Population dynamics, vertical distribution and damage characterization of burrower bug in peanut

Although the burrower bug (Cyrtomenus mirabilis) is considered a vitalsoil pest in peanut crops, Arachis hypogaea L., in South America, there is little information on its occurrence and damage characterization. This study aimed to evaluate the vertical distribution and fluctuation of the burrower bug in the soil and the damage this species causes in peanuts. Two peanut cultivars (IAC OL3 and IAC 503) were evaluated in three locations in the state of São Paulo: Pindorama, Ribeirão Preto and Votuporanga, in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 harvests. Trenches were dug 0.5 m long, 0.3 m wide and 0.3 m deep, along plant lines at four spots on each sampling date, and stratified in layers 10 cm deep. Plant samples (0.5 m) were collected and evaluated for number of pods and percentage of kernels with symptoms of insect damage. More than 85 % of the C. mirabilis population was found in depths of up to 10 cm, especially after plant fructification, and an increase in nymphs from 100 days after sowing (DAS) was seen when an increased number of maturing pods was observed. The occurrence of nymphs and adults of C. mirabilis and their damage to peanut kernels was similar in both cultivars (IAC OL3 and IAC 503), when these were harvested according to their developmental cycles.

Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice / Biologia de Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e dos parasitoides Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 e Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em arroz

The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.(AU)

O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.(AU)

Contribution to the Cimicidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) fauna from Argentina: biology and geographical distribution.

The bed bug family Cimicidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) constitutes a group of specialized haematophagous ectoparasitic insects with about 110 species worldwide and 13 species in the Neotropics. Here we provide biological and faunistic observations for 4 out of the 8 species recorded in Argentina. Propicimex tucmatiani (Wygodzinsky, 1951) was recorded for the first time in the Province of Santa Fe and we provide the first barcode sequence for this species. Acanthocrios furnarii (Cordero & Vogelsang, 1928), a mainly ornithophilic species, has been found in a human apartment in Buenos Aires and was probably attacking humans. Bertilia valdiviana (Philippi, 1865) had been reported in 1950 in the Province of Ro Negro, we discuss its potential habitat and host association after visiting the only location where this species had been recorded so far in Argentina. Moreover, we provide some natural history data, i.e. developmental stages, sex ratio and feeding habit of the parrot parasite Cyanolicimex patagonicus Carpintero, Di Iorio, Masello & Turienzo, 2010 from a colony in El Condor (Province of Ro Negro).

Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice / Biologia de Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e dos parasitoides Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 e Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em arroz

The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Effect of sublethal concentrations of insecticides associated with NaCl and KCl on feeding behavior and mortality of Euschistus heros and Diceraeus melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) / Efeito de concentracoes subletais de inseticidas associados com NaCl e KCl sobre comportamento alimentar e mortalidade de Euschistus heros e Diceraeus melatacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Stink bugs are important pests of highly profitable agricultural crops worldwide, and the use of insecticides remains the main strategy for their control. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the behavioral aspects of Euschistus heros and Diceraeus melacanthus through feeding after exposure to chloride solutions (NaCl and KCl), as well as the control efficacy of insecticides in combination with salt. Two bioassays were performed with stink bugs exposed to treated substrate: i) feeding preference by salivary sheath counting in a free choice test for chloride solutions, using bean pod or corn seedling as counting substrate for newly emerged E. heros and D. melacanthus adults, respectively; and ii) comparative efficiency of five synthetic insecticides associated with NaCl or KCl in the mortality of 4th instar nymphs (N4). Pre-determined sublethal (LC25) and median lethal (LC50) concentrations of commercially available insecticides (Lfn), buprofezin (Bpf), pyriproxyfen (Ppx), chlorantraniliprole (Ctn) and spinosad (Spn) were used. For each species and insecticide, the treatments were pure LC25, LC25 + NaCl 5% m/m, LC25 + KCl 5% m/m, pure LC50, and distilled water (dH2O) as the control. Corn seedlings treated with 5% NaCl saline solution had reduced salivary sheaths from D. melacanthus. Ctn LC25 (0.63 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl and pure Ctn LC50 (1.16 mL L-1) were similar and more efficient in terms of mortality of D. melacanthus N4s than any other treatment. The association of Spn LC25(0.37 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl and Spn LC50 only (0.90 mL L-1) was similar to that of E. heros N4s compared to other treatments. The insecticide concentrations used in this study have potential for stink bug pest control, thus the association of insecticides with commercially available, easy-to-find, and low-cost chloride salts may represent a good strategy for stink bug control.(AU)

