Characterization of intrapuparial development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), under different temperatures in laboratory conditions.

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae), popularly known as "housefly", is a highly synanthropic species, with economic, medical-sanitary, veterinary, and forensic importance. It is able to cause damage to health, transmit pathogenic agents, cause infection in domestic animals, and, in its immature stage, cause secondary myiasis. The scavenging habit of its immature stages makes these flies pioneers in colonizing both human and animal carcasses, from the initial stages of corpse decomposition to the final stages. Intrapuparial development studies of all stages of the biological cycle of these insects help estimate pupal age, being useful to forensic entomology to aid in determining the minimum postmortem interval (minPMI). This study describes, morphologically, the external structures of the pupae, under temperatures of 23, 27, and 30 ±â€…1 °C aiming to identify the characteristics that define their developmental stages and estimation of the pupae age of M. domestica. The whole experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions, with relative humidity 60 ±â€…10% and 12 hours of photoperiod. The process of pupariation and pupation including pre-pupae phases were observed; larvae pupae apolysis; early cryptocephalic pupae; late cryptocephalic pupae; phanerocephalic pupae; pharate adult, discriminated by eye color (transparent eyes, pink eyes, and red eyes); and the emergency of adults, which occurred in the intervals of 162-180; 138-144, and 96-102 hr, respectively, being described throughout the metamorphosis of the external morphological characteristics of the pupal stage of M. domestica.

Interaction of Bephratelloides cubensis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) with Annona macroprophyllata fruits in orchards of Chiapas, Mexico / Interacción de Bephratelloides cubensis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) con frutos de Annona macroprophyllata en huertos de Chiapas, México

Introduction: Annona macroprophyllata Donn. Smith. (Annonaceae) (syn. Annona diversifolia Saff.) is a valued fruit tree species known as papausa. In Mexico and Central America, this fruit has become an important crop because of its tasty flavor and high pulp content. Its fruits are frequently damaged by the incidence of wasps of the genus Bephratelloides Girault (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), which develop inside the seeds. Objective: To report the interaction of Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead during its life cycle in fruits of A. macroprophyllata. Methods: We periodically collected fruits in different states of growth recording a) oviposition, b) the moment of evident infection, c) the development of the wasps inside the seeds, and d) their emergence as adults. We also determined the proportion of damaged fruits and seeds. Results: The data indicate that wasps preferred to oviposit on fruits with a diameter of less than 8 cm, oviposition was more frequent between 11:00 am and 03:00 pm., and there was 26 % infestation of fruits, and 9 % of seeds. Conclusion: It is an obligatory interaction for the wasp, the highest proportion of attack on fruits was in the early stages of fruit development and control actions should focus on the protection of these early stages.

Introducción: Annona macroprophyllata Donn. Smith. (Annonaceae) es una especie de árbol frutal, conocida como papausa. En México y América Central, esta fruta se ha convertido en un cultivo importante y valorado debido a su delicioso sabor y la cremosa textura de su pulpa. Sus frutos son frecuentemente dañados por la incidencia de avispas del género Bephratelloides Girault (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), que se desarrollan dentro de las semillas. Objetivo: Describir la interacción de Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead durante su ciclo de vida en frutos de A. macroprophyllata. Método: Recolectamos frutos en diferentes estados de crecimiento registrando a) la ovoposición, b) el momento de la infección evidente, c) el desarrollo de las avispas dentro de las semillas, y d) su emergencia como adultos. También determinamos la proporción de frutas y semillas dañadas. Resultados: Los datos indican que las avispas preferían ovipositar en frutas con un diámetro de menos de 8 cm, la oviposición era más frecuente entre las 11:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m., y que había un 26 % de la infestación en las frutas y un 9 % en semillas. Conclusión: Es una interacción obligada para la avispa y la mayor proporción de ataque a los frutos fue en las etapas tempranas de desarrollo de frutos y las acciones de control se deberían enfocar a la protección de estas etapas.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) / Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): primeiro relato de parasitismo em Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Abstract The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

