Abstract Introduction: Bioindicator monitoring is a crucial conservation strategy within natural protected areas. Various taxonomic groups have been investigated as bioindicators due to their distinctive attributes, including ease of sampling, differential responses to disturbances, associations with species richness, and accessible taxonomy. Objective: To compare the potential of four taxa (Chilopoda, Scarabaeidae, Carabidae, and Pompilidae) as environmental bioindicators, considering their ease of collection, presence of changes in community composition due to disturbances, including species with preferences for disturbed or conserved areas; and to correlate their diversity with the diversity of other taxa. Methods: The study was conducted at the Manu Learning Centre Biological Station in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, which comprises three areas along a disturbance gradient. Specimens were collected using pitfall traps, yellow pan traps, Malaise traps, and monoliths from May to June in 2021. Ease of collection was measured in terms of richness and abundance; changes in the community composition were assessed using similarity analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and beta diversity partitioning; presence of species with preferences was analyzed using correspondence analysis and G. Williams’ goodness-of-fir test; and diversity correlation using the Spearman index. Results: Among the taxa investigated, Scarabaeidae and Pompilidae were the easiest to collect. Changes in composition were observed in all taxa but were significant only in Chilopoda and Scarabaeidae. All taxa exhibited species with preferences for disturbed and undisturbed environments. There was a high correlation in diversities among Carabidae, Scarabaeidae, and Chilopoda. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the diverse responses exhibited by taxa along a disturbance gradient. Notably, Scarabaeidae and Chilopoda emerged as particularly robust bioindicators within the studied ecosystem.

Resumen Introducción: El monitoreo de bioindicadores es una herramienta importante para la conservación de áreas naturales protegidas. Diferentes grupos taxonómicos fueron estudiados como bioindicadores por presentar: facilidad de muestreo, respuestas variadas a la perturbación, riqueza asociada a otras especies, y taxonomía accesible. Objetivo: Comparar el potencial de cuatro taxones (Chilopoda, Scarabaeidae, Carabidae y Pompilidae) como bioindicadores ambientales, tomando en cuenta su facilidad de recolección, presencia de cambios en la composición de sus comunidades por perturbaciones, presencia de especies con preferencia por áreas perturbadas o conservadas; y diversidad correlacionada con la diversidad de los otros taxones. Métodos: El trabajo se realizó en la estación Biológica Manu Learning Centre en la Reserva de Biosfera del Manu, que comprende tres áreas en un gradiente de perturbación. Los ejemplares fueron recolectados con trampas pitfall, bandejas amarillas, trampas Malaise y monolitos, de mayo a diciembre del 2021. La facilidad de recolección se midió en términos de riqueza y abundancia; los cambios en la composición de sus comunidades mediante el análisis de similitud, escalamiento no métrico multidimensional, y partición de la diversidad beta; presencia de especies con preferencia con el análisis de correspondencia y el ajuste de bondad G de Williams; y finalmente la correlación de las diversidades con el índice de Spearman. Resultados: De los taxones estudiados, las de más fácil recolección fueron Scarabaeidae y Pompilidae. Existen cambios en la composición en todos los taxones, pero son importantes solo en Chilopoda y Scarabaeidae. En todos los taxones hay especies con preferencia por ambientes perturbados y no perturbados. Existe una alta correlación de las diversidades de Carabidae, Scarabaeidae y Chilopoda. Conclusiones: Todos los grupos responden de diferente forma a los gradientes de perturbación, Scarabaeidae y Chilopoda fueron los que tuvieron mejores características para ser considerados buenos bioindicadores.

