Rhodnius amazonicus Almeida, Santos & Sposina, 1973, Bona Species, Close to R. pictipes Stål, 1872 (Heteroptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

The discovery of two atypical specimens of Rhodnius pictipes Stål, 1872 in French Guiana and the examination of the female holotype of R. amazonicus Almeida, Santos & Sposina, 1973, the only specimen of this species so far known, lead us to propose the rehabilitation of R. amazonicus synonymized with R. pictipes. The male is described for the first time and the female redescribed. Both external characters and genitalia distinguish R. amazonicus from R. pictipes. R. amazonicus shows affinities not only with pictipes but also with R. stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão, 1993 and R. paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles, 1977. A key is provided for these four species forming, in all likelihood, a natural group, i.e. the "pictipes group".

Aggregation Behaviour and Interspecific Responses in Rhodnius prolixus Stål

The response to intra- and interspecific faecal assembling signals was tested in Rhodnius prolixus. Papers impregnated with excrement of R. prolixus induced the aggregation of larvae of this species, but also of those of Triatoma infestans. However, faeces belonging to T. infestans were not able to assemble larvae of R. prolixus. On the other hand, there was no response of R. prolixus to putative chemical factors from their cuticle (footprints), in contrast to T. infestans. Results are discussed as related to the ecology of both species.

Development of genital plates in nymphs of Triatoma pallidipennis, Stål 1872, (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and its application as sexing method

Searching for morphometric differences between sexes in immature forms, the development of genital plates in the exuviae of Triatoma pallidipennis Stål 1872nymphs was studied. Differences were found in the form and size of the 9th genital urosternite, it is larger and wider in males as compared to females. This difference is reported in several South American Triatoma species. From our results it is possible to sex early stages from microscopic observation of genital plates in whole insects.

First report on the occurrence of Trypanosoma rangeli Tejera, 1920 in the state of Ceará, Brazil, in naturally infected triatomine Rhodnius nasutus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

The aim of this work was to identify and report the occurrence of Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi in naturally infected Rhodnius nasutus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Triatomines feces, salivary glands, and hemolymph were collected for fresh examination, and specific detection of T. rangeli and T. cruzi DNA by polymerase chain reaction was carried out. The specific characterization of these two parasites showed the simultaneous presence of both parasites in two (7.7%) of the 26 positive insects. Our results provide further knowledge on the geographical distribution of T. rangeli in Brazil.

Population dynamics of Triatoma vitticeps (Stål, 1859) in Itanhomi, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Taxonomic markers (head structure morphometry, isoenzymes and randon amplified polymorphism of DNA - RAPD) were used to understand the population dynamics of Triatoma vitticeps, predominant triatomine species in Itanhomi district, using samples obtained from domestic, peridomiciliary and sylvatic habitats. Morphometric analysis revealed sexual dimorphism within the three samples although specimens could not be separated according to the habitat in which they were captured. Forty-two bands were analyzed from RAPD profiles generated using four primers. A dendrogram constructed from Dice's similarity coefficient values showed that migration of the insects between the habitats has occurred, without structuring of populations. Moreover, the dendrogram obtained from the genetic distance values showed an important gene flow between the sylvatic and domestic habitats. No polymorphism was found in the electrophoretic mobility of proteins for the ten enzymes studied. Our results revealed movement of triatomines between the three habitats, suggesting that the presence of T. vitticeps in houses should not be ignored. As invasion of houses by sylvatic insects is frequent and the natural infection indices of this species are among the highest known, epidemiological vigilance studies may reveal possible changes in T. vitticeps behaviour which could present future risks to public health.

Ecological aspects of Rhodnius nasutus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in palms of the Chapada do Araripe in Ceará, Brazil

The aim of this work is to present aspects related to the ecology of Rhodnius nasutus Stål, 1859 in palms from Chapada do Araripe in Ceará, Brazil. The following five species of palms were investigated: babaçu (Attalea speciosa), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), carnaúba (Copernicia prunifera), catolé (Syagrus oleracea) and macaúba-barriguda (Acrocomia intumescens). Fifth palms were dissected (10 specimens for each species). The overall infestation index was 86%, with a total of 521 triatomines collected. The Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909 Index was 16.8% and two insects presented mixed infection with Trypanosoma rangeli Tejera, 1920. A precipitin test showed that R. nasutus from palms of Chapada do Araripe are associated with opossum and bird although other possible bloodmeals were observed. Our results showing a high index of infestation of the palms as well as T. cruzi infection, the association of R. nasutus with the most diverse species of palms and proximity of these palms to houses demonstrate the importance of this area for sylvatic T. cruzi transmission and suggest the need for epidemiological surveillance in the region of the Chapada do Araripe.

