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Fires impact ecosystems globally and due to climate change, the frequency of high-severity fires has increased. As ecosystems change with altered fire regimes, changes in the communities that provide ecosystem services, such as pollination, have been reported. We studied fires with mixed-severity types that burned >20 years ago and compared insect floral visitor communities by focusing on an important floral resource, wax currant (Ribes cereum). Simultaneously, we conducted a pollinator exclusion experiment to determine how floral visitors impact fruit production of wax currant. Importantly, the pollinator community of wax currant is virtually unknown with only a single study that was conducted in a riparian ecosystem. We found that there was no difference in the floral visitor communities or fruit production of wax currant plants across fire severity, but our sample sizes were small. Notably, we found that the pollinator exclusion treatment had a significant impact on fruit production of wax currant plants, especially early season pollinators, which demonstrates the importance of insect pollinators across all fire severities for wax currant plants. Resumen Los incendios impactan los ecosistemas a nivel mundial y debido al cambio climático, hay aumentos en la frecuencia de aquellos de alta gravedad. A medida que los ecosistemas cambian con regímenes de incendios alterados, se han reportado efectos en las comunidades que brindan servicios ecosistémicos, como la polinización. Estudiamos incendios de gravedad mixta que ardieron hace más de 20 años y comparamos comunidades de insectos visitantes de flores en diferentes niveles de gravedad del incendio, centrándonos en un importante recurso floral, la grosella cera (Ribes cereum). Simultáneamente, llevamos a cabo un experimento de exclusión de polinizadores para determinar cómo los visitantes florales impactan el amarre de la grosella cera. La comunidad polinizadora de la grosella cerosa es prácticamente desconocida y solo se ha realizado otro estudio en un ecosistema ribereño. Descubrimos que no había diferencias en las comunidades de visitantes florales o en el amarre de frutos de las plantas de grosella cera según la gravedad del incendio, pero los tamaños de nuestras muestras fueron pequeños. Encontramos que el tratamiento de exclusión de polinizadores tuvo un impacto significativo en amarre de frutos de las plantas de grosella cera, especialmente en los polinizadores tempranos, lo que demuestra la importancia de los insectos polinizadores en todas las severidades de los incendios para las plantas de grosella cera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Sesioctonus (Braconidae: Agathidinae), Sesioctonus alvaradae sp. nov. from Peru, is described and illustrated. With the addition of this new species, Sesioctonus genus has 36 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes represent the most important agent disseminating infectious diseases like yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, among others. An essential strategy for its control is killing them at immature stages using industrial insecticides. However, those chemicals often generate resistance and affect the environment and human health. Agricultural and plant by-products constitute a new sustainable option to obtain harmless and eco-friendly bioinsecticides to prevent mosquitoes from spreading. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) seed extracts and their insecticide activity against Aedes aegypti at larval and pupal stages. The ethanol extracts from avocado seeds were obtained by Maceration/stirring (MaE) and Soxhlet extraction (SE) methods. The main chemical profile was determined by quantitative and UPLC assays. Insecticide activity was assessed by the exposition of mosquitoes at larval and pupal stages to seed extracts. Human cell lines were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity. Soxhlet methodology was more efficient in the extraction of P. americana seeds metabolites (42.13±1.76 mg/mL) compared with MaE (20.46±1.66 mg/mL) (p< 0.05). Additionally, SE showed a higher amount of polyphenols (5.12±0.18 mg/mL). The UPLC spectra analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, mainly catechin, and neolignan constituents. Both extracts showed larvicidal and pupicidal effects, but SE was more active at lower concentrations. Moreover, no significant toxic effects on human monocytes and fibroblast cell lines were found after treatment. In sum, avocado seed by-products can be considered an eco-friendly insecticide and its use may help to substantially decrease the vector-transmitted diseases in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cactus weevil (Metamasius spinolae) is a pest of Opuntia ficus-indica. It can develop not only in Opuntia species but also in other cacti and members of the Asparagaceae family. In 2017, damage and presence of adult insects with characteristics similar to the cactus weevil were reported in two species of cacti, Austrocylindropuntia