Os percevejos são importantes pragas de culturas agrícolas altamente rentáveis em todo o mundo, e o uso de inseticidas continua sendo a principal estratégia para seu controle. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os aspectos comportamentais de Euschistus heros e Diceraeus melacanthus através da alimentação após exposição a soluções cloradas (NaCl e KCl), bem como a eficiencia de controle de inseticidas em combinação com sal. Dois bioensaios foram realizados com percevejos expostos ao substrato tratado: i) preferência alimentar por contagem de bainhas salivares em teste de livre escolha de soluções contendo cloreto, usando vagem de feijão ou plantulas de milho como substrato de contagem para adultos de E. heros e D. melacanthus recém-emergidos, respectivamente; e ii) eficiência comparativa de cinco inseticidas sintéticos associados a NaCl ou KCl na mortalidade de ninfas de 4º estágio (N4). Foram utilizadas concentrações subletais pré-determinadas (CL25) e letais medias (LC50) de inseticidas comercialmente disponíveis lufenurom (Lfn), buprofezina (Bpf), piriproxifem (Ppx), clorantraniliprole (Ctn) e espinosade (Spn). Para cada espécie e inseticida, os tratamentos foram CL25 pura, CL25 + NaCl 5% m/m, CL25 + KCl 5% m/m, CL50 pura e água destilada (dH2O) como controle. Plantulas de milho tratadas com a solução salina NaCl 5% apresentaram redução das bainhas salivares de D. melacanthus. Ctn CL25 (0,63 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl e Ctn CL50 pura (1,16 mL L-1) foram semelhantes e mais eficientes em termos de mortalidade de N4s de D. melacanthus do que qualquer outro tratamento. A associação de Spn CL25 (0,37 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl e Spn CL50 pura (0,90 mL L-1) foi semelhante à de N4s de E. heros em relação aos outros tratamentos. As concentrações de inseticidas utilizadas neste estudo têm potencial para o controle de pragas de percevejos, portanto, a associação de inseticidas com sais de cloreto comercialmente disponíveis, de fácil acesso e baixo custo pode representar uma boa estratégia para o controle de percevejos.(AU)

Spodoptera frugiperda (Noctuidae) fed on transgenic maize can transfer Bt proteins to Podisus nigrispinus (Pentatomidae)

An important concern with the use of genetically modified (GM) plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal toxins is the deleterious effect on non-target organisms. The predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is used in biological control programs and may be exposed to Bt toxins. This study evaluated the indirect effects of different Cry proteins on P. nigrispinus with the prey Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), fed on simple or pyramided Bt maize genotypes. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three treatments: i) Isohybrid (not Bt), ii) Herculex® (transgenic maize encoding Cry1F protein) and iii) PowerCore® (pyramidal transgenic maize encoding the Cry1F, Cry1A.105, and Cry2Ab2 proteins), which were used to feed S. frugiperda for 48 h. The caterpillars were used as prey by P. nigrispinus females. We evaluated the presence of Cry proteins, consumed prey biomass (predation), oviposition period, number of postures, number of eggs, number of eggs per posture, number of nymphs, egg viability, embryonic period, female longevity and development, and survival rates of immature. The results show that different Cry proteins move through the food chain of P. nigrispinus and provide evidence that the ingestion of three different proteins does not lead to unexpected synergistic effects. However, Cry toxins promoted histopathological changes in midgut cells of P. nigrispinus.

