Seven new species of spider-attacking Hymenoepimecis Viereck (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) from Ecuador, French Guiana, and Peru, with an identification key to the world species.

Seven new species of Hymenoepimecis Viereck are described from Peruvian Andes and Amazonia, French Guiana and Ecuador: H. andina Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. castilloi Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. dolichocarinata Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. ecuatoriana Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. longilobus Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. pucallpina Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., and H. rafaelmartinezi Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov. In addition, the male of the Hymenoepimecis kleini Pádua & Sobczak, 2015 is described, new faunistic records for the genus provided, as well as an illustrated identification key to all known species of the genus.

A new species of Machaeriobia Rübsaamen, 1915 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) from Brazil

ABSTRACT A new species of Machaeriobia Rübsaamen, 1915 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Brazil. Machaeriobia Rübsaamen, 1915 is a Neotropical genus, until now known from a single species, M. machaerii (Kieffer, 1913), described from Brazil (State of Santa Catarina). That species induces spherical leaf galls on Machaerium sp. (Fabaceae) and its geographical distribution is still restricted to the type-locality. A new galling species, Machaeriobia gemmae, associated with Machaerium macaense (Fabaceae), is described and illustrated (larva, pupa, male, and female) based on material collected in the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The new species is unique for its one or two-segmented palpi, deeply notched aedeagus, pupa with free dorsal abdominal spines, larva with reduced spatula and two apically sclerotized terminal lobes. We synonymize Anadiplosis Tavares, 1916 under Machaeriobia Rübsaamen, 1915. Six wasp species (Hymenoptera) are associated with the galler: Tanaostigmodes carinatus La Salle 1987 and Tanaostigmodes sp. (Tanaostigmatidae), Galeopsomyia sp. (Eulophidae), Calorylea sp. (Eurytomidae), and two undetermined species of Eurytomidae.

Arctiinae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Arctiinae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

This study describes the composition and distribution of the Arctiinae species (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in Rio de Janeiro, generating the first list of Arctiinae species in the state. We assessed the variations in species composition and the different vegetation types in the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected primarily through surveys of museums and publication lists of species. We also conducted field sampling in March and September 2010. Of the 2,077 records covering 28 municipalities, 679 Arctiinae species were found in Rio de Janeiro state and were divided into two tribes and 220 genera. The location with the highest number of species recorded was Itatiaia, with 362 species, followed by Petrópolis and Angra dos Reis, with 320 and 306 species, respectively. Thirty-four percent (n = 230) of the species recorded were exclusive, i.e., occurred in only one location. The lowest dissimilarity values were observed between neighboring municipalities with the same type of plant formation, such as Petrópolis and Teresópolis (19%) or Itatiaia and Resende (24%). Some municipalities slightly further apart geographically, but with the same type of plant formation, also showed low levels of dissimilarity, for example, Petropolis and Resende (29%). However, most locations showed intermediate dissimilarity values of 40-60%, and in some cases, this figure rose to 96%. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, irrespective of its small geographical size and the predominance of a unique ecosystem, the Atlantic Forest shows a wide variation in relief, which may explain the high beta diversity values. Despite the large number of Arctiinae species recorded in Rio de Janeiro, few species were identified in areas with important forest remnants, such as Guapimirim, Nova Iguaçu, and Campos dos Goitacazes. Some regions of the northwestern part of the state were also subsampled. It is likely that new records of Arctiinae still exist in these locations, further increasing the list of Arctiinae species in Rio de Janeiro.

