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.

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.

Biological aspects of Leucothyreus ambrosius Blanchard (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae, Rutelinae). Coleopterans of the family Melolonthidae comprise a large group of species that feed on different food sources, including plant roots, stems, and leaves, in addition to plant materials at different decomposition stages. Several species are found in the genus Leucothyreus, occurring in different regions of Brazil, including the various biomes in the country. Information on the biology of species of the genus Leucothyreus is scarce, therefore, we conducted studies on the biological aspects of Leucothyreus ambrosius Blanchard, 1850. The period of adult occurrence was determined with a light trap installed between a cropped and pasture area in the municipality of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Adults collected in the field were used to form insect pairs and the studies were initiated in the entomology laboratory as the adults began ovipositing. Adults were observed flying in the field from October to December. Eggs were obtained as pairs were formed and a colony was established, the embryonic period lasting 14.6 days on average. The larval period in the 1st instar lasted 21.6 days, in the 2nd instar 19.6 days, and in the 3rd instar, 85.6 days. The head capsule width was 1.48 mm in the 1st instar, 2.44 mm in the 2nd, and 3.83 mm in 3rd larval instar. The pupal stage had an average duration of 35.5 days. The egg to adult period lasted 173.3 days. Morphometric information for the larval and adult stages is presented in this study.

Biological aspects of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey and Leucothyreus aff. semipruinosus Ohaus (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae, Rutelinae) in crop succession at central Brazil. Beetles of the family Melolonthidae make up a large group and some species are considered pests of planted crops. Little information is available on the basic biological aspects of the genus Leucothyreus, such as association with cultivated crops and their occurrence periods. Therefore studies were developed in soybean and corn crops in Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso, Brazil, with the objective of studying the occurrence and biological aspects of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey and Leucothyreus aff. semipruinosus Ohaus. For acquisition of immature specimens of both species, in April 2011 sampling was performed in corn fields, in July and October in the fallow area, and in soybeans fields planted in December; in 2012 sampling was performed in January and February in soybean fields and in March in corn fields. In 2011 the total number of larvae obtained in April, July, October and December were 100, 6, 30 and 27, and in January, February and March of 2012 these quantities were 32, 52 and 65 larvae, respectively. In all sampling events the larvae of L. alvarengai were collected in greater quantity. At the beginning of the reproductive period of L. alvarengai and L. aff. semipruinosus, it was observed that the adults began to fly and soon after started oviposition in the field in September. The appearance of larvae coincides with the time of soybean planting in the field, thus the larvae feed on roots of soybean plants at the beginning of their development and the cycle from egg to adult of the two species was completed in one year.

The richness, diversity, abundance and indicator species of diversity of adults and larvae of scarab beetles from Santo Domingo Huehuetlán, Puebla, Mexico is analyzed. The field work was done between October 2005 and September 2006, obtaining 1,020 adults specimens of 52 species included in 29 genera from three families of Scarabaeoidea, and 113 edaphicolous larvae belonging to 5 genera, 6 species and 9 morpho-species of Melolonthidae. Species accumulation curves were obtained and the abundance per site, month and capture method was estimated. Comparing the beetle communities of tropical deciduous forest (BTC) and crop lands (ZA), 34 and 36 species and 603 and 417 individuals were found in each site respectively. Shannon's diversity index was 2.79 for ZA and 2.67 for BTC. Likewise, 82 larvae belonging to four genera were found in BTC, and 30 larvae of four genera in ZA. We select adults of 24 indicator species in BTC and 23 species in ZA, all from the subfamilies Dynastinae, Rutelinae and Scarabaeinae. The abundance of indicator species was 313 and 245 and the diversity index was 2.24 and 2.43 in ZA and BTC respectively. We conclude that the species composition of both communities is similar (49%), and the effect of farming near the forest is negligible on the scarab beetle community.

