Evaluation of the insecticidal activity of Solanum mammosum (L) fruit extract against Drosophila melanogaster

Solanum mammosum (L.) is known as a poisonous plant and has been extensively used for anti-cancer, antifungal, antibacterial properties. However, the effectiveness of Solanum mammosum against insects has not been fully reported yet. To assess the ability of Solanum mammosum fruit extract against insects, we used fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model. In this study, our results showed that phytochemicals and many secondary metabolites were present in Solanum mammosum fruit extracts such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, steroidstriterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content were also determined to be 275±1.89 mg GAE/g extract and 676±5.14 mg QE/g extract, respectively. Besides, Solanum mammosum fruit extract caused lethal to 2nd instar, reduced a pupae formation rate of Drosophila larvae. Interestingly, Solanum mammosum extract is more effective in the suppression of pupae eclosion than Ascend as a commercial pesticide. These phenomena might be associated with reduced accumulation of energy, including carbohydrates, lipids, and protein. In addition, the activities of esterases and phosphatases were inhibited in Drosophila by the intake of Solanum mammosum. The study concluded that Solanum mammosum has great potential as an insecticidal agent.

Toxic effects of Drimia maritima (Asparagaceae) ethanolic extracts on the mortality, development, sexual behaviour and oviposition behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Drimia maritima is a toxic Mediterranean plant and is considered a commercially important drug by its medicinal values and pharmacological properties. In this work, we seek to evaluate the direct and delayed effects of the ethanol extracts of this plant on vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster), an excellent laboratory model. The treatment was carried out by ingestion on second-stage larvae (L2) and then we evaluated the impact of this treatment on mortality, development, sexual behaviour, on female's oviposition choice, fecundity, and fertility of adults. The results showed that mortality rates can reach 100% after 15 days of treatment as we recorded an acceleration of the flies' development. After treatment, we observed incomplete nuptial courtship and a significant decrease in eggs laid number and larvae number of the first generation treated. This study indicates that D. maritima ethanolic extract has a neurotoxic property, our results confirmed the presence of toxic secondary metabolites in the extract studied.(AU)

Toxic effects of Drimia maritima (Asparagaceae) ethanolic extracts on the mortality, development, sexual behaviour and oviposition behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Drimia maritima is a toxic Mediterranean plant and is considered a commercially important drug by its medicinal values and pharmacological properties. In this work, we seek to evaluate the direct and delayed effects of the ethanol extracts of this plant on vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster), an excellent laboratory model. The treatment was carried out by ingestion on second-stage larvae (L2) and then we evaluated the impact of this treatment on mortality, development, sexual behaviour, on female's oviposition choice, fecundity, and fertility of adults. The results showed that mortality rates can reach 100% after 15 days of treatment as we recorded an acceleration of the flies' development. After treatment, we observed incomplete nuptial courtship and a significant decrease in eggs laid number and larvae number of the first generation treated. This study indicates that D. maritima ethanolic extract has a neurotoxic property, our results confirmed the presence of toxic secondary metabolites in the extract studied.

Cinco especies nuevas de Drosophila (Diptera, Drosophilidae) relacionadas con Araceae

RESUMEN Drosophila anthurium sp. nov., Drosophila tsachila sp. nov., Drosophila guajalito sp. nov., Drosophila deloscolorados sp. nov. y Drosophila cartucho sp. nov. fueron capturadas en inflorescencias de la familia Araceae entre los 1800 y 2200 m de altitud en la Estación Científica Río Guajalito, provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. Las especies nuevas presentan surestilo y edeago largo, y apodema del edeago muy corto. Los análisis de la morfología externa y de la terminalia masculina indican que las cinco especies nuevas no pertenecen a ninguno de los grupos de Drosophila asociados a flores.

ABSTRACT Drosophila anthurium sp. nov., Drosophila tsachila sp. nov., Drosophila guajalito sp. nov., Drosophila deloscolorados sp. nov. and Drosophila cartucho sp. nov. were captured in inflorescences of the family Araceae between 1800 and 2200 m of altitude in the Scientific Station Rio Guajalito, province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. The new species present surstylus and aedeagus elongated, and aedeagal apodeme very short. Analysis of external morphology and male terminalia indicate that the five new species do not belong to any of the Drosophila groups associated with flowers.

Cinco especies nuevas de Drosophila (Diptera, Drosophilidae) relacionadas con Araceae / Five new species of Drosophila (Diptera, Drosophilidae) related with Araceae

Drosophila anthurium sp. nov., Drosophila tsachila sp. nov., Drosophila guajalito sp. nov., Drosophila deloscolorados sp. nov. y Drosophila cartucho sp. nov. fueron capturadas en inflorescencias de la familia Araceae entre los 1800 y 2200 m de altitud en la Estación Científica Río Guajalito, provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. Las especies nuevas presentan surestilo y edeago largo, y apodema del edeago muy corto. Los análisis de la morfología externa y de la terminalia masculina indican que las cinco especies nuevas no pertenecen a ninguno de los grupos de Drosophila asociados a flores.(AU)

Drosophila anthurium sp. nov., Drosophila tsachila sp. nov., Drosophila guajalito sp. nov., Drosophila deloscolorados sp. nov. and Drosophila cartucho sp. nov. were captured in inflorescences of the family Araceae between 1800 and 2200 m of altitude in the Scientific Station Rio Guajalito, province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. The new species present surstylus and aedeagus elongated, and aedeagal apodeme very short. Analysis of external morphology and male terminalia indicate that the five new species do not belong to any of the Drosophila groups associated with flowers.(AU)

Cinco especies nuevas de Drosophila (Diptera, Drosophilidae) relacionadas con Araceae / Five new species of Drosophila (Diptera, Drosophilidae) related with Araceae

Drosophila anthurium sp. nov., Drosophila tsachila sp. nov., Drosophila guajalito sp. nov., Drosophila deloscolorados sp. nov. y Drosophila cartucho sp. nov. fueron capturadas en inflorescencias de la familia Araceae entre los 1800 y 2200 m de altitud en la Estación Científica Río Guajalito, provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. Las especies nuevas presentan surestilo y edeago largo, y apodema del edeago muy corto. Los análisis de la morfología externa y de la terminalia masculina indican que las cinco especies nuevas no pertenecen a ninguno de los grupos de Drosophila asociados a flores.

Drosophila anthurium sp. nov., Drosophila tsachila sp. nov., Drosophila guajalito sp. nov., Drosophila deloscolorados sp. nov. and Drosophila cartucho sp. nov. were captured in inflorescences of the family Araceae between 1800 and 2200 m of altitude in the Scientific Station Rio Guajalito, province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. The new species present surstylus and aedeagus elongated, and aedeagal apodeme very short. Analysis of external morphology and male terminalia indicate that the five new species do not belong to any of the Drosophila groups associated with flowers.

Infestation index of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in small fruit in southern Brazil / Índice de infestação de Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) em pequenas frutas no sul do Brasil

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is considered the main insect pest of small fruit in the world. Identifying susceptible hosts is essential to develop management strategies. The aim of this study was to verify the level of D. suzukii infestation in blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, cattley guava and Surinam cherry fruits cultivated in the southern region in Brazil, and to determine the infestation index (II) per fruit. The studies were carried out during two harvests (2015/16 and 2016/17) in three areas with organic cultivation of small fruit. The highest level of D. suzukii natural infestation was observed in blackberry (40 to 65% infestation), and strawberry (approximately 30% infestation) fruits. In contrast, blueberries were less preferred (< 7% infestation). For native fruit of the region (cattley guava and Surinam cherry), it was also verified infestation of the fly, demonstrating they are hosts for multiplication in the off-season periods of the other crops. In relation to II, blackberry and Surinam cherry provided a higher average number of insects per gram of fruit (≈ 1.6 adults of D. suzukii). In contrast, blueberries and cattley guava had the lowest insect ratio per gram of fruit (≈ 0.7 adults per gram). The period between late spring to mid-autumn was considered ideal for the pest occurrence in the field. The knowledge of natural infestation levels is essential for understanding the behavior of the pest in the field, which will assist in the design of management strategies.(AU)

