Side effects of abamectin and hexythiazox on seven predatory mites

Abstract Use of acaricides has become a common practice to control pests all over the world including Saudi Arabia. In spite of killing the targeted pests, such insecticides also effect growth of predatory mites. Present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of two acaricides, abamectin and hexythiazox, on seven species of predatory mites. Standard solutions of abamectin (8.4% w/v) and hexythiazox (10% w/w) were purchased and prepared for direct spray. Acaricides were tested at three serial concentrations of recommended dose (RD), half of the recommended dose (HRD) and double the recommended dose (DRD). Trials were made on eggs, nymphs and adults of the seven species of predatory mites under laboratory conditions. Effect of the applied acaricides was determined one week after the application. The results of the study revealed that all doses of hexythiazox and abamectin are toxic to the nymphs and adults of all seven species of predatory mites but to the variable extent. Furthermore, it was observed that hexythiazox and abamectin reduced the percentage of egg hatching for all seven species of predatory mites. Hexythiazox was found to be more toxic than abamectin to all seven predatory mites. Higher mortality was recorded at DRD and RD, while minimum mortality was recorded at HRD. Acaricidal effect is less severe on hatching eggs than on immatures and adults of the predatory mites. Species vary in susceptibility to acaricides and in some populations resistance has been observed. Based upon this study, it is recommended that the frequent use of acaricides against phytophagous mites should be avoided and feasibility of biological control programs should be promoted to protect the environment, health of living individuals and the non-target organisms.

Resumo O uso de acaricidas se tornou prática comum para o controle de pragas em todo o mundo, incluindo a Arábia Saudita. Apesar de matar as pragas-alvo, esses inseticidas também afetam o crescimento de ácaros predadores. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o impacto de dois acaricidas, abamectina e hexythiazox, em sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Soluções padrão de abamectina (8.4% w/v) e hexitiazox (10% w/w) foram adquiridas e preparadas para pulverização direta. Os acaricidas foram testados em três concentrações seriais de dose recomendada (RD), metade da dose recomendada (HRD) e o dobro da dose recomendada (DRD). Os ensaios foram feitos em ovos, ninfas e adultos das sete espécies de ácaros predadores em condições de laboratório. O efeito dos acaricidas aplicados foi determinado uma semana após a aplicação. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que todas as doses de hexitiazox e abamectina são tóxicas para as ninfas e adultos de todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores, mas em extensão variável. Além disso, foi observado que hexitiazox e abamectina reduziram a porcentagem de eclosão de ovos para todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Verificou-se que o hexitiazox é mais tóxico do que a abamectina para todos os sete ácaros predadores. A mortalidade mais alta foi registrada no DRD e RD, enquanto a mortalidade mínima foi registrada no HRD. O efeito acaricida é menos severo em ovos para incubação do que em imaturos e adultos de ácaros predadores. As espécies variam em suscetibilidade a acaricidas, e em algumas populações foi observada resistência. Com base neste estudo, recomenda-se que o uso frequente de acaricidas contra ácaros fitófagos seja evitado e a viabilidade de programas de controle biológico seja promovida para proteger o meio ambiente, a saúde de indivíduos vivos e de organismos não visados.

Side effects of abamectin and hexythiazox on seven predatory mites / Efeitos colaterais da abamectina e hexitiazox em sete ácaros predadores

Use of acaricides has become a common practice to control pests all over the world including Saudi Arabia. In spite of killing the targeted pests, such insecticides also effect growth of predatory mites. Present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of two acaricides, abamectin and hexythiazox, on seven species of predatory mites. Standard solutions of abamectin (8.4% w/v) and hexythiazox (10% w/w) were purchased and prepared for direct spray. Acaricides were tested at three serial concentrations of recommended dose (RD), half of the recommended dose (HRD) and double the recommended dose (DRD). Trials were made on eggs, nymphs and adults of the seven species of predatory mites under laboratory conditions. Effect of the applied acaricides was determined one week after the application. The results of the study revealed that all doses of hexythiazox and abamectin are toxic to the nymphs and adults of all seven species of predatory mites but to the variable extent. Furthermore, it was observed that hexythiazox and abamectin reduced the percentage of egg hatching for all seven species of predatory mites. Hexythiazox was found to be more toxic than abamectin to all seven predatory mites. Higher mortality was recorded at DRD and RD, while minimum mortality was recorded at HRD. Acaricidal effect is less severe on hatching eggs than on immatures and adults of the predatory mites. Species vary in susceptibility to acaricides and in some populations resistance has been observed. Based upon this study, it is recommended that the frequent use of acaricides against phytophagous mites should be avoided and feasibility of biological control programs should be promoted to protect the environment, health of living individuals and the non-target organisms.