subulata and Peniocereus serpentinus. The objective was to identify the insect and determine if the two cacti species are hosts, field and laboratory research was conducted from 2017 to 2019 in the municipality of Axapusco, State of Mexico. Stems with larval damage were selected at four study sites, whic remained in field conditions until the emergence of adult insects. The behaviour of M. spinolae on the host plant, mating sites, incubation period and damage development over time were recorded. M. spinolae was identified and determined to fulfill its life cycle on A. subulata and P. serpentinus. Larvae cause the most damage by feeding on the internal part (pith) of the stems, which causes tissue rotting and death of the affected part. The adult feeds on tender buds and mature stems, causing deformation and weakening of the plant. The two cacti species proved to be host plants that can harbour populations of M. spinolae and, therefore, have a high potential to act as reservoirs of the pest, which can then migrate to prickly-pear cactus crop. This report expands the knowledge of hosts of the cactus weevil. The information obtained shall be useful for vegetable growers to apply phytosanitary measures in alternate hosts, combat reservoirs and avoid re-infestations of the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La polilla de frutos del cacao sumado a Phytophthora palmivora generan cuantiosas pérdidas; no se cuentan con estudios suficientes del comportamiento sinérgico para hacer medidas de control. Los antecedentes encontrados en Ecuador, Colombia, Brasil y Perú indican que se trata de una nueva que viene incrementando. El objetivo fue evaluar el comportamiento sinérgico de la polilla del cacao y la pudrición parda sobre la incidencia en los frutos. Se recolectó mensualmente frutos desde marzo hasta agosto de cada planta entre híbridos naturales y clones de cacao; al partir los frutos maduros se ha observado y registrado la presencia larval de la plaga. La infestación de la polilla fue de 45,99% al 91,18%, lo que indica un promedio de infestación de 68,59%. P. palmivora es principal problema fungoso de frutos, independientemente y asociado a Carmenta foraseminis, las proporciones de frutos dañados por la polilla en sinergia con el pseudohongo respecto a los daños de la polilla sola disminuyen desde marzo (1,73) hasta agosto (0,07); la sinergia entre el insecto y el pseudohongo alcanza un 22% de daño. El clon CCN-51 es más susceptible para ambas plagas, ICS-95 es más susceptible a la polilla; las variedades criollas muestran mayor tolerancia.

Objective: To analyze the perception of sorghum producers about the incidence and damage of the yellow aphid and its natural enemies, as well as the control methods to strengthen integrated management strategies and reduce damage caused by the aphid in three localities of the Pueblan region that produce this grain. Methodology: Through convenience sampling and an interview guide, information was collected from 44 producers attending meetings held by the State Plant Health Committee. Results: The sorghum crop was rainfed. The major problems that the producers identified in sorghum were four, 66% pointed to the yellow aphid as the main one. The producers perceived infestation in all their plots at different stages of cultivation. Chemical insecticides were mainly used to control the aphid, followed by the combination with natural enemies. 77% observed natural enemies of the aphid in their plot, of which lady beetles and hoverflies had a greater presence. 70% indicated that natural enemies are threatened by the high doses of insecticides applied. Limitations: Although the study was carried out in three locations, it allowed us to understand the main elements of the phenomenon studied. Conclusions: The producers perceived and identified the yellow sorghum aphid as the main problem of the crop, and it affected the entire surface. They specified the presence of at least one natural enemy in their plot. However, the high application of insecticides has adverse effects on them, findings that reflect an important biological potential to be used in aphid management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En tres parcelas de 6 m x 10,5 mse evaluóla entomofuana asociada al cultivo de SolanumsessiliflorumDunal.Los insectos se colectaron aplicando captura manual y trampas. Las manuales, se efectuaron empleandojamas, pinzas y guantes de carnaza, las capturas se realizaron por medio de trampas pitfall sin atrayentes, la intensidadde muestreo fue de 308 horas/hombre para las capturas manuales y 1344 horas/hombre para capturas con tram-pas pitfall. Se colectaron entotal 386 individuos distribuidos en 38 géneros, 22 familias y cinco órdenes. La com-posición trófica sugierea los insectos fitófagos yzoófagos como los más abundantes. La fluctuación poblacional de los insectos asociados, estuvo muy relacionada con la fenología del cultivo, ya que el registro de colectas de los insectos sugiere un aumento de la población en la etapa de floración del cultivo.

