Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from an Amazonian fragmented landscape, Juara, Mato Grosso, Brazil, with new records of ant species

The state of Mato Grosso is the 3rd largest Brazilian state, is covered with three major Brazilian biomes, including the Pantanal, Cerrado, and Amazonia. To date, 449 ant species are recorded in literature for the state. In the present work, we documented the ants sampled along a fragmented landscape, in the municipality of Juara, in the Cerrado-Amazon transition zone in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The ant species were captured with Pitfall traps installed in 20 trails with 10 traps in each (totaling 200). Our results show 151 species, belonging to 43 genera and eight subfamilies, of which 28 species were recorded for the first time in the state and five species recorded for the first time in Brazil. Most genera collected were Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (45 species) followed by Crematogaster Lund, 1831 (11 species). By highlighting species recorded for the first time in state of Mato Grosso and Brazil, we hope to encourage new discoveries and increase the general knowledge of the ant fauna of different biomes in the region.(AU)

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from an Amazonian fragmented landscape, Juara, Mato Grosso, Brazil, with new records of ant species

The state of Mato Grosso is the 3rd largest Brazilian state, is covered with three major Brazilian biomes, including the Pantanal, Cerrado, and Amazonia. To date, 449 ant species are recorded in literature for the state. In the present work, we documented the ants sampled along a fragmented landscape, in the municipality of Juara, in the Cerrado-Amazon transition zone in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The ant species were captured with Pitfall traps installed in 20 trails with 10 traps in each (totaling 200). Our results show 151 species, belonging to 43 genera and eight subfamilies, of which 28 species were recorded for the first time in the state and five species recorded for the first time in Brazil. Most genera collected were Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (45 species) followed by Crematogaster Lund, 1831 (11 species). By highlighting species recorded for the first time in state of Mato Grosso and Brazil, we hope to encourage new discoveries and increase the general knowledge of the ant fauna of different biomes in the region.

The Male Produced Aggregation Pheromone of a Strawberry Sap Beetle, Lobiopa insularis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).

The nitidulid beetle Lobiopa insularis is an important pest of strawberry crops in the United States and Brazil. Both larvae and adults feed on ripe strawberries, causing 20-70% loss in production during serious infestations. Aiming at the development of efficient, clean, and highly specific pest management systems, semiochemicals, especially pheromones, are particularly useful. Analyses of the extracts of both males and females obtained from aeration of live beetles showed the presence of three male specific compounds, 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, and 2-undecanol (in an enantiomeric ratio of S:R = 3.5:1). This is the first record of ketones and an alcohol as pheromone components in Nitidulidae. These compounds were emitted by males in amounts of 0.3:6:1.5 ng per insect within 24 h (1:30:3), respectively, during the scotophase, indicating nocturnal sexual activity. Field tests with pitfall traps containing different mixtures of compounds and ripe strawberries as a co-attractant summed up to five treatments with 25 replications. As a result, 59% males and 41% females (1:0.7) were caught, indicating the L. insularis pheromone to cause aggregation of both sexes. Results of the field tests showed that the attractivity of the binary mixture of ketones (T3) differed from the control (T5), from traps with 2-undecanone alone (T4), and from the mixture of 2-undecanone and racemic 2-undecanol (T2). Moreover, the activity of the ternary mixture of compounds (T1) was not different from that of T3, indicating that the racemic alcohol did not positively influence trap catches. In future applications, a mixture of synthetic strawberry-derived compounds that are attractive to L. insularis may substitute rapidly decaying fruit in the field, maintaining catches for longer periods. Because of its efficiency and low cost, a mixture of 2-undecanone and 2-nonanone is recommended to catch adult L. insularis in the field.

