RESUMEN Se describió la anatomía del sistema reproductivo interno de los machos en 12 especies de Melolonthinae (Phyllophaga, Chlaenobia, Macrodactylus, Isonychus), seis de Dynastinae (Cyclocephala) y tres de Rutelinae (Paranomala) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) de México. Se recolectaron un total de 350 ejemplares machos representantes de 21 especies. De cada especie se obtuvieron los sistemas reproductivos por microdisección y fueron colocados en un líquido fijador, después teñidos y dibujados a escala. Se describió la genitalia interna de cada especie y se comparó entre las especies examinadas. El sistema reproductivo de las especies de Melolonthinae consta de dos testículos cada uno con seis folículos, dos conductos deferentes, dos glándulas accesorias, dos conductos glandulares, un conducto eyaculador y el edeago (no descrito en ninguna especie). El número de folículos testiculares por testículo es igual al conocido en diferentes especies de otras subfamilias de Scarabaeoidea. La longitud de las glándulas accesorias y del conducto eyaculador varían dependiendo de cada especie estudiada. Un bulbo eyaculador está presente sólo en tres especies de Melolonthinae y en todas las especies de Dynastinae y Rutelinae examinadas.

ABSTRACT The anatomy of the internal male reproductive systems of 12 species of Melolonthinae (Phyllophaga, Chlaenobia, Macrodactylus, Isonychus), six species of Dynastinae (Cyclocephala), and three species of Rutelinae (Paranomala) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) of Mexico are described. A total of 350 male specimens representing 21 species were collected. From each species, the reproductive systems were obtained by micro-dissection, placed in a liquid fixative, stained, and drawn to scale. The internal genitalia of each species was described and compared among the species examined. The reproductive system of the Melolonthinae species is comprised of two testicles, each with six follicles, two deferent ducts, two accessory glands, two glandular ducts, an ejaculatory duct, and the aedeagus (not described for any of the species examined). The number of testicular follicles per testicle is as reported in different species of other Scarabaeoidea subfamilies. The length of the accessory glands and the ejaculatory duct varies in the species studied. The ejaculatory bulb is present in all of the species of Dynastinae and Rutelinae examined but in only three species of Melolonthinae.

Abstract The larva of pentodontine S. laminifer is described for first time based on specimens collected under roots of sugarcane in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Diagnostic structures are illustrated and the differences and similarities with other previously described larvae of South American genera of Pentodontini are outlined. A key to the larvae of some American genera of pentodontines is included.

Abstract Description of immature stages of Platycoelia valida Burmeister, 1844 (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini). Third instar larva and pupa of P. valida are described for the first time based on specimens collected in soils of yucca and coffee fields in Cundinamarca, Colombia. Illustrations of diagnostic structures and keys to the known third-stage larvae of Rutelinae tribes and Platycoelia species are included. Data on the biology and distribution of P. valida in Colombia are also commented.

ResumenEl archipiélago cubano cuenta con 79 especies de Phyllophaga (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae), con un 98.6 % de endemismo, lo cual le confiere al grupo importancia desde el punto de vista de biodiversidad y económica, al ser algunas especies plagas de cultivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relación entre la composición y estructura de los ensambles de Phyllophaga y el tipo de hábitat (en cuanto a formación vegetal y grado de alteración humana). Durante la estación de lluvia fueron muestreadas 17 localidades del occidente de Cuba, las que difieren en cuanto al tipo de hábitat y grado de alteración. Las recolectas fueron realizadas con una trampa de luz tipo pantalla (McFarland, 1966). Se recolectaron 1 153 ejemplares de 24 especies de Phyllophaga. La abundancia total de individuos recolectados varió entre 10 y 306 y la riqueza de especies entre dos y nueve especies. Phyllophaga dissimilis (Chevrolat) fue la especie más abundante y la de mayor frecuencia de ocurrencia. De manera general, las localidades menos antropizadas reflejaron comunidades más ricas y equitativas, aunque estas características también la tuvieron dos sitios que tienen grado de alteración intermedia. El escalado multidimensional no métrico, reflejó que las muestras más semejantes entre sí fueron las pertenecientes a lugares muy antropizados, esta semejanza estuvo dada principalmente por la abundancia de Phyllophaga dissimilis, P. insulaepinorum y P. puberula. La distancia geográfica no se relacionó con la similitud de los ensambles.

