Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo inventariar os insetos herbívoros associados a frutos e sementes de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae) e seus parasitoides primários e secundários. De seis amostras coletadas entre maio e outubro de 2013, obteve-se 210 frutos, dos quais emergiram 326 insetos pertencentes a seis ordens: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera e Psocoptera. Coleoptera (cinco famílias) foi representada pelos consumidores de sementes: Merobruchus bicoloripes Pic, Stator sp. Bridwell (Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), Silvanidae sp. 1 e sp. 2, Scolytinae sp. (Curculionidae), Nitidulidae sp. e Cerambycidae sp. A última espécie também foi observada formando galerias no mesocarpo do fruto. Indivíduos imaturos de Lepidoptera também foram observados consumindo os frutos e sementes. Dos Hymenoptera (sete famílias), duas espécies foram associadas a Coleoptera, sendo Horismenus Walker sp. (Eulophidae) parasitoide de M. bicoloripes e Neoheterospilus falcatus (Marsh) (Braconidae) parasitoide de Scolytinae. Os parasitoides de Lepidoptera foram totalizados em quatro gêneros: Pseudophanerotoma Zetel e Chelonus Panzer (Braconidae), Orgilus Nees (Braconidae) e Goniozus Forster (Bethylidae). As interações para os parasitoides Bracon Fabricius (Braconidae), Pimplinae sp. (Ichneumonidae) e Perilampus Forster (Perilampidae) não foram confirmadas. Nós encontramos apenas um único representante de Diptera (Tachinidae) como parasitoide de Lepidoptera nesta rede trófica.

Abstract This study aimed to inventory the herbivore insects associated with Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae) fruits and seeds and their primary and secondary parasitoids. Six samples collected between May and October 2013 yielded 210 fruits, from which 326 insects of six orders emerged: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera and Psocoptera. Coleoptera (five families) was represented by the seed consumers Merobruchus bicoloripes Pic, Stator sp. Bridwell (Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), two species of Silvanidae, one species of Scolytinae (Curculionidae), one species of Nitidulidae and one species of Cerambycidae. The cerambycid was also observed forming galleries on fruit mesocarp. Immature individuals of Lepidoptera were observed consuming the fruits and seeds. From the seven Hymenoptera families, only two species were associated with Coleoptera, being Horismenus Walker sp. (Eulophidae) as parasitoid of M. bicoloripes, and Neoheterospilus falcatus (Marsh) (Braconidae) as parasitoid of Scolytinae. The Lepidoptera parasitoids represented four genera: Pseudophanerotoma Zetel, Chelonus Panzer (Braconidae), Orgilus Nees (Braconidae) and Goniozus Forster (Bethylidae). The host associations for the reared parasitoids Bracon Fabricius (Braconidae), Pimplinae sp. (Ichneumonidae) and Perilampus Forster (Perilampidae) were not confirmed. We obtained a single representative of Diptera (Tachinidae) associated with Lepidoptera hosts in this food web.

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue contribuir al conocimiento de la diversidad de moscas de las frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) y de sus enemigos naturales en el departamento de Nariño. Se colectaron 14.005 frutos correspondientes a 16 especies de plantas hospederas, pertenecientes a 10 familias botánicas (Rubiaceae, Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Rutaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Annonaceae, Solanaceae y Caricaceae), de las cuales todas presentaron infestación por moscas de las frutas o parasitoides, a excepción de la familia Annonaceae. Las especies de moscas de las frutas recuperadas en este estudio correspondieron a Anastrepha complejo fraterculus, Anastrepha striata, Anastrepha obliqua, Anastrepha grandis y Ceratitis capitata, especies conocidas por su polifagia y gran capacidad de adaptación. Se obtuvieron 242 individuos, pertenecientes a siete especies de parasitoides: DoryctoBracon crawfordi, DoryctoBracon zeteki, Utetes Anastrephae, Microcrasis sp., Bracon sp., Torymus sp., e Ichneumonidae sp.1. Los parasitoides se obtuvieron de nueve hospederos correspondientes a café, guayaba, níspero, hobo, feijoa, naranja, mango, durazno y guama. La mayor frecuencia de ocurrencia de parasitoides se presentó en DoryctoBracon crawfordi, con valores de 84,1, 76,7 y 40% en café, guayaba y hobo, respectivamente. Utetes Anastrephae obtuvo porcentajes de 5,7 y 60% en café y hobo. También se presentó parasitismo en moscas presentes en las familias botánicas Rubiaceae, Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae y Rutaceae.