En este trabajo se analizan la riqueza, diversidad, abundancia y las especies indicadoras de diversidad de coleópteros Scarabaeoidea recolectados en el bosque tropical caducifolio (BTC) y zona agrícola (ZA) ubicados en el sur del Municipio de Santo Domingo Huehuetlán, Puebla, durante los meses de octubre de 2005 a septiembre de 2006. Se encontraron 1,020 ejemplares adultos que representan a 52 especies incluidas en 29 géneros de tres familias de Scarabaeoidea, y 113 larvas edafícolas de 5 géneros, 6 especies y 9 morfoespecies de Melolonthidae. Se elaboraron curvas de acumulación de especies y se estimó la abundancia por sitio, por mes y por método de colecta. Se hizo un análisis comparativo entre coleópteros adultos del BTC y la ZA capturados con trampas, y se encontraron 34 y 36 especies, y 603 y 417 individuos en cada sitio respectivamente. El índice de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener fue de 2.79 para ZA y de 2.67 para BTC. Asimismo, se encontraron 82 larvas de cuatro géneros en BTC, y 30 larvas de cuatro géneros en ZA. Se emplearon adultos de 23 especies indicadoras en BTC y 21 en ZA, pertenecientes a las subfamilias Dynastinae, Rutelinae, y Scarabaeinae. La abundancia de especies indicadoras fue de 313 y 245 y el índice de diversidad fue de 2.24 y 2.43 en ZA y BTC respectivamente. Se concluye que la composición de especies de ambas comunidades es parecida (49%), y que el efecto antrópico sobre el bosque como resultado de las actividades agrícolas aún es mínimo.

A study of the species richness, abundance and phenology of the Scarabaeoidea beetle fauna of the mountains of Puebla, México is presented. Monthly data were obtained during May 1999 to June 2000 in pine-oak-sweet gum forests and crop lands, located at 1,990-2,000 m of altitude. Records of 59 species, 29 genera, 18 tribes and 7 subfamilies of Melolonthidae, Scarabaeidae and Passalidae, represented by 2,082 specimens, are included. Phyllophaga godmani (Bates), Isonychus piperitus Bates, Anomala terroni Morón, Chrysina peruviana Kirby, Plusiotis aurofoveata Morón, Cyclocephala fasciolata Bates, Dynastes hyllus Chevrolat, Deltochilum mexicanum Bates, Ontherus mexicanus Harold, Onthophagus cyanellus Bates, Passalus punctatostriatus Percheron, Proculejus hirtus (Truqui) and Odontotaenius zodiacus Truqui, were the most interesant species collected. High and representative species richness was found instead of the disturbs in the forests. Phyllophaga vetula (Horn), P. xanthe (Bates), Macrodactylus mexicanus Burmeister, Hoplia squamifera Burmeister, Cyclocephala jalapensis Casey, C. weidneri Endrodi, and Chrysina macropus Francillon, were the most abundant species in the samples. Adults of many species are active during April to June. Scarab beetle fauna of Teziutlán area is 80% similar (Simpson) with the species found in the mountains at northeast of Hidalgo, Mexico; 33% similar with the species from the neighboring area of Cuetzalan, Puebla, and 17% similar with Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz. A key to the 59 species is included.

Con el propósito de evaluar la riqueza, abundancia y fenología de las especies de Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea o Lamellicornia de la región de Teziutlán, Puebla, se realizaron colectas mensuales entre mayo de 1999 y junio de 2000, en sitios con bosques de pino-encino-liquidámbar o zonas de cultivo situados entre 1,990 y 2,000 m de altitud. Se capturaron 2,082 ejemplares que representan a 59 especies de 29 géneros, 18 tribus y 7 subfamilias de Melolonthidae, Scarabaeidae y Passalidae, entre las que destacan Phyllophaga godmani (Bates), Isonychus piperitus Bates, Anomala terroni Morón, Chrysina peruviana Kirby, Plusiotis aurofoveata Morón, Cyclocephala fasciolata Bates, Dynastes hyllus Chevrolat, Deltochilum mexicanum Bates, Ontherus mexicanus Harold, Onthophagus cyanellus Bates, Passalus punctatostriatus Percheron, Proculejus hirtus (Truqui) y Odontotaenius zodiacus Truqui. La riqueza específica es elevada y representativa de ese tipo de bosques a pesar de la perturbación existente. Las especies más abundantes fueron Phyllophaga vetula (Horn), P. xanthe (Bates), Macrodactylus mexicanus Burmeister, Hoplia squamifera Burmeister, Cyclocephala jalapensis Casey, C. weidneri Endrodi, y Chrysina macropus Francillon. Los adultos de la mayor parte de las especies están activos entre abril y junio. De acuerdo con el índice de Simpson la fauna de lamelicornios de Teziutlán presenta un 80% de similitud con la fauna de las montañas del noreste de Hidalgo, un 33% con la región vecina de Cuetzalan, Puebla, y un 17% con el área de Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz. Se incluye una clave para separar las 59 especies encontradas.