We describe a portable, economical plastic chamber for observations on development and reproduction of potato-tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli for up to a few wk on plant material under controlled conditions. It can be used for other insects as well. Se describe una cámara de plástico portátil y económica para observaciones durante semanas del desarrollo y reproducción de el psílido de la papa y tomate, Bactericera cockerelli en material vegetal bajo condiciones controladas. Esta cámara también se puede utilizar para otros insectos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is native from Asia and is a well-known pest of legumes such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and lima bean (Phaseolus limensis Macf.) (all Fabaceae). This thrips species has been recorded recently in the Americas (USA and Cuba). Before this study there were no records of M. usitatus in Mexico; this work is the first report of M. usitatus in Mexico. We found this species attacking common beans, jicama, and cowpeas in Nayarit State. In cowpeas, it reduced production by at least 60%. The highest population was observed in jicama but no evidence of severe damage or yield loss was documented; however, the potential damage on the seed production should be evaluated. Authorities, researchers, extension agents, and growers should work together to prevent the dispersal of this pest, which may infest other economically important legumes. Chances of controlling or eradicating M. usitatus in the region are minimal if no effective alternatives are available in the short term. El trips de la flor del frijol, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) es originario de Asia y es una conocida plaga de leguminosas como el frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), el caupí (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.), guisante (Pisum sativum L.) y frijol lima (Phaseolus limensis Macf.) (todas Fabaceae). Esta especie de trips ha sido registrada recientemente en las Américas (EE.UU. y Cuba). Antes de este estudio no había registros de M. usitatus en México; este trabajo es el primer reporte de M. usitatus en México. Encontramos esta especie atacando frijol común, jícama y caupí en el estado de Nayarit. En caupí, redujo la producción en al menos un 60%. La población más alta se observó en jícama pero no se documentó evidencia de daño severo o pérdida de rendimiento; sin embargo, se debe evaluar el daño potencial sobre la producción de semillas. Las autoridades, investigadores, extensionistas y productores deben trabajar juntos para evitar la dispersión de esta plaga, que puede infestar otras leguminosas económicamente importantes. Las posibilidades de controlar o erradicar M. usitatus en la región son mínimas si no se dispone de alternativas eficaces a corto plazo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a shrub species that grows in tropical and subtropical climates; it is native to southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America. Its fruits have a high vitamin C content and are considered one of the most potent and least toxic natural antioxidants. Among the main pest species causing crop damage is the genus Anthonomus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). In 2019, surveys were conducted in the western region of Cuba to evaluate the presence of pests in plants located in the localities of Alquizar and Ceiba del Agua, belonging to the province of Artemisa. They collected 100 flowers and 100 green fruits of different sizes that presented deformations and symptoms characteristic of damage caused by an insect. A total of 344 holes were counted, for an average of 3.4 holes per fruit; in addition, 230 larvae, 114 eggs, 65 pupae and 81 adults of a coleopteran. The objective of the work was to identify the species of the insect associated with the observed damage. The morphological characters of the collected insect allowed the identification of Anthonomus sisyphus Clark as the cause of damage to acerola fruits and constitutes the first report of this species as a pest of this fruit tree in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entomophuana associated with the Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal crop was evaluated in three 6 m x 10.5 m plots. The insects were collected by manual capture and trapping. The manual captures