Three new species of the Neotropical genus Hapigia Guenée from Brazil (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae, Heterocampinae)

Three new species of Hapigia Guenée, 1854, from Brazil and Ecuador, are described: H. postpallida Becker sp. nov., H. violacea Becker, sp. nov. and H. violetta Becker, sp. nov.(AU)

Do fall armyworm's Metaflumizone resistante populations affect the activity of Trichogramma pretiosum? / Populações da lagarta-do-cartucho resistentes à Metaflumizona afetam a atividade de Trichogramma pretiosum?

Abstract The possible interference of resistant pest's populations to insecticides in natural enemies in the action thas not been clarified yet. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) performance on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs with resistance frequency to the Metaflumizone over six generations of product exposure. Egg cards (2.0 x 7.0 cm) containing eggs from two populations of S. frugiperda, (resistant to Metaflumizone and the other susceptible), were exposed to T. pretiosum females for 24 hours in free-choice and no-choice testing in three generations (G1, G4, and G6). A completely randomized experimental design was used with 25 replications, each consisting of an egg card (experimental unit) containing 20 eggs. The parameters evaluated were: parasitism (%), emergence (%), sex ratio, number of emerged parasitoids per egg and males/females longevity. ANOVA and Tukey test (P≤ 0.05) were applied on the results. Results showed a reduction in parasitism [41.0% (G1) and 28.4% (G4)], egg emergence (17.5%) and parasitoids/egg [16.2 (G4) and 17.2 (G6)] in eggs originating from the population with resistance frequency. Females emerging from G6 populations eggs without exposure to Metaflumizone had greater longevity (3.5 days more) than the resistant population. The sex ratio and male longevity were not affected. The results indicate a reduction in T. pretiosum activity if S. frugiperda populations have some frequency of resistance to Metaflumizone.

Resumo A possível interferência de populações de pragas resistentes na ação de inimigos naturais ainda não foi esclarecida. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) em ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) com frequência de resistência à Metaflumizona ao longo de seis gerações de exposição ao produto. Cartelas (2,0 x 7,0 cm) com ovos de duas populações de S. frugiperda, (resistente à Metaflumizona e outra suscetível), foram expostas às fêmeas de T. pretiosum por 24 horas em condições de livre escolha e sem chance de escolha por três gerações (G1, G4 e G6). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 25 repetições, sendo cada repetição composta por uma cartela (unidade experimental) contendo 20 ovos. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: parasitismo (%), emergência (%), razão sexual, número de parasitoides emergidos por ovo e longevidade de machos e fêmeas. ANOVA e teste de Tukey (P≤ 0,05) foram aplicados aos dados coletados. Os resultados mostraram redução do parasitismo [41,0% (G1) e 28,4% (G4)], emergência de ovos (17,5%) e parasitoides/ovo [16,2 (G4) e 17,2 (G6)] em ovos oriundos da população com frequência de resistência. As fêmeas emergidas de ovos da população G6 sem exposição à Metaflumizona, tiveram maior longevidade (3,5 dias a mais) do que a população exposta ao inseticida. A razão sexual e a longevidade de machos não foram afetadas. Os resultados indicam uma redução na atividade de T. pretiosum se as populações de S. frugiperda apresentarem alguma frequência de resistência à Metaflumizona.

Impact of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on Cry1Ac protein contents in transgenic cotton / Impacto de fertilizantes de nitrogênio e fósforo nos conteúdos de proteína Cry1Ac em algodão transgênico

