Abstract Leurus Townes, 1946 is a small genus of Metopiinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), consisting of 13 described species distributed in the Neotropics and the Nearctic region. The present work aims to contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of Leurus in Brazil. A total of 109 specimens were identified and 15 literature records were analyzed. The genus geographical occurrence was evaluated according to data obtained from the literature and labels of analyzed specimens. Five species of Leurus were identified for the Brazilian fauna: L. angustignathus, L. caeruliventris, L. discus, L. gracius and L. nostrus. New municipality records of occurrence were made for L. angustignathus in the state of São Paulo, L. caeruliventris in the states of Bahia, Distrito Federal, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Piauí and Rondônia; for, L. discus in the state of Alagoas and São Paulo, and L. gracius in the state of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Females of L. angustignathus and L. gracius were described for the first time in the present study. The genitalia of males of L. caeruliventris, L. discus and L. gracius were described and illustrated for the first time.

RESUMO: O controle biológico natural é um dos principais componentes responsáveis pela redução populacional de pragas em agroecossistemas. Entretanto, a importância do controle biológico natural, usualmente, é minimizada devido não ser estimada. Este estudo documenta a ocorrência de Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron, 1886) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), Archytas marmoratus (Townsend, 1915) e Archytas incertus (Macquart, 1851) (Diptera: Tachinidae) associados a Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1809) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). A taxa de parasitismo larval foi superior a 41% em áreas de refúgio estruturado de algodão, sem uso de inseticidas químicos. Este estudo fortalece o conhecimento relacionado com os parasitoides associados ao controle natural de H. armigera no Continente Americano. Adicionalmente, documenta o efeito que áreas de refúgio estruturado podem desempenhar como fonte de inimigos naturais, além da sua contribuição para produzir insetos não expostos à tecnologia Bt.

ABSTRACT: Natural biological control is one of the major causes responsible for reduction of pest population in agricultural ecosystem. However, natural biological control importance is usually minimized by not being estimated. This study reports the occurrence of Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron, 1886) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), Archytas marmoratus (Townsend, 1915) and Archytas incertus (Macquart, 1851) (Diptera: Tachinidae) associated with Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1809) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The rate of larval parasitism was up to 41% in structured refuge areas of cotton, without chemical control with insecticides. This study strengthens our knowledge relating to parasitoids associated with natural control of H. armigera in the American continent. In addition, it documents the rule that structured refuge areas could play as a source of natural enemies, besides their contribution to production of non-selective populations to Bt technology.

RESUMO Apresentamos o checklist com 105 espécies de Hymenoptera “Parasitica”, que inclui os Apocrita não aculeados, registradas no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) e uma lista inédita com 153 gêneros obtidos em levantamentos recentes, dos quais 131 são novos registros. As principais lacunas do conhecimento para estes organismos no estado e as perspectivas para estudos futuros são discutidas.

ABSTRACT A checklist composed of 105 species of parasitic Hymenoptera, which includes the non-aculeate Apocrita, recorded in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil, is presented. A new list, containing 153 genera obtained in recent surveys is also presented; out of these 131 are new records. The major knowledge gaps for these organisms in the State and the prospects for future studies for these organisms are discussed.

ABSTRACT Cryptophion Viereck, 1913 is a small Neotropical genus of Campopleginae, with seven described species, two recorded from Brazil. In this paper, a new species from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. In addition, a key to the Brazilian species is provided. Cryptophion atlanticus sp. nov. (holotype female deposited in DCBU: Brazil, São Paulo, São Luiz do Paraitinga, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar) is diagnosed by mesoscutum more or less uniformly punctate, except the notaular region with coarser and irregular rugae, scutellum bearing irregular lateral longitudinal rugae; forewing with areolet not distinctly petiolate above and hind tarsal claw pectinate, but with a large space in the middle, and distinctly longer than the arolium.

The aim of this study was to characterize the Eiphosoma Cresson, 1865 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) fauna in areas of organic crops production, in relation to abundance, richness and diversity of species. Fourteen Eiphosoma species were identified, two new records to Brazil and three are new species identified. The system with median intensity management showed the highest values of abundance, richness and diversity in relation with higher and lower intensity of management. The climate variables showed less influence on the Eiphosoma fauna than the characteristics (composition and management) of the systems.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a fauna de Eiphosoma Cresson, 1865 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) em áreas de agricultura orgânica, em relação à abundância, riqueza e diversidade de espécies. Foram identificadas quatorze espécies de Eiphosoma, das quais duas são novos registros para o Brasil e três são novas espécies. A horta com intensidade mediana de manejo e diversidade vegetal apresentou os maiores valores de abundância, riqueza e diversidade em relação às hortas com maior e menor intensidade de manejo. As variáveis climáticas demonstraram exercer menor influência na fauna de Eiphosoma do que as características (composição e manejo) das hortas.

Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) passa a maior parte de seu ciclo biológico no interior do colmo da planta hospedeira, onde fica protegida contra a ação dos métodos convencionais de controle. O controle biológico tem sido considerado uma alternativa viável para o controle desta praga em cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.) e milho (Zea mays L.), dois hospedeiros preferenciais. Este trabalho relata a ocorrência no Brasil de Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) parasitando pupas de D. saccharalis em colmos de plantas de milho. Ele também inclui dados preliminares sobre alguns aspectos biológicos do parasitóide. Uma fêmea de T. howardi foi capaz de produzir até 66 descendentes em uma única pupa do hospedeiro e, aparentemente, não faz distinção entre diferentes idades da pupa. O ciclo de vida do parasitóide foi ao redor de 25,5 dias. A presença do parasitóide no Brasil abre uma nova perspectiva sobre a supressão da broca da cana, considerando os resultados promissores já obtidos em países asiáticos. O inseto é bem adaptado à condição de laboratório, podendo ser produzido em grande número, tornando assim, uma opção adicional para o manejo integrado nas culturas onde D. saccharalis é praga chave, tais como a cana-de-açúcar, milho e sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench).

Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) spends the largest part of its life cycle inside the stalk of the host plant,which provides protection against the action of conventional control methods. Biological control has been considered a viable alternative to control this pest in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.), two pest preferential hosts. This paper reports the occurrence in Brazil of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera; Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) parasitizing pupae of D. saccharalis obtained from corn plants. It also includes preliminary biological data about the insect. A single female of T. howardi is able to produce up to 66 offspring using a single pupa of the host D. Saccharalis and apparently does not distinguish between the host pupae of different ages. The life cycle of the parasitoid was around 25.5 days. The presence of the parasitoid in Brazil opens a new perspective on suppression of the sugarcane borer, considering the promising results already obtained in Asian countries. The insect is well adapted to laboratory conditions, can be produced in large scale and may became an additional option for the integrated pest management in those crops where D. saccharalis is a key pest such as the sugarcane, corn and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench).

Levantamento de mosca-da-espiga (Diptera: Ulidiidae) em milho (Zea mays L.) e primeiro relato de ocorrência de Euxesta mazorca Steyskal no Brasil. Espécies de Euxesta (Diptera, Ulidiidae), conhecidas como moscas do cabelo ou moscas da espiga estão aumentando em importância nas culturas de milho em diferentes países, embora muito pouco se conheça sobre elas no Brasil. As larvas das espécies representativas de Ulidiidae inicialmente danificam a parte reprodutiva feminina da planta e depois os grãos em desenvolvimento. Como resultado da alimentação das larvas ocorre fermentação e odor forte tornando a espiga inapropriada para o consumo humano ou animal. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a incidência de espécies de Euxesta em áreas de produção de milho e identificar as espécies predominantes usando dois atraentes alimentares diferentes à base de proteínas hidrolisáveis, BioAnastrepha® (proteína hidrolisável de milho) e Torula, colocados no interior de armadilha McPhail. As duas espécies identificadas foram E. eluta Loew and E. mazorca Steyskal, registrada pela primeira vez no Brasil. Entre as espécies, E. eluta foi predominante no milho. Ambos os atraentes foram eficientes na captura das duas espécies. No entanto, as armadilhas com BioAnastrepha® capturaram significativamente mais insetos do que aquelas com Torula.

Survey of ear flies (Diptera, Ulidiidae) in maize (Zea mays L.) and a new record of Euxesta mazorca Steyskalin Brazil. Species of Euxesta (Diptera, Ulidiidae), known as silk flies or ear flies, are becoming increasingly important as maize insect pests in South America, although very little is known about them in Brazil. The larvae of some species of this genus initially damage female reproductive tissues, and then the developing kernels on the ear. As a result of feeding, fermentation and associated odors cause complete loss of the grain because it is no longer fit for human or livestock consumption. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the incidence of Euxesta spp. in Brazilian maize fields and to determine the most prevalent species using two different hydrolyzed protein foods attractants, BioAnastrepha® (hydrolyzed maize protein) and Torula, placed inside McPhail traps. The two species identified were E. eluta Loew and E. mazorca Steyskal, the latter being a new record from Brazil. Between the two species, E. eluta was the more abundant in maize fields. Both attractants were efficient in capturing the two species. However, BioAnastrepha® captured significantly more insects than Torula.

Fauna de Campopleginae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) em hortas orgânicas em Araraquara e São Carlos, SP, Brasil. De março de 2006 a fevereiro 2007 foram realizadas doze amostragens utilizando armadilhas Malaise em cada uma das três áreas de cultivos orgânicos estudadas. Um total de 1773 espécimes foram identificados em dez gêneros de Campopleginae: Campoctonus Viereck, 1912, Campoletis Föster, 1869, Casinaria Holmgren, 1859, Charops Holmgren, 1859, Cryptophion Viereck, 1913, Diadegma Föster, 1869, Dusona Cameron, 1900, Hyposoter Förster, 1869, Microcharops Roman, 1910 e Venturia Schrottky, 1902. A riqueza e diversidade de gêneros foram semelhantes nos locais amostrados. Verificou-se baixa uniformidade, sendo Campoletis, Venturia e Casinaria os gêneros mais comuns e abundantes.

Campopleginae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) fauna in organic crops in Araraquara and São Carlos, São Paulo State, Brazil. From March 2006 to February 2007 twelve samples were performed using Malaise traps in each of the three studied organic crop areas. A total of 1773 specimens were identified in ten Campopleginae genera: Campoctonus Viereck, 1912, Campoletis Föster, 1869, Casinaria Holmgren, 1859, Charops Holmgren, 1859, Cryptophion Viereck, 1913, Diadegma Föster, 1869, Dusona Cameron, 1900, Hyposoter Förster, 1869, Microcharops Roman, 1910 e Venturia Schrottky, 1902. The richness and diversity of genera indices found were very similar. A low evenness was observed with Campoletis, Venturia and Casinaria being the most common and abundant genera.

O trabalho foi realizado em área de cerrado, em São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram realizadas amostragens quinzenais de junho/1999 a junho/2000, por meio de guarda-chuva-entomológico. Foram registradas 22 espécies de Geometridae pertencentes a 14 gêneros; quanto aos parasitóides, 11 gêneros de Hymenoptera e dois de Diptera, Tachinidae. A ocorrência de Cyclomia mopsaria (Geometridae) foi de 83%. Outros Geometridae registrados foram: Glena unipennaria, G. bipennaria, G. demissaria, G. brachia, Physocleora junctilinea, P. cariaria, Physocleora sp., Iridopsis fulvitincta, I. nigraria, Hymenomima amberia, Macaria regulata, Ischnopteris inornata., Prochoerodes onustaria, Prochoerodes sp., Thyrinteina arnobia, Nematocampa sp., Melanolophia sp., Isochromodes sp., Semaeopus lunifera, S. vizaria. Os Hymenoptera foram: Microcharops peronata, Charops sp., Metopius sp., Hyposoter sp., Mesochorus sp.(Ichneumonidae); Aleiodes sp., Meteorus sp., Glyptapanteles sp., Protapanteles sp. (Braconidae); Euplectrus sp. (Eulophidae). Os Diptera, Tachinidae foram: Winthemia sp.(Winthemiini) e uma espécie de Blondeliini. O período de maior ocorrência de larvas de Geometridae e baixa taxa de parasitismo foi ao final da estação chuvosa e início da estação seca.

This work was carried out in a cerrado area, in São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. The samples were collected at each two weeks, from June/1999 to June/2000, with entomological umbrella. 22 species of Geometridae arranged in 14 genera were found; concerning parasitoids, 11 genera of Hymenoptera and two genera of Diptera, Tachinidae. The occurrence of Cyclomia mopsaria (Geometridae) was 83%. Other Geometridae recorded were: Glena unipennaria, G. bipennaria, G. demissaria, G. brachia, Physocleora junctilinea, P. cariaria, Physocleora sp., Iridopsis fulvitincta, I. nigraria, Hymenomima amberia, Macaria regulata, Ischnopteris inornata, Prochoerodes onustaria, Prochoerodes sp., Thyrinteina arnobia, Nematocampa sp., Melanolophia sp., Isochromodes sp., Semaeopus lunifera, S. vizaria. The Hymenoptera were: Microcharops peronata, Charops sp., Metopius sp., Hyposoter sp., Mesochorus sp. (Ichneumonidae); Aleiodes sp., Meteorus sp., Glyptapanteles sp., Protapanteles sp. (Braconidae); Euplectrus sp. (Eulophidae). The Diptera, Tachinidae were: Winthemia sp. (Winthemiini) and a Blondeliini species. The period of higher occurrence of Geometridae larvae and lowest rate of parasitism was during the end of rainy season and the beginning of the dry season.

O trabalho apresenta a descrição de uma nova espécie brasileira de Cervellus. O macho é descrito pela primeira vez; o casulo é ilustrado. Os espécimes parasitam larvas de Pseudopiazurus obesus (Boheman, 1838) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) sobre Carica papaya Linnaeus, 1753 (Caricaceae) nos estados brasileiros do Rio Grande do Norte e Bahia.

A new Cervellus species is described from Brazil. The male to this genus is described for the first time as well its cocoon is illustrated. The specimens parasitize the papaya borer weevil Pseudopiazurus obesus (Boheman, 1838) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) associated with Carica papaya Linnaeus, 1753 (Caricaceae) at Rio Grande do Norte and Bahia Brazilian States.

Neste estudo utilizamos três armadilhas Malaise coletando, respectivamente, em área degradada, mata mesófila e mata ciliar da Unidade de Conservação Teixeira Soares, Marcelino Ramos, RS, de novembro de 1999 a dezembro de 2000. Foram coletados 2.442 espécimes de Braconidae distribuidos em 23 subfamílias, a maioria proveniente da mata ciliar. Muitos dos gêneros constituem nova ocorrência para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Microgastrinae, Rogadinae, Opiinae e Helconinae foram os grupos mais abundantes, representando 78,3% do total. Foram identificados 885 espécimes de Microgastrinae, distribuídos em 28 gêneros. Glyptapanteles foi o mais comum em todos os pontos amostrados, seguido por Apanteles e Diolcogaster. Índices de ocorrência e dominância, diversidade e equitabilidade são também apresentados.

Three Malaise traps were used, respectively, in a degrading area, native wood area and gallery forest at the Unidade de Conservação Teixeira Soares, Marcelino Ramos, RS, from November, 1999 to December, 2000. A total of 2,442 braconid specimens were collected distributed in 23 subfamilies, most of them coming from gallery forest. Many genera constitute new occurrences to Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Microgastrinae, Rogadinae, Opiinae and Helconinae were the most abundant groups, representing 78.3% of the total. The 885 Microgastrinae specimens were identified and distributed into 28 genera. Glyptapanteles was the most common in all sampled points, followed by Apanteles and Diolcogaster. Indexes of occurrence and dominance, diversity and equitability are also presented.

The material studied comes from three of the several natural environments which still occur in Paraná State. The samples were collected during the project PROFAUPAR, developed by Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná. The selected sites were: Antonina (in the coastal plain), São José dos Pinhais (in the coastal mountain range) and Telêmaco Borba (in the second plateau). During one year of the project, 2,106 specimens of Braconidae were collected with light trap. These wasps represented 21 subfamilies and 1,966 specimens were identified in 85 genera. Hormiinae, Rogadinae, Microgastrinae, Alysiinae, Doryctinae and Meteorinae were the most frequent subfamilies. Indices of diversity and evenness were used to discuss richness and dominance of genera in each locality. Statistical analyses indicated that the asymptote of actual genera richness have been approached only to Antonina and Telêmaco Borba.

Alphomelon brasiliensis sp. nov. (from São Paulo) and A. rugosus sp. nov. (from Rio Grande do Sul) are described and a key to species is presented.

Phenology of the Braconidae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonoidea) at Área de Proteção Ambiental of Descalvado, São Paulo State. The flight phenology of the Braconidae fauna was conducted using Malaise traps in five sites of the Environmental Protected Area of Descalvado. A total of 2,792 specimens, representing 22 subfamilies, was sampled throughout a period of sixteen months from May, 1999 to August, 2000. The traps catches for koinobionts peak was in August, 1999 a month before of the idiobionts peak and in June, 2000 both peaks were simultaneous. The phenological peaks of dominant koinobiont taxa (Microgastrinae) were similar to all koinobionts, and the peaks of dominant idiobiont taxa (Doryctinae) were similar to all idiobionts, as well. December, 1999 and February, 2000 were the richer months in number of subfamilies (N= 19 and 18, respectivaly), corresponding to the same period when the subfamilies which potentially attack Lepidoptera where collected. The number of females was superior to the number of males and this relation was more accentuated in koinobionts. The peaks of both females and males were similar to dominate koinobiont and idiobionte taxa.

Analysis of the Braconidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) fauna richness in natural remnants of the Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) of Descalvado, SP. A survey of the Braconidae fauna on fragmentary natural environments at northeast São Paulo State was conducted using Malaise traps installed in five sites of Área de Proteção Ambiental of Descalvado. A total of 2,262 specimens, representing 22 subfamilies and 94 genera, was sampled throughout a period of sixteen months (from May, 1999 to August, 2000). Biological data were obtained from current literature and behavior patterns of host utilization for the studied fauna, mainly Braconidae which have been successful in control of agricultural insect pests. Statistical analyses indicated that the asymptote of the genera richness has been approached using this sampling method. This is the most complete survey yet available from natural fragmentary areas of the Descalvado Braconidae fauna. Patterns of distribution and richness of the Braconidae genera were established. Cluster Analysis was adopted taking as attribute the number of Braconidae genera.