Contribuição ao conhecimento de alguns Ithomiidae brasileiros, predadores de Solanáceas (Lep., Rhopalocera)

This paper is a small contribution to the knowledge of some species of brazilian Ithomiidae (Lep., Rhop.). The Author, during the year 1950, had an oportunity to study the development of the following species: Mechanitis lysimnia Fabr. Mechanitis polymnia casabranca Hsch. Dircenna dero Hübn. Methona themisto (Hübn.) The three first species live, in Piracicaba (State of São Paulo, Brasil), on Solanum variabile Mart., damaging its leaves, Mechanitis polymnia casàbranca being a serious enemy of this medicinal plant. The Author presents some notes on the biological cycle of M. lysimnia, which confirm D'Almeida's observations. Methona themisto is an old pest of Brunfelsia hopeana Benth. In Argentine, according to Hayward's observations, it occurs on Brunfelsia pauciflora Benth. The biology of this species previously has been studied by Figueiredo (1939). In Piracicaba it is not an enemy of B. hopeana on which it is reported to be so harmful elsewhere. The Author's observations were made in the Laboratory of Zoology of the Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" in order to protect the larvae from the attack of their possible natural enemies. Notwithstanding, the Mechanitis polymnia casabranca caterpillars were attacked by an interesting Salticidae, identified by Hélio Camargo as Hasarius adan-soni (Audouin, 1827).

Sôbre os inimigos naturais da lagarta das palmáceas Brassolis sophorae sophorae (L.) (Lep., Brassolidae)

Brassolis sophorae (L.) (Lep., Brassolidae) is an old and important pest of some Brazilian Palmae, among which Cocos nucifera L. and Copemicia cerifera Mart, are the most valuable economically. Eggs are attacked by Anastatus reduvii (Howard) (Eupel-midae) and Telenomus sp. and Telenomus nigrocoxdlis Ashmead (Scelionidae), the larvae being destroyed by Withemia pinguis (F.) (Tachinidae). Six other insects devellop inside the pupae : Xanthozona melanopyga (Wiedmann) and Belvosia sp. (Tachinidae) and the Hymenoptera Brachymeria annulata (F.), B. incerta (Cres-son), Spilochalcis nigrifrons Cameron and S. morleyi Ashmead (Chalcicidae), the last of them being principally treated in this paper. A species of Sarcophagidae (Sarcophaga lambens Wiedmann) was also noted, some flies being gotten from a single pupa. In Piracicaba (State of S. Paulo, Brasil), according to the Author's observations, B. sophorae principal enemy is X. melanopyga, to which our attention has to be directed in a biological fight against the mentioned Brassolidae. The reported Telenomus sp. is also very harmful to B. sophorae eggs. In the whole zone of its distribution, the hosts of B. sophorae caterpillars are Palmae plants, appearing sporadically feeding on banana and sugar cane leaves.

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.

Ocorrência de nematódeos do gênero Ditylenchus em tubérculos de batatinha no Est. de São Paulo

Irish potato tubers imported from Holland and Germany were planted at the Instituto Agronômico Experiment Station, Campinas, in April, 1955. At digging time, in July, 1955, the tubers were found to be injured by nematodes belonging to the genus Ditylenchus. No visible symptoms were found on the plants during the growing season, since the nematodes did not attack the stems. However, prevailing weather conditions from April to July were not favorable for nema activities, with low temperature and rain precipitation. Therefore, it does not seem safe to assume that, as a rule, the nemas do not attack buds and stems, for further observations may reveal such an occurrence, as it has been reported in the literature. The injury was characterized by spots consisting of decaying brown tissue, the nematodes being found mainly between this and the uninjured tissue. Larvae and adults occurred simultaneously. Fourteen different potato varieties were attacked by the nematodes, the percentage of disfigured tubers ranging from 6 (vars. Irene, Barima and Tedria) to 38 (var. Stamm 456). Studies en the morphology cf the parasites disclosed that two different Ditylenchus forms were present, with Apheten-chus sp. and Aphelenchoides sp. associated with them. The writers have not yet drawn a final conclusion about the identification of the Ditylenchi. However, it was clearly seen that no form can be identified either with D. dipsaci or with D. destructor. Both forms have lateral fields made up of 6 incisures, what separates them from D. dipsaci. On the other hand, measurements as well as some details in the organization of the oesophagus make the identification with D. destructor quite impossible. As far as the origin of the parasites is concerned, the fact that they could not be determined either as D. dipsaci or as D. destructor emphasizes the possibility of being two native species, not introduced with the tubers imported.

Caso de um mosquito intensamente parasitado por larvas de ácaros aquáticos

One female of Culex fatigans Wied., 1828, was collected in a light trap at CENA-ESA«LQ»-USP, Piracicaba, at about 500 meters off the Piracicaba River banks. This mosquito exhibited 15 partially engorged pionid larvae of water mites (Prostigmata, Hydrachnellae) of the genus Arrenurus, attached to the articular membranes of the abdominal segments; no mites were found on the thorax or coxae. The larva is drawn, dorsad and ventrad. Since species cannot be identified from larvae, no specific name is given.

Larval life in the leaves: arboreal tadpole types, with special attention to the morphology, ecology, and behavior of the Oophagous Osteopilus brunneus (Hylidae) larva / Michael J. Lannoo, Daniel S. Townsend, Richard J. Wassersug.

n.s. no.38(1987)

Effects of intraspecific competition and food deprivation on the immature phase of Ascia monuste orseis (Lepidoptera, Pieridae)

The effect of intraspecific competition for food on larvae and of food deprivation for 24 h on 2nd and 4th instars of Ascia monuste orseis (Godart, 1819) was investigated. Intraspecific competition for food during the immature phase leads to long pupation time, high larval mortality, reduced adult weight, and reduced number of eggs per female. In food deprivation experiments, the major differences in A. monuste orseis performance were long pupation time in the group that was deprived during the 2nd instar; and a negative effect on reproduction in the group that was deprived during the 4th instar, with reduced adult weight. Both food deprived periods tested are critical, and deprivation during the 2nd instar seems to have an effect as drastic as during the 4th instar because it directly affects larvae survival. Immatures can resist food deprivation for 24 h during the 2nd and 4th instars (low mortality), have a compensatory behaviour (high ingestion and biomass gain) during the 5th instar, and do not demonstrate cannibalistic behaviour during food deprivation.

Schooling and swimming behaviors of Hyla semilineata tadpoles (Anura, Hylidae)

The schooling behavior of Hyla semilineata Spix, 1824 tadpoles is described. Experiments were carried out both in the natural environment and under controlled conditions to quantify the constant movement of these tadpoles. Bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802), similar in size to the H. semilineata larvae, were used as controls in the experiments. Hyla semilineata tadpoles remained stationary for one sixth of the time that the bullfrog tadpoles did and the number of individuals of H. semilineata moving at any given moment was about seven times greater. The schooling behavior and constant swimming behavior of these tadpoles may enhance the effect of their warning coloration.

Desenvolvimento de Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera, Muscidae) em laboratório

A colony of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (WULP, 1883) was established in the laboratory to obtain eggs, larvae and puparium, to determine the period of development and viability at constant temperature with RH above 75% and photoperiod of 12 h. The viability of development cicle was 48.68%. Incubation period was 21.17 h, larvae development 25.97; 48.08 and 233.65 h for the first, second and feeding phase of third instars, respectively. The development period of postfeeding larva, prepupa and pupa development was 322.26 h.

Imaturos de mosquito (Diptera, Culicidae) de áreas urbana e rural no norte do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

The results of larval collections of mosquitoes from artificial containers and natural breeding at urban and rural areas carried out at Sertaneja, northern State Paraná, Brazil, from February to April, 1995, are presented. Among the 4534 immature forms collected, belonging to 21 species or species-groups, the species with higher density were Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 and Limatus durhami Theobald, 1901.

Feeding of two Cichlidae species (Perciformes) in an hypertrophic urban lake

Diet of two cichlid species, Cichlasoma facetum (Jenyns, 1842), and Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus Hensel, 1870, was studied in Rodó Lake, an urban hypertrophic lake in Uruguay. The stomach contents from 192 individuals of C. facetum and 202 of G. rhabdotus, obtained through seasonal sampling in the year 2000, were analyzed. The occurrence frequency and the alimentary importance index of each food item were calculated for each season and size class in both species. Cichlasoma facetum fed upon insects (mainly chironomid larvae and pupae), fish (Cnesterodon decemmaculatus Jenyns, 1842), and vegetals (algae, periphyton and macrophytes debris); large individuals also fed upon the freshwater shrimp Palaemonetes argentinus Nobili, 1901. Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus consumed zooplankton (mainly copepods), vegetals (algae and detritus) and Chironomidae larvae in a lesser extent.

Descriptions and biological notes of immatures of Microctenochira Difficilis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Hispinae, Cassidini)

Descriptions and illustrations of egg, larva and pupa of Microctenochira difficilis (Boheman, 1855) are presented for the first time. Biological notes and bionomic informations are also included. Eggs, larvae, pupae and adults were collected on Tabebuia sp. (Bignoniaceae) in Monjolinho arboretum at Centro Experimental Santa Elisa, Campinas, State of São Paulo, and kept in laboratory for rearing.

Evaluación de palaemonetes argentinus (Decapoda, Natantia) en el control biológico de larvas de Culex pipiens (Diptera, Culicidae) en condiciones de laboratorio

The predator-prey relationship of Palaemonetes argentinus Nobili, 1901 and Culex pipiens s.l. larvae was studied under laboratory conditions. The prawns were separated in two groups, isolated and grouped ones. Mosquitoe larvae were offered to prawns in two forms, limited and unlimited offer to both groups. In the first analysis, values of predation did not differ significantly between males and females of P. argentinus. Predation in 24 h was 14,9 ± 4,2 larvae/prawn. A reduction of predation was observed with unlimited offer for the same hour, during all the experiment. Predation with unlimited offer was higher on the first day than on the second, but returned to high values on the third day, for both groups. In the grouped experiment, predation with limited offer was total on the first days, decreasing to the last day. As a result, P. argentinus was considered an efficient predator of C. pipiens s.l. larvae under laboratory conditions.

The larva of the frog leptodactylus hylaedactylus (Leptodactylidae) [by] W. Ronald Heyer and Philip A. Silverstone.

v.51:no.11(1969)

The larval characters of featherwing and limulodid beetles and their family relationships in the Staphylinoidea (Coleoptera : Ptiliidae and Limulodidae) / Henry S. Dybas.

v.70:no.3(1976)