Evaluation of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the Pampa Biome / Levantamento de besouros copro-necrófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) do Bioma Pampa

Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), comprises the beetles popularly called dung beetle, which are important group of animal detritivorous and biomarkers of environmental impacts on ecosystems. Pampa Biome areas are natural ecosystems with high diversity of plant and animal species, but are however, little known compared to other biomes of Brazil. Data on escarabeinofauna the Pampa Biome is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to inventorize the fauna of these beetles in areas located in the far south of the Rio Grande do Sul, as well as learning their habits and eating behaviors. The sampling areas were located in the cities of Herval and Arroio Grande. 216 traps baited pitfall trap type with human dung and pig and beef decaying were placed distributed in six areas. They recorded 2,243 individuals, organized into six tribes, 13 genera and 35 species. The species were classified as coprophagous, general and scavenger. Greater number of subjects were caught in traps baited with human and pig manure than in rotting meat. For the first time Trichillum morelli Verdú & Galante, 1997 was found in Brazil and Canthidium taurinum Harold, 1867 is a new record for the state.(AU)

Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), compreende compreende os besouros popularmente chamados de rola-bosta, que constituem importante grupo de animais detritívoros e bioindicadores de impactos ambientais nos ecossistemas. Áreas do Bioma Pampa são ecossistemas naturais com alta diversidade de espécies vegetais e animais, no entanto, pouco conhecidas em comparação com outros biomas do Brasil. Dados sobre a escarabeinofauna do Bioma Pampa é escassa. Portanto, os objetivos deste trabalho foram inventariar a fauna destes besouros em áreas localizadas no extremo-sul do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como, conhecer seus hábitos e comportamentos alimentares. As áreas de amostragem se localizaram nos municípios de Herval e Arroio Grande. Foram dispostas 216 armadilhas do tipo pitfall trap iscadas com esterco humano/suíno e carne bovina em decomposição, distribuídas em seis áreas. Registraram-se 2.243 indivíduos, organizados em 6 tribos, 13 gêneros e 35 espécies. As espécies foram classificadas em coprófagas, generalistas e necrófagas. Foi capturado um maior número de indivíduos em armadilhas iscadas com esterco suíno e humano do que em carne apodrecida. Pela primeira vez Trichillum morelli Verdú & Galante, 1997 foi encontrada no Brasil e Canthidium taurinum Harold, 1867 é um novo registro para o estado.(AU)

Evaluation of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the Pampa Biome / Levantamento de besouros copro-necrófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) do Bioma Pampa

Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), comprises the beetles popularly called dung beetle, which are important group of animal detritivorous and biomarkers of environmental impacts on ecosystems. Pampa Biome areas are natural ecosystems with high diversity of plant and animal species, but are however, little known compared to other biomes of Brazil. Data on escarabeinofauna the Pampa Biome is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to inventorize the fauna of these beetles in areas located in the far south of the Rio Grande do Sul, as well as learning their habits and eating behaviors. The sampling areas were located in the cities of Herval and Arroio Grande. 216 traps baited pitfall trap type with human dung and pig and beef decaying were placed distributed in six areas. They recorded 2,243 individuals, organized into six tribes, 13 genera and 35 species. The species were classified as coprophagous, general and scavenger. Greater number of subjects were caught in traps baited with human and pig manure than in rotting meat. For the first time Trichillum morelli Verdú & Galante, 1997 was found in Brazil and Canthidium taurinum Harold, 1867 is a new record for the state.

Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), compreende compreende os besouros popularmente chamados de rola-bosta, que constituem importante grupo de animais detritívoros e bioindicadores de impactos ambientais nos ecossistemas. Áreas do Bioma Pampa são ecossistemas naturais com alta diversidade de espécies vegetais e animais, no entanto, pouco conhecidas em comparação com outros biomas do Brasil. Dados sobre a escarabeinofauna do Bioma Pampa é escassa. Portanto, os objetivos deste trabalho foram inventariar a fauna destes besouros em áreas localizadas no extremo-sul do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como, conhecer seus hábitos e comportamentos alimentares. As áreas de amostragem se localizaram nos municípios de Herval e Arroio Grande. Foram dispostas 216 armadilhas do tipo pitfall trap iscadas com esterco humano/suíno e carne bovina em decomposição, distribuídas em seis áreas. Registraram-se 2.243 indivíduos, organizados em 6 tribos, 13 gêneros e 35 espécies. As espécies foram classificadas em coprófagas, generalistas e necrófagas. Foi capturado um maior número de indivíduos em armadilhas iscadas com esterco suíno e humano do que em carne apodrecida. Pela primeira vez Trichillum morelli Verdú & Galante, 1997 foi encontrada no Brasil e Canthidium taurinum Harold, 1867 é um novo registro para o estado.

