Oocyte maturation in the sloth's giant tick Amblyomma varium (Acari: Ixodidae) in an ecological context.

The sloth's giant tick Amblyomma varium Koch, which is a neotropical species that inhabits tropical rainforests, is the largest tick reported to date. The adult stage of this tick parasitizes mammals from the families Bradypodidae and Magalonychidae (Xenarthra) nearly exclusively. This study aimed to describe morphological and histological features of the reproductive system and the oocyte maturation process of this tick species. The ovary of A. varium is a long single tubular organ that is horseshoe-shaped, winding and arranged in the posterior part of the body. Two oviducts are connected to the ovary on each side; these thicken at certain region forming the uterus (common oviduct), followed by a muscular connecting tube, vagina and genital aperture. A large number of oocytes at different stages of development are attached to the ovary wall by the pedicel, as they reach maturity they are released into the ovary lumen and from there to the genital aperture. These oocytes develop simultaneously and asynchronically along the ovary. Amblyomma varium oocytes were classified into five development stages (i.e., I-V), and specific characteristics were observed; the processes of yolk and chorion deposition begin early in oocytes stage II, and oocytes V exhibit a very thick chorion and eggs of a large size. These characteristics are likely adaptations that enhance the survival and the reproductive success of this extremely host-specific tick, which is limited to a particular environment.

Parasitism by Ixodiphagus wasps (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Amblyomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in three regions of Brazil.

Hymenopteran parasitoids have been shown to be of potential value in tick biocontrol. Tick parasitoids has been reported only once in Brazil, over 95 yr ago when Ixodiphagus hookeri (Howard) was reported parasitizing Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) nymphs in Rio de Janeiro. Herein, we report the occurrence of Ixodiphagus spp. in ticks from three different regions of Brazil. In the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil, parasitoids were detected in R. sanguineus nymphs on three occasions, during August 2009 and September 2010 (dry season), and January 2011 (rainy season). All parasitoids found in northeastern Brazil were identified as I. hookeri. In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (west-central Brazil), one Amblyomma sp. engorged nymph was shown to be parasitized by I. hookeri. In the state of Rondônia (northern Brazil), one Amblyomma sp. engorged nymph was parasitized by Ixodiphagus texanus (Howard). Because Ixodiphagus spp. are present in ecologically distinct and geographically distant areas of Brazil, they are of potential use for biocontrol in the country.

Larval breeding sites of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in visceral leishmaniasis endemic urban areas in Southeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The scarcity of information on the immature stages of sand flies and their preferred breeding sites has resulted in the focus of vectorial control on the adult stage using residual insecticide house-spraying. This strategy, along with the treatment of human cases and the euthanasia of infected dogs, has proven inefficient and visceral leishmaniasis continues to expand in Brazil. Identifying the breeding sites of sand flies is essential to the understanding of the vector's population dynamic and could be used to develop novel control strategies. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDING: In the present study, an intensive search for the breeding sites of Lutzomyia longipalpis was conducted in urban and peri-urban areas of two municipalities, Promissão and Dracena, which are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in São Paulo State, Brazil. During an exploratory period, a total of 962 soil emergence traps were used to investigate possible peridomiciliary breeding site microhabitats such as: leaf litter under tree, chicken sheds, other animal sheds and uncovered debris. A total of 160 sand flies were collected and 148 (92.5%) were L. longipalpis. In Promissão the proportion of chicken sheds positive was significantly higher than in leaf litter under trees. Chicken shed microhabitats presented the highest density of L. longipalpis in both municipalities: 17.29 and 5.71 individuals per square meter sampled in Promissão and Dracena respectively. A contagious spatial distribution pattern of L. longipalpis was identified in the emergence traps located in the chicken sheds. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that chicken sheds are the preferential breeding site for L. longipalpis in the present study areas. Thus, control measures targeting the immature stages in chicken sheds could have a great effect on reducing the number of adult flies and consequently the transmission rate of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi.

