Resumo Mosca-das-frutas sul-americana, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae), é uma importante praga da região subtropical do Brasil. Este inseto tem relação tritrófico entre frutos silvestres e parasitoides e está associado a pomares de macieiras (Malus domestica Borkh.) adjacentes à Mata Atlântica no Paraná. Assim, investigamos o grau de infestação da mosca-das-frutas e o parasitismo natural em frutas silvestres e cultivadas ao redor de pomares de maçã. Para tanto, foram coletados frutos de Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret, Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart), Eugenia uniflora L., Eugenia pyriformis Cambessèdes, Psidium cattleianum Sabine, Psidium guajava (L.), Annona neosericea Rainer e Eriobotrya japonica (Thumb) em pomares de maçã adjacentes à Mata Atlântica localizados nos municípios de Campo do Tenente, Lapa e Porto Amazonas. No total, coletamos 18.289 frutos durante quatro anos de cultivo. A ocorrência de A. fraterculus depende do período de suscetibilidade dos frutos da maçã. A. sellowiana e P. cattleianum foram considerados multiplicadores primários de mosca-das-frutas e P. guajava foi secundário, todos ocorrendo após a colheita da maçã (período IS). Os parasitóides a associados a A. fraterculus foram Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes, 1924) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), Opius bellus (Gahan, 1930), Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) e Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Szépligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), todos os quais são primeiros registros na Mata Atlântica no Paraná. Primeiro registro de O. bellus ocorrendo no Estado do Paraná, assim como, primeiro registro da associação tritrófica entre o hospedeiro A. neosericea, parasitoides D. areolatus e O. bellus e mosca-das-frutas A. fraterculus. O hospedeiro P. cattleianum se destacou entre as espécies de Myrtaceae pela alta diversidade de parasitóides associados (81% dos parasitóides). O número total de espécies de Figitidae (76,5%) foi superior ao de espécies de Braconidae. A influência de eventos climáticos no sul do Brasil na produção de frutas silvestres deve ser mais estudada para entender a associação de A. fraterculus com a relação tritrófica.

Abstract The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an important pest in the subtropical region of Brazil. This insect has tritrophic relation between wild fruits and parasitoids and is associated with apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards adjacent to the Atlantic Forest in Paraná. We thus investigated the degree of infestation of the fruit fly and natural parasitism in wild and cultivated fruits surrounding apple orchards. For this purpose, we collected fruits of Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret, Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart), Eugenia uniflora L., Eugenia pyriformis Cambessèdes, Psidium cattleianum Sabine, Psidium guajava (L.), Annona neosericea Rainer and Eriobotrya japonica (Thumb) in apple orchards adjacent to the Atlantic Forest located in Campo do Tenente, Lapa and Porto Amazonas counties. In total, we collected 18,289 fruits during four growing years. The occurrence of A. fraterculus depends on the susceptible period of apple fruits. A. sellowiana and P. cattleianum were considered primary fruit fly multipliers and P. guajava was secondary, all occurring after the apple harvest (IS period). The group of parasitoids with A. fraterculus was Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes, 1924) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), Opius bellus (Gahan, 1930), Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) and Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Szépligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) all of which are first records in the Atlantic Forest in Paraná. First record of O. bellus occurring in the State of Paraná, as well as, first record of the tritrophic association between host plant A. neosericea, parasitoids D. areolatus and O. bellus and fruit fly A. fraterculus. The host P. cattleianum stood out among the Myrtaceae species in regard to the high diversity of parasitoid species (81% of parasitoids). The total number of Figitidae species (76.5%) was higher than that of Braconidae species. The influence of climatic events in southern Brazil on wild fruit production should be further studied to understand the association of A. fraterculus with the tritrophic relationship.

Abstract In this work, we report for the first time the occurrence of the parasitoid wasp Brachymeria amenocles (Walker, 1846) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) associated with the larvae of the flesh fly, Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), in Brazil. This parasitoid species was collected together with the species Brachymeria podagrica (Fabricius, 1787), in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, geographically located in the Southeast region of Brazil, in larvae of the same host species reared in the same attraction substrate, behaving as solitary parasitoids. A trap containing putrefying sardine was exposed for 48 h, in the upper part of a house, located in Vila Isabel, an urban area. The larvae collected were reared in the laboratory without control of environmental conditions. A total of three adult parasitoid wasps of the species B. podagrica, and nine adult parasitoid wasps of the species B. amenocles emerged from 12 host pupae, resulting in a prevalence of parasitoidism of 4.8% and 14.5%, respectively. Developing parasitoids at the pupal phase were observed in another 34 host pupae dissected. work Walker, Walker (Walker 1846 Hymenoptera (Hymenoptera Chalcididae fly (Peckia Wiedemann, Wiedemann (Wiedemann 1830 Diptera (Diptera Sarcophagidae, Sarcophagidae , Sarcophagidae) Brazil Fabricius, Fabricius (Fabricius 1787, 1787 1787) Janeiro substrate 4 h house Isabel area conditions B 1 8 4.8 145 14 5 14.5% respectively 3 dissected 184 183 178 4. 14.5 18 17 14.

