Pelidnota granulata (Gory, 1834) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae): description of the pupa and new records from Amazonas state, Brazil

The Neotropical ruteline genus Pelidnota MacLeay currently includes 194 species and subspecies with a few described preimaginal stages. Here we describe the pupa of Pelidnota granulata (Gory, 1834), provide illustrations, comparative notes on other known pupae of Rutelini and comments on its geographical distribution. The key to known pupae of Rutelini is updated.(AU)

Morphology and life cycle of a new species of Psilocladus Blanchard, 1846 (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Psilocladinae), the first known bromeliad-inhabiting firefly

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are soft-bodied beetles usually associated with mesic and hydric habitats. As such, terrestrial firefly larvae are commonly found in marshy environments and stream banks, while aquatic larvae might dwell in ponds, streams, mangroves, and even brackish water. Larval biology is especially important in fireflies, as the majority of species are extremely semelparous - that is, adults rely on resources gathered during larval stages. Despite their crucial relevance in firefly biology, larvae of only near 1% firefly species have been studied, and the majority of species remain known only from adult stages. That is especially true in the Neotropical region, where they are most diverse. Here, we describe Psilocladus costae sp. nov. after the study of adults and immature stages, the latter reported for the first time for the monotypic subfamily Psilocladinae McDermott, 1964. Interestingly, adults were first obtained by rearing the larvae, the former usually fly fairly high (ca. 10 m) and are therefore seldom collected at ground level by conventional methods (e.g., active search, Malaise traps). The new species is found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, inhabiting canopy bromeliads, an unprecedented habit for fireflies.(AU)

Description of the third instar larva and pupa of Macraspis morio Burmeister, 1844 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) from Southern Brazil

The third instar larva and pupa of Macraspis morio Burmeister, 1844 (Rutelinae: Rutelini: Anticheirina), collected in Paraná, Brazil, is described and illustrations and comments are given. The larva differs from other Macraspis larvae by the head with 6 posterofrontal setae and mandibles with a blunt second left incisor tooth. The pupa is similar to that of M. festiva Burmeister, 1844.

Pelidnota granulata (Gory, 1834) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae): description of the pupa and new records from Amazonas state, Brazil

The Neotropical ruteline genus Pelidnota MacLeay currently includes 194 species and subspecies with a few described preimaginal stages. Here we describe the pupa of Pelidnota granulata (Gory, 1834), provide illustrations, comparative notes on other known pupae of Rutelini and comments on its geographical distribution. The key to known pupae of Rutelini is updated.

Description of the third instar larva and pupa of Macraspis morio Burmeister, 1844 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) from Southern Brazil

Abstract The third instar larva and pupa of Macraspis morio Burmeister, 1844 (Rutelinae: Rutelini: Anticheirina), collected in Paraná, Brazil, is described and illustrations and comments are given. The larva differs from other Macraspis larvae by the head with 6 posterofrontal setae and mandibles with a blunt second left incisor tooth. The pupa is similar to that of M. festiva Burmeister, 1844.

Pelidnota granulata () (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae): description of the pupa and new records from Amazonas state, Brazil

Abstract The Neotropical ruteline genus Pelidnota MacLeay currently includes 194 species and subspecies with a few described preimaginal stages. Here we describe the pupa of Pelidnota granulata (Gory, 1834), provide illustrations, comparative notes on other known pupae of Rutelini and comments on its geographical distribution. The key to known pupae of Rutelini is updated.