[Determination of LC 90 and LT 90 of IBCB66 Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) isolate for Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) control]. / Determinação da CL90 e TL90 do isolado IBCB66 de BEauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) para o controle de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (ACari: Ixodidae).

The objective of this research was to evaluate the pathogenicity and the virulence of the IBCB66 isolate of Beauveria bassiana on infected larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The IBCB66 fungus strain was used as standard isolates of B. bassiana against R. (B.) microplus larvae. The larval bioassay tests using the IBCB66 isolate were carried out to determine the (Lethal Concentration) LC50, LC90, (Lethal Time) LT50 and LT90. The IBCB66 fungus strain was tested at six different concentrations (5x10(6), 10(7), 5x10(7), 10(8), 5x10(8) and 10(9) conidia.mL(-1)) to determine the percentage of larval mortality. In addition, a Probit analysis was also performed. Total larval mortality was observed eighteen days after the beginning of the test in the group treated with 5x10(9) conidia.mL(1). The LC50 and LC90 were 3x10(7) and 5x10(8) respectively and the LT50 and LT90 were 10 and 16 days.

[Selection of isolates of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) for control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)]. / Seleção de isolados do fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) para o controle de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

This study was carried out to select isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana with pathogenic potential to control the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick. The effectiveness of thirty isolates was first tested at a concentration of 5 x 108 conidia.mL(-1). Of these, eight were evaluated (IBCB01, IBCB02, IBCB07, IBCB17, IBCB21, IBCB74, IBCB149, IBCB165) and showed an effectiveness between 90 and 99%; thirteen (IBCB03, IBCB14, IBCB16, IBCB24, IBCB95, IBCB97, IBCB102, IBCB141, IBCB146, IBCB147, IBCB150, IBCB154, IBCB157) between 80 and 89,5%; six (IBCB47, IBCB75, IBCB84, IBCB145, IBCB161, IBCB164) between 70 and 79%, and only two (IBCB13 and IBCB143) had lower pathogenicity (70% or below). In the second step of the study, the five more effective strains in the first phase of the experiment (IBCB01, IBCB07, IBCB21, IBCB66, IBCB165) were analyzed comparatively. Based on in vitro results, it can be concluded that IBCB66 and IBCB21 are the isolates with higher potential for field control of R. (B.) microplus. IBCB01, IBCB07, IBCB21, IBCB66 e IBCB165 isolates were submitted to a conidial production test using a rice-based substrate. The best mass production of the entomopathogenic fungus was obtained with the IBCB66 strain.

[Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) with chemicals acaricides used in the control of cattle tick]. / Compatibilidade de isolados de Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) com carrapaticidas químicos utilizados no controle do carrapato dos bovinos.

The purpose of the present study was to assess compatibility between IBCB66 and IBCB21 isolates of Beauveria bassiana and acaricides: Flumethrin+Coumaphos, Deltamethrin, Dichlorvos+Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos+Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin High Cis, Dichlorvos+Cypermethrin High Cis, Cypermethrin and Amitraz, utilized on the control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in our country. The effect of commercial products on the isolates was assayed according to observation of vegetative growth, conidia production, and viability of strains of B. bassiana fungus. With concerning about IBCB66 isolate, products Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin High Cis and Amitraz were compatible, not affecting the entomopathogen development. Product Cypermethrin was toxic, and products Flumethrin+Coumaphos, Dichlorvos+Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos+Chlorpyrifos and Dichlorvos+Cypermethrin High Cis were very toxic. In regard to IBCB21 isolate, products Flumethrin+Coumaphos, Dichlorvos+Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos+Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin High Cis, Dichlorvos+Cypermethrin High Cis and Cypermethrin were very toxic and product Amitraz was toxic. From the acaricides evaluated, product Deltamethrin was the single agent that did not produce toxic effect on the entomopathogen.

