Information on insect development has been used to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) in the forensic field. The necrophagous and widely distributed blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera, Calliphoridae), is commonly found on corpses in the early stages of decomposition. For this reason, it is among the key species in bionomics studies aimed at providing data to reliably estimate the PMI. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the incubation time and survival in the egg stage of two populations of L. cuprina in two environments (indoor and outdoor). To establish fly colonies in the laboratory, adult specimens were actively collected in the field in Campinas and Pelotas, Brazil, using putrefied bovine liver as bait. All experimental groups were assembled in triplicate. Additionally, the local temperature and relative humidity were measured at 2-hour intervals throughout the experiment. Incubation time (F= 1.333; p< 0.05) and the number of hatched larvae (F= 0.028; p> 0.01) did not differ significantly between populations. However, for each of the populations, larval hatching intervals differed markedly between indoor and outdoor environments (F= 1.143; p< 0.05). The influence of environmental and genetic factors on the development rate of forensically important species has been only incipiently explored at the egg stage. In addition to filling a knowledge gap, the results obtained in this study may be useful for estimating the PMI, especially if the eggs constitute the only evidence at the crime scene.
Hematophagous ceratopogonid biting midges are small dipterans of medical and veterinary importance, capable of causing severe discomfort to humans, domestic animals, ruminants, and wildlife and vectors of several etiological agents. Despite their importance as pollinators and vectors of pathogens affecting vertebrates, Ceratopogonidae remains a neglected family, particularly in the Amazon Basin. This study reports biting midges collected the Lower Amazon and Southwestern Pará regions, Brazil. Collections were carried out near peridomestic areas using CDC light traps and entomological sweep nets. A total of 6,033 biting midges were collected. Of these, 15.6% (941 specimens) belonged to the genus Leptoconops Skuse, 1889, represented by one species, while 84.4% (5,092 specimens) belonged to the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809, represented by 12 species. New records were found for the State of Pará: Culicoides rhombus Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Castellón, 2014 and Culicoides kuripako Felippe-Bauer, 2010. Species of medical and veterinary importance were found in the study, Culicoides insignis Lutz, 1913 and Culicoides paraensis (Goeldi, 1905). This species list is valuable for identifying the biting midge fauna of the Lower Amazon and Southwestern Pará, as it provides data on species identification and distribution. It is also important for epidemiological studies and vector control.
Conura maculata (Fabricius, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) is a gregarious pupal parasitoid broadly distributed throughout the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Opsiphanes cf. invirae (Hübner, 1818) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is a defoliating butterfly known to cause significant damage to Arecaceae crops in Brazil. In this study, we report the first record of C. maculata parasitizing O. cf. invirae pupae in the municipality of Bandeirantes, Paraná, Brazil. A parasitized pupa was collected near the Entomology and Acarology Laboratory at the State University of Northern Paraná and maintained under controlled laboratory conditions until adult emergence. Forty-nine adult parasitoids emerged, with a predominance of females in the sex ratio (7.16:1; 43 females and 6 males). Female body lengths ranged from 5.16 to 6.13 mm, while males ranged from 4.38 to 5.28 mm, corroborating the sexual dimorphism previously described for this species. These findings emphasize the potential role of C. maculata as a natural enemy of O. cf. invirae and highlight the importance of regional studies on parasitoid-host interactions to inform sustainable integrated pest management strategies in Arecaceae agroecosystems. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this association in Paraná State, Brazil.
