Neotropical Entomology最新文献

The increasing demand for eco-friendly pest management solutions has sparked a renewed interest in botanical insecticides. These plant-based insecticides offer a more sustainable option compared to synthetic chemicals, minimizing harm to non-target organisms. Nevertheless, certain challenges like rapid degradation, low stability, and limited efficacy in field conditions have hindered their extensive adoption. This review thoroughly examines recent developments in formulations and delivery techniques with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of botanical insecticides. In addition, we explore innovative methods such as nanoformulations, encapsulating technologies, and controlled release systems to improve the stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of these natural substances. Furthermore, the paper highlights the significance of synergists and adjuvants in enhancing the effectiveness of insecticides and addressing resistance issues in pest populations. Through a thorough analysis of existing research and the identification of important areas that need further exploration, this review seeks to offer valuable insights that can contribute to the creation of botanical insecticide products that are both more efficient and commercially successful. In addition, a comprehensive list of market products that utilize these innovative formulations is also included.

The productivity of eucalyptus is threatened by several pests, including the red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei, which causes significant losses in forest systems. In Brazil, the lacewings Ceraeochrysa cubana and Chrysoperla externa are common in eucalyptus plantations, but little is known about the behavior of these predators toward the red gum lerp psyllid. This study evaluated the predatory behavior of larvae of both lacewing species on psyllid eggs and nymphs. Subsequently, the predatory capacity and functional response of C. externa were determined in relation to different developmental stages of the psyllid. Predatory capacity was studied for 2nd and 3rd instar larvae of C. externa using eucalyptus leaves naturally infested with 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs of G. brimblecombei. For the functional response, 3rd instar larvae, 24 h after ecdysis, were supplied with psyllid eggs at densities of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 eggs per predator larva. The results showed that larvae of both predators exhibit differences in their behavioral parameters, regardless of the developmental stage. Chrysoperla externa larvae are capable of preying on eggs and nymphs in the early instars of the red gum lerp psyllid. The 2nd and 3rd instar larvae of C. externa consumed an average of 19.75 and 38.4 nymphs, respectively. Third instar larvae of C. externa exhibited a type II functional response when fed with different egg densities. Our results suggest that C. externa is a potential control agent for eggs and early instar nymphs of G. brimblecombei. For C. cubana, further studies are necessary to determine its potential in controlling this pest.

A new species of the genus Chrysonotomyia Ashmead, Chrysonotomyia ophelimi Zheng & Yefremova sp. nov. (green shield wasp) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This species was reared as parasitoid of the Eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus bipolaris Chen & Yao (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The new parasitoid wasp is identified based on morphological features and molecular analysis of 28S rRNA genes. Both sexes of the newly described species are illustrated, and identification keys are provided.

Eugenol, a major constituent of clove and basil essential oils, has gained attention for its insecticidal properties, particularly against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, suggesting potential effectiveness against other Aedes species. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Asian tiger mosquito) is a rapidly spreading invasive species responsible for transmitting serious diseases, including dengue. In the present study, we evaluated eugenol's larvicidal activity against A. albopictus larvae and its impact on the non-target larvivorous fish, Trichogaster fasciata. Eugenol showed larvicidal activity with an LC₅₀ of 149.89 ± 17.38 ppm, while clove oil had a lower LC₅₀ of 77.11 ppm at 24 h. Eugenol exposure resulted in notable larval morphological changes, including melanization of the thorax and anal papillae. Histopathological analysis revealed toxic effects of eugenol on the peritrophic membrane, epithelial layer and microvilli of the larval midgut after 24 h. We also assessed the acute toxicity of eugenol on T. fasciata over 96 h using LC₁₀, LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ concentrations. LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ concentrations were safe for the fish, but LC₅₀ caused immediate mortality. Remarkably, LC₂₅ concentration restored the natural pigmentation of T. fasciata, which had been lost in aquarium acclimatized conditions. Histopathological examination revealed normal gill and liver features in fish exposed to LC₂₅. In an integrated model, eugenol at LC₂₅ effectively killed A. albopictus larvae and did not harm the non-target larvivorous mosquito Toxorhynchites splendens Theobald and fish T. fasciata. Thus, eugenol (LC₂₅) shows promise for controlling A. albopictus larvae in small aquariums and nursery ponds, alongside beneficial larvivorous species.

Bees, which play a vital role in the reproduction of plant, are in decline due to multiple factors. In tropical islands, despite their growing extent, urban areas are less explored and sampled compared to natural areas. Historical collections and online databases can then provide information on the temporal dynamics of pollinators as well as ecological information, providing a proxy for deficient sampling. This study investigates the diversity and ecological characteristics of the wild bee community and its temporal dynamics in the Havana province of Cuba. Cuba is a biodiversity hotspot in the Caribbean and hosts the highest bee biodiversity in the Antilles. Here, we analyzed 1,322 records (of which 1,067 new) from various sources (online databases, literature, and historical natural collections during the XIX Century). In the studied area our data attest the presence of 52 species (23 genera, 4 families), of which 47 are native (14 endemics) and four are introduced species Three species categorized as "critically endangered" for the country were recorded; 41 species are polylectic (78.8%) and 11 kleptoparasitic (21.2%). Most species were found during the rainy season (49 species vs 39 species recorded in dry season). Regarding the variation of the wild bee population over the years, one third of the recorded species have not been observed since the last century, while about 70% of the species persist. Analysis of a century data underscores the importance of conserving the wild bee community in these provinces.

This study reports for the first time three cicada species, Dorisiana noriegai Sanborn & Heath, Taphura maccagnani Sanborn, and Fidicina toulgoeti Boulard & Martinelli, in commercial African mahogany plantations of Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. in Capinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Our research expands the known distribution of D. noriegai and T. maccagnani, representing their first occurrences in the state of Minas Gerais. We document host plants for both species, identifying new hosts for D. noriegai and confirming its polyphagous nature. Dorisiana noriegai was the most abundant species observed, with emergence and calling behaviors synchronized with the rainy season. This species was more prevalent in older stands, indicating that tree age significantly influences cicada abundance. Furthermore, we provide evidence of the vertical distribution of nymphs and exuviae. Our observations revealed no significant damage caused by cicadas, suggesting that their population density was insufficient to result in economic losses to the plantations. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining uneven-aged forest structures to mitigate potential pest outbreaks while supporting cicada populations.

Several methods are available for identifying insect species, primarily based on morphological characteristics, molecular taxonomy, and geometric morphometry. However, integrative taxonomy is emerging as a robust approach, especially for closely related or taxonomically challenging species. In this study, reflectance spectroscopy in the visible and near-infrared ranges was employed to identify three beetle species within the Cyclocephala complex. A multivariate analysis of the spectral data enabled the development of a standardized methodology for identifying species with complex taxonomy by using spectral measurements from the beetles' elytra. Eight specific wavelengths-400 nm, 430, 440, 480 nm, 640 nm, 680 nm, 710 nm, and 1000 nm-were identified as promising for use in indices and models applicable to Cyclocephala taxonomy. Linear discriminant models applied to the spectral reflectance data successfully separated species with classification accuracy up to 84%. These findings highlight the potential of reflectance spectroscopy within the 400-1000 nm range as part of a comprehensive methodology for discriminating insect species complexes.

Riparian zones of the Atacama Desert and slopes of the Andes mountain range host a diversity of insect species still unknown, and some lineages of different species of Geometridae have been discovered in recent years in such areas. Here, we describe Physocleora polyphaga Vargas-Ortiz & Parra sp.nov., a polyphagous species closely related to several native plants, distributed in coastal valleys and slopes of the Andes mountain range in the northernmost Chile. We present their diagnostic morphological characteristics, some ecological traits, and a representation of its evolutionary history within Physocleora Warren 1897 from DNA barcode sequence data. To validate the hypothesis of conspecificity of the specimens found, we use species delimitation methods based on genetic distances and phylogenetics.

Atlantochodaeus, a new genus of Ochodaeidae from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is described, discussed, and illustrated. Additionally, four new species belonging to Atlantochodaeus are described: Atlantochodaeus everardoi n. sp. and Atlantochodaeus paulseni n. sp., both recorded from Rio de Janeiro State; Atlantochodaeus hucheti n. sp. from Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo States, and Atlantochodaeus oliviae n. sp. from Minas Gerais State. Detailed descriptions of these species are accompanied by a differential diagnosis and a distribution map. A dichotomous key for all South American genera of Ochodaeidae and the species of Atlantochodaeus is provided to aid in identification. A comprehensive comparative morphology study regarding Parochodaeus pectoralis (LeConte, 1868) (type species of Parochodaeus) and the Atlantochodaeus species are discussed and illustrated. A discussion about gland, mycangium and stridulatory apparatus of Ochodaeinae are also provided. These findings emphasize the richness of the Atlantic Forest and underscore the importance of detailed taxonomic studies in revealing its biodiversity.

Euschistus heros (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is Brazil's most significant soybean stink bug pest, with outbreaks well-documented across various regions. However, during a collection expedition in soybean crops in Amapá State, Euschistus atrox (Westwood) was identified as the predominant Euschistus species in these areas. In this study, we characterized E. atrox both morphologically and molecularly, comparing it with E. heros. A laboratory experiment was designed to compare reproductive traits between the two species, and test for interspecific crosses. Female E. atrox exhibited lower fecundity compared to E. heros. The most surprising finding was that intercrosses between E. heros and E. atrox resulted in fertile offspring. We highlight the implications of these findings for species evolution and pest management in this critical group of insect pests.