Thermal requirements of Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) (Acari: Dermanyssidae).

The thermal requirements for development of Dermanyssus gallinae were studied under laboratory conditions at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C, a 12h photoperiod and 60-85% RH. The thermal requirements for D. gallinae were as follows. Preoviposition: base temperature 3.4 degrees C, thermal constant (k) 562.85 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R(2)) 0.59, regression equation: Y= -0.006035 + 0.001777x. Egg: base temperature 10.60 degrees C, thermal constant (k) 689.65 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R(2)) 0.94, regression equation: Y= -0.015367 + 0.001450x. Larva: base temperature 9.82 degrees C, thermal constant (k) 464.91 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R(2)) 0.87, regression equation: Y= -0.021123 + 0.002151x. Protonymph: base temperature 10.17 degrees C, thermal constant (k) 504.49 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R(2)) 0.90, regression equation: Y= -0.020152 + 0.001982x. Deutonymph: base temperature 11.80 degrees C, thermal constant (k) 501.11 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R(2)) 0.99, regression equation: Y= -0.023555 + 0.001996x. The results obtained showed that 15 to 42 generations of Dermanyssus gallinae may occur during the year in the State of São Paulo, as estimated based on isotherm charts. Dermanyssus gallinae may develop continually in the State of São Paulo, with a population decrease in the winter. There were differences between the developmental stages of D. gallinae in relation to thermal requirements.

New host-plant records for neotropical agromyzids (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from Asteraceae flower heads.

Agromyzidae is a large and cosmopolitan fly family with approximately 2,500 known species. Here we present 22 new records of agromyzid-host plant associations. Plants were sampled from 2002 to 2005 in São Paulo state, Brazil. A total of eight agromyzid species were reared from 18 Asteraceae host species. The genus Melanagromyza Hendel was the commonest. This is the first detailed study reporting associations between non-leafmining Agromyzidae and their host plants in Brazil.

[Abundance and seasonality of Diptera (Insecta) in a poultry house in the northeast region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Abundância e sazonalidade de Dípteros (Insecta) em granja aviária da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

Modern production systems accommodate broody hens in high densities, leading to the accumulation of excrement under the cages. This substrate is excellent for the development of sinantropic flies. Thus, the accomplishment of surveys in these places becomes essential, in order to plan better strategies of control. The present work aimed at studying the entomofauna and the seasonality of the species of dipterous present in the Crisdan poultry house located in the Municipality of São João da Boa Vista, the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In the period of January of 2001 to December of 2002, 1,012,595 flies were captured using the "jug-trap". The species were identified: Drosophila repleta (Wollaston, 1858), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), Ophyra spp., Hermetria illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Sepsidae. More frequently D. repleta and M. domestica had added 99.47% of the dipterous. Increased rainfall and the collection months influenced the sampling of dipterous (P<0.05). Drosophila repleta was the most abundant species, representing 91% of all captured flies. However, this diptera did not develop at the surveyed site since immatures were not captured therein.

[Associated arthropodes in the laying hen excrement]. / Artrópodes associados ao excremento de aves poedeiras.

A research about arthropode fauna in laying hen excrement was carried out in a poultry house in the State of São Paulo, from January 2001 to December 2002. The objective was to verify the frequency of Diptera and Coleoptera collected by Berlese funil and flutuation methods, and to show correlation between the collect methods and sazonality possible in the currents seasons. A total of 29,499 insects were collected from seventy five collects, being 16,702 Diptera (six families) and 12,797 Coleoptera (four families). Some arthropodes presented direct relation with the collect method, the seasons of the years and the rainfall precipitation, with significant increase in the number of insects collected in certain periods of the year.