Abstract Application of different fertilizers to check the efficiency of expression of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) gene in one of the leading commercialized crops (cotton) against Lepidopteran species is of great concern. The expression of Cry protein level can be controlled by the improvement of nutrients levels. Therefore, the myth of response of Cry toxin to different combinations of NP fertilizers was explored in three Bt cotton cultivars. Combinations include three levels of nitrogen and three levels of phosphorus fertilizers. Immunostrips and Cry gene(s) specific primer based PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis were used for the presence of Bt gene that unveiled the presence of Cry1Ac gene only. Further, the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit was used to quantify the expression of Cry1Ac protein. Under various NP fertilizers rates, the level of toxin protein exhibited highly significant differences. The highest toxin level mean was found to be 2.3740 and 2.1732 µg/g under the treatment of N150P75 kg ha-1 combination while the lowest toxin level mean was found to be 0.9158 and 0.7641 µg/g at the N50P25 kg ha-1 level at 80 and 120 DAS (Days After Sowing), respectively. It was concluded from the research that the usage of NP fertilizers has a positive relation with the expression of Cry1Ac toxin in Bt cotton. We recommend using the N150P50 kg ha-1 level as the most economical and practicable fertilizer instead of the standard dose N100P50 kg ha-1 to get the desired level of Cry1Ac level for long lasting plant resistance (<1.5). The revised dose of fertilizer may help farmers to avoid the cross-resistance development in contradiction of insect pests.

Resumo A aplicação de diferentes fertilizantes para verificar a eficiência da expressão do gene Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) em uma das principais culturas comercializadas (algodão) contra espécies de lepidópteros é uma grande preocupação. A expressão do nível de proteína Cry pode ser controlada pela melhoria dos níveis de nutrientes. Portanto, o mito da resposta da toxina Cry a diferentes combinações de fertilizantes NP foi explorado em três cultivares de algodão Bt. As combinações incluem três níveis de nitrogênio e três níveis de fertilizantes de fósforo. A análise de PCR (reação em cadeia da polimerase) específica para o gene (s) Immunostrips e Cry (s) foi usada para a presença do gene Bt que revelou a presença do gene Cry1Ac apenas. Além disso, o kit ELISA (ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática) foi usado para quantificar a expressão da proteína Cry1Ac. Sob várias taxas de fertilizantes NP, o nível de proteína de toxina exibiu diferenças altamente significativas. A média do nível mais alto de toxina foi de 2,3740 e 2,1732 µg / g sob o tratamento da combinação N150P75 kg ha-1, enquanto a média do nível mais baixo de toxina foi de 0,9158 e 0,7641 µg / g no nível de N50P25 kg ha-1 em 80 e 120 DAS (dias após a semeadura), respectivamente. Concluiu-se com a pesquisa que o uso de fertilizantes NP tem relação positiva com a expressão da toxina Cry1Ac no algodão Bt. Recomendamos o uso do nível de N150P50 kg ha-1 como o fertilizante mais econômico e praticável em vez da dose padrão N100P50 kg ha-1 para obter o nível desejado de nível de Cry1Ac para resistência de planta de longa duração (<1,5). A dose revisada de fertilizante pode ajudar os agricultores a evitar o desenvolvimento de resistência cruzada em contradição com as pragas de insetos.

Insect meal in poultry feed: a potential protein source

The present study aims to conduct a review on the potential use of insect meal as an alternative protein source in poultry feed, particularly to serve the rearing of free-range chickens. Insects are already part of the diet of birds in their natural habitat, and the availability of low-cost alternative foods with low environmental impact is essential for the development of the activity. The review comprehended studies that used meals consisting of silkworm (Bombyx mori) chrysalis, earthworm (Eisenia foetida), housefly (Musca domestica), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) to replace plant-based protein sources. In general, insect meals have a high content of crude protein and ether extract, as well as an essential amino acid profile suitable for poultry feeding. The addition of insect meal in poultry feed normally shows good results as to growth performance and egg production, without causing a negative effect on carcass characteristics, meat sensory quality and egg quality, presenting itself as an alternative protein source with good prospects for replacing plant-based sources in poultry feed.(AU)

Evaluation of chitosan and silver nanoparticles Against isolated pathogens from Mulberry Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) under laboratory conditions / Avaliação de nanopartículas de quitosana e prata contra patógenos isolados de bicho-da-seda, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), em condições de laboratório