Morphology and life cycle of a new species of Psilocladus Blanchard, 1846 (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Psilocladinae), the first known bromeliad-inhabiting firefly

Abstract Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are soft-bodied beetles usually associated with mesic and hydric habitats. As such, terrestrial firefly larvae are commonly found in marshy environments and stream banks, while aquatic larvae might dwell in ponds, streams, mangroves, and even brackish water. Larval biology is especially important in fireflies, as the majority of species are extremely semelparous - that is, adults rely on resources gathered during larval stages. Despite their crucial relevance in firefly biology, larvae of only near 1% firefly species have been studied, and the majority of species remain known only from adult stages. That is especially true in the Neotropical region, where they are most diverse. Here, we describe Psilocladus costae sp. nov. after the study of adults and immature stages, the latter reported for the first time for the monotypic subfamily Psilocladinae McDermott, 1964. Interestingly, adults were first obtained by rearing the larvae, the former usually fly fairly high (ca. 10 m) and are therefore seldom collected at ground level by conventional methods (e.g., active search, Malaise traps). The new species is found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, inhabiting canopy bromeliads, an unprecedented habit for fireflies.

Morphology and life cycle of a new species of Psilocladus Blanchard, 1846 (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Psilocladinae), the first known bromeliad-inhabiting firefly

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are soft-bodied beetles usually associated with mesic and hydric habitats. As such, terrestrial firefly larvae are commonly found in marshy environments and stream banks, while aquatic larvae might dwell in ponds, streams, mangroves, and even brackish water. Larval biology is especially important in fireflies, as the majority of species are extremely semelparous - that is, adults rely on resources gathered during larval stages. Despite their crucial relevance in firefly biology, larvae of only near 1% firefly species have been studied, and the majority of species remain known only from adult stages. That is especially true in the Neotropical region, where they are most diverse. Here, we describe Psilocladus costae sp. nov. after the study of adults and immature stages, the latter reported for the first time for the monotypic subfamily Psilocladinae McDermott, 1964. Interestingly, adults were first obtained by rearing the larvae, the former usually fly fairly high (ca. 10 m) and are therefore seldom collected at ground level by conventional methods (e.g., active search, Malaise traps). The new species is found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, inhabiting canopy bromeliads, an unprecedented habit for fireflies.

Description of the third instar larva and pupa of Macraspis morio Burmeister, 1844 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) from Southern Brazil

The third instar larva and pupa of Macraspis morio Burmeister, 1844 (Rutelinae: Rutelini: Anticheirina), collected in Paraná, Brazil, is described and illustrations and comments are given. The larva differs from other Macraspis larvae by the head with 6 posterofrontal setae and mandibles with a blunt second left incisor tooth. The pupa is similar to that of M. festiva Burmeister, 1844.(AU)

First report of Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) from New Zealand and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Phalacridae)

Abstract The Australian species Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Adults are illustrated and diagnosed, and late-instar larvae are fully described and illustrated. In addition, a summary of prior larval descriptions of Phalacridae is provided. This represents the first description of the morphology and habitat of the larvae within the genus Austroporus Gimmel and the Olibroporus-group of genera. Austroporus doctus is native to eastern Australia, where adults are distinguished from similar species by characters of the male genitalia and by a suite of external morphological features. There are no native members of Phalacridae known from New Zealand, but A. doctus represents the second introduced and established species there. A key is given to differentiate adult and larval A. doctus from the other introduced New Zealand species, Phalacrus uniformis (Blackburn).

Potential phylogenetic significance of the number of functional abdominal spiracles in beetle pupae, with focus on Staphylinoidea (Coleoptera)

Abstract The distribution of functional abdominal spiracles in pupae of Coleoptera is reviewed based on published descriptions and original observations. Aquatic Coleoptera typically have strong modifications, generally including dramatic reductions in the number of functional spiracles and often their modification into either spiracular gills or snorkels, as a response to their environment. But pupae of the great majority of Coleoptera, which are terrestrial, show broad stability across higher taxa. Most terrestrial beetles have at least the first five pairs of abdominal spiracles functional, up to and including a full set of eight pairs. However, the number is unexpectedly low in Scarabaeoidea and within Staphyliniformia, where Histeridae and all Staphylinoidea have a confirmed maximum of four pairs of spiracles. The relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles in terrestrial pupae is explored, and it is suggested that those groups with an unexpectedly small number of functional spiracles may have passed through a small-size bottleneck in their ancestry. However, this hypothesis does not explain why several families of very small beetles in other groups of Coleoptera do not show a similar reduction, and little evidence was found to support a strong relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles at lower taxonomic levels (below family). Whether pupae are exarate or obtect apparently also has little correlation with the number of functional spiracles. However, the consistency and stability of spiracular reductions in the above groups suggests that deep historical factors are involved and thus the reductions may be of phylogenetic significance. It is urged that establishing the number of functional spiracles in beetle pupae become as standard a feature of pupal descriptions as chaetotaxy and whether they are exarate or obtect.