Erythematous papular rash after international travel

Bed bugs are hematophagous ectoparasites usually found in bedsteads mattresses, and sheets. The bed bug infestations have been increasing dramatically, but only a few cases have been reported in Brazil. We presented a case of a 49-year-old woman with diffuse, extremely itchy skin lesions, after she returned from an international travel.

Behaviour, feeding and cytogenetic features of the wingless blood-sucking ectoparasite Cyanolicimex patagonicus (Heteroptera: Cimicidae).

Cyanolicimex (Haematosiphoninae) includes a single species, C. patagonicus, which is found in the largest known colony of its avian host Cyanoliseus patagonus (Psittacidae) located in Patagonia (Argentina). Relationships between Cyanolicimex and other genera of Haematosiphoninae are still unclear because this genus shares some characters with other South American genera and possesses some similarities with Hesperocimex from the Neoarctic region. The aim of the present study was to provide additional data of C. patagonicus so as to better understand its relationships with other South American species. We examined some biological features of C. patagonicus in the field and we performed a cytogenetic analysis. We observed in the field that C. patagonicus does not live inside the hollow nests of Cyanoliseus patagonus. The cytogenetic analysis showed that the male karyotype is 2n= 31= 28A+X1X2Y and revealed an achiasmate male meiosis and of the collochore type. Our results together with available cytogenetic data in other cimicids, allow proposing the possible chromosomal rearrangements involved in the chromosomal evolution of C. patagonicus and also contribute to better understand the evolutionary divergence at the chromosomal level within Haematosiphoninae. Based on the whole evidence, we propose to place in four groups the species of Haematosiphoninae cytogenetically hitherto studied.

Two newly introduced Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) species in Colombia: Brachyplatys subaenus (Plataspidae) and Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Thaumastocoridae)

The introduction of alien species can carry negative consequences to the areas in which they appear. Early detection of introduced species is key if management practices are to be effectively implemented. Here, based on specimens from collections and citizen science observations, we document the recent introduction of two alien Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) species in Colombia: Brachyplatys subaenus (Westwood, 1837) (Plataspidae) and Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé, 2006 (Thaumastocoridae). Brachyplatys subaenus was found in two localities (Bolívar and Valle del Cauca), whereas T. peregrinus was found in a single locality (Bogotá) so far. Future research activities should establish the geographic range of these species, as well as document their host plant associations, in Colombia.(AU)

Morphology of the Eggs of Ornithocoris pallidus (Hemiptera, Cimicidae, Haematosiphoninae).

Morphology of cimicid eggs are scarce, and this is the first record for the genus Ornithocoris Pinto, 1927 (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This genus comprises two species: Ornithocoris toledoi Pinto, 1927 (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) and Ornithocoris pallidus (Usinger, 1959). The eggs of O. pallidus are ellipsoid, and an evident 'lateral flattening', which may give clear asymmetry from the longitudinal axis. The exochorion of the body of the egg and operculum of O. pallidus present spherical or polygonal structures in relief, and pseudomicropyles on the border of the operculum, both differing from Cimex lectularius. The internal face of the operculum is smooth and the border also presented three layers. It was not possible to observe micropyles in the egg of O. pallidus. Bed bugs have a great psychological impact on people, and some people can develop a more or less severe allergic reaction against the bite. Successful control of bed bugs needs serious organization. Studies on egg morphology will add more information to assist in taxonomy studies of O. pallidus and can serve as a basis for control studies because eggs are resistant to insecticides.

Description of a new species of Corixidea from Brazil (Heteroptera: Dipsocoromorpha: Schizopteridae) / Descrição de uma espécie nova de Corixidea para o Brasil (Heteroptera: Dipsocoromorpha: Schizopteridae)

The minute litter bug genus Corixidea Reuter, 1891 currently comprises nine valid American species. Herein, we describe Corixidea quaresmai sp. nov. from one of the last remaining remnants of Atlantic Forest in northeast Brazil. The new species is characterized by the distal extension of the anophoric process parallel and close to the left lateral margin of the tergites, and the elongated process of tergum 8, with a pectinate distal half and a filiform tip. We provide diagnosis, images of habitus and male genitalia.