Larvae and adults of some species of the genus Astaena may damage the roots and leaves of cultivated plants in the temperate and cold climates in Colombia. The third instar larva as well as male and female pupae of Astaena valida Burm. are described and illustrated. An identification key for the larvae of some genera of Colombian Melolonthinae is included. Larvae of A. valida live in disfunctional soils feeding on roots of yucca, grass, coffee, fique, tomato, pineapple, asparagous, maize and ornamental plants, with densities up to 36 grubs/m². Adults have seasonal activity during October-November rainfall period, and are attracted to electric lights.

Las larvas y adultos de varias especies de Astaena dañan las raíces y el follaje de cultivos en climas templados y fríos en Colombia. En el presente artículo se describen la larva de tercer estadio y la pupa de macho y hembra de Astaena valida Burm., se ilustran sus caracteres diagnósticos y se propone una clave para distinguir sus larvas de otros Melolonthinae locales. Se confirmó que las larvas son rizófagas, y se encuentran en grupos de hasta 36 ejemplares/m², prosperan en suelos disfuncionales, asociados a la rizósfera de yuca, pastos, cafeto, fique, tomate, piña, espárragos, maíz y ornamentales. Los adultos son fototáxicos, estacionales, activos en el período de lluvias de octubre y noviembre.

In this work a comparative analysis of the scarab beetles of Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, México is presented. Data were obtained from March 1998 to March 1999 in tropical rain forest, induced pasture land and secondary vegetation, between 400-1000 m above sea level. Records of 7 subfamilies, 18 subtribus, 34 genera and 63 species are presented. The greatest specific diversity corresponds to Dynastinae (21 spp), Melolonthinae (13 spp), Scarabaeidae (13 spp) and Passalinae (8 spp). The 50% of the species are concentrated in the genera: Phyllophaga (9 spp), Cyclocephala (9 spp), Onthophagus (5 spp), Ataenius (3 spp), Passalus (3 spp) and Anomala (2 spp). We present a parsimony analysis of endemicity in order to know the relationships between the fauna of Cuetzalan and other Mexican localities. The fauna of Cuetzalan de Progreso is closely related to the fauna of the humid mountains of the northeast of Hidalgo. A key to the taxa found in Cuetzalan del Progreso is included.

En este trabajo se presenta un análisis comparativo de los coleópteros de las familias Melolonthidae, Scarabaeidae y Passalidae establecidos en Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, México. Los datos se obtuvieron de marzo de 1998 a marzo de 1999 en bosque tropical perennifolio, pastizales inducidos y vegetación secundaria, establecidos entre 400 y 1000 metros de altitud. Se registran 7 subfamilias, 18 tribus, 34 géneros y 63 especies. La mayor diversidad específica corresponde a Dynastinae (21 spp), Melolonthinae (13 spp), Scarabaeinae (13 spp) y Passalinae (8 spp). El 50% de las especies se concentra en los géneros: Phyllophaga (9 spp.), Cyclocephala (9 spp.), Onthophagus (5 spp), Ataenius (3 spp), Passalus (3 spp) y Anomala (2 spp). Se presenta un análisis de parsimonia de endemicidad, para conocer las relaciones entre las faunas de Scarabaeoidea del territorio nacional, obteniendo resultados que corresponden a las condiciones ecológicas de cada localidad, en donde la fauna de Cuetzalan de Progreso resulta estar estrechamente relacionada con la fauna de las montañas del noreste de Hidalgo. Se incluye una clave para separar los taxa registrados.