First record of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) infesting laboratory colonies of Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

Megaselia scalaris (Loew) is a cosmopolitan and synanthropic scuttle fly, eclectic in its feeding habits and acts as detritivore, parasite, facultative parasite, and parasitoid. Here we report for the first time M. scalaris infesting laboratory colonies of Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, the most important Chagas disease vector in semiarid areas of Brazil. M. scalaris larvae were found feeding inside bugs; pupae were found in the esophagus and intestinal regions of T. brasiliensis through dissection. Other relevant information about this finding is also described in this note, including some preventive measures to avoid laboratory colonies infestations.

[Synanthropic flies (Diptera: Cyclorrapha) and their microhymenoptera parasitoids (Insecta: Hymenoptera) at Monte Mor poultry production system, São Paulo, Brazil]. / Moscas sinantrópicas (Diptera: Cyclorrapha) e seus parasitóides microhimenópteros (Insecta: Hymenoptera) num plantel avícola de Monte Mor, São Paulo, Brasil.

A survey of synanthropic flies and their microhymenopteran parasitoids was conducted at the Capuavinha poultry farm, municipality of Monte Mor, State of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1991 to 1992. Bird manure samples were collected biweekly for examined and selected by the following methods: flotation in water, dissected pupae, and sentinel pupae. The species of flies more abundant were: Chrysomya putoria (Wiedeman) (41.2% - Calliphoridae), Muscidae: Muscina stabulans( Fallén) (27.3%), Musca domestica Linnaeus (23.9%), Fannia pusio (Stein) (5.3% - Fanniidae) e Sepsidae (2.3%). The pupal parasitoids were: Tachinaephagus zealandicus (Ashmead) (72.4% - Encyrtidae), Pteromalídeos: Spalangia gemina Boucek (9.2%), S. cameroni (Perkins) (7.3%), S. endius (Walker) (3.7%), Muscidifurax raptoroides (Kogan e Legner) (1.5%), Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) (0.8%), Nasonia vitripennis Walker (0.06%). Trichopria sp. Nixon (Diapriídeo 5.5%) detected only in C. putoria pupae (t=-1,5269; P <0,1296). Some significant mean values were obtained for parasitoids in the collected hosts (t = 0.9540; Pr <0.0001), proportion of collected pupae and parasitoids with respect to the collecting site (F = 60.85; Pr <0.0001; F = 358.35; P <0.0001) and for the host species and parasitoid species (F = 2.58; Pr <0.0001; F = 9. 48; P <0.0001). The dissected host species was significant for proportion dissected pupae (F = 1.57; Pr <0.2053). These results concerning the insect fauna can be of help for an appropriate management of this poultry farm in terms of the control of synanthropic flies.

Determinação da CL90 e TL90 do isolado IBCB66 de Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) para o controle de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) / Determination of LC 90 and LT 90 of IBCB66 Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) isolate for Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) control

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a patogenicidade e a virulência do isolado IBCB66 de Beauveria bassiana para larvas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. O isolado IBCB66 foi utilizado como padrão, com a finalidade de determinar a CL50 (Concentração Letal), CL90, TL50 (Tempo Letal) e TL90. O isolado IBCB66 foi testado em seis concentrações diferentes (5 × 10(6), 10(7), 5 × 10(7), 10(8), 5 × 10(8) e 10(9)) para determinar a porcentagem de mortalidade. A mortalidade total de larvas foi observada 18 dias após o início do teste no grupo tratado com 5 × 10(9) conídios.mL-1. A análise de Probit dos dados consignados apontou a CL50 e CL90 concentrações de 3 × 10(7) e 5 × 10(8) conídios.mL-1 e para TL50 e TL90, foram 10 e 16 dias, respectivamente.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the pathogenicity and the virulence of the IBCB66 isolate of Beauveria bassiana on infected larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The IBCB66 fungus strain was used as standard isolates of B. bassiana against R. (B.) microplus larvae. The larval bioassay tests using the IBCB66 isolate were carried out to determine the (Lethal Concentration) LC50, LC90, (Lethal Time) LT50 and LT90. The IBCB66 fungus strain was tested at six different concentrations (5 × 10(6), 10(7), 5 × 10(7), 10(8), 5 × 10(8) and 10(9) conidia.mL-1) to determine the percentage of larval mortality. In addition, a Probit analysis was also performed. Total larval mortality was observed eighteen days after the beginning of the test in the group treated with 5 × 10(9) conidia.mL-1. The LC50 and LC90 were 3 × 10(7) and 5 × 10(8) respectively and the LT50 and LT90 were 10 and 16 days.