O uso de acaricidas se tornou prática comum para o controle de pragas em todo o mundo, incluindo a Arábia Saudita. Apesar de matar as pragas-alvo, esses inseticidas também afetam o crescimento de ácaros predadores. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o impacto de dois acaricidas, abamectina e hexythiazox, em sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Soluções padrão de abamectina (8.4% w/v) e hexitiazox (10% w/w) foram adquiridas e preparadas para pulverização direta. Os acaricidas foram testados em três concentrações seriais de dose recomendada (RD), metade da dose recomendada (HRD) e o dobro da dose recomendada (DRD). Os ensaios foram feitos em ovos, ninfas e adultos das sete espécies de ácaros predadores em condições de laboratório. O efeito dos acaricidas aplicados foi determinado uma semana após a aplicação. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que todas as doses de hexitiazox e abamectina são tóxicas para as ninfas e adultos de todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores, mas em extensão variável. Além disso, foi observado que hexitiazox e abamectina reduziram a porcentagem de eclosão de ovos para todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Verificou-se que o hexitiazox é mais tóxico do que a abamectinapara todos os sete ácaros predadores. A mortalidade mais alta foi registrada no DRD e RD, enquanto a mortalidade mínima foi registrada no HRD. O efeito acaricida é menos severo em ovos para incubação do que em imaturos e adultos de ácaros predadores. As espécies variam em suscetibilidade a acaricidas, e em algumas populações foi observada resistência. Com base neste estudo, recomenda-se que o uso frequente de acaricidas contra ácaros fitófagos seja evitado e a viabilidade de programas de controle biológico seja promovida para proteger o meio ambiente, a saúde de indivíduos vivos e de organismos não visados.

Side effects of abamectin and hexythiazox on seven predatory mites / Efeitos colaterais da abamectina e hexitiazox em sete ácaros predadores

Use of acaricides has become a common practice to control pests all over the world including Saudi Arabia. In spite of killing the targeted pests, such insecticides also effect growth of predatory mites. Present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of two acaricides, abamectin and hexythiazox, on seven species of predatory mites. Standard solutions of abamectin (8.4% w/v) and hexythiazox (10% w/w) were purchased and prepared for direct spray. Acaricides were tested at three serial concentrations of recommended dose (RD), half of the recommended dose (HRD) and double the recommended dose (DRD). Trials were made on eggs, nymphs and adults of the seven species of predatory mites under laboratory conditions. Effect of the applied acaricides was determined one week after the application. The results of the study revealed that all doses of hexythiazox and abamectin are toxic to the nymphs and adults of all seven species of predatory mites but to the variable extent. Furthermore, it was observed that hexythiazox and abamectin reduced the percentage of egg hatching for all seven species of predatory mites. Hexythiazox was found to be more toxic than abamectin to all seven predatory mites. Higher mortality was recorded at DRD and RD, while minimum mortality was recorded at HRD. Acaricidal effect is less severe on hatching eggs than on immatures and adults of the predatory mites. Species vary in susceptibility to acaricides and in some populations resistance has been observed. Based upon this study, it is recommended that the frequent use of acaricides against phytophagous mites should be avoided and feasibility of biological control programs should be promoted to protect the environment, health of living individuals and the non-target organisms.