Abstract The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the diversity of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their natural enemies in the department of Nariño. A total of 14,005 fruits from 16 host plant species were collected, belonging to ten botanical families (Rubiaceae, Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Rutaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Annonaceae, Solanaceae and Caricaceae), all of which showed infestation by fruit flies or parasitoids, except for the Annonaceae family.The species of fruit flies collected in this study were Anastrepha fraterculus complex, Anastrepha striata, Anastrepha obliqua, Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha grandis species known for their polyphagia and great adaptability. A total of 242 individuals belonging to seven species of parasitoids, DoryctoBracon crawfordi, DoryctoBracon zeteki, Utetes Anastrephae, Microcrasis sp., Bracon sp., Torymus sp., and Ichneumonidae sp.1 were obtained. Parasitoids were collected from nine plant hosts corresponding to coffee, guava, loquat, hobo, guava, orange, mango, peach and guama. The highest frequency of parasitoids occurrence was presented in DoryctoBracon crawfordi, with values of 84.1, 76.7 and 40% in coffee, guava and hobo respectively. Utetes Anastrephae was 5.7% in coffee and 6.0% in hobo. Parasitism was also present in Rubiaceae, Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae and Rutaceae.

Copidosoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Lyxophaga sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Chelonus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are reported for the first time infecting pupae of the fruit borer Neoleucinodes elegan-talis (Gueneé) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from Solanum quitoense and Solanum betaceum in Ecuador. Determining the natural enemies in Ecuador useful in sustainable biological control strategies for integrated management of N. elegantalis in fruit crops.

Copidosoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Lyxophaga sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) y Chelonus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) son reportados por primera vez infectando pupas del barrenador del fruto Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Gueneé) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) de Solanum quitoense and Solanum betaceum en Ecuador. Identificándose enemigos naturales en Ecuador para incorporarlos en estrategias de control biológico sustentable para un manejo integrado de N. elegantalis en cultivos frutícolas.

The abundance, species richness, similarity and dominance of Braconid parasitoid wasps were estimated for 4 types of land use (secondary forest, rubber plantations, living fences and pastures), and remnants of preserved tropical rain forest in southern Mexico. We also analyzed whether specialist (koinobionts) taxa are more negatively affected by forest disturbance than generalists (idiobionts), and whether Braconid abundance is correlated with adult host abundance. Braconids were sampled using 3 Malaise traps for each type of land use during March 2010 and May 2011. We collected 143 individuals belonging to 65 species and 15 subfamilies. Species richness and abundance were higher in preserved and secondary forests, than in other types of land use. Although abundance and richness were low in pastures, these sites potentially contain hosts for Braconids. We detected no variation in abundance or species richness by land use, even when comparing idio- and koinobionts. The most dominant species belonged to the genera Apanteles (Microgastrinae) and Hetersopilus (Doryctinae) in all land use types, except pasture, where Bracon (Braconinae) dominated. We detected a positive relationship between Braconids and adult host abundance. Altogether, the 4 types of land use and the preserved forest are able to host a diverse Braconid community.