Abstract:The Cuban archipelago has 79 Phyllophaga species with a 98.6 % of endemism, which makes the group ecologically and economically important, as some species are classified as crop pests. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the composition and structure of the Phyllophaga assemblages with their habitat type, considering both plant structure and level of human habitat disturbance. A total of 17 locations were sampled in Western Cuba during the rainy seasons of the period from 2011 to 2015; these differed in habitat types (forests and agroecosystems). Samplings followed standard methods and were made once with a light trap screen in each locality. A total of 1 153 individuals of 24 Phyllophaga species were collected. The total abundance of collected individuals varied between 10 and 306, and species richness between two and nine species. The most abundant species was Phyllophaga dissimilis (Chevrolat) which also had the highest frequency of occurrence. Generally, less anthropized sites reflected richer and equitative communities; although these characteristics appeared in two sites that showed intermediate degree of disturbance. The non-metric multidimensional scaling showed that the most similar samples were those of the very anthropized sites; this similarity was given mainly by the abundance of Phyllophaga dissimilis, P. insualepinorum and P. puberula. Besides, the geographical distance was not related to the similarity of these assemblages. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 351-363. Epub 2017 March 01.

Abstract: A comparative study of Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea in the community of Calmeca, Tepexco, Puebla, Mexico is presented. Samples of beetles were taken from November 2013 to November 2014 in a place with induced pasture land with neighboring crops (SP) and a site representative of deciduous forest with secondary vegetation (SC). By mean of necrotraps, rotten fruit traps and hand collecting, 945 specimens were obtained, representing 28 species in six families of Scarabaeoidea. The SP had the highest species richness with 27 species; the most abundant species was E. intermedius (30.19%) with 257 specimens, followed by D. gazella (14.33%) with 122 specimens. In the SC the most abundant species were C. (C.) humectus (20.21%) and C. (C.) pluto (20.21%) each with 19 specimens collected. No significant differences between the two sampling sites (p = 0.111) were found. The Calmeca beetle community was grouped in eight feeding guilds. At both sites most recorded species belong to the coprophagous guild (SP 37% & SC 53%), the necrophagous guild (SP 14.8% & SC 26.6%) and the phytophagous guild (SP 18% & SC 13%). The SP had a higher functional richness with eight guilds, compared with the SC with four guilds; in the SC no species of predator, antophilous, and rhizophagus guilds were recorded.

Resumen: Se presenta un estudio comparativo de los coleópteros Scarabaeoidea establecidos en la comunidad de Calmeca, Tepexco, Puebla, México. Se realizaron muestreos de noviembre de 2013 a noviembre de 2014 en dos sitios, un sitio de potrero con cultivos aledaños (SP) ubicado a 1,389 msnm y un sitio representativo de selva baja caducifolia con vegetación secundaria (SC) ubicado a 1,441 msnm. Mediante el uso de necrotrampas, trampas de fruta y recolecta directa se obtuvieron 945 ejemplares, representantes de 28 especies distribuidas en seis familias de Scarabaeoidea. La mayor riqueza se presentó en el SP con 27 especies, de las cuales las más abundantes fueron E. intermedius (30.19%) con 257 ejemplares, seguida de D. gazella (14.33%) con 122 ejemplares. Por otra parte en el SC las especies más abundantes fueron C. (C.) humectus (20.21%) y C. (C.) pluto (20.21%) cada una con 19 ejemplares recolectados. Con respecto a la diversidad, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los dos sitios de muestreo (p = 0.111). La comunidad de escarabajos de Calmeca se agrupó en ocho gremios alimentarios. En ambos sitios la mayoría de las especies registradas pertenecen a los gremios coprófago (SP 37% y SC 53%), necrófago (SP 14.8% y SC 26.6%) y filófago (SP 18% y SC 13%). El SP presentó una mayor riqueza funcional (ocho gremios) que el SC (cuatro gremios), en este último no se registraron especies de los gremios depredador, antófilo, rizófago y detritívoro.

