Novel neuroprotective peptides in the venom of the solitary scoliid wasp Scolia decorata ventralis

Background Solitary wasp venoms may be a rich source of neuroactive substances, since their venoms are used for paralyzing preys. We have been exploring bioactive constituents of solitary wasp venoms and, in this study, the component profile of the venom from a solitary scoliid wasp, Scolia decorata ventralis, was investigated through a comprehensive analysis using LC-MS. Two peptides were synthesized, and their neuroprotective properties were evaluated. Methods A reverse-phase HPLC connected to ESI-MS was used for LC-MS analyses. Online mass fingerprinting was performed from TIC, and data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry gave the MS/MS spectra. The sequences of two major peptide components were determined by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis, confirmed by solid phase synthesis. Using the synthetic peptides, biological activities were assessed. Cell integrity tests and neuroprotection analyzes using H2O2 as an oxidative stress inducer were performed for both peptides. Results Online mass fingerprinting revealed that the venom contains 123 components, and the MS/MS analysis resulted in 33 full sequences of peptide components. The two main peptides, α-scoliidine (DYVTVKGFSPLR) and β-scoliidine (DYVTVKGFSPLRKA), present homology with the bradykinin C-terminal. Despite this, both peptides did not behave as substrates or inhibitors of ACE, indicating that they do not interact with this metallopeptidase. In further studies, β-scoliidine, but not α -scoliidine, showed protective effects against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells through integrity and metabolism cell assays. Interestingly, β-scoliidine has the extension of the KA dipeptide at the C-terminal in comparison with α-scoliidine. Conclusion Comprehensive LC-MS and MS/MS analyses from the Scolia decorata ventralis venom displayed the component profile of this venom. β-scoliidine showed an effective cytoprotective effect, probably due to the observed increase in the number of cells. This is the first report of solitary wasp venom peptides showing neuroprotective activity.(AU)

Novel neuroprotective peptides in the venom of the solitary scoliid wasp Scolia decorata ventralis

Solitary wasp venoms may be a rich source of neuroactive substances, since their venoms are used for paralyzing preys. We have been exploring bioactive constituents of solitary wasp venoms and, in this study, the component profile of the venom from a solitary scoliid wasp, Scolia decorata ventralis, was investigated through a comprehensive analysis using LC-MS. Two peptides were synthesized, and their neuroprotective properties were evaluated. Methods A reverse-phase HPLC connected to ESI-MS was used for LC-MS analyses. Online mass fingerprinting was performed from TIC, and data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry gave the MS/MS spectra. The sequences of two major peptide components were determined by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis, confirmed by solid phase synthesis. Using the synthetic peptides, biological activities were assessed. Cell integrity tests and neuroprotection analyzes using H2O2 as an oxidative stress inducer were performed for both peptides. Results Online mass fingerprinting revealed that the venom contains 123 components, and the MS/MS analysis resulted in 33 full sequences of peptide components. The two main peptides, α-scoliidine (DYVTVKGFSPLR) and β-scoliidine (DYVTVKGFSPLRKA), present homology with the bradykinin C-terminal. Despite this, both peptides did not behave as substrates or inhibitors of ACE, indicating that they do not interact with this metallopeptidase. In further studies, β-scoliidine, but not α -scoliidine, showed protective effects against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells through integrity and metabolism cell assays. Interestingly, β-scoliidine has the extension of the KA dipeptide at the C-terminal in comparison with α-scoliidine. Conclusion Comprehensive LC-MS and MS/MS analyses from the Scolia decorata ventralis venom displayed the component profile of this venom. β-scoliidine showed an effective cytoprotective effect, probably due to the observed increase in the number of cells. This is the first report of solitary wasp venom peptides showing neuroprotective activity.(AU)

Behavior manipulation of Crabronidae and Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) in an Amazonian rainforest, Brazil / Manipulação de comportamento de Crabronidae e Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) por fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) em floresta amazônica, Brasil

Registramos e descrevemos a manipulação do parasitismo e do comportamento de três espécies diferentes de vespas aculeadas pelo fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii. Foram observados e coletados 30 espécimes parasitados, sendo cinco espécimes de Larra (Crabronidae), 21 de Liris (Crabronidae) e quatro de Epysiron (Pompilidae).