Se evaluó la abundancia, riqueza, similitud y dominancia de bracónidos, en 4 usos de suelo (vegetación secundaria, plantaciones de hule, cercas vivas y pastizales) y remanentes de selva conservada en el sureste de México. Se analizaron los cambios en la abundancia y riqueza de bracónidos especialistas (koinobiontes) y generalistas (idiobiontes), y la relación entre la abundancia de bracónidos y sus hospederos (adultos). Se utilizaron 3 trampas Malaise en cada uso de suelo, en marzo 2010 y mayo 2011. Se recolectaron 143 individuos pertenecientes a 65 especies y 15 subfamilias. La riqueza y la abundancia de especies fue mayor en la selva conservada y en la vegetación secundaria. Aunque la abundancia y la riqueza de bracónidos fueron bajas en los pastizales, éstos pueden albergar hospederos potenciales. No hubo diferencias en la abundancia y en la riqueza deespecies de koino e idiobiontes entre usos de suelo. Los géneros con mayor número de especies en los 4 usos de suelo y en la selva conservada fueron: Apanteles (Micrograstrinae) y Heterospilus (Doryctinae), excepto en los pastizales que estuvieron dominados por Bracon (Braconinae). Se registró una relación positiva entre la abundancia de bracónidos y la abundancia de sus hospederos adultos. En conjunto, los 4 usos de suelo y la selva conservada albergan una comunidad diversa de bracónidos.

The leafrollers Argyrotaenia montezumae Walsingham and Amorbia sp. are tortricids associated with blackberry plants, in Michoacan, Mexico. In this study we analyzed and compared the abundance and diversity of parasitoids associated with these leafroller species in two commercial plantings in Los Reyes, Michoacan. A total of 1682 young leaves infested with leafroller larvae were collected, of these 994 specimens of four parasitoid species were obtained. The parasitoids were Chelonus sp. (41.6%), Apanteles n. sp. (34.2%), Colpoclypeus michoacanensis Sánchez & Figueroa (23.1%), and Bracon sp. (1%). Apanteles n. sp. recorded the highest percent of parasitism (26.9%) and it was also the species that appeared more frequently.

Los enrolladores de hojas Argyrotaenia montezumae Walsingham y Amorbia sp. son especies de tortrícidos asociados a plantas de zarzamora, en Michoacán, México. En este estudio se analiza y compara la abundancia y diversidad de parasitoides asociados a estas especies de enrolladores en dos plantaciones comerciales en Los Reyes, Michoacán. Se recolectaron 1682 hojas tiernas infestadas con larvas de enrolladores, de donde se obtuvieron 994 ejemplares de cuatro especies de parasitoides. Los parasitoides obtenidos fueron Chelonus sp. (41.6%), Apanteles n. sp. (34.2%), Colpoclypeus michoacanensis Sánchez y Figueroa (23.1%) y Bracon sp. (1%). Apanteles n. sp. registró el porcentaje de parasitismo más alto (26.9%) y el que con mayor periodicidad se presentó.

La diversidad de enemigos naturales de Neoleucinodes elegantalis está asociada a la solanácea hospedera y al ambiente ecológico donde se cultivan estas plantas en Colombia. Se recolectaron huevos y pupas de N. elegantalis en campo, se llevaron al laboratorio donde se mantuvieron en condiciones controladas hasta la emergencia de los parasitoides asociados a estos estados biológicos. Los parasitoides de larvas se recuperaron en cámaras de cría a partir de frutos infestados. En lulo (Solanum quitoense) se registró la mayor diversidad y amplia distribución de himenópteros parasitoides de larvas y pupas. Como parasitoides de larvas se registraron los bracónidos: Apanteles sp., Bracon spp. (dos morfoespecies) y Chelonus sp., y a la mosca Lixophaga sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae). Como parasitoides de pupas se reconocieron a las familias Ichneumonidae, Chalcidiidie y Eulophidae, siendo los primeros más abundantes, destacándose Pimplasanguinipes, Lymeon sp. y Neotheronia sp. En Chalcididae Brachymeria sp., y en Eulophidae el más representativo fue Trichospilus diatraea. En tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum) el parasitoide más frecuente y con mayor distribución fue Copidosoma sp. (Encyrtidae). El parasitoide de huevos Trichogramma sp. (Trichogrammatidae) se encontró únicamente en tomate de mesa (Solanum lycopersicum). Se describe el comportamiento parasítico observado en campo, la distribución geográfica de los parasitoides y se plantean recomendaciones prácticas para su conservación en cultivos de solanáceas incluidos en este estudio.