Ecological niche modelling and differentiation between Rhodnius neglectus Lent, 1954 and Rhodnius nasutus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in Brazil

Ecological niche modelling was used to predict the potential geographical distribution of Rhodnius nasutus Stål and Rhodnius neglectus Lent, in Brazil and to investigate the niche divergence between these morphologically similar triatomine species. The distribution of R. neglectus covered mainly the cerrado of Central Brazil, but the prediction maps also revealed its occurrence in transitional areas within the caatinga, Pantanal and Amazon biomes. The potential distribution of R. nasutus covered the Northeastern Region of Brazil in the semi-arid caatinga and the Maranhão babaçu forests. Clear ecological niche differences between these species were observed. R. nasutus occurred more in warmer and drier areas than R. neglectus. In the principal component analysis PC1 was correlated with altitude and temperature (mainly temperature in the coldest and driest months) and PC2 with vegetation index and precipitation. The prediction maps support potential areas of co-occurrence for these species in the Maranhão babaçu forests and in caatinga/cerrado transitional areas, mainly in state of Piaui. Entomologists engaged in Chagas disease vector surveillance should be aware that R. neglectus and R. nasutus can occur in the same localities of Northeastern Brazil. Thus, the identification of bugs in these areas should be improved by applying morphometrical and/or molecular methods.

Sobre o gênero Lophyraspis Stål e descrição de novas espécies (Hemiptera, Aetalionidae, Biturritiinae)

O gênero Lophyraspis e as seguintes espécies, juntamente com algumas mudanças nomenclaturais, são tratados: Lophyraspis Stål, 1869 = Gerridius Fowler, 1896 syn. rest.; Lophyraspis muscaria (Fabricius, 1803) = Gerridius scutellatus Fowler, 1896 syn. nov. = Gerridius abbreviatus Baker, 1907 syn. nov.; Lophyraspis pygmaea (Fabricius, 1803); Lophyraspis scutellata (Fabricius, 1803) = L. cristata Stål, 1869 syn. nov. = L. armata Haviland, 1925 syn. nov.; Lophyraspis spinosa (Funkhouser, 1930) comb. nov. (anteriormente em Mina Walker, 1858); Lophyraspis fenestrata sp. nov. (Brasil, Amazonas); Lophyraspis diminuta sp. nov. (Brasil, Mato Grosso).

Revisão e análise cladística de Serdia Stål (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Pentatomini)

Treze espécies são hoje incluídas no gênero: S. apicicornis, Stål, 1860; S. beckerae Thomas & Rolston, 1985; S. calligera Stål, 1860; S. concolor Ruckes, 1958; S. costalis Ruckes, 1958; S. delphis Thomas & Rolston, 1985; S. inspersipes Stål, 1860; S. lobata Thomas & Rolston, 1985; S. rotundicornis Becker, 1967 e S. ruckesi Thomas & Rolston, 1985. Cinco novas espécies são descritas: S. indistincta sp. nov (Irai, Rio Grande do Sul), S. bicolor sp. nov (Ponta Grossa, Paraná), S. maculata sp. nov (Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro), S. máxima sp. nov (Imbituba, Santa Catarina) e S. robusta sp. nov (Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro) do Brasil. A análise cladística foi realizada usando 40 caracteres e 21 táxons. O gênero Tibilis Stål, 1860; Neotibilis Grazia & Barcellos, 1994 e Similliserdia Fortes & Grazia, 1998 foram usados como grupo-externo. A monofilia de Serdia foi sustentada por 3 sinapomorfias: ápice do escutelo com margens enegrecidas, machos com a parede da taça genital espessada com processos em aba, fêmeas com o espessamento da íntima vaginal situado na metade posterior das gonapófises 9 e projetando-se ventralmente. O subgênero Brasiliicola Kirkaldy, 1909 é considerado sinônimo junior de Serdia. São fornecidas ilustrações, mapas de distribuição geográfica e chave para as espécies.

The species of Aspona Stål and nomenclatural notes (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha, Membracidae)

The genus Aspona Stål contains now only two species: A. bullata Stål, 1862 (= Aspona gibosa Fonseca & Diringshofen, 1969 syn. nov. = Taunaya gibbosa Remes-Lenicov, 1973 syn. nov.) and A. quadrinodosa (Fonseca & Diringshofen, 1969) comb. nov. (formerly in Cyphotes Burmeister).

Contributions to the knowledge of Banasa Stål (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae): Banasa chaca Thomas

Contributions to the knowledge of Banasa Stål (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae): Banasa chaca Thomas. The male of Banasa chaca Thomas is described with emphasis on external and internal genitalia and the female internal genitalia is described. Banasa chaca is newly recorded from Buenos Aires Province (Argentina).

First report and morphological redescription of Teleonemia morio (Stål) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) in Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) in Brazil

First report and morphological redescription of Teleonemia morio (Stål) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) in Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) in Brazil. This is the first report of a severe attack of Teleonemia morio (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) on Annona squamosa L. (custard apple), causing up to 80% of losses of infested trees. In order to facilitate the identification of this insect pest, the adult female of T. morio is redescribed based on specimens collected in Palmeira dos Índios, Alagoas, Brazil.

Does the aggressiveness of the prey modify the attack behavior of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)?

Does the aggressiveness of the prey modify the attack behavior of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)? The stink bug Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) is a predator found in several Brazilian regions, which possesses desirable attributes as a natural control agent and in biological control programs. The aim of this study was to test if the attack behavior and predation success of S. cincticeps were affected by prey species. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), and Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) were offered to S. cincticeps in laboratory bioassays where predatory attack and prey defensive behaviors were observed for 2-hour periods. The attack behavior of S. cincticeps changed with the prey species offered. More than 25% of T. molitor and S. frugiperda larvae were immediately attacked, but T. arnobia was not immediately attacked by S. cincticeps. Successful attack (i.e., successful insertion of the predator stylets into the prey) depends on the region of the body attacked, with a greater proportion of successful attacks in the anterior than in the median or posterior regions. Larvae of T. arnobia and S. frugiperda displayed a sequence of abrupt head and body movements in response to S. cincticeps attack. Attempts of predation were more successful on T. molitor and S. frugiperda than on T. arnobia. Information about the differential attack behavior of S. cincticeps on different prey species is important for designing successful biological control programs using this hemipteran predator.

Efeitos da temperatura e da defesa da presa no consumo pelo predador Supputius cincticeps (Stäl) (Heteroptera:Pentatomidae)

A pesquisa objetivou determinar se a temperatura e a defesa da presa afetam o consumo e a utilização de larvas de Tenebrio molitor L. por ninfas de Supputius cincticeps (Stäl). Quantificaram-se em cada um dos ínstares do predador Supputius cincticeps os consumos bruto e diário das larvas de T. molitor com e sem defesa, ganho de peso total e ganho de peso diário pelo predador. Foram determinados os efeitos da defesa da presa e da temperatura ambiente no consumo de alimento pelas ninfas de 2º, 3º, 4º e 5º ínstares de S. cincticeps. A pesquisa foi conduzida na Unidade de Controle Biológico da Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Algodão, em Campina Grande, PB, a 20, 25, e 30ºC, 60±10% UR e fotofase de 14 horas. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo bruto de larvas de T. molitor pelo S. cincticeps depende do ínstar do predador e da temperatura, do ínstar do predador e da defesa da presa, e da temperatura e defesa da presa; o consumo diário de S. cincticeps depende do ínstar do predador e da temperatura, e do ínstar do predador e da defesa da presa, e o ganho de peso de S. cincticeps depende do seu ínstar, da temperatura e da defesa apresentada pelas larvas de T. molitor. O tamanho das larvas de T. molitor funciona como defesa ao ataque de S. cincticeps.

Pienyrityksen investointiprosessi. Case: STL-Partners Oy

Tutkielman tavoitteena oli tutkia pienyrityksen investointiprosessia ja seurata sen edistymistä kohdeyrityksessä. Tavoite pyrittiin saavuttamaan kirjallisuustutkimuksen avulla ja STL-Partners Oy:n toimitilainvestoinnin suunnitteluprosessia seuraamalla. Tutkimus toteutettiin pääasiassa tapaustutkimuksena, mutta se sisältää myös päätöksentekometodologisia osia. Tutkielman alussa esitettiin kirjallisuuten pohjautuva investointiprosessin malli. Kohdeyrityksen investointiprosessia seurattiin esitetyn mallin vaiheiden mukaisesti. Loppuosassa selvitettiin investoinnin eri rahoitusvaihtoehdot ja tehtiin kohdeyritykseltä saatujen tietojen pohjalta laskelma investoinnin kannattavuudesta. Tutkimuksessa todettiin, että myös pienessä yrityksessä investointien kannattavuuden arvioinnissa voidaan hyödyntää investointiteorian malleja. Tutkimuksessa selvitettiin myös perusteet investoinnin kannattavuuden arvioinnille. Tutkimuksessa selvitettyjen tietojen avullalla kohdeyritys voi tehdä lopullisen investointipäätöksen.