Corixidea Reuter, 1891 compreende atualmente nove espécies válidas registradas para as Américas. No presente estudo, Corixidea quaresmai sp. nov. é descrita de um dos últimos remanescente de Mata Atlântica da região Nordeste do Brasil. A espécie nova é caracterizada pela extensão distal do processo anofórico paralela e próxima à margem lateral esquerda dos tergitos e pelo processo do tergo 8 alongado, com a margem distal pectinada e ápice filiforme. Diagnose, imagens do habitus e da genitália masculina são fornecidas.

Description of a new species of Corixidea from Brazil (Heteroptera: Dipsocoromorpha: Schizopteridae) / Descrição de uma espécie nova de Corixidea para o Brasil (Heteroptera: Dipsocoromorpha: Schizopteridae)

The minute litter bug genus Corixidea Reuter, 1891 currently comprises nine valid American species. Herein, we describe Corixidea quaresmai sp. nov. from one of the last remaining remnants of Atlantic Forest in northeast Brazil. The new species is characterized by the distal extension of the anophoric process parallel and close to the left lateral margin of the tergites, and the elongated process of tergum 8, with a pectinate distal half and a filiform tip. We provide diagnosis, images of habitus and male genitalia.(AU)

Corixidea Reuter, 1891 compreende atualmente nove espécies válidas registradas para as Américas. No presente estudo, Corixidea quaresmai sp. nov. é descrita de um dos últimos remanescente de Mata Atlântica da região Nordeste do Brasil. A espécie nova é caracterizada pela extensão distal do processo anofórico paralela e próxima à margem lateral esquerda dos tergitos e pelo processo do tergo 8 alongado, com a margem distal pectinada e ápice filiforme. Diagnose, imagens do habitus e da genitália masculina são fornecidas.(AU)

Stink bug control at different stages of soybean development / Controle de percevejos em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento da planta de soja

This study evaluates the effects of combinations of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids on the control of stink bugs at different stages of soybean crop development. The experiment was set up in a factorial randomized block design (4×6: 4 treatments and 6 stages) with 4 repetitions. The following treatments were tested during the V6/V7, R2, R4, R5.1, R5.5 and R 6 phenological stages: 1 ­ control (no application), 2 ­ thiamethoxam + λ-cyhalothrin, 3 ­ acetamiprid + α-cypermethrin, and 4 ­ dinotefuran + α-cypermethrin. Infestation, number of damaged seeds, number of pods, number of pods per plant, and yield (kg/ha) were evaluated. Stink bug infestations were smaller when applications commenced during the vegetative stages (V6-V8). Pod numbers and yields were highest in the dinotefuran + α-cypermethrin treatment with applications from V6/V8 to R4. The active ingredients dinotefuran + α-cypermethrin reduced stink bug populations and increased yields and could therefore be considered in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for soybean crops.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de combinações de piretroides com neonicotinoides no controle de percevejos em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento da cultura da soja. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos randomizados, em esquema fatorial 4×6 (4 tratamentos e 6 estádios) com 4 repetições. Os produtos utilizados foram: 1 ­ testemunha (sem aplicação), 2 ­ tiametoxam + λ-cialotrina, 3 ­ acetamiprida + α-cipermetrina, e 4 ­ dinotefuran + α-cipermetrina, e as aplicações foram realizadas a partir dos estádios fenológicos V6/V7,R2, R4, R5.1, R5.5 e R6. Avaliaram-se a infestação, número de grãos danificados, número de vagens, número de vagens por planta e produtividade (kg/ha). A infestação de percevejo foi menor quando se iniciou a aplicação precocemente nos estádios vegetativos (V6-V8).O número de vagens e produtividade foi superior no tratamento dinotefuran + α-cipermetrina nos estádios V6/V8 até R4. Os ingredientes ativos dinotefuran + α-cipermetrina apresentaram resultados positivos na redução da população de percevejo e proporcionaram incremento no rendimento de grão, podendo ser utilizado como opção em programa de manejo integrado de pragas (MIP) na cultura da soja.(AU)