Abstract: Previous studies of the genus Phyllophaga Harris, 1827 have provided evidence that would allow the subgenus Chlaenobia Blanchard, 1850 to be restored at the genus level. Moreover, they suggest that Chirodines Bates, 1888 could be a branch of the ancestral stem of species included in subgenus Chlaenobia, because it shares with them the highest number of morphological characters. To test the Chlaenobia status and to corroborate the monophyly of Chlaenobia + Chirodines, a phylogenetic study based on parsimony, including 12 representatives of such genera and 88 taxa of other groups of Phyllophaga s. lato was carried out. The topology obtained in the strict consensus tree shows that the Chlaenobia limits are very clear (bootstrap of 80%), supported by 3 synapomorphies and a combination of 4 character states that are not exclusive to the group. Based on the hypothesis obtained, the revalidation of Chlaenobia as genus and the synonymy of Chirodines are proposed.

Resumen: Estudios previos del género Phyllophaga Harris, 1827 han aportado evidencias que permitirían restituir al subgénero Chlaenobia Blanchard, 1850 a nivel de género. Por otra parte, sugieren que Chirodines Bates, 1888 podría constituir una rama del tronco ancestral de las especies incluidas en Chlaenobia pues con ellas comparte el mayor número de caracteres morfológicos. Para comprobar el estatus de Chlaenobia y corroborar la monofilia de Chlaenobia + Chirodines se realizó un estudio filogenético basado en parsimonia, que incluyó 12 representantes de estos subgéneros y 88 taxones de otros grupos de Phyllophaga s. lato. La topología obtenida en el árbol de consenso estricto muestra que los límites de Chlaenobia son muy claros (bootstrap del 80%), sustentados por 3 sinapomorfías y una combinación de 4 estados de carácter que no son exclusivos para el grupo. Con base en la hipótesis obtenida se propone la revalidación de Chlaenobia como género y la sinonimia de Chirodines.

ABSTRACT Liogenys fusca is a rizophagous insect pest in various crops of economic importance in Brazil. Here we investigated the morphology of immature stages and mating behavior of this species. The redescription of the 3rd instar larvae of L. fusca in this work allows identification and registration of occurrence independently of adults, which occur sporadically in a certain period of the year. Male and female of L. fusca remained confined in the soil during the day and exited between 19:00 and 23:30 h. The copulations occurred between 19:30 and 21:00 h, and were characterized by a typical behavioral sequence. Copulation durations in L. fusca lasted on average 512.23 s. Adults were observed feeding before the copulations on leaves and inflorescences of plant species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Schinus terebinthifolius, Astronium fraxinifolium and Anacardium occidentale.

Abstract: A study of the scarab beetles fauna of Huehuetitla canyon, in Tlaxcala state, Mexico is presented. Samples were obtained from August 2008 to December 2009 in Juniperus forest and secondary vegetation located at elevation of 2,600 m. We obtained 2,751 specimens than represent five families, seven subfamilies and 23 species of the following genera: Phyllophaga, Diplotaxis, Cyclocephala, Orizabus, Lygirus, Xyloryctes, Chrysina, Paranomala, Cotinis, Euphoria, Eucanthus, Labarrus, Cephalocyclus, Liothorax, Gonaphodiellus and Trox. The genus with the highest number of species was Phyllophaga (5 spp.), while Cephalocyclus fuliginosus was the most abundant specie with the 50.4% of the total sample. In addition, by mean of Parsimony Analysis of Endemism the relationship with other regional faunas is presented, where Huehuetitla canyon is grouped together with the faunas of Michilía, Durango and Villa de Allende, Estado de México. Its generic composition has a predominance of elements belonging to Paleoamerican pattern followed by elements of the Mexican Plateau.