ABSTRACT Knowledge about the spatial distribution of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and tritrophic interactions (fruit-fruit fly parasitoid) contributes to the monitoring and maintenance of the numerical density at a level lower than economic damage. The purpose of this study was to identify the spatial distribution and associations of fruit flies with their parasitoids and host plants in the municipality of Bom Jesus-PI. The flies were obtained from fruit collection from July 2018 to May 2019. A total of 1,711 individuals were obtained, represented by six species: Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835), An. fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830), An. alveata Stone, 1942, An. sororcula Zucchi, 1979, An. zenildae Zucchi, 1979 and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824). Anastrepha obliqua was the species with the widest distribution throughout the ecotone area. Ceratitis capitata is distributed only in the urban perimeter. A tritrophic relationship occurred between four species of parasitoids, Asobara anastrephae (Muesebeck, 1958) or Opius sp. associated with An. obliqua in Spondias mombin or S. tuberosa fruits. Opius sp. has also been associated with An. alveata in Ximenia americana. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae was obtained from C. capitata in Malpighia emarginata, in addition to An. obliqua in Averrhoa carambola. Therefore, fruit flies are associated with native fruit trees (S. tuberosa, S. mombin, S. purpurea, P. acutangulum, Inga laurina, X. americana) and exotic fruits (M. emarginata, A. carambola, P. guajava). Ceratitis capitata was recorded for the first time in the state of Piauí infesting I. laurina (Sw.) Willd. This is the first record of the parasitoid genus Spalangia. in An. obliqua in Piauí and in the semiarid region of Brazil.

RESUMEN En este trabajo se reporta por primera vez a la avispa Brachymeria podagrica para Colombia y como parasitoide solitario de larvas de la mosca Peckia collusor. Los enemigos naturales fueron atraídos al exponer 200 larvas de P. collusor en tercer instar a condiciones ambientales naturales durante 6 horas el 16 de abril de 2015 en el jardín del Tecnológico de Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia). Como resultado, 29 adultos de B. Podagrica emergieron de las pupas. La prevalencia de parasitismo fue del 14,5 %.

ABSTRACT In this work, the wasp Brachymeria podagrica is recorded for the first time for Colombia, a solitary parasitoid of larvae of the Peckia collusor fly. Third instar larvae of P. collusor were exposed to outdoor ambient conditions for 6 hours in the garden of the Tecnológico de Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia). 29 B. podagrica adults were obtained from the host pupae. Prevalence of parasitism was 14.5 %.

Resumen Los humedales costeros son ecosistemas que cada día se reducen más debido a factores antrópicos. Los estudios taxonómicos y ecológicos de estos ambientes son escasos, en especial en el Neotrópico. La falta de monitoreos biológicos en estas zonas impide evidenciar la probable pérdida de biodiversidad acuática. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo elaborar los primeros listados taxonómicos de larvas de dípteros acuáticos de dos humedales de la costa central de Perú, así como describir la crianza de pupas y emergencia de adultos de Ephydridae (Diptera) en el laboratorio. Las estaciones de muestreo con presencia de pupas de efídridos se caracterizaron por presentar aguas rasas con sustrato fangoso y vegetación emergente de porte bajo; solo las pupas de Ephydra gracilis se encontraron en pozas poco profundas y sin vegetación, flotando o incrustadas en costras de sal. El éxito de la crianza de efídridos fue del 53 %, donde el desarrollo de hongos y la aparición de himenópteros parasitoides redujo dicho porcentaje en algunos de los géneros. El éxito de los adultos emergidos de E. gracilis fue menor que el de los demás, probablemente por la ausencia de alguna condición fisicoquímica que solo encuentran en su hábitat natural. Se brinda aquí un primer listado taxonómico de dípteros acuáticos y parasitoides en estos dos humedales costeros, el primer registro de Ephydra gracilis (Packard, 1871) en Suramérica e ilustraciones de las pupas como apoyo para su identificación. Además, se presentan recomendaciones para la recolección y el cuidado de dípteros en estadios tempranos en el laboratorio.