Levantamento de coleópteros em mata nativa e na cultura de milho / Survey of beetles in native forest and maize crop

This study aimed to identify the main families of beetles exist in a native forest near agricultural areas and highlight the influence of abiotic factors on their distribution. The survey was conducted in an area of native rainforest and nearby a maize crop. Samples were also performed in a hallway between the two areas to assess the transition of insects. In each area were distributed nine pitfall traps, except for the hallway where there were five traps. The traps contained 700 ml of water and 10 drops of detergent, replaced weekly. The collections were made in the summer/autumn and winter of 2013. Insects were separated, assembled in entomological box and submitted to identification to the family level. Sampling in summer showed higher abundance (138 individuals) and diversity (12 families), being Staphylinidae (28.3%), Coccinellidae (24.6%), Scarabaeidae (23.9%) and Dasytidae (13.0%), the families most representative. Sampling in winter showed lower abundance (103 beetles) and diversity (10 families), highlighting the Tenebrionidae (62.1%), Staphylinidae (17.9%) and Nitidulidae (9.7%) families. The temperature and the rainfall showed to be affect the beetles distribution between the forest and the crop. It is inferred that the families of beetles differ in relation to adaptability to seasons and each with their morphological and physiological characteristics, inhabit different areas analyzed demonstrating adaptability and search for survival.(AU)

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo a identificação das principais famílias de coleópteros existentes em uma mata nativa próxima a áreas agricultáveis e destacar a influência de fatores abióticos na distribuição dos mesmos. O levantamento foi realizado no município de Sete Lagoas, MG, em uma área de Mata Atlântica nativa próxima a uma cultura de milho. As amostragens foram também realizadas em um corredor entre as duas áreas para avaliar a transição dos insetos. Em cada área foram distribuídas nove armadilhas de queda do tipo “pitfall”, e no corredor havia cinco armadilhas. As armadilhas continham água(700 ml) e detergente (10 gotas), sendo substituídas semanalmente. As coletas foram realizadas no verão/outono (15/03 à 11/04) e no inverno (05/07 à 02/08) do ano de 2013. Os insetos foram montados e catalogados em caixa entomológica e identificados ao nível de família. A amostragem no verão/outono apresentou maior abundância (138 indivíduos) e diversidade (12 famílias), sendo as mais representativas Staphylinidae (28,3%), Coccinellidae (24,6%), Scarabaeidae (23,9%) e Dasytidae (13,0%). A amostragem no inverno apresentou menor abundância (103 coleópteros) e diversidade (10 famílias), com destaque para as famílias Tenebrionidae (62,1%), Staphylinidae (17,9%) e Nitidulidae (9,7%). A temperatura e a precipitação pluviométrica demonstraram-se influenciadores na distribuição de coleópteros na área entre a mata e a área cultivada com o milho. Infere-se que as famílias de coleópteros diferem-se em relação à adaptabilidade às estações do ano e que cada uma delas com suas características morfológicas e fisiológicas, habitam as diferentes áreas analisadas demonstrando capacidade de adaptação e busca pela sobrevivência.(AU)

Levantamento de coleópteros em mata nativa e na cultura de milho / Survey of beetles in native forest and maize crop