Resumen: Se presenta un estudio sobre las especies de coleópteros lamelicornios establecidas en la barranca de Huehuetitla, a 2,300-2,600 m de altitud en el estado de Tlaxcala. Durante las colectas realizadas entre agosto de 2008 y diciembre de 2009 en bosque de enebro y vegetación secundaria, se obtuvieron 2,751 ejemplares que representan cinco familias, siete subfamilias y 23 especies de los géneros: Phyllophaga, Diplotaxis, Cyclocephala, Orizabus, Ligyrys, Xyloryctes, Chrysina, Paranomala, Cotinis, Euphoria, Eucanthus, Labarrus, Cephalocyclus, Liothorax, Gonaphodiellus y Trox. El género con mayor número de especies fue Phyllophaga (5 spp.), mientras que Cephalocyclus fuliginosus fue la especie más abundante con el 50.4% de la muestra total. Por medio de un Análisis de Parsimonia de Endemismos se muestra la relación con otras faunas regionales, donde la barranca de Huehuetitla quedó agrupada junto con las faunas de La Michilía, Durango y Villa de Allende, Estado de México. Su composición genérica tiene un predominio de elementos pertenecientes al patrón Paleoamericano, seguido de elementos del Altiplano Mexicano.

Abstract Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) is grown in dryland farming areas of Puebla, Mexico. One of the main factors that contributes to production losses is the white grub complex; vast quantities of insecticides are used to control it, but they do not manage to reduce damages. This study focuses on the effect of the agroecological handling of the white grub complex associated with amaranth crops (32 800 m2) and a population density diagnosis was carried out. For this purpose, a plot was divided as follows: an 8000 m2 (treatment); a 16 800 m2 barrier section; and an 8000 m2 control section; after the land was prepared for sowing, a mercury light trap with a sheet was placed in the first one. After the diagnosis, 280 third-stage larvae of the Paranomala and Strigoderma genus were collected. The adult melolonthidae flight period began on May 9 and ended on June 22. Seventy percent of the sample was composed by the Phyllophaga genus, while Phyllophaga ilhuicaminai and Ph. Ravida were the most abundant species. Soil sampling was carried out on February, 2014, and 417 larvae of the white grub complex in all were collected, of the Phyllophaga, Paranomala, Strigoderma and Diplotaxis genera. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p<0.001) in the amount of larvae and a greater output (26.79%) in the plants of the treatment section, compared with those in the control section.

Resumen El amaranto (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) se cultiva en zonas agrícolas de secano en Puebla, México, y entre los factores que ocasionan pérdidas en su producción está el complejo gallina ciega; para su control se aplican cantidades abundantes de insecticidas sin lograr disminuir los daños. En este estudio se evaluó el efecto del manejo agroecológico del complejo gallina ciega asociado a amaranto en una parcela de 32 800 m2, y se diagnosticó la densidad poblacional. El manejo se realizó en una parcela dividida en secciones: en una (tratamiento) de 8000 m2, después del barbecho se colocó una trampa de luz mercurial tipo pantalla; otra de 16 800 m2, como barrera; el testigo fue una parcela de 8000 m2. Después del diagnóstico se recolectaron 280 larvas, del tercer estadio, de los géneros Paranomala y Strigoderma. El periodo de vuelo de los melolóntidos adultos fue del 9 de mayo al 22 de junio. El género más abundante, con 70 % de la muestra, fue Phyllophaga, y las especies más abundantes fueron Phyllophaga ilhuicaminai y Ph. ravida. Los muestreos de suelo se realizaron en febrero del 2014 y mostraron un total de 417 larvas del complejo gallina ciega, de los géneros Phyllophaga, Paranomala, Strigoderma y Diplotaxis. El análisis estadístico mostró diferencia significativa (p≤0.001) en el número de larvas y rendimiento mayor (26.79 %) en las plantas de la sección de tratamiento respecto al testigo.

Abstract: Third instar larvae and pupae of Phyllophaga heteronycha (Bates) and P.leonina (Bates), and third instar larva of P.angulicollis (Bates) are described with specimens collected in soils of a Pseudotsuga macrolepis (Pinaceae) plantation, located at 2,300 m in Las Vigas, Veracruz, Mexico. Comparative brief descriptions of larvae of the first and second instars of the 3 species, drawings of diagnostic structures, comments on similarities with other species, and a key to the larvae of Phyllophaga in Mexico are included.

Resumen: Se describen las larvas de tercer estadio y las pupas de Phyllophaga heteronycha (Bates) y P.leonina (Bates) y la larva de tercer estadio de P.angulicollis (Bates), con ejemplares colectados en suelos de una plantación de Pseudotsuga macrolepis (Pinaceae) establecida a 2,300 m de altitud en Las Vigas, Veracruz, México. Se incluyen diagnosis comparativas de las larvas del primer y segundo estadios de las 3 especies, ilustraciones de las estructuras características, comentarios sobre las similitudes con larvas de otras especies y una clave para la identificación de las larvas de Phyllophaga en México.

Abstract: The alpha and beta diversity (dissimilarity) of Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, and Dynastinae beetles recorded from 8 studies of the Transmexican Volcanic Belt was assessed. Two measures of alpha diversity: the number of species and the taxonomic diversity were used. As expected, taxonomic diversity and species richness have different trends. The community with the highest species richness (Popocatepetl), had low taxonomic diversity, while in communities with relatively low richness (Huehuetitla, Zapata, La Malinche, Iztaccíhuatl and Pico de Orizaba), taxonomic diversity had low and high values. Beta diversity was also assessed with 2 measures: species dissimilarity and taxonomic dissimilarity. Species dissimilarity ranged from 61% to 94%, while the taxonomic dissimilarity was between 29% and 68%. As expected, there is a significant relationship between species and taxonomic dissimilarity, and no correlations between dissimilarity and the geographic distance between localities were found. This study highlights the importance of using complementary diversity metrics that take into account evolutionary information of ecological communities, mainly in regions with a complex biogeographical history.

Resumen: Se evalúa la diversidad alfa y beta (disimilitud) de escarabajos Melolonthinae, Rutelinae y Dynastinae registrados en 8 estudios faunísticos de la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana. La diversidad alfa se analizó utilizando 2 medidas: la riqueza de especies y la diversidad taxonómica. Como se esperaba, la diversidad taxonómica y la riqueza de especies siguen tendencias distintas. La comunidad con mayor riqueza de especies (Popocatépetl) mostró una baja diversidad taxonómica, en tanto que en comunidades con valores comparativamente bajos de riqueza (Huehuetitla, Zapata, La Malinche, Iztaccíhuatl y Pico de Orizaba), la diversidad taxonómica resultó con valores bajos y altos. La diversidad beta también se evaluó con 2 medidas: disimilitud de especies y disimilitud taxonómica. La disimilitud de especies varió del 61% al 94%, mientras que la disimilitud taxonómica varió del 29% al 68%. De acuerdo a lo esperado, se encontró una relación significativa entre la disimilitud de especies y la disimilitud taxonómica, y no se detectan correlaciones entre la disimilitud y la distancia geográfica entre localidades. Este estudio remarca la importancia del uso complementario de medidas de diversidad que consideren la información evolutiva de las comunidades, principalmente en zonas con una compleja historia biogeográfica.

ABSTRACT Third stage larvae and pupae are described based on specimens collected in Mexico: Oaxaca (Cerro Zempoaltepetl), and Chiapas (Amatenango), respectively. Pupal characters are described for the first time for American Hopliinae. Habitus images and figures of diagnostic characters as well as comments on the differences between these larvae and those of Hoplia callipyge LeConte, 1856 and H. equina LeConte, 1880, the only Hopliinae larvae previously known in New World, are also included.

Resumo Larvas, pupas e adultos de Gymnetis rufilateris (Illiger, 1800) (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae: Cetoniinae) foram coletados em Rochedo, MS. Estudos sobre a biologia e morfologia foram conduzidos no Laboratório de Entomologia da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul em Aquidauana, MS. Fêmeas de casais formados em laboratório ovipositaram e foram iniciados os estudos de biologia. O período embrionário dura 15,5 dias. As larvas de primeiro, segundo e terceiro instares duram 13,5, 30,6 e 113,1 dias, respectivamente. O período pupal dura 12,8 dias. O período de ovo a adulto completa-se em 186,8 dias. As larvas se alimentam de fezes de aves em decomposição. Em laboratório, os adultos foram alimentados com pedaços de banana (Musa sp.) (Musaceae) madura. As descrições da larva de terceiro instar e pupa de G. rufilateris são apresentadas. Uma chave para larvas de Gymnetis conhecidas também está incluída.