Abstract Introduction: The mangrove is one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, due to the ecological role it plays on coastlines, it provides development, protection, and feeding areas for various species. Objective: To determine the diversity and annual fluctuation of the cerambycid community, as well as the vertical distribution of species richness associated with the edge and interior of a mangrove in Tabasco, Mexico. Methods: The sampling was carried out from August 2016 to July 2017. The capture of insects was performed with interception traps baited with ethanol 70 % at 1.5, 6, and 12 m height, on the edge and interior of the mangrove. Results: A total of 382 specimens were collected, belonging to three subfamilies, 25 genera, and 36 species; Laminae was the subfamily most diverse with 24 species, followed by Cerambycinae with 11 species. At the edge of the mangrove 31 species were captured, and 21 in the interior. The 1D index determined that the edge was 2.51 more diverse than the interior, with a similarity of 61 %, sharing 16 species. The fluctuation of the communities on the edge and interior presented remarkable differences during the sampling year. On the edge, the greatest species richness was recorded at 6 m height and in the interior at 1.5 m and 6 m. Conclusions: Studies related to the vertical distribution of this group of insects, together with the increase in collection time and using complementary techniques, could give better results to inventory a larger number of species in the ecosystems.

Resumen Introducción: El manglar es uno de los ecosistemas más importantes del planeta, debido al papel ecológico que desempeña en las costas, ya que es el hábitat, o bien el área de refugio y alimentación para diversas especies. Objetivo: Determinar la diversidad y fluctuación anual de la comunidad de cerambícidos, así como la distribución vertical de la riqueza de especies asociadas al borde e interior de un manglar en Tabasco, México. Métodos: El muestreo se realizó de agosto 2016 a julio 2017. La captura de insectos se realizó con trampas de intercepción cebadas con alcohol etílico al 70 % a 1.5, 6 y 12 m de altura, en el borde e interior del manglar. Resultados: Se recolectaron un total de 382 especímenes de tres subfamilias, pertenecientes a 36 especies de 25 géneros; Laminae fue la subfamilia más diversa con 24 especies, seguida de Cerambycinae con 11. En el borde del manglar se capturaron 31 especies y en el interior 21. El índice 1D, determinó que el borde fue 2.51 más diverso que el interior, con una similitud del 61 %, al compartir 16 especies. La fluctuación de las comunidades en el borde e interior presentó notables diferencias durante el año de muestreo. En el borde, la mayor riqueza de especie se registró a los 6 m de altura y en el interior a 1.5 m y 6 m. Conclusión: Los estudios relacionados con la distribución vertical de este grupo de insectos, aunado al incremento del tiempo de recolecta y utilizando técnicas complementarias, podrían dar mejores resultados para inventariar el mayor número de especies en los ecosistemas.

Abstract Introduction: The use of arthropods in ecological studies in the tropical dry forest (TDF) of Colombia focused mainly on spiders, butterflies, ants, and dung beetles; therefore, it is necessary to understand the seasonal dynamics of the other groups such as Geadephaga in this ecosystem. Objective: To evaluate the spatio-temporal variations and the effect of environmental conditions on the diversity of the Geadephaga communities in two TDF fragments in the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: This study was conducted during four sampling events between February and June 2018, each lasting four days, and four nights. Four sampling stations were selected in each locality (Reserva Campesina La Montaña = RCM and Reserva La Flecha = RLF), separated 350 m one from another, with square plots of 50 × 50 m. A light trap was installed in the center of each square, while pitfall traps were installed in the four vertices, and manual capture, beating sheets and leaf litter sieve were carried out. Results: A total of 348 Carabidae and 114 of Cicindelidae were captured. In both fragments, the richness and abundance presented the lowest values in dry season, while the highest values were observed during the rainy season. Tetracha affinis (Dejean, 1825) was the most abundant species in RCM during rainy season. Conclusions: The richness variation and abundance of Geadephaga corresponds to a seasonal pattern at both locations. A high dissimilarity between the communities of Geadephaga from the two fragments was found, despite having similar environmental conditions.