Abstract Coastal wetlands are ecosystems that are being reduced every day due to anthropic factors. In these environments, taxonomic and ecological studies are scarce, especially in the Neotropical zone. The lack of biological monitoring in these areas has prevented the gathering of evidence on a probable loss of aquatic biodiversity. In the present study, we present the first taxonomic list of aquatic Diptera larvae from two wetlands of the central coast of Perú. Additionally, we describe the breeding of pupae and the emergence of Ephydridae (Diptera) adults in the laboratory. The sites with the presence of Ephydridae pupae were characterized by shallow waters with a muddy substrate and low vegetation; only Ephydra gracilis pupae were found in shallow pools with no vegetation, floating or embedded in salt crusts. The success of ephedrid flies breeding was 53% as the development of fungi and the emergence of parasitoid Hymenoptera reduced the emergence success of some of the genera. Adult emergence success from Ephydra gracilis was lower than that of others, probably due to the lack of some physicochemical condition only found in its natural habitat. We present a first taxonomic listing of aquatic Diptera for two coastal wetlands, the first record of Ephydra gracilis (Packard, 1871) in South America, and illustrations of the pupae supporting its identification. We also give recommendations for the collection and care of early stages of Diptera flies in the laboratory.

Abstract Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is the most used braconid in biological control programs for Tephritidae fruit flies worldwide. The aim of this work was to assess the functional response and preference of this parasitoid to larvae of Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus, in different densities of hosts. The functional response of females of D. longicaudata was assessed, independently, in two hosts (third instar larvae of C. capitata or A. fraterculus), in seven densities 1, 3, 5, 10, 25, 35 or 55 larvae of fruit flies per one female of parasitoid exposed in unit of artificial parasitism, for three hours, in at least 20 repetitions. The species showed a Type III functional response regardless of the density of host larvae, in both species, indicating that they are feasible hosts for multiplication of the parasitoid, under the conditions tested. The number of individuals parasitized and the percentage of female emergence were superior in A. fraterculus, when compared to C. capitata. Parasitism in field and progeny of female parasitoids can be incremented using larvae of A. fraterculus in the rearing of D. longicaudata.

ABSTRACT We recorded for the first time the presence of the two fruit flies pests, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the parasitoid Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil. The specimens were collected in traps installed during June/2019 to February/2020. The fruit flies and the parasitoid species are widespread in the Brazilian mainland and have most likely been introduced accidentally in the archipelago.

Abstract: New records of Tachinidae flies parasitizing Mesomphaliini species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) collected in the Neotropical region. We provided the first records of parasitism of Cyrtonota thalassina (Boheman, 1850), Botanochara sp. and Paraselenis flava (Linnaeus, 1758) by species of Eucelatoria Townsend, 1909 (Blondeliini) and parasitism of P. flava by a species of Voria Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Voriini). A species of Eucelatoria parasitizing Chelymorpha sp. is recorded for Brazil for the first time. New host plant records are provided: C. thalassina on Ipomoea saopaulista O’Donell and P. flava on I. aristolochiifolia G. Don.

Resumen: Nuevos registros de moscas Tachinidae parasitando especies de Mesomphaliini (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) recolectadas en la región Neotropical. Proporcionamos los primeros registros de parasitismo de Cyrtonota thalassina (Boheman, 1850), Botanochara sp. y Paraselenis flava (Linnaeus, 1758) por especies de Eucelatoria Townsend, 1909 y parasitismo de P. flava por una especie de Voria Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Voriini). Se registra por primera vez para Brasil una especie de Eucelatoria parasitando Chelymorpha sp. Se proporcionan nuevos registros de plantas hospedantes, C. thalassina sobre Ipomoea saopaulista O’Donell y P. flava sobre I. aristolochiifolia G. Don.

