Taxonomic notes on the primary types of some species of Centris bees described by some entomologists from the Americas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / Notas taxonômicas sobre os tipos primários de algumas espécies de abelhas do gênero Centris descritas por alguns entomologistas das Américas (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this paper are presented notes on the primary types of some species of the oil-collecting bees of the genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Alpheus Packard, Arturo Roig-Alsina, Charles Michener, Flamínio Ruiz, Haroldo Toro, James Crawford, Jesus Santiago Moure, Philip Timberlake, and Roy Snelling. Information on the type status, type locality and depository are provided.(AU)

Neste artigo são apresentadas notas sobre os tipos primários de algumas espécies de abelhas coletoras de óleo do gênero Centris Fabricius, 1804 descritas por Alpheus Packard, Arturo Roig-Alsina, Charles Michener, Flamínio Ruiz, Haroldo Toro, James Crawford, Jesus Santiago Moure, Philip Timberlake e Roy Snelling. São fornecidas informações sobre o status dos tipos, localidade tipo e depositário.(AU)

Descriptions of new gynandromorphs of Xylocopa augusti Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopini) from Argentina

Gynandromorphs are individuals that display both male and female features throughout the body and are rarely found in nature. We document and describe two new gynandromorphs of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) augusti reared from a trap-nest in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition, based on a literature review, we assessed the frequency of the different types of gynandromorphs, and the body part affected, among large carpenter bees. Both gynandromorphs were assigned to the mixed category, the most common category reported in the literature (22 of 25 specimens). The remaining three specimens exhibit a bilateral pattern in all tagmata. The presence of both sexes' secondary sexual characteristics occurred more frequently on the mesosoma than on the head or metasoma. Trap nests used in bee hotels promote the conservation and study of wild bees and might facilitate the discovery of rare cases of gynandromorphs that would remain unknown otherwise under normal nesting conditions in the wild.(AU)

The Centris bees described by Ezra Townsend Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

ABSTRACT In this paper the primary types of bees of the genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by the American hymenopterologist Ezra Townsend Cresson were studied. The type specimens of C. aethiops, C. fulviventris, C. lanosa, C. montezuma, C. otomita, and C. totonaca were examined, providing notes on their current status and depository. Photographs of selected types are also provided.

RESUMO Neste artigo foram estudados os tipos primários das abelhas do gênero Centris Fabricius, 1804 descritas pelo himenopterólogo americano Ezra Townsend Cresson. Os espécimes-tipo de C. aethiops, C. fulviventris, C. lanosa, C. montezuma, C. otomita e C. totonaca foram analisados, fornecendo notas sobre seu status atual e local de depósito. Fotografias de alguns tipos selecionados também são proporcionadas.

The species of the bee genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Curt Schrottky (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract In this paper the primary types of Centris bees described by the German entomologist Curt Schrottky were studied. The type specimens of C. anisitsi, C. brethesi, C. ehrhardti, C. garleppi, C. garleppi var. unifasciata, C. pectoralis var. flava, C. pocograndensis, and C. xanthocnemis var. perflava were analyzed, providing notes on their current status and depository. To stabilize the application of the name C. ehrhardti a lectotype was designated. Notes and photographs of selected types are also provided.

The Centris bees described by Ezra Townsend Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / As abelhas Centris descritas por Ezra Townsend Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this paper the primary types of bees of the genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by the American hymenopterologist Ezra Townsend Cresson were studied. The type specimens of C. aethiops, C. fulviventris, C. lanosa, C. montezuma, C. otomita, and C. totonaca were examined, providing notes on their current status and depository. Photographs of selected types are also provided.(AU)

Neste artigo foram estudados os tipos primários das abelhas do gênero Centris Fabricius, 1804 descritas pelo himenopterólogo americano Ezra Townsend Cresson. Os espécimes-tipo de C. aethiops, C. fulviventris, C. lanosa, C. montezuma, C. otomita e C. totonaca foram analisados, fornecendo notas sobre seu status atual e local de depósito. Fotografias de alguns tipos selecionados também são proporcionadas.(AU)

The Centris bees described by Ezra Townsend Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / As abelhas Centris descritas por Ezra Townsend Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this paper the primary types of bees of the genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by the American hymenopterologist Ezra Townsend Cresson were studied. The type specimens of C. aethiops, C. fulviventris, C. lanosa, C. montezuma, C. otomita, and C. totonaca were examined, providing notes on their current status and depository. Photographs of selected types are also provided.

Neste artigo foram estudados os tipos primários das abelhas do gênero Centris Fabricius, 1804 descritas pelo himenopterólogo americano Ezra Townsend Cresson. Os espécimes-tipo de C. aethiops, C. fulviventris, C. lanosa, C. montezuma, C. otomita e C. totonaca foram analisados, fornecendo notas sobre seu status atual e local de depósito. Fotografias de alguns tipos selecionados também são proporcionadas.

Nesting biology of the oil-collecting bee Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

ABSTRACT Nests of the oil-collecting bee Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 were studied at the Jardim Botânico of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The females constructed their nests in an area of 609 m2 of mostly sandy flat soil. The nest architecture was relatively simple, with a main tunnel of approximately 30 cm in depth with one or two lateral tunnels ending in a single brood cell. Adult activity lasted approximately 45 days. The females dug the tunnels, constructed the brood cells, collected provisions and laid the eggs in approximately two days. Diapause occurred in the post defecating larval stage, and there was no cocoon. Nest architecture and the morphology of the brood cells are described and illustrated.

RESUMO Ninhos da abelha coletora de óleo Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 foram estudados no Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. As fêmeas construíram seus ninhos em uma área de 609 m2 de solo plano principalmente arenoso. A arquitetura do ninho é relativamente simples, com um túnel principal de aproximadamente 30 cm de profundidade, com um ou dois túneis laterais terminando em uma única célula de cria. A atividade dos adultos se estendeu por cerca de 45 dias. As fêmeas cavam os túneis, constroem as células de cria, coletam as provisões e depositam os ovos em aproximadamente dois dias. A diapausa ocorreu no estágio de larva pós-defecante e não houve casulo. A arquitetura dos ninhos e a morfologia das células de cria são descritas e ilustradas.

Nesting biology of the oil-collecting bee Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / Biologia da nidificação da abelha coletora de óleo Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) em uma área urbana do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Nests of the oil-collecting bee Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 were studied at the Jardim Botânico of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The females constructed their nests in an area of 609 m2 of mostly sandy flat soil. The nest architecture was relatively simple, with a main tunnel of approximately 30 cm in depth with one or two lateral tunnels ending in a single brood cell. Adult activity lasted approximately 45 days. The females dug the tunnels, constructed the brood cells, collected provisions and laid the eggs in approximately two days. Diapause occurred in the post defecating larval stage, and there was no cocoon. Nest architecture and the morphology of the brood cells are described and illustrated.(AU)

Ninhos da abelha coletora de óleo Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 foram estudados no Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. As fêmeas construíram seus ninhos em uma área de 609 m2 de solo plano principalmente arenoso. A arquitetura do ninho é relativamente simples, com um túnel principal de aproximadamente 30 cm de profundidade, com um ou dois túneis laterais terminando em uma única célula de cria. A atividade dos adultos se estendeu por cerca de 45 dias. As fêmeas cavam os túneis, constroem as células de cria, coletam as provisões e depositam os ovos em aproximadamente dois dias. A diapausa ocorreu no estágio de larva pós-defecante e não houve casulo. A arquitetura dos ninhos e a morfologia das células de cria são descritas e ilustradas.(AU)

Nesting biology of the oil-collecting bee Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / Biologia da nidificação da abelha coletora de óleo Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) em uma área urbana do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Nests of the oil-collecting bee Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 were studied at the Jardim Botânico of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The females constructed their nests in an area of 609 m2 of mostly sandy flat soil. The nest architecture was relatively simple, with a main tunnel of approximately 30 cm in depth with one or two lateral tunnels ending in a single brood cell. Adult activity lasted approximately 45 days. The females dug the tunnels, constructed the brood cells, collected provisions and laid the eggs in approximately two days. Diapause occurred in the post defecating larval stage, and there was no cocoon. Nest architecture and the morphology of the brood cells are described and illustrated.

Ninhos da abelha coletora de óleo Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) fasciata Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 foram estudados no Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. As fêmeas construíram seus ninhos em uma área de 609 m2 de solo plano principalmente arenoso. A arquitetura do ninho é relativamente simples, com um túnel principal de aproximadamente 30 cm de profundidade, com um ou dois túneis laterais terminando em uma única célula de cria. A atividade dos adultos se estendeu por cerca de 45 dias. As fêmeas cavam os túneis, constroem as células de cria, coletam as provisões e depositam os ovos em aproximadamente dois dias. A diapausa ocorreu no estágio de larva pós-defecante e não houve casulo. A arquitetura dos ninhos e a morfologia das células de cria são descritas e ilustradas.

The species of the bee genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Curt Schrottky (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this paper the primary types of Centris bees described by the German entomologist Curt Schrottky were studied. The type specimens of C. anisitsi, C. brethesi, C. ehrhardti, C. garleppi, C. garleppi var. unifasciata, C. pectoralis var. flava, C. pocograndensis, and C. xanthocnemis var. perflava were analyzed, providing notes on their current status and depository. To stabilize the application of the name C. ehrhardti a lectotype was designated. Notes and photographs of selected types are also provided.

The species of the bee genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Curt Schrottky (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this paper the primary types of Centris bees described by the German entomologist Curt Schrottky were studied. The type specimens of C. anisitsi, C. brethesi, C. ehrhardti, C. garleppi, C. garleppi var. unifasciata, C. pectoralis var. flava, C. pocograndensis, and C. xanthocnemis var. perflava were analyzed, providing notes on their current status and depository. To stabilize the application of the name C. ehrhardti a lectotype was designated. Notes and photographs of selected types are also provided.(AU)

Listagem da entomofauna antófila do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Checklist of anthophilous entomofauna from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil

We present a checklist of the anthophilous entomofauna of Mato Grosso do Sul state (MS) based on information compiled from 17 studies, most of them achieved in Cerrado vegetation (n = 11) and less frequently in the Pantanal (n = 6). We recorded 10 groups of insects, belonging to six orders, 80 families and 411 species. Higher richness was sampled for Cerrado (307 spp.) compared to Pantanal (147 spp.), with only 43 species (10.4%) common to both biomes. Anthophila was the richest group (155 spp.), followed by beetles (82), butterflies/moths (53) and wasps (45), which totalized 81.5% of species. The highest richness of bees is related to the fact the most studies are concentrated in this group, besides the specialization of this group in utilization of floral resources. Surprising was the beetles occupying second place compared to others more active and habitual visitors, such as butterflies and flies. The entomofauna collections and research teams in MS are limited and/or incipient and they should be strenghtened through partnerships, exchange and capacity building in this biological group.(AU)

Apresentamos listagem da entomofauna visitante de flores do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) com base na compilação de informações obtidas em 17 estudos, a maioria realizado em áreas de Cerrado (n = 11) e menos frequentemente no Pantanal (n = 6). Foram registrados 10 grupos de insetos, pertencentes a seis ordens, 80 famílias e 411 espécies. Maior riqueza foi amostrada para o Cerrado (307 spp.) que Pantanal (147 spp.), com somente 43 espécies (10,4%) em comum entre estes biomas. Anthophila foi o grupo mais rico (155 spp.), seguido por besouros (82), borboletas/mariposas (53) e vespas (45), que junto totalizaram 81,5% das espécies. Maior riqueza de abelhas está relacionada ao fato da maioria dos trabalhos enfocarem este grupo, além da especialização deste grupo na utilização de recursos florais. Surpreendente foi o segundo lugar ocupado por besouros em relação a outros visitantes mais ativos e habituais, como lepidópteros e moscas. Em MS os acervos e grupos de pesquisa com entomofauna antófila são restritos e/ou incipientes, sendo necessário fortalecimento dos mesmos através de parcerias, intercâmbios e formação de recursos humanos na área.(AU)

Listagem da entomofauna antófila do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT We present a checklist of the anthophilous entomofauna of Mato Grosso do Sul state (MS) based on information compiled from 17 studies, most of them achieved in Cerrado vegetation (n = 11) and less frequently in the Pantanal (n = 6). We recorded 10 groups of insects, belonging to six orders, 80 families and 411 species. Higher richness was sampled for Cerrado (307 spp.) compared to Pantanal (147 spp.), with only 43 species (10.4%) common to both biomes. Anthophila was the richest group (155 spp.), followed by beetles (82), butterflies/moths (53) and wasps (45), which totalized 81.5% of species. The highest richness of bees is related to the fact the most studies are concentrated in this group, besides the specialization of this group in utilization of floral resources. Surprising was the beetles occupying second place compared to others more active and habitual visitors, such as butterflies and flies. The entomofauna collections and research teams in MS are limited and/or incipient and they should be strenghtened through partnerships, exchange and capacity building in this biological group.

RESUMO Apresentamos listagem da entomofauna visitante de flores do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) com base na compilação de informações obtidas em 17 estudos, a maioria realizado em áreas de Cerrado (n = 11) e menos frequentemente no Pantanal (n = 6). Foram registrados 10 grupos de insetos, pertencentes a seis ordens, 80 famílias e 411 espécies. Maior riqueza foi amostrada para o Cerrado (307 spp.) que Pantanal (147 spp.), com somente 43 espécies (10,4%) em comum entre estes biomas. Anthophila foi o grupo mais rico (155 spp.), seguido por besouros (82), borboletas/mariposas (53) e vespas (45), que junto totalizaram 81,5% das espécies. Maior riqueza de abelhas está relacionada ao fato da maioria dos trabalhos enfocarem este grupo, além da especialização deste grupo na utilização de recursos florais. Surpreendente foi o segundo lugar ocupado por besouros em relação a outros visitantes mais ativos e habituais, como lepidópteros e moscas. Em MS os acervos e grupos de pesquisa com entomofauna antófila são restritos e/ou incipientes, sendo necessário fortalecimento dos mesmos através de parcerias, intercâmbios e formação de recursos humanos na área.

Listagem da entomofauna antófila do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Checklist of anthophilous entomofauna from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil

We present a checklist of the anthophilous entomofauna of Mato Grosso do Sul state (MS) based on information compiled from 17 studies, most of them achieved in Cerrado vegetation (n = 11) and less frequently in the Pantanal (n = 6). We recorded 10 groups of insects, belonging to six orders, 80 families and 411 species. Higher richness was sampled for Cerrado (307 spp.) compared to Pantanal (147 spp.), with only 43 species (10.4%) common to both biomes. Anthophila was the richest group (155 spp.), followed by beetles (82), butterflies/moths (53) and wasps (45), which totalized 81.5% of species. The highest richness of bees is related to the fact the most studies are concentrated in this group, besides the specialization of this group in utilization of floral resources. Surprising was the beetles occupying second place compared to others more active and habitual visitors, such as butterflies and flies. The entomofauna collections and research teams in MS are limited and/or incipient and they should be strenghtened through partnerships, exchange and capacity building in this biological group.

Apresentamos listagem da entomofauna visitante de flores do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) com base na compilação de informações obtidas em 17 estudos, a maioria realizado em áreas de Cerrado (n = 11) e menos frequentemente no Pantanal (n = 6). Foram registrados 10 grupos de insetos, pertencentes a seis ordens, 80 famílias e 411 espécies. Maior riqueza foi amostrada para o Cerrado (307 spp.) que Pantanal (147 spp.), com somente 43 espécies (10,4%) em comum entre estes biomas. Anthophila foi o grupo mais rico (155 spp.), seguido por besouros (82), borboletas/mariposas (53) e vespas (45), que junto totalizaram 81,5% das espécies. Maior riqueza de abelhas está relacionada ao fato da maioria dos trabalhos enfocarem este grupo, além da especialização deste grupo na utilização de recursos florais. Surpreendente foi o segundo lugar ocupado por besouros em relação a outros visitantes mais ativos e habituais, como lepidópteros e moscas. Em MS os acervos e grupos de pesquisa com entomofauna antófila são restritos e/ou incipientes, sendo necessário fortalecimento dos mesmos através de parcerias, intercâmbios e formação de recursos humanos na área.

Isolation of biologically active peptides from the venom of Japanese carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata

Abstract Background Mass spectrometry-guided venom peptide profiling is a powerful tool to explore novel substances from venomous animals in a highly sensitive manner. In this study, this peptide profiling approach is successfully applied to explore the venom peptides of a Japanese solitary carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae: Anthophila: Xylocopinae: Xylocopini). Although interesting biological effects of the crude venom of carpenter bees have been reported, the structure and biological function of the venom peptides have not been elucidated yet. Methods The venom peptide profiling of the crude venom of X. appendiculata was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. The venom was purified by a reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptides were subjected to the Edman degradation, MS/MS analysis, and/or molecular cloning methods for peptide sequencing. Biological and functional characterization was performed by circular dichroism analysis, liposome leakage assay, and antimicrobial, histamine releasing and hemolytic activity tests. Results Three novel peptides with m/z 16508, 1939.3, and 1900.3 were isolated from the venom of X. appendiculata. The peptide with m/z 16508 was characterized as a secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homolog in which the characteristic cysteine residues as well as the active site residues found in bee PLA2s are highly conserved. Two novel peptides with m/z 1939.3 and m/z 1900.3 were named as Xac-1 and Xac-2, respectively. These peptides are found to be amphiphilic and displayed antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potency was almost the same as that of mastoparan isolated from the wasp venom. Conclusion We found three novel biologically active peptides in the venom of X. appendiculata and analyzed their molecular functions, and compared their sequential homology to discuss their molecular diversity. Highly sensitive mass analysis plays an important role in this study.

Isolation of biologically active peptides from the venom of Japanese carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata

Background Mass spectrometry-guided venom peptide profiling is a powerful tool to explore novel substances from venomous animals in a highly sensitive manner. In this study, this peptide profiling approach is successfully applied to explore the venom peptides of a Japanese solitary carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae: Anthophila: Xylocopinae: Xylocopini). Although interesting biological effects of the crude venom of carpenter bees have been reported, the structure and biological function of the venom peptides have not been elucidated yet. Methods The venom peptide profiling of the crude venom of X. appendiculata was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. The venom was purified by a reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptides were subjected to the Edman degradation, MS/MS analysis, and/or molecular cloning methods for peptide sequencing. Biological and functional characterization was performed by circular dichroism analysis, liposome leakage assay, and antimicrobial, histamine releasing and hemolytic activity tests. Results Three novel peptides with m/z 16508, 1939.3, and 1900.3 were isolated from the venom of X. appendiculata. The peptide with m/z 16508 was characterized as a secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homolog in which the characteristic cysteine residues as well as the active site residues found in bee PLA2s are highly conserved. Two novel peptides with m/z 1939.3 and m/z 1900.3 were named as Xac-1 and Xac-2, respectively. These peptides are found to be amphiphilic and displayed antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potency was almost the same as that of mastoparan isolated from the wasp venom. Conclusion We found three novel biologically active peptides in the venom of X. appendiculata and analyzed their molecular functions, and compared their sequential homology to discuss their molecular diversity. Highly sensitive mass analysis plays an important role in this study.(AU)

Isolation of biologically active peptides from the venom of Japanese carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata

Background Mass spectrometry-guided venom peptide profiling is a powerful tool to explore novel substances from venomous animals in a highly sensitive manner. In this study, this peptide profiling approach is successfully applied to explore the venom peptides of a Japanese solitary carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae: Anthophila: Xylocopinae: Xylocopini). Although interesting biological effects of the crude venom of carpenter bees have been reported, the structure and biological function of the venom peptides have not been elucidated yet. Methods The venom peptide profiling of the crude venom of X. appendiculata was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. The venom was purified by a reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptides were subjected to the Edman degradation, MS/MS analysis, and/or molecular cloning methods for peptide sequencing. Biological and functional characterization was performed by circular dichroism analysis, liposome leakage assay, and antimicrobial, histamine releasing and hemolytic activity tests. Results Three novel peptides with m/z 16508, 1939.3, and 1900.3 were isolated from the venom of X. appendiculata. The peptide with m/z 16508 was characterized as a secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homolog in which the characteristic cysteine residues as well as the active site residues found in bee PLA2s are highly conserved. Two novel peptides with m/z 1939.3 and m/z 1900.3 were named as Xac-1 and Xac-2, respectively. These peptides are found to be amphiphilic and displayed antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potency was almost the same as that of mastoparan isolated from the wasp venom. Conclusion We found three novel biologically active peptides in the venom of X. appendiculata and analyzed their molecular functions, and compared their sequential homology to discuss their molecular diversity. Highly sensitive mass analysis plays an important role in this study.(AU)