Resumen Introducción: El uso de artrópodos en estudios ecológicos en el bosque seco tropical (Bs-T) de Colombia se centra mayormente en arañas, mariposas, hormigas y escarabajos coprófagos; por lo tanto, es necesario comprender como es la dinámica estacional de otros grupos como Geadephaga en este ecosistema. Objetivo: Evaluar la variación espacio-temporal y el efecto de las condiciones ambientales sobre la diversidad de las comunidades de Geadephaga en dos fragmentos de Bs-T en el Caribe colombiano. Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo en cuatro eventos de muestreo entre febrero y junio de 2018; cada uno con una duración de cuatro días y cuatro noches. En cada localidad (Reserva Campesina La Montaña = RCM y Reserva La Flecha = RLF), se marcaron cuatro estaciones distanciadas 350 m, con parcelas de 50×50 m. En el centro de cada parcela se instaló una trampa de luz, mientras que en los cuatro vértices se instalaron trampas de caída, y se realizó captura manual, cernido de hojarasca y perturbación de follaje. Resultados: Se capturó un total de 348 ejemplares de Carabidae y 114 de Cicindelidae. La riqueza y la abundancia presentaron los valores más bajos durante el período seco, mientras que los mayores valores se observaron durante el período de lluvias, en ambos fragmentos. Tetracha affinis (Dejean, 1825) fue la especie más abundante en la RCM durante el período lluvioso. Conclusiones: La variación de la riqueza y abundancia de Geadephaga responde a un patrón estacional en ambos fragmentos. Se encontró una amplia disimilitud entre las comunidades de Geadephaga de ambos fragmentos, pese a tener condiciones ambientales parecidas.

Resumen Los escarabajos de ambrosía de la subfamilia Platypodinae están asociados simbióti camente con hongos que les proporcionan alimento y benefician su establecimiento y crecimiento. En el presente trabajo, los principales géneros de interés de Platypodinae son Euplatypus, Megaplatypus y Platypus, y los simbiontes más relevantes son especies de Fusarium, Graphium y Raffaelea. El objetivo del trabajo es ofrecer una síntesis actualizada de la información sobre esas especies de interés, para la comunidad científica, las ONG e insti tuciones financiadoras. Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva de todos los estudios científicos desde 1900 hasta 2024 con datos sobre coocurrencia o relaciones entre los Platypodinae antes mencionados y hongos, recogiéndose los registros de especies de insectos y hongos, planta hospedante y localización geográfica. Se realizó un análisis bibliométrico para carac terizar el estado global, las tendencias generales y las áreas de investigación con mayor inci dencia sobre hongos asociados a estos escarabajos de ambrosía. El ochenta por ciento de las publicaciones recuperadas exploran la asociación de Platypus spp. con diferentes hongos. Raffaelea fue el género fúngico con mayor número de registros, con distribución mundial. Cinco países, de cuatro continentes, lideran actualmente la investigación de estas asocia ciones. Sin embargo, un mayor conocimiento de estas interacciones ayudaría en la toma de decisiones sobre la gestión de estas plagas.

Abstract Ambrosia beetles of the subfamily Platypodinae are symbiotically associated with fungi, which provide them with food and benefit their establishment and growth. In the present study, our interest centers on the principal genera of Platypodinae: Euplatypus, Megaplatypus and Platypus, the most relevant symbionts being species of Fusarium, Graphium and Raffaelea. The objective of this work is to update the description of fungal associations on those species of interest to the scientific community, ONGs and funding institutions. An exhaustive search was performed to cover all scientific studies from 1900 to 2024 on the co-occurrence or relationship between members of the above-mentioned Platypodinae and fungi. Records of insect and fungal species, host plants and geographic locations were collected. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to characterize the overall status, general trends and current research hotspots of fungi associated with these ambrosia beetles. Eighty percent of the publications retrieved explored the association of Platypus spp. with different fungi. Raffaelea was the fungal genus showing the highest number of records and worldwide distribution. Five countries from four continents currently lead research on these associations. However, greater insights into these interactions would improve decision-making on managing these pests.

Abstract Animal carcasses in natural environments are a food source for various organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, and insects. Insects also utilize this ephemeral resource for oviposition and development of their offspring, with the immatures being responsible for the greatest consumption of the resource. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the fauna of necrophagous insects associated with a cow carcass Bos taurus Linnaeus found in the municipality of São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, Maranhão, Brazil. Insects were sampled using forceps and entomological nets for eight days, with the immatures being taken to the Laboratory of Entomology and Vectors (LEV) and subsequently reared at room temperature. A total of 1,149 specimens were sampled, comprising 141 adults and 1,017 immatures. Among the adults, the species Chrysomya albiceps (Widemann), Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius), and Dermestes maculatus (De Geer) were prominent. Regarding immatures, all insects that emerged were of the species C. albiceps. Additionally, we report the first record of Chrysomya putoria (Widemann), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), and Hemertia illucens (Linnaeus) visiting bovine carcasses in the Neotropical region. The results reveal a late colonization of C. albiceps in advanced stages, confirming the importance of research with carcasses in the context of forensic entomology.