First report of Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) from New Zealand and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Phalacridae)

The Australian species Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Adults are illustrated and diagnosed, and late-instar larvae are fully described and illustrated. In addition, a summary of prior larval descriptions of Phalacridae is provided. This represents the first description of the morphology and habitat of the larvae within the genus Austroporus Gimmel and the Olibroporus-group of genera. Austroporus doctus is native to eastern Australia, where adults are distinguished from similar species by characters of the male genitalia and by a suite of external morphological features. There are no native members of Phalacridae known from New Zealand, but A. doctus represents the second introduced and established species there. A key is given to differentiate adult and larval A. doctus from the other introduced New Zealand species, Phalacrus uniformis (Blackburn).

Potential phylogenetic significance of the number of functional abdominal spiracles in beetle pupae, with focus on Staphylinoidea (Coleoptera)

The distribution of functional abdominal spiracles in pupae of Coleoptera is reviewed based on published descriptions and original observations. Aquatic Coleoptera typically have strong modifications, generally including dramatic reductions in the number of functional spiracles and often their modification into either spiracular gills or snorkels, as a response to their environment. But pupae of the great majority of Coleoptera, which are terrestrial, show broad stability across higher taxa. Most terrestrial beetles have at least the first five pairs of abdominal spiracles functional, up to and including a full set of eight pairs. However, the number is unexpectedly low in Scarabaeoidea and within Staphyliniformia, where Histeridae and all Staphylinoidea have a confirmed maximum of four pairs of spiracles. The relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles in terrestrial pupae is explored, and it is suggested that those groups with an unexpectedly small number of functional spiracles may have passed through a “small-size bottleneck” in their ancestry. However, this hypothesis does not explain why several families of very small beetles in other groups of Coleoptera do not show a similar reduction, and little evidence was found to support a strong relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles at lower taxonomic levels (below family). Whether pupae are exarate or obtect apparently also has little correlation with the number of functional spiracles. However, the consistency and stability of spiracular reductions in the above groups suggests that deep historical factors are involved and thus the reductions may be of phylogenetic significance. It is urged that establishing the number of functional spiracles in beetle pupae become as standard a feature of pupal descriptions as chaetotaxy and whether they are exarate or obtect.

First report of Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) from New Zealand and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Phalacridae)

The Australian species Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Adults are illustrated and diagnosed, and late-instar larvae are fully described and illustrated. In addition, a summary of prior larval descriptions of Phalacridae is provided. This represents the first description of the morphology and habitat of the larvae within the genus Austroporus Gimmel and the Olibroporus-group of genera. Austroporus doctus is native to eastern Australia, where adults are distinguished from similar species by characters of the male genitalia and by a suite of external morphological features. There are no native members of Phalacridae known from New Zealand, but A. doctus represents the second introduced and established species there. A key is given to differentiate adult and larval A. doctus from the other introduced New Zealand species, Phalacrus uniformis (Blackburn).(AU)

Potential phylogenetic significance of the number of functional abdominal spiracles in beetle pupae, with focus on Staphylinoidea (Coleoptera)