Arctiinae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a composição e distribuição de espécies de Arctiinae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, gerando a primeira lista de espécies de Arctiinae para o estado. Avaliou-se também a variação na composição de espécies nos municípios e nas diferentes formações vegetais do estado. Os dados foram obtidos através de levantamentos em museus e de publicações de listas de espécies. Foram também realizadas coletas de campo nos meses de março e setembro de 2010. De um total de 2.077 registros, abrangendo 28 municípios, encontrou-se 679 espécies de Arctiinae para o estado do Rio de Janeiro, distribuídas em duas tribos e 220 gêneros. O município com o maior número de espécies foi Itatiaia, com 362 espécies, seguido de Petrópolis e Angra dos Reis, com 320 e 306 espécies, respectivamente. Trinta e quatro por cento (n = 230) das espécies de Arctiinae registradas tiveram distribuição exclusiva, ou seja, ocorreram em apenas uma localidade. Os menores valores de dissimilaridade foram observados entre municípios próximos e localizados sob o mesmo tipo de formação vegetal, como Petrópolis e Teresópolis (19%) ou Itatiaia e Resende (24%). Alguns municípios mais afastados geograficamente, mas ainda localizados sob o mesmo tipo de formação vegetal, apresentaram também baixos valores de dissimilaridade, como Petrópolis e Resende (29%), por exemplo. Entretanto, a maior parte dos municípios apresentou valores intermediários de dissimilaridade, entre 40 e 60%, e em alguns casos esse valor chegou até a 96%. O estado do Rio de Janeiro, mesmo com sua pequena dimensão geográfica e predomínio de um único ecossistema, a Mata Atlântica, apresenta uma grande variação no seu relevo, o que pode explicar alguns valores altos de diversidade beta. Apesar da grande quantidade de espécies de Arctiinae registrada para o estado do Rio de Janeiro, foram identificadas algumas localidades com remanescentes florestais importantes, como Guapimirim, Nova Iguaçu e Campos dos Goitacazes, e também algumas regiões do noroeste do estado ainda subamostradas. É bem provável que nessas localidades sejam encontrados novos registros de Arctiinae, aumentando ainda mais a lista de espécies de Arctiinae do estado do Rio de Janeiro.

A new species of Telenomus Haliday (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) egg parasitoid of Parides ascanius (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), a threatened species from Brazil.

Telenomus parides Loiácono et Margaría sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on specimens reared from the eggs of Parides ascanius (Cramer). Parides ascanius is a threatened papilionid, which is endemic to the restingas of the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new Telenomus species is gregarious endoparasitoid and belongs to the Telenomus californicus species complex.

Evidence of phenotypic plasticity of larvae of Simulium subpallidum Lutz in different streams from the Brazilian Cerrado

In this paper, the overall morphological differences between populations of Simulium subpallidum Lutz, 1909 are studied. Several studies found in the literature point to a relationship between the labral fans and body size and the habitat where blackfly larvae occur. However, other characteristics potentially related to the microhabitat, such as abdominal hook circlet morphology, which is used for larvae to fix themselves in the substratum, and thoracic prolegs morphology, which help larvae move in the substratum, were analyzed in three different populations of S. subpallidum, one of which occupied a faster flow. The results suggest phenotypic plasticity in S. subpallidum and a tendency toward larger structures in faster flows.

Elevation and temporal distributions of Chrysomelidae in southeast Brazil with emphasis on the Galerucinae.

In this study we present an ecological pattern of elevation and temporal variations found in the Chrysomelidae in one of the highest mountains in southeastern Brazil. Monthly surveys using an entomological sweep-net were conducted between April 2011 and June 2012, at five different elevations (800 m, 1000 m, 1750 m, 2200 m and 2450 m). A total of 2318 individuals were collected, belonging to 91 species. The elevation and temporal patterns of distribution of Chrysomelidae were heavily dominated by the Galerucinae. This subfamily had the highest richness and abundance at intermediate altitudes and during the rainy season. Probably the food availability as well as abiotic factors this time of the year favor the development of Galerucinae. Also, most of the more abundant Galerucinae species showed broad elevation ranges but approximately 20% of these species were only collected on the mountaintop sites. We would expect these species to be ones most prone to extinction in a scenario of climate warming or even after local disturbances.

Biology and phenology of three leaf beetle species (Chrysomelidae) in a montane forest in southeast Brazil.

The population phenology of the cassidines, Coptocycla arcuata and Omaspides trichroa, and the chrysomeline, Platyphora axillaris, was studied at Serra dos Órgãos National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Monthly surveys of larvae and adults were conducted between 2008 and 2011 at approximately 1000 m altitude on their respective host plants, Cordia polycephala (Boraginaceae), Ipomoea philomega (Convolvulaceae) and Solanum scuticum (Solanaceae). This is the first observation of larviparity and host record for Platyphora axillaris. Although having different life history traits, all species showed similar phenologies. They were abundant from October to March, months of high temperatures and intense rainfall, with two distinct reproductive peaks in the same season. Abundance dropped abruptly during the coldest and driest months, from May to August. Frequently none of these species were recorded during June and July. This phenological pattern is similar to other Chrysomelidae living in subtropical areas of Brazil. Temperature and rainfall appear to be the major factors influencing the fluctuation of these three species.

