Abstract We report field infestation under natural conditions by the cacao plum moth, Michaelophorus nubilus (Felder & Rogenhofer) on leaves of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvaceae) for the first time in Southern Chiapas, Mexico. The larvae of M. nubilus damages new “flushing” or light green leaves from buds, from either the main or lateral branches of cacao plants.

Abstract Chalcidoidea are a highly diverse group of Hymenoptera and the most common parasitoids, being associated to more than 15 hexapod orders. The identification of species in this superfamily is considerably difficult due to their small size, lack of comprehensive taxonomic studies for many groups and convergence of morphological features. In this study, we aimed to identify the chalcidoid species that are associated to bruchine beetles (Chrysomelidae) from central and southern Mexico, using morphological and molecular (mitochondrial COI gene) evidence. We report a total of 39 bruchine species associated to 8 plant taxa. The gathered morphological and molecular evidence allowed to delimit 29 chalcidoid species, 6 of which are new records for Mexico. We found inconsistencies in the species delimitation between the morphological and molecular data in species of Eupelmus (Eupelmidae) and Horismenus (Eulophidae). This study highlights the considerable species richness of chalcidoid taxa that are associated to bruchine beetles, and the need to provide reliable host records for members of this group of parasitoids.

Resumen Chalcidoidea es un grupo extremadamente diverso de Hymenoptera y los parasitoides más comunes, encontrándose asociados con más de 15 órdenes de hexápodos. La identificación de especies en esta superfamilia tiende a ser difícil debido a su tamaño pequeño, falta de estudios taxonómicos exahustivos para muchos grupos y convergencia de carácteres morfológicos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar las especies de parasitoides (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) asociados con escarabajos Bruchinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) del centro y sur de México utilizando evidencia morfológica y molecular (gen mitocondrial COI). Se reportan 39 especies de bruchinos asociadas con 8 taxones vegetales. La evidencia morfológica y molecular examinada permitió delimitar 29 especies de chalcidoideos, de las cuales 6 son nuevos registros para el territorio mexicano. Se encontraron inconsistencias en la delimitación de especies entre los datos morfológicos y moleculares en los géneros Eupelmus (Eupelmidae) y Horismenus (Eulophidae). Este estudio destaca la considerable riqueza de especies de Chalcidoidea que está asociada a los Bruchinae, así como la necesidad de proporcionar registros confiables de hospedantes para los miembros de este grupo de parasitoides.

A total of 424 Lepidoptera specimens (256 males, 168 females) visiting flower patches of Simsia amplexicaulis were collected. They were found to belong to six families within three super-families representing a total of 23 species: Papilionoidea: Pieridae (2 species), Lycaenidae (1 species), Riodinidae (2 species), Nymphalidae (6 species); Hesperioidea: Hesperiidae (11 species); and Noctu-oidea: Erebidae (1 species). The temporal distribution of these lepidopterans shows a peak of species visiting a patch of flowers between 12:00 and 13:00. Twenty five of the species (93%) were recorded during such activity hourly peak while only two species were found visiting the flowers during most of the day. Twenty species (74%) visited the flowers only once. As far as we know, this is the first time that Cuanopepla bella (Ctenuchidae) is reported visiting flowers of Simsia amplexicaulis.

Se reportan para Colombia por vez primera la subespecie Eupalamides cyparissias amazonensis y un fenotipo intermedio de dos ssp. de Duboisvalia simulans basados en ejemplares presentes en dos colecciones del país. Además de su relevancia al incrementar la distribución geográfica de ambos taxones, se presenta información adicional sobre los mismos.

Eupalamides cyparissias amazonensis and an intermediate phenotype of two ssp. of Duboisvalia simulans are reported for the first time from Colombia based on the discovery of one specimen each present in two collections of the country. Besides their relevance for increasing the geographical distribution of both taxa, additional information is provided.

Here we present the first known records for Mexico and the Neotropics of arthropods associated with the terrestrial bromeliad Greigia juareziana. The site locality for the collection of the host species is the southeast portion of the San Martín Tuxtla volcano in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Four species of arthropods were detected within the leaf axils and infloresences of the bromeliad, 3 of which were insects Anasa bellator, Proxis punctulatus and Apion sp. belonging to the Orders of Hemiptera and Coleoptera. The remaining species was identified only to family (Myriapoda: Chilopoda: Lithobidae).

Presentamos los primeros registros conocidos para México y los neotrópicos de los artrópodos asociados con la bromelia terrestre Greigia juareziana. La localidad para la recolección de esta especie es la parte sureste del volcán San Martín Tuxtla, en el estado de Veracruz, México. Se detectaron 4 especies de artrópodos dentro de las axilas de las hojas e inflorescencias de la bromelia, 3 de los cuales fueron insectos Anasa bellator, Proxies punctulatus y Apion sp., pertenecientes a los órdenes Hemiptera y Coleoptera. La especie restante fue identificada sólo hasta familia (Myriapoda: Chilopoda: Lithobidae).