Abstract Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are important pests that affect the fruit-growing worldwide. In the northeastern Brazil, where a semiarid climate predominates and the production of tropical fruits for export is concentrated, some fruit flies, including Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), are considered pests due to economic damage and quarantine restrictions. In several parts of the world, fruit fly population regulation is carried out with the support of hymenopteran parasitoids. In Brazil, some information exists about larval parasitoids of fruit flies, but little is known about pupal parasitoids of these tephritids, especially in Brazilian semiarid environments. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to know the pupal parasitoids associated with C. capitata in a semiarid environment in Brazil. The parasitoid survey was carried out in a semiarid region in the states of Rio do Norte and Ceará. To obtain the parasitoids, pupae (sentinels) of C. capitata from the laboratory, Applied Entomology Laboratory of Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, were exposed to natural parasitism in the field. Six parasitoid (Hymenoptera) species were obtained: Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani), Spalangia simplex Perkins, Spalangia gemina Boucek, Spalangia leiopleura Gibson, and Spalangia impunctata Howard (Pteromalidae); Trichopria anastrephae Lima (Diapriidae). These are the first records of pupal parasitoids associated with the fruit fly C. capitata in Brazil.

Abstract In Patagonia, knowledge about the interaction among tephritids and the native flora is very scarce. In this study we identified for the first time two tephritid species (Cecidochares sp. and Neosphaeniscus m-nigrum) associated with the capitula of Chuquiraga avellanedae. This is the first record of a host plant for the genus Neosphaeniscus. Cecidochares sp. was more abundant and had a shorter development time than N. m-nigrum. Also, two families of parasitoid wasps (Pteromalidae and Eurytomidae) were registered. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of these tephritids on C. avellanedae fitness and their potential to control its populations.

Resumen El presente trabajo propone como objetivo conocer la diversidad de moscas de las frutas, sus hospederos y parasitoides en los municipios del Estado de Alagoas, Brasil. En los meses de colecta se recolectaron un total de 17.394 especímenes de insectos frugívoros, de estos, 14.993 (86,2 %) pertenecían al género Anastrepha (7.224 hembras y 7.769 machos) y 2.401 (13,8 %) a Ceratitis (1.196 hembras y 1.205 machos). En Maceió se recolectó una nueva especie que, hasta el momento, se la denomina como la morfo-especie Anastrepha sp. El mayor número de hembras pertenecían a Anastrepha obliqua la especie asociada al mayor número de plantas hospederas (ocho especies). De las 19 especies de frutales infestadas por moscas frugívoras, solo en nueve se registraron parasitoides. Del total de puparios de Anastrepha (26.724) emergieron 6.125 especímenes, 5.870 a pertenecían a la familia Braconidae, 169 a Pteromalidae, a 78 Figitidae y 8 a Torymidae. En este trabajo no se registró emergencia de parasitoides de los puparios de Ceratitis.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of fruit flies, their hosts and parasitoids in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. A total of 17,394 specimens of frugivore insects where recorded, of which 14,993 (86.2 %) belonged to the genus Anastrepha (7,224 females and 7,769 males) and 2,401 (13.8 %) belonged to Ceratitis (1,196 females and 1,205 males). In Maceió, a new species of Anastrepha, which so far has been referred to as “morpho-species of Anastrepha sp.”, has been collected. Besides showing the highest number of females collected during this study, Anastrepha obliqua was associated with the highest number of host species (eight species). Parasitoid emergence was associated with only 9 of the 19 fruit species infested with fruit flies. From all pupae of Anastrepha obtained in this study (26,724), 6,125 parasitoid specimens have emerged, with 5,870 corresponding to Braconidae, 169 to Pteromalidae, 78 to Figitidae and 8 to Torymidae. In this study the emergence of parasitoids from puparia of Ceratitis was not recorded.

Resumo: As moscas-das-frutas estão entre os principais grupos de insetos fitófagos. Suas larvas, ao se alimentarem da polpa ou das sementes dos frutos hospedeiros, podem causar podridão e favorecer a entrada de patógenos. Sendo assim, os objetivos desse estudo foram: (1) Conhecer as associações tróficas entre as espécies de parasitoides e moscas das frutas no Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena (PNSB). (2) Inventariar as espécies de parasitoides no PNSB. Foram realizadas expedições mensais de janeiro de 2017 a fevereiro de 2018 para as coletas de frutos e obtenção de moscas das frutas (Tephritidae) e seus respectivos parasitoides. Os frutos coletados foram transportados ao Laboratório de Insetos Frugívoros (LIF) da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados-MS. As larvas das moscas das frutas foram diariamente recolhidas e inseridas em copos de acrílico transparentes contendo areia esterilizada onde permaneceram até a emergência dos adultos de tefritídeos e/ou seus parasitoides. Foram recuperados 23 adultos de parasitoides das larvas dos tefritídeos, representados por duas espécies de Braconidae: Doryctobracon areolatus (18) e Utetes anastrephae (5), ambos parasitando espécies de Anastrepha: Anastrepha fraterculus, A. sororcula e A. striata em Myrtaceae: Psidium guajava e Eugenia myrcianthes. Doryctobracon areolatus e Utetes anastrephae são relatados pela primeira vez parasitando espécies de Anastrepha em frutos de Eugenia myrcianthes.

Abstract: Fruit flies are among the main groups of phytophagous insects. Their larvae, when feeding on the pulp or seeds of the host fruits, can cause rot and favor the entrance of pathogens. Thus, the objectives of this study was: (1) To know the trophic associations between species of parasitoids and fruit flies in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena (PNSB)-MS, Brazil. (2) To inventory the parasitoid species associated with fruit flies in fruit trees in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena. Monthly expeditions were carried out (From Jan 2017 to Feb 2018) in order to collect the fruits and obtain the fruit flies (Tephritidae) and their respective parasitoids. The collected fruits were transported to the laboratory of frugivorous insects (LIF) of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD)-MS. The fruit fly larvae were daily collected and placed in transparent acrylic cups containing sterilized sand, where they remained till the emergence of adults and their parasitoids. Twenty-Three adult Tephritid parasitoids were recovered, represented by two species of Braconidae: Doryctobracon areolatus (18) and Utetes anastrephae (5), both infesting Anastrepha species: Anastrepha fraterculus, A. sororcula and A. striata in Myrtaceae: Psidium guajava and Eugenia myrcianthes. Doryctobracon areolatus and Utetes anastrephae are reported for the first time parasiting Anastrepha species in Eugenia myrcianthes.

ABSTRACT Euxesta sp. (corn-silk fly) is a highly polyphagous insect genus that affects horticultural crops, fruit trees, and industrial crops. It causes huge economic losses in sweet corn (maize). Damage is caused by larvae feeding on corn silk, kernels and the remainder of the cob. Chemical treatments applied to maize crops are often not effective; therefore, efforts to control the fly must focus on finding alternative methods, such as biological control. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of Euxestophaga argentinensis (Hymenoptera, Figitidae) parasitism on corn-silk fly larvae, in two different planting dates: late winter and late summer. Samples were taken during spring and autumn in a commercial Bt sweet corn for two consecutive years. A total of 20 ears of corn per sample were collected at random and were placed in plastic trays, stored at 22 ± 2°C and 70 ± 5% RH and exposed to a 14:10 h photoperiod. Euxesta eluta and Euxesta mazorca pupae were separated, placed in separate plastic vials and periodically checked for emergence of adult flies and parasitoids. E. eluta has greater potential to damage sweet corn crops than E. mazorca. Parasitism was higher in late winter than in late summer, while only E. eluta was parasitized.

RESUMEN Euxesta spp. (mosca de la mazorca) es un género de insectos altamente polífagos que afectan los cultivos hortícolas, árboles frutales y cultivos industriales. En el maíz dulce causa altas pérdidas económicas. El daño es causado por la alimentación de la larva sobre los estigmas, granos y restos de la mazorca. Los tratamientos químicos aplicados a los cultivos del maíz frecuentemente no son efectivos, por lo tanto los esfuerzos en el control deben focalizarse en métodos alternativos, como el control biológico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto del parasitoide Euxestophaga argentinensis (Hymenoptera, Figitidae) sobre las larvas de la mosca, en dos épocas de siembra: fin de invierno y fin de verano, en lotes comerciales de maíz dulce Bt, en dos años consecutivos. Un total de 20 mazorcas de maíz por muestreo fueron recolectados al azar y se colocaron en bolsas plásticas herméticas y fueron mantenidos en laboratorio a 22 ± 2°C, 70 ± 5% RH y a 14:10 h de luz:oscuridad. Las pupas de E. eluta y E. mazorca fueron colocadas individualmente en tubos plásticos y revisados periódicamente hasta la emergencia del adulto de la mosca o del parasitoide. E. eluta tiene mayor potencial de daño que E. mazorca en los cultivos de maíz dulce. El parasitismo fue mayor en los cultivos sembrados en verano que en los de invierno tardío y solo E. eluta fue parasitada.

