Presence and Distribution of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Colombia.

The presence and distribution of Scirtothrips dorsalis was reported in Colombia in the Andean, Caribbean, and Orinoquia regions, from 0 to 1,200 meters of altitude (MASL) in the warm climate zone, with less than 2,000 mm rainfall per year and a temperature above 24°C, which corresponds to the tropical dry forest life zone (TDF). Larvae and adults of S. dorsalis were found on 13 plant species belonging to 12 genera in 12 families, of 181 plant species sampled from 129 genera in 47 families sampled. The botanical species with S. dorsalis presence included cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) L., mango (Mangifera indica) L., chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) L., bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) L., orange (Citrus sinensis) L., jasmine orange (Murraya paniculata) L., rose (Rosa sp.), and the weeds Sesbania exaltata (Mill.), Phyllanthus niruri L., Ludwigia hyssopifolia Vahl, Euphorbia hypericifolia L., Echinochloa colona L., and Amaranthus spinosus (L.). S. dorsalis prefers young leaves and floral structures, but in cotton it was also associated with squares. The low number of host plants is evident, far from the extensive lists obtained by other authors in other latitudes. S. dorsalis invaded Colombia only in recent years, and this is the first study of the presence and distribution of this thrips in the area.

A new species and new records of Cryptodacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.

Cryptodacus bernardoi Rodriguez & Rodriguez, new species, is described from Colombia. It was reared from fruits of Phoradendron sp. near piperoides (Kunth) Trel. New distribution records are reported for Cryptodacus ornatus Norrbom from Colombia and Peru, for Cryptodacus trinotatus Norrbom & Korytkowski from Colombia, and for Cryptodacus obliquus Hendel from Bolivia and Peru. The female abdomen and terminalia of C. obliquus is described for the first time. The Norrbom & Korytkowski (2008)`s key to species was modified to include C. bernardoi n. sp.

Fuel cells: a real option for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles propulsion.

The possibility of implementing fuel cell technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion systems is considered. Potential advantages of the Proton Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), their fuels (hydrogen and methanol), and their storage systems are revised from technical and environmental standpoints. Some operating commercial applications are described. Main constraints for these kinds of fuel cells are analyzed in order to elucidate the viability of future developments. Since the low power density is the main problem of fuel cells, hybridization with electric batteries, necessary in most cases, is also explored.