Stink bug control at different stages of soybean development / Controle de percevejos em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento da planta de soja

This study evaluates the effects of combinations of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids on the control of stink bugs at different stages of soybean crop development. The experiment was set up in a factorial randomized block design (4×6: 4 treatments and 6 stages) with 4 repetitions. The following treatments were tested during the V6/V7, R2, R4, R5.1, R5.5 and R 6 phenological stages: 1 ­ control (no application), 2 ­ thiamethoxam + λ-cyhalothrin, 3 ­ acetamiprid + α-cypermethrin, and 4 ­ dinotefuran + α-cypermethrin. Infestation, number of damaged seeds, number of pods, number of pods per plant, and yield (kg/ha) were evaluated. Stink bug infestations were smaller when applications commenced during the vegetative stages (V6-V8). Pod numbers and yields were highest in the dinotefuran + α-cypermethrin treatment with applications from V6/V8 to R4. The active ingredients dinotefuran + α-cypermethrin reduced stink bug populations and increased yields and could therefore be considered in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for soybean crops.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de combinações de piretroides com neonicotinoides no controle de percevejos em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento da cultura da soja. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos randomizados, em esquema fatorial 4×6 (4 tratamentos e 6 estádios) com 4 repetições. Os produtos utilizados foram: 1 ­ testemunha (sem aplicação), 2 ­ tiametoxam + λ-cialotrina, 3 ­ acetamiprida + α-cipermetrina, e 4 ­ dinotefuran + α-cipermetrina, e as aplicações foram realizadas a partir dos estádios fenológicos V6/V7,R2, R4, R5.1, R5.5 e R6. Avaliaram-se a infestação, número de grãos danificados, número de vagens, número de vagens por planta e produtividade (kg/ha). A infestação de percevejo foi menor quando se iniciou a aplicação precocemente nos estádios vegetativos (V6-V8).O número de vagens e produtividade foi superior no tratamento dinotefuran + α-cipermetrina nos estádios V6/V8 até R4. Os ingredientes ativos dinotefuran + α-cipermetrina apresentaram resultados positivos na redução da população de percevejo e proporcionaram incremento no rendimento de grão, podendo ser utilizado como opção em programa de manejo integrado de pragas (MIP) na cultura da soja.(AU)

First record of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae) in Pará state, Brazil

Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae) is a phytophagous pest of eucalyptus plantations. It was introduced in Brazil in 2008, and expanded rapidly due to its adaptive capacity to different climatic conditions. Eucalyptus has been planted in the Brazilian Amazon since the 1980s, being used in silvopastoral systems and for cellulose production. Since its introduction in the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, T. peregrinus has expanded its geographical distribution to 117 municipalities in states in the south (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná), southeast (São Paulo, Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais), mid-west (Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás) and northeast (Sergipe) of the country. Here we report the first record of T. peregrinus in the Brazilian Amazonian state of Pará. (AU)

Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin. (Poales: Poaceae) as hibernacle for stink bugs during the soybean and corn off-season in Southern Brazil / Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin. (Poales: Poaceae) como hibernáculo para percevejos durante a entressafra de soja e milho no sul do Brasil

Host plants are key factors in the survival of true bugs during unfavorable periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition, diversity and abundance of pentatomid bugs in Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin. (Poales: Poaceae). Plants were evaluated during the soybean and corn off--season for five years. A total of 250 plants were sampled, the true bug population was counted and used for statistical and faunistic analysis. We observed the occurrence of the species: Euschistus heros (F.), Dichelops furcatus (F.), Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), Edessa meditabunda (F.), and Edessa ruformaginata (De Geer). Among the species, the highest population density was verified for E. meditabunda, E. heros, and D. furcatus. We also observed a direct effect of the clump diameter on the population density of E. heros, D. furcatus, and E. meditabunda. Finally, we conclude that S. angustifolium plants serve as adequate hibernacles for the survival of true bugs of economic importance during the soybean and corn off-season.(AU)