The parasitism and behavior manipulation of three different species of aculeate wasps by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii was recorded and described. A total of 30 parasitized specimens were observed and collected, being five specimens of Larra (Crabronidae), 21 of Liris (Crabronidae), and four of Epysiron (Pompilidae).

Behavior manipulation of Crabronidae and Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) in an Amazonian rainforest, Brazil / Manipulação de comportamento de Crabronidae e Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) por fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) em floresta amazônica, Brasil

Registramos e descrevemos a manipulação do parasitismo e do comportamento de três espécies diferentes de vespas aculeadas pelo fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii. Foram observados e coletados 30 espécimes parasitados, sendo cinco espécimes de Larra (Crabronidae), 21 de Liris (Crabronidae) e quatro de Epysiron (Pompilidae).(AU)

The parasitism and behavior manipulation of three different species of aculeate wasps by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii was recorded and described. A total of 30 parasitized specimens were observed and collected, being five specimens of Larra (Crabronidae), 21 of Liris (Crabronidae), and four of Epysiron (Pompilidae).(AU)

Mutillidae (Hymenoptera, Aculeata) do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Mutillidae (Hymenoptera, Aculeata) of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Mutillid wasps are parasitoids of mature larvae or pre-pupae of other insects, especially other aculeate Hymenoptera. They are characterized by a strong sexual dimorphism: all females are wingless, while males of most species have wings. The family comprises about 4,200 species and their greatest diversity occurs in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite the size of the family in the Neotropical Region (about 1,500 species, 560 in Brazil), surveys of the Mutillidae fauna are scarce. The purpose of this work is to present an updated list of Mutillidae species recorded for the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, based on literature, museum records and new data. A total of 114 species (including 22 morphospecies) distributed in 23 genera, three tribes and two subfamilies were recorded. The richest genera were Traumatomutilla André, 1901 (36 species), Timulla Ashmead, 1899 (14 spp.), Ephuta Say, 1836 (11 spp.) and Hoplomutilla Ashmead, 1899 (10 spp.).(AU)

Mutilídeos são parasitóides de formas imaturas de outros insetos, especialmente Hymenoptera aculeados. Eles são caracterizados pelo seu acentuado dimorfismo sexual: todas as fêmeas são ápteras, enquanto a maioria dos machos é alada. A família compreende cerca de 4.200 espécies e sua maior diversidade é encontrada nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Apesar do tamanho da família na Região Neotropical (cerca de 1.500 espécies, sendo 560 no Brasil), levantamentos da fauna de Mutillidae são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma lista atualizada das espécies de Mutillidae presentes no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, incluindo registros retirados da literatura, de coleções científicas e de coletas realizadas recentemente no estado. Um total de 114 espécies (incluindo 22 morfoespécies), distribuídas em 23 gêneros, três tribos e duas subfamílias foram registradas. Os gêneros com o maior riqueza foram Traumatomutilla André, 1901 (36 espécies), Timulla Ashmead, 1899 (14 spp.), Ephuta Say, 1836 (11 spp.) e Hoplomutilla Ashmead, 1899 (10 spp.).(AU)

Mutillidae (Hymenoptera, Aculeata) do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT Mutillid wasps are parasitoids of mature larvae or pre-pupae of other insects, especially other aculeate Hymenoptera. They are characterized by a strong sexual dimorphism: all females are wingless, while males of most species have wings. The family comprises about 4,200 species and their greatest diversity occurs in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite the size of the family in the Neotropical Region (about 1,500 species, 560 in Brazil), surveys of the Mutillidae fauna are scarce. The purpose of this work is to present an updated list of Mutillidae species recorded for the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, based on literature, museum records and new data. A total of 114 species (including 22 morphospecies) distributed in 23 genera, three tribes and two subfamilies were recorded. The richest genera were Traumatomutilla André, 1901 (36 species), Timulla Ashmead, 1899 (14 spp.), Ephuta Say, 1836 (11 spp.) and Hoplomutilla Ashmead, 1899 (10 spp.).