This study aims to isolate and identify certain bactеrial and fungal pathogеns from silkworm, Bombyx mori L. such as promising chitosan, plus silvеr nanoparticlеs as its antimicrobial activity undеr laboratory condition. Silkworm, B. mori (H1xKKxG2xV2-Bolgaria) eggs werе attained from Sеriculture Rеsearch Cеntеr from Giza Governorate, Egypt. Chitosan and silvеr nanoparticlеs matеrials were assembled at the laboratory of Biochеmistry Departmеnt, Faculty of Agriculturе, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. Herein total of 7 bactеrial and 5 fungal were isolatеd from the еxtеrnal and internal silkworm larvae. As a result, the mean percentage decrease in weight was elevated in diseased fifth instars (88%) compared to fourth diseased instars (62%). In addition, two bactеrial spеcies isolatеd from the infectеd larvae were identified as follows: Staphylococcus aurеus and Enterococcus faеcalis, whereas thrее fungal spеcies were isolatеd as follows: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus tamarii and Beauveria bassiana. Transmission elеctron microscopе imaging demonstrated the morphological propеrties and surfacе appеarance of silvеr and chitosan nanoparticlеs which havе a nеarly sphеrical shapе and smooth surfacе. The avеrage particlе size of 18.7 - 26.0 nm and 18.8 to 21.8 nm of silvеr and chitosan nanoparticles were recordеd. Furthermore, the highеst activity among nanoparticlеs tested against all pathogеnic bacteria and fungi isolatеd and idеntified in our study was rеcordеd by chitosan at 100 µg/ml in sеries, whilst silvеr nanoparticle еxhibitеd modеrate antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Este estudo visa isolar e identificar certos patógenos bacterianos e fúngicos do bicho-da-seda (Bombyx mori L.), como a promissora quitosana, além de nanopartículas de prata como sua atividade antimicrobiana em condições de laboratório. Ovos de B. mori (H1xKKxG2xV2-Bolgaria) foram obtidos do Centro de Pesquisa em Sericultura da Província de Gizé, Egito. Materiais de nanopartículas de quitosana e prata foram montados no laboratório do Departamento de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Agricultura, Universidade Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egito. Aqui, foi isolado um total de 7 bactérias e 5 fungos das larvas de bicho-da-seda externas e internas. Como resultado, a diminuição percentual média no peso foi elevada no quinto instar doente (88%) em comparação com o quarto instar doente (62%). Além disso, foram identificadas duas espécies bacterianas isoladas das larvas infectadas (Staphylococcus aureus e Enterococcus faecalis), enquanto três espécies fúngicas foram isoladas (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus tamarii e Beauveria bassiana). A imagem de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão demonstrou as propriedades morfológicas e aparência de superfície de nanopartículas de prata e quitosana que têm uma forma quase esférica e superfície lisa. Foi registrado o tamanho médio das partículas de 18,7-26,0 nm e 18,8-21,8 nm de nanopartículas de prata e quitosana, respectivamente. Além disso, a atividade mais alta entre as nanopartículas testadas contra todas as bactérias patogênicas e fungos isolados e identificados em nosso estudo foi registrada pela quitosana em 100 µg/ml em série, enquanto a nanopartícula de prata exibiu atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica moderada.

Can Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner replaces Trichogramma galloi Zucchi for Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) control?

Studies on aggressiveness of parasitoids, as assessed by their parasitism against pests, used in biological-control programs are highly important to select the most suitable species and/or strain to control insect pests. The present study investigated whether the egg parasitoid Trichogramma galloi Zucchi, an efficient control agent for sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) in Brazil, could be replaced by Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, a parasitoid easier to mass-produce, since it has been found parasitizing D. saccharalis eggs in the warmest region of Brazil and Argentina. Three strains of the genus Trichogramma were compared: T. atopovirilia (ATP strain) reared on a factitious host Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller); T. atopovirilia isoline ATP-I, reared on D. saccharalis eggs for six generations; and T. galloi, reared on A. kuehniella eggs. We measured parasitism of each strain for 72 h and for the entire life span, parasitism rate per cluster of D. saccharalis eggs, number of parasitoids emerged (parasitism viability), and parasitoid life span. The results confirmed that T. galloi is the best species for D. saccharalis control, showing higher control potential, since parasitism and emergence rate were higher for this species. Although T. atopovirilia ATP-I performed reliably in all parameters, T. galloi exceeded and was the most indicated for mass-rearing in control programs for sugarcane borer.

Ethological aspects of Helicoverpa armigera in the reproductive phase of cotton

Pest behavior studies are important to inform the periods when the pest is more exposed to pesticide. This study aimed to evaluate the movement and feeding of Helicoverpa armigera larvae in the first three instars during the reproductive phase of cotton. First, larval behavior was evaluated with a completely randomized design in a 3 × 5 factorial design with eight replications. The treatments were the instars versus behaviors (crawling, resting, waving, eating and dropping-off). In addition, another 3 × 6 factorial design with eight replications was performed to evaluate the plant region most preferred by the caterpillars. The treatments were the instars versus six parts of the plant (abaxial surface, adaxial surface, on floral bud, internal surface of bract, petiole, and terminal growth). Then, the period of the day when caterpillars are more active was also evaluated by a 3 × 2 factorial essay. The treatments were the instars versus periods of the day. Eating and resting are the most frequent behaviors for all instars. The plant regions preferred by the caterpillars for crawling are on the floral bud and the adaxial face of the leaf. There is no preferred period of the day for eating, resting, waving or dropping-off. Caterpillars (until the third instar) prefer to walk in the morning and other behaviors can occur at any period. Therefore, sprays should preferably occur in the morning, and the insecticide drops/spray should reach the flower buds and the adaxial surface of the leaves to contaminate the larvae.

A review of the Neotropical moth genus Bardaxima (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae: Nystaleinae), with special reference to the species occurring in Brazil

Bardaxima Walker, 1858 includes 12 species, eight of them occurring in Brazil. The Brazilian species are treated here, including diagnoses and illustrations of both adults and genitalia to allow their identification: B. donatian (Schaus), B. fulgurifera (Walker, 1869), stat. rev. (= demea (Druce, 1895)); B. ionia (Druce, 1900) (= albolimbata (Dognin, 1909), syn. nov., B. ambigua (Dyar, 1908), syn. nov., B. metcalfi (Schaus, 1928), syn. nov.); B. lucilinea Walker, 1858; B. marcida (C. Felder, 1874); B. procne (Schaus, 1892) (= meyeri (Schaus, 1928), syn. nov.); B. sambana (Druce, 1895), stat. rev. (= belizensis Thiaucourt, 2010, syn. nov., bolivari Thiaucourt, 2010, syn. nov., coloradorum Thiaucourt, 2010, syn. nov., panamensis (Draudt, 1932), syn. nov.); B. subrutila (Dognin, 1908); and B. terminalba Jones, 1908 (= oakley (Schaus, 1939)). Bardaxima perses Druce, 1900 is transferred to Elasmia Möschler, 1883 as a new combination, Elasmia perses (Druce, 1900). Stragulodonta gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate Heterocampa stragula Möschler, 1883, comb. nov. (= belua (Draudt, 1932), syn. nov.).(AU)

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) / Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): primeiro relato de parasitismo em Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Genetic characterization of silkworm (Bombyx mori L. ) strains (Lepidoptera: Bombicidae) with different geographical originon the basis of isozyme markers

The aim of the present study was to assess genetics variations within and among strains with different geographical origin, belonging to Bulgarian germplasm bank of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx moriL.)and to establish their relationships using isoenzyme markers. Polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was used to study the isoenzymes of nonspecific esterases (EST), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) from haemolymph, phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and hexokinase (HK) from silk glands and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) from midgut of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx moriL.). Variability was evident in all of these enzyme systems among twelve strains from Bulgarian germplasm resources of B. mori.Total of nine lociwere detected. All of them (100%) were polymorphic. “Null” alleles in four lociwere determined. Intra-and inter-strain polymorphism was obtained. The degree of polymorphism ranged from 0% to 77.80%. Low levels of observed heterozygosity in comparison with the expected one have been calculated in almost all of strainsas well as deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in almost all analyzed loci, resultingof excess of homozygotes. The value of FSTwas 0.4903. The dendrogram constructed with the values of genetic distance manifests that Romanian strain Cislau Tokay is formed one main clade while the rest strains studied (from Bulgaria, Japan, China, Vietnam, Spain, Syria and Egypt) are formed the other clade withsubclades. The genetic data of the tested strains from different geographical regions, would be used for identifying suitable parents for breeding programs with a view to yield improvement in this species with economic significance.

Cutaneous myofibroblastic fibrosarcoma in a margay (Leopardus wiedii): a case report

A routine check-up was performed on a captive 14-year-old female margay (Leopardus wiedii), a cutaneous mass was detected on the ventral thorax. The mass was surgically removed and sent for histopathological analysis. Histologically, the mass was a poorly-demarcated, highly cellular, infiltrative and unencapsulated mesenchymal neoplasm. Immunohistochemical labeling for smooth muscle actin and vimentin were positive, while desmin and cytokeratin were negative which is consistent with a myofibroblastic fibrosarcoma. This type of tumor has been diagnosed in wild felines, however this seems to be the first report of its occurrence in this L. wiedii. Wildlife oncology studies should be performed to promote our understanding of cancer in a species.

Cutaneous myofibroblastic fibrosarcoma in a margay (Leopardus wiedii): a case report

A routine check-up was performed on a captive 14-year-old female margay (Leopardus wiedii), a cutaneous mass was detected on the ventral thorax. The mass was surgically removed and sent for histopathological analysis. Histologically, the mass was a poorly-demarcated, highly cellular, infiltrative and unencapsulated mesenchymal neoplasm. Immunohistochemical labeling for smooth muscle actin and vimentin were positive, while desmin and cytokeratin were negative which is consistent with a myofibroblastic fibrosarcoma. This type of tumor has been diagnosed in wild felines, however this seems to be the first report of its occurrence in this L. wiedii. Wildlife oncology studies should be performed to promote our understanding of cancer in a species.(AU)

Identifying parents and generating hybrids with high combining ability for yielding fresh cocoon and raw silk in silkworm (Bombxy mori L)

This study was carried out to identify parents and hybrids by determination of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and heterosis in pure lines and their hybrids, which were selected from our gene sources, to determine new hybrid combinations that could be alternative or higher in yielding compared with M × N hybrid used in production. Combining ability and heterosis effects were studied for the eight quantitative characters through line × tester mating design. Chinese origin lines (KZ, ZF) were identified as females and Japanese origin lines (BR, ZB) as males, and by these, four hybrids were derived. M, N, and their hybrid were both used as control genotypes and to calculate the heterosis and commercial heterosis as well. All the genotypes were reared in standard conditions, in three replications. ZF (for pupa survival rate) and ZB (for hatching and filament length) presented significantly higher and positive GCA effects. In addition, ZB had negative GCA effect for infertile egg rate. Effects of SCA were not significant for all the characters. In conclusion, ZF × ZB hybrid could have a potential for the higher cocoon and silk production in Turkey.(AU)

Megaselia Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) larvae as a Sphingidae (Lepidoptera) parasitoid / Larvas de Megaselia Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) como parasitoide de Sphingidae (Lepidoptera)

Detritivoria and parasitism are dietary habits already registered for the phorids of the genus Megaselia Rondani. The results of this study confirm the parasitic habit of Megaselia larvae. This is the first Pachylia ficus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) adult record as a host of Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) and Megaselia sp. (Diptera: Phoridae).(AU)

Detritivoria e parasitismo são hábitos alimentares já registrados para os forídeos do gênero Megaselia Rondani. Os resultados do presente estudo confirmam o hábito parasitário das larvas de Megaselia. Este é o primeiro registro de adulto de Pachylia ficus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) como hospedeiro de Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) e Megaselia sp. (Diptera: Phoridae).(AU)

Megaselia Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) larvae as a Sphingidae (Lepidoptera) parasitoid / Larvas de Megaselia Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) como parasitoide de Sphingidae (Lepidoptera)

Detritivoria and parasitism are dietary habits already registered for the phorids of the genus Megaselia Rondani. The results of this study confirm the parasitic habit of Megaselia larvae. This is the first Pachylia ficus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) adult record as a host of Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) and Megaselia sp. (Diptera: Phoridae).(AU)

Detritivoria e parasitismo são hábitos alimentares já registrados para os forídeos do gênero Megaselia Rondani. Os resultados do presente estudo confirmam o hábito parasitário das larvas de Megaselia. Este é o primeiro registro de adulto de Pachylia ficus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) como hospedeiro de Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) e Megaselia sp. (Diptera: Phoridae).(AU)

Species richness and community composition of sphingid moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) along an elevational gradient in southeast Peru

A clear low-elevation skewed unimodal richness pattern is presented for hawkmoths in Southeast Peru. Several hypotheses offer plausible explanations for such a distribution. The effects of water-energy dynamics are partially supported by a strong correlation between temperature and species richness at higher elevations. Further, hypotheses of plant diversity influences on hawkmoth ranges are supported by species richness peaking in transitional habitats. Sphingid subfamilies do not appear to be influenced by habitat type or elevational factors, such as temperature. This may make subfamily analysis a poor means of characterizing sphingid community composition unless study sites vary in the level of disturbance. This study documents 134 species in 23 genera of Sphingidae from five Southeastern Peru sites from the 7,545 specimens collected for the study.

Species richness and community composition of sphingid moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) along an elevational gradient in southeast Peru

A clear low-elevation skewed unimodal richness pattern is presented for hawkmoths in Southeast Peru. Several hypotheses offer plausible explanations for such a distribution. The effects of water-energy dynamics are partially supported by a strong correlation between temperature and species richness at higher elevations. Further, hypotheses of plant diversity influences on hawkmoth ranges are supported by species richness peaking in transitional habitats. Sphingid subfamilies do not appear to be influenced by habitat type or elevational factors, such as temperature. This may make subfamily analysis a poor means of characterizing sphingid community composition unless study sites vary in the level of disturbance. This study documents 134 species in 23 genera of Sphingidae from five Southeastern Peru sites from the 7,545 specimens collected for the study.(AU)

Histórico e evolução do módulo produtivo na Sericicultura brasileira / History and evolution of the production module in brazilian Sericulture

In this article, a discussion of the production process of brazilian Sericulture is presented, tracing the history of sericulture module evolution since the beginning of the activity and until the present day, considering the various political, social and economic contexts of each period and their technological improvements.

Neste trabalho é apresentado e discutido o processo produtivo na Sericicultura brasileira, traçando-se um histórico da evolução do módulo sericícola, desde os primórdios da atividade até os dias atuais, levando-se em consideração os diferentes contextos políticos, sociais e econômicos para cada época, bem como os respectivos avanços tecnológicos.

Histórico e evolução do módulo produtivo na Sericicultura brasileira / History and evolution of the production module in brazilian Sericulture

In this article, a discussion of the production process of brazilian Sericulture is presented, tracing the history of sericulture module evolution since the beginning of the activity and until the present day, considering the various political, social and economic contexts of each period and their technological improvements.(AU)

Neste trabalho é apresentado e discutido o processo produtivo na Sericicultura brasileira, traçando-se um histórico da evolução do módulo sericícola, desde os primórdios da atividade até os dias atuais, levando-se em consideração os diferentes contextos políticos, sociais e econômicos para cada época, bem como os respectivos avanços tecnológicos.(AU)