O uso de acaricidas se tornou prática comum para o controle de pragas em todo o mundo, incluindo a Arábia Saudita. Apesar de matar as pragas-alvo, esses inseticidas também afetam o crescimento de ácaros predadores. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o impacto de dois acaricidas, abamectina e hexythiazox, em sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Soluções padrão de abamectina (8.4% w/v) e hexitiazox (10% w/w) foram adquiridas e preparadas para pulverização direta. Os acaricidas foram testados em três concentrações seriais de dose recomendada (RD), metade da dose recomendada (HRD) e o dobro da dose recomendada (DRD). Os ensaios foram feitos em ovos, ninfas e adultos das sete espécies de ácaros predadores em condições de laboratório. O efeito dos acaricidas aplicados foi determinado uma semana após a aplicação. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que todas as doses de hexitiazox e abamectina são tóxicas para as ninfas e adultos de todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores, mas em extensão variável. Além disso, foi observado que hexitiazox e abamectina reduziram a porcentagem de eclosão de ovos para todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Verificou-se que o hexitiazox é mais tóxico do que a abamectina para todos os sete ácaros predadores. A mortalidade mais alta foi registrada no DRD e RD, enquanto a mortalidade mínima foi registrada no HRD. O efeito acaricida é menos severo em ovos para incubação do que em imaturos e adultos de ácaros predadores. As espécies variam em suscetibilidade a acaricidas, e em algumas populações foi observada resistência. Com base neste estudo, recomenda-se que o uso frequente de acaricidas contra ácaros fitófagos seja evitado e a viabilidade de programas de controle biológico seja promovida para proteger o meio ambiente, a saúde de indivíduos vivos e de organismos não visados.

Side effects of abamectin and hexythiazox on seven predatory mites / Efeitos colaterais da abamectina e hexitiazox em sete ácaros predadores

Use of acaricides has become a common practice to control pests all over the world including Saudi Arabia. In spite of killing the targeted pests, such insecticides also effect growth of predatory mites. Present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of two acaricides, abamectin and hexythiazox, on seven species of predatory mites. Standard solutions of abamectin (8.4% w/v) and hexythiazox (10% w/w) were purchased and prepared for direct spray. Acaricides were tested at three serial concentrations of recommended dose (RD), half of the recommended dose (HRD) and double the recommended dose (DRD). Trials were made on eggs, nymphs and adults of the seven species of predatory mites under laboratory conditions. Effect of the applied acaricides was determined one week after the application. The results of the study revealed that all doses of hexythiazox and abamectin are toxic to the nymphs and adults of all seven species of predatory mites but to the variable extent. Furthermore, it was observed that hexythiazox and abamectin reduced the percentage of egg hatching for all seven species of predatory mites. Hexythiazox was found to be more toxic than abamectin to all seven predatory mites. Higher mortality was recorded at DRD and RD, while minimum mortality was recorded at HRD. Acaricidal effect is less severe on hatching eggs than on immatures and adults of the predatory mites. Species vary in susceptibility to acaricides and in some populations resistance has been observed. Based upon this study, it is recommended that the frequent use of acaricides against phytophagous mites should be avoided and feasibility of biological control programs should be promoted to protect the environment, health of living individuals and the non-target organisms.(AU)

O uso de acaricidas se tornou prática comum para o controle de pragas em todo o mundo, incluindo a Arábia Saudita. Apesar de matar as pragas-alvo, esses inseticidas também afetam o crescimento de ácaros predadores. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o impacto de dois acaricidas, abamectina e hexythiazox, em sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Soluções padrão de abamectina (8.4% w/v) e hexitiazox (10% w/w) foram adquiridas e preparadas para pulverização direta. Os acaricidas foram testados em três concentrações seriais de dose recomendada (RD), metade da dose recomendada (HRD) e o dobro da dose recomendada (DRD). Os ensaios foram feitos em ovos, ninfas e adultos das sete espécies de ácaros predadores em condições de laboratório. O efeito dos acaricidas aplicados foi determinado uma semana após a aplicação. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que todas as doses de hexitiazox e abamectina são tóxicas para as ninfas e adultos de todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores, mas em extensão variável. Além disso, foi observado que hexitiazox e abamectina reduziram a porcentagem de eclosão de ovos para todas as sete espécies de ácaros predadores. Verificou-se que o hexitiazox é mais tóxico do que a abamectinapara todos os sete ácaros predadores. A mortalidade mais alta foi registrada no DRD e RD, enquanto a mortalidade mínima foi registrada no HRD. O efeito acaricida é menos severo em ovos para incubação do que em imaturos e adultos de ácaros predadores. As espécies variam em suscetibilidade a acaricidas, e em algumas populações foi observada resistência. Com base neste estudo, recomenda-se que o uso frequente de acaricidas contra ácaros fitófagos seja evitado e a viabilidade de programas de controle biológico seja promovida para proteger o meio ambiente, a saúde de indivíduos vivos e de organismos não visados.(AU)