RESUMO Mutilídeos são parasitóides de formas imaturas de outros insetos, especialmente Hymenoptera aculeados. Eles são caracterizados pelo seu acentuado dimorfismo sexual: todas as fêmeas são ápteras, enquanto a maioria dos machos é alada. A família compreende cerca de 4.200 espécies e sua maior diversidade é encontrada nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Apesar do tamanho da família na Região Neotropical (cerca de 1.500 espécies, sendo 560 no Brasil), levantamentos da fauna de Mutillidae são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma lista atualizada das espécies de Mutillidae presentes no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, incluindo registros retirados da literatura, de coleções científicas e de coletas realizadas recentemente no estado. Um total de 114 espécies (incluindo 22 morfoespécies), distribuídas em 23 gêneros, três tribos e duas subfamílias foram registradas. Os gêneros com o maior riqueza foram Traumatomutilla André, 1901 (36 espécies), Timulla Ashmead, 1899 (14 spp.), Ephuta Say, 1836 (11 spp.) e Hoplomutilla Ashmead, 1899 (10 spp.).

Mutillidae (Hymenoptera, Aculeata) do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Mutillidae (Hymenoptera, Aculeata) of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Mutillid wasps are parasitoids of mature larvae or pre-pupae of other insects, especially other aculeate Hymenoptera. They are characterized by a strong sexual dimorphism: all females are wingless, while males of most species have wings. The family comprises about 4,200 species and their greatest diversity occurs in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite the size of the family in the Neotropical Region (about 1,500 species, 560 in Brazil), surveys of the Mutillidae fauna are scarce. The purpose of this work is to present an updated list of Mutillidae species recorded for the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, based on literature, museum records and new data. A total of 114 species (including 22 morphospecies) distributed in 23 genera, three tribes and two subfamilies were recorded. The richest genera were Traumatomutilla André, 1901 (36 species), Timulla Ashmead, 1899 (14 spp.), Ephuta Say, 1836 (11 spp.) and Hoplomutilla Ashmead, 1899 (10 spp.).

Mutilídeos são parasitóides de formas imaturas de outros insetos, especialmente Hymenoptera aculeados. Eles são caracterizados pelo seu acentuado dimorfismo sexual: todas as fêmeas são ápteras, enquanto a maioria dos machos é alada. A família compreende cerca de 4.200 espécies e sua maior diversidade é encontrada nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Apesar do tamanho da família na Região Neotropical (cerca de 1.500 espécies, sendo 560 no Brasil), levantamentos da fauna de Mutillidae são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma lista atualizada das espécies de Mutillidae presentes no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, incluindo registros retirados da literatura, de coleções científicas e de coletas realizadas recentemente no estado. Um total de 114 espécies (incluindo 22 morfoespécies), distribuídas em 23 gêneros, três tribos e duas subfamílias foram registradas. Os gêneros com o maior riqueza foram Traumatomutilla André, 1901 (36 espécies), Timulla Ashmead, 1899 (14 spp.), Ephuta Say, 1836 (11 spp.) e Hoplomutilla Ashmead, 1899 (10 spp.).

Biology of a trap-nesting wasp of one species the ground-nesting Liris (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil

Studies on the nesting biology of Liris are restricted to a few notes and observations on ground-nesting species. There are no studies of this kind about Brazilian species. We investigated and described the nesting biology of Liris sp. obtained by trap-nests that were installed at an area of Atlantic Forest vegetation (25°10'S, 48°18'W) in southern Brazil. The nests of Liris sp. are built with a variety of plant debris. They usually have one cell, but may have up to two. Nests do not show vestibular or intercalary cells. Immatures have a hard cocoon made with the silk they produce, mixed with the fine sand and sawdust left by the adult female at the bottom of the cell. No nest parasites were observed. The wasps did not go through diapause at the prepupal stage, and emerged within 36 to 46 days after nests were collected from the field. There was no emergence of male wasps. Even though Liris sp. nest in preexisting cavities, they resemble ground-nesting species of the same genus in their habits, nest architecture, and development characteristics. The absence of males in our samples might be related to nest diameter. The eggs from which males hatch can be laid in smaller burrows than those available at the present study. We believe that the hardiness of the cocoon is the species' main strategy against parasites, although it is complemented by the camouflage provided by the nest closure. We suggest that a broader comparison of the nesting biology of Liris Fabricius, 1804 should be carried out, leading to a better understanding of the evolution of nests in the genus.