Resumen Las carcasas animales en entornos naturales son una fuente de alimento para diversos organismos, como hongos, bacterias e insectos. Los insectos también utilizan este recurso efímero para la oviposición y el desarrollo de sus crías, siendo los inmaduros responsables del mayor consumo del recurso. Por lo tanto, el objetivo fue conocer la fauna de insectos necrófagos asociados a una carcasa de vaca Bos taurus Linnaeus encontrada en el municipio de São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, Maranhão, Brasil. Los insectos se muestrearon con la ayuda de pinzas y redes entomológicas durante ocho días, y los inmaduros se llevaron al Laboratorio de Entomología y Vectores (LEV) y posteriormente se criaron a temperatura ambiente. Se obtuvo un total de 1.149 especímenes, siendo 141 adultos y 1.017 inmaduros. Entre los adultos, destacaron las especies Chrysomya albiceps (Widemann), Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius) y Dermestes maculatus (De Geer). En cuanto a los inmaduros, todos los insectos que emergieron fueron de la especie C. albiceps. Además, se reporta el primer registro de Chrysomya putoria (Widemann), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) y Hemertia illucens (Linnaeus) visitando una carcasa bovina en la región neotropical. Nuestros resultados revelan una colonización tardía de C. albiceps en etapas avanzadas, confirmando la importancia de la investigación con carcasas en el contexto de la entomología forense.

Resumen Se describe por primera vez el macho de Adesmus murutinga Martins & Galileo, 2004, una clave actualizada de las especies colombianas del género es presentada, además se reportan para Colombia tres especies de escarabajos longicornios. Finalmente se detallan localidades específicas en Colombia de Miriclytusquadrifasciatus (Chevrolat, 1862) y Oedudes spectabilis (Drury, 1782).

Abstract The male of Adesmus murutinga Martins & Galileo, 2004 is described for the first time, an updated key to Colombian species of the genus is presented, and three species of longhorned beetles are reported for the first time for Colombia. The specific localities in Colombia of Miriclytus quadrifasciatus (Chevrolat, 1862) and Oedudes spectabilis (Drury, 1782) are reported.

Resumo Insetos galhadores são abundantes na natureza, encontrados em muitos ecossistemas globalmente, com espécies atacando plantas de importância econômica. Os efeitos de herbívoros de alimentação livre na abundância de insetos galhadores em árvores de Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) no Cerrado brasileiro (Savana) foram estudados. A porcentagem de desfolha e o número de ácaros fitófagos ou de Hemiptera fitófagos correlacionaram-se, negativamente, com a percentagem de folhas galhadas e de adultos do parasitoide Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), respectivamente. Porcentagem de folhas galhadas e o número de Eurytoma sp. adultos e ácaros fitófagos correlacionaram-se, positivamente, com o de aranhas. Os números de ácaros e fitófagos Hemiptera correlacionaram-se, positivamente, com os de joaninhas e Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), respectivamente. O número de adultos de Ablerus magistretti Blanchard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) correlacionou-se, negativamente, com Sycophila sp. O número de Agistemus sp. (Acari: Stigmaeidae) correlacionou-se, negativa e positivamente, com os de joaninhas e ácaros fitófagos, respectivamente. Herbívoros de alimentação livre afetaram a presença de insetos galhadores (Hymenoptera) em árvores de C. brasiliense, competindo por alimento e espaço. O mesmo foi observado entre dois parasitoides de Eurytoma sp., o que pode reduzir o controle biológico natural dessa praga.