Abstract Larvae, pupae and adults of Gymnetis rufilateris (Illiger, 1800) (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae: Cetoniinae) were collected in the municipality of Rochedo, Mato Grosso do Sul State. Studies on biology and morphology were conducted at the Laboratory of Entomology of the Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Females of couples formed in the laboratory oviposited and allowed the biology studies. The eggs lasted for 15.5 days. Larvae of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars lasted 13.5, 30.6 and 113.1 days, respectively. The pupal period lasted 12.8 days. The egg-to-adult period lasts 186.8 days. The larvae fed on decomposing feces of poultry. In the laboratory, adults fed on ripe banana (Musa sp.) (Musaceae). Descriptions of the 3rd larval instar and pupa of G. rufilateris are presented. A key to known larvae of Gymnetis is also included.

Abstract: The third instar larvae of Phyllophaga lenis (Horn, 1887) is described with specimens reared in laboratory whose progenitors were captured in agriculture field of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca. The pictures of diagnostic characters, notes on it biology and habits, comments about the differences with similar species, and a key to identify larvae of fifteen Mexican species of Phyllophaga are included.

Resumen: Se describe el tercer estadio larval de Phyllophaga lenis (Horn, 1887) con especímenes criados en laboratorio, cuyos progenitores fueron capturados en un campo agrícola de Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca. Se incluyen las imágenes de los caracteres diagnósticos, notas sobre su biología y hábitos, comentarios acerca de las diferencias con otras especies mexicanas parecidas y una clave para separar las larvas de 15 especies de Phyllophaga en México.

A comparative analysis of beetles of the family Scarabaeidae (sensu stricto) from "Rancho Canaletas", Paso del Macho, in central Veracruz State, Mexico, is presented. Data were obtained from january to december in 2008 in an evergreen tropical forest (SP) and a cattle grazing plot (PT), at an altitude of 500 m above sea level. Copro-necrophagous beetles were captured with traps baited with human feces or squid, and by hand in cow dung, obtaining 560 individuals from 3 families, 11 genera and 18 species. The species Canthidium centrale (Boucomont), Canthon euryscelis (Bates), Deltochilum pseudoparile (Paulian), Deltochilum scabriusculum (Bates), Eurysternus angustulus (Harold) and Sulcophanaeus chryseicollis (Harold) are exclusive to SP, and Coprophanaeus pluto (Harold) y Omorgus rubricans (Robinson) are exclusive to PT. Species richness, diversity and abundance is higher in SP than PT; the beetle fauna in this locality can be associated with the fauna from Pipiapan, Boca del Chajul and Los Tuxtlas, from the states of Veracruz and Chiapas.

Se presenta un estudio de coleópteros Scarabaeidae (sensu stricto) encontrados en el "Rancho Canaletas", de Paso del Macho, Veracruz. Los datos se obtuvieron de enero a diciembre de 2008 en una selva perennifolia (SP) y en un potrero (PT), situados a 500 m de altitud. Por medio de coprotrampas (CPT), necrotrampas permanentes (NTP) y colectas directas sobre estiércol de ganado vacuno, se obtuvo una muestra de 560 individuos representantes de tres familias, once géneros y 18 especies. Las especies Canthidium centrale (Boucomont), Canthon euryscelis (Bates), Deltochilum pseudoparile (Paulian), Deltochilum scabriusculum (Bates), Eurysternus angustulus (Harold) y Sulcophanaeus chryseicollis (Harold) son exclusivas de SP, mientras que Coprophanaeus pluto (Harold) y Omorgus rubricans (Robinson) son exclusivas de PT. Se aprecia mayor riqueza, diversidad y abundancia en SP que en PT; la coleopterofauna de esta localidad se agrupa con las de Pipiapan, Veracruz, Boca del Chajul, Chiapas y Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz.