Accumulation of Lipid Droplets Induced by Listeria monocytogenes in Macrophages: Implications for Survival and Evasion of Innate Immunity.

Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L.m.), poses a significant public health concern as one of the most severe foodborne diseases. The pathogenesis of L.m. involves critical steps such as phagosome rupture and escape upon internalization. Throughout infection, L.m. influences various host processes, including lipid metabolism pathways, yet the role of lipid droplets (LDs) remains unclear. Here, we reported a rapid, time-dependent increase in LD formation in macrophages induced by L.m. LD biogenesis was found to be dependent on L.m. viability and virulence genes, particularly on the activity of the pore-forming protein listeriolysin O (LLO). The prevention of LD formation by inhibiting diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) significantly reduced intracellular bacterial survival, impaired prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, and decreased IL-10 production. Additionally, inhibiting LD formation led to increased levels of TNF-α and IFN-ß. Collectively, our data suggest a role for LDs in promoting L.m. cell survival and evasion within macrophages.

A synopsis of the genus Cylindrostethus Fieber 1861 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Gerridae).

Cylindrostethus Fieber, 1861 is one of the most striking genera of water striders (Insecta: Hemiptera: Gerridae) and has Pantropical distribution. Members of this group can be recognized by the very long, cylindrical body; the short antennomere IV; the short labium not reaching the mesosternum; and by characteristics of the abdomen of males and females. Although Neotropical representatives of the genus have been revised, there are pending taxonomic issues related to this fauna, and that of the Eastern Hemisphere has been barely studied in recent years. Here, we present a short note about the authorship of Cylindrostethus, an updated key to all species of the genus, a new synonymy, and the description of a previously unknown macropterous male of C. hungerfordi Drake and Harris.

Synergistic action of synthetic peptides and amphotericin B causes disruption of the plasma membrane and cell wall in Candida albicans.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the combination of synthetic peptides based on the γ-core motif of defensin PvD1 with amphotericin B (AmB) at different concentrations against Candida albicans. We applied the checkerboard assay using different concentrations of the commercial drug AmB and the synthetic peptides γ31-45PvD1++ and γ33-41PvD1++ against C. albicans, aiming to find combinations with synergistic interactions. Between these two interactions involving γ31-45PvD1++ and AmB, an additive effect was observed. One such interaction occurred at concentrations of 0.009 µM of peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and 13.23 µM of AmB and another condition of 0.019 µM of peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and 6.61 µM of AmB. The other two concentrations of the interaction showed a synergistic effect in the combination of synthetic peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and AmB, where the concentrations were 1.40 µM peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and 0.004 µM AmB and 0.70 µM γ31-45PvD1++ peptide and 0.002 µM AmB. We proceeded with analysis of the mechanism of action involving synergistic effects. This examination unveiled a range of impactful outcomes, including the impairment of mitochondrial functionality, compromise of cell wall integrity, DNA degradation, and a consequential decline in cell viability. We also observed that both synergistic combinations were capable of causing damage to the plasma membrane and cell wall, causing leakage of intracellular components. This discovery demonstrates for the first time that the synergistic combinations found between the synthetic peptide γ31-45PvD1++ and AmB have an antifungal effect against C. albicans, acting on the integrity of the plasma membrane and cell wall.

Foveavelia, a new South American genus of Veliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae).

Background: Semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) are distributed worldwide and play fundamental roles in limnic ecosystems. They are the most successful group of organisms to occupy the air-water interface, are important models to study ecology and evolution, and can be relevant tools in biomonitoring. Veliidae is the second most speciose family of semiaquatic bugs, but its internal classification, including subfamilies and genera, is artificial and based on symplesiomorphies. One of these non-monophyletic entities is Paravelia Breddin, 1898, the largest genus in the subfamily Veliinae. Results: In an effort to better classify the Veliinae, we describe Foveavelia to hold five South American species previously placed in Paravelia. The new genus is characterized by the following combination of features: unusual coarse cuticular punctures throughout the thorax and abdomen; a pair of small, frosty, pubescent areas formed by a very dense layer of short setae on the anterior lobe of the pronotum; fore tibial grasping comb present only in males; middle tibia with a row of elongate dark-brown trichobothria-like setae on the distal third, decreasing in size distally; macropterous specimens with the apical macula of the forewings elongate and constricted at mid-length, reaching the wing apex; and the male proctiger with a pair of anterodorsal projections. Besides the description, a key to the species of Foveavelia is provided, accompanied by illustrations and a species distribution map.

