Notes on the biological development of the darkling beetle Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis Seidlitz, 1893 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / Notas sobre o desenvolvimento biológico do besouro escuro Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis Seidlitz, 1893 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Several endemic species of Blaps occur in Tunisia, and the species Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis has been reported in Moulares (urban zone in west-central Tunisia), where it lives and reproduces in home gardens and old buildings. The aim of this work is to study the life cycle of the darkling beetle, considering both field and laboratory rearing conditions. As a result, the beetle species has different developmental stages (egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult) that last about 15 months. Each year during the same period, adults emerge (early summer) and expire (late autumn), larvae hatch (late summer) and pupate (early summer). There is only one generation per year. Females began laying eggs in late July. The eggs were ovoid, white, and about 2.7 mm in length and 1.5 mm in width. Embryogenesis took an average of nine days. The first instar larvae were at initially only 4.5 mm long and ivory white in color. A brief description of the newly egg hatched larva was provided; thus, the nerve fibers innervating the apical setae in the antennae and ligula were detected. Further light microscopic examination of the embryo before hatching from the egg pointed out that the antennal sensilla are protected during the embryogenesis stage.

Várias espécies endêmicas de Blaps ocorrem na Tunísia, e a espécie Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis foi relatada em Moulares (zona urbana no centro-oeste da Tunísia), onde vive e se reproduz em jardins domésticos e prédios antigos. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar o ciclo de vida do besouro escuro, considerando as condições de criação em campo e em laboratório. Como resultado, a espécie de besouro tem diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento (ovo, larva, prepupa, pupa e adulto) que duram cerca de 15 meses. Todos os anos, durante o mesmo período, os adultos emergem (início do verão) e expiram (final do outono), as larvas eclodem (final do verão) e se tornam pupas (início do verão). Existe apenas uma geração por ano. As fêmeas começaram a botar ovos no final de julho. Os ovos eram ovóides, brancos, com cerca de 2,7 mm de comprimento e 1,5 mm de largura. A embriogênese demorou em média nove dias. As larvas de primeiro instar tinham inicialmente apenas 4,5 mm de comprimento e uma cor branca marfim. Foi fornecida uma breve descrição da larva recém-eclodida; assim, as fibras nervosas que inervam as cerdas apicais nas antenas e ligulas foram detectadas. Um exame microscópico de luz posterior do embrião antes da eclosão do ovo mostrou que as sensilas antenais são protegidas durante o estágio de embriogênese.

Notes on the biological development of the darkling beetle Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis Seidlitz, 1893 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / Notas sobre o desenvolvimento biológico do besouro escuro Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis Seidlitz, 1893 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Several endemic species of Blaps occur in Tunisia, and the species Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis has been reported in Moulares (urban zone in west-central Tunisia), where it lives and reproduces in home gardens and old buildings. The aim of this work is to study the life cycle of the darkling beetle, considering both field and laboratory rearing conditions. As a result, the beetle species has different developmental stages (egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult) that last about 15 months. Each year during the same period, adults emerge (early summer) and expire (late autumn), larvae hatch (late summer) and pupate (early summer). There is only one generation per year. Females began laying eggs in late July. The eggs were ovoid, white, and about 2.7 mm in length and 1.5 mm in width. Embryogenesis took an average of nine days. The first instar larvae were at initially only 4.5 mm long and ivory white in color. A brief description of the newly egg hatched larva was provided; thus, the nerve fibers innervating the apical setae in the antennae and ligula were detected. Further light microscopic examination of the embryo before hatching from the egg pointed out that the antennal sensilla are protected during the embryogenesis stage.