The diversity of natural enemies for Neoleucinodes elegantalis depends on the host plant and the ecological environment where these plants are grown. Eggs and pupae of N. elegantalis were collected and keep under controlled conditions until the emergence of parasitoids associated to these stages. Parasitoids of larvae were recovered in brood chambers from infested fruits. The highest diversity of species, abundance and wide distribution of hymenopteran parasitoid larvae and pupae were registered on lulo (Solanum quitoense). The most important larval parasitoids were the braconids: Apanteles sp., Bracon spp. (two morphospecies), and Chelonus sp., also the fly Lixophaga sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae). As parasitoids for pupae, Ichneumonidae, Eulophidae and Chalcididae families were registered. The most abundant were Ichneumonidae species, with Pimpla sanguinipes and, species belonging to the genera Lymeon sp. and Neotheronia sp. Brachymeria sp. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) and mostly Trichospilus diatraea in Eulophidae were found infesting pupae of N. elegantalis. Qn tree tomato (Solanum betaceum), the most abundant, more frequently collected, and widely distributed parasitoid was Copidosoma sp. (Encyrtidae). The egg parasitoid Trichogramma sp. (Trichogrammatidae) was found only on table tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). We describe the parasitic behavior observed in the field and, the geographic distribution of parasitoids. We discuss about conservation practices in solana-ceous crops.

Para proveer guías acerca de la utilización y conservación de los parasitoides del defoliador forestal Orgyia ericae se inventariaron sus especies de parasitoides. Se identificaron los estados de desarrollo del lepidóptero con las distintas especies de parasitoides así como sus patrones de emergencia. Se adelantaron observaciones de emergencia desde las 7am hasta 12pm hasta que todos los adultos emergieron. Tiempo de pupación, patrones de emergencia y abundancia del parasitoide Exorista larvarum se registró en detalle. Se analizaron la abundancia y patrones de emergencia de Bracon (Habrobracon) sp. y Tetrastichus sp. Bracon (Habrobracon) sp. y E. larvarum exhibieron un solo pico de emergencia mientras que Tetrastichus sp. muestra dos picos. La emergencia diaria de Bracon (Habrobracon) sp., Tetrastichus sp. y E. larvarum fue mayor entre las 3 a 5pm, 3 a 5pm y 7 a 8am, respectivamente. La pupación de E. larvarum mostró dos picos.

To provide guidance on the utilization and conservation of the forest defoliator Orgyia ericae parasitoids, we survey its parasitoid species. We identifed the developmental stages associated with the different parasitoids, and the emergence pattern of adult parasitoids. Observations of hatching were conducted hourly from 7am to 12pm until all adults had emerged. Pupation time, emergence patterns, and the abundance of Exorista larvarum parasitoids were recorded in detail. The abundance and daily emergence patterns of Bracon (Habrobracon) sp., and Tetrastichus sp. were analyzed. Bracon (Habrobracon) sp. and E. larvarum both had only one emergence peak, whereas Tetrastichus sp. had two. The daily emergence of Bracon (Habrobracon) sp., Tetrastichus sp. and E. larvarum peaked at 3 to 5pm, 3 to 5pm and 7 to 8am, respectively. The E. larvarum pupation distribution was characterized by two peaks.

Estudamos os efeitos da temperatura na reprodução de Bracon vulgaris Ashmead, ectoparasitóide do bicudo-do-algodoeiro, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, em câmaras climatizadas, em temperaturas constantes de 20, 25 and 30ºC, umidade relativa do ar de 70 ± 10% e fotofase de 14 h. As fêmeas do parasitóide produziram mais ovos a 25ºC (124,65 ovos) do que aquelas expostas a 20 (43,40 ovos) e a 30ºC (49,60 ovos). O número médio de larvas parasitadas por fêmea de B. vulgaris a 25ºC(71,75 larvas) foi maior do que a 20ºC (31,40 larvas) e 30ºC (25,15 larvas). As taxas diárias de aumento (r m) foram -0,007 a 20ºC, 0,07 a 25ºC e 0,03 a 30ºC, indicando que a temperatura de 25ºC produziu aumento de 1100 e 133% no valor de r m em relação às temperaturas de 20 e 30ºC, respectivamente. Nos programas de controle biológico do bicudo-do-algodoeiro, usando liberações inoculativas deve-se utilizar fêmeas adultasde B. vulgaris com aproximadamente 5 dias (a 25 ou 30ºC) ou 20 dias de idade (a 20ºC); quando usando liberações inundativas, utilizar fêmeas adultas de B. vulgaris , com idade entre 11 e 31 dias (a 20ºC); 9 e 29 dias (a 25ºC) ou 3 e 14 dias (a 30ºC).

This research studied the effect of temperature on the reproduction of Bracon vulgaris Ashmead, an ectoparasitoid of cotton boll weevil ( Anthonomus grandis Boheman) at constant temperatures of 20, 25 and 30ºC, 70 ± 10% RH and a photophase of 14 h. Females of the parasitoid produced a greater number of eggs when exposed to 25ºC (124.65 eggs) in relation to those exposed to 20 (43.40 eggs) and 30ºC (49.60 eggs). The number of parasitized larvae per female of B. vulgaris at 25ºC (71.75) was greater than at 20ºC (31.40) and 30ºC (25.15). The daily intrinsic rates of increase (r m) were - 0.007 at 20ºC, 0.07 at 25ºC and 0.03 at 30ºC, revealing that the temperature of 25ºC produced increases of 1,100 and 133% in the value r m in relation to temperatures of 20 and 30ºC, respectively. In programs of biological control of the boll weevil using innoculative releases, adult females of B. vulgaris with approximately five (at 25 or 30ºC) or 20 day old (at 20ºC) should be used; when using innundative releases, adult females of B. vulgaris , with ages between 11 and 31; 9 and 29 or 3 and 14 days, respectively, at 20, 25 or 30ºC should be used.

RESUMO Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), conhecido popularmente como “minador-dasfolhas-dos-citros”, é um dos principais insetos-praga da citricultura em vários países. Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar as espécies e a variação sazonal de lepidópteros minadores e seus parasitoides, presentes na vegetação de crescimento espontâneo de um pomar orgânico de citros, a fim de verificar se P. citrella apresenta outras plantas como hospedeiras e se os parasitoides de outros minadores são os mesmos relatados para esta praga. O trabalho foi conduzido em Montenegro, RS, em um pomar do tangoreiro ‘Murcott’. Realizaram-se amostragens quinzenais, de maio/2003 a maio/2004, coletando-se em cada ocasião todas as folhas com minas, na área delimitada por um aro de 0,28 m2, que era lançado nas linhas e nas entrelinhas de 30 árvores sorteadas. No laboratório registrou-se o número de larvas e pupas de minadores por folha, mantidas até a emergência dos lepidópteros ou parasitoides. Registrou-se 11 espécies de lepidópteros minadores pertencentes às famílias Gracillariidae, Gelechiidae, Acrolepiidae, Nepticulidae e Tischeriidae; 15 espécies de plantas hospedeiras distribuídas em nove famílias e 12 espécies de himenópteros, das famílias Eulophidae e Braconidae. O número de larvas e pupas de minadores correlacionou-se negativamente com a temperatura média e a umidade relativa média. P. citrella não foi observada nas plantas espontâneas. Espécies de parasitoides incluídas nos gêneros Chrysocharis, Closterocerus, Sympiesis e Bracon já foram relatadas parasitando P. citrella em várias regiões do mundo e podem ser possíveis agentes de controle biológico deste inseto na área de estudo.