were carried out with the support of a pair of tweezers and gloves, the trapping was done with pitfall traps without attractants, the sampling intensity was 308 man-hours for manual captures and 1344 man-hours for captures with pitfall traps. A total of 386 individuals were collected, distributed in 38 genera, 22 families and five orders. The trophic composition suggests phytophagous and zoophagous insects as the most abundant. The population fluctuation of the associated insects was closely related to the phenology of the crop, since the record of insect collections suggests an increase in the population during the flowering stage of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lilloa is the property of Fundacion Miguel Lillo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Memorias is the property of Fundacion Universidad del Norte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la efectividad técnica de la tabaquina frente a Tarophagus colocasiae en condiciones de laboratorio y de campo. En el primer experimento se utilizaron ninfas y adultos de T. colocasiae, procedentes de una cría de laboratorio. El ensayo de campo se desarrolló en una plantación del Instituto de Investigaciones de Viandas Tropicales (INIVIT), con alto porcentaje de infestación por el insecto. Se utilizó una solución de tabaquina, obtenida a partir de palillos de tabaco, macerados en agua durante 24 horas. Se evaluó el número de insectos muertos a las 24, 48 y 72 horas, y se determinó el porcentaje de efectividad técnica mediante la fórmula de Abbot. En condiciones de laboratorio, el porcentaje de efectividad técnica fue superior a 95% a las 24 horas, tanto en ninfas como en adultos, sin diferencias significativas entre ambos estados de desarrollo. En condiciones de campo, el porcentaje de efectividad superó el 75% a las 24 horas de aplicado el producto, con diferencias significativas respecto a los controles utilizados. Tanto en condiciones de laboratorio como de campo, el mayor número de insectos muertos se observó a las 24 horas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species diversity is typically higher in tropical forest canopies than in ground layers, but this pattern is absent in temperate forests. However, hardwood forests of Florida are typified by the intermingling of temperate and tropical species. It is thus unclear how diversity in Florida forests might be vertically stratified. This project is one of the first investigations to compare arthropod communities at varying layers (strata) of a Florida hardwood forest, from ground to canopy habitats. We installed terrestrial and arboreal pitfall traps to survey the arthropod community along a vertical gradient from the forest ground to upper canopy. We collected 830 arthropods from the 34 traps, amounting to 103 morphospecies across 15 orders. Coleoptera was the most morphospecious order, followed by Diptera, Araneae, and Hymenoptera. Species alpha diversity, richness, and abundance all decreased with height from the ground and horizontal distance from the tree. We discuss the vertical stratification of orders in addition to diversity metrics. This study is the first to reveal canopy strata effects on arthropod diversity in a Florida forest, and shows how diversity and composition changes along within site gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Entomología is the property of Universidad del Valle and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the non-preference for oviposition Vatiga illudens (Drake, 1922) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in cassava cultivars. The following cultivars were compared: Kiriris, N-25, Fécula Branca, IAC 90, M Ecu 72 and IAC 576, preference tests for oviposition were conducted, with a choice test in semi-field conditions. An adult double V. illudens was released in the leaves of cassava of their cultivars. Allowed to feeding and oviposition of these insects for 72 hours. We evaluated the number of eggs / female / leaf, the number of droppings / couple / sheet and the preference index for oviposition. The cultivar M Ecu 72 demonstrated to be highly resistant to cassava lace bug. This study showed that there are resistance mechanisms to V. illudens in cassava cultivars, which justifies the new studies on these cultivars in breeding programs, aiming to control this pest and identification of such mechanisms.