New data on Marthiella Buffington (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea, Figitidae), with description of a new species

New data on Marthiella Buffington (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea, Figitidae), with description of a new species. A new species of Marthiella Buffington (Hymenoptera, Figitidae) from Brazil and Nicaragua is described and illustrated. Rhabdeucoela semirufa Kieffer is transferred to Marthiella and a new combination was established: Marthiella semirufa. A key for identifying species of Marthiella is provided in this study.

Diversity and microdistribution of black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) assemblages in the tropical savanna streams of the Brazilian cerrado

We describe the abiotic factors affecting the distribution of black flies at a microhabitat scale, rather than at the regional scale usually present in the literature on the Neotropics. Black fly larvae were sampled from the Tocantins River and three tributaries, located in the Brazilian savanna (state of Tocantins, Brazil) during six bi-monthly sampling periods from October 2004-August 2005. At each sampling site, 15 random quadrats (30 x 30 cm) were sampled each period and for each quadrat were determined mean water velocity, predominant substrate type (rocks, riffle litter or riparian vegetation) and depth detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used to determine associations with current velocity, whereas correspondence analysis (CA) was used to estimate site specific current velocity associations. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to identify general microhabitat associations. The CCA showed that most species had a trend towards riffle litter, except for Simulium nigrimanum associated with rocky substrate and Simulium cuasiexiguum associated with riparian vegetation. The DCA showed a well defined pattern of water velocity associations. The CA revealed that the species showed different speed associations from one site to another, suggesting different competitive pressures resulting in the occurrence of different realized niches.

Diversity and microdistribution of black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) assemblages in the tropical savanna streams of the Brazilian cerrado.

We describe the abiotic factors affecting the distribution of black flies at a microhabitat scale, rather than at the regional scale usually present in the literature on the Neotropics. Black fly larvae were sampled from the Tocantins River and three tributaries, located in the Brazilian savanna (state of Tocantins, Brazil) during six bi-monthly sampling periods from October 2004-August 2005. At each sampling site, 15 random quadrats (30 x 30 cm) were sampled each period and for each quadrat were determined mean water velocity, predominant substrate type (rocks, riffle litter or riparian vegetation) and depth detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used to determine associations with current velocity, whereas correspondence analysis (CA) was used to estimate site specific current velocity associations. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to identify general microhabitat associations. The CCA showed that most species had a trend towards riffle litter, except for Simulium nigrimanum associated with rocky substrate and Simulium cuasiexiguum associated with riparian vegetation. The DCA showed a well defined pattern of water velocity associations. The CA revealed that the species showed different speed associations from one site to another, suggesting different competitive pressures resulting in the occurrence of different realized niches.

Altitudinal and temporal distribution of Plagiometriona Spaeth, 1899 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae) in a tropical forest in southeast Brazil.

Species richness and abundance of seven Plagiometriona species on their host plants were studied along a single trail in the mountainous Serra dos Órgãos National Park in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Six sites were chosen along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 1300 m to 2050 m, where all Solanaceae host plants were inspected in search of adults every two months from June 2006 to June 2007. Species richness did not vary clearly with altitude, but abundance increased up to 1800 m, where the highest mean host plant density was found, and abruptly decreased at the last elevational site. Most species showed a restricted distribution and just one occurred across the entire gradient. For at least four species, altitudinal distribution seems to be strongly related to host plant availability, while for the others it is difficult to access which factors are decisive, due to their low numbers. Only in October all species were found in the field, although February was the month with the highest total abundance. Over the course of the study, the greatest abundances were recorded from October to February, comprehending the hottest and rainiest months, and the lowest abundances were found from June to August, which include the coldest and driest months. Thus, species seasonal distribution, supported by other studies in the same area, seems to be related to the local climate.

