Management of Centris analis (Hymenoptera: Apidae): Investigating the Ideal Dimensions of Trap Nests for Use in Crop Pollination.

Centris analis (Fabricius, 1804) is a solitary, cavity-nesting bee that is often recorded in studies through the use of trap nests. This species is considered to be a good candidate as a manageable pollinator for some orchards. However, further studies are still needed to optimize its rational rearing. This study sought to analyze female preference for different lengths and diameters of trap nests, as well as the effects of nest dimensions on the number of constructed cells, mortality rates, parasitism rates, and sex ratio. We used compact trap nests comprised of tubes with internal diameters ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 cm, and lengths ranging from 8 to 12 cm. The results showed that females preferred the narrowest (0.6 and 0.7 cm) and two of the longest cavities (10 and 12 cm). The greatest number of cells built was observed in the most used lengths. The lengths that were tested did not affect the mortality or parasitism rates or the sex ratio. Based on our findings concerning the dimensions examined, we recommend using the narrowest and longest cavities. The combined analyses of the tested parameters (diameter and length) demonstrated new data that can help improve the rearing and maintenance techniques applied to C. analis populations.

Insect (Hexapoda) diversity in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: updated taxonomic checklist and new records

ABSTRACT Hexapods, commonly known as insects, are a neglected taxonomic group in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, with unanswered questions about their species richness and the ecological processes in which they are involved (e.g., colonization, introduction, establishment, and extinction). Herein, we provide an updated Hexapod checklist with current nomenclatural combinations. The entomofauna of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is currently composed of 453 species in 21 orders. The orders, and their respective number of species, are: Blattaria (9), Coleoptera (118), Collembola (29), Dermaptera (3), Diplura (1), Diptera (134), Embioptera (1), Hemiptera (29), Hymenoptera (59), Isoptera (2), Lepidoptera (25), Mantodea (1), Neuroptera (3), Odonata (5), Orthoptera (11), Phasmatodea (1), Phthiraptera (6), Psocoptera (3), Siphonaptera (1), Thysanoptera (10), and Zygentoma (2). The archipelago has 263 new taxon records (family + genera + species). Thirty-eight species (3.39%) were described from local specimens and most of them are likely endemic species. This study more than doubles our knowledge (from the previous 190 records) of the entomofauna in this large Brazilian archipelago. This study also provides a baseline for studies on its conservation status and for implementing future environmental management programs.

A revised key to the Neotropical cleptoparasitic anthidiine genera (Hymenoptera, Megachilinae) with notes and description of the male of Rhynostelis Moure & Urban.

Rhynostelis Moure & Urban is a monotypic cleptoparasitic neotropical anthidiine genus currently known from two females. Herein, we describe and illustrate for the first time the male and its genitalia and it is confirmed that Rhynostelis parasitizes nests of Eufriesea. An identification key to the genera of cleptoparasitic anthidiine from the Neotropical region is also presented.

Michanthidium almeidai, a new species from northeastern Brazil (Hymenoptera, Megachilinae).

A new species of Michanthidium Urban (Hymenoptera, Megachilinae)is described and figured from Sergipe and Bahia States, northeastern Brazil. An identification key, illustrations, and a distribution map for the three species of the genus are presented. The male genitalia of Michanthidium almeidaisp. n. and Michanthidium albitarse are illustrated and compared for the first time.