Life-History traits of Hollandichthys multifascitus (Eigenmann & Norris, 1900) (Characiformes: Characidae) in coastal Atlantic Forest blackwater streams from Southeastern Brazil

Ecological and life history traits have been used to understand the basic ecology of fishes. This study aimed to examine the existence of plasticity in life history traits of populations of Hollandichthys multifasciatus in ten blackwater streams. This is an inseminating Characidae, endemic to the Atlantic coastal drainages of Brazil. Different aspects of the life-history of the species, such as mean length, sex ratio, absolute and relative fecundity, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, length-weight relationship and the growth parameter (b) of 185 specimens were studied during the period of low precipitation (June-September). Fish samples were obtained along a 100 m stretch of each stream, and some habitat variables recorded. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated a similarity in most of the analyzed traits, with exception of the mean length of immatures, Gonadosomatic Index of mature males and condition factor of immatures and mature adults. Also, slope tests of the length-weight relationship were significantly different for immatures. The observed differences were attributed to heterogeneity in food availability and/or other site-specific factors, which may influence growth and/or breeding aspects among the studied localities. The approach used herein may improve understanding of trait plasticity under natural conditions, helping to understand fish-community responses to anthropogenic changes.(AU)

Description of the immature stages of the flea beetle Omophoita personata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini)

Alticini is the most diverse tribe of Chrysomelidae with approximately 8,000 species. Despite of its high diversity, little is known about their natural history and immature stages. Herein, we describe the immatures of Omophoita personata (Illiger, 1807) reared in laboratory from adults sampled in field. We also investigated and compared with immatures of O. octoguttata (Fabricius, 1775). Detailed morphology and chaetotaxy are presented. Larvae of O. personata have their bodies covered with tubercles and the stemmata are absent. These characteristics are shared with other Oedionychina species, reinforcing the stability of these morphological characteristics as diagnostic of this subtribe. This study provides important descriptive and comparative data that increases the knowledge about Alticini immatures.(AU)

The first record of the genus Plega Navás, 1928 (Neuroptera: Rhachiberothidae: Symphrasinae) as a parasitoid of the sawfly genus Monoctenus Dahlbom, 1835 (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Diprionidae)

The genus Plega Navás, 1928, belongs to the subfamily Symphrasinae, a group recently transferred from Mantispidae to Rhachiberothidae. This genus is herein reported as parasitoid of the symphytan family Diprionidae for the first time, becoming the first record of association between this neuropteran subfamily and non-aculeate Hymenoptera. This new association was discovered in "Ixcateopan de Cuauhtémoc", in the Mexican state of Guerrero, where Plega spinosa Ardila et al., 2019 was found associated with immatures of the sawfly Monoctenus cuauhtemoci De Lira, 2021, a pest in forests of Juniperus flaccida Schlechtendal (white cedar). The neuropteran was found to be the most abundant parasitoid of this symphytan, becoming a potential candidate for biological control of phytophagous sawflies in juniper forests, an economically important plant species for the wood industry in the region. Considering the behavior and morphological aspects of the primary larvae and the behavior of the adults of Plega, three possible scenarios in which the primary larvae of P. spinosa board the larvae of Monoctenus to complete its life cycle are outlined. This finding reinforces the hypothesis of a generalist ectoparasitoid lifeway of the larvae of the genus Plega on larvae and pupae of holometabolous insects.(AU)

The way to maturity: taxonomic study on immatures of Southern Brazilian Coccinellini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species important in biological control

ABSTRACT Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.

Breeding behavior, distribution, and conservation of the Sharp-tailed Tyrant Culicivora caudacuta (Vieillot, 1818) (Aves: Tyrannidae), a South American grassland specialist

Abstract Culicivora caudacuta occurs in the Cerrado, Pampa and Chaco grasslands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Its breeding biology is poorly known. Here, I present a summary of the published information and new data gathered between 2003 and 2009 in southeast Brazil at Tapira, Minas Gerais. Breeding occurred during the rainy season (October to March), clutch size being three eggs. Juveniles and immatures show a different plumage from the adults, mostly brownish orange. All nests studied at Tapira showed evidence of cooperative breeding, with one helper engaged in incubation and provisioning the young. This is the first observations of this behavior for the species. The species has a wider range than currently understood and its presence in protected areas is similarly more common.