This study presents an historic analysis of the classification process of the Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera). The analysis is divided in three periods including 59 authors, beginning with Linné in 1735, and finishing in 2001 with Pretorius and Scholtz. The first period (1735-1856) was chosen, since it encompasses a time period prior to the publication of Darwin's "The Origin of Species", and is therefore a classification process arguably free of any Darwinian evolutionary influences. There was a very quick development, in a relatively short period of time (1735-1796), in the number and type of characters used for classification purposes. On some occasions, certain authors reverted to the pre-Linnean tradition of using ecological characters. Likewise, the hierarchic structure of classifications developed rapidly into systems that any modern taxonomist can relate to. Authors like Linné, Fabricius and Latreille, who worked for long periods of time developing classificatory systems, always revolutionized systematics in their very first study. Later on, they remained conservative and made improvements only to the details of systematics. By 1856, the classification of the scarab beetles looks very akin to any present-day system. It is obvious that classifications similar to modern ones can be approximated without having to rely on Darwinian evolutionary principles. The second period (1869-1955) includes a comparative synthesis on the classification of the Coleoptera Lamellicornia based on faunistic and taxonomic works dealing with species from Central America, Europe, India and Indochina, as well as classic world wide checklists, that are representatives of the taxonomical criteria of 17 authors; the possible influence of Darwin's theories is discussed for each classification. Apparently, the main structure of the classification of scarab beetles during this time does not show substantial changes in relation with the proposals of Burmeister or Lacordaire. A large number of new morphological characters were added to the traditional ones, but the family level characters and their use were nearly the same as in the middle of the XIX century. Male genital capsules, internal organs and structures of the immature stages were cited for the first time as useful taxonomic characters, but as accesories of the traditional adult characters. Relations between the groups were eventually exposed as dendrogrames by Sharp and Muir (1912), Paulian (1948) and Crowson (1955), but without clear references to evolutionary theories. These classifications were more complex than the preceding ones, because of the addition of nearly 11,000 new species discovered along 80 years of world exploration. The third period (1957-2001) resumes and analyzes the classification proposals undertaken by 28 authors, based on monographs, faunal studies, keys for regional fauna, papers on comparative morphology, and studies specifically devoted to the understanding of phyletic relationships and evolutionary processes in Scarabaeoidea, for the whole group or for suprageneric groupings of this superfamily. One can detect the patent influence of organic evolution theories on these studies, as well as a progressive reflection of relationships in the proposed classifications, mainly through the use of cladistic and pheneticist approaches. Lately, molecular approaches have also been recruited; but even with all this technology, the main problem remains that most studies do not consider all the diversity of the Scarabaeoidea in one single analysis. Mention must be made of Endrödi's study (1966), who is the first to consider the whole group in analytic and comparative style, proposing to subdivide the Lamellicornia into five families: Scarabaeidae, Melolonthidae, Trogidae, Passalidae and Lucanidae. This proposal has been supported by Martínez (1970-1990), Machatschke (1972-1974), and Morón (1976-2002). So far, no one has refuted this proposal by doing an equivalent or more modern analysis of his grouping. Medvedev (1976) and Iablokoff-Khnzorian (1977) have also made comparative studies, which, like Endrödi's proposal, have not been accepted by English speaking authors. Paulian's (1948-1988) and Balthasar's (1963) proposals were based mainly on the action of elevating subfamilies to the family status, so they do not really represent a new proposal. Using different points of view Lawrence and Newton (1982, 1995) and Scholtz (1990-1995) have supported Crowson's (1955-1981) proposals of 6-10 families of Scarabaeoidea. Historical, economic and sociopolitical factors have been influencing the development of the schools of systematics during the XX century. American authors have supported most of the time classificatory schemes that go against dividing the Scarabaeoidea, although lately they have started to adopt the 12 families scheme of Lawrence and Newton. On the other hand, European authors have tended to favor groupings with as many as 25 families, as proposed by Paulian and Balthasar. Although the studies undertaken by the South African school show a stronger methodological basis, the proposal of 15 families has not been accepted by Lawrence and Newton, although they have incorporated a great part of its structure. This last proposal shows still several problems to be solved in the family that includes the Scarabaeinae, Aphodiinae, Melolonthinae, Dynastinae, Rutelinae, and Cetoniinae; but it is shown by Jameson and Ratcliffe (2002) as the contemporary option to frame the study of the Scarabaeoidea.