Abstract Galling insects are abundant in nature, found in many ecosystems globally, with species attacking plants of economic importance. We studied the effects of free-feeding organisms on the abundance of galling insects on Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) trees in the Brazilian Cerrado (Savanna). Percentage of defoliation and the number of phytophagous mites or number of phytophagous Hemiptera correlated negatively with percentage of galled leaves and the parasitoid Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) adults, respectively. Percentage of galled leaves and the numbers of Eurytoma sp. adults and phytophagous mites correlated positively with spiders. Numbers of mites and Hemiptera phytophagous correlated positively with those of lady beetles and Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), respectively. The number of Ablerus magistretti Blanchard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) adults correlated negatively with Sycophila sp. The number of Agistemus sp. (Acari: Stigmaeidae) correlated, negatively and positively, with those of lady beetles and phytophagous mites, respectively. Free-feeding herbivores affected the presence of galling insects (Hymenoptera) on C. brasiliense trees, competing for food and space. The same was observed between two parasitoids of Eurytoma sp. galling insect, which can reduce the natural biological control of this pest.

Resumo Os besouros terrestres (besouros carabídeos) podem ser encontrados em praticamente todos os hábitats do mundo. Eles são uma das três famílias mais diversas de besouros existentes, com 34.275 espécies documentadas, e servem como marcadores ecológicos vitais em todos os ambientes. Os besouros vivos edáficos capturam e comem uma grande variedade de artrópodes que vivem no solo. No caso de ervas daninhas, os besouros terrestres, em sua maioria, comem sementes delas e ajudam a regular suas populações. Os resultados do estudo de campo em agrocenoses no sudeste do Cazaquistão de 2019 a 2020 são apresentados neste artigo. Foram descobertas 27 espécies de besouros terrestres de 9 gêneros como consequência do estudo. As 670 armadilhas de solo renderam um total de 1.012 besouros. Besouros mesófilos politópicos fornecem a base para a fauna de agrocenoses. Higrófilos, mesófilos e euribiontes estão entre os besouros encontrados em áreas irrigadas, assim como espécies mistas e herbívoras. Em campos e estepes, a família Carabidae de besouros é a mais numerosa. Como resultado, dependendo do hábitat e da temperatura do ar, podem ser encontrados besouros de dieta mista. As espécies de besouros em todos os campos da área de investigação estão de acordo com o complexo dos insetos. Durante a estação de crescimento, a dieta dos besouros muda: os besouros predadores têm precedência, seguidos dos besouros de dieta mista.

Abstract Ground beetles (Carabid beetles) may be found in virtually all of the world's habitats. They are one of the three most diverse families of extant beetles, with 34,275 species documented, and they serve as vital ecological markers in all environments. Edaphic living beetles catch and eat a wide variety of arthropods that live in the soil. In the case of weeds, most of the ground beetles eat their seeds and help regulate their populations. The findings of a field study in agrocenoses in South-East Kazakhstan from 2019 to 2020 are presented in this article. Twenty-seven ground beetle species from 9 genera were discovered as a consequence of the study. 670 soil traps yielded a total of 1012 beetles. Polytopic mesophilic beetles provide the foundation of the agrocenoses fauna. Hygrophils, mesophiles, and eurybionts are among the beetles found in irrigated areas, as are mixed and herbivorous species. The Carabidae family of beetles is the most numerous in fields and steppe settings. As a result, mixed-diet beetles can be found depending on the habitat and air temperature. The species of beetles in all fields in the investigation area are in accordance with the insects’ complex. During the growth season, the diet of beetles shifts: predatory beetles take precedence initially, followed by mixed-diet beetles.