Plantas hospedeiras são fatores fundamentais na sobrevivência de percevejos durante períodos desfavoráveis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição, diversidade e abundância de espécies de percevejos pentatomídeos ocorrentes em plantas de Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin (Poales: Poaceae). As plantas foram avaliadas durante a entressafra de soja e milho por cinco anos. Foram amostradas 250 plantas, sendo a população de percevejos contabilizada e utilizada para a análise estatística e faunística. Observamos a ocorrência das espécies: Euschistus heros (F.), Dichelops furcatus (F.), Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), Edessa meditabunda (F.) e Edessa ruformaginata (De Geer). Entre as espécies, foi verificada uma maior densidade populacional para E. meditabunda, E. heros e D. furcatus. Observamos, também, o efeito direto do diâmetro de touceira sobre a densidade populacional de E. heros, D. furcatus e E. meditabunda. Por fim, concluímos que plantas de S. angustifolium servem como hibernáculos adequados para a sobrevivência de percevejos de importância econômica durante a entressafra de soja e milho.(AU)

Body position of the stink bug Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) during feeding from stems of maize seedlings / Posição do corpo do percevejo Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) durante a alimentação em hastes de plântulas de milho

The Neotropical green-belly stink bug, Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) is a major pest of maize, Zea mays L. in the main production areas of Brazil. It usually feeds on the stems of young plants (seedlings) causing heavy damage by affecting the plant growth and mitigating seed yield. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine body position (upward or downward) of the bug on plant (seedling) stem during feeding and not feeding activities. Ten visual records were taken per day, each spaced one hour during 30 days of 10 adult bugs of similar age exposed to maize seedlings inside cages (plastic tubes). At each observation, it was recorded if the bug was feeding on the stem (i.e., stylets inserted into the plant tissue) or not, and its body position. During feeding, waveforms were recorded using the EPG (electropenetrography) technique, which were correlated with histological studies to reveal the feeding sites. Results indicated that when they were feeding, the majority of the bugs were in the downward position. In contrast, when the bugs were on the plants, and not feeding, they were mostly in the upward position. Waveforms generated using the EPG coupled with histological studies demonstrated that during ingestion bugs fed from the xylem vessels and from the parenchyma tissue using cell rupture strategy in the latter. No clear explanation was found to explain the preferred downward body position during ingestion, but some hypothesis are speculated.(AU)

O percevejo barriga-verde, Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) é uma praga importante do milho, Zea mays L. nas principais áreas produtoras do Brasil. Usualmente alimenta-se nas hastes de plantas jovens (plântulas) causando danos severos no seu crescimento e reduzindo o rendimento de grãos. Estudos foram conduzidos em laboratório para determinar a posição do corpo (voltado para cima ou para baixo) dos percevejos nas hastes das plântulas de milho durante as atividades de alimentação e não-alimentação. Foram feitas dez observações por dia, espaçadas por uma hora, durante 30 dias em 10 percevejos adultos com idade semelhante sobre plântulas de milho colocadas em gaiolas (tubos de plástico). Em cada observação, anotou-se se o percevejo estava se alimentando (i.e., estiletes bucais inseridos no tecido vegetal) ou não, e a posição do corpo. Durante a alimentação, ondas eletromagnéticas foram registradas utilizando-se o EPG (técnica da eletropenetrografia), as quais foram correlacionadas com estudos histológicos para revelar os locais de alimentação. Os resultados indicaram que quando os percevejos estavam se alimentando, a maioria estava voltado para baixo. Em contraste, os percevejos sem se alimentar nas plântulas estavam a maioria voltados para cima. As ondas geradas pelo EPG junto com os estudos histológicos revelaram que os percevejos se alimentaram dos vasos do xilema e do tecido parenquimatoso usando a estratégia de ruptura celular no último. Não foi encontrada uma explicação clara para a preferência dos percevejos em se alimentarem na posição voltados para baixo, mas algumas hipóteses são especuladas.(AU)