A drosófila-da-asa-manchada, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, é considerada o principal inseto-praga de pequenos frutos no mundo. A identificação de hospedeiros suscetíveis é essencial para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o nível de infestação de D. suzukii em frutos de amoreira-preta, mirtileiro, morangueiro, araçazeiro e pitangueira cultivados na região no sul do Brasil e determinar os índices de infestação (II) por fruto. Os estudos foram realizados durante duas safras (2015/16 e 2016/17) em três áreas com cultivo orgânico de pequenas frutas. O maior nível de infestação natural de D. suzukii foi observado em amora-preta (40 a 65% de infestação) e morango (aproximadamente 30% de infestação). Em contraste, o mirtilo foi menos preferido (< 7% de infestação). Para as frutas nativas da região (araçá e pitanga), também ocorreu infestação da mosca, demonstrando serem hospedeiros potenciais para a multiplicação da praga nos períodos de entressafras. Em relação ao II, amoras e pitangas proporcionaram um maior número médio de insetos por grama de fruto (≈ 1,6 adultos de D. suzukii). Por outro lado, mirtilos e araçás apresentaram a menor relação de insetos emergidos por gramas de frutos (≈ 0,7 adultos por grama). O período entre final da primavera até meados do outono foi considerado ideal para a ocorrência da praga no campo. O conhecimento dos níveis de infestação natural é fundamental para o entendimento do comportamento da praga no campo, o que auxiliará no delineamento de estratégias de manejo.(AU)

Infestation index of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in small fruit in southern Brazil / Índice de infestação de Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) em pequenas frutas no sul do Brasil

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is considered the main insect pest of small fruit in the world. Identifying susceptible hosts is essential to develop management strategies. The aim of this study was to verify the level of D. suzukii infestation in blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, cattley guava and Surinam cherry fruits cultivated in the southern region in Brazil, and to determine the infestation index (II) per fruit. The studies were carried out during two harvests (2015/16 and 2016/17) in three areas with organic cultivation of small fruit. The highest level of D. suzukii natural infestation was observed in blackberry (40 to 65% infestation), and strawberry (approximately 30% infestation) fruits. In contrast, blueberries were less preferred (< 7% infestation). For native fruit of the region (cattley guava and Surinam cherry), it was also verified infestation of the fly, demonstrating they are hosts for multiplication in the off-season periods of the other crops. In relation to II, blackberry and Surinam cherry provided a higher average number of insects per gram of fruit (≈ 1.6 adults of D. suzukii). In contrast, blueberries and cattley guava had the lowest insect ratio per gram of fruit (≈ 0.7 adults per gram). The period between late spring to mid-autumn was considered ideal for the pest occurrence in the field. The knowledge of natural infestation levels is essential for understanding the behavior of the pest in the field, which will assist in the design of management strategies.(AU)

A drosófila-da-asa-manchada, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, é considerada o principal inseto-praga de pequenos frutos no mundo. A identificação de hospedeiros suscetíveis é essencial para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o nível de infestação de D. suzukii em frutos de amoreira-preta, mirtileiro, morangueiro, araçazeiro e pitangueira cultivados na região no sul do Brasil e determinar os índices de infestação (II) por fruto. Os estudos foram realizados durante duas safras (2015/16 e 2016/17) em três áreas com cultivo orgânico de pequenas frutas. O maior nível de infestação natural de D. suzukii foi observado em amora-preta (40 a 65% de infestação) e morango (aproximadamente 30% de infestação). Em contraste, o mirtilo foi menos preferido (< 7% de infestação). Para as frutas nativas da região (araçá e pitanga), também ocorreu infestação da mosca, demonstrando serem hospedeiros potenciais para a multiplicação da praga nos períodos de entressafras. Em relação ao II, amoras e pitangas proporcionaram um maior número médio de insetos por grama de fruto (≈ 1,6 adultos de D. suzukii). Por outro lado, mirtilos e araçás apresentaram a menor relação de insetos emergidos por gramas de frutos (≈ 0,7 adultos por grama). O período entre final da primavera até meados do outono foi considerado ideal para a ocorrência da praga no campo. O conhecimento dos níveis de infestação natural é fundamental para o entendimento do comportamento da praga no campo, o que auxiliará no delineamento de estratégias de manejo.(AU)

No fitness costs are induced by Spiroplasma infections of Aphis citricidus reared on two different host plants / Custo adaptativo induzido por Spiroplasma em Aphis citricidus em duas plantas hospedeiras