Megalopodidae (Insecta, Coleoptera): new occurrence and host plant records for Brazil

Abstract The Brazilian Megalopodidae fauna consists of 147 species from 11 genera, of which Mastostethus Lacordaire is the most diverse, representing about half of the species. Nevertheless, knowledge about species distributions and their relationships with host plants is still scarce. Since this group has endophytic immatures and bore into branches, they are economically important as they mainly damage Solanaceae species. Thus, this study sought to determine the Megalopodidae species that occur in forest fragments of southwestern and western Paraná and associate them with their host plants. For this purpose, we used material collected with Malaise traps and active manual sampling to determine associations with host plants. A total of 170 specimens of 11 species were sampled, of which Pseudhomalopterus carinatus Pic, 1920 was the most abundant and collected in all fragments. Four species were sampled exclusively through manual collections and associated with their host plants, all of which were new association records for Brazilian megalopodides. Mastostethus pantherinus Lacordaire, 1845 was associated with an Asteraceae for the first time. Additionally, Mastostethus minutusMonrós, 1947 is a new record for Brazil.

Breeding behavior, distribution, and conservation of the Sharp-tailed Tyrant Culicivora caudacuta (Vieillot, 1818) (Aves: Tyrannidae), a South American grassland specialist

Abstract Culicivora caudacuta occurs in the Cerrado, Pampa and Chaco grasslands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Its breeding biology is poorly known. Here, I present a summary of the published information and new data gathered between 2003 and 2009 in southeast Brazil at Tapira, Minas Gerais. Breeding occurred during the rainy season (October to March), clutch size being three eggs. Juveniles and immatures show a different plumage from the adults, mostly brownish orange. All nests studied at Tapira showed evidence of cooperative breeding, with one helper engaged in incubation and provisioning the young. This is the first observations of this behavior for the species. The species has a wider range than currently understood and its presence in protected areas is similarly more common.

Megalopodidae (Insecta, Coleoptera): new occurrence and host plant records for Brazil

Abstract The Brazilian Megalopodidae fauna consists of 147 species from 11 genera, of which Mastostethus Lacordaire is the most diverse, representing about half of the species. Nevertheless, knowledge about species distributions and their relationships with host plants is still scarce. Since this group has endophytic immatures and bore into branches, they are economically important as they mainly damage Solanaceae species. Thus, this study sought to determine the Megalopodidae species that occur in forest fragments of southwestern and western Paraná and associate them with their host plants. For this purpose, we used material collected with Malaise traps and active manual sampling to determine associations with host plants. A total of 170 specimens of 11 species were sampled, of which Pseudhomalopterus carinatus Pic, 1920 was the most abundant and collected in all fragments. Four species were sampled exclusively through manual collections and associated with their host plants, all of which were new association records for Brazilian megalopodides. Mastostethus pantherinus Lacordaire, 1845 was associated with an Asteraceae for the first time. Additionally, Mastostethus minutusMonrós, 1947 is a new record for Brazil.

Redescription of Omophoita octoguttata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its immature stages, with notes on life history

ABSTRACT Given that many descriptions of Coleoptera were made with only external and superficial characters, an update to the original characterization of species is deemed necessary. This study focuses on updating the know morphological data for the adults of Omophoita octoguttata (Fabricius,1775) (Galerucinae, Alticini), a flea beetle native of southern Brazil. We also give insights on the morphology of its immature stages. The adult can be easily recognized by the pale macula at vertex, six large pale maculae, and two smaller in the humeral region at the elytra. The immatures are similar to other know Oedionychina. Eggs oval and orange. Mature larvae present setae bearing scoli, a reddened body, pygopod present, and lacking stemmata, but with curved hook-like tarsal claws. The pupae present slender black setae through its yellowed body, with the elytral and hind wing thecae curved around the body. The eggs are laid in small clutches in the soil and when the larvae eclode they stay in the aerial parts of plants. The mature larvae form a cocoon of soil matter around themselves for their pupal phase. Morphological remarks for larva and pupa of this species when compared to other members of the genus remain limited, demanding further studies with other species.

The way to maturity: taxonomic study on immatures of Southern Brazilian Coccinellini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species important in biological control

Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.(AU)

The way to maturity: taxonomic study on immatures of Southern Brazilian Coccinellini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species important in biological control

Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.(AU)

Breeding behavior, distribution, and conservation of the Sharp-tailed Tyrant Culicivora caudacuta (Vieillot, 1818) (Aves: Tyrannidae), a South American grassland specialist

Culicivora caudacuta occurs in the Cerrado, Pampa and Chaco grasslands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Its breeding biology is poorly known. Here, I present a summary of the published information and new data gathered between 2003 and 2009 in southeast Brazil at Tapira, Minas Gerais. Breeding occurred during the rainy season (October to March), clutch size being three eggs. Juveniles and immatures show a different plumage from the adults, mostly brownish orange. All nests studied at Tapira showed evidence of cooperative breeding, with one helper engaged in incubation and provisioning the young. This is the first observations of this behavior for the species. The species has a wider range than currently understood and its presence in protected areas is similarly more common.(AU)

Redescription of Omophoita octoguttata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its immature stages, with notes on life history

Given that many descriptions of Coleoptera were made with only external and superficial characters, an update to the original characterization of species is deemed necessary. This study focuses on updating the know morphological data for the adults of Omophoita octoguttata (Fabricius,1775) (Galerucinae, Alticini), a flea beetle native of southern Brazil. We also give insights on the morphology of its immature stages. The adult can be easily recognized by the pale macula at vertex, six large pale maculae, and two smaller in the humeral region at the elytra. The immatures are similar to other know Oedionychina. Eggs oval and orange. Mature larvae present setae bearing scoli, a reddened body, pygopod present, and lacking stemmata, but with curved hook-like tarsal claws. The pupae present slender black setae through its yellowed body, with the elytral and hind wing thecae curved around the body. The eggs are laid in small clutches in the soil and when the larvae eclode they stay in the aerial parts of plants. The mature larvae form a cocoon of soil matter around themselves for their pupal phase. Morphological remarks for larva and pupa of this species when compared to other members of the genus remain limited, demanding further studies with other species.(AU)

Redescription of Omophoita octoguttata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its immature stages, with notes on life history

Given that many descriptions of Coleoptera were made with only external and superficial characters, an update to the original characterization of species is deemed necessary. This study focuses on updating the know morphological data for the adults of Omophoita octoguttata (Fabricius,1775) (Galerucinae, Alticini), a flea beetle native of southern Brazil. We also give insights on the morphology of its immature stages. The adult can be easily recognized by the pale macula at vertex, six large pale maculae, and two smaller in the humeral region at the elytra. The immatures are similar to other know Oedionychina. Eggs oval and orange. Mature larvae present setae bearing scoli, a reddened body, pygopod present, and lacking stemmata, but with curved hook-like tarsal claws. The pupae present slender black setae through its yellowed body, with the elytral and hind wing thecae curved around the body. The eggs are laid in small clutches in the soil and when the larvae eclode they stay in the aerial parts of plants. The mature larvae form a cocoon of soil matter around themselves for their pupal phase. Morphological remarks for larva and pupa of this species when compared to other members of the genus remain limited, demanding further studies with other species.

Megalopodidae (Insecta, Coleoptera): new occurrence and host plant records for Brazil

The Brazilian Megalopodidae fauna consists of 147 species from 11 genera, of which Mastostethus Lacordaire is the most diverse, representing about half of the species. Nevertheless, knowledge about species distributions and their relationships with host plants is still scarce. Since this group has endophytic immatures and bore into branches, they are economically important as they mainly damage Solanaceae species. Thus, this study sought to determine the Megalopodidae species that occur in forest fragments of southwestern and western Paraná and associate them with their host plants. For this purpose, we used material collected with Malaise traps and active manual sampling to determine associations with host plants. A total of 170 specimens of 11 species were sampled, of which Pseudhomalopterus carinatus Pic, 1920 was the most abundant and collected in all fragments. Four species were sampled exclusively through manual collections and associated with their host plants, all of which were new association records for Brazilian megalopodides. Mastostethus pantherinus Lacordaire, 1845 was associated with an Asteraceae for the first time. Additionally, Mastostethus minutus Monrós, 1947 is a new record for Brazil.(AU)

A generic key to the known larval Elmidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of French Guiana

Abstract An identification key is provided for 21 larval types of Elmidae (riffle beetles) known to occur in French Guiana. Not all elmid genera known to occur in French Guiana are known in the larval stage. Nor are all the known larval types assigned to known elmid genera.