Resumo A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Entomología forense: el ciclo de vida de la mosca verde phaenicia eximia (Wiedemann) (diptera: calliphoridae), como herramienta para estimar el intervalo post-mortem / Forensic entomology: the life cycle of the green fly phaenicia eximia (Wiedemann) (diptera: calliphoridae) as a tool to estimate the post-mortem interval

Se estudió el ciclo de vida de la mosca verde Phaenicia eximia (Wiedemann) en condiciones controladas de laboratorio a 26 o C, con una humedad relativa de 75% y un período de iluminación de 12 h de luz y 12 h de oscuridad. El tiempo promedio de desarrollo estimado desde la oviposición hasta la salida de los adultos fue de 306 h (una media de casi 13 días). Bajo estas condiciones de temperatura y humedad, los huevos duran cerca de 19 h (0.8 días), las larvas duran unas 170 h (7.1 días) y las pupas unas 116 h (4.8 días). En los meses secos y fríos de noviembre y diciembre en condiciones naturales, el ciclo de vida empírico fue de 25 días, implicando que las bajas temperaturas ralentizan el crecimiento y las altas lo aceleran. Se discute acerca de la importancia del ciclo de vida en la estimación del intervalo post-mortem en casos de muertes violentas en Guatemala.

Under controlled laboratory conditions, at 26 o C 75% relative humidity and a light/darkness cycle of 12/12 hours, the life cycle of the green bottle fly Phaenicia eximia (Wiedemann) was studied. The estimated average time from oviposition to the emergence of adults was 306 h (an average of almost 13 days). The eggs stadium is 19 h (0.8 d), the larval stage is completed in 170 h (7.1 d) and the pupal stage is completed in 116 h (4.8 d). Under natural conditions, in the dry and cold months of November and December, the observed life cycle was 25 days, implying that the growth is slow at lower temperatures and faster at higher temperatures. The importance of the life cycle in the estimation of post-mortem interval in cases of violent deaths in Guatemala is discussed.

The single water-surface sweep estimation method accurately estimates very low (n = 4) to low-moderate (n = 25-100) and high (n > 100) Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) pupae numbers in large water containers up to 13 times faster than the exhaustive sweep and total count method and without any sediment contamination.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm that a single water-surface sweep-net collection coupled with three calibration factors (2.6, 3.0 and 3.5 for 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 water levels, respectively) (WSCF) could accurately estimate very low to high Aedes aegypti pupae numbers in water containers more rapidly than the exhaustive 5-sweep and total count (ESTC) method recommended by WHO. METHODS: Both methods were compared in semi-field trials using low (n = 25) to moderate (n = 50-100) pupae numbers in a 250-l drum at 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 water levels, and by their mean-time determinations using 200 pupae in three 220- to 1024-l water containers at these water levels. Accuracy was further assessed using 69.1% (393/569) of the field-based drums and tanks which contained <100 pupae. RESULTS: The WSCF method accurately estimated total populations in the semi-field trials up to 13.0 times faster than the ESTC method (all P < 0.001); no significant differences (all P-values ≥ 0.05) were obtained between the methods for very low (n = 4) to low-moderate (n = 25-100) and high (n > 100) pupae numbers/container and without sediment disturbance. CONCLUSION: The simple WSCF method sensitively, accurately and robustly estimated total pupae numbers in their principal breeding sites worldwide, containers with >20 l water volumes, significantly (2.7- to 13.0-fold: all P-values <0.001) faster than the ESTC method for very low to high pupae numbers/container without contaminating the clean water by sediment disturbance which is generated using the WHO-recommended ESTC method. The WSCF method seems ideal for global community-based surveillance and control programmes.