Aphids can harbor several secondary symbionts that alter important aphid-related ecological traits, such as defense against natural enemies, heat tolerance and host plant utilization. One of these secondary symbionts, Spiroplasma, is well known in Drosophila as a sex modulator and by interacting with the host immune system. However, little is known on the effects of Spiroplasma on aphids, such as its influence on the host immune defense against fungi and on host plant utilization. Aphid infections by Spiroplasma are known to be low and few aphid species were reported to be infected with this secondary symbiont, however aphids belonging to the genus Aphis in neotropical regions show high infection rates by Spiroplasma. Thus, we investigated the association of Spiroplasma with the tropical aphid Aphis citricidus through comparative biology experiments on two host plants with different nutritional value to the aphid. We demonstrate Spiroplasma induced no significant fitness costs to A. citricidus on either host plant as no changes in the fitness traits we assessed were observed. Spiroplasma infection only induced sutle changes on host longevity and fecundity. Therefore, we concluded Spiroplasma established a neutral interaction with A. citricidus under the selection pressure we tested, and argue on stress conditions that could better demonstrate the role of Spiroplasma in A. citricidus bioecology and associated costs involved.(AU)

Pulgões podem abrigar vários simbiontes secundários que alteram características ecológicas importantes, como defesa contra inimigos naturais, tolerância ao calor e utilização da planta hospedeira. Um desses simbiontes secundários, Spiroplasma, é estudado em Drosophila por alterar a razão sexual e interagir com o sistema imunológico do hospedeiro. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos do Spiroplasma em pulgões, como sua influência na defesa contra fungos entomopatogénicos ou na utilização da planta hospedeira, por exemplo. Spiroplasma foi identificado em poucas espécies de pulgão e geralmente em baixa densidade, contudo pulgões pertencentes ao gênero Aphis em regiões neotropicais apresentam altas taxas de infecção por Spiroplasma. Assim, investigamos a associação entre Spiroplasma e o pulgão neotropical Aphis citricidus por meio de biologia comparativa em duas plantas hospedeiras com diferentes valores nutricionais para o pulgão. Spiroplasma não causou custo adaptativo significativo para A. citricidus em ambas planta hospedeira. A infecção por Spiroplasma induziu apenas pequenas mudanças na longevidade e fecundidade do hospedeiro. Portanto, concluímos que Spiroplasma estabeleceu uma interação neutra com A. citricidus sob ausência de pressão de seleção. Entretanto, discutimos sobre condições de estresse que possam demonstrar o papel de Spiroplasma na bioecologia de A. citricidus e os possíveis custos envolvidos.(AU)

Ampliação da área ocorrência de Drosophila suzukii (Diptera, Drosophilidae) em Santa Catarina, Brasil / Enlargement of occurrence area of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in Santa Catarina, Brazil

A drosófila-de-asa-manchada possui elevada importância econômica por danificar frutos de epicarpo delgado os quais possuem elevado valor comercial agregado, principalmente para o consumo in natura. Os relatos da praga mostram que ela está distribuída em diferentes locais estados do Brasil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Distrito Federal e Minas Gerais). Nosso estudo teve como objetivo ampliar a área de ocorrência da espécie na região Serrana de Santa Catarina. Para o monitoramento de sua ocorrência foram utilizadas armadilhas tipo PET, iscadas com vinagre de maçã em um cultivo orgânico de morango conduzido em sistema semi-hidropônico no município de Frei Rogério. As armadilhas monitoraram 8.600 plantas durante dez dias e o material coletado foi avaliado em microscópio estereoscópico. Foram coletados diversos insetos de Drosophilidae e destes, noventa e oito fêmeas e quatro machos de Drosophila suzukii revelando assim a presença da praga na região Serrana de Santa Catarina.(AU)

The spotted wing Drosophila has significant economy relevance due to attacking thin epicarp fruits, which have high commercial value, mainly for “in natura” consumption. The Brazilian pest reports to date are distributed in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Goiás, and Minas Gerais. Our study aimed to record the enlargement of occurrence area of this species in the Serrana region of Santa Catarina. For this, traps PET type baited with apple cider vinegar in an organic strawberry crop in a semi-hydroponic system in the municipality Frei Rogério. Traps monitored 8.600 plants for ten days, and the collected material was evaluated with a stereoscopic microscope. Several insects of Drosophilidae family were collected, of which ninety-eight females and four males of Drosophila suzukii, thus revealing the enlargement of pest presence in the Serrana region of Santa Catarina.(AU)

Ampliação da área ocorrência de Drosophila suzukii (Diptera, Drosophilidae) em Santa Catarina, Brasil / Enlargement of occurrence area of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in Santa Catarina, Brazil

A drosófila-de-asa-manchada possui elevada importância econômica por danificar frutos de epicarpo delgado os quais possuem elevado valor comercial agregado, principalmente para o consumo in natura. Os relatos da praga mostram que ela está distribuída em diferentes locais estados do Brasil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Distrito Federal e Minas Gerais). Nosso estudo teve como objetivo ampliar a área de ocorrência da espécie na região Serrana de Santa Catarina. Para o monitoramento de sua ocorrência foram utilizadas armadilhas tipo PET, iscadas com vinagre de maçã em um cultivo orgânico de morango conduzido em sistema semi-hidropônico no município de Frei Rogério. As armadilhas monitoraram 8.600 plantas durante dez dias e o material coletado foi avaliado em microscópio estereoscópico. Foram coletados diversos insetos de Drosophilidae e destes, noventa e oito fêmeas e quatro machos de Drosophila suzukii revelando assim a presença da praga na região Serrana de Santa Catarina.

The spotted wing Drosophila has significant economy relevance due to attacking thin epicarp fruits, which have high commercial value, mainly for “in natura” consumption. The Brazilian pest reports to date are distributed in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Goiás, and Minas Gerais. Our study aimed to record the enlargement of occurrence area of this species in the Serrana region of Santa Catarina. For this, traps PET type baited with apple cider vinegar in an organic strawberry crop in a semi-hydroponic system in the municipality Frei Rogério. Traps monitored 8.600 plants for ten days, and the collected material was evaluated with a stereoscopic microscope. Several insects of Drosophilidae family were collected, of which ninety-eight females and four males of Drosophila suzukii, thus revealing the enlargement of pest presence in the Serrana region of Santa Catarina.

Residual nets for understanding animal behavior

Analysis of animal behavior requires proper algorithms for the extraction of desired information from videos. Animal behavior involves various states like facial expression, body movement etc. With the advancement in hardware, deep learning has become popular for analyzing the complex and large dataset. Deep learning algorithms have proved their significance on the benchmark dataset. In this paper, we used Residual Nets for classifying three-hour video containing egg laying induced activity changes in Drosophila. We obtained 99.5% accuracy and found significant improvement in accuracy as compared to CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks). Further, it is suggested that this technique can be used for analysis of animal behavior as well as activities of other domain like object detection, speech recognition, and character recognition, among others.(AU)

Residual nets for understanding animal behavior

Analysis of animal behavior requires proper algorithms for the extraction of desired information from videos. Animal behavior involves various states like facial expression, body movement etc. With the advancement in hardware, deep learning has become popular for analyzing the complex and large dataset. Deep learning algorithms have proved their significance on the benchmark dataset. In this paper, we used Residual Nets for classifying three-hour video containing egg laying induced activity changes in Drosophila. We obtained 99.5% accuracy and found significant improvement in accuracy as compared to CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks). Further, it is suggested that this technique can be used for analysis of animal behavior as well as activities of other domain like object detection, speech recognition, and character recognition, among others.

Lonchaeidae (Diptera) species and their host plants in the Cerrado biome in the state of Piauí, Brazil / Espécies de Lonchaeidae (Diptera) e seus hospedeiros no bioma Cerrado no estado do Piauí, Brasil

Some species of Lonchaeidae (Diptera) are considered frugivorous and polyphagous pests, and are widely distributed in Neotropical regions. The relationship between a fly and its host plant is important for studies on behavior and distribution of frugivorous flies. The objective of this work was to identify the Lonchaeidae fly species and their host plants in the Cerrado biome, specifically in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Eighty-one adults (33 ♀ and 48 ♂) from the genus Neosilba McAlpine (Lonchaeidae), represented by the species Neosilba inesperata Strikis & Prado, Neosilba pendula Bezzi, and Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine, were collected from fruit samples. Oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and guava (Psidium guajava L.) had the highest frequencies of infestation. A Neosilba species was considered a primary invader in orange. These results are the first ones reported of Lonchaeidae species and their host plants in the state of Piauí.(AU)

Algumas espécies de Lonchaeidae (Diptera) são consideradas pragas frugívoras e polífagas, com ampla distribuição geográfica em regiões neotropicais. A relação mosca/planta hospedeira é de grande valor para estudos de comportamento e distribuição de moscas frugívoras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as espécies de Lonchaeidae e suas plantas hospedeiras no bioma Cerrado, especificamente no estado do Piauí, Brasil. Oitenta e um adultos (33 ♀ e 48 ♂) do gênero Neosilba McAlpine (Lonchaeidae), pertencentes às espécies Neosilba inesperata Strikis & Prado, Neosilba pendula Bezzi e Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine, foram coletados de amostras de frutas, sendo a laranja [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] e a goiaba (Psidium guajava L.) as de maiores frequências de infestação. Uma espécie de Neosilba foi considerada um invasor primário em laranjas. Esses resultados são os primeiros relatos de espécies de Lonchaeidae e suas plantas hospedeiras no estado do Piauí.(AU)

Lonchaeidae (Diptera) species and their host plants in the Cerrado biome in the state of Piauí, Brazil / Espécies de Lonchaeidae (Diptera) e seus hospedeiros no bioma Cerrado no estado do Piauí, Brasil

Some species of Lonchaeidae (Diptera) are considered frugivorous and polyphagous pests, and are widely distributed in Neotropical regions. The relationship between a fly and its host plant is important for studies on behavior and distribution of frugivorous flies. The objective of this work was to identify the Lonchaeidae fly species and their host plants in the Cerrado biome, specifically in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Eighty-one adults (33 ♀ and 48 ♂) from the genus Neosilba McAlpine (Lonchaeidae), represented by the species Neosilba inesperata Strikis & Prado, Neosilba pendula Bezzi, and Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine, were collected from fruit samples. Oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and guava (Psidium guajava L.) had the highest frequencies of infestation. A Neosilba species was considered a primary invader in orange. These results are the first ones reported of Lonchaeidae species and their host plants in the state of Piauí.(AU)

Algumas espécies de Lonchaeidae (Diptera) são consideradas pragas frugívoras e polífagas, com ampla distribuição geográfica em regiões neotropicais. A relação mosca/planta hospedeira é de grande valor para estudos de comportamento e distribuição de moscas frugívoras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as espécies de Lonchaeidae e suas plantas hospedeiras no bioma Cerrado, especificamente no estado do Piauí, Brasil. Oitenta e um adultos (33 ♀ e 48 ♂) do gênero Neosilba McAlpine (Lonchaeidae), pertencentes às espécies Neosilba inesperata Strikis & Prado, Neosilba pendula Bezzi e Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine, foram coletados de amostras de frutas, sendo a laranja [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] e a goiaba (Psidium guajava L.) as de maiores frequências de infestação. Uma espécie de Neosilba foi considerada um invasor primário em laranjas. Esses resultados são os primeiros relatos de espécies de Lonchaeidae e suas plantas hospedeiras no estado do Piauí.(AU)

Toxic effects of Cleome arabica L. (Capparidaceae) aqueous extracts on mortality and sexual behavior of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Cleome arabica is a spontaneous plant in arid zones,toxic and has hallucinogenic effects. In this work, we seek toevaluate the direct and delayed effect of the aqueous extractson the vinegar fly Dorsophila melanogaster, laboratory modelpar excellence. Treatment is by ingestion on second instarlarvae (L2). The results show that mortality rates can reach90% after 15 days of treatment as we recorded a disturbanceof fly development. Observation of sexual behavior intreatment-emergent adults indicates that C. arabica actsnegatively on the course of the different sequences leading tomating in Drosophila.(AU)

Toxic effects of Cleome arabica L. (Capparidaceae) aqueous extracts on mortality and sexual behavior of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Cleome arabica is a spontaneous plant in arid zones,toxic and has hallucinogenic effects. In this work, we seek toevaluate the direct and delayed effect of the aqueous extractson the vinegar fly Dorsophila melanogaster, laboratory modelpar excellence. Treatment is by ingestion on second instarlarvae (L2). The results show that mortality rates can reach90% after 15 days of treatment as we recorded a disturbanceof fly development. Observation of sexual behavior intreatment-emergent adults indicates that C. arabica actsnegatively on the course of the different sequences leading tomating in Drosophila.

The flower flies and the unknown diversity of Drosophilidae (Diptera): a biodiversity inventory in the Brazilian fauna

Diptera is a megadiverse order, reaching its peak of diversity in Neotropics, although our knowledge of dipteran fauna from this region is grossly lacking. This applies even to the most studied families, such as Drosophilidae. Despite its prominence, most aspects of the biology of these insects are still poorly understood, especially those linked to natural communities. Field studies on drosophilids are highly biased towards fruit-breeding species. Flower-breeding drosophilids, however, are worldwide distributed, especially in tropical regions, although being mostly neglected. The present paper shows the results of a biodiversity inventory of flower-breeding drosophilids carried out in several localities in Brazil, based on samples of 125 plant species, from 47 families. Drosophilids were found in flowers of 56 plant species, from 18 families. The fauna discovered turned out to be mostly unknown, comprising 28 species, with 12 of them (> 40%) still undescribed. Not taking into account opportunistic species, two-thirds of the flower-exclusive diversity was undescribed. The Drosophila bromeliae species group was the most representative taxon, with eight species (six undescribed), including four polyphagous and four Solanum-specialized species. This specialization on Solanum is reported for the first time for Drosophilidae. Other taxa of restricted flower-breeding drosophilids were the Drosophila lutzii species group and two species of the genus Zygothrica Wiedemann. Some specimens of the genera Cladochaeta Coquillett, Rhinoleucophenga Hendel and Scaptomyza Hardy were found, but their relations to flowers are unclear. Additionally, ten species of broad niche were found using flowers opportunistically. Localities and host plants were recorded for all species collected.

The flower flies and the unknown diversity of Drosophilidae (Diptera): a biodiversity inventory in the Brazilian fauna

Diptera is a megadiverse order, reaching its peak of diversity in Neotropics, although our knowledge of dipteran fauna from this region is grossly lacking. This applies even to the most studied families, such as Drosophilidae. Despite its prominence, most aspects of the biology of these insects are still poorly understood, especially those linked to natural communities. Field studies on drosophilids are highly biased towards fruit-breeding species. Flower-breeding drosophilids, however, are worldwide distributed, especially in tropical regions, although being mostly neglected. The present paper shows the results of a biodiversity inventory of flower-breeding drosophilids carried out in several localities in Brazil, based on samples of 125 plant species, from 47 families. Drosophilids were found in flowers of 56 plant species, from 18 families. The fauna discovered turned out to be mostly unknown, comprising 28 species, with 12 of them (> 40%) still undescribed. Not taking into account opportunistic species, two-thirds of the flower-exclusive diversity was undescribed. The Drosophila bromeliae species group was the most representative taxon, with eight species (six undescribed), including four polyphagous and four Solanum-specialized species. This specialization on Solanum is reported for the first time for Drosophilidae. Other taxa of restricted flower-breeding drosophilids were the Drosophila lutzii species group and two species of the genus Zygothrica Wiedemann. Some specimens of the genera Cladochaeta Coquillett, Rhinoleucophenga Hendel and Scaptomyza Hardy were found, but their relations to flowers are unclear. Additionally, ten species of broad niche were found using flowers opportunistically. Localities and host plants were recorded for all species collected.(AU)

Mycophagous Drosophilidae (Diptera) guild and their hosts in the Brazilian Amazon

The composition and potential hosts of mycophagous Drosophilidae from a section of the Brazilian Amazon forest in the Caxiuanã National forest were investigated. Sampling was performed in three different periods at long the wet season (January (beginning) and July (end) 2013 and May (middle) 2014). The samples were collected from existing trails by actively searching for fungal fruiting bodies where Drosophilidae were present. We present composition and richness analysis over two years of sampling sampling Drosophilidae and Fungi. We evaluate sampling completeness using asymptotic species richness estimators. Out of 159 fruiting body samples and 64 fungal species, 5,124 drosophilids belonging to 55 species and 5 genera were collected. The mycophagous Drosophilidae richness values estimated by Jackknife 1 and Bootstrap were 69 and 61, respectively. The estimated fly richness correlated positively with fungal richness and abundance. Among the Drosophilidae species identified in this study, approximately 5% represent new occurrences for Brazil and 56% represent new species. Four genera belonging to the Zygothrica genus group are found in the Amazon region, and these genera represent 80% of the fungus-associated fauna known to date for the tropics. In conclusion, our results show that the fungal richness and abundance were the factors that determined the high diversity of mycophagous Drosophilidae.