Ecologia e variação espacial de Naupactus lar Germar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) no Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba, RJ / Ecology and spatial variation of Naupactus lar Germar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) at the National Park of Restinga de Jurubatiba, State of Rio de Janeiro

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos descrever o padrão de variação espacial na coloração de N. lar no Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba e estudar aspectos da sua ecologia e de seu comportamento. O trabalho foi realizado de fevereiro de 2003 a maio de 2004, em excursões bimestrais a quatro diferentes áreas do parque, vistoriando um total de 120 plantas de Byrsonima sericea, um de seus principais hospedeiros. Foram encontrados quatro tipos de coloração (amarelo, rosa, laranja e branco), sendo que nem todas as formas ocorreram juntas no mesmo local. Quase todos os machos adultos observados em campo apresentaram coloração amarela, com exceção de um indivíduo alaranjado. Já as fêmeas apresentaram todos os padrões de cores citados. Cruzamentos realizados em laboratório demonstraram que indivíduos de diferentes colorações e/ou diferentes áreas copulam normalmente entre si, indicando não haver barreira mecânica ou comportamental que impeça a cópula entre as diferentes formas. Adultos de N. lar ocorreram o ano todo, apresentando as maiores abundâncias entre outubro e fevereiro, e as mais baixas, entre abril e agosto. Tanto a porcentagem de ocupação das plantas, quanto a densidade de indivíduos de N. lar nas plantas acompanharam o padrão de sua flutuação populacional. Assim, parece que N. lar apresenta uma estação reprodutiva por ano, entre os meses de outubro e fevereiro, época coincidente com a estação chuvosa e emissão de ramos novos pela planta de alimentação.

The present work aimed to describe the pattern of spatial variation of N. lar at the National Park of Restinga de Jurubatiba and to study aspects of the species ecology and behavior. Bimonthly surveys were conducted on 120 Byrsonima sericea plants, one of its main hosts, from February 2003 to May 2004, in four different areas of the park. Four color morphs were found (yellow, pink, orange and white), but not all occurred together in the same area. Almost all adult males observed in field were yellow, except for one orange individual. Females, however, showed all cited color morphs. Tests in laboratory showed that individuals of different colors and/or from different sites mated normally among themselves, indicating that there is no mechanical or behavioral barrier preventing copulation among them. Adults of N. lar occurred throughout the year, showing an abundance peak between October and February, and lower numbers between April and August. Both percentage of plant occupation and density of individuals on plants followed the pattern of the populational fluctuation. In this way, it seems that N. lar presents one reproductive season per year, between October and February, period of rainy season and production of new leaves of the food plants.

Gall midge attack intensity and host-plant response in a Neotropical coastal ecosystem / Intensidade do parasitismo de inseto galhador e resposta da planta hospedeira em um ecossistema neotropical costeiro

The gall inducer Clusiamyia nitida Maia, 1996 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) often infests the shrub Clusia lanceolata (Camb.) (Clusiaceae) in the Neotropical vegetation of restinga of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Leaves of Clusia lanceolata host up to 20 spheroid galls and show variation in their shape. We aimed to evaluate the effect of gall's intensity on leaves of Clusia lanceolata, and the extension of gall's impact on adjacent non-galled leaves. We analyzed the effect of the number of galls on leaf area, biomass, specific area and leaf appearance from 509 leaves of 14 individual plants. The results showed that differences of individual plants, pairs of leaves, and gall presence were responsible for more then 90 percent of variation on infested leaves. Variation on parasitic intensity level created differences in leaf response. Under moderate gall attack characterized by scattered galls on a leaf, the increase of the number of galls caused an increase of leaf biomass and area, and a decrease of specific area. The specific area was smaller also under high attack intensity, characterized by coalescent galls on a leaf. In those cases of extremely high parasitic intensity, galled leaves became deformed and the surface area was severely reduced. Leaf deformation due to gall attack led to early leaf abscission, indicated by the 90 percent of deformed leaves found in the youngest leaf pair of the branch. There was insufficient evidence that the impact of galls on leaf morpho-physiological parameters extended beyond the attacked leaves, because ungalled leaves did not change significantly when their opposite leaf had been galled.

O inseto galhador Clusiamyia nitida, 1996 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) freqüentemente infesta o arbusto Clusia lanceolata (Camb.) (Clusiaceae) na vegetação Neotropical de restinga do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. As folhas de Clusia lanceolata hospedam até 20 galhas esferóides e apresentam variações em sua forma. Buscamos avaliar o efeito da intensidade de galhas nas folhas de Clusia lanceolata, e a extensão do impacto de galhas em folhas adjacentes não-galhadas. Analisamos o efeito do número de galhas sobre a área foliar, biomassa, área específica e aparência foliar de 509 folhas de 14 indivíduos. Os resultados indicaram que diferenças individuais entre plantas, nos pares de folhas e na presença de galhas, foram responsáveis por mais de 90 por cento de variação entre folhas infestadas. A variação na intensidade de parasitismo criou diferenças de resposta foliar. Sob ataque moderado, caracterizado pela presença de galhas esparsas nas folhas, o aumento do número de galhas provocou o aumento de biomassa e área foliar e a diminuição da área específica. A área específica também foi menor sob ataque de alta intensidade, caracterizado por galhas unidas. Nos casos de parasitismo extremo, as folhas galhadas tornaram-se deformadas, apresentando a superfície foliar severamente reduzida. A deformação das folhas geradas pela presença de galhas provocou abscisão precoce, indicada pelos 90 por cento de folhas deformadas encontradas apenas nos pares mais jovens de folhas. Não houve evidencias suficientes que indicassem o impacto das galhas em parâmetros morfo-fisiológicos além das folhas atacadas, já que folhas não galhadas não sofreram alterações quando opostas a folhas galhadas.

Local distribution of blackfly (Diptera, Simuliidae) larvae in two adjacent streams: the role of water current velocity in the diversity of blackfly larvae / Distribuição local de larvas de simulídeos (Diptera, Simuliidae) em dois rios adjacentes: O papel da velocidade da correnteza na diversidade de larvas de simulídeos

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of water velocity speed on the local distribution and taxocenosis structure of blackfly larvae. The larvae were collected from two adjacent streams located in the municipality of Angra dos Reis (RJ): Caputera River and one of its tributaries. Riffle litter patches were sampled randomly using a 30 x 30 cm quadrat. Four blackfly species were found: Simulium incrustatum s. l. Lutz, 1910; Simulium (Inaequalium) sp. ; Simulium pertinax s. l. Kollar, 1832 and Simulium subpallidum s. l. Lutz, 1909. Among these species, Simulium pertinax s. l. was clearly associated with higher water current speeds, while Simulium subpallidum s. l. showed association with lower water velocities, and Simulium (Inaequalium) sp. had a relatively constant distribution along the water current gradient.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, nos criadouros de simulídeos, a influência da velocidade da água sobre a ocorrência de suas larvas e estrutura de suas taxocenoses. Para obtenção da amostragem foram utilizados "quadrats" de madeira distribuídos aleatoriamente no rio Caputera e um de seus tributários. Foram encontradas quatro espécies: Simulium incrustatum sl. Lutz, 1910; Simulium (Inaequalium) sp. ; Simulium pertinax sl. Kollar, 1832 e Simulium subpallidum sl. Lutz 1909. S. (Inaequalium) sp. teve uma distribuição quase constante ao longo do gradiente de correnteza. S. pertinax se mostrou fortemente associada às velocidades mais altas de correnteza, enquanto que S. subpallidum se mostrou associado às velocidades mais baixas.

Larvas de insetos associadas a Clusia hilariana Schltdl. (Clusiaceae) na Restinga de Jurubatiba, RJ, Brasil / Insect larvae associated with Clusia hilariana Schltdl. (Clusiaceae) in the Restinga de Jurubatiba, RJ, Brazil

Clusia hilariana é uma das espécies de plantas mais abundantes no Parque Nacional, desempenhando um papel importante na dinâmica sucessional desse ecossistema de restinga. Esse trabalho apresenta a composição e aspectos ecológicos das espécies de larvas de mariposas encontradas em C. hilariana. Em 40 plantas, mensalmente vistoriadas, foram obtidas quatorze espécies de lepidópteros. Chloropaschia granitalis foi a espécie de larva mais abundante alimentando-se nessa espécie de planta.

Clusia hilariana is one of the most abundant plant species in the National Park playing important role at the sucessional dynamic of the restinga ecosystem. This paper presents the composition and ecological aspects of caterpillars species found on C. hilariana. From 40 plants monthy inspected, fourteen species of Lepidoptera were obtained. Chloropaschia granitalis (Pyralidae) was the most abundant species feeding on this plant species.

Insetos fitófagos associados ao murici da praia, Byrsonima sericea (Malpighiaceae), na Restinga de Jurubatiba (RJ) / Phytophagous insects associated with Byrsonima sericea (Malpighiaceae) at Restinga de Jurubatiba (Rio de Janeiro State)

Este trabalho teve como objetivos descrever a composição de espécies de insetos fitófagos associados ao murici da praia, Byrsonima sericea (Malpighiaceae), no Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba (RJ, Brasil) e estudar sua distribuição, sua abundância e alguns aspectos de seu comportamento. Durante 14 meses, de abril de 2003 a maio de 2004, foram vistoriadas bimestralmente 120 plantas, enquanto observações sobre a entomofauna associada a essa planta vêm sendo feitas desde novembro de 2000. Foram encontradas, ao todo, 45 espécies de insetos associadas, sendo 20 de lepidópteros exofíticos, 17 de coleópteros exofíticos, quatro de minadores e quatro de galhadores. Lius sp. (Buprestidae), um besouro minador de folhas, foi a espécie mais abundante e freqüente em B. sericea, seguido pela lagarta Gonioterma indecora (Elachistidae). A comparação entre as lagartas de Lepidoptera associadas a B. sericea na restinga com outras espécies de Byrsonima do cerrado mostrou uma baixa similaridade de insetos destas com B. sericea e uma menor riqueza nesta espécie. Tanto as lagartas de Lepidoptera como os minadores apresentaram seu pico de abundância entre os meses de junho e agosto, precedendo o pico de plantas com folhas novas, enquanto a abundância dos besouros exofíticos aumentou simultaneamente ao brotamento de folhas novas. São discutidas as possíveis causas para os padrões de distribuição temporal observados, bem como descrições de aspectos ecológicos das principais espécies identificadas associadas a B. sericea.

This work aimed to investigate the composition, abundance and some behavioral aspects of phytophagous species associated with "murici da praia", Byrsonima sericea (Malpighiaceae), in the National Park of Restinga de Jurubatiba, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. During 14 months, from April 2003 to May 2004, bimonthly surveys were conducted on 120 plants, while observations on B. sericea insects were made since November 2000. An overall of 45 associated insect species were found, being 20 exophytic lepidopteran caterpillars, 17 exophytic Coleoptera, four leaf miners and four galling species. Lius sp. (Buprestidae), a leaf miner beetle, was the most abundant and frequent species, followed by the caterpillar Gonioterma indecora (Elachistidae). A comparison between lepidopteran caterpillars on B. sericea in the restinga and other Byrsonima species of the cerrado vegetation showed low insect similarities between these and B. sericea, which also had the lowest species richness. Both caterpillars and leaf miners abundance peaked between June and August, prior to the leaf flush, while the abundance of exophytic Coleoptera immatures increased simultaneously with leaf production. Possible explanations for the temporal distribution patterns of insects on B. sericea are discussed and a brief description of the ecological aspects is given for the main identified phytophagous insect species.

New gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with two species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae)

Jorgenseniella eugeniae, gen. nov., sp. nov. e Dasineura marginalis, sp. nov. são descritos com base em material obtido de galhas foliares em Eugenia umbelliflora e E. rotundifolia (Myrtaceae). Ilustracões dos adultos, fases imaturas e galhas são fornecidas. Trotteria sp. (inquilino) e Lestodiplosis sp. (predador) estão associados com as espécies galhadoras. Aspectos ecológicos das galhas e das espécies de cecidógenos são também apresentados.

Inspection and evaluation of host plant by the butterfly Mechanitis lysimnia (Nymph., Ithomiinae) before laying eggs: a mechanism to reduce intraspecific competition.

Females of Mechanitis lysimnia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) show a characteristic searching, inspecting and evaluating behavior on their Solanum host plants. The average egg-clutch size for this butterfly varied with the host species of Solanum. There was a positive relationship between the egg-clutch size of M. lysimnia and the number of leaves, indicating an adjustment between the reproductive effort of the insect and the amount of food available to its offspring. Field experiments showed that butterflies were able to recognize conspecific egg-clusters by visual cues and preferred to lay eggs on egg-free host plants. On large plants that received two or more egg-clusters, later clutches contained fewer eggs than the first one. The butterflies seem to evaluate the amount of food by inspecting the quantity of leaves and by checking for presence or absence of eggs and, possibly, caterpillars before deciding if and how many eggs to lay. These behavioral mechanisms should be important in reducing direct intraspecific competition for the five rare, small and ephemeral host plant species used by this insect.