Objective. To analyze the transcription pattern of neuropeptides in the ontogeny of a malaria vector, the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. Materials and methods. The transcription pattern of Crustacean CardioActive peptide (CCAP), corazonin, Ecdysis Triggering Hormone (ETH), allatostatin-A, orcokinin, Insulin Like Peptide 2 (ILP2), Insulin Like Peptide 5 (ILP5) and bursicon was evaluated using qPCR on larvae (1st - 4th instar), pupae and adult mosquitoes. Results. Unlike in other insects, transcripts of CCAP (70.8%), ETH (60.2%) and corazonin (76.5%) were expressed in 4th instar larvae, probably because these three neuropeptides are associated with the beginning of ecdysis. The neuropeptide ILP2 showed higher transcription levels in other stages and orcokinin decreased during the development of the mosquito. Conclusion. The CCAP, corazonin and ETH neuropeptides are potential targets for the design of control strategies aimed at disrupting An. albiamnus larval development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escamolera ant (Liometopum apiculatum Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) has an ecological and socioeconomic importance for the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. There are not enough studies of this species and of its foraging activity. The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between the distance and the number of trails with the forage substrate of L. apiculatum and to identify the forage and nesting substrates, and its foraging effort. The hypotheses were: 1) there is not direct relationship between the distance and the number of trails with the forage substrate of the escamolera ant; and 2) the use of substrates is homogeneous. From June to August 2014, we carried out a daily sampling (90 d), through field surveys from 7:00 h to 14:00 h within the habitat of the escamolera ant. The following analyses were carried out: linear regression (LR), observation frequency rate (OF), stepwise logistic regression (LR), main components (PCA), stepwise Poisson regression (PRA), simple correspondence (SCA), and Kruskal-Wallis analysis. The substrates in which the ant foraged were Yucca spp. (63.8 %), Agave salmiana (21.6 %), and Opuntia rastrera (14.7%). The ant nested (n=31) under A. salmiana (45.2 %), Yucca spp. (38.7 %), O. rastrera (12.9 %), and Dalea bicolor (3.2 %). The correlation between linear and foraging distances (R2=0.80) was significant. Ants travelled longer distances (greater foraging effort) to forage on palm trees. The ants assigned less foraging effort when their colonies had more trails. The probability of finding colonies with three or four trails was higher than finding colonies with two, five, and six trails (p£0.05). This information can support the management and conservation of the habitat of the escamolera ant in central Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the examination of voucher material of invasive Cerambycidae done in connection with a study of Istanbul fauna, we discovered that voucher material for Anoplophora glabripennis was misidentified. Anoplophora glabripennis was deleted from the check-list of invasive cerambycid fauna in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivo: describir los casos de parasitismo imaginario observados en el Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica durante 20012011. Métodos: se describen 9 casos cuyas características coincidieron con cuadros de parasitismo imaginario, y se analiza la “evidencia diagnóstica” aportada por algunos de los pacientes como causa de su enfermedad. Resultados: los pacientes refirieron problemas crónicos a nivel de piel y cuero cabelludo con síntomas y signos atribuidos, según su propio criterio, a diferentes tipos de artrópodos. Dichos pacientes ya habían recurrido a consultas previas, sin éxito en el diagnóstico esperado. Las muestras aportadas permitieron identificar artrópodos como psycodinos (Diptera: Psychodinae), psócidos (Psocoptera), moscas (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha), homópteros (Homoptera), hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), (isópteros) y arañas (Arácnida: Aranea) los cuales son irrelevantes en cuanto a su importancia médica. También se detectaron granos, fibras vegetales, coágulos de fibrina y trozos de queratina dérmica. Discusión: se hace énfasis al personal clínico y de laboratorio para la ejecución de un correcto diagnóstico e identificación de las posibles causas, antes de proceder a administrar un tratamiento medicamentoso antiparasitario

En el expendio público de alimentos en Colombia, se encuentra la frecuente interacción de la mosca y los humanos. Mundialmente, se conoce a este insecto, como vectores de agentes patógenos y con la concentración en áreas urbanas de las poblaciones humanas este riesgo se ha aumentado. Las moscas, se consideran importantes vectores de infecciones entéricas, que afectan a personas y a los animales domésticos. El presente trabajo pretendió establecer y demostrar los riesgos microbiológicos de ambientes en donde concurre la mosca doméstica. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en cinco cafeterías del norte de Bogotá. La población universo correspondió a las moscas presentes en los servicios de alimentación, de una zona del norte de Bogotá-Colombia, en las que se practicó análisis taxonómico y microbiológico, correspondiente a la determinación de enterobacterias, parásitos y hongos. Para la tabulación y el análisis de los datos, se emplearon Microsoft Excel y el programa estadístico SPSS versión 15. Los microorganismos aislados correspondieron: a bacterias, el 46,8%, (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae); seguidos por parásitos, 31,9% (Entamoeba histolytica y Blastocystis hominis) y hongos, 21,3% (Aspergillus fumigatus y Criptococcus spp). El manejo de estos insectos, se debería considerar como otra medida de prevención en la enfermedad diarreica aguda.In the public food sale establishments in Colombia the interaction between flies and humans is frequent. Globally, flies are known as vectors of pathogens and the concentration in urban areas of the human population has increased this risk. Flies are considered important vectors of enteric infections that affect people and pets. This work aimed to establish and demonstrate the microbiological risks of environments where the fly Musca domestica thrieves. A cross sectional study in five cafeterias in the northern Bogotá was performed. The population study implied M. domestica present in food services, where taxonomic and microbiological analysis were realized in order to identify Enterobacteriaceae, parasites and fungi. For tabulation and data analysis Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 15 were employed. The bacterial isolates accounted for 46.8% (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae), followed by parasites, 31.9% (Entamoeba histolytica and Blastocystis hominis) and fungi, 21.3% (Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus spp.) The management of flies should be considered as another preventive measure in acute diarrheal disease.