Seleção de isolados do fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) para o controle de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) / Selection of isolates of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) for control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

O presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de selecionar isolados do fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana com potencial patogênico para utilização no controle do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Numa primeira etapa, foi avaliada a eficiência de trinta isolados na concentração de 5 × 10(8) conídios.mL-1. Destes, oito (IBCB01, IBCB02, IBCB07, IBCB17, IBCB21, IBCB74, IBCB149, IBCB165) apresentaram eficiência entre 90 e 99%; treze (IBCB03, IBCB14, IBCB16, IBCB24, IBCB95, IBCB97, IBCB102, IBCB141, IBCB146, IBCB147, IBCB150, IBCB154, IBCB157), indicaram percentuais de eficiência entre 80 e 89,5%; seis (IBCB47, IBCB75, IBCB84, IBCB145, IBCB161, IBCB164), entre 70 e 79% e apenas dois, (IBCB13 e IBCB143) revelaram-se pouco virulentos com porcentagens abaixo de 70%. Na segunda etapa do trabalho, foram analisados comparativamente dados de mortalidade acumulada dos cinco melhores isolados obtidos na primeira fase (IBCB01, IBCB07, IBCB21, IBCB66, IBCB165). Analisando-se os resultados obtidos in vitro, pode-se imputar que os isolados IBCB21 e IBCB66 são os que apresentam maior potencial para utilização a campo, tendo em vista o controle de R. (B.) microplus. Os isolados selecionados, na primeira fase, também foram testados quanto à potencialidade de produção massal em meio de arroz pré-cozido. A melhor produção massal foi obtida com o isolado IBCB66.

This study was carried out to select isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana with pathogenic potential to control the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick. The effectiveness of thirty isolates was first tested at a concentration of 5 × 10(8) conidia.mL-1. Of these, eight were evaluated (IBCB01, IBCB02, IBCB07, IBCB17, IBCB21, IBCB74, IBCB149, IBCB165) and showed an effectiveness between 90 and 99%; thirteen (IBCB03, IBCB14, IBCB16, IBCB24, IBCB95, IBCB97, IBCB102, IBCB141, IBCB146, IBCB147, IBCB150, IBCB154, IBCB157) between 80 and 89,5%; six (IBCB47, IBCB75, IBCB84, IBCB145, IBCB161, IBCB164) between 70 and 79%, and only two (IBCB13 and IBCB143) had lower pathogenicity (70% or below). In the second step of the study, the five more effective strains in the first phase of the experiment (IBCB01, IBCB07, IBCB21, IBCB66, IBCB165) were analyzed comparatively. Based on in vitro results, it can be concluded that IBCB66 and IBCB21 are the isolates with higher potential for field control of R. (B.) microplus. IBCB01, IBCB07, IBCB21, IBCB66 e IBCB165 isolates were submitted to a conidial production test using a rice-based substrate. The best mass production of the entomopathogenic fungus was obtained with the IBCB66 strain.

Compatibilidade de isolados de Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) com carrapaticidas químicos utilizados no controle do carrapato dos bovinos / Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) with chemicals acaricides used in the control of cattle tick

O presente trabalho teve como escopo avaliar a compatibilidade dos isolados IBCB66 e IBCB21 de Beauveria bassiana com os carrapaticidas a base de Flumetrina + Coumafós, Deltametrina, Diclorvós + Cipermetrina, Diclorvós + Clorpirifós, Cipermetrina High Cis, Diclorvós + Cipermetrina High Cis, Cipermetrina e Amitraz utilizados no controle do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus em nosso país. O efeito dos produtos comerciais sobre os isolados foi verificado por meio da observação do crescimento vegetativo, produção de conídios e viabilidade das estirpes do fungo B. bassiana. Com referência ao isolado IBCB66, os produtos Deltametrina, Cipermetrina High Cis e Amitraz foram classificados como compatíveis, não interferindo no desenvolvimento do entomopatógeno. O produto Cipermetrina foi classificado como tóxico e os produtos Flumetrina + Coumafós, Diclorvós + Cipermetrina, Diclorvós + Clorpirifós e Diclorvós + Cipermetrina High Cis, muito tóxicos. Em relação ao isolado IBCB21, os produtos Flumetrina + Coumafós, Diclorvós + Cipermetrina, Diclorvós + Clorpirifós, Cipermetrina High Cis, Diclorvós + Cipermetrina High Cis e Cipermetrina foram classificados como muito tóxicos e o produto Amitraz como tóxico. Entre os carrapaticidas avaliados, o produto Deltametrina foi o único que não produziu efeito tóxico sobre o entomopatógeno.

The purpose of the present study was to assess compatibility between IBCB66 and IBCB21 isolates of Beauveria bassiana and acaricides: Flumethrin + Coumaphos, Deltamethrin, Dichlorvos + Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos + Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin High Cis, Dichlorvos + Cypermethrin High Cis, Cypermethrin and Amitraz, utilized on the control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in our country. The effect of commercial products on the isolates was assayed according to observation of vegetative growth, conidia production, and viability of strains of B. bassiana fungus. With concerning about IBCB66 isolate, products Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin High Cis and Amitraz were compatible, not affecting the entomopathogen development. Product Cypermethrin was toxic, and products Flumethrin + Coumaphos, Dichlorvos + Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos+ Chlorpyrifos and Dichlorvos + Cypermethrin High Cis were very toxic. In regard to IBCB21 isolate, products Flumethrin + Coumaphos, Dichlorvos + Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos + Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin High Cis, Dichlorvos + Cypermethrin High Cis and Cypermethrin were very toxic and product Amitraz was toxic. From the acaricides evaluated, product Deltamethrin was the single agent that did not produce toxic effect on the entomopathogen.

Thermal requirements of Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) (Acari: Dermanyssidae)

The thermal requirements for development of Dermanyssus gallinae were studied under laboratory conditions at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C, a 12h photoperiod and 60-85 percent RH. The thermal requirements for D. gallinae were as follows. Preoviposition: base temperature 3.4ºC, thermal constant (k) 562.85 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R²) 0.59, regression equation: Y= -0.006035 + 0.001777 x. Egg: base temperature 10.60ºC, thermal constant (k) 689.65 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R²) 0.94, regression equation: Y= -0.015367 + 0.001450 x. Larva: base temperature 9.82ºC, thermal constant (k) 464.91 degree-hours, determination coefficient R² 0.87, regression equation: Y= -0.021123+0.002151 x. Protonymph: base temperature 10.17ºC, thermal constant (k) 504.49 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R²) 0.90, regression equation: Y= -0.020152 + 0.001982 x. Deutonymph: base temperature 11.80ºC, thermal constant (k) 501.11 degree-hours, determination coefficient (R²) 0.99, regression equation: Y= -0.023555 + 0.001996 x. The results obtained showed that 15 to 42 generations of Dermanyssus gallinae may occur during the year in the State of São Paulo, as estimated based on isotherm charts. Dermanyssus gallinae may develop continually in the State of São Paulo, with a population decrease in the winter. There were differences between the developmental stages of D. gallinae in relation to thermal requirements.