Biology of a trap-nesting wasp of one species the ground-nesting Liris (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil

Studies on the nesting biology of Liris are restricted to a few notes and observations on ground-nesting species. There are no studies of this kind about Brazilian species. We investigated and described the nesting biology of Liris sp. obtained by trap-nests that were installed at an area of Atlantic Forest vegetation (25°10'S, 48°18'W) in southern Brazil. The nests of Liris sp. are built with a variety of plant debris. They usually have one cell, but may have up to two. Nests do not show vestibular or intercalary cells. Immatures have a hard cocoon made with the silk they produce, mixed with the fine sand and sawdust left by the adult female at the bottom of the cell. No nest parasites were observed. The wasps did not go through diapause at the prepupal stage, and emerged within 36 to 46 days after nests were collected from the field. There was no emergence of male wasps. Even though Liris sp. nest in preexisting cavities, they resemble ground-nesting species of the same genus in their habits, nest architecture, and development characteristics. The absence of males in our samples might be related to nest diameter. The eggs from which males hatch can be laid in smaller burrows than those available at the present study. We believe that the hardiness of the cocoon is the species' main strategy against parasites, although it is complemented by the camouflage provided by the nest closure. We suggest that a broader comparison of the nesting biology of Liris Fabricius, 1804 should be carried out, leading to a better understanding of the evolution of nests in the genus.(AU)

Nesting Biology of Podium angustifrons Kohl (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae) in an Araucaria Forest Fragment / Biologia de nidificação de Podium angustifrons Kohl (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae) em um fragmento de floresta com araucárias

Podium angustifrons Kohl 1902 is a species of solitary wasp which nests in pre-existing cavities, with neotropical distribution in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and French Guyana. The aim of this study was to investigate the nesting biology of P. angustifrons, discussing aspects of their life history. To capture its nests, wooden trap-nests were installed in the Parque Municipal das Araucárias, Guarapuava (PR), Brazil, from January 2003 to April 2009. A total of 29 nests were collected, all during the warmer months. These showed no vestibular and intercalary cells, and their closures were made up of chewed plants and mud mixed with organic materials and resin-coated surfaces, sometimes showing a layer of lichens. The cells were provisioned with various wild species of cockroaches (Chorisoneura sp, Riata sp and Helgaia sp) in the nymph stage and/or adults. The sex ratio was 4.6 females per male, significantly higher that the expected 1:1. Most pre-pupae entered diapause in winter with development time ranging from 187 to 283 days for females and 180 to 283 days for males. Deaths occurred in 41.66% of cells provisioned, 33.33% were attributed to faulty development and 8.33% to Chrysididae.(AU)

Podium angustifrons Kohl 1902 é uma espécie de vespa solitária que nidifica em cavidades pré-existentes, com distribuição na Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil, Colômbia, Guiania e Guiana Francesa. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a biologia de nidificação desta espécie, discutindo aspectos de sua história de vida. Para captura seus ninhos, foram instaladas ninhos-armadilha de madeira no Parque Municipal das Araucárias, Guarapuava (PR), Brasil, de Janeiro 2003 até Abril de 2009. Foram coletados 29 ninhos, durante todos os meses quentes. Os ninhos não apresentaram células vestibulares e intercalares, seus fechamentos são constituídos por material vegetal mascado, seguido de barro misturado a materiais orgânicos, revestidos por resina, podendo ter uma camada de liquens. As células foram aprovisionadas com diferentes espécies de baratas silvestres (Chorisoneura sp, Riata sp e Helgaia sp) em estágio de ninfa e/ou adulto. A maioria das pré-pupas entrou em diapausa no inverno com tempo de desenvolvimento de 187 a 283 dias para as fêmeas e 180 a 283 dias para machos. Ocorreu mortalidade em 41,66% das células aprovisionadas, sendo 33,33% causado por falha de desenvolvimento e 8,33% por cleptoparasitas da família Chrysididae.(AU)