Resumen Las moscas taquínidas son importantes parasitoides que regulan naturalmente la densidad poblacional de diversas plagas agrícolas. Este trabajo de investigación tuvo por objetivo identificar a los parasitoides Tachinidae emergidos de la chinche Euschistus heros procedente de recolectas hechas en cultivo de soja de la localidad de Fortuna, municipio de Pedro Juan Caballero, Departamento de Amambay, Paraguay. Los insectos fueron criados y mantenidos en el laboratorio de Protección Vegetal, división Entomología de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción. Se observó que de las chinches surgieron larvas y pupas, de las cuales emergieron moscas (n = 7). Los especímenes en tubos de vidrio se conservaron en alcohol 70 % y se enviaron para su identificación y clasificación taxonómica al laboratorio de Sistemática y Biogeografía de Diptera del Departamento de Zoología del Instituto de Biociências de la Universidad de São Paulo, Brasil. La mosca parasitoide emergida fue identificada como Gymnoclytia (Diptera: Tachinidae), siendo el primer registro para el cultivo de soja en Paraguay, un importante agente de control biológico que puede favorecer el equilibrio natural de la densidad poblacional de E. heros.

Abstract Tachinid flies are important parasitoids of many pests. The purpose of this study was to identify the parasitoid emerged from the brown stinkbug Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) from collection done at the town of Fortuna, Pedro Juan Caballero municipality, Amambay State, Paraguay. The bugs were collected in the field on soybeans and were taken to the laboratory for breeding, feeding and maintenance, and checked for the presence of tachinids at the Entomological and Crop Protection Department of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Asuncion. The insects were inspected daily, and the emergence of pupating larvae was observed from them. The fly puparia were maintained until the emergence of the adult fly (n = 7). Specimens were kept in glass tubes with a 70 % alcohol solution and then sent to the laboratory of Systematic and Biogeography of Diptera at the Zoology Department, Biosciences Institute, University of de São Paulo, Brazil for identification. The parasitoid fly that emerged was identified as Gymnoclytia (Diptera: Tachinidae), the first report for soybean in Paraguay, an important natural biological control agent that might balance the population density of E. heros.

RESUMO: Objetivou se neste estudo avaliar a proporção de larvas de Ceratitis capitata e fêmeas de Diachasmimorpha longicaudata que resulta no incremento do parasitismo e da produção de fêmeas na progênie. Foram utilizadas fêmeas de Diachasmimorpha longicaudata copuladas, com experiência em parasitar e oito dias de idade, e larvas de terceiro instar de C. capitata, provenientes da criação mantida no Laboratório de Controle Biológico da Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES). Cinco densidades de larvas de C. capitata foram oferecidas (10, 20, 30, 40 e 50) às fêmeas do parasitoide, em cinco densidades diferentes (1, 2, 5, 10 e 15). As larvas foram expostas às fêmeas do parasitoide por meio de “unidades de parasitismo”, em gaiolas adaptadas, pelo tempo determinado de uma hora. Foram avaliadas as variáveis: razão sexual, porcentagem de parasitismo e mortalidade pupal. Tanto a densidade de larvas de C. capitata quanto a densidade de fêmeas do parasitoide influenciaram no parasitismo, na produção de fêmeas na progênie e na mortalidade pupal. Foi observada nas proporções 1:1 e 1:2 (larvas/fêmeas) maior produção de fêmeas na progênie. Proporções acima de 1:2 reduziram a razão sexual, e valores abaixo de 1:1 causaram altas porcentagens de mortalidade pupal. As fêmeas apresentaram maior atividade de parasitismo quando estavam em grupos dividindo o mesmo espaço. Proporções iguais de larvas de C. capitata e fêmeas do parasitoide resultaram em melhor eficiência na produção de fêmeas na progênie.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ratio of Ceratitis capitata larvae/female of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata that results in the increase of parasitism and the production of females in the progeny. We used 8-day-old copulated D. longicaudata females with oviposition parasite experience and third instar larvae of C. capitata from rearing stock maintained at the Laboratory of Biological Control of Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (Unimontes). Five densities of C. capitata larvae (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50) were offered to parasitoid females that were at five different densities (1, 2, 5, 10, and 15). The larvae were exposed to the parasitoid females by means of “parasitism units” in adapted cages for 1 hour. Sex ratio, percentage of parasitism, and pupal mortality were evaluated. Both host larval density and female parasite density influenced parasitism, female progeny production, and pupal mortality. Higher female production was observed in the progeny in ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 (larvae/females). Ratios above 1:2 reduced the sex ratio, and ratios below 1:1 caused high pupal mortality rates. The females had higher parasitism activity when they were in groups dividing the same space. Equal ratios of Ceratitis capitata larvae and parasitoid females resulted in improved efficiency in progeny females.