This study aimed to identify the main families of beetles exist in a native forest near agricultural areas and highlight the influence of abiotic factors on their distribution. The survey was conducted in an area of native rainforest and nearby a maize crop. Samples were also performed in a hallway between the two areas to assess the transition of insects. In each area were distributed nine pitfall traps, except for the hallway where there were five traps. The traps contained 700 ml of water and 10 drops of detergent, replaced weekly. The collections were made in the summer/autumn and winter of 2013. Insects were separated, assembled in entomological box and submitted to identification to the family level. Sampling in summer showed higher abundance (138 individuals) and diversity (12 families), being Staphylinidae (28.3%), Coccinellidae (24.6%), Scarabaeidae (23.9%) and Dasytidae (13.0%), the families most representative. Sampling in winter showed lower abundance (103 beetles) and diversity (10 families), highlighting the Tenebrionidae (62.1%), Staphylinidae (17.9%) and Nitidulidae (9.7%) families. The temperature and the rainfall showed to be affect the beetles’ distribution between the forest and the crop. It is inferred that the families of beetles differ in relation to adaptability to seasons and each with their morphological and physiological characteristics, inhabit different areas analyzed demonstrating adaptability and search for survival.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo a identificação das principais famílias de coleópteros existentes em uma mata nativa próxima a áreas agricultáveis e destacar a influência de fatores abióticos na distribuição dos mesmos. O levantamento foi realizado no município de Sete Lagoas, MG, em uma área de Mata Atlântica nativa próxima a uma cultura de milho. As amostragens foram também realizadas em um corredor entre as duas áreas para avaliar a transição dos insetos. Em cada área foram distribuídas nove armadilhas de queda do tipo “pitfall”, e no corredor havia cinco armadilhas. As armadilhas continham água(700 ml) e detergente (10 gotas), sendo substituídas semanalmente. As coletas foram realizadas no verão/outono (15/03 à 11/04) e no inverno (05/07 à 02/08) do ano de 2013. Os insetos foram montados e catalogados em caixa entomológica e identificados ao nível de família. A amostragem no verão/outono apresentou maior abundância (138 indivíduos) e diversidade (12 famílias), sendo as mais representativas Staphylinidae (28,3%), Coccinellidae (24,6%), Scarabaeidae (23,9%) e Dasytidae (13,0%). A amostragem no inverno apresentou menor abundância (103 coleópteros) e diversidade (10 famílias), com destaque para as famílias Tenebrionidae (62,1%), Staphylinidae (17,9%) e Nitidulidae (9,7%). A temperatura e a precipitação pluviométrica demonstraram-se influenciadores na distribuição de coleópteros na área entre a mata e a área cultivada com o milho. Infere-se que as famílias de coleópteros diferem-se em relação à adaptabilidade às estações do ano e que cada uma delas com suas características morfológicas e fisiológicas, habitam as diferentes áreas analisadas demonstrando capacidade de adaptação e busca pela sobrevivência.

Carabid beetle assemblages in three environments in the Araucaria humid forest of southern Brazil

Carabid beetle assemblages in three environments in the Araucaria humid forest of southern Brazil. Carabidae is composed mainly by ground-dwelling predator beetles. It is the fourth most diverse group within Coleoptera, but its diversity in the Neotropical region is understudied. Here we describe and analyze the diversity of carabid beetles in a region of subtropical rain forest dominated by Araucaria angustifolia with different landscapes. Three areas were chosen in an environmental integrity gradient: primary forests, secondary forests and old Pinus plantations. Pitfall traps were taken monthly, in a total of 14 samples per area. 1733 adult carabid beetles, belonging to 18 species, were sampled. There were differences in richness and abundance between the sampled areas. The total scores followed the same tendency: primary forests (14 species/747 individuals), secondary forests (13/631) and Pinus forests (10/355). An analysis of similarity shows differences in species composition, for both areas and seasons. Galerita lacordarei was the most abundant species for all samples and seasons. Carabid species show similar responses in accordance with habitat heterogeneity and disturbance. The abundance of Galerita lacordarei was influenced by temperature, for all sampled sites. Environmental changes affect the carabid assemblages and decrease diversity, possibly interfering in local dynamics. Seasonality patterns seem to indicate an increase in individual movement during summer, probably in search of resources. It is suggested that microhabitat patchiness is probably an important factor affecting carabid beetle diversity at small spatial scales.