Várias espécies endêmicas de Blaps ocorrem na Tunísia, e a espécie Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis foi relatada em Moulares (zona urbana no centro-oeste da Tunísia), onde vive e se reproduz em jardins domésticos e prédios antigos. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar o ciclo de vida do besouro escuro, considerando as condições de criação em campo e em laboratório. Como resultado, a espécie de besouro tem diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento (ovo, larva, prepupa, pupa e adulto) que duram cerca de 15 meses. Todos os anos, durante o mesmo período, os adultos emergem (início do verão) e expiram (final do outono), as larvas eclodem (final do verão) e se tornam pupas (início do verão). Existe apenas uma geração por ano. As fêmeas começaram a botar ovos no final de julho. Os ovos eram ovóides, brancos, com cerca de 2,7 mm de comprimento e 1,5 mm de largura. A embriogênese demorou em média nove dias. As larvas de primeiro instar tinham inicialmente apenas 4,5 mm de comprimento e uma cor branca marfim. Foi fornecida uma breve descrição da larva recém-eclodida; assim, as fibras nervosas que inervam as cerdas apicais nas antenas e ligulas foram detectadas. Um exame microscópico de luz posterior do embrião antes da eclosão do ovo mostrou que as sensilas antenais são protegidas durante o estágio de embriogênese.

Notes on the biological development of the darkling beetle Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis Seidlitz, 1893 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / Notas sobre o desenvolvimento biológico do besouro escuro Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis Seidlitz, 1893 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Several endemic species of Blaps occur in Tunisia, and the species Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis has been reported in Moulares (urban zone in west-central Tunisia), where it lives and reproduces in home gardens and old buildings. The aim of this work is to study the life cycle of the darkling beetle, considering both field and laboratory rearing conditions. As a result, the beetle species has different developmental stages (egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult) that last about 15 months. Each year during the same period, adults emerge (early summer) and expire (late autumn), larvae hatch (late summer) and pupate (early summer). There is only one generation per year. Females began laying eggs in late July. The eggs were ovoid, white, and about 2.7 mm in length and 1.5 mm in width. Embryogenesis took an average of nine days. The first instar larvae were at initially only 4.5 mm long and ivory white in color. A brief description of the newly egg hatched larva was provided; thus, the nerve fibers innervating the apical setae in the antennae and ligula were detected. Further light microscopic examination of the embryo before hatching from the egg pointed out that the antennal sensilla are protected during the embryogenesis stage.(AU)

Várias espécies endêmicas de Blaps ocorrem na Tunísia, e a espécie Blaps nefrauensis nefrauensis foi relatada em Moulares (zona urbana no centro-oeste da Tunísia), onde vive e se reproduz em jardins domésticos e prédios antigos. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar o ciclo de vida do besouro escuro, considerando as condições de criação em campo e em laboratório. Como resultado, a espécie de besouro tem diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento (ovo, larva, prepupa, pupa e adulto) que duram cerca de 15 meses. Todos os anos, durante o mesmo período, os adultos emergem (início do verão) e expiram (final do outono), as larvas eclodem (final do verão) e se tornam pupas (início do verão). Existe apenas uma geração por ano. As fêmeas começaram a botar ovos no final de julho. Os ovos eram ovóides, brancos, com cerca de 2,7 mm de comprimento e 1,5 mm de largura. A embriogênese demorou em média nove dias. As larvas de primeiro instar tinham inicialmente apenas 4,5 mm de comprimento e uma cor branca marfim. Foi fornecida uma breve descrição da larva recém-eclodida; assim, as fibras nervosas que inervam as cerdas apicais nas antenas e ligulas foram detectadas. Um exame microscópico de luz posterior do embrião antes da eclosão do ovo mostrou que as sensilas antenais são protegidas durante o estágio de embriogênese.(AU)

A new species of Lelegeis (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Diaperini) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Lelegeis Champion, 1886 occurs only in the Neotropical region and comprises four species: L. aeneipennis Champion, 1886 from Mexico; L. apicalis Laporte & Brullé, 1831 from Cuba; L. hispaniolae Triplehorn, 1962 from Haiti and the Dominican Republic; and L. nigrifrons (Chevrolat, 1878) occurring in Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Here, Lelegeis pytanga sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, and the first detailed description of the sclerites of the male and female terminalia of Lelegeis is produced. The new species can be easily distinguished from the other Lelegeis by its dull reddish brown to reddish orange elytral coloration, while the remaining body surface is dull black. The morphology of Lelegeis and its generic boundaries within Diaperinae are discussed.

A new species of Lelegeis (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Diaperini) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Lelegeis Champion, 1886 occurs only in the Neotropical region and comprises four species: L. aeneipennis Champion, 1886 from Mexico; L. apicalis Laporte & Brullé, 1831 from Cuba; L. hispaniolae Triplehorn, 1962 from Haiti and the Dominican Republic; and L. nigrifrons (Chevrolat, 1878) occurring in Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Here, Lelegeis pytanga sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, and the first detailed description of the sclerites of the male and female terminalia of Lelegeis is produced. The new species can be easily distinguished from the other Lelegeis by its dull reddish brown to reddish orange elytral coloration, while the remaining body surface is dull black. The morphology of Lelegeis and its generic boundaries within Diaperinae are discussed.(AU)

Efficacy of Phosphine Gas Against the Darkling Beetle (Alphitobius diaperinus)

Background: The darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus is the most commonly beetle found in poultry sheds and causes economic and sanitary impact in the poultry industry. The life cycle of the mealworm can vary from one to three months depending on environmental conditions, and adults can survive for up to one year. The insect lives in the poultry litter where it eats feed and organic waste. The temperature in the poultry house and the accumulation of feed and organic matter promote ideal conditions for beetle infestation. The consumption of beetles affects feed conversion in poultry, especially in the first days of life and it is often cited as a vector of viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. The control of its populations is generally achieved by insecticide application on the walls and floor, but resistant populations of beetles are often reported. Phosphine gas is used as a fumigant to control insects in stored grain. In this study the efficacy of phosphine gas against this beetle was evaluated. Materials, Methods & Results: Two experiments were conducted: one in vitro trial, and a trial simulating field conditions. The in vitro trial aimed to evaluate the exposure time required (ETR) to obtain 100% insect mortality, in the presence and absence of wood shavings. Adults and larvae were tested separately. In treatment T1, 100 adult beetles were placed in a petri dish without poultry litter; treatment T2, had 100 adult beetles per plate and filled with sterilized poultry litter. Treatments T3 andT4 had 100 A. diaperinus larvae per plate, in absence and presence of poultry litter, respectively. Three repetitions were performed for each treatment. Insect mortality in plates was monitored at 5 min intervals. The absence of beetle movements after shaking the plate was considered an indicator of insect mortality. The field evaluation was carried out in a poultry house with litter infested with A. diaperinus. [...]

Efficacy of Phosphine Gas Against the Darkling Beetle (Alphitobius diaperinus)

Background: The darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus is the most commonly beetle found in poultry sheds and causes economic and sanitary impact in the poultry industry. The life cycle of the mealworm can vary from one to three months depending on environmental conditions, and adults can survive for up to one year. The insect lives in the poultry litter where it eats feed and organic waste. The temperature in the poultry house and the accumulation of feed and organic matter promote ideal conditions for beetle infestation. The consumption of beetles affects feed conversion in poultry, especially in the first days of life and it is often cited as a vector of viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. The control of its populations is generally achieved by insecticide application on the walls and floor, but resistant populations of beetles are often reported. Phosphine gas is used as a fumigant to control insects in stored grain. In this study the efficacy of phosphine gas against this beetle was evaluated. Materials, Methods & Results: Two experiments were conducted: one in vitro trial, and a trial simulating field conditions. The in vitro trial aimed to evaluate the exposure time required (ETR) to obtain 100% insect mortality, in the presence and absence of wood shavings. Adults and larvae were tested separately. In treatment T1, 100 adult beetles were placed in a petri dish without poultry litter; treatment T2, had 100 adult beetles per plate and filled with sterilized poultry litter. Treatments T3 andT4 had 100 A. diaperinus larvae per plate, in absence and presence of poultry litter, respectively. Three repetitions were performed for each treatment. Insect mortality in plates was monitored at 5 min intervals. The absence of beetle movements after shaking the plate was considered an indicator of insect mortality. The field evaluation was carried out in a poultry house with litter infested with A. diaperinus. [...](AU)

Evaluations of sampling methods for Darkling beetles ( Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the litter of broiler houses / Avaliação de métodos de amostragem de Cascudinhos Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) em cama de frangos de corte

The Alphitobius diaperinus has been globally one of the major ectoparasites of the modern poultry production. With the industrial poultry expansion, this coleopteran has found in poultry facilities an excellent habitat for its development. Adults, eggs, larvae and pupae are found under the litter surface, in equipment and in cracks of the floors and walls, where they can cause remarkable damages. The counting of the A. diaperinus population using quantitative methods of sampling is of fundamental importance for the establishment of appropriate control measures and for evaluation of the effectiveness of insecticides. The present study was carried out in the experimental aviary of the Center of Researches in Animal health - CPPAR - FCAVJ/UNESP, where two methods of quantification of A. diaperinus were evaluated: the method of modified traps of Arends and the method of bricks, for counting of A. diaperinus in the chicken little. It was concluded that the two sampling methods employed did not differ (P>0,05) in the evaluation of infestation for adults and larvae of A. diaperinus.

O Alphitobius diaperinus tem se apresentado mundialmente como uma das principais pragas da avicultura moderna. Com a expansão avícola industrial, este coleóptero conhecido como cascudinho encontrou junto às instalações avícolas habitat ideal para seu desenvolvimento. Adultos, ovos, larvas e pupas são encontrados sob a superfície da cama, em equipamentos e em frestas dos pisos e paredes, podendo causar inúmeros prejuízos. O monitoramento da população de A. diaperinus, utilizando métodos quantitativos de amostragem, é de fundamental importância para o estabelecimento de medidas de controle e para avaliação da eficácia de medicamentos. O presente estudo foi conduzido no aviário experimental do Centro de Pesquisas em Sanidade Animal CPPAR FCAVJ/UNESP, onde foram avaliados dois métodos de quantificação de A. diaperinus: armadilhas modificadas de Arends e Tijolos, para contagem de cascudinhos presentes em cama de frango. Pelos resultados obtidos, em 192 contagens para cada método empregado, pode-se inferir que os dois métodos de amostragem não se diferenciaram (P>0,05) no que se refere à avaliação de infestação por adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus.

Evaluations of sampling methods for Darkling beetles ( Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the litter of broiler houses / Avaliação de métodos de amostragem de Cascudinhos Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) em cama de frangos de corte

The Alphitobius diaperinus has been globally one of the major ectoparasites of the modern poultry production. With the industrial poultry expansion, this coleopteran has found in poultry facilities an excellent habitat for its development. Adults, eggs, larvae and pupae are found under the litter surface, in equipment and in cracks of the floors and walls, where they can cause remarkable damages. The counting of the A. diaperinus population using quantitative methods of sampling is of fundamental importance for the establishment of appropriate control measures and for evaluation of the effectiveness of insecticides. The present study was carried out in the experimental aviary of the Center of Researches in Animal health - CPPAR - FCAVJ/UNESP, where two methods of quantification of A. diaperinus were evaluated: the method of modified traps of Arends and the method of bricks, for counting of A. diaperinus in the chicken little. It was concluded that the two sampling methods employed did not differ (P>0,05) in the evaluation of infestation for adults and larvae of A. diaperinus.

O Alphitobius diaperinus tem se apresentado mundialmente como uma das principais pragas da avicultura moderna. Com a expansão avícola industrial, este coleóptero conhecido como cascudinho encontrou junto às instalações avícolas habitat ideal para seu desenvolvimento. Adultos, ovos, larvas e pupas são encontrados sob a superfície da cama, em equipamentos e em frestas dos pisos e paredes, podendo causar inúmeros prejuízos. O monitoramento da população de A. diaperinus, utilizando métodos quantitativos de amostragem, é de fundamental importância para o estabelecimento de medidas de controle e para avaliação da eficácia de medicamentos. O presente estudo foi conduzido no aviário experimental do Centro de Pesquisas em Sanidade Animal CPPAR FCAVJ/UNESP, onde foram avaliados dois métodos de quantificação de A. diaperinus: armadilhas modificadas de Arends e Tijolos, para contagem de cascudinhos presentes em cama de frango. Pelos resultados obtidos, em 192 contagens para cada método empregado, pode-se inferir que os dois métodos de amostragem não se diferenciaram (P>0,05) no que se refere à avaliação de infestação por adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus.