide basic biological information about damage and hosts. Also, comparison between the Thysanoptera fauna of fabaceous crops in the region and the rest of the Country and a key to species are presented. Thrips were collected on six fabaceous crops in four municipalities in the state of Maranhão and in one municipality in the state of Piauí. Eight thrips species were identified: Caliothrips phaseoli (Pergande, 1895), Frankliniella brevicaulis Hood, 1937, F. gardeniae Moulton, 1948, F. insularis (Franklin, 1908), F. schultzei (Trybom, 1910), F. tritici (Fitch, 1855), Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin, 1908) and Salpingothrips minimus Hood, 1935. Two other unidentified species were collected: Plesiothrips sp. and Scolothrips sp. Except for F. schultzei, the thrips species surveyed in Maranhão are first records in the state, and F. gardeniae is first record in the state of Piauí. The first records of thrips on Phaseolus lunatus L. in Brazil were established. Some species known as pests of Fabaceae mostly in southern and southeastern Brazil were not found in Mid-North. Voucher-specimens are deposited at the Entomological Collection of the Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP).

Pouco se sabe sobre a fauna de Thysanoptera do Meio-Norte do Brasil. A despeito de ser uma região com pelo menos três biomas e alguns ecótonos, os estudos sobre essa ordem de insetos na região são relacionados a associações a poucas espécies vegetais cultivadas. Em Fabaceae, família vegetal com o segundo maior número de registros de espécies de tripes associadas no Brasil e grande importância econômica no Meio-Norte, há registros somente em feijão caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). Devido à falta de dados sobre a fauna de Thysanoptera nessa área diversa e à importância de culturas dessa família na região, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer as espécies de tripes associadas a Fabaceae de importância agrícola em áreas de Cerrado e ecótono Amazônia-Caatinga no Meio-Norte do Brasil, bem como disponibilizar informações biológicas básicas sobre danos e hospedeiros. Além disso, comparações entre as faunas de Thysanoptera de fabáceas cultivadas na região e no resto do País e uma chave para as espécies são apresentadas. Os tripes foram coletados em seis espécies de Fabaceae de importância agrícola em quatro municípios do estado do Maranhão e em um município no estado do Piauí. Oito espécies de tripes foram identificadas: Caliothrips phaseoli (Pergande, 1895), Frankliniella brevicaulis Hood, 1937, F. gardeniae Moulton, 1948, F. insularis (Franklin, 1908), F. schultzei (Trybom, 1910), F. tritici (Fitch, 1855), Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin, 1908) e Salpingothrips minimus Hood, 1935. Duas outras espécies não identificadas foram coletadas: Plesiothrips sp. e Scolothrips sp. Exceto por F. schultzei, todas as espécies de tripes coletadas no Maranhão são registradas pela primeira vez no estado, e F. gardeniae é registrada pela primeira vez no estado do Piauí. Foram estabelecidos os primeiros registros de tripes em Phaseolus lunatus L. no Brasil. Algumas espécies conhecidas como pragas de Fabaceae no Brasil, principalmente no sul e sudeste, não foram encontradas no Meio-Norte. Os espécimes-testemunha estão depositados na Coleção Entomológica do Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia da Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ / USP).

Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae), their hosts and parasitoids in southern Amapá State, Brazil / Espécies de Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae), seus hospedeiros e parasitoides no sul do estado do Amapá, Brasil

This work was carried out to record the species of Anastrepha, their host plants and associated parasitoids in Laranjal do Jari and Vitória do Jari, Amapá State. Fleshy fruits of 17 species of 13 families were sampled, from February to July of 2006, in main districts of both municipalities. Nine species of Anastrepha and six species of braconid parasitoids were sampled during this study.

O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de registrar as espécies de Anastrepha, suas plantas hospedeiras e parasitoides associados nos municípios de Laranjal do Jari e Vitória do Jari, estado do Amapá. Frutos carnosos de 17 espécies de 13 famílias foram amostrados, de fevereiro a julho de 2006, nos principais distritos dos dois municípios. Nove espécies de Anastrepha e seis espécies de braconídeos parasitoides foram coletadas durante o estudo.

First record of Anastrepha parishi Stone (Diptera, Tephritidae) and its host in Brazil

Anastrepha parishi Stone, 1942 was reared in fruits of Oenocarpus bacaba Martius, 1823 (Arecaceae) collected in Pracuúba, State of Amapá. This is the first record of an Anastrepha species in a native species of Arecaceae.

Anastrepha parishi Stone, 1942 foi obtida de amostras de frutos de Oenocarpus bacaba Martius, 1823 (Arecaceae), coletadas em Pracuúba, estado do Amapá. Este é também o primeiro registro de uma espécie de Anastrepha obtida de uma espécie nativa de Arecaceae.