Resumo Espécies de besouros Scolytinae, em altas populações, podem danificar a madeira e reduzir a produtividade de cultivos florestais. Esses besouros são monitorados com armadilhas iscadas com etanol e o aumento da eficiência das mesmas pode melhorar o manejo integrado desses insetos. O objetivo foi avaliar o aumento da eficiência de captura de Scolytinae com armadilha modelo semifunil, em dois experimentos, um incluindo elementos de madeira e outro aumentando a área de interceptação de voo e correlacionar o número desses besouros coletados com fatores climáticos. No experimento 1, ripas de Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake foram fixadas, diretamente, no frasco coletor e em outro tratamento, além dessas ripas, fitas de Cedrela sp. foram inseridas no interior da mangueira porta isca. No experimento 2, a área de interceptação de insetos na armadilha, originalmente, com 480 cm2, foi ampliada para 1200 cm2 e comparada com a armadilha modelo Pet–Santa Maria com área de interceptação de 550 cm2. Coletas semanais foram realizadas entre maio de 2018 a junho de 2019. Os insetos capturados foram levados ao Laboratório de Biodeterioração da Madeira da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) onde foram triados, identificados em nível de família, contados e a abundância correlacionada com fatores climáticos. As análises estatísticas dos dados coletados foram processadas pelo programa BioStat® 5.3. No experimento 1 foram coletados 869 Scolytinae. Os números de besouros coletados por armadilha sem modificação, com ripas de E. urophylla e com ripas de E. urophylla + fita de Cedrela sp. foram semelhantes, 7,3 ± 3,8; 7,8 ± 6,2 e 7,7 ± 5,0 respectivamente. No experimento 2 foram coletados 4398 Scolytinae. O aumento da área de interceptação dos besouros aumentou a eficiência da armadilha semifunil, com 42,7 ± 20,5 Scolytinae coletados por armadilha comparado a semifunil original, 28,6 ± 12,6 e a Pet–Santa Maria, 20,4 ± 10,4. O número de Scolytinae não se correlacionou com os fatores climáticos no experimento 1 e se correlacionou com a temperatura, umidade relativa e velocidade do vento, mas não com a precipitação, no 2. A incorporação de ripas de E. urophylla ou fitas de Cedrela sp. na armadilha semifunil não aumentou o número de besouros coletados, mas, o aumento da área de intercepção de voo e a temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade do vento se correlacionaram com o número de besouros coletados.

Abstract Scolytinae species that, in high populations, can damage reducing wood production in forest crops. These beetles are monitored with traps baited with ethanol and increasing their efficiency can improve the integrated management of these insects. The objective was to evaluate the increase in the capture efficiency of Scolytinae with a semi-funnel trap model, in two experiments, one including wooden elements and other increasing the flight interception area and to correlate the numbers of these beetles collected with climatic factors. In the experiment 1, Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake slats were directly attached to the collector flask and in another treatment, in addition to these slats, Cedrela sp. strips were inserted inside the bait holding hose. In the experiment 2, the insect interception area in the trap, originally 480 cm2, was expanded to 1,200 cm2 and compared with the model Pet–Santa Maria trap with an interception area of 550 cm2. Weekly collections were carried out between May 2018 and June 2019. The beetles collected were taken to the Wood Biodeterioration Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) where they were sorted, identified at family level, counted and their number correlated with climatic factors. Statistical analyzes of the collected data were processed by the BioStat® 5.3 program. In the experiment 1 were collected 869 Scolytinae. The numbers of beetles collected per trap without modification, with E. urophylla slats and E. urophylla slats + Cedrela sp. strips were similar, 7.3 ± 3.8, 7.8 ± 6.2 and 7.7 ± 5.0 respectively. In the experiment 2 were collected 4,398 Scolytinae. Increasing the interception area of the beetles increased the efficiency of the semi-funnel trap, with 42.7 ± 20.5 Scolytinae collected compared to the original semi-funnel trap, 28.6 ± 12.6 and the Pet–Santa Maria, 20.4 ± 10.4, per trap. The number of Scolytinae did not correlate with climatic factors in the experiment 1 and it was correlated with temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, but not with precipitation, in the 2. The incorporation of E. urophylla slats or Cedrela sp. strips in the semi-funnel trap did not increase the number of beetles collected, but, the increase in the flight interception area and the temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were correlated with the number of beetles collected.

Sub-cortical beetles and mites contribute to tree mortality by creating wounds and by spreading potential pathogens. Here we elucidate associations between sub-cortical beetles, mites, and ophiostomatoid fungi from trees in Afromontane forests in South Africa. Bark and wood samples were collected from native tree species and exotic Pinus radiata and Acacia mearnsii that showed signs of sub-cortical beetle activity, or from wounds on storm-damaged trees. Ophiostomatoid fungi, a group that contains numerous tree pathogens, were isolated from beetles that emerged from samples, their galleries, phoretic mites on these beetles, and from wounds and wound-associated mites. Fungal isolates were identified using multiple DNA markers. Twenty sub-cortical beetle, 22 mite and 16 ophiostomatoid fungal species were recovered from only a few native and exotic host tree species. Three fungal species are likely undescribed despite increased focus on this ecologically and economically important group worldwide. Significantly, some mites and fungi were isolated from native and non-native hosts. Wound-associated fungi and mites were less host-specific than sub-cortical beetle-associated taxa. We highlight the rich and still unexplored symbioses between sub-cortical beetles, mites, and ophiostomatoid fungi in Afromontane forests and provide a foundation for future studies on the ecology of these important organisms.

Widdringtonia is a genus of native southern African Cupressaceae trees comprising two species that occur in the mountains of the Western Cape province, South Africa. Widdringtonia cedarbergensis has a localised distribution and is critically endangered, while W. nodiflora is widespread and common. Little is known regarding the biotic associations of these trees. The aim of this study was, consequently, to identify bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and their associated fungi on Widdringtonia species in the Western Cape. Bark beetles were collected from infested W. cedarbergensis at three different locations in the Cederberg and from W. nodiflora at one site on the Franschhoek Pass. Beetle identification was based on morphology and sequence data of the COI gene region. Fungi were isolated from beetles, their frass and the walls of their tunnels and grouped according to morphology. Morphogroups were identified by sequencing the ITS region of representative isolates. Four phylogenetically closely related bark beetle species residing in the genus Lanurgus (Micracidini) were identified, three from W. cedarbergensis stem sections, twigs and cones, respectively, and one from W. nodiflora stems. Of these, only the W. cedarbergensis twig beetle is of a previously described species and is currently known as Diplotrichus widdringtoniae. Piskurozyma sp. (Tremellomycetes) and Yamadazyma sp. (Saccharomycetes) yeasts were most closely associated with D. widdringtoniae (Lanurgus sp. 1) and Lanurgus sp. 2 beetles, whereas Geosmithia spp. (Sordariomycetes) had a strong association with Lanurgus sp. 3 and Lanurgus sp. 4. This is the first comprehensive report of bark beetles and their associated fungi infesting Widdringtonia.

A rare sighting of two male carrion specialist dung beetles, Scarabaeolus carniphilus Deschodt & Davis, 2015, burying a freshly dead Herald snake (Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia (Laurenti, 1768)) is documented from its discovery in the field and subsequent reburial under laboratory conditions. The species studied is a member of the telecoprid (dung roller) Scarabaeini, but behaved here like a paracoprid; it deliberately cut into and removed flesh from the dead snake; these pieces were then taken into a feeding burrow; later a pheromone release stance was taken up near an established burrow; and under laboratory conditions the snake was completely buried. These observations, mostly novel for this species and its genus are clearly documented via photographs and an online time lapse video taken every hour for 24-hours during the snake's-(re)burial. This note introduces relevant aspects of dung beetle natural history and new biological information for Scarabaeolus and particularly for Sc. carniphilus. It records and interprets a carrion specialist Scarabaeini dung beetle burying and feeding on fresh carrion; highlights natural history findings (pheromone release) previously not considered for the evolution of the Scarabaeini; and aims to stimulate behavioural research into this interesting and under studied genus Scarabaeolus.

Antibiotics can contaminate the environment as a result of improper disposal. The induction of doxycycline in the environment could give rise to lineages of the cucurbit beetle Diabrotica speciosa containing resistant endosymbiotic microorganisms, giving rise to bacterial strains capable of biodegrading these antibiotic residues. This work determined the relationship between the intestinal microbiota of D. speciosa and its ability to biodegrade an antibiotic. Bacterial strains of Enterobacter cloacae and Stenotrophomonas maltophila isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of D. speciosa were evaluated for the biodegradation of doxycycline. An analytical method for the extraction and quantification of doxycycline by high-efficiency liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was developed and applied to monitor the biodegradation rates during bacterial growth for nutrient and nutrient-deficient media, both supplemented with the antibiotic. Degradation kinetics showed a decrease in antibiotic concentration after 96 h in saline medium, with recoveries of 63.1 and 87.7% for E. cloacae and S. maltophilia, respectively. Two degradation products were then identified and characterized from the liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data after bioassays with E. cloacae. The gastrointestinal tract of insects such as D. speciosa can be a source of useful microbes for biotechnological processes such as the biodegradation of exogenous organic compounds in the environment. disposal microorganisms residues D highefficiency high efficiency chromatographyultraviolet chromatography ultraviolet HPLCUV HPLC UV (HPLC-UV nutrientdeficient deficient media 9 medium 631 63 1 63. 877 87 7 87.7 E S maltophilia respectively chromatographyhigh 6 8 87.