Defensin-like peptides from Capsicum chinense induce increased ROS, loss of mitochondrial functionality, and reduced growth of the fungus Colletotrichum scovillei.

In the present study, we identified and characterized two defensin-like peptides in an antifungal fraction obtained from Capsicum chinense pepper fruits and inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum scovillei, which causes anthracnose. AMPs were extracted from the pericarp of C. chinense peppers and subjected to ion exchange, molecular exclusion, and reversed-phase in a high-performance liquid chromatography system. We investigated the endogenous increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), the loss of mitochondrial functioning, and the ultrastructure of hyphae. The peptides obtained from the G3 fraction through molecular exclusion chromatography were subsequently fractionated using reverse-phase chromatography, resulting in the isolation of fractions F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5. The F1-Fraction suppressed C. scovillei growth by 90, 70.4, and 44% at 100, 50, and 25 µg mL-1, respectively. At 24 h, the IC50 and minimum inhibitory concentration were 21.5 µg mL-1 and 200 µg mL-1, respectively. We found an increase in ROS, which may have resulted in an oxidative burst, loss of mitochondrial functioning, and cytoplasm retraction, as well as an increase in autophagic vacuoles. MS/MS analysis of the F1-Fraction indicated the presence of two defensin-like proteins, and we were able to identify the expression of three defensin sequences in our C. chinense fruit extract. The F1-Fraction was also found to inhibit the activity of insect α-amylases. In summary, the F1-Fraction of C. chinense exhibits antifungal activity against a major pepper pathogen that causes anthracnose. These defensin-like compounds are promising prospects for further research into antifungal and insecticide biotechnology applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A New Species of Spelaeometra Polhemus & Ferreira, 2018 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Hydrometridae) from a Hotspot of Troglobites in Brazil, Serra do Ramalho Karst Area.

Spelaeometra Polhemus & Ferreira, 2018 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Hydrometridae) is a monotypic and troglobitic genus, recently described based on material collected in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From specimens collected in the Gruna do Enfurnado Cave in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, municipality of Coribe, state of Bahia, Brazil, we describe Spelaeometra hypogea Cordeiro & Moreira, sp. nov. and compare it with Spelaeometra gruta Polhemus & Ferreira, 2018. The new species is diagnosed by the general body color being pale-yellow to light-brown; antennal segments I and II being subequal in length; the reduced gular lobe, not covering any labial segment; the male proctiger without apical projections; and the male paramere with convex dorsal margin after the curvature, with a narrow hook-like apex.

Chronic hyperpalatable diet induces impairment of hippocampal-dependent memories and alters glutamatergic and fractalkine axis signaling.

Chronic consumption of hyperpalatable and hypercaloric foods has been pointed out as a factor associated with cognitive decline and memory impairment in obesity. In this context, the integration between peripheral and central inflammation may play a significant role in the negative effects of an obesogenic environment on memory. However, little is known about how obesity-related peripheral inflammation affects specific neurotransmission systems involved with memory regulation. Here, we test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to a highly palatable diet may cause neuroinflammation, glutamatergic dysfunction, and memory impairment. For that, we exposed C57BL/6J mice to a high sugar and butter diet (HSB) for 12 weeks, and we investigated its effects on behavior, glial reactivity, blood-brain barrier permeability, pro-inflammatory features, glutamatergic alterations, plasticity, and fractalkine-CX3CR1 axis. Our results revealed that HSB diet induced a decrease in memory reconsolidation and extinction, as well as an increase in hippocampal glutamate levels. Although our data indicated a peripheral pro-inflammatory profile, we did not observe hippocampal neuroinflammatory features. Furthermore, we also observed that the HSB diet increased hippocampal fractalkine levels, a key chemokine associated with neuroprotection and inflammatory regulation. Then, we hypothesized that the elevation on glutamate levels may saturate synaptic communication, partially limiting plasticity, whereas fractalkine levels increase as a strategy to decrease glutamatergic damage.

Risk of venous thromboembolism in thromboprophylaxis between aspirin and low molecular weight heparins after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty: Systematic review and meta-analysis. / Riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso en la tromboprofilaxis entre aspirina y heparinas de bajo peso molecular tras una artroplastia total de cadera o artroplastia total de rodilla. Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aspirin versus low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and/or total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Sixteen studies were selected. The risk of VTE, DVT and PE were analyzed. Mortality, risk of bleeding and surgical wound complications was also analyzed. RESULTS: 248,461 patients were included. 176,406 patients with thromboprophylaxis with LMWH and 72,055 patients with aspirin thromboprophylaxis. There were no significant differences in the risk of VTE (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.69-1.26; P = .64), DVT (OR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.43-1.20; P = .21) or PE (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.86-1.49; P = .38) between both groups. No significant differences were found in mortality (P = .30), bleeding (P = .22), or complications in the surgical wound (P = .85) between both groups. These same findings were found in the sub-analysis of only randomized clinical trials (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: No increased risk of PE, DVT, or VTE was found among patients with aspirin thromboprophylaxis versus patients with LMWH thromboprophylaxis. There was also no greater mortality, greater bleeding, or greater complications in the surgical wound found among patients with aspirin thromboprophylaxis versus patients with LMWH thromboprophylaxis.

Description of a new species and new records of Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from northern and northeastern Brazil.

Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) is a species-rich and widespread genus of semiaquatic bugs, found both in freshwater and coastal marine environments. Despite the considerable number of species recorded from Brazil, the northern and northeastern regions of the country remain poorly explored. We present here the description of a new species of the angustipes complex, Rhagovelia leilae Paiva, Rodrigues & Moreira, sp. nov., and new records for the following species: R. brunae Magalhães & Moreira, 2016; R. evidis Bacon, 1948; R. hambletoni Drake & Harris, 1933; R. humboldti Polhemus, 1997; R. tenuipes Champion, 1898; and R. whitei (Breddin, 1898). These include the first records of species of Rhagovelia from the states of Pernambuco and Tocantins, and also increase the number of known species from the states of Alagoas, Bahia, and Maranhão to six, five and six, respectively.

Environmental vulnerability evolution in the Brazilian Amazon.

Decision making and environmental policies are mainly based on propensity level to impact in the area. The propensity level can be determined through artificial intelligence techniques included in geotechnological universe. Thus, this study aimed to determine the areas of greatest vulnerability to human activities, in Amazon biome, through MODIS images of Land use and land cover (LULC) from the 2001 and 2013. Remote sensing, Euclidean distance, Fuzzy logic, AHP method and analysis of net variations were applied to specialize the classes of vulnerability in the states belonging to the Amazon Biome. From the results, it can be seen that the class that most evolved in a positive net gain during the evaluated period was "very high" and the one that most reduced was "high", showing that there was a transition from "high" to "very high" risk areas. The states with the largest areas under "very high" risk class were Mato Grosso (101,100.10 km2) and Pará (81,010.30 km2). It is concluded that the application of remote sensing techniques allows the determination and assessment of the environmental vulnerability evolution. Mitigation measures urgently need to be implemented in the Amazon biome. The methodology can be extended to any other area of the planet.

300 Million years of coral treaders (Insecta: Heteroptera: Hermatobatidae) back to the ocean in the phylogenetic context of Arthropoda.

Among hundreds of insect families, Hermatobatidae (commonly known as coral treaders) is one of the most unique. They are small, wingless predaceous bugs in the suborder Heteroptera. Adults are almost black in colour, measuring about 5 mm in body length and 3 mm in width. Thirteen species are known from tropical coral reefs or rocky shores, but their origin and evolutionary adaptation to their unusual marine habitat were unexplored. We report here the genome and metagenome of Hermatobates lingyangjiaoensis, hitherto known only from its type locality in the South China Sea. We further reconstructed the evolutionary history and origin of these marine bugs in the broader context of Arthropoda. The dated phylogeny indicates that Hexapoda diverged from their marine sister groups approximately 498 Ma and that Hermatobatidae originated 192 Ma, indicating that they returned to an oceanic life some 300 Myr after their ancestors became terrestrial. Their origin is consistent with the recovery of tropical reef ecosystems after the end-Triassic mass extinction, which might have provided new and open niches for them to occupy and thrive. Our analyses also revealed that both the genome changes and the symbiotic bacteria might have contributed to adaptations necessary for life in the sea.

New species, new records and key to the species of the Rhagoveliaitatiaiana group (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Veliidae) from Brazil.

Background: Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Veliidae), known as riffle bugs, includes more than 400 species and is commonly found in tropical lotic environments, including coastal marine habitats, such as mangroves and estuaries. Due to the elevated number of species, the fauna from the Americas has been divided into several groups, which facilitates taxonomic studies. Amongst them, the itatiana group currently includes two species from the Greater Antilles and five from south-eastern and southern Brazil. Despite the many taxonomic studies developed during the past few decades, new species of Rhagovelia are still being discovered in several areas of the continent, including the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. New information: Rhagoveliabispoi sp. n. is described, illustrated and compared with similar congeners. The new species belongs to the itatiaiana group and can be diagnosed by the uniformly black mesonotum, the presence of a tuft of setae medially on male abdominal sternum VII, the armature of the male hind femur and the distinctive shape of the paramere. In addition, we present new records of R.trepida Bacon, 1948 from the States of Paraná and Santa Catarina and a key to the species of the itatiaiana group recorded from Brazil.

Revision of Potamobates Champion, 1898 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) and description of a new genus for P. thomasi Hungerford, 1937.

Potamobates Champion, 1898 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) heretofore included 18 species distributed from southern Mexico to Peru. They display a distinct morphology, especially regarding the projections of abdominal segment VIII. Specific identification and delimitation are difficult, and the genus lacks a thorough revision and evaluation of inter- and intraspecific variation. Here, we revise Potamobates, redescribe and/or illustrate known species, and describe P. molanoi Floriano and Moreira, sp. nov. and Brailovskybates Floriano and Moreira, gen. nov. The new genus is erected for P. thomasi Hungerford, 1937 and is characterized by the following features: (1) abdomen elongated, longer than the mesothorax; (2) abdominal spiracles positioned at the center of the segments; (3) male abdominal segment VIII without projections; (4) male pygophore and proctiger not rotated in relation to the longitudinal axis of the body; (5) female abdominal tergum VIII subequal in length and width; (6) and posterior margin of female abdominal sternum VII not produced medially, with a pair of lateral projections.

In vitro anti-Leishmania activity of new isomeric cobalt(II)complexes and in silico insights: Mitochondria impairment and apoptosis-like cell death of the parasite.

The synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and in vitro antiproliferative activity against the promastigote form of Leishmania amazonensis of two new cobalt(II) coordination compounds (i.e. [Co(HL1)Cl2]0.4,2H2O (1) and [Co(HL2)(Cl)(CH3OH)](ClO4).2H2O (2)) are reported, where HL1 = 4-{3-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy}-2H-chromen-2-one and HL2 = 7-{3-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy}-2H-chromen-2-one. X-ray diffraction studies were performed for complex (2) and the structure of complex (1) was built through Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Complex (1) presented no cytotoxicity to LLC-MK2, but complex (2) was toxic. IC50 against promastigotes of L. amazonensis for complex (1) were 4.90 (24 h), 3.50 (48 h) and 3. 80 µmol L-1 (72 h), and for complex (2) were 2.09, 4.20 and 2.80 µmol L-1, respectively. Due to the high toxicity presented by complex (2) against LLC-MK2 host cells, mechanistic studies, to shed light on the probable mode of leishmanicidal activity, were carried out only for the non-cytotoxic complex. Complex (1) was able to elevate mitochondrial membrane potential of the parasites after treatment. Transmission electron microscopy revealed typical apoptotic condensation of chromatin, altered kinetoplast and mitochondria structures, suggesting that apoptosis-like cell death of the protozoa is probably mediated by an apoptotic mechanism associated with mitochondrial dysfunction (intrinsic pathway). Molecular docking studies with complex (1) upon protein tyrosine phosphatase (LmPRL-1) suggests a plausible positive complex anchoring mainly by hydrophobic and hydrogen bond forces close to the enzyme's catalytic site. These promising results for complex 1 will prompt future investigations against amastigote form of L. amazonensis.

First surgical experience treating scoliosis using HGT and ECMO: a case report.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old female with congenital diaphragmatic hernia-associated pulmonary hypertension presented with severe and rapidly progressing scoliosis. The patient suffered from chronic respiratory failure and high risk of hypertensive crisis with potentially life-threating consequences. The scoliosis was treated with a multidisciplinary approach combining preoperative halo-gravity traction, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and posterior spinal instrumented fusion. After 2 years of follow-up, results are excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment combination reported here for the first time aims to limit surgical aggressiveness. It could be an effective and safe approach for treating severe spinal deformities in very fragile patients with high surgical risk.

A new species and updates on the Rhagovelia angustipes complex (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Veliidae) in Colombia.

Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Veliidae) is a diverse genus of small to medium-sized true bugs that live on the surface of the water, preferentially in lotic environments with moderate to strong current. The Rhagovelia angustipes species complex is particularly speciose in Colombia, and has recently been the subject of a revision. Nonetheless, new species of the complex are still being discovered in the country. We present here the description of Rhagovelia andradei sp. nov., collected on the eastern Colombian Andes, new records for three other species, R. calceola, R. gastrotricha and R. molanoi, an updated key, and a summary of the distribution of the complex in the country.

Descriptions of new species and new records of water bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha & Nepomorpha) from southeastern Brazil.

Although most of the diversity of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) is terrestrial, over 550 species of water bugs (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha, Leptopodomorpha & Nepomorpha) have been recorded from Brazil alone. Southeastern Brazil, composed of the states of Esprito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo, is the best studied region of the country, but there are still knowledge gaps in the area. Here, two new species are described from Esprito Santo: Hydrometra ruschii Cordeiro, Rodrigues & Moreira, sp. nov. and H. tuberculata Cordeiro, Rodrigues & Moreira, sp. nov. (Gerromorpha: Hydrometridae). Furthermore, new records from southeastern Brazil are provided for 78 species of water bugs, of which 19 are firstly recorded from Esprito Santo, four from Minas Gerais, eight from Rio de Janeiro, and seven from So Paulo.

Symbiotic Microorganisms and Their Different Association Types in Aquatic and Semiaquatic Bugs.

True bugs (Hemiptera, suborder Heteroptera) constitute the largest suborder of nonholometabolous insects and occupy a wide range of habitats various from terrestrial to semiaquatic to aquatic niches. The transition and occupation of these diverse habitats impose various challenges to true bugs, including access to oxygen for the aquatic species and plant defense for the terrestrial phytophagans. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that microorganisms can provide multiple benefits to terrestrial host insects, a systematic study with comprehensive higher taxa sampling that represents aquatic and semiaquatic habitats is still lacking. To explore the role of symbiotic microorganisms in true bug adaptations, 204 samples belonging to all seven infraorders of Heteroptera were investigated, representing approximately 85% of its superfamilies and almost all known habitats. The symbiotic microbial communities of these insects were analyzed based on the full-length amplicons of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS region. Bacterial communities varied among hosts inhabiting terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic habitats, while fungal communities were more related to the geographical distribution of the hosts. Interestingly, co-occurrence networks showed that species inhabiting similar habitats shared symbiotic microorganism association types. Moreover, functional prediction analyses showed that the symbiotic bacterial community of aquatic species displayed richer amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways, while plant-feeding true bugs benefited more from the symbiont-provided xenobiotics biodegradation pathway. These results deepened the recognition that symbiotic microorganisms were likely to help heteropterans occupy diverse ecological habitats and provided a reference framework for further studies on how microorganisms affect host insects living in various habitats. IMPORTANCE Symbiotic bacteria and fungi generally colonize insects and provide various benefits for hosts. Although numerous studies have investigated symbionts in terrestrial plant-feeding insects, explorations of symbiotic bacterial and fungal communities in aquatic and semiaquatic insects are rare. In this study, the symbiotic microorganisms of 204 aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial true bugs were explored. This comprehensive taxon sampling covers ~85% of the superfamilies of true bugs and most insect habitats. Analyses of the diversity of symbionts demonstrated that the symbiotic microbial diversities of true bugs were mainly affected by host habitats. Co-occurrence networks showed that true bugs inhabiting similar habitats shared symbiotic microbial association types. These correlations between symbionts and hosts together with the functions of bacterial communities indicated that symbiotic microbial communities may help true bugs adapt to (semi)aquatic habitats.

Transcriptome-based Phylogeny of the Semi-aquatic Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) Reveals Patterns of Lineage Expansion in a Series of New Adaptive Zones.

Key innovations enable access to new adaptive zones and are often linked to increased species diversification. As such, innovations have attracted much attention, yet their concrete consequences on the subsequent evolutionary trajectory and diversification of the bearing lineages remain unclear. Water striders and relatives (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) represent a monophyletic lineage of insects that transitioned to live on the water-air interface and that diversified to occupy ponds, puddles, streams, mangroves and even oceans. This lineage offers an excellent model to study the patterns and processes underlying species diversification following the conquest of new adaptive zones. However, such studies require a reliable and comprehensive phylogeny of the infraorder. Based on whole transcriptomic datasets of 97 species and fossil records, we reconstructed a new phylogeny of the Gerromorpha that resolved inconsistencies and uncovered strong support for previously unknown relationships between some important taxa. We then used this phylogeny to reconstruct the ancestral state of a set of adaptations associated with water surface invasion (fluid locomotion, dispersal and transition to saline waters) and sexual dimorphism. Our results uncovered important patterns and dynamics of phenotypic evolution, revealing how the initial event of water surface invasion enabled multiple subsequent transitions to new adaptive zones on the water surfaces. This phylogeny and the associated transcriptomic datasets constitute highly valuable resources, making Gerromorpha an attractive model lineage to study phenotypic evolution.

New species and notes on Paravelia Breddin, 1898 (Heteroptera: Veliidae) from South America.

The new species Paravelia ameliae (Heteroptera: Veliidae) is described based on macropterous specimens from the Department of Putumayo, in the Amazonian region of Colombia. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners mainly by the bicolored pronotum (dark-brown on the anterior two-thirds and light-brown posteriorly); the absence of distinct pruinosity or silvery patches on the anterior lobe of the pronotum; the basal macula of the forewing small and roughly ovate; the grasping comb of the male fore tibia occupying more than half of its length; the male hind femur with a row of 15 spines on the basal two-thirds; and the male paramere notched basally on its dorsal surface. Furthermore, this species displays sexual dimorphism in body shape and in hind tibial length, with males having a slightly constricted mid-abdominal region and hind tibia distinctly longer than in females. Also, in order to describe external morphological characteristics not mentioned in previous studies, supplemental descriptions are provided for P. albotrimaculata (Kirkaldy, 1899), P. loutoni Polhemus, 2014, P. nieseri Moreira Barbosa, 2012, and P. rotundanotata (Hungerford, 1930). Illustrations and a distribution map of all species treated here are presented.