ABSTRACT Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), known popularly as “citrus leafminer,” is one of the main insect-pests of citrus orchards in many countries. This study was aimed to determine the species and the seasonal variation of Lepidoptera leafminers and their parasitoids, present in the vegetation spontaneously growing in a citrus orchard, to verify if P. citrella is present in other host plants and if the parasitoids of other leafminers are the same ones reported for this insect-pest. The work was conducted in Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in an organic orchard of the Murcott cultivar. Samplings were taken fortnightly, from May 2003 to May 2004, collecting on each occasion all the plants with mines found in an area delimited by a 0.28m2 ring thrown in the lines and between the lines of 30 randomly chosen trees. In the lab, the number of larvae and pupae per leaf of leafminers were recorded. The leaves were maintained until emergence of leafminers or parasitoids. Counting revealed 11 species of Lepidoptera leafminers of the families Gracillariidae, Acrolepiidae, Nepticulidae and Tischeriidae; 15 species of leafminer host plants of 9 families, and 12 species of hymenopteran parasitoids of the families Eulophidae and Braconidae. The leafminers larvae and pupae presented a negative association with temperature and air relative humidity. P. citrella was not observed in the spontaneous plants. Parasitoid species included in the genera Chrysocharis, Closterocerus, Sympiesis and Bracon have been previous reported as parasitizing P. citrella in several countries, and could be possible agents of biological control of this insect in the study area.

Catolaccus grandis (Burks) e Bracon vulgaris Ashmead são os principais parasitóides do bicudo-do-algodoeiro Anthonomus grandis Boheman no Nordeste do Brasil. É importante que se determinem as interações entre esses parasitóides e o seu efeito em programas de controle biológico dessa praga com os mesmos. A competição entre os parasitóides C. grandis e B. vulgaris foi estudada, utilizando-se larvas de Euscepes postfasciatus Fairmaire como hospedeiro alternativo. A fecundidade de C. grandis e B. vulgaris baseada na produção de ovos, não foi afetada pela competição, mas o parasitismo e a produção de adultos desses parasitóides foram afetados pela competição, exceto quando o hospedeiro se encontrava na base da caixa de criação. Independentemente da competição e da localização do hospedeiro, C. grandis apresentou melhor desempenho que B. vulgaris, mas não excluiu as populações da outra espécie de parasitóide.

The competition between populations of the parasitoids C. grandis and B. vulgaris was studied using larvae of Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) as an alternative host. A series of biological parameters was observed and related to the competitive abilities of both parasitoid species. They were capable of colonizing and maintaining their populations regardless of host location. The population growth of C. grandis and B. vulgaris, based on fecundity was not affected by the competition. The parasitism and survivorship to the adult stage were affected by competition, except when the host was located at the bottom of the rearing cage. C. grandis performed better than B. vulgaris independently of the competition and host location, but it did not exclude the other species.

Este trabalho teve como objetivos verificar se Phyllocnistis citrella ataca plantas de crescimento espontâneo, presentes em pomar de citros orgânicos, identificar nestas plantas outros lepidópteros minadores e seus parasitóides, e verificar se estes parasitóides são os mesmos relatados para P. citrella. O trabalho foi conduzido no município de Montenegro-RS, em um pomar orgânico do híbrido 'Murcott' (Citrus sinensis x C. reticulata). Realizaram-se amostragens quinzenais, de maio de 2003 a maio de 2004, coletando-se, em cada ocasião, todas as folhas com minas contidas na área delimitada por um aro de 0,28 m², que era jogado nas linhas e nas entrelinhas de 30 árvores sorteadas. O material coletado foi levado ao laboratório para triagem. Durante o estudo, foram registradas 11 espécies de lepidópteros minadores e 12 espécies de microimenópteros parasitóides. Alguns gêneros identificados neste estudo já haviam sido relatados em várias regiões do mundo com espécies parasitando P. citrella, tais como Chrysocharis, Closterocerus, Sympiesis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) e Bracon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