Se presenta una revisión histórica del proceso de clasificación y el desarrollo de la sistemática de los Lamellicornia o Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera), dividida en tres períodos. El análisis comprende un estudio histórico-comparativo sobre el desarrollo del tipo y número de caracteres, así como el número y características de los géneros y agrupamientos en taxones supragenéricos. El primer período abarca 14 autores en diferentes fechas, iniciando en 1735 con Linné y terminando en 1856 con Lacordaire. En este período se abordan trabajos anteriores a la publicación del "Origen de las Especies", por lo cual las ideas evolucionistas darwinianas no tuvieron influencia sobre la sistemática del grupo. En el segundo período se presenta una comparación de las propuestas de clasificación de los Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea, publicadas entre 1869 y 1955 por 17 autores de trabajos faunísticos y taxonómicos regionales o en catálogos mundiales. Se destacan los principales caracteres morfológicos utilizados para la separación supragenérica y las inovaciones introducidas por cada uno de ellos, señalando en su caso, la posible influencia de las teorías de Darwin. Se concluye que el esquema general de clasificación durante este período no cambió substancialmente con respecto al de Burmeister o Lacordaire, y que las ideas evolucionistas tuvieron poca repercusión en estas clasificaciones, las cuales son más complejas que las del primer período, sobre todo por la adición de más de 11,000 especies nuevas obtenidas durante 80 años de exploraciones mundiales. En el tercer período se resumen y analizan las propuestas de clasificación publicadas entre 1957 y 2001 por 28 autores de monografías, estudios faunísticos y claves regionales, artículos sobre morfología comparativa, y trabajos expresamente enfocados al esclarecimiento de las relaciones filéticas y los procesos evolutivos de los Scarabaeoidea en conjunto, o por grupos supragenéricos particulares de esta superfamilia. En la mayor parte de estos estudios es evidente la influencia de las teorías sobre la evolución orgánica, y se observa como progresivamente se busca que las clasificaciones reflejen las relaciones entre sus elementos, principalmente a través de enfoques feneticistas y cladistas.

A study of the nocturnal Melolonthidae beetle fauna of Villa Las Rosas, Chiapas, México is presented. Data were obtained during 1999-2000 with 103 nights of collecting effort at lights near the borders of subdeciduos tropical forest and pine-oak forest, located at 1,240 m of altitude. Records of 3 subfamilies, 9 tribes and 50 species of the genera Diplotaxis, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla, Hoplia, Anomala, Pelidnota, Cyclocephala, Euetheola, Ligyrus, Coelosis, Enema, Strategus, Xyloryctes, Spodistes, Archophileurus, Hemiphileurus and Phileurus are included. Higher specific diversity is presented in the genera Phyllophaga (16 spp.) and, Anomala (11 spp.). Phyllophaga tenuipilis (Bates), P. ravida (Blanchard), Xyloryctes lobicollis Bates and, Anomala inconstans Burmeister were the most abundant species in the samples. Archophileurus simplex (Bates) and Phyllophaga anolaminata (Moser) are cited for first time in México, and Anomala decolor Bates, A. forreri (Bates), Diplotaxis consentanea Bates, D. simillima Moser and, Hoplia squamifera Burmeister are recorded for first time from Chiapas state. A key to the 50 species is included. Most genera represented in the study area have Neotropical origin, but 51 % of the species belong to Paleoamerican dispersal pattern (sensu Halffter 1976). The Melolonthidae fauna of Villa Las Rosas area is 27.72% similar (QS Sorensen) with the species found in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz; and 27.40% similar with the species from the mountains at northeast of Hidalgo, Mexico.

