Revision of the Traumatomutilla indica species-group (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae).

The Traumatomutilla indica species-group is reviewed, leaving it with 13 species known from both sexes, four known from females only and two known from males only. The following 28 junior synonyms are proposed: Traumatomutilla aemulata (Cresson, 1902) [=Mutilla caneta Cresson, 1902, syn. nov.]; T. centralis (Burmeister, 1875) [=T. fissiventris Andr, 1907, syn. nov.; =T. centralis boliviana Casal, 1969, syn. nov.]; T. contempta Andr, 1908a [=T. alhuampa Casal, 1969, syn. nov.]; T. geographica (Gerstaecker, 1874) [=T. seabrai Casal, 1969, syn. nov.]; T grossa (Gerstaecker, 1874) [=Mutilla abrupta Gerstaecker, 1874, syn. nov.; =M. characterea Gerstaecker, 1874, syn. nov.]; T. guayaca Casal, 1969 [=T. tayguaya Casal, 1969 syn. nov.]; T. indica (Linnaeus, 1758) [=M. sphegea Fabricius, 1804, syn. nov.]; T. parallela (Klug, 1821) [=M. almada Cresson, 1902, syn. nov.; =Ephuta lineifera Andr, 1903, syn. nov.; =T. indicoides Mickel, 1952, syn. nov.; =T. gausapata Mickel, 1952, syn. nov.; =T. pillinata Casal, 1969, syn. nov.]; T. puella (Gerstaecker, 1874) [=M. musculus Gerstaecker, 1874, syn. nov.; =M. manca Cresson, 1902 syn. nov.; =M. viana Cresson, 1902, syn. nov.; =T. peperina Casal, 1969, syn. nov.]; T. spectabilis (Gerstaecker, 1874) [=M. funesta Gerstaecker, 1874, syn. nov.; =M. melaleuca Gerstaecker, 1874 syn. nov.; =T. spectabilis chingona Casal, 1969, syn. nov.]; T. tristis (Klug, 1821) [=M. foveiventris Gerstaecker, 1874, syn. nov.; =M. caxara Cresson, 1902, syn. nov.]; T. unimarginata (Cresson, 1902) [=M. cuiba Cresson, 1902, syn. nov.]; T. vidua (Klug, 1821) [=M. graphica Gerstaecker, 1874, syn. nov.; =M. scripta Gerstaecker, 1874, syn. nov.; =T. cachimba Casal, 1969, syn. nov.; =T. scripta borrosa Casal, 1969, syn. nov.]. The hitherto unknown males of T. guayaca Casal, 1969, T. ingens (Andr, 1903), and female of T. selligera (Gerstaecker, 1874) are described. A new combination is proposed for Traumatomutilla impetuosa (Smih, 1879), comb. nov. from Mutilla. All species treated are redescribed and illustrated. Identification keys for males and females are also provided.

A review of the spider-attacking Polysphinctadizardi species-group (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae), with descriptions of seven new species from South America.

The Neotropical Polysphinctadizardi species-group is revised. We describe seven new species from South America: P.bonita sp. nov., P.cosnipata sp. nov., P.inca sp. nov., P.macroepomia sp. nov., P.organensis sp. nov., P.pichincha sp. nov., and P.teresa sp. nov. In addition, we provide a diagnosis and an identification key to all species of the group.

Revalidation of Mazama rufa (Illiger 1815) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) as a Distinct Species out of the Complex Mazama americana (Erxleben 1777).

The red brocket deer Mazama americana Erxleben, 1777 is considered a polyphyletic complex of cryptic species with wide chromosomal divergence. Evidence indicates that the observed chromosomal divergences result in reproductive isolation. The description of a neotype for M. americana allowed its genetic characterization and represented a comparative basis to resolve the taxonomic uncertainties of the group. Thus, we designated a neotype for the synonym Mazama rufa Illiger, 1815 and tested its recognition as a distinct species from the M. americana complex with the analysis of morphological, cytogenetic and molecular data. We also evaluated its distribution by sampling fecal DNA in the wild. Morphological data from craniometry and body biometry indicated an overlap of quantitative measurements between M. rufa and the entire M. americana complex. The phylogenetic hypothesis obtained through mtDNA confirmed the reciprocal monophyly relationship between M. americana and M. rufa, and both were identified as distinct molecular operational taxonomic units by the General Mixed Yule Coalescent species delimitation analysis. Finally, classic cytogenetic data and fluorescence in situ hybridization with whole chromosome painting probes showed M. rufa with a karyotype of 2n = 52, FN = 56. Comparative analysis indicate that at least fifteen rearrangements separate M. rufa and M. americana (sensu stricto) karyotypes, which confirmed their substantial chromosomal divergence. This divergence should represent an important reproductive barrier and allow its characterization as a distinct and valid species. Genetic analysis of fecal samples demonstrated a wide distribution of M. rufa in the South American continent through the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and south region of Amazon. Thus, we conclude for the revalidation of M. rufa as a distinct species under the concept of biological isolation, with its karyotype as the main diagnostic character. The present work serves as a basis for the taxonomic review of the M. americana complex, which should be mainly based on cytogenetic characterization and directed towards a better sampling of the Amazon region, the evaluation of available names in the species synonymy and a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis.

Review of the New World genus Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae), with descriptions of fifteen new species.

Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 is a moderately large New World genus of spider attacking parasitoid wasps. Previously, it comprised 11 species. The present study aims to review the genus, and includes descriptions of 15 new species: A. amajari sp. n., A. amazonicus sp. n., A. bodoquenaensis sp. n., A. cuzconus sp. n., A. dolichopus sp. n., A. homeofranklini sp. n., A. jackiechani sp. n., A. kourou sp. n., A. micrus sp. n., A. monotaenius sp. n., A. nambilloensis sp. n., A. pseudoamazonicus sp. n., A. pseudomexicanus sp. n., A. venezuelanus sp. n. and A. zampieronae sp. n.. In addition, we present new characters for the study of the genus and describe the male genitalia for the first time. An illustrated key and maps to the species of the genus are provided. Acrotaphus franklini Gauld, 1991 and A. pseudoamazonicus sp. n. were recorded from the nests of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) lactitarse Saussure, 1867 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae).

Does the genus Dasymutilla Ashmead occur in South America? The new genus Quwitilla, new combinations, and new distribution records from Neotropical velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae).

Nine species of the genus Dasymutilla Ashmead have been recorded from South America. One additional species, D. campogrande Manley Pitts was erroneously recorded from Mexico but is from Brazil, and another species, D. colorado Cambra, Williams Quintero was recently discovered in Colombia. Four of these nine Dasymutilla belong to a new genus, Quwitilla Williams, Bartholomay Cambra, gen. nov., which includes: Q. peruviana (Suárez), comb. nov. (and its newly recognized female D. homochroma Suárez, syn. nov.; Q. bellatrix (Manley Pitts), comb. nov. (based on female only); and Q. blattoserica (Kohl) comb. nov. (type species, already known from both sexes). Two others are actually synonyms of previously recognized Traumatomutilla André species: Dasymutilla brazilia Manley Pitts, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of T. oculifera (Smith), and D. campogrande, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of T. inermis (Klug). One species is transferred out of Dasymutilla: Xystromutilla aequatorialis (André), comb. nov. Finally, updates and comments are provided on the distribution of D. araneoides (Smith), D. colorado, D. paradoxa (Gerstaecker), and D. pulchra (Smith), the only four South American species remaining in the genus Dasymutilla.

Revision of the Traumatomutilla americana species group (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae).

Traumatomutilla is a diverse genus of Neotropical velvet ants (Mutillidae). Here we revise the T. americana species group, recognizing three species. Mutilla dubia Fabricius, 1804, M. simulans Smith, 1855, M. albata Smith, 1879, and M. obsoleta (Klug, 1821) are proposed as junior synonyms of Traumatomutilla americana (Linnaeus, 1758). Traumatomutilla maula Casal, 1969, Ephuta punctosignata André, 1906, Mutilla latevittata Cresson, 1902, and M. oculifera Smith, 1855 are proposed as junior synonyms of Traumatomutilla quadrum (Klug, 1821). Mutilla acara Cresson, 1902, M. polita Smith, 1855, M. gemina Gerstaecker, 1874, M. trinacria Gerstaecker, 1874, M. lasiogastra Burmeister, 1875, and M. cuyana Burmeister, 1875 are proposed as junior synonyms of Traumatomutilla ocellaris (Klug, 1821). Traumatomutilla bellifera (Gerstaecker, 1874) is transferred to the T. trochanterata species-group; T. lunigera (Gerstaecker, 1874) and T. compar (André, 1898) are transferred to the T. inermis species-group. Both sexes are redescribed for all species. Notes on the biology and host association for T. ocellaris are provided. Finally, identification keys to the species and color forms of the T. americana group are provided.

New records of Ticapimpla Gauld, 1991 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from Brazil and French Guiana, with taxonomic notes.

BACKGROUND: We report the genus Ticapimpla Gauld, 1991 from French Guiana and the species Ticapimpla amazonica Palacio et al., T. carinata Palacio et al., T. matamatae Palacio et al. and T. soinii Palacio et al. from Brazilian Amazonia. The new discoveries suggest that the genus is widely distributed in Amazonian lowland rain forests. In addition, we diagnose and illustrate the males of T. carinata and T. matamatae for the first time. Short diagnoses and layer-photos for all the Amazonian species are provided. NEW INFORMATION: The genus Ticapimpla is reported for the first time from French Guiana and the species T. amazonica, T. carinata, T. matamatae and T. soinii from Brazilian Amazonia. In addition, the males of T. carinata and T. matamatae are diagnosed and illustrated for the first time.

New species of Traumatomutilla André in the T. tabapua and T. integella species-groups (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae).

Five new species of Traumatomutilla André from Brazil are described: T. fratres Bartholomay Williams sp. nov., T. anhanga Bartholomay Williams sp. nov., T. barathra Bartholomay Williams sp. nov., T. poranga Bartholomay Williams sp. nov. and T. pantherina Bartholomay Williams sp. nov. Traumatomutilla tabapua Casal, 1969, T. luscoides André, 1908 and T. integella (Cresson, 1902) are redescribed. T. verecunda (Cresson, 1902) is proposed as junior synonym of T. integella based on morphological evidence. T. luscoides is transferred from the T. integella to the T. tabapua species-group.

Observation of a mixed-sex, mixed-species aggregation of velvet ants, genus Timulla Ashmead, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) in the Brazilian Amazon, Roraima, with a new synonymy.

An aggregation of two males of Timulla bitaeniata (Spinola, 1841), three single males T. rufogastra (Lepeletier, 1845) and another two males T. rufogastra (Lepeletier, 1845) in copula with two females of T. eriphyla Mickel, 1938 is documented, described and discussed. A new synonymy is proposed for Mutilla rufogastra Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau, 1845 [=Timulla (Timulla) eriphyla Mickel, 1938, syn. nov.] based on the mating pairs.

Checklist of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) primary types of the Coleção Entomológica Pe. Jesus Santiago Moure, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil, and of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Pará, Belém, Brazil.

The primary types of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) deposited in the Coleção Entomológica Pe. Jesus Santiago Moure, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil (DZUP), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil (INPA), and in the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Pará, Belém,Brazil (MPEG) are catalogued. There are 54 primary types of Cerambycidae in the DZUP, 48 in the INPA, and 25 in the MPEG.

A new species of Tropidopedia from the Amazon rainforest, Brazil (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with a revised phylogenetic overview of the genus.

We describe a new species of the bee tribe Tapinotaspidini, Tropidopedia guaranae Mahlmann & Oliveira sp. n. from the Amazon rainforest, Amazonas, Brazil. We emend the phylogenetic tree of Aguiar & Melo (2007) to include the new species and comment upon some characters presented by those authors.

The Brazilian Amazonian species of Hymenoepimecis Viereck, 1912 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae).

Six new species of Hymenoepimecis Viereck are described from Brazilian Amazonian tropical forest: H. amazonensis sp. n., H. duckensis sp. n., H. kleini sp. n., H. manauara sp. n., H. ribeiroi sp. n. and H. uberensis sp. n., and male genitalia is described for the first time for the genus. In addition, we provide an identification key, diagnosis and distributional records for Brazilian Amazonian species of Hymenoepimecis. By describing these new species we aim to draw further attention to the considerable species richness of the genus in Amazonia.

Diversity of parasitoid wasps in conventional and organic guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) cultivation areas in the Brazilian Amazon

We surveyed parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) in two guarana plantations in the central Brazilian Amazon (one conventionally, and one organically managed), as well as in adjacent forest and edge areas between crop and forest. We evaluated differences between management systems in parasitoid diversity and abundance, and assessed the importance of the surrounding matrix as a source of parasitoid wasps for guarana cultivation. Parasitoid wasp richness, abundance and taxonomic composition (at family level) were compared between plantations, and among habitats within plantations. Wasps were sampled using Malaise and Moericke traps. A total of 25,951 parasitoid wasps (10,828 in the conventional, and 15,123 in the organic crop area) were collected, and were distributed in 11 superfamilies and 38 families. In the conventional management area, the greatest abundance and richness of parasitoids were recorded in the adjacent forest, while, in the organic management area, the greatest abundance and richness were recorded in the crop-forest edge. Parasitoid wasp family richness was not influenced by management system and habitat but varied significantly between trap types. Average wasp abundance varied significantly between management systems. The presence of adjacent forest in both cultivation areas likely contributed to a greater abundance and richness of parasitoid wasps, showing the importance of preserving forest areas near the plantations. (AU)

Phylogeny of the orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apinae: Euglossini): DNA and morphology yield equivalent patterns.

Orchid bees (Euglossini) are spectacular long-tongued Neotropical bees important in the pollination of Neotropical long-corolla flowers, particularly some orchids. Besides remarkably long tongues, males in particular exhibit other flower-related adaptations, including setal brushes on the foretarsi used for rasping the petals of orchids while collecting aromatic compounds. These compounds are stored in large swollen tibiae and are thought to play an important role in courtship behavior. Euglossini are also unusual in lacking sociality; they are the only tribe among the corbiculate bees that are not eusocial, and two of the genera are cleptoparasitic. Each genus exhibits distinct behavioral traits including nest architecture and host-parasite interactions, yet their evolution is unknown. Despite previous phylogenetic studies of on morphological characters, the relationships among the five euglossine genera remain under debate. We investigate euglossine generic relationships using DNA sequence data from four genes and new morphological characters. The morphological and molecular data yield congruent evolutionary patterns, and combining the data gives a fully resolved and well supported phylogeny of Euglossini.

Antioxidant activity of Maytenus imbricata Mart., Celastraceae / Atividade antioxidante de Maytenus imbricata Mart., Celastraceae

The free radical scavenging activity (FRS) using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the reducer power and the total phenolic concentration of extracts and compounds isolated from leaves, branches and roots of Maytenus imbricata Mart. (Celastraceae) were evaluated. Some extracts, a mixture of phenolic compounds (MPC) and epicatechin showed higher RP and FRS (DPPH) activities in comparison with the standard butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) and galic acid (GA) used in assays. The ethyl acetate extract from leaves showed higher total phenolic content and also higher RP and FRS (DPPH) than the other extracts. These facts indicate that there are some relations between phenolic concentration in the extract and the antioxidant activity and the reducer power. The solvent used in the extraction process influences the chemical composition of the extracts and consequently its antioxidant and reducer power activities.

A atividade antioxidante, poder redutor (RP) e a atividade coletora de radicais livres (FRS) usando 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), e a concentração de substâncias fenólicas totais dos extratos e substâncias isoladas das folhas, caules e raízes de Maytenus imbricata Mart. (Celastraceae) foram avaliados. Alguns extratos, a mistura de compostos fenólicos e epicatequina mostraram alto poder redutor e atividade antioxidante (DPPH) em comparação com o padrão butilhidroxianisol (BHA) e ácido gálhico (GA) utilizados no ensaio. O extrato acetato de etila das folhas mosraram alto teor de substâncias fenólicas e alto poder redutor e atividade antioxidante em relação aos outros extratos. Este fato indica haver alguma relação entre a concentração de substâncias fenólicas e o poder redutor. O solvente usado no processo de extração influencia a composição química dos extratos e, consequentemente, as atividades redutoras e antioxidantes.