Evidence for 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one as a shared pheromone component for 12 South American species of cerambycid beetles.

3-Hydroxyhexan-2-one (3-C6-ketol) has emerged as the most conserved pheromone structure within the beetle family Cerambycidae. In this study, we report the sex-specific production of this compound by males of 12 species of South American cerambycid beetles. Males of Chrysoprasis chalybea Redtenbacher and Mallosoma zonatum (Sahlberg) (Tribe Dichophyiini), and Ambonus lippus (Germar), Eurysthea hirta (Kirby), Pantonyssus nigriceps Bates, Stizocera plicicollis (Germar), and Stizocera tristis (Guérin-Méneville) (Elaphidiini) produced 3R-C6-ketol as a single component, whereas males of Neoclytus pusillus (Laporte & Gory) (Clytini), Aglaoschema concolor (Gounelle), Orthostoma abdominale (Gyllenhal) (Compsocerini), Dorcacerus barbatus (Olivier), and Retrachydes thoracicus thoracicus (Olivier) (Trachyderini) produced 3R-C6-ketol, along with lesser amounts of other compounds. In field trials testing 8 known cerambycid pheromone compounds, C. chalybea, E. hirta, and R. t. thoracicus were attracted in significant numbers to traps baited with 3-C6-ketol. A second field experiment provided support for the strategy of using the attraction of cerambycid species to test lures as a method of providing leads to their likely pheromone components. Because both sexes are attracted to these aggregation-sex pheromones, live beetles can be obtained from baited traps to verify they produce the compound(s) to which they were attracted, that is, that the compounds are indeed pheromone components.

Two New Species of Dihammaphora (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Rhopalophorini), with Taxonomical and Geographical Notes for the Genus.

Dihammaphora Chevrolat (Arc Nat 1:50-54, 1859) is one of the most diverse genera of Rhopalophorini, with 46 species. It is characterized mainly by species with antennae short and subserrated, with 10 or 11 antennomeres, prothorax cylindrical, and elytra punctuated. In this study, two new species of Dihammaphora are described and illustrated, new records are provided to 11 species, and taxonomic notes are given to six species of the genus. We examined 55 specimens and identified 16 species of the genus Dihammaphora, including Dihammaphora aurea sp. nov. from Honduras, and Dihammaphora cruzi sp. nov. from Brazil. The number of species of Dihammaphora is increased to 48, two of them in Central America, resulting in seven species for this region. In Brazil, 24 species are now recognized, being the country with the largest number of species of the genus. This study shows that there is still a deficit of knowledge about the diversity and distribution of Dihammaphora.

Trapping of Retrachydes thoracicus thoracicus (Olivier) and Other Neotropical Cerambycid Beetles in Pheromone- and Kairomone-Baited Traps.

The subfamily Cerambycinae, one of the most diverse in longhorn beetles, is well known for its remarkable chemical parsimony in male-emitted pheromones. Conserved shared structural motifs have been reported in numerous species, sometimes working in combination with plant volatile kairomones. Among other compounds, the most ubiquitous male pheromone in cerambycine species is 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one. We conducted field trials using intercept traps baited with 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one and observed abundant captures of several Neotropical cerambycine species. These were Retrachydes thoracicus thoracicus (Olivier), Megacyllene acuta (Germar), Compsocerus violaceus (White), and Cotyclytus curvatus (Germar) in high numbers, as well as Chydarteres striatus striatus (Fabricius) and Odontocroton flavicauda (Bates) in smaller numbers. When ethanol was added to the traps, a remarkable increase in the attractiveness of 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one was observed for R. thoracicus thoracicus and M. acuta. Adding ethanol also resulted in the capture of Chrysoprasis aurigena (Germar). Finally, incidental catches in pheromone-baited traps of Trachelissa maculicollis (Audinet-Serville), Neoclytus pusillus (Laporte & Gory), Achryson unicolor (Bruch, 1908) and Achryson surinamum (Linnaeus), Megacyllene mellyi (Chevrolat) and Thelgetra adustus (Burmeister) were also observed. Pheromone chemistry has been reported for C. curvatus, M. acuta and N. pusillus, all three producing 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one, and for C. aurigena and A. surinamum, which produce other compounds. Our findings suggest that the captured species probably produce 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one for their pheromone communication system. Alternatively, they might be "eavesdropping" on the pheromones of other cerambycine species. The probable synergistic effect of ethanol is likely explained from its kairomonal role as a volatile cue for plant stress or ripeness.

Pheromone Chemistry of the Citrus Borer, Diploschema rotundicolle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The citrus borer, Diploschema rotundicolle, is a Neotropical longhorn beetle that has become a serious citrus pest in southern South America. Management strategies for this insect rely on trimming off damaged shoots, which is expensive and inefficient. We studied the chemical communication system in D. rotundicolle in search of attractants for monitoring or control. GC-MS and enantioselective GC analyses of volatile extracts from field-collected adults showed that males produce (R)-3-hydroxy-2-hexanone, irregularly accompanied by minor amounts of 2,3-hexanediol (all four stereoisomers) and 2,3-hexanedione. Males emit the compounds only at night, when the adults are active. GC-EAD analyses of natural and synthetic compounds showed that both male and female antennae respond to the natural enantiomer (R)-3-hydroxy-2-hexanone, suggesting that it may function as an aggregation-sex pheromone as seen in many cerambycines. The non-natural (S) enantiomer as well as the minor component 2,3-hexanediol did not trigger antennal responses. Field tests with the racemic 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone, enantiomerically pure (R)-3-hydroxy-2-hexanone, as well as a mixture of racemic 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone and 2,3-hexanediol, showed in all cases low capture levels of D. rotundicolle. However, increasing the elevation of the trap and the emission rate of dispensers enhanced field captures in traps baited with racemic hydroxyketone. Incidental catches of another native cerambycine, Retrachydes thoracicus, in traps baited with 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone are also reported. This is the first report of pheromone chemistry in the genus Diploschema and in the tribe Torneutini, reaffirming the pheromone parsimony well established for the Cerambycinae. Potential factors explaining the weak attraction of D. rotundicolle in the field are discussed.

A new species of Stizocera Audinet-Serville, 1834 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Colombia with an updated key to species of the genus and new geographical records in Cerambycinae

A new species of Stizocera (Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini) from Colombia is described and illustrated: Stizocera ruthveronae sp. nov., and an updated key to species of the genus is presented. Moreover, nine species of longhorn beetles of Cerambycinae belonging to Callichromatini, Eburiini, Elaphidiini, Hexoplonini, Neoibidionini, Obriini are reported for the first time for Colombia.(AU)

A new species of Stizocera Audinet-Serville, 1834 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Colombia with an updated key to species of the genus and new geographical records in Cerambycinae

A new species of Stizocera (Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini) from Colombia is described and illustrated: Stizocera ruthveronae sp. nov., and an updated key to species of the genus is presented. Moreover, nine species of longhorn beetles of Cerambycinae belonging to Callichromatini, Eburiini, Elaphidiini, Hexoplonini, Neoibidionini, Obriini are reported for the first time for Colombia.

A new species of Stizocera Audinet-Serville, 1834 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Colombia with an updated key to species of the genus and new geographical records in Cerambycinae

Abstract A new species of Stizocera (Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini) from Colombia is described and illustrated: Stizocera ruthveronae sp. nov., and an updated key to species of the genus is presented. Moreover, nine species of longhorn beetles of Cerambycinae belonging to Callichromatini, Eburiini, Elaphidiini, Hexoplonini, Neoibidionini, Obriini are reported for the first time for Colombia.

Description of the female of Poeciloxestia plagiata (Waterhouse, 1880), and of the male of Iuati spinithorax Martins & Galileo, 2010 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

Based on material recently collected in Peru (Loreto department) the female of Poeciloxestia plagiata (Waterhouse, 1880), and the male of Iuati spinithorax Martins & Galileo, 2010 are described and figured for the first time. Both species are recorded for the first time from Peru.(AU)

On Sphallambyx mexicanum and key to species of Sphallambyx (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae).

The male of Sphallambyx mexicanum Galileo Martins, 2007 is described for the first time; the geographical distribution of the species is expanded to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. Sphallambyx chabrillacii (Thomson, 1857) is formally excluded from the fauna of Costa Rica. A key to species of Sphallambyx Fragoso, 1982 is provided.

Synopsis of the genus Volxemia Lameere, 1884 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae).

A synopsis of Volxemia is provided. A new species Volxemia solangeae sp. nov. from the state of São Paulo, Brazil is described and illustrated. A key for the known species is provided.

Review of Acangassuini Galileo Martins, 2001 (Insecta, Coleoptera, Cerambycidae), with description of a new genus and species, and description of two new species in the tribes Methiini Thomson, 1860 and Oemini Lacordaire, 1868.

Acangassuini is reviewed. Acangarana gen. nov. is described for A. santossilvai sp. nov. from Brazil. In addition, two species are newly described from Brazil: Methia flavomera sp. nov. (Methiini) and Stenoeme furca sp. nov. (Oemini).

New species, new records and notes in Cerambycidae from Colombia.

A new species from Colombia is described: Ectenessa caputnigra sp. nov. Taxonomic notes on Adiposphaerion rubrum Martins Napp, 1992, new geographical records to 11 species and the specific locality in Colombia for five species are provided.

A replacement name for Thomasella Santos-Silva, Bezark Martins (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae).