A survey of the fungal microbiota of the digestive tract of Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) adults was carried out. Insects captured in the field from different provinces in Argentina, as well as individuals reared in artificial colonies, were used for dissection. Axenic cultures of the fungal species were identified and were deposited with mycological collections at La Plata , Argentina. A total of 33 fungal species, with the exception of three that were mycelia sterilia, belonging to 11 genera were identified. Thirty two species belonged to Ascomycota (Eurotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes) and one to Zygomycota (Zygomycetes). The genera with the greatest number of species were Penicillium (15), Aspergillus (5), and Cladosporium (2). Among the isolated fungi, some of the species were entomopathogenic or pathogens of humans and other animals.En el presente estudio se realizó un relevamiento de la flora fúngica microbiana en tractos digestivos de adultos de Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Se disecaron insectos capturados del campo en diferentes provincias Argentinas, así como también se utilizaron individuos de una colonia artificial. Fueron realizados cultivos axénicos de las especies fúngicas aisladas, los que fueron identificados y luego depositados en las colecciones de hongos entomopatógenos del CEPAVE La Plata , Argentina. Fueron identificadas 33 especies fúngicas perteneciente a 11 géneros. Treinta y dos especies pertenecen a Ascomycota (Eurotiomycetes y Sordariomycetes) y una a Zygomycota (Zygomycetes). Los géneros con mayor número de especies fueron Penicillium (15), Aspergillus (5), y Cladosporium (2). Entre los aislamientos fúngicos, algunas de las especies encontradas son entomopatogénicas o patógenas de humanos y otros animales.

Se describe una nueva especie del género fósil Otroacizzia Klimaszewski, 1996 (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) a partir de un ejemplar hembra: Otroacizzia soriae sp. nov. Esta especie está conservada en ámbar del Mioceno medio de las minas de La Toca en República Dominicana. Con cuatro especies conocidas, el género Otroacizzia es el género de psiloideo con mayor diversidad en el ámbar dominicano. La nueva especie difiere de las tres especies ya conocidas por la presencia de una banda oscura subapical en el ala anterior desde la parte anterior del final de la vena Rs hasta el final de la vena Cu1b, la cual presenta una discontinuidad en el medio de la celda c1. Otras diferencias en el ala anterior son la presencia de una vena Cu1b fuertemente curvada y una celda c1 claramente más larga que la celda m1. Finalmente, el tercer segmento antenal de la nueva especie es una vez y media más largo que el cuarto segmento.

The blue-fronted dancer, Argia apicalis Say (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), is an ecologically vagile species inhabiting both pond and stream environments of the eastern United States. Variation in color pattern in A. apicalis occurs between a southeastern United States morph and a south Florida morph. Southeastern populations often are described as 'typical' with a predominantly bright blue pterothorax and narrow black humeral stripe, whereas the southern Florida populations are 'atypical,' with a bright blue pterothorax and larger, wider black humeral stripes. Variability in color pattern has caused some researchers to question the true identity of the Florida morph. This study used color pattern and mitochondrial cytochromeb sequences to test the species identity of the 2 A. apicalis geographical color morphs . Mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene sequences showed that there is a single haplotype, showing no divergence between individuals, populations, or regions. This study is the first to test if color pattern variation is correlated with molecular characters within this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the non-preference for oviposition Vatiga illudens (Drake, 1922) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in cassava cultivars. The following cultivars were compared: Kiriris, N-25, Fécula Branca, IAC 90, M Ecu 72 and IAC 576, preference tests for oviposition were conducted, with a choice test in semi-field conditions. An adult double V. illudens was released in the leaves of cassava of their cultivars. Allowed to feeding and oviposition of these insects for 72 hours. We evaluated the number of eggs / female / leaf, the number of droppings / couple / sheet and the preference index for oviposition. The cultivar M Ecu 72 demonstrated to be highly resistant to cassava lace bug. This study showed that there are resistance mechanisms to V. illudens in cassava cultivars, which justifies the new studies on these cultivars in breeding programs, aiming to control this pest and identification of such mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pagiocerus frontalis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is known to feed on stored grains, especially corn Zea mays L. (Poaceae). No reports are available of this borer feeding on avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.; Lauraceae), which is one of the most economically important crops exported by Mexico. In 2019, this coleopteran was extraordinarily abundant (about 30 adults per avocado seed) in an avocado orchard located in Nayarit, Mexico. We found that this insect feeds on mature fallen avocados. Biological and behavioral aspects of P. frontalis still are largely unknown on avocado fruits. This study documented the natural occurrence of this species on avocado seeds in Nayarit, Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En un fragmento de vegetación esclerófila-higrófila de la Península de Hualpén (36 S) se evaluó si existen asociaciones de tipo trófica entre D. asperatus y cinco potenciales plantas hospederas: Peumus boldus, Lithrea caustica, Cryptocarya alba, Aextoxicon punctatum y Luma apiculata. Se determinó si existe preferencia de hospedero y si esta está relacionada con la forma cóncava de las hojas, carácter esclerófilo de ellas y con la mayor sobrevivencia de los insectos. Los insectos son significativamente más abundantes en boldo, pero no existen diferencias en el consumo foliar entre boldo, litre y arrayán. Boldo y litre tienen hojas más duras respecto de olivillo y arrayán. Los insectos adultos tienden a permanecer bajo hojas cóncavas de P. boldus. La mayor y menor sobrevivencia se registró en individuos alimentados con P. boldus (72%) y A. punctatum (26%), respectivamente. La disponibilidad de refugio que pueden representar las hojas cóncavas de P. boldus, la mayor sobrevivencia y abundancia de los insectos que las consumen, a pesar de su alto nivel de esclerofilia, permitirían considerar a D. asperatus como un insecto especialista ecológico de P. boldus. El registro de D. asperatus sobre otras especies vegetales en otras áreas geográficas, permitirían considerar a esta especie como un especialista local de Hualpén.We evaluated trophic relationships between the coleopteran D. asperatus and five potencial hosts plants (Peumus boldus, Lithrea caustica, Cryptocarya alba, Aextoxicon punctatum and Luma apiculata) in a coastal forest of the Hualpén peninsula (36 S). Leaf shape and degree of sclerophylly were examined as possible determinants of host preferences and insect survival. Although D. asperatus was significantly more abundant on P. boldus, there were no significant differences in consumption of leaves of P. boldus, L. caustica and L. apiculata. Adults insects tended to stay under the concave leafs of boldo. Highest and lowest survival was registered in insects fed on P. boldus (72%) and A. punctatum (26%) respectively. The concave leaf of P. boldus represents a possible refuge, and the higher abundance and survival of insects, in spite of the highly sclerophyllous nature of this species, suggests that D. asperatus is an ecological specialist in P. boldus. However, as D. asperatus is common on other plant species at other sites, it can only be considered a local specialist on P. boldus at Hualpén.