Experimentos de laboratório foram realizados visando estimar as exigências térmicas de Dermanyssus gallinae. Para isso, o desenvolvimento do ácaro foi estudado em condições de laboratório usando-se câmaras climatizadas reguladas a 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35°C, fotofase de 12h e UR de 6085 por cento. As exigências térmicas determinadas para D. gallinae foram: Pré-oviposição: temperatura base de 3,4 ºC, constante térmica (k) igual a 562,85 graus-hora, coeficiente de determinação (R²) igual a 0,59, equação de regressão: Y= -0,006035 + 0,001777 x. Ovo. Temperatura base de 10,60 ºC, constante térmica (k) igual a 689,65 graus-hora, coeficiente de determinação (R²) igual a 0,94, equação de regressão: Y= -0,015367 + 0,001450 x. Larva. Temperatura base 9,82 ºC, constante térmica (k) igual a 464,91 graus-hora, R² igual a 0,87, equação de regressão: Y= -0,021123+0,002151x. Protoninfa. Temperatura de 10,17 ºC, constante térmica (k) igual a 504,49 graus-hora, coeficiente de determinação (R²) igual a 0,90, equação de regressão: Y= -0,020152 + 0,001982 x. Deutoninfa. Temperatura de 11,80 ºC, constante (k) térmica igual a 501,11 graus-hora, coeficiente de determinação (R²) igual a 0,99, equação de regressão: Y= -0,023555 + 0,001996 x. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que no Estado de São Paulo podem ocorrem de 15 a 42 gerações/ano de D. gallinae, em estimativa baseada em isotermas. Dermanyssus gallinae pode se desenvolver continuamente no Estado de São Paulo, com diminuição da população no inverno. Existem diferenças entre os estágios de desenvolvimento de D. gallinae com relação às exigências térmicas.

New host-plant records for neotropical agromyzids (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from Asteraceae flower heads

Agromyzidae is a large and cosmopolitan fly family with approximately 2,500 known species. Here we present 22 new records of agromyzid-host plant associations. Plants were sampled from 2002 to 2005 in São Paulo state, Brazil. A total of eight agromyzid species were reared from 18 Asteraceae host species. The genus Melanagromyza Hendel was the commonest. This is the first detailed study reporting associations between non-leafmining Agromyzidae and their host plants in Brazil.

A família Agromyzidae contém aproximadamente 2.500 espécies fitófagas conhecidas. Aqui são apresentados 22 novos registros de associação entre agromizídeos e suas plantas hospedeiras. Foram realizadas coletas entre 2002 e 2005 em remanescentes de cerrado no estado de São Paulo. As oito espécies de agromizídeos registradas pertencem ao gênero Melanagromyza Hendel e foram coletadas em 18 espécies de Asteraceae. Este é o primeiro estudo detalhado sobre associações entre agromizídeos não-minadores e suas plantas hospedeiras no Brasil.

Abundância e sazonalidade de dípteros (Insecta) em granja aviária da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Abundance and seasonality of Diptera (Insecta) in a poultry house in the northeast region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Nos sistemas modernos de produção de ovos, as aves poedeiras são alojadas em altas densidades, acumulando esterco sob as gaiolas. Esse substrato é excelente para o desenvolvimento de moscas sinantrópicas. Sendo assim, se torna essencial a realização de levantamentos de moscas nesses locais, a fim de se planejar uma melhor estratégia de controle. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a entomofauna e a sazonalidade das espécies de dípteros da granja Crisdan, em São João da Boa Vista, São Paulo, Brasil. No período de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2002 foram capturados 1.012.595 exemplares utilizando-se armadilha "jug-trap". As espécies identificadas foram: Drosophila repleta (Wollaston, 1858), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), Ophyra spp., Hermetria illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) e Sepsidae. Com maior freqüência D. repleta e M. domestica representaram 99,47 por cento dos dípteros capturados. A elevação dos índices pluviométricos em alguns meses dos anos influenciaram a amostragem de dípteros (P<0,05). D. repleta representou cerca de 91 por cento de toda população. Entretanto, este díptero provavelmente não estava se desenvolvendo no local, já que estágios imaturos não foram capturados.