This work aimed to check if Phyllocnistis citrella attacks spontaneous growth plants present in an organic citrus orchard, to identify in these plants other leafmining Lepidoptera and its parasitoids, and to verify if the parasitoids species are the same ones reported for P. citrella. The work was conducted in Montenegro, RS, in an organic orchard of the hybrid 'Murcott' (Citrus sinensis x C. reticulata). Samplings were taken every other week, from May 2003 to May 2004, with a ring of 0.28 m² being randomly thrown in the lines and interlines of 30 trees. All the plants with mines inside of the ring were collected. The screening of the material was made in laboratory. Eleven species of leafmining Lepidoptera and 12 species of microhymenopteran parasitoids were found. Some genera identified that this study had been already reported in several regions of the world with parasitizing species P. citrella, such as Chrysocharis, Closterocerus, Sympiesis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Bracon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Avaliou-se a biologia de Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) criada em lagartas de 5º ínstar de Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (dieta natural) e em dieta artificial. Caracterizou-se o número de ínstares, o tempo de desenvolvimento e o consumo de alimento; testes histoquímicos permitiram observar a presença/ausência de lipídios e proteínas no trato digestivo do parasitóide. Tais estudos possibilitaram detectar diferenças para o aprimoramento da dieta artificial para a criação do parasitóide. B. hebetor apresentou três ínstares larvais em ambos os substratos alimentares, contudo o ciclo do parasitóide foi prolongado quando criado em dieta artificial, devido ao alongamento das fases de larva e pupa. B. hebetor consumiu aproximadamente 3,8 µl de dieta artificial e, considerando o mesmo fluxo de alimentação, aqueles criados sobre o hospedeiro ingeriram 2,7 µl (proporcionalmente em relação ao tempo e ao peso) e apresentaram ganho de peso mais rápido. Análises da hemolinfa do hospedeiro natural, da dieta artificial e do tubo digestivo de larvas de B. hebetor indicaram a necessidade de adição de outras fontes de lipídios e proteínas na dieta artificial, buscando aproximar o sistema in vitro daquele representado pelas lagartas hospedeiras (sistema in vivo).

The biology of Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared on fifth instars of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (natural diet) and in vitro (artificial diet) was evaluated. Data on the number of instars, development time and food intake were collected, and histochemical tests were conducted to detect proteins and lipids in the parasitoid's digestive tract. The data disclosed differences that can help to improve artificial rearing of B. hebetor. B. hebetor had three instars in both diets, but the developmental time on the artificial diets was prolonged due to the increase in larval and pupal development times. Larvae grew faster on the natural host and required a lower food intake (2.7 µl) as compared to that required by the larvae feeding on the artificial diet (3.8 µl). Analysis of diet protein content and host hemolymph and the observations on the parasitoid larvae gut content indicated altogether the artificial diets requires the addition of others sources of proteins and lipids to improve the overall nutrition quality of the in vitro rearing system for this ectoparasitoid.

In host-parasitoid interactions, parasitoid efficiency may be increased by different quantity and quality of plant signals. Crocidosema (=Epinotia) aporema (Walsingham) is a pest on soybean, with larvae feeding endophitically on various herbaceous leguminosae. In this study we analyzed larval parasitism of C. aporema on Melilotus albus Medikus, Galega officinalis L, Lupinus albus L and Glycine max Merrill in the north-east of the Buenos Aires province. Larval density was higher on L. albus (109,2 larvae/m²), than on the other leguminosae: 3,7; 6,9 y 11,3 on M. albus, G. officinalis and G. max, respectively. However, larval parasitism and the number of parasitoid species were lower on L. albus (9,5%, by the generalist ectoparasitoid Bracon sp.) than on M. albus (32,6%, Bracon sp. and the endoparasitoids Trathala sp.and Bassus sp.); G. officinalis and G. max (26,4% and 50,6% respectively, by Trathala sp. and Bracon sp. in both cases). Lupinus albus produced abundant sticky and odorous exudates in response to C. aporema larval feeding, which could have repelled the endoparasitoids. The much higher concentration of C. aporema on L. albus suggests this leguminosae could be used as a trap crop for control of C. aporema on soybean plots, method compatible with other tactics of conservative biological control.

En la interacción huésped-parasitoide las plantas suelen emitir señales capaces de aumentar la eficiencia de los parasitoides. Las larvas de Crocidosema (=Epinotia) aporema (Walsingham) se alimentan endofíticamente de leguminosas herbáceas y constituyen una plaga de la soja (Glycine max Merrill). En este estudio analizamos el parasitismo larval de C. aporema en Melilotus albus Medikus, Galega officinalis L, Lupinus albus L y G. max, en el noreste de Buenos Aires. La densidad larval fue mayor en L. albus (109,2 larvas/m²) que en las restantes leguminosas: 3,7; 6,9 y 11,3 en M. albus, G. officinalis y G. max, respectivamente. Sin embargo, el parasitismo y número de especies parasitoides fueron menores en L. albus (9,5% por el ectoparasitoide generalista Bracon sp.) que en M. albus (32,6%, Bracon sp. y los endoparasitoides Trathala sp.y Bassus sp.); G. officinalis y G. max (26,4% y 50,6% respectivamente, con Trathala sp. y Bracon sp. en ambas). Lupinus albus fue la única especie vegetal que reaccionó a la alimentación de C. aporema con producción de exudados pegajosos y olorosos que podrían haber repelido los endoparasitoides, actuando como un refugio parcial para C. aporema. Además, al ser positivamente seleccionada por C. aporema, esta leguminosa podría utilizarse como franja trampa para su control en cultivos de soja, de manera compatible con tácticas de control biológico por conservación de enemigos naturales.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo relatar a ocorrência de parasitóides de Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) em plantas de tomate, em condições de casa-de-vegetação, em Lavras (21º14'43"S; 44º59'59"W), Minas Gerais, no período de agosto de 2001 a fevereiro de 2002. Três grupos de parasitóides foram coletados: 21 espécimes de Bracon sp. (Braconidae), um espécime de Earinus sp. (Braconidae) e 13 espécimes de Conura sp. (Chalcididae). A taxa de parasitismo para as três espécies foi de 4,2%, 0,2% e 2,6%, respectivamente. Este estudo relata, pela primeira vez no Brasil, a ocorrência de Earinus sp. parasitando Tuta absoluta.

The objective of this paper was to report on the occurrence of parasitoids of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on tomato plants, under greenhouse conditions, in Lavras County (21º14'43"S; 44º59'59"W), State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from August 2001 to February 2002. Three groups of parasitoids were collected: 21 specimens of Bracon sp. (Braconidae), one specimen of Earinus sp. (Braconidae), and 13 specimens of Conura sp. (Chalcididae). The rate of parasitism for the three species was 4.2%, 0.2%, and 2.6%, respectively. This is the first reported occurrence of Earinus sp. parasitizing Tuta absoluta in Brazil.

Estudaram-se a presença e a ação de himenópteros parasitóides em agroecossistema de batata-doce (Ipomoea batatas L.) no município de Pedra de Fogo - PB, sobre o complexo Megastes spp, com o objetivo de identificar as espécies de parasitóides existentes, bem como descrever os principais eventos na ação de parasitismo sobre Megastes grandalis Guenee e Megastes pusialis Snellen. No levantamento direto, em 14% das plantas, existiam fêmeas de microhimenópteros ectoparasitóides da família braconidae atacando lagartas de Megastes spp. No levantamento indireto, constatou-se um ataque de parasitóide em 22% das lagartas, emergindo adultos de sete espécies das famílias braconidae, Chalcididae e Ichneumonidae, com predominância de braconídeos ectoparasitóides. Concluiu-se que a presença de parasitóides no agroecossistema da batata-doce é bastante diversificada e proporcionam uma boa contribuição na mortalidade natural da praga.

The presence and action of Hymenoptera parasitoids in agroecossystems of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in Pedra de Fogo county - PB, Brazil, on Megastes spp. complex were studied, with the objective of identifying parasitoids species and to describe the main aspects on parasitism action on Megastes grandalis Guenee and Megastes pusialis Snellen. On direct evaluation 14% of plants had females of ectopasitoids belonging to the braconidae family. The indirect evaluation showed the occurrence of 22% of worms attacked by parasitoids. The emergence of parasitoids adults of seven species belonging to the braconidae, Chalcididae and Ichneumonidae families has been observed. It was concluded that the presence of parasitoids in sweet potato agroecossystem is diversified and important to suppress the insect pest.