Records of trophic associations between sarcophagid flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and their natural enemies remain scarce, limiting ecological and forensic interpretations of decomposition systems. Microcerella halli (Engel, 1931) is a Neotropical sarcophagid species of recognized relevance in carrion succession, yet its interactions with pupal parasitoids are poorly documented. Nasonia vitripennis (Walker, 1836), a cosmopolitan pteromalid and a key model in evolutionary ecology, parasitizes a broad range of dipteran hosts but has never been recorded from M. halli. Here, we report the first confirmed instance of N. vitripennis parasitizing M. halli, based on material collected in southern Brazil. From 178 puparia, 43 were parasitized by Nasonia vitripennis, yielding a total of 780 emerging adults. Mean brood size was 17.5 ± 9.2 individuals per parasitized puparium, calculated based on individual offspring counts per host. The emerging population exhibited a strongly female-biased sex ratio (5.78:1), and the proportion of females varied markedly among puparia (33.3–100%; mean = 85.2%). Emergence occurred within 24 days after collection under mean ambient temperature of 16.6 °C. This new association expands the known host range of N. vitripennis and underscores its reproductive efficiency as a gregarious parasitoid. Given the forensic value of M. halli, the presence of an efficient pupal parasitoid may affect population dynamics in carrion environments and offers perspectives for studies on host suitability, clutch allocation, and parasitoid performance in Neotropical systems. These findings highlight M. halli as a promising experimental host for behavioral and physiological investigations involving N. vitripennis.
The Caatinga comprises the largest Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in South America, with humid enclaves known as ‘Brejos de Altitude’, characterized by distinct climate and flora. Pico do Jabre is one such ‘Brejo de Altitude’ and is part of the recently created Parque Nacional da Serra do Teixeira. It is notable for its significant biological diversity, including endangered and newly described species. Studies on butterflies in the ‘Brejo de Altitude’ show high diversity, but knowledge gaps remain. This study aims to assess and compare butterfly species richness and composition across different altitudes and phytophysiognomies of Pico do Jabre and to discuss their conservation implications. Sampling was conducted over 48 months along six transects ranging from 740 to 1,197 m in altitude, using entomological nets and Van Someren-Rydon traps. A total of 207 butterfly species were recorded, belonging to six families, 19 subfamilies, and 147 genera. Hesperiidae was the richest family (73 spp.), followed by Nymphalidae (59 spp.), Lycaenidae (37 spp.), Pieridae (20 spp.), Riodinidae (12 spp.), and Papilionidae (6 spp.). The survey revealed 11 new records for the Northeast of Brazil and 27 for Paraíba. The analysis of faunal composition revealed differences between the base and the top, including species exclusive to each zone. These finding underscores the importance of conserving both areas to ensure the preservation of local biodiversity. Accordingly, a set of recommendations is proposed to support the conservation and sustainable development of Pico do Jabre.
The Brazilian Amazon has experienced intense land-use changes in recent decades, driven by agricultural expansion and urban growth, resulting in deforestation and environmental degradation. In Acre, such changes reflect the transition from extractivism to cattle ranching as the main drivers of forest conversion. This study aimed to integrate information on entomological collection sites in the state with data on land use and cover to understand the distribution of scientific effort. Specifically, the spatial distribution across regions, the temporal evolution (1988-2024), and the relationship between land uses and knowledge areas were analyzed. The results indicate that, of the 70 eligible publications totaling 217 sampling points, the highest concentration occurred near research centers in Rio Branco (98 points) and Cruzeiro do Sul (57 points), in the Baixo Acre and Juruá regions, respectively. In contrast, extensive conservation zones remain undersampled. Studies in forest, pasture, and urbanized areas predominated, with a significant increase in scientific production since the 2000s, especially between 2019 and 2024. This study concludes that the strong spatial concentration and gaps in ecologically relevant regions highlight the need to expand sampling efforts to support conservation and territorial planning strategies in Acre.
Knowledge about the biology of the social wasp Mischocyttarus nomurae Richards, 1978 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) remains scarce. The available information on nest architecture is limited to the specimen examined by Richards (1978) in the original description of the species. We examined nest architecture and nidification sites of the social wasp M. nomurae in Rio de Contas, Chapada Diamantina mountains, Bahia State, Brazil, from May 2015 to February 2016 (100 hours of fieldwork). We identified sixty-seven nests and collected thirty-seven abandoned nests. The height of the building concerning the ground was like other species of the genus (2.20 m ± 0.86). Most nesting habitats were closely related to anthropogenically modified materials, although most locations studied were close to native vegetation and human activities with less environmental impact. Wasps most frequently built nests using plant materials, principally wood and dried leaves, and made them on horizontal substrates with the comb facing downwards. The combs were rounded or elliptical in shape (rarely rectangular), with a single pedicel attached at the most peripheral part of the nest. The number of meconium layers ranged from zero to five, with the highest number of layers found in cells located near the pedicel. There was a positive relationship between the number of layers of meconium and the height and diameter of the cells. The species M. nomurae has small nests, but there is a high rate of cell reuse. Even so, its colonies produce fewer adults than the other species of the genus.
The order Odonata has approximately 7,000 species worldwide, of which just over 900 are registered in Brazil. Even with this high diversity, many regions of the country have little data on the order, such as the state of Amapá. Thus, the objective of this work is to present the first records for the state of the species Epipleoneura albuquerquei Machado, 1964 and Neoneura confundens Wasscher & Van'T Bosch, 2013. The species were collected between February and March 2025 in the area known as the Amcel waterfall, in the municipality of Tartarugalzinho. The number of studies on Odonata in Amapá is still low: only 121 species were previously recorded in the state, a number that rises to 123 with the new occurrences. However, new studies should increase knowledge about the odonatofauna of Amapá.
Monitoring insect diversity is crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Efficient trapping methods are essential tools for assessing entomofauna in complex agroforestry systems. This study aimed to develop and optimize a trap to assess entomofauna diversity in agroforestry systems. The research was conducted in two agroforestry systems (AFS) located in a transition zone between the Pantanal and Cerrado biomes. Initially, a "Mixed trap", developed by combining light, food, and color attractants, was compared with traps using each attraction principle individually. Subsequently, the influence of trap size and light source was evaluated. Specimen collections were carried out independently for each experiment, and data were analyzed using rarefaction and extrapolation curves, as well as species abundance, richness, and diversity through Hill numbers and the Shannon and Simpson indexes. The Mixed trap showed the highest species richness and diversity. Although it also yielded high values in the Hill diversity indexes, the Light trap proved less efficient, capturing fewer species and lower overall diversity. Insects from the orders Diptera, Thysanoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera were eudominant in the Mixed trap—an important finding, as these groups include key pest species. Regarding design variables, traps made from 5 L PET bottles equipped with LED lights demonstrated superior performance in capturing a broader range of insect groups. In conclusion, the Mixed trap is more efficient for sampling diverse insect groups. The integration of multiple attractant stimuli in a single trap strengthens entomofauna monitoring in agroforestry systems and supports more sustainable pest management strategies.
Neosilba glaberrima (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) is a species of fruit fly belonging to the Lonchaeidae family, widely distributed in neotropical region. Given the wide distribution and potential ecological and agricultural importance of species within this family, investigating their presence in different cropping systems becomes relevant for understanding their dynamics and possible interactions with cultivated plants. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of dipterans from the family Lonchaeidae in organically grown maize in the south-central region of the state of Piauí, Brazil. Sampling was carried out in the municipality of Alvorada do Gurguéia, in an area managed by smallholder farmers organically. Maize ears were collected between November 2019 and May 2020 and transported to the Plant Science Laboratory of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Professora Cinobelina Elvas Campus (CPCE), in Bom Jesus, Piauí. In the laboratory, ears were weighed (total biomass of 12.13 kg) and placed in plastic containers filled with oven-sterilized sand to allow adult emergence. A total of 62 adult flies (33 females and 29 males) belonging to N. glaberrima emerged from 55 maize ears. This study, therefore, constitutes the first record of N. glaberrima (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) associated with maize (Zea mays L.) in Neotropical Region. Understanding the infestation dynamics and impacts of N. glaberrima on Z. mays is essential for developing integrated pest management strategies, and for the adoption of sustainable management and biodiversity conservation strategies in organic systems.