Clave para la determinación de exuvias pupales de los quironómidos (Diptera: Chironomidae) de ríos altoandinos tropicales / Key to chironomid pupal exuviae (Diptera: Chironomidae) of tropical high Andean streams

. The Chironomidae is a cosmopolitan family of Nematoceran flies with more than 20 000 species described. However the diversity of genera and species of the family in the Andean region beyond the 2 000m.a.s.l are scarcely known. We conducted faunal surveys and biomonitoring research in different streams of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru from May 2005 to October 2011. Based on specimens collections, and a taxonomic key was developed to identify pupae and pupal exuviae of 46 genera of midges (Diptera, Chironomidae) collected from streams at high altitude areas on the Andean tropical mountains. We included illustrations and brief taxonomic descriptions for all genera, of which several ones have not yet been formally described; in this latter case we used the nomenclature of Roback & Coffman (1983). For two genera, Cricotopus and Genus 1, keys to the most common morphospecies were provided. Results showed that in this area the chironomid assemblages are dominated by the members of the subfamily Orthocladiinae (22 genera) followed by the Chironominae (13). Six genera of Tanypodinae were identified, while only three and two genera were present from subfamilies Podonominae and Diamesinae. This key may be very useful for both studies about drift in streams, and for biomonitoring purposes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1385-1406. Epub 2014 December 01.

Chironomidae es una familia cosmopolita de dípteros nematóceros que comprende más de 20 000 especies descritas. Sin embargo, la diversidad de géneros y especies presentes en la región andina del Neotrópico es poco conocida. Por tal motivo se desarrolló una clave taxonómica para identificar las pupas y exuvias pupales de 46 géneros de la familia Chironomidae presentes en ríos de alta montaña ubicados en la cordillera de los Andes por encima de los 2 000msnm. Se utilizó material de colección obtenido de levantamientos faunísticos y estudios de biomonitoreo en diferentes ríos y quebradas de Colombia, Ecuador y Perú. La clave incluye ilustraciones y breves descripciones taxonómicas de todos los géneros incluyendo algunos que aún no han sido descritos formalmente. Para estos últimos se siguió la nomenclatura usada por Roback & Coffman (1983). Para los géneros Cricotopus y Género 1 se incluyen claves para la determinación de las morfoespecies más comunes. En el ensamblaje de quironómidos de la región altoandina domina la subfamilia Orthocladiinae (22 géneros) seguida por Chironominae (13 géneros), patrón que contrasta con la dominancia de Chironominae en las zonas de menor altura de la región Neotropical. Se encontraron seis géneros pertenecientes a la subfamilia Tanypodinae, mientras que para Podonominae y Diamesinae estuvieron presentes tres y dos géneros respectivamente. Esta clave podría llegar a ser muy útil en estudios de la deriva y programas de biomonitoreo de los ríos altoandinos neotropicales.

Eficacia y actividad residual del regulador de crecimiento pyriproxyfen sobre larvas de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) en condiciones de laboratorio / Efficacy and residual activity of insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen on larvae of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory conditions

Pyriproxyfen es un análogo sintético de la hormona juvenil ampliamente usado para el control de mos quitos. Esta investigación describe bioensayos realizados en condiciones de laboratorio con una formulación granulada del producto, utilizando larvas del IV instar de aedes aegypti. Este producto (Sumilarv G-0,5%) fue formulado en Brasil, con 0,5 % del ingrediente activo (Pyriproxyfen: S-31183). El objetivo fue determinar la eficacia del producto y evaluar su acción residual a tres concentraciones (0,002; 0,01 y 0,05 ppm) sobre larvas de Ae. aegypti. Para tal fin, se realizaron seis ensayos sucesivos: El ensayo inicial (semana 0) y después a 1, 2, 4, 6 y 8 semanas post-tratamiento al agua. Según los resultados obtenidos, la actividad residual del producto con la concentración de 0,05 ppm, fue bastante satisfactoria durante 8 semanas (60 días) post-tratamiento, obteniéndose valores del porcentaje de Inhibición de la Emergencia (% IE) de 77%. Sin embargo, tanto a 0,002 ppm como a 0,01 ppm, su eficacia disminuyó considerablemente a partir de la primera y segunda semana post-tratamiento. La mortalidad en la fase de pupa fue mucho mayor que la mortalidad larval a todas las concentraciones probadas. Asimismo, en otro experimento se evaluó el efecto del aumento de la densidad de larvas expuestas, sobre la eficacia del producto a la misma concentración de 0,05 ppm. La densidad larvaria no afectó la eficacia del producto; ya que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre tratamientos o densidades probadas. El análisis estadístico no reveló ninguna relación significativa entre densidad larvaria y mortalidad de pupas o inhibición de la emergencia de adultos de Ae. aegypti. Según lo cual, se concluye que al aumentar progresivamente la cantidad de larvas a tratar, no disminuye la mortalidad de pupas, ni la inhibición de emergencia de adultos, por lo que no se afecta negativamente la eficacia del producto.

