Biologia da Arsenura xanthopus (Walker, 1855) ( Lepidoptera - Adelocephalidae ), praga do «Açoita-Cavalo» (Luehea spp.) e notas sôbre seus inimigos naturais

Biology of Arsenura xanthopus (Walker, 1855) (Lep., Adelocephalidae), a pest of Luehea spp. (Tiliaceae), and notes on its natural enemies. In the beginning of 1950, one of the Authors made some observations about the biology of Arsenura xanthopus (Walker), in Piracicaba, State of S. Paulo, Brazil. From 1951 to 1953, both Authors continued the observations on such an important Adelocephalidae, the caterpillars of which represent a serious pest of Luehea spp. leaves. Actually, in some occasions, the caterpillars can destroy completely the leaves of the trees. The species is efficientely controlled by two natural enemies: an egg parasite (Tetrastichus sp., Hym., Eulophidae) and a fly attacking the last instar caterpillar (Winthemia tricolor (van der Wulp), Dip., Tachinidae). Tetrastichus sp. can destroy 100% of the eggs and the fly, 70 to 100% of the caterpillars. Indeed, facts as such are very interesting because we rarely know of a case of so complete a control of a pest by an insect. A. xanthopus had not yet been mentioned in our literature. Actually neither the systematic bibliography nor the economic one has treated of this species. However, a few other species of Arsenura are already known as living on Luehea spp. According to the Authors' observations, W. tricolor was also unknown by the Brazilian entomological literature. Arsenura xanthopus (Walker, 1855) After giving the sinonimy and a few historical data concerning the species, and its geographical distribution, the Authors discuss its placing in the genus Arsenura Duncan or Rhescyntis Huebner, finishing by considering Arsenura xanthopus as a valid name. The Authors put the species in the family Adelocephalidae, as it has been made by several entomologists. The host plant The species of Tiliaceae plants belonging to the genus Luehea are called "açoita-cavalo" and are well known for the usefulness of their largely utilized wood. The genus comprises exclusively American plants, including about 25 species distributed throughout the Latin America. Luehea divaricata Mart, is the best known species and the most commonly cultivated. Biology of Arsenura xanthopus Our observations show that the species passes by 6 larval stages. Eggs and egg-postures, all the 6 instars of the caterpillars as well as the chrysalid are described. The pupal period is the longest of the cycle, taking from 146 to 256 days. Data on the eclosion and habits of the caterpillars are also presented. A redescription of the adult is also given. Our specimens agreed with BOUVIER's description, except in the dimension between the extremities of the extended wings, which is a little shorter (107 mm according to BOUVlErVs paper against from 80 to 100mm in our individuals). Winthemia tricolor (van der Wulp, 1890) Historical data, geographical distribution and host are first related. W. tricolor had as yet a single known host-; Ar^-senura armida (Cramer). This chapter also contains some observations on the biolcn gy of the fly and on its behaviour when trying to lay eggs on the caterpillars' skin. The female of W. tricolor lays from 1 to 33 eggs on the skin of the last instar caterpillar. The mam region of the body where the eggs are laid are the membranous legs. Eggs are also very numerous oh the ventral surface of the thorax and abdomen. The. preference for such regions is easily cleared up considering the position assumed by the caterpillar when fixed motionless in a branch. In such an occasion, the fly approaches, the victim, puts the ovipositor out and lays the eggs on different parts of the body, mainly on the mentioned regions, which are much more easily reached. The eggs of the fly are firmly attached to the host's skin, being almost impossible to detach them, without having them broken. The minute larvae of the fly enter the body of, the host when it transforms into chrysalid. Chrysalids recentely formed and collected in nature f requentely show a few small larvae walking on its skin and looking for an adequate place to get into the body. A few larvae die by remaining in the skin of the caterpillar which is pushed away to some distance by the active movements of the chrysalid recentely formed. From 1 to 10 larvae completely grown may emerge from the attacked chrysalid about 8 days after their penetrating into the caterpillars' body and soon begin to look for an adequate substratum where they can transform themselves into pupae. In natural conditions, the metamorphosis occurs in the soil. The flies appear within 15 days. Tetrastichus sp. This microhymenoptera is economically the most interesting parasite, being commonly able to destroy the whole pos^ ture of the moth. Indeed, some days after the beginning of the infestation of the trees, it is almost impossible to obtain postures completely free of parasites. The active wasp introduces the ovipositor into the egg of the moth, laying its egg inside, from 80 to 120 seconds after having introduced it. A single adult wasp emerges from each egg. Sarcophaga lambens Wiedemann, 1830 During the observations carried out, the Authors obtained 10 flies from a chysalid that were recognized as belonging to the species above. S. lambens is a widely distributed Sarcophagidae, having a long list of hosts. It is commonly obtained from weak or died invertebrates, having no importance as one of their natural enemies. Sinonimy, list of hosts and distribution are presented in this paper. Control of Arsenura xanthopus A test has been carefully made in the laboratory just to find out the best insecticide for controlling A. xanthopus caterpillars. Four different products were experimented (DDT, Pa-rathion, BHC and Fenatox), the best results having been obtained with DDT at 0,25%. However, the Authors believe in spite of the initial damages of the trees, that the application of an insecticide may be harmful by destroying the natural agents of control. A biological desiquilibrium may in this way take place. The introduction of the parasites studied (Tetrastichus sp. and Winthemia tricolor) seems to be the most desirable measure to fight A. xanthopus.

Contribuição para o conhecimento do lepidóptero saturnídeo Rothschildia arethusa (Walker, 1855)

In this paper, the writers present a summary of their investigations on Rothschildia arethusa (Walker, 1855) ( Lepidoptera, Saturniidae ) performed at the Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The larva was found to feed on "bacupari do mato" (Rheedia sp.) ( Guttiferae ). Some bionomical notes on the larval and pupal stages and the description of the adult are the mainly subject.

Revision of Brachystethus (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Edessinae)

Brachystethus Laporte, 1832 is revised. Brachystethus coxalis Breddin, 1904, B. cribrus (Fabricius, 1781), B. geniculatus (Fabricius, 1787), B. improvisus Breddin, 1905, B. rubromaculatus Dallas, 1851, B. signoreti Stål, 1872, B. tricolor Bolívar, 1879, B. vexillum Breddin, 1903 and B. vicinus Signoret, 1851 are redescribed based on morphological characters, with emphasis on genitalia of both sexes. A new species, B. schuhi, from Guyana, is described, and B. discolor (Walker, 1867), incertae sedis, is removed from the genus. Illustrations and a key for species of Brachystethus are provided.

Estudos histológicos das células glandulares dos insetos peçonhentos: I. os órgãos urticantes da largata de Automeris incisa Walker (Lepidoptera, Helmileucidae)

São apresentados dados histológicos das glândulas com secreção urtificante da largata de Automeris incisa: 1. A célula glandular é a célula tricogênea da cerda inoculante. 2. O núcleo demonstra o polimorfismo típico para glândulas com células grandes em insetos; êle ramifica-se em forma de tubos chegando até as partes apicais da célula. 3. São apresentadas modificações citológicas durante as fases da secreção. 4. As estruturas da cutícula correspondem diretamente a função do órgão urtificante. 5. A cerda, que dá a picada é uma cerda verdadeira com inserção modificada. Não possui um lugar predestinado para quebrar durante a picada. 6. Uma zona de articulação na base dos ramos laterais froma, junto com uma placa anular perfurada e com uma massa esponjosa de fechamento formada pela endocutícula, uma válvula impedindo um refluxo do líquido do ramo. Por isso, durante a picada a peçonha pode sair da cerda. 7. Além de ramos laterais com cerdas encontram-se outros com pêlos finos. Provávelmente os últimos espalham a peçonha em cima da pele, enquanto que os primeiros inoculam-na no tecido do inimigo.

Ueber die hautdruesen von Apiomerus nigrilobus Stal, 1872 (Reduviidae, Apiomerinae)

Die ersten beiden Beinpaare und die Unterseite des Abdomens von Apiomerus nigritobus sind dicht mit Borsten besetzt, zwischen denen sich ein klebriges Sekret befindet. Das Sekret hilft den Tieren, ihre Beute zu ueberwaeltigen. Es wird in Druesenzellen hergestellt, die unter der Hypodermis als Einzelzellen oder als kleine Zellgruppen liegen. Die Druesenzelle besitzt homogenes Protoplasma und einen zentral gelegenen Kern. Der Ausleitungsapparat besteht aus einem langen, in der Zelle stark gewunden verlaufenden Cuticularroehrchen von etwa 0,2μ. Dicke, das von besonderen Zellen der Hypodermis gebildet wird. Die Oeffnung auf der Cuticula besitzt keine Hilfsapparate. Ausstoss und Transport des Sekrets beruhen auf dem Sekretdruck der Druesenzelle.

A new species of Pseudoxenus Saunders, 1872, and a new record of Myrmecolax Incautus Oliveira & Kogan, 1959: (Strepsiptera, Insecta)

Os A. A. descrevem Pseudoxenus inclusus sp. n., baseados em uma fêmea e centenas de triungulinideos, encontrados parasitando Ammophila sp., proveniente de Corrego do Itá, Espírito Santo, Brasil. O encontro de um outro exemplar de Myrmecolax incautus Oliveira & Kogan, 1959, permitiu aos AA. complementar a descrição desta espécie, cujo holótipo está muito danificado.

Gene amplification in Rhynchosciara (1955-1987)

A review is made of the evidence indicating the existence of gene amplification in Rhynchosciara, from the early cytological work to the more recent studies using cloned sequences from the DNA puffs. Mention is made of work still in progress which indicates that the transcription unit of a DNA puff is surprisingly complex.

First report of Mazocroeoides georgei price, 1936 and Mazocraeoides opisthonema Hargis, 1955 in Brazil with new synonysms (Monogenea, Mazocraeidae)

Mazocraeoides georgei price, 1936 and mazocraeoides opisthonema Hargis, 1955 are reported for the first time in Brazil in Brevoortia aurea (Spix, 1829) and in Harengula clupeola (Cuvier, 1829) respectively, clupeid fishes from the littoral of Rio de janeiro State, which represent new host records. Mazocraeoides olentangiensis Sroufe, 1958 and mazocraeoides hargisi Price, 1961 are considered new synonyms for Mazocraeoides georgei.

Estudo sobre os Ceratopogonídeos de Minas Gerais: I - Descrição dos machos de Heteromyia chaquensis Duret & Lane, 1955 e Dasyhelea paulistana Forattini & Rabello, 1957 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)

This paper describes some results of a systematic survey of the Ceratopogonidae midges of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Three species, Stilobezzia punctulata Lane, 1947, Heteromyia chaquensis Duret & Lane, 1955 and Dasyhelea paulistana Forattini & Rabello, 1957 were identified from a small lake, "Lagoinha" or "Olhos d'Água", near to the main lake of Lagoa Santa. The first descriptions of the males of Heteromyia chaquensis and Dasyhelea paulistana are presented.

Notas sobre os flebótomos dos estados do Ceará e Piauí, com a descrição da fêmea de Lutzomyia samueli (Deane, 1955) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)

The authors present the list of the species caught in the National Parks of Ubajara and Sete Cidades, in the counties of Ubajara (CE) and Piracuruca (PI), respectively, and described the Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) samueli (Deane, 1955) female, which up to now had been known by the male.