The Triatominae subfamily includes 158 currently existing species, three of which are fossils. Several species of them can transmit the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909), the causative agent of Chagas disease (CD), significantly impacting public health in Latin American countries. In this way, the species presente in the central region of Brazil were characterized with a focus on the state of Mato Grosso (MT) and its respective municipalities. Clarification of these factors can hel in the design of vector control strategies. From 2001 to 2024, collections were carried out in 94 municipalities of the state of MT, with active capture of triatomine specimens. A total of 1,720 specimens of triatomines belonging to five genera were collected: Triatoma Laporte, 1832 (1,357; 78.9%), Panstrongylus Berg, 1859 (224; 13%), Rhodnius Stål, 1859 (130; 7.6%), Eratyrus Stål, 1859 (8; 0.5%) and Psammolestes Bergroth, 1911 (1; 0.1%). In the faunistic analysis of the captured species. Triatoma sordida (Stål, 1859) (1,394, 81%) was characterized as the most abundant, being very frequent, constant and dominant species in the Central-West region of Brazil. The present study aims to contribute to health surveillance by identifying the species existing in the state and presenting the potential vector risk of these species for CD.
The present communication deals with the recording of Satyrex ferox Zamani & von Wirth, 2025 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from the Afrotropical part of Oman (Dhofar region). This species is recorded from Southern Oman for the second time. A brief description of the morphology of S. ferox is provided, along with notes on its predator, the tarantula hawk Hemipepsis heros (Guérin-Méneville, 1849) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae).
Social wasps are known for their opportunistic foraging behaviors, foraging on various resources such as live insects, plant fibers, and even carrion. While necrophagy is documented for some genera, it has not been previously confirmed for the genus Parachartergus. This study provides the first direct evidence of Parachartergus pseudapicalis exhibiting necrophagy, captured through Citizen science in Piedade, São Paulo, Brazil. A wasp was observed collecting tissue from a decomposing caterpillar, demonstrating opportunistic feeding behavior. The mandible structures of Parachartergus suggest adaptations for scavenging, aligning with those of other necrophagous genera. This record enhances our understanding of the genus's dietary flexibility, highlighting the role of Citizen science in contributing valuable data to future studies.
Brazil stands out as the fourth-largest global producer of cotton, benefiting from favorable climatic conditions for crop development. However, these same conditions promote diverse arthropod fauna, encompassing pests and beneficial organisms that contribute ecological services to agroecosystems. This study investigated the functional diversity of arthropods in cotton cultivation under alternative management practices. For two growing seasons, arthropods were sampled and classified into functional groups: pollinators, predators, parasitoids, and detritivores. In addition, parasitized insects were recorded separately. The first season revealed low functional group richness, with only pollinators and predators observed. Diversity indices, such as Shannon and Simpson, were low across all phenological stages, with greater richness during reproductive phases. In contrast, the second season demonstrated increased richness and balance, with all five functional groups represented and higher diversity during reproductive stages. Indices reflected improved functional group distribution, indicating reduced dominance of specific groups and stabilization of the agroecosystem. The findings emphasize the significant influence of phenological stages on arthropod diversity, with reproductive phases offering critical resources for functional groups. Sustainable practices facilitated recovery and stabilization of the agroecosystem, improving richness and abundance of beneficial arthropods. These results highlight the potential of integrated, sustainable management practices in promoting ecosystem in cotton fields.
Forensic entomology uses insects, particularly Diptera, as evidence in various forensic applications. Some species help estimate post-mortem intervals in criminal investigations, others indicate cases of neglect by signaling poor hygiene conditions, and some serve as bioindicators of environmental quality. Characterizing local fly species distributions is essential for forensic applications, such as post-mortem interval estimation. In Belo Horizonte, a city in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, only one prior study has been conducted, solely focusing on Calliphoridae species while overlooking other families, such as Fanniidae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae, which are highly relevant for forensic applications. To address this gap, we collected flies of potential forensic interest at the Ecological Station of "Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais" (EEco UFMG), using fresh beef as bait, during the warm and rainy season. A total of 4,612 flies were collected, with Calliphoridae (N = 3024; 65.5%), Fanniidae (N = 902; 19.5%), Sarcophagidae (N = 353; 8.0%), and Muscidae (N = 240; 5.0%), constituting 98.0% of the collected specimens. The remaining 2% (N = 93) of the specimens belong to 11 families. Thirty-nine species were identified, with Muscidae exhibiting the highest richness (15 species), followed by Sarcophagidae (10), Calliphoridae (9), and Fanniidae (4). Notably, six new geographic records for Minas Gerais state and three for Belo Horizonte city were documented within the Muscidae family. Checklists of fly species of potential forensic interest from unexplored locations, such as the EEco UFMG, contribute to the development of valuable databases for future applications in forensic entomology.
Forest fragments associated with agricultural areas are beneficial for maintaining species that act as natural biological controls. Lacewings are an example of organisms that contribute to this control, however, there is little information on the sampling methodology for this taxon, as well as its occurrence in olive cultivation, Olea europaea L. (Lamiales: Oleaceae). Therefore, the aim of this study was to report the richness of lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) collected with attractant traps in an olive orchard, associated with fragments of mixed Atlantic Forest. The traps were baited with passion fruit juice at a rate of 200 mL per bottle. The traps were installed at Sítio Carpe Diem, in the Serra da Mantiqueira, municipality of Cambuí, southern Minas Gerais (-22.625000 and -46.148333) from September 2023 to January 2024. As a result, a total of 109 lacewing specimens from one subfamily, two tribes, six genera and 14 species were collected. The occurrence of this taxon in the area may reflect the biome in which the property is located, the high temperature and the fragment of native forest. The data obtained in this study suggests that the use of passion fruit bait is advantageous for sampling lacewings, as well as highlighting the importance of agroecological practices for the permanence of natural enemies in cultivated areas.
Boreofairchildia Wagner & Stuckenberg, 2016 (Diptera: Psychodidae) currently includes fourteen acknowledged species. This genus is mainly found in the Neotropical region, although one species has been described from the Nearctic area. Two species are known Brazil, both from the state of Espirito Santo. In this paper, a new species from the Atlantic Forest of Espirito Santo is described, increasing the total number of Brazilian species to three and the overall species count in the genus to fifteen.
Solitary wasp nests (Sphecidae) are often occupied by other arthropods when abandoned. However, occupation by ants such as Cephalotes Latreille, 1802 is still uncertain. Species of Cephalotes are arboreal and occupy pre-existing cavities, commonly tree hollows. In this respect, the objective of this study is to report the first record of the ant Cephalotes pusillus (Klug, 1824) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nesting in a Sphecidae nest in areas cultivated with coffee, Coffea arabica L. The nest was collected on july 5, 2024, in a coffee plantation area in the municipality of Inconfidentes, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This area is associated with a fragment of Atlantic Forest. In the nest of Sceliphron sp. (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), 64 pupae, 94 adults and four queens of the ant were counted. The successful occupation by the ant may have occurred due to different factors, such as the size and resistance of the nest, the size of the entrance and the multiple cells that are formed inside the nest, which allowed the use of this nest as an incubation site for the ant's larvae. This is the first record of C. pusillus nesting in a Sphecidae nest, but this species is a generalist in terms of the cavities it uses, requiring further observations to confirm the frequency of this behavior.
Cryptolestes obesus Thomas, 2002 (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) was described based on a single female specimen collected in Rondônia state, Brazil. As previously hypothesized, the robust body shape and the presence of complete secondary sublateral lines on the pronotum are diagnostic for C. obesus and fundamental traits for male association. Here we associate and describe the conspecific male, with a new record of this species for Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The habitus, antennal scape, and genitalia of the male are illustrated.
Social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) are highly adaptable insects that exploit a wide range of locally and seasonally available resources. This study reports the first observation of social wasps foraging on noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) in Northeast Brazil, specifically in the Caatinga biome. Noni, a pantropical fruit known for its environmental tolerance and nutritional content, including high water and protein levels. Seven species of social wasps were recorded foraging on noni in the rural area of Patos, Paraíba state, Brazil. These species included Polybia ignobilis, Polybia occidentalis, Polybia paulista, Polybia sericea, Brachygastra lechiguana, Protonectarina sylveirae, and Polistes canadensis. Observations revealed that the wasps foraged primarily on the carpel disc of the fruit, engaging in scraping behavior to extract juices and soft tissues. No activity was observed on ripe fruits, likely due to their strong odor. The findings highlight the ecological importance of noni fruits as a resource for social wasps, particularly in arid regions as Caatinga biome where such fruits provide essential nutrients.