Se presenta un estudio de las especies nocturnas de la familia Melolonthidae (sensu Endrödi, 1966) en Villa Las Rosas, Chiapas, con los objetivos de conocer su riqueza, abundancia y fenología. El municipio de Villa Las Rosas, se encuentra a 1,240 m de altitud, en un ambiente de transición entre selva baja subcaducifolia y bosque de coníferas. Para la captura de los ejemplares se utilizaron como trampas de luz las lámparas del alumbrado público. Durante 1999-2000 se aplicó un esfuerzo de colecta sistemática de 103 noches, y se capturaron 4,029 ejemplares pertenecientes a 50 especies de los géneros Diplotaxis, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla, Hoplia, Anomala, Pelidnota, Cyclocephala, Euetheola, Ligyrus, Coelosis, Enema, Strategus, Xyloryctes, Spodistes, Archophileurus, Hemiphileurus y Phileurus. La mayor riqueza y abundancia correspondió a las especies de Phyllophaga (16 spp.) y Anomala (11 spp.), algunas de las cuales podrían tener importancia económica, como posibles plagas que consumen las raíces de los cultivos en la región. Se citan por primera vez para México: Archophileurus simplex (Bates) y Phyllophaga anolaminata (Moser), y se consideran como primeros registros para Chiapas: Anomala decolor Bates, A. forreri Bates, Diplotaxis consentanea Bates, D. simillima Moser y Hoplia squamifera Burmeister. Se incluye una clave para separar las 50 especies encontradas. El 51% de las especies de Villa Las Rosas corresponde al patrón Paleoamericano con amplio éxito (sensu Halffter, 1976), pero a nivel genérico el predominio es Neotropical. Esta fauna tiene más similitud (QS Sorensen) con Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz (27.72%) y las montañas del Noreste de Hidalgo (27.40%).

The life cycle of Pelidnota (Pelidnota) virescens Burm. is described and discussed, beginning with 48 eggs laid by five females collected in Acamilpa, Morelos, Mexico. Larvae were reared in fragments of soft, rotten wood of Annona sp. (Annonaceae). In captivity, the life cycle was completed in one year. Duration of each instar was as follows: first larvae 15 days, second larvae 45 days, third larvae 200 days, pupae 29 days, and adults 31 days. Each larva consumed at least 55 g of dry rotten wood. Maximum live weights of third instar larvae were from 2.50 g in females and 2.41 g in males.

Se describe el ciclo de vida de Pelidnota (Pelidnota) virescens Burm. obtenido a partir de 48 huevos puestos por cinco hembras recolectadas en Acamilpa, Morelos, México. Las larvas se desarrollaron en fragmentos de madera podrida de Annona sp. (Annonaceae). El ciclo vital en cautiverio se completó en un año. El primer estadio larvario tuvo una duración de 15 días, el segundo estadio 45 días y el tercer estadio requirió 200 días en promedio para pasar al estadio pupal, que transcurrió por 29 días. Los adultos vivieron 31 días en promedio. Para completar su desarrollo cada larva consumió cuando menos 55 g de madera en peso seco. El peso máximo alcanzado por las larvas de tercer estadio fué de 2.50 g en las hembras y de 2.41g en los machos.

Preliminary analysis of the chafer beetle fauna of "La Joya" farm, near Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico is presented. Data were obtained during 1996-1999 with 130 hours of collecting effort in crop lands located at 1,700 m altitude. Records of 3 subfamilies, 6 tribes and 21 species of the genera Phyllophaga, Macrodactylus, Anomala, Cyclocephala, Strategus and Ligyrus represented by 1,563 adults and 292 larvae are included. Specific diversity is concentrated in the genera Phyllophaga (8 spp.) and Anomala (7 spp.). Phyllophaga ravida (Blanch.) was the most abundant species in the samples of adults. Larvae of Ph. ravida and Ph. ilhuicaminai Morón produces severe damage to the roots of Limonium sinuatum (L.) crops. Low diversity and high predominance of Melolonthidae species in this locality is the result of historical use of agricultural practices widely applied to the crop lands in the Plateau and valleys of Central Mexico.

Se presenta un estudio preliminar sobre las especies de Coleoptera Melolonthidae establecidas en los terrenos dedicados a la agricultura de riego en el rancho "La Joya", Atlixco, Puebla, situado a 1,700 m de altitud. Durante 21 eventos de recolecta diurnos y nocturnos realizados entre 1996 y 1999, se obtuvo una muestra formada por 1,563 individuos adultos y 292 larvas, que representan a 21 especies de los géneros Phyllophaga, Macrodactylus, Anomala, Cyclocephala, Strategus y Ligyrus. La mayor diversidad específica correspondió a Phyllophaga, representado por 8 especies, entre las que predomina ampliamente Ph. ravida (Blanch.), la cuál junto con Ph. ilhuicaminai Morón, causan daño a las raíces de los cultivos de "estatis" Limonium sinuatum (L.) La baja diversidad de Melolonthidae de esta localidad corresponde con las condiciones propias de las zonas dedicadas a la agricultura en los valles y altiplanos centrales de México.

Three larval instars and pupa of Euphoria basalis (G. & P.) are described for the first time, with specimens collected and reared near San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. Drawings of diagnostic structures and data about the life cycle and habits of this species are included.

Se describen los tres estadios larvarios y la pupa de Euphoria basalis (Gory & Percheron, 1833) con base en ejemplares recolectados en San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México. Se incluyen ilustraciones diagnósticas y datos sobre el ciclo de vida y los hábitos de esta especie.

A study on the species of Melolonthidae was conducted in the Biosphere Reserve "El Triunfo," located in the southeastern portion of Sierra Madre del Sur, Chiapas state, Mexico. Collections were made using a light trap, rotting fruit traps, and direct capture on plants, between 1997 and 1998. Fourty species were collected, from 24 genera of Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, Dynastinae, Cetoniinae and Trichiinae. Phyllophaga, Anomala and Cyclocephala had the greatest number of species. Species recently described in the genera Yaaxkumikia, Anomala, Mesosternus, Parisoleoides, Chrysina, Plusiotis, Hologymnetis and Phyllophaga, are recorded. Hoplia subcostata Bates and Plusiotis quiche Morón are recorded for the first time in Mexico; and the record of Archedinus relictus Morón and Krikken, as relictual species is confirmed. Based on the species accumulation per collection effort, it is estimated that the present collection accounts for 70% of the nocturnal species of Melolonthidae in the reserve. A preliminary key to the species from the Biosphere Reserve is included.

Se presenta un estudio faunístico de los Melolonthidae de la Reserva de la Biósfera El Triunfo, ubicada en la porción sureste de la Sierra Madre del Sur en el estado de Chiapas, México. Se efectuaron colectas con trampa de luz tipo pantalla, trampas con fruta fermentada y captura directa sobre plantas, durante 1997 y 1998, que aportaron 40 especies de 24 géneros de Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, Dynastinae, Cetoniinae y Trichiinae. El mayor número de especies se encuentra en los géneros Phyllophaga, Anomala y Cyclocephala. Se encontraron especies recientemente descritas de los géneros Yaaxkumukia, Anomala, Mesosternus, Parisoleoides, Chrysina, Plusiotis, Hologymnetis y Phyllophaga. Hoplia subcostata Bates y Plusiotis quiche Morón se registran por primera vez para México, y se confirma la presencia de Archedinus relictus Morón y Krikken, especie relictual descrita de El Triunfo en 1990. La estimación de la riqueza de especies por esfuerzo de colecta indica que esta investigación aportaría el 70 % de las especies nocturnas de esta localidad. Con base en los ejemplares capturados, se presenta una clave preliminar para las especies de Melolonthidae de la reserva.