        Santos-Silva et al. (2012) described Thomasella as a new genus of Rhinotragini to include a single species from Panama: Ommata (Eclipta) igniventris Giesbert, 1991. However, Thomasella is a junior homonym of Thomasella Fredericks, 1928 (Brachiopoda). To resolve this homonym, in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, we are proposing Neothomasella as a new replacement name (nomen novum) for Thomasella Santos-Silva et al. (2012). The new name is a compound of the prefix "neo-" (from Greek νεο-, meaning "new") + Thomasella; feminine gender.

Descriptions, redescription, notes, and new ranks in American Cerambycidae (Coleoptera).

Four new species of Lamiinae are described and illustrated: Estoloides jaliscana (Lamiinae, Desmiphorini), from Mexico (Jalisco); Allotigrinestola nuevoleonis (Desmiphorini), from Mexico (Nuevo Léon); Pogonillus panamensis (Desmiphorini), from Panama; and Phrynidius nayaritensis (Lamiinae, Apomecynini), from Mexico (Nayarit). Drycothaea stictica stictica Bates, 1881 (Lamiinae, Calliini) is redescribed, and notes on it and Drycothaea stictica lepidiota Bates, 1885 are provided. Ornithia mexicana mexicana (Sturm, 1843) (Cerambycinae, Dryobiini) and O. m. zapotensis Tippmann, 1960 are considered distinct species.

New Central American and Mexican Enaphalodes Haldeman, 1847 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) with taxonomic notes and a key to species

A review of Enaphalodes Haldeman, 1847 is presented. Descriptions of four new species of Enaphalodes are included: E. antonkozlovi, sp. nov. from Costa Rica, E. bingkirki, sp. nov. from Nicaragua, E. monzoni, sp. nov. from Guatemala, and E. cunninghami, sp. nov. from Mexico. Enaphalodes senex (Bates, 1884) is revalidated and it is newly recorded from Nicaragua and Guatemala. A key to the 15 currently recognized species of Enaphalodes is included.(AU)

New Central American and Mexican Enaphalodes Haldeman, 1847 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) with taxonomic notes and a key to species

A review of Enaphalodes Haldeman, 1847 is presented. Descriptions of four new species of Enaphalodes are included: E. antonkozlovi, sp. nov. from Costa Rica, E. bingkirki, sp. nov. from Nicaragua, E. monzoni, sp. nov. from Guatemala, and E. cunninghami, sp. nov. from Mexico. Enaphalodes senex (Bates, 1884) is revalidated and it is newly recorded from Nicaragua and Guatemala. A key to the 15 currently recognized species of Enaphalodes is included.

Description of the female of Poeciloxestia plagiata (Waterhouse, 1880), and of the male of Iuati spinithorax Martins & Galileo, 2010 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

Based on material recently collected in Peru (Loreto department) the female of Poeciloxestia plagiata (Waterhouse, 1880), and the male of Iuati spinithorax Martins & Galileo, 2010 are described and figured for the first time. Both species are recorded for the first time from Peru.

Three new species of Psyrassa Pascoe, 1866 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae).

Currently, Psyrassa Pascoe, 1866 includes 37 species distributed mainly in southern United States to Central America (Monné 2016; Tavakilian and Chevillotte 2016). Only four species occur in northern South America: P. meridionalis Martins, 2005 (Ecuador); P. rufescens Nonfried, 1894 (Brazil); P. testacea Linsley, 1935 (Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana); and P. subglabra Linsley, 1935 (Ecuador).

Three new species of Ecuadorian Rhinotragini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae).

Three new species of Rhinotragini are described from Ecuador: Paraeclipta ecuadorensis, Odontocera magnifica and Lygrocharis setosus.

A new species of Deltaspis Audinet-Serville (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) from Mexico.

As currently defined, the genus Deltaspis Audinet-Serville, 1834, contains 16 species ranging in distribution from the southwestern United States to eastern Mexico. However, the generic distinction between Deltaspis and its closely allied genera, such as Crossidius LeConte, 1851 and Muscidora Thomson, 1864, is in need of clarification. According to Audinet-Serville, Deltaspis is so named due to its distinctive triangular scutellum (i.e., Δετα, delta, ασπιζ écusson), which is actually a commonly shared character of all these genera. Members of the tribe Trachyderini Dupont (1836), which includes the above genera, also have mandibles with an emarginate-truncate apex with the edge chisel-like or bifid. This modification of mouthpart appears to be for consumption of pollen and/or petals from composite flowers visited by the adult beetles (Krenn et al., 2005; Beierl & Barchet-Beierl, 1999). Other genera from this tribe with this modification of mandibles from North America, and mostly from Mexico, include: Chemsakiella Monné, 2006, Giesbertia Chemsak & Linsley, 1984, Hoegea Bates, 1885, Neocrossidius Chemsak, 1959, Paroxoplus Chemsak, 1959, Plionoma Casey, 1912, Schizax LeConte, 1873, and Tylosis LeConte, 1850. The remainder of Trachyderini genera have unmodified or simple mandibles with apex acute.