ABSTRACT Great advances were made in recent years regarding the description of immatures of Cassidinae and their taxonomy as a whole, but many taxa remain undescribed. This study focuses on updating morphological data for Hybosa acutangula Spaeth, 1913 (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Ischyrosonychini), a tortoise beetle native of South America, which was collected in Fridericia florida (DC.) L. G. Lohmann in the Brazilian Cerrado. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the morphology of the larva, pupa, and genitalia of adults, all of which are novel for this genus. The main discerning features for this species among other Ischyrosonychini are the lack of dark patterns in the dorsum of either the larvae, being limited to the dark scoli and the cranium, or the pupae, and a much reduced anal fork. We also present the first record of parasitism by Chalcididae wasps, Brachymeria sp. Westwood, 1832 and Conura sp. Spinola, 1837. Morphological comparisons remain limited demanding further studies with other species of Ischyrosonychini, as to better understand the placement of this species within the taxonomy of tortoise beetles. whole undescribed Spaeth 191 Chrysomelidae (Chrysomelidae , Ischyrosonychini) America DC. DC (DC. L G Cerrado larva pupa adults genus larvae cranium pupae fork wasps sp Westwood 183 Spinola 1837 beetles 19 (DC 18 1

Abstract The state of Morelos in Mexico has been an important site for the collection and study of several groups of insects, including coccinellids; however, this group had not received enough attention, and for this reason there is not an updated list of species that includes the species recorded and those that are sheltered in national and state entomological collections. The objective of this research was to contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of the ladybugs from the state of Morelos for which the specimens of Coccinellidae Latreille, 1807 deposited in three insect collections in the state of Morelos and three national ones, were reviewed. The entomological material was identified using dichotomic keys and information from scientific articles, which is why in some species it was necessary to extract the genitalia of the males. A bibliographic review was carried out to include the species recorded in isolated form. The list includes a total of 100 species, of which 19 are new records for the state. The validity of the record of the species Azya luteipes Mulsant, 1850, Paraneda pallidula guticollis Mulsant, 1850, Hyperaspis bicruciata Mulsant, 1850, H. sexverrucata (Fabricius, 1801), Scymnus (Pullus) apicalis Mulsant, 1850 and S. (Pullus) auritulus Mulsant, 1850 is questioned due to their current distribution.

Resumen El estado de Morelos, México ha sido un sitio importante para la colecta y estudio de diversos grupos de insectos, entre ellos los coccinélidos; sin embargo, este grupo no había recibido suficiente atención y por esta razón no existe un listado actualizado de especies que incluya a las especies registradas y a las que están resguardadas en colecciones de insectos nacionales y estatales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue contribuir al conocimiento taxonómico de las catarinas de Morelos, para lo cual se revisaron los ejemplares de Coccinellidae Latreille, 1807, depositados en tres colecciones de insectos del estado de Morelos y tres nacionales. El material entomológico fue identificado mediante claves dicotómicas e información de artículos científicos, por lo que en algunas especies fue necesaria la extracción de los genitales masculinos. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica para incluir las especies registradas de manera aislada. El listado incluye un total de 100 especies, de las cuales 19 son nuevos registros para el estado. La validez del registro de las especies Azya luteipes Mulsant, 1850, Paraneda pallidula guticollis Mulsant, 1850, Hyperaspis bicruciata Mulsant, 1850, H. sexverrucata (Fabricius, 1801), Scymnus (Pullus) apicalis Mulsant, 1850 y S. (Pullus) auritulus Mulsant, 1850 es cuestionada debido a la distribución actual de las mismas.