Pyriproxyfen is a synthetic juvenile hormone analogue and it has been widely used in mosquito control. This re search paper describes experiments or trials carried out under laboratory conditions with a granular formulation of pyriproxyfen (Sumilarv -G 0.5% in granules), using IV instars larvae of Aedes aegypti. This is a granular formulation of pyriproxyfen with 0.5% of active ingredient. The efficacy and residual activity of pyriproxyfen were evaluated on larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti using three final concentrations: 0.002, 0.01 and 0.05 ppm; at (initial day = week 0) and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment (post-treatment). According to the results, the efficacy of pyriproxyfen was very satisfactory during 8 weeks (60 days) post-treatment, using 0.05 ppm of pyriproxyfen with 77% (% IE). It was observed that mortality in the pupa stage was higher than larvae mortality for all three concentrations. However, the percentage of IE in treated water diminished after the initial week (week 0) to 56.7 % (0.002 ppm) and after first week to 98.8 % (0.01ppm). The other aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of pyriproxyfen at 0.05 ppm, in relation to the larval density of Aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions. Five larval densities: 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 larvae, were evaluated at 0.05 ppm. The statistical analysis not revealed significant differences between these densities, and did not reveal a relationship between the mosquito larval density and pupae mortality of Ae. aegypti. Whereby, it is concluded that by progressively increasing the number of larvae treated, mortality of pupae or adult emergence inhibition do not decrease, therefore it does not adversely affect the product performance.

New occurrence of Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu, 1942 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) as a parasitoid of Spodoptera cosmioides Walker, 1858 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil / Novo registro de Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu, 1942 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), como parasitóide de Spodoptera cosmioides Walker, 1858 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) no Brasil

Spodoptera cosmioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) é uma espécie polífaga e alimenta-se de grande número de plantas cultivadas e espontâneas. No Brasil, as culturas do abacaxi, algodoeiro, arroz, berinjela, cebola, eucalipto, pimentão e tomateiro, entre outras hortaliças, são consideradas hospedeiras da praga. Entretanto, apesar da ampla gama de hospedeiros, sua ocorrência como praga é relatada relacionada a desequilíbrios provocados pelo uso excessivo de inseticidas de amplo espectro, o que vem causando a resistência da praga a inseticidas. Devido a essa complexidade, métodos alternativos de controle têm sido propostos, por exemplo, o controle biológico através da utilização de parasitóides. Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenptera: Eulophidae) é um parasitóide gregário pupal preferencialmente de espécies da ordem Lepidoptera. Este é o primeiro relato de T. diatraeae parasitando pupas de S. cosmioides, parasitóide que oferece novas perspectivas para os programas de controle biológico.

Spodoptera cosmioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous species and feeds on many wild and cultivated plants. In Brazil, the crops of pineapple, cotton, rice, eggplant, onions, eucalyptus, bell pepper and tomato, among other vegetables, are considered to be host of the pest. However, despite the wide host range, its occurrence as a pest is reported related to imbalances caused by excessive use of broad-spectrum insecticides, which is causing pest resistance to insecticides. Because of this complexity, alternative control methods have been proposed, for example, biological control using parasitoids. Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious pupal parasitoid species, preferably from the order Lepidoptera. This is the first report of T. diatraeae parasitizing pupae of S. cosmioides, parasitoid offers new prospects for biological control programs.

Las representaciones de los artrópodos en la arqueología colombiana / Arthropodod representations in colombian archaelogy

Diferentes tipos de artrópodos (miriápodos, crustáceos, insectos, arácnidos) y estadios del desarrollo de los insectos (pupas, larvas, adultos) fueron representados en diferentes materiales como cerámica, piedra y oro, a manera de expresión del conocimiento que los pueblos indígenas tenían y tienen sobre estos animales, y por la asociación que hicieron y hacen de sus características y conductas con la vida y la sociedad humana.

Different types of arthropods (i.e: myriapods, crustaceous, insects, arachnida) and insect development forms (pupas, larvae, adults) were displayed on various materials including ceramics, stone and gold as an expression of indigenous people ancient and present ideology on these animals and due to metaphors between their characteristics and behavior and life and human society.

Progênie de Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitando pupas de Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) de diferentes idades / Progeny of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitising pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) of different ages

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle é um parasitóide pupal natural de pupas de lepidópteros desfolhadores de eucalipto e é considerado um promissor agente de controle biológico. No entanto, o desenvolvimento de técnicas de criação eficientes desse inimigo natural é inicialmente necessário para que ele possa ser utilizado em programas de controle biológico. Pupas de Bombyx mori L. são hospedeiras alternativas em potencial para criação massal de P. elaeisis. Por isto, nós avaliamos a idade mais suscetível do hospedeiro e os efeitos da idade do parasitóide na produção de progênie de P. elaeisis. Pupas de B. mori com 24, 48, 72 ou 96h de idade foram expostas a fêmeas de P. elaeisis de mesmas idades. A duração do ciclo de vida (ovo-adulto) de P. elaeisis não foi afetada pela idade das fêmeas, entretanto, a idade do hospedeiro afetou o desenvolvimento do parasitóide. O melhor parasitismo foi obtido com fêmeas do parasitóide com 72h a 96h e pupas de B. mori com 48h a 72h de idade, que permitiram a elevação da progênie de P. elaeisis.

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle is a natural pupal parasitoid of eucalyptus defoliator lepidopterans and is considered a promising biocontrol agent. However, the development of efficient rearing techniques for this natural enemy are first required before it can be used in biocontrol programs. Bombyx mori L. pupae are potential alternative hosts for this parasitoid mass rearing, and they are easy to rear. Therefore, we investigated the most suitable host age and the effects of parasitoid age on progeny production of P. elaeisis. B. mori pupae, 24h-, 48h-, 72h- or 96h-old were exposed to P. elaeisis females of similar age. The duration of the life cycle (egg-adult) of P. elaeisis was not affected by the age of the parasitizing female; however, the host age affected parasitoid development. The best parasitization was obtained for 72h- to 96h-old parasitoid females when offered to 48h- to 72h-old host pupae, allowing the synchronized rearing of a large number of P. elaeisis offspring.

Population Parameters of Spalangia endius Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on Pupae of Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) / Parámetros Poblacionales de Spalangia endius Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) Sobre Pupas de Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Se determinó el incremento poblacional potencial del parasitoide Spalangia endius Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) sobre pupas de Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) en condiciones de laboratorio, en oscuridad a 27°C y 50 ± 10 por ciento HR. Se colocaron individualmente 30 hembras con menos de 12h de emergidas sobre 15 pupas de Musca domestica L de menos de 24h de edad, renovándolas diariamente. La supervivencia preimaginal fue del 90,3 por ciento. La longevidad de los adultos fue estimada en 8,3 días en promedio con una tasa neta de reproducción de 24,549; tasa intrínseca de crecimiento natural de 0,119; tasa finita de crecimiento de 1,126; tiempo generacional medio de 28,162 días y tiempo de duplicación de 5,849 días. Estos valores de los parámetros indican el alto potencial de S. endius comparadas con otras especies congenéricas.

The potential increase of the parasitoid Spalangia endius Walker was determined under laboratory conditions at 27°C, 50 ± 10 percent RH. and 24h darkness. Thirty <12h-old females of the parasitoid were individualized with 15 Musca domestica L. pupae <24h old. Survival of S. endius immature was 90.3 percent. Adult females mean longevity was estimated in 8.3 days with a net rate of reproduction of 24.549; intrinsic rate of natural increase of 0.119; finite rate of increase of 1.126; mean generation time of 28.162 days; and duplication time of 5.849 days. These values indicate the high potential of S. endius as a parasitoid of M. domestica, as compared to other congeneric species.