Modern production systems accommodate broody hens in high densities, leading to the accumulation of excrement under the cages. This substrate is excellent for the development of sinantropic flies. Thus, the accomplishment of surveys in these places becomes essential, in order to plan better strategies of control. The present work aimed at studying the entomofauna and the seasonality of the species of dipterous present in the Crisdan poultry house located in the Municipality of São João da Boa Vista, the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In the period of January of 2001 to December of 2002, 1,012,595 flies were captured using the "jug-trap". The species were identified: Drosophi-la repleta (Wollaston, 1858), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), Ophyra spp., Hermetria illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Sepsidae. More frequently D. repleta and M. domestica had added 99.47 percent of the dipterous. Increased rainfall and the collection months influenced the sampling of dipterous (P<0.05). Drosophila repleta was the most abundant species, representing 91 percent of all captured flies. However, this diptera did not develop at the surveyed site since immatures were not captured therein.

First record of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) infesting laboratory colonies of Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Megaselia scalaris (Loew) is a cosmopolitan and synanthropic scuttle fly, eclectic in its feeding habits and acts as detritivore, parasite, facultative parasite, and parasitoid. Here we report for the first time M. scalaris infesting laboratory colonies of Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, the most important Chagas disease vector in semiarid areas of Brazil. M. scalaris larvae were found feeding inside bugs; pupae were found in the esophagus and intestinal regions of T. brasiliensis through dissection. Other relevant information about this finding is also described in this note, including some preventive measures to avoid laboratory colonies infestations.

Megaselia scalaris (Loew) é uma mosca cosmopolita, sinantrópica e eclética quanto aos seus hábitos alimentares, tendo sido descrita como detritívora, parasita, parasita facultativa e parasitóide. Nesta nota, registra-se pela primeira vez, M. scalaris infestando colônias de laboratório de Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, o mais importante vetor da doença de Chagas no semi-árido brasileiro. Larvas de M. scalaris foram encontradas alimentando-se dos órgãos internos dos triatomíneos; pupas foram encontradas na região intestinal e esofagiana de exemplares de T. brasiliensis dissecados. Outras informações relevantes sobre o achado são descritas nesta nota, bem como medidas preventivas para evitar infestações por M. scalaris em colônias de triatomíneos.

Artrópodes associados ao excremento de aves poedeiras / Associated arthropodes in the laying hen excrement

Realizou-se um estudo sobre a fauna de artrópodes associados a fezes de aves poedeiras em granja do estado de São Paulo, de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2002. O objetivo foi verificar a freqüência de dípteros e coleópteros coletados por meio do funil de Berlese e pelo método de flutuação, além de correlacionar os métodos de coletas e a possível sazonalidade dos mesmos ao longo das estações. Das setenta e cinco coletas realizadas, capturaram-se 29.499 artrópodes, sendo 16.702 Diptera (seis famílias) e 12.797 Coleoptera (quatro famílias). Algumas espécies de artrópodes apresentaram relação direta entre o método de coleta, as estações do ano e a precipitação pluvial, com aumento significativo do número de insetos coletados em determinadas épocas do ano.

A research about arthropode fauna in laying hen excrement was carried out in a poultry house in the State of São Paulo, from January 2001 to December 2002. The objective was to verify the frequency of Diptera and Coleoptera collected by Berlese funil and flutuation methods, and to show correlation between the collect methods and sazonality possible in the currents seasons. A total of 29,499 insects were collected from seventy five collects, being 16,702 Diptera (six families) and 12,797 Coleoptera (four families). Some arthropodes presented direct relation with the collect method, the seasons of the years and the rainfall precipitation, with significant increase in the number of insects collected in certain periods of the year.