The objective was to evaluate the damage caused by Spodoptera frugiperda Smith on corn (Zea mays L.) in function of the interaction between nitrogen, potassium and silicon. The investigation was carried out with corn cultivated in glass vessels with aerated nutrient solution in a green house in Jaboticabal, Brazil. The treatments were different concentrations of nitrogen (1, 10, 15 and 20 mmol.l-1), potassium (1 and 12 mmol.l-1), and silicon (0 and 2 mmol.l-1). A completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of 4 x 2 x 2 was used with three repetitions. Fifteen days after planting, three plants per pots were inoculated with one insect first instar larva, and three plants were left as control. The attack grade, the green mass decrease of the affected plants, and the content and accumulation of each element by the plants were determined. The highest absorption of silicon was obtained at an intermediate concentration of nitrogen (11 mmol.l-1) and with enough potassium (12 mmol.l-1), which was reflected by smaller losses of of green leaf weight of the corn plants attacked by larvae of S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, Jatropha curcas Linnaeus constitutes one of the most studied plants worldwide due to its potential to produce oil, which can be transformed into biodiesel. However, there is not enough information yet about its ecological interactions with other plants and animals; for which the knowledge concerning the arthropods associated to J. curcas is an essential requisite for the adequate management of the crop. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a compilation made about these organisms (mainly insects, mites and spiders), to achieve a better exploitation of the plantations of this energy crop in Cuba. Within the group of plant-eaters, 151 insect species were found, among which two from order Hemiptera (Pachycoris klugii Burmeister (Scutelleridae) and Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas)) stand out, in addition to four mite species. Among the beneficial ones, 90 insect, five mite and 13 predator spider species were found. Regarding pest management strategies, a higher emphasis is made on the chemical control measures and some cultural-type actions. Taking these antecedents into consideration, in Cuba it is essential to know the main organisms associated to this plant, in order to incorporate –with higher accuracy– the agroecological component in pest management, and thus contribute to the maintenance of the productive capacities of agroecosystems and their resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity monitoring at large spatial and temporal scales is greatly needed in the context of global changes. Although insects are a species-rich group and are important for ecosystem functioning, they have been largely neglected in conservation studies and policies, mainly due to technical and methodological constraints. Sound detection, a nondestructive method, is easily applied within a citizen-science framework and could be an interesting solution for insect monitoring. However, it has not yet been tested at a large scale. We assessed the value of a citizen-science program in which Orthoptera species (Tettigoniidae) were monitored acoustically along roads. We used Bayesian model-averaging analyses to test whether we could detect widely known patterns of anthropogenic effects on insects, such as the negative effects of urbanization or intensive agriculture on Orthoptera populations and communities. We also examined site-abundance correlations between years and estimated the biases in species detection to evaluate and improve the protocol. Urbanization and intensive agricultural landscapes negatively affected Orthoptera species richness, diversity, and abundance. This finding is consistent with results of previous studies of Orthoptera, vertebrates, carabids, and butterflies. The average mass of communities decreased as urbanization increased. The dispersal ability of communities increased as the percentage of agricultural land and, to a lesser extent, urban area increased. Despite changes in abundances over time, we found significant correlations between yearly abundances. We identified biases linked to the protocol (e.g., car speed or temperature) that can be accounted for ease in analyses. We argue that acoustic monitoring of Orthoptera along roads offers several advantages for assessing Orthoptera biodiversity at large spatial and temporal extents, particularly in a citizen science framework. El Uso de Monitoreos Acústicos a Gran Escala para Estudiar las Presiones Antropogénicas sobre Comunidades de Orthoptera [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that affects mostly pediatric population. It is characterized by solitary yellowish papules or nodules, often asymptomatic. It appears commonly in the face, the neck and the trunk. The histological findings are a dense inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and histiocytes with multinucleated Touton-type giant cells. We present the case of a 19 years old man with multiple pruritic papules and nodules in the extremities, where he had been previously exposed to mosquito bites, presenting clinical and histological features of disseminated juvenile xanthogranuloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The known distribution of Ilithucia nasuta (Stål, 1859) (Hemiptera: Membracidae) is expanded with specimens from Tarapacá Region, Chile; becoming the first record for the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]