Evaluation of three methods for sampling ground-dwelling Ants in the Brazilian Cerrado / Avaliação de três métodos para amostragem de formigas do solo no Cerrado brasileiro

Few studies have evaluated the efficiency of methods for sampling ants, especially in regions with highly variable vegetation physiognomies such as the Cerrado region of central Brazil. Here we compared three methods to collect ground-dwelling ants: pitfall traps, sardine baits, and the Winkler litter extractor. Our aim was to determine which method would be most appropriate to characterize the ant assemblages inhabiting different vegetation types. More species were collected with pitfall traps and with the Winkler extractor than with sardine baits. Pitfall traps collected more species in the cerrado (savanna) physiognomies, particularly in those with a poor litter cover, whereas the Winlker extractor was more efficient in the forest physiognomies, except the one subject to periodic inundations. There was a low similarity in species composition between forest and cerrado physiognomies, and this pattern was detected regardless of the method used to sampling ants. Therefore, even the use of a single, relatively selective method of collection can be enough for studies comparing highly distinct habitats and/or conditions. However, if the purpose of the sampling is to produce a more thoroughly inventory of the ant fauna, we suggest the use of a combination of methods, particularly pitfall traps and the Winkler extractor. Therefore, the Ants of the Leaf-Litter (ALL) Sampling Protocol appear to be an adequate protocol for sampling ants in the highly-threatened Brazilian cerrado biome.

Poucos estudos avaliaram a eficiência de métodos para a coleta de formigas, especialmente em regiões com fisionomias vegetais bastante variáveis como a do Cerrado. Neste trabalho, foram comparados três métodos para a coleta de formigas do solo: armadilhas de solo, iscas de sardinha e o extrator de serapilheira de Winkler, com o objetivo de determinar o mais apropriado para caracterizar as assembléias de formigas associadas a diferentes tipos de vegetação. Mais espécies foram coletadas com armadilhas de solo e com o extrator de Winkler do que com iscas. As armadilhas de solo coletaram mais espécies nas fisionomias de cerrado (savânicas), particularmente naquelas com pobre cobertura de serapilheira, enquanto o extrator de Winkler foi mais eficiente nas fisionomias florestais, com exceção daquela sujeita a inundações periódicas. Houve baixa similaridade na composição de espécies entre as fisionomias de cerrado e florestais, e esse padrão foi observado com qualquer dos três métodos de coleta. Portanto, mesmo o uso de um único método pode ser suficiente em estudos que comparam condições ou hábitats bastante distintos. Entretanto, se o propósito da amostragem for produzir um inventário mais completo, sugerimos o uso de uma combinação de métodos, em particular as armadilhas de solo e o extrator de Winkler. Desse modo, o Protocolo para Amostragem de Formigas da Serapilheira (ALL Protocol) parece ser adequado para a amostragem de formigas na ameaçada região do Bioma Cerrado.

ESPÉCIES DE HISTERIDAE COLETADAS EM PIRACICABA, SP

Histeridae beetles were collected using pitfall traps baited with cattle manure, placed in a pasture area in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. The following species were collected from April 15th 1995 to February 17th 1996.: Hister punctifer, Phelister panamensis, P. haemorrhous and P. rufinotus. The species P. panamensis, an important predator of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans, represented 72,93% of all insects collected.

Besouros predadores da família Histeridae foram coletados através do uso de armadilhas "pitfall" iscadas com massa fecal fresca de bovinos instaladas em área de pastagem em Piracicaba, SP. Coletaram-se durante o período de 15 de abril de 1995 a 17 de fevereiro de 1996, quatro espécies identificadas como Hister punctifer, Phelister panamensis, P. haemorrhous e P. rufinotus. A espécie P. panamensis é um importante predador de ovos e larvas de Haematobia irritans e representou 72,93% do total de insetos coletados.

Espécies de histeridae coletadas em piracicaba, sp

Histeridae beetles were collected using pitfall traps baited with cattle manure, placed in a pasture area in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. The following species were collected from April 15th 1995 to February 17th 1996.: Hister punctifer, Phelister panamensis, P. haemorrhous and P. rufinotus. The species P. panamensis, an important predator of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans, represented 72,93% of all insects collected.

Besouros predadores da família Histeridae foram coletados através do uso de armadilhas "pitfall" iscadas com massa fecal fresca de bovinos instaladas em área de pastagem em Piracicaba, SP. Coletaram-se durante o período de 15 de abril de 1995 a 17 de fevereiro de 1996, quatro espécies identificadas como Hister punctifer, Phelister panamensis, P. haemorrhous e P. rufinotus. A espécie P. panamensis é um importante predador de ovos e larvas de Haematobia irritans e representou 72,93% do total de insetos coletados.