New occurrences of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Atlantic Forest biome of the Brazilian Northeast

ABSTRACT Background: Information regarding the distribution of Culicidae species in the northeastern region of Brazil is scarce. Methods: Immatures were collected from approximately four fragments of the Atlantic Forest. Results: This study presents new occurrences of 18 Culicidae species in Pernambuco state: Anopheles kompi, Georgecraigius fluviatilis, Culex bidens, Culex chidesteri, Culex bastagarius, Culex imitator, Mansonia humeralis, Wyeomyia incaudata, Uranotaenia apicalis, Culex mollis, Culex usquatus, Culex dunni, Culex serratimarge, Culex ybarmis, Culex microphyllus, Sabethes purpureus, Wyeomyia pilicauda, and Wyeomyia airosai. The last nine species were also new records for the northeast region. Conclusions: With the inclusion of these newly recorded species, the total number of mosquitoes documented in Pernambuco state now rises to 94.

Development, Survival and Reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Fed an Artificial Diet or on Cotton, Castor Bean and Corn Leaves.

The polyphagy of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) renders its control difficult because variations in the phenology of host plants grown in different seasons of the year and near each other can facilitate the movement of this pest between crops. The objective of this work was to examine certain biological characteristics of S. frugiperda fed on an artificial diet or on cotton, castor bean, or corn leaves. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four treatments represented by S. frugiperda caterpillars fed an artificial diet (T1) or pieces of cotton (T2), castor bean (T3) or corn (T4) leaves with five replications (five caterpillars per replication). The duration and survival of the egg, larva, pre-pupa, pupa and egg-adult period and the reproductive characteristics of this insect were determined. The survival, development and reproduction data of S. frugiperda originated from individuals reared with cotton and castor bean leaves were lower than those fed on corn leaves or an artificial diet. The number of nonviable eggs laid by females originated from caterpillars fed on castor bean leaves was higher than those fed on cotton and corn leaves or an artificial diet. The very higher number of unviable S. frugiperda eggs resulting from castor leaves can reduce outbreaks of this pest in cotton and corn crops after the cultivation of that plant, or by intercropping with this plant, in the main producing regions of Brazil.

A review of the classification systems for marine benthic habitats and the new updated Barcelona Convention classification for the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Sea supports high levels of biodiversity and complexity but is facing increasing human pressures, so that strategies to protect and recover its ecosystems must be a priority in environmental policies. Benthic cartography represents the first step of marine spatial planning for the proper management and protection of our sea. Univocal habitat classification systems are thus needed to map, monitor, and inventory marine habitats, and to guarantee common and shared frames for a harmonized interpretation of the Mediterranean habitat types. In this paper we reviewed the existing classification systems of marine benthic habitats, to discuss the process of revision and updating of one of the first system developed under the Barcelona Convention (BC) in 1998 and adopted by all the Mediterranean countries. The BC classification was revised including the new habitats discovered in the last 30 years, and consistently with the criteria used to revise the EUropean Nature Information System (EUNIS), which is a comprehensive pan-European system for habitat identification. The updated BC classification is hierarchical with 5 levels, which allows representing the most suitable habitat level with respect to the restitution scale of the map. Each habitat is univocally identified by an alpha-numeric code, name and general description following the bionomic approach traditionally adopted in the Mediterranean benthic cartography since the late nineteen century. The new BC classification lists 128 main habitats up to the level 4, which may also contain sub-habitats at the level 5, i.e. associations and facies, totalising 394 habitat types (54% of new habitats with respect to the first BC classification). The updated BC classification system has been used for the selection of reference marine habitats that support two fundamental processes of environmental management: i) identification of Specially Marine Protected Areas according to the SPA/BD Protocol of Barcelona Convention; ii) selection of habitats to be monitored, as requested by the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme and the European Directives (e.g., Water Framework and Marine Strategy). The new list of reference habitats, selected because of their high ecological and conservation value, contains 267 habitats, corresponding to 68% of the total habitats listed in the updated BC classification.

Euschistus crenator (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): a New Invasive Species on Soybean Fields in Northern Brazil.

The expansion of soybean Glycine max (L.) Merrill in South America has provided an abundant host to the native arthropod fauna. Stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are severe pests on soybean crops due to their feeding activities. Several native species have been recorded on this crop, with the widespread Neotropical brow stink bug Euschistus heros (Fabricius) recognized as the key pest in most of its distribution. Here, we report for the first time Euschistus crenator (Fabricius) as a new invasive species on soybean fields in Northern Brazil. We collected the species at Pará state (2°38'32.2″S 54°55'56.1″W and 4°06'31.2″S 54°55'01.9″W) and Roraima state (2°39'41.3″N 60°46'58.9″W and 3°00'44.6″N 60°22'32.9″W). The latter represents a new state record, and the first represents new locality records, however, both representing the first soybean host record for the species. The distribution of E. crenator ranges from southern US (AZ, CA, FL, and TX) to north South America, mostly between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Despite overlap in distribution, we did not find E. crenator and E. heros simultaneously on soybean crops in the North region (Amazon Forest) of Brazil. Euschistus crenator was able to complete its life cycle and had viable offspring on soybean plants, with development parameters similar to E. heros.

Bionomic notes on parthenogenetic females and a record of parasitism by Forcipomyia Meigen (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the stick insect Cladoxerus cryphaleus (Westwood) (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae)

ABSTRACT Stick insects (Phasmatodea) are among the least studied insect groups in Brazil. Although in recent years there has been an increase in the number of published studies on taxonomy and morphology of Brazilian stick insects, they remain very little-known concerning biological and bionomic aspects. From five females of Cladoxerus cryphaleus (Phasmatidae: Cladomorphinae) collected in the Iguaçu National Park, Paraná, Brazil, a captive colony of parthenogenetic females was started, based on which data on longevity, fertility, and viability of eggs of this species were recorded for the first time. After imaginal molting, the 21 females studied had an average longevity of 103.7 days. Each female produced on average 125.3 eggs, which had a hatching rate of 34.2%. In addition, we recorded a C. cryphaleus male nymph being parasitized by a biting midge of the subgenus Forcipomyia (Microhelea) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). The male, in pre-imaginal instar and already parasitized, was collected in the municipality of Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro.

New distributional records for sixteen Mordellidae species from the Western Palearctic (Insecta, Coleoptera, Mordellidae).

A list of 22 new distributional records is presented for 16 Mordellidae species from the Western Palearctic: Variimorda caprai (Franciscolo, 1951) (Montenegro); V. mendax Méquignon, 1946 (Montenegro); Mordellistena falsoparvula Ermisch, 1956 (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro); M. olympica Ermisch, 1965 (Cyprus, Montenegro); M. kraatzi Emery, 1876 (Morocco); M. longicornis Mulsant, 1856 (Morocco); M. dives Emery, 1876 (Kazakhstan); M. krujanensis Ermisch, 1963 (Montenegro); M. tarsata Mulsant, 1856 (Cyprus, North Macedonia); M. michalki Ermisch, 1956 (Kyrgyzstan); M. thuringiaca Ermisch, 1963 (Bulgaria, Montenegro, Slovakia, Spain); M. koelleri Ermisch, 1956 (Italy, Montenegro); Mordellistenula longipalpis Ermisch, 1965 (Montenegro); Mordellochroa milleri (Emery, 1876) (Italy); Dellamora palposa Normand, 1916 (Italy). Information about the distributional range is summarised for each species, and notes on habitat and host plants are also provided.

The External Morphology of Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax Franclemont, 1951 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidade) is the most important armyworm in the American tropics and subtropics. In this study, we describe the external morphology of the immatures and adults, based on larvae fed on quicuio grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov - Poaceae). The external morphology of the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults is described and illustrated. Important taxonomic structures of the larvae are described, including hypopharynx, spinneret, and mandible. Adult structures that allow the differentiation of the species, such as male genitalia and scent brushes, are also described. The results are compared and discussed based on morph functionality and with publications on the congeneric species.

A revision of the Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 species-group (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Anthaxiini).

The Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 species-group is defined and revised. A new species from Turkey, A. (A.) cebecii sp. nov., is described and compared to its most similar species. A. midas oberthuri Schaefer, 1938 is elevated to the rank of species, and a lectotype is designated. A. (A.) spathuligera Obenberger, 1924 and A. (A.) midas muelleri Obenberger, 1925 are reconfirmed synonyms of A. midas Kiesenwetter, 1857.All species of the new species-group are illustrated, including the hitherto unknown male of A. (A.) patsyae Baiocchi, 2008, all type specimens and original data labels. In addition to diagnostic characters, informations on the distribution, biology and taxonomic position of each species are also presented, together with a short definition of the new species-group, and a key to its species.

A new species of Stenomicra Coquillett (Diptera: Periscelididae) from the Brazilian Amazon and its life history.

A new species of Stenomicra is described for the Neotropical Region, from phytotelmata of Araceae at an urban forest fragment in the city of Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Morphological descriptions of the immatures and the adults (male and female) are provided, together with biological information on the life cycle of the species and its "host" plant.

Immature stages of Hamadryas fornax fornax (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Biblidinae)

ABSTRACT The external morphology and biology of the immature stages of Hamadryas fornax fornax (Hübner, [1823]) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Biblidinae) recorded on Dalechampia triphylla (Euphorbiaceae) in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil are described. Morphological characters are illustrated and described, as a result of observations in scanning electron, stereoscope and optical microscopes, the last two attached to a camera lucida. Results are compared and discussed with immature stages of other species of Biblidinae.

Description of the immature stages of the weevil Anthonomus vis Clark (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), inquiline into the gall of Leandra aurea (Melastomataceae)

Description of the immature stages of the weevil Anthonomus vis Clark (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), inquiline into the gall of Leandra aurea (Melastomataceae). The third instar larva and the pupa of Anthonomus vis Clark, 1992 are described and illustrated, based upon specimens collected in the Serra de São José, Tiradentes, in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The species was previously known from the type series collected in the states of Amapá and Pará. Comparisons with the larva and pupa of A. grandis Boheman, 1843 and A. monostigma Champion, 1903 are included. The larvae of A. vis live as inquilines in the galls induced by a species of momphid moths (Lepidoptera, Momphidae) in the stems of Leandra aurea (Cham.) Cogn. (Melastomataceae).

Biological and morphometric aspects and rearing of Syssphinx molina (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), a defoliator of parica tree / Aspectos biológicos e morfométricos e criação de Syssphinx molina (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), desfolhadora de paricá

The objective of this research was to describe the biological and morphometric aspects of the parica tree defoliator, Syssphinx molina (Cramer), and make recommendations about the insect rearing. The life cycle was 62.9 days with mean periods for the egg, larval, pre-pupal and pupal stages of 5.6, 31.1, 2.2 and 16.6 days respectively. The pupal viability was 60.5% for females and 48.6% for males. The sexual ratio was 0.5 with mean production of 182.3 ± 2.2 eggs per female and egg viability of 24.3%. The mean longevity was 7.9 ± 2 and 8.1 ± 3 days for females and males respectively. Other parameters were also observed and compared with description of other Saturniidae species.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever os aspectos biológicos e morfométricos da lagarta desfolhadora do paricá, Syssphinx molina (Cramer), e fazer recomendações para a criação do inseto. O ciclo de vida foi de 62,9 dias com períodos médios para as fases de ovo, lagarta, pré-pupa e pupa de 5,6; 31,1; 2,2 e 16,6 dias, respectivamente. A viabilidade das pupas foi de 60,5% para fêmeas e 48,6% nos machos. A razão sexual foi de 0,5 e a produção média de 182,3 ± 2,2 ovos por fêmea com viabilidade de ovos de 24,3%. A longevidade média foi de 7,9 ± 2 e 8,1 ± 3 dias para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente. Outros parâmetros foram igualmente observados e comparados com a descrição de outras espécies de Saturniidae.

Nest architecture of the stingless bee Geotrigona subterranea (Friese,1901) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) / Arquitetura do ninho de Geotrigona subterranea (Friese, 1901)(Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

We located ten nests of Geotrigona subterranea in the transition area between Cerrado and Caatinga within the municipalities of Lontra and Januária, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. We collected the nests to study their architecture in detail. In the present paper, we describe the general nest structure of this bee species in terms of: number, shape and area of the combs; size of the brood cells; size of honey and pollen pots; volume of honey and mass of pollen stored in closed pots; presence of inquiline species; and defensive characteristics. All nests were found in subterranean cavities. The nest structure of G. subterranea is similar to that of other congeneric species.

Foram localizados dez ninhos de Geotrigona subterranea em áreas de transição entre o Cerrado e a Caatinga nos municípios de Lontra e Januária, Estado de Minas Gerais. Os ninhos foram coletados para observação da arquitetura. Neste trabalho são apresentadas informações sobre estrutura geral e forma do ninho desta espécie; número, forma e área dos favos de cria; tamanho de células de cria; tamanho de potes de mel e pólen; volume dos potes de mel e massa de pólen em potes fechados; presença de inquilinos e características de defesa. Todos os ninhos foram encontrados em cavidades subterrâneas. De modo geral, esta espécie apresenta estrutura de ninho similar a apresentada por outras espécies do mesmo gênero.

Biologia de nidificação e variação altitudinal na abundância de Megachile (Melanosarus) nigripennis Spinola (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae) em um inselberg na Mata Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro / Nesting biology and altitudinal variation in the abundance of megachile (melanosarus) nigripennis spinolla (hymenoptera, megachilidae) in an inselberg in the Mata Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro

Este trabalho descreve aspectos da biologia de nidificação de Megachile (Melanosarus) nigripennis e da abundância de ninhos em um gradiente de altitude (8 a 420 m), em um inselbergue, Morro do Itaoca (300 ha), Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. Ninhos-armadilha em gomos de bambu e tubos de cartolina preta (n= 1.215, diâmetro de 0,6 a 2,7) foram instalados entre Mar/2009 e Abr/2011, em nove estações de amostragem localizadas em três altitudes: 50 m (P1, P2, P3); 200 m (P4, P5, P6) e 400 m (P7, P8, P9). As abelhas ocuparam ninhos-armadilha a 50m (n= 2), 200m (n= 24) e a 400 m (n= 5), onde construíram 4, 100 e 26 células, respectivamente. As abelhas construíram uma série de células em ninhos-armadilha com comprimento médio de 17.6 cm diâmetro médio de 1,1 cm; enquanto construíram de 2 a 6 série de células em ninhos com 19,3 cm de comprimento e 1,8 cm de diâmetro. A atividade de construção foi restrita à estação quente-chuvosa. A partir dos ninhos emergiram 64 abelhas, sete indivíduos de Coelioxys spp (Megachilidae) e dois Bombyliidae (Diptera). A razão sexual foi de 1: 0,52 tendenciado para machos. Em 20 ninhos emergiram somente machos (n= 15) ou fêmeas (n= 5), embora nenhum padrão espacial ou temporal tenha sido observado. M. nigripennis é uma espécie sazonal, nidificando preferencialmente de novembro a fevereiro.

This paper describes aspects of nesting biology of Megachile (Melanosarus) nigripennis and abundance of nests in a gradient of altitude (8 to 420m) in an inselberg, Morro do Itaoca (300 ha), Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. Trap nests in bamboo canes and black cardboard tubes (n= 1.215, 0.6 to 2.7 diameter) were disposed from March/2009 to April/2011, in nine sampling stations located at three altitudes: 50 m (P1, P2, P3), 200 m (P4, P5, P6) and 400 m (P7, P8, P9). The bees occupied trap nests at 50 m (n= 2), 200 m (n= 24) and at 400 m (n= 5), where they built 4, 100 and 26 cells, respectively. Bees constructed one series of cells in trap nests with 17.6 cm average length and 1.1 cm average diameter ; whereas they constructed 2-6 series of cells in nests with 19.3 cm lenght and 1.8 cm diameter. Activity of nest construction was restricted to the warm-rainy season. From the nests emerged 64 bees, seven individuals of Coelioxys spp. (Megachilidae) and two Bombyliidae (Diptera). The sex ratio was 1: 0.52 biased to male. From 20 nests emerged only males (n= 15) or females (n= 5), although no temporal or spatial pattern has been observed. M. nigripennis is a seasonal species nesting in trap nests mainly from November to February.

Nesting Behavior of Centris (Hemisiella) vittata Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in an area of the cerrado in the northeast of the State of Maranhão, Brazil

The nesting behavior of Centris (Hemisiella) vittata Lepeletier was studied in the Urbano Santos Cerrado in the northeast of Maranhão State, Brazil. To date, this species has only been studied in trap-nests. The nesting behavior of this species in a natural condition is recorded for the first time. Nesting occurred in preexisting holes in dead trunks of aroeira, Astronium myracrodruon (Anacardiaceae), at the end of the rainy season. The cells were constructed with a mixture of sand and oil. After finishing the nests, females used only oil to line the entrance wall. Two females collected sand at the same time to build their nests, and another one was seen collecting resources at Byrsonima sp. (Malpighiaceae). The pollen load of one bee was analyzed and was found to contain mainly Hymenaea courbaril (Leg-Caesalpiniaceae). Development from egg to adult took about 60 days. Protandry was observed, being males smaller than females. The nests were parasitized by Coleoptera and Diptera. However, the females only showed aggressive behavior against females of the same species or genus.

Morfologia, comportamento, parasitismo e mecanismos de defesa dos imaturos de Heraclides anchisiades capys (Hübner)(Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) / Morphology, behaviour, parasitism and mechanisms of defense of the immatures of Heraclides anchisiades capys (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae)

Heraclides anchisiades capys é uma espécie comum de Papilionidae, cujas larvas se alimentam de várias espécies de Citrus spp. (Rutaceae). Neste estudo são descritas a morfologia e dados sobre a história natural dos imaturos através de ilustrações, incluindo fotografias em microscopia eletrônica de varredura.

Heraclides anchisiades capys is a common species among the Papilionidae, whose larvae feed on various species of Citrus spp. (Rutaceae). In this study the morphology and data on natural history of the immature stages of this species are described with illustrations, including photos in scanning electronic microscope.

Imaturos de Sarsina violascens (Herrich-Schäffer) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Lymantriinae) / Immatures of Sarsina violascens (Herrich-Schäffer) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Lymantriinae)

Imaturos de Sarsina violascens (Herrich-Schäffer) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Lymantriinae). Sarsina violascens é uma espécie polífaga que eventualmente se alimenta de P. cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae) durante sua fase larval. Neste estudo são descritas a morfologia e o comportamento dos imaturos, com ilustrações, fotografias e imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura.

Sarsina violascens is a polyphagous species that also feeds on P. cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae) during the larval stages. In this study the morphology and the behaviour of the immature stages of this species are described and illustrated, including scanning electronic microscopy photographs.

New species of Hymenoptera associated with galls on Calliandra brevipes Benth. (Fabaceae, Mimosoidea) in Brazil / Novas espécies de Hymenoptera associadas a galhas de Calliandra brevipes Benth. (Fabaceae, Mimosoidea)

Four species of Hymenoptera: Tanaostigmodes ringueleti (Brèthes, 1924), T. mecanga sp.nov. (Chalcidoidea, Tanaostigmatidae), Allorhogas taua sp. nov. (Braconidae, Doryctinae) and Eurytoma sp. (Chalcidoidea, Eurytomidae) were reared from two different types of galls of Calliandra brevipes Benth. (Fabaceae, Mimosoidea) in Juiz-de-Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The two Tanaostigmatidae species are probably the gall inducers; the Braconidae species probably is phytophagous inquiline in round gall type. The two new species are described and illustrated, including their immature stages.

Quatro espécies de Hymenoptera: Tanaostigmodes ringueleti (Brèthes, 1924), T. mecanga sp. nov. (Chalcidoidea, Tanaostigmatidae), Allorhogas taua sp. nov. (Braconidae, Doryctinae) e Eurytoma sp. foram obtidas de dois diferentes tipos de galhas de Calliandra brevipes Benth. (Fabaceae, Mimosoidea) em Juiz-de-Fora, MG, Brasil. As duas espécies de Tanaostigmatidae são os prováveis indutores das galhas; a espécie de Braconidae, provavelmente é um inquilino fitófago das galhas globosas. Estas duas novas espécies são descritas e ilustradas, incluindo os seus estágios imaturos.