Molecular characterization and demographic insights into soybean bud borer (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Brazil.

The soybean bud borer, a soybean pest in Brazil, was initially identified as Crocidosema aporema (Walsingham 1914) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Outbreaks of this species have recently increased, but identification of this pest remains uncertain, and the historical factors associated with its geographic distribution in Brazil are little known. Here, we conducted a species characterization and phylogeographic analysis based on molecular and morphological evidence. Ninety individuals of bud-borers Lepidoptera were collected in different regions of Brazil. We sequenced COI and COII mitochondrial genes and examined wing patterns and male genital morphology. DNA barcoding approach revealed that 10 individuals were Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Meyrick 1909) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and 80 were a species of the genus Crocidosema Zeller. The morphology of the adult genitalia and wings proved to be insufficient to confirm the identification of Brazilian individuals as C. aporema, a species originally described from a high-elevation site in Costa Rica. Furthermore, the genetic distance between putative C. aporema specimens from Brazil and Costa Rica (ranging from 5.2% to 6.4%) supports the hypothesis that the Brazilian specimens are not referable to C. aporema. Our analysis revealed a single genetic strain (i.e., species) with low genetic diversity on soybean crops. We found no indication that the genetic structure was related to geographic distance among populations or edaphoclimatic regions. The population expansion of the soybean bud borer coincides with the increase in the area of soybean production in Brazil, suggesting that expanded soybean farming has allowed a significant increase in the effective population size of this pest.

Establishment of Sinoxylon anale Lesne (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) in Brazil: Identification, Host Plants, Distribution, and Damage.

Damage from Sinoxylon anale Lesne, a woodboring beetle not previously known to be established in Brazil, was observed in young jabuticaba trees (Plinia cauliflora, Myrtaceae) in a nursery in the municipality of Laranjal Paulista, state of São Paulo. We immediately advised MAPA ("Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento") and collected samples from the nursery and from different hosts in nearby areas, to identify the specimens and investigate the dynamics of the infestation in the jabuticaba trees. Sinoxylon anale was also collected in ethanol-baited and ultraviolet-light traps and in dry branches of the native species pau-jacaré (Piptadenia gonoacantha, Fabaceae) and inga (Inga vera, Fabaceae), and the exotic pau-d'água (Dracaena fragrans, Asparagaceae) in the municipality of Piracicaba, state of São Paulo. These collections established that S. anale larvae and adults develop in dead branches of four new host plants. Taxonomic studies using morphological parameters and DNA barcoding confirmed the identification of S. anale. An illustrated key to the three Sinoxylon species now recorded in Brazil is provided, and the COI gene sequences have been made available in a public database. Sinoxylon anale probably attacked the young jabuticaba trees after they were killed by larvae of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae). So far, S. anale has been found established only in two locations in the same area of the state of São Paulo.

Flight Height and Diversity of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) in an Anthropic Environment.

Several fruit fly species are pest of fruit production in subtropical and tropical countries such as Brazil. Data about the fruit fly communities are relevant for understanding ecological aspects such as population dynamics, abundance, richness, and diversity. In these surveys, Multilure traps were hung about 2 m height accessible to collectors. Practically there are no data on the dynamics of fruit fly species in higher positions. Thus, a comparative analysis was performed to assess the influence of the Multilure traps height, 2 m and 10 m, to collect Anastrepha species in the agricultural and forest environments. The abundance of Anastrepha species was compared using GLM multivariate analysis and species diversity using Hill numbers for each tested height. The heat map graph, based on the Euclidean distance, was used to assess the interaction of species at each height. A total of 1080 females of Anastrepha were captured, with 722 and 358 specimens collected in traps hung at 10 and 2 m height, respectively. Fourteen species were collected, with most identified as A. fraterculus (Wiedemann) (lato sensu) (n = 435) and A. obliqua (Macquart) (n = 388). Species diversity of Anastrepha was greater at 2 m than at 10 m, as were the values of diversity indices corresponding to richness (q = 0), Shannon (q = 1), and Simpson (q = 2). We conclude that evaluations of aspects related to the distribution of Anastrepha species at different heights should be adopted in fruit fly population monitoring programs as a management strategy for pest species.

Integrative approach reveals the identity of Brazilian specimens previously recognized as Anastrepha dissimilis Stone, 1942 (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Anastrepha dissimilis is currently considered to be widely distributed in Brazil, occurring in 20 of 27 states. However, morphological differences between the holotype (from Plaisance, Haiti) and a paratype (from Pernambuco, Brazil) suggest that the Brazilian specimens are not A. dissimilis, because their aculeus tip is similar to the paratype not to the holotype. Therefore, considering the importance of integrative taxonomy for species delimitation, we used geometric and linear morphometrics and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences integrated with the morphology of the aculeus tip to clarify the identity of populations previously identified as A. dissimilis from multiple Brazilian localities. Morphological data show a uniform pattern among the Brazilian populations, with some variation among specimens from the south and northeast. In addition, the geometric and linear morphometrics suggest considerable geographic variation among these populations, suggesting the existence of at least two morphs. The molecular analysis revealed that specimens from Brazil previously identified as A. dissimilis belong to Anastrepha chiclayae Greene, with a genetic distance ranging from 0.00 to 0.015%. According to our integrative analyses, specimens from Brazil formerly identified as A. dissimilis actually are A. chiclayae. Therefore, this is the first record of A. chiclayae in Brazil, and we also report that A. dissimilis does not occur in Brazil.

A new seed-feeding species of Hemicolpus Heller, 1895 from south Brazil and redescription of Hemicolpus abdominalis Hustache, 1938 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Conoderinae).

The genus Hemicolpus Heller, 1895 (Curculionidae: Conoderinae) currently includes six species: H. cubicus (Lacordaire) (Brazil); H. heteromorphus Hustache (Brazil); H. abdominalis Hustache (Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay); H. costaricensis Hespenheide (Costa Rica); H. randiae Hespenheide (El Salvador and Mexico) and H. prenai Hespenheide (El Salvador and Mexico). The known species are predispersal seed predators whose larvae feed and develop within fruits of Rubiaceae. Species from Central America have been reared from the fruits of Randia L. (Rubiaceae). In contrast, the only host plant known for the South American species, H. abdominalis, is Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) K. Schum. (Rubiaceae), a plant species widely distributed in the Cerrado biome, occurring from southeast to north and northeast of Brazil. Here, we describe a seventh species of Hemicolpus, H. maragatensis Sanz-Veiga, Savaris & Leivas, sp. nov., morphologically close to H. abdominalis, associated with fruits of Randia ferox (Cham. & Schltdl.) DC. in the south of Brazil. Furthermore, we designate a lectotype and provide a redescription of H. abdominalis, including additional characters to differentiate it from H. maragatensis. For both species, we provide morphological descriptions of external and internal characters, including male and female genitalia illustrations, distribution data, and notes on the biology and host plant. A barcode region of the mitochondrial DNA is also included for both species adding genetic information to the species characterization and differentiation. We also provide an identification key for the species of the genus.

The SISBIOTA-Diptera Brazilian Network: A long-term survey of Diptera from unexplored Brazilian Western Arc of Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal

ABSTRACT The SISBIOTA-BRASIL was a three-year multimillion-dollar research program of the Brazilian government to document plants and animals in endangered/understudied areas and biomes in Brazil. Distributional patterns and the historical events that generated them are extensively unknown regarding Brazilian fauna and flora. This deficiency hinders the development of conservation policies and the understanding of evolutionary processes. Conservation decisions depend on precise knowledge of the taxonomy and geographic distribution of species. Given such a premise, we proposed to research the diversity of Diptera of the Brazilian western arc of Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Rondônia. Three important biomes of the South American continent characterize these Brazilian states: Amazon forest, Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), and Pantanal. Besides their ecological relevance, these biomes historically lack intensive entomological surveys. Therefore, they are much underrepresented in the Brazilian natural history collections and in the scientific literature, which is further aggravated by the fact that these areas are being exponentially and rapidly converted to commercial lands. Our project involved over 90 collaborators from 24 different Brazilian institutions and one from Colombia among researchers, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, and technicians. We processed and analyzed nearly 300,000 specimens from ~60 families of Diptera collected with a large variety of methods in the sampled areas. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the genera and species diversity of 41 families treated. Our results point to a total of 2,130 species and 514 genera compiled and identified for the three states altogether, with an increase of 41% and 29% in the numbers of species and genera known for the three states combined, respectively. Overall, the 10 most species-rich families were Tachinidae, Cecidomyiidae, Tabanidae, Psychodidae, Sarcophagidae, Stratiomyidae, Bombyliidae, Syrphidae, Tephritidae, and Asilidae. The 10 most diverse in the number of genera were Tachinidae, Stratiomyidae, Asilidae, Mycetophilidae, Syrphidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae, Dolichopodidae, Sarcophagidae, and Chloropidae. So far, 111 scientific papers were published regarding taxonomic, phylogenetic, and biogeographical aspects of the studied families, with the description of 101 new species and three new genera. We expect that additional publications will result from this investigation because several specimens are now curated and being researched by specialists.

New species and host plants of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) primarily from Suriname and Par, Brazil.

Seventeen new species of Anastrepha, primarily from Suriname, French Guiana and Par, Brazil, are described and illustrated: A. aithogaster Norrbom from Brazil (Par), French Guiana, and Suriname; A. aliesae Norrbom from Suriname; A. brownsbergiensis Norrbom from Suriname; A. crassaculeus Norrbom Rodriguez Clavijo from Colombia (Magdalena, Norte de Santander) and Suriname; A. curvivenis Norrbom from Brazil (Amazonas), Ecuador (Zamora-Chinchipe), Peru (San Martn), and Suriname; A. fuscoalata Norrbom from Brazil (Par), French Guiana, and Suriname; A. gangadini Norrbom from Suriname; A. juxtalanceola Norrbom from Brazil (Par) and Suriname; A. microstrepha Norrbom from Brazil (Bahia) and Suriname; A. mitaraka Norrbom from French Guiana; A. neptis Norrbom from Brazil (Par), Ecuador (Orellana), Peru (Loreto) and Suriname; A. sobrina Norrbom from Brazil (Par), French Guiana, and Suriname; A. surinamensis Norrbom from Suriname; A. tenebrosa Norrbom from Brazil (Par) and Peru (Loreto); A. triangularis Norrbom from Suriname; A. wachiperi Norrbom from French Guiana and Peru (Cusco); and A. wittiensis Norrbom from Suriname. The following host plant records are reported: A. aithogaster from fruit of Parahancornia fasciculata (Poir.) Benoist (Apocynaceae); A. aliesae from fruit of Passiflora coccinea Aubl. and P. glandulosa Cav. (Passifloraceae); A. crassaculeus from fruit of an undetermined species of Pouteria (Sapotaceae); A. fuscoalata from fruit of Trymatococcus oligandrus (Benoist) Lanj. (Moraceae); A. sobrina from fruit of Eugenia lambertiana DC. (Myrtaceae); and A. wittiensis from fruit of Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) A. Chev. (Sapotaceae).

Psyllotoxus griseocinctus Thomson, 1868 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): a potential pest of roses in Brazil revealed by its lifecycle and niche modeling.

We present the first formal record of the twig-girdler Psyllotoxus griseocinctus Thomson, 1868 (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Onciderini) attacking the rose, Rosa sp. (Rosaceae) in Southern Brazil. We provide photographs of the damage P. griseocinctus causes to the plant, as well as morphological descriptions of the immature stages and molecular diagnostic tools to identify this species. Additionally, we provide a modelled map with the known and potential distribution of P. griseocinctus and new host records for three plant species: the common walnut tree, Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae); the cambucá tree, Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae); and the cherry tree, Prunus cf. serrulata Lindl. (Rosaceae).

Euschistus crenator (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): a New Invasive Species on Soybean Fields in Northern Brazil.

The expansion of soybean Glycine max (L.) Merrill in South America has provided an abundant host to the native arthropod fauna. Stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are severe pests on soybean crops due to their feeding activities. Several native species have been recorded on this crop, with the widespread Neotropical brow stink bug Euschistus heros (Fabricius) recognized as the key pest in most of its distribution. Here, we report for the first time Euschistus crenator (Fabricius) as a new invasive species on soybean fields in Northern Brazil. We collected the species at Pará state (2°38'32.2″S 54°55'56.1″W and 4°06'31.2″S 54°55'01.9″W) and Roraima state (2°39'41.3″N 60°46'58.9″W and 3°00'44.6″N 60°22'32.9″W). The latter represents a new state record, and the first represents new locality records, however, both representing the first soybean host record for the species. The distribution of E. crenator ranges from southern US (AZ, CA, FL, and TX) to north South America, mostly between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Despite overlap in distribution, we did not find E. crenator and E. heros simultaneously on soybean crops in the North region (Amazon Forest) of Brazil. Euschistus crenator was able to complete its life cycle and had viable offspring on soybean plants, with development parameters similar to E. heros.

Two new species of Nealiolus Mason (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Brachistinae) reared from pest weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae).

Here, we present the first two South American species of Nealiolus Mason (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), both reared from weevils damaging plants of economic value: Nealiolus chayohtli Wengrat Shimbori sp. n. on Phymatophosus squameus feeding in stems of Sechium edule (chayote), and Nealiolus jaboticaba Shimbori Wengrat sp. n. on Conotrachelus sp. in fruits of Plinia cauliflora (jaboticaba). This parasitoid genus is poorly studied, despite its potential importance as a biological control agent of several pest weevils (Curculionidae), including the cotton boll weevil. With the addition of the two new species, nine species of Nealiolus are known, three of them occurring in the Neotropical region. We also present an identification key to species of Nealiolus and DNA barcoding information for the new species.

Revision of the genus Euarestoides Benjamin (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Species of the genus Euarestoides Benjamin (Diptera: Tephritidae) are revised. Euarestoides comprises six species: E. abstersus (Loew) (Bahamas, eastern Canada and USA); E. acutangulus (Thomson) (Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad Tobago, USA, and Venezuela); E. bimaculatus Savaris Norrbom, n. sp. (Peru); E. dreisbachi Foote (Guatemala, Mexico, Peru); E. pereirai Savaris Norrbom, n. sp. (Brazil); and E. rionegrensis Savaris Norrbom, n. sp. (Colombia). A key to the known species of the genus is provided, as well as descriptions, illustrations, distributions, notes on the biology and host plant data for each species.

Revision of the shore-fly genus Peltopsilopa Hendel (Diptera: Ephydridae).

The Neotropical shore-fly genus Peltopsilopa Hendel is revised and now includes three species: P. acuta n.sp.; P. anisotomoides (Karsch), new combination; and P. schwarzi Cresson. A fourth species name, P. aspistes Hendel, is recognized as a junior synonym of P. anisotomoides (Karsch). We confirm that Peltopsilopa is closely related to Cressonomyia Arnaud and that the genus is in the tribe Psilopini, subfamily Discomyzinae. We provide a revised generic diagnosis and key to South American genera of Psilopini to facilitate identification of Peltopsilopa. The included species descriptions are extensively documented with illustrations, photographs, and distribution map.

New species of Rhagoletotrypeta (Diptera: Tephritidae) from the Dominican Republic and southern Brazil and Paraguay.

Rhagoletotrypeta chapecensis Norrbom & Savaris, new species, and R. gelabertae Norrbom & Savaris, new species, are described and illustrated from specimens from southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina) and Paraguay, and from the Dominican Republic, respectively. The larvae of R. chapecensis develop in fruits of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. (Ulmaceae). A key to the species of the xanthogastra species group is provided.

Two new, brachypterous Limnellia species from the Venezuelan Andes (Diptera: Ephydridae).

Two new, brachypterous species of Limnellia are described from specimens collected in the Venezuelan Andes: L. vounitis (Trujillo: Bocon, La Cristalina (Andes; 09°14.7'N, 70°19.1'W; 2500 m)) and L. flavifrontis (Mérida: Mérida, Sierra Nevada National Park (Laguna Negra; 8°47.1'N; 70°48.4'W; 3300 m)). To facilitate identification of these unusual species, we have included a diagnosis of the tribe Scatellini and of the genus Limnellia and have also provided an annotated key to the South American genera of this tribe. The descriptions are supplemented with illustrations, photographs, and scanning electron micrographs of external structures and structures of the male terminalia.

FAMILY TEPHRITIDAE.

The present Catalogue includes 90 species and 23 genera of Tephritidae that have been recorded in Colombia. Four subfamilies (Blepharoneurinae, Dacinae, Trypetinae and Tephritinae), and eight tribes (Acrotaeniini, Carpomyini, Dacini, Eutretini, Myopitini, Noeetini, Tephritini, and Toxotrypanini) are represented in the Colombian territory. The species Toxotrypana littoralis and Tomoplagia pleuralis are new records for the country. Trypeta conferta Walker, 1853 is here formally transferred to the genus Neomyopites.

Interaction between Tephritidae (Insecta, Diptera) and plants of the family Asteraceae: new host and distribution records for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Twenty species of Tephritidae (Diptera) are recorded in association with capitula of plants in the family Asteraceae. The Tephritidae genus Tetreuaresta is registered for Rio Grande do Sul for the first time. Five species of Tephritidae are newly recorded for Rio Grande do Sul, and new hosts are recorded for the following fly species: Dioxyna chilensis (Macquart), Plaumannimyia dolores (Hering), Plaumannimyia imitatrix (Hering), Plaumannimyia miseta (Hering), Plaumannimyia pallens Hering, Tomoplagia incompleta (Williston), Tomoplagia matzenbacheri Prado, Norrbom & Lewinsohn, Tomoplagia reimoseri Hendel, Xanthaciura biocellata (Thomson) and Xanthaciura chrysura (Thomson).

Opportunistic predation of fish by anomuran crabs (Crustacea, Anomura, Aeglidae) in rivers of southern Brazil / Predação oportunista de peixes por eglídeos (Crustacea, Anomura, Aeglidae) em rios do Sul do Brasil

The opportunistic predation on the fishes Astyanax fasciatus and Crenicichla sp. entangled in gill net by the aeglid crabs Aegla grisella and Aegla singularis was observed in rivers of southern Brazil. These events occurred in two rivers located at the National Forest of Passo Fundo, in Mato Castelhano municipality, Rio Grande do Sul State and Tangará municipality, Santa Catarina State. In both places the fish showed similar wound pattern, with eyes and fins being consumed first. However, predation of the whole body was also recorded, probably due to the high number of aeglid crabs feeding on the same individual. This record intended to contribute for understanding the natural diet of these crabs in freshwater environments.

A predação oportunista dos peixes Astyanax fasciatus e Crenicichla sp. emalhados em rede de espera pelos eglídeos Aegla grisella e Aegla singularis foi observada em rios do Sul do Brasil. Estes eventos ocorreram em dois rios na Floresta Nacional de Passo Fundo, município de Mato Castelhano, RS e no município de Tanguará, SC. Em ambos os locais os peixes apresentavam um padrão de mutilação semelhante, com olhos e nadadeiras sendo consumidos primeiramente. No entanto, a predação de todo o corpo também foi registrada, provavelmente em decorrência do elevado número de eglídeos se alimentando de um mesmo indivíduo. Esse registro visa contribuir para o entendimento da dieta natural dos eglídeos em ambientes de águas continentais.

Primeiro registro de Thaumastocoris peregrinus para o estado de Santa Catarina, e novas áreas de ocorrência para o Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / First record of Thaumastocoris peregrinus for the state of Santa Catarina, and new areas of occurrence for the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Thaumastocoris peregrinus é relatado pela primeira vez para o estado de Santa Catarina atacando plantas isoladas de Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus tereticornis e reflorestamentos de Eucaliptus grandis localizados no interior dos municípios de Chapecó, Cordilheira Alta, Xaxim e Xanxerê. No Rio Grande do sul, esse inseto já é encontrado em 10 localidades do sul do estado, e são registradas novas áreas de ocorrência nos municípios de Ernestina, Passo Fundo, Marau, Coxilha, Getúlio Vargas, Erechim, São Valentim, Erval Grande, Nonoai, Três Palmeiras, Ronda Alta, Pontão e Quatro Irmãos.

Thaumastocoris peregrinus is recorded for the first time in the state of Santa Catarina attacking isolated plants of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus tereticornis and reforestation of Eucalyptus grandis located within the municipalities of Chapecó, Cordillera Alta, Xaxim and Xanxerê. In Rio Grande do Sul this insect is already found in 10 locations, and new areas of occurrence are recorded in the municipalities of Ernestina, Passo Fundo, Marau, Coxilha, Getúlio Vargas, Erechim, São Valentim, Erval Grande, Nonoai, Três Palmeiras, Ronda Alta, Pontão and Quatro Irmãos.

Primeiro registro de Tomoplagia reimoseri Hendel e Xanthaciura mallochi Aczél (Diptera: Tephritidae) para o Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil / First records of Tomoplagia reimoseri Hendel e Xanthaciura mallochi Aczél (Diptera: Tephritidae) for Santa Catarina state, Brazil

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo levantar as espécies de tefritídeos endófagos associados a capítulos de asteráceas em Chapecó, Santa Catarina. Para tanto, foram efetuadas coletas quinzenais no município de Chapecó, Santa Catarina, durante o período de setembro de 2005 a setembro de 2006, concentradas na primavera e no verão. Os capítulos foram destacados diretamente das plantas, no campo, e acondicionados em sacos plásticos. Este trabalho constitui o primeiro registro de Tomoplagia reimoseri Hendel e Xanthaciura mallochi Aczél coletados em capítulos de Asteraceae no município de Chapecó, elevando para 72 espécies de tefritídeos registradas para o referido Estado.

The present research aimed to inventory the species of endophagous tephritids associated to Asteraceae capitula in Chapecó, Santa Catarina. Samples of capitula were collected every two weeks in Chapecó, from september 2005 to september 2006, concentrating efforts on spring and summer. The capitula were collected directly from the plants and conditioned in plastic bags. This research constitutes the first register of Tomoplagia reimoseri Hendel and Xanthaciura mallochi Aczél specimens collected from Asteraceae capitula in Chapecó, elevating to 72 the number of tephritid species registered to the State of Santa Catarina.