The distribution of functional abdominal spiracles in pupae of Coleoptera is reviewed based on published descriptions and original observations. Aquatic Coleoptera typically have strong modifications, generally including dramatic reductions in the number of functional spiracles and often their modification into either spiracular gills or snorkels, as a response to their environment. But pupae of the great majority of Coleoptera, which are terrestrial, show broad stability across higher taxa. Most terrestrial beetles have at least the first five pairs of abdominal spiracles functional, up to and including a full set of eight pairs. However, the number is unexpectedly low in Scarabaeoidea and within Staphyliniformia, where Histeridae and all Staphylinoidea have a confirmed maximum of four pairs of spiracles. The relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles in terrestrial pupae is explored, and it is suggested that those groups with an unexpectedly small number of functional spiracles may have passed through a “small-size bottleneck” in their ancestry. However, this hypothesis does not explain why several families of very small beetles in other groups of Coleoptera do not show a similar reduction, and little evidence was found to support a strong relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles at lower taxonomic levels (below family). Whether pupae are exarate or obtect apparently also has little correlation with the number of functional spiracles. However, the consistency and stability of spiracular reductions in the above groups suggests that deep historical factors are involved and thus the reductions may be of phylogenetic significance. It is urged that establishing the number of functional spiracles in beetle pupae become as standard a feature of pupal descriptions as chaetotaxy and whether they are exarate or obtect.(AU)

First record of the association of the weevil Loncophorus longinasus with the fruit of munguba, Pseudobombax munguba in Central Amazonia, Brazil / Primeiro registro da associação do gorgulho Loncophorus longinasus ao fruto de munguba, Pseudobombax munguba, na Amazônia Central, Brasil

We report the first record of occurrence of Loncophorus longinasus in fruits of munguba, Pseudobombax munguba, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Some morphological and biological aspects of L. longinasus are presented. Adults were obtained through natural emergence from munguba fruits that opened for seed dispersal. The fruits had perforations leading to galleries through the exocarp. Inside the fruit, larvae were found at the seed insertion points on the central seed attachment structure. The pupae developed in a cocoon at the same structure and turned mature simultaneously with the capsule opening. Together with the larvae, the presence of ants (Pseudomyrmex sp.) was observed, that apparently maintained the galleries open for access and feeding on larval exudates.(AU)

Este é o primeiro registro de ocorrência de Loncophorus longinasus em frutos da árvore munguba, Pseudobombax munguba, no Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Alguns aspectos morfológicos e biológicos de L. longinasus são apresentados. Adultos foram obtidos quando emergiam naturalmente durante a abertura do fruto da munguba para a dispersão das sementes. Os frutos apresentaram perfurações que formavam galerias através do exocarpo. Dentro do fruto, foram encontradas larvas em pontos de inserção de sementes na estrutura central. Pupas foram encontradas em casulos na mesma estrutura central, e se transformaram em adultos simultaneamente com a abertura da cápsula. Junto às larvas, detectamos a presença de formigas (Pseudomyrmex sp.), que possivelmente mantêm abertas as galerias no exocarpo para acesso e consumo dos exsudatos das larvas.(AU)

Influence of parasitoid Paravilla sp. (Diptera, Bombyliidae) on the development of larvae of Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Návas, 1914) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae)

Parasitoids manipulate the host metabolism for their own benefit by influencing its development and the direct or indirect result of it is the host death. This study aimed to observe the influence of parasitoidism of Paravilla sp. (Diptera, Bombyliidae) on the development of antlion larvae Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Návas, 1914) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae). The specific objectives were to verify in which larval instars the parasitoid oviposition occurs, the influence of the parasitoid on the larval and pupal development time of M. brasiliensis, the differences in body length of the antlion larvae, as well as of the sex ratio of M. brasiliensis adults. For this, the larvae were differentiated in 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar and measures on body length (head-abdomen) and accompanied until the emergence of the adult. It was observed that the parasitoid Paravilla sp. attacked only the 2nd and 3rd instar larvae. The parasitoid Paravilla sp. oviposited only in 2nd and 3rd instars larvae. No significant differences were observed on larval development time, in the larval body length and in the adult sex ratio between groups of parasitized and non-parasitized M. brasiliensis larvae, however, was observed differences in the pupal development time of these two groups. Thus, we can conclude that the parasitoid Paravilla sp. influences the development time of M. brasiliensis pupal.

Influence of parasitoid Paravilla sp. (Diptera, Bombyliidae) on the development of larvae of Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Návas, 1914) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae)

Parasitoids manipulate the host metabolism for their own benefit by influencing its development and the direct or indirect result of it is the host death. This study aimed to observe the influence of parasitoidism of Paravilla sp. (Diptera, Bombyliidae) on the development of antlion larvae Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Návas, 1914) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae). The specific objectives were to verify in which larval instars the parasitoid oviposition occurs, the influence of the parasitoid on the larval and pupal development time of M. brasiliensis, the differences in body length of the antlion larvae, as well as of the sex ratio of M. brasiliensis adults. For this, the larvae were differentiated in 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar and measures on body length (head-abdomen) and accompanied until the emergence of the adult. It was observed that the parasitoid Paravilla sp. attacked only the 2nd and 3rd instar larvae. The parasitoid Paravilla sp. oviposited only in 2nd and 3rd instars larvae. No significant differences were observed on larval development time, in the larval body length and in the adult sex ratio between groups of parasitized and non-parasitized M. brasiliensis larvae, however, was observed differences in the pupal development time of these two groups. Thus, we can conclude that the parasitoid Paravilla sp. influences the development time of M. brasiliensis pupal.(AU)

Intra-puparial development of Lucilia eximia (Diptera, Calliphoridae) / Desenvolvimento Intra-pupal de Lucilia eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

There are few studies about the intra-puparial development in Diptera, nonetheless its importance has been increased because several dipteran species are of forensic interest. Studies on the life cycles of flies often disregard the changes that occur inside the pupae. The objectives of this research were to analyze the intra-puparial development of Lucilia eximia, and to describe chronological and morphological changes that occur during this stage. Around 1.600 specimens were laboratory-reared. The pre-pupae were identified by the reduction of their size and change in coloration, and 10 individuals were sampled every three hours (n=1.000) until adult emergence. The specimens were fixed in 96% alcohol, subsequently immersed in Canoy solution for 24 hours and in formic acid (5%) for 48 hours, to facilitate dissection and analysis of the morphological changes of the individuals. Four stages of the intra-pupal development of L. eximia were observed: 1) Larva-pupa apolysis, which lasted 23 ± 1.08 h; 2) Cryptocephalic pupa, 5 ± 0.53 h; 3) Phanerocephalic pupa, 92 ± 1.94 h; and 4) Pharate adult: Transparents eyes, 125 ± 2.15 h; Yellow eyes, 23 ± 0.89 h; Pink eyes, 14 ± 0.73 h; and Red eyes, 20 ± 0.60 h. The pharate adult is completely formed after 296 hours and the emergence of the adult occurred after 302 ± 3.81 h. In addition, there were included the stage of pre-pupa, pupariation and the beginning of the adult stage, Imago and adult emergence. Each stage is described and compared with those described for Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae).(AU)

No mundo existem poucos estudos sobre o desenvolvimento intrapupal de Diptera. Comumente, os estudos dos ciclos de vida das espécies de moscas são feitos eliminando o desenvolvimento embrionário que é muito importante, principalmente nas espécies de interesse forense. O principal objetivo foi o de analisar o desenvolvimento intrapupal de Lucilia eximia, descrevendo as mudanças morfológicas que ocorrem durante o desenvolvimento intrapupal. Foram analisados cerca de 1.600 espécimes cultivados em laboratório. Foram analisadas as fases de pré-pupa, pupa, o início da fase adulta, a imago e a emergência. Pré-pupas foram identificadas de acordo com a redução no tamanho e na alteração da coloração. Dez espécimes foram coletados a cada três horas (n=1.000), sem interrupção, até a emergência dos adultos. As pupas foram fixadas em etanol a 96%. Em seguida foram imersas em solução Carnoy por 24 horas e ácido fórmico a 5% por 48 horas para facilitar a dissecação e análises das alterações morfológicas. Foram determinados 4 estágios de desenvolvimento intrapupal. 1) Apólise larva-pupa com duração de 23 ± 1,08 h; 2) Pupa criptocefálica: 5 ± 0,53 h; 3) Pupa fanerocefálica: 92 ± 1,94 h e; 4) Adulto farado: olhos transparentes: 125 ± 2,15 h; olhos amarelos: 23 ± 0,89 h; olhos róseos: 14 ± 0,73 h e olhos vermelhos 20 ± 0,60 h. O adulto farado estava completo após 296 horas e a emergência dos adultos ocorreu com 302 ± 3,81 h. Cada fase foi descrita e comparada com o descrito para Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae).(AU)

Intra-puparial development of Lucilia eximia (Diptera, Calliphoridae) / Desenvolvimento Intra-pupal de Lucilia eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

There are few studies about the intra-puparial development in Diptera, nonetheless its importance has been increased because several dipteran species are of forensic interest. Studies on the life cycles of flies often disregard the changes that occur inside the pupae. The objectives of this research were to analyze the intra-puparial development of Lucilia eximia, and to describe chronological and morphological changes that occur during this stage. Around 1.600 specimens were laboratory-reared. The pre-pupae were identified by the reduction of their size and change in coloration, and 10 individuals were sampled every three hours (n=1.000) until adult emergence. The specimens were fixed in 96% alcohol, subsequently immersed in Canoy solution for 24 hours and in formic acid (5%) for 48 hours, to facilitate dissection and analysis of the morphological changes of the individuals. Four stages of the intra-pupal development of L. eximia were observed: 1) Larva-pupa apolysis, which lasted 23 ± 1.08 h; 2) Cryptocephalic pupa, 5 ± 0.53 h; 3) Phanerocephalic pupa, 92 ± 1.94 h; and 4) Pharate adult: Transparents eyes, 125 ± 2.15 h; Yellow eyes, 23 ± 0.89 h; Pink eyes, 14 ± 0.73 h; and Red eyes, 20 ± 0.60 h. The pharate adult is completely formed after 296 hours and the emergence of the adult occurred after 302 ± 3.81 h. In addition, there were included the stage of pre-pupa, pupariation and the beginning of the adult stage, Imago and adult emergence. Each stage is described and compared with those described for Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae).

No mundo existem poucos estudos sobre o desenvolvimento intrapupal de Diptera. Comumente, os estudos dos ciclos de vida das espécies de moscas são feitos eliminando o desenvolvimento embrionário que é muito importante, principalmente nas espécies de interesse forense. O principal objetivo foi o de analisar o desenvolvimento intrapupal de Lucilia eximia, descrevendo as mudanças morfológicas que ocorrem durante o desenvolvimento intrapupal. Foram analisados cerca de 1.600 espécimes cultivados em laboratório. Foram analisadas as fases de pré-pupa, pupa, o início da fase adulta, a imago e a emergência. Pré-pupas foram identificadas de acordo com a redução no tamanho e na alteração da coloração. Dez espécimes foram coletados a cada três horas (n=1.000), sem interrupção, até a emergência dos adultos. As pupas foram fixadas em etanol a 96%. Em seguida foram imersas em solução Carnoy por 24 horas e ácido fórmico a 5% por 48 horas para facilitar a dissecação e análises das alterações morfológicas. Foram determinados 4 estágios de desenvolvimento intrapupal. 1) Apólise larva-pupa com duração de 23 ± 1,08 h; 2) Pupa criptocefálica: 5 ± 0,53 h; 3) Pupa fanerocefálica: 92 ± 1,94 h e; 4) Adulto farado: olhos transparentes: 125 ± 2,15 h; olhos amarelos: 23 ± 0,89 h; olhos róseos: 14 ± 0,73 h e olhos vermelhos 20 ± 0,60 h. O adulto farado estava completo após 296 horas e a emergência dos adultos ocorreu com 302 ± 3,81 h. Cada fase foi descrita e comparada com o descrito para Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae).