ABSTRACT Several studies have shown that the survival and reproduction of lacewings varies depending on the type of prey they consumed, especially during the first instar. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a diet consisting of Ephestia kuehniella (EK) and/or Planococcus-citri (PC) eggs offered to first instar Chrysoperla externa on subsequent development and survival. Larvae supplied only with P. citri (PC) nymphs had extended immature development, low survival, adults with lower weight and longevity, low fecundity and egg viability, and lower net reproduction rate (R0). Larvae submitted to the treatment EK+PC responded positively to the diet, showing results similar to those obtained in the control-EK treatment. Therefore, this mealybug supports suitable development and reproduction of C. externa when it is provided to second instar larvae after they fed on E. kuehniella eggs as first instars. As far as we know, this is the first report that demonstrates the effect of natural prey and alternatives on different larval stages of lacewings. This information is valuable in developing protocols for use of C. externaas a pest control agent.

ABSTRACT Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) and Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Meneville) are voracious generalist predators, and important aphid control agents. In an environment containing a complex of species, the occurrence of intraguild interactions can interfere in the predator behavior and consumption. The aim of this work was to know the number of nymphs of Rhodobium porosum (Sanderson) and Macrosiphum rosae (Linnaeus) consumed by larvae of C. externa and H. convergens, and the interaction between these predators when confined together. First, second and third instar nymphs of R. porosum and M. rosae were provided in Petri dishes containing rose leaflets and second instar larvae of the predators. Intraguild interaction was studied in Petri dishes containing first instar nymphs of both aphid species and a second instar larva of C. externa plus one of H. convergens. A third treatment consisted of dishes containing a second instar larva of both predators maintained in the absence of prey. The evaluations took place throughout the entire instar of the predators. C. externa consumed a greater number of R. porosum nymphs and H. convergens a greater number of M. rosae nymphs. For both species of prey, the highest consumption was verified on the last day of evaluation. There was a positive interaction when the predator’s larvae were confined in the presence of aphid nymphs, with no mortality observed for any of them. In the absence of prey, there was 70% mortality of H. convergens larvae due to intraguild predation.

ABSTRACT Rose crops are attacked by many pests, including mealybugs. Although Planoccocus citri is not registered as a main pest of roses in Brazil, it is an increasing problem on roses inside greenhouses. Chrysoperla externa and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are options against P. citri and other pests on roses, however using two predators in biological control programs may face problems like intraguild predation. This work aimed to assess the consumption of 1st instar nymphs and adult females of P. citri by adults of C. montrouzieri and 3rd instar larvae of C. externa, as well as the interaction between these predators when confined together. The following treatments were performed with ten replications in a completely randomized design: 1 - C. externa + 200 nymphs of P. citri; 2 - C. externa + 10 adults of P. citri; 3 - C. montrouzieri + 500 nymphs of P. citri; 4 - C. montrouzieri + 15 adults of P. citri. Each replication was set on rose leaflets inside a Petri dish (9cm Ø). Intraguild interaction was assessed by releasing both predators inside dishes containing 700 nymphs of P. citri. Before the releases, predators stayed 24 hours without food. We evaluated the prey consumption and intraguild predation for three hours. C. externa consumed significantly less (85,4±2,99) nymphs than did C. montrouzieri (387,0±3,02). There was no difference in adult mealybugs consumed, with an average of 1,85±0,19. No intraguild predation was observed, and an increase of 11,8% in consumption was observed when predators were released together compared to the scenario of no competition.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the consumption of Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) nymphs and the predator:prey ratio required for high predatory efficacy and survival of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) larvae under different densities of prey, reared in rose bushes. Consumption by first-, second-, and third-instar larvae of C. externa was assessed. The predatory efficiency and survival of the predator were calculated for larvae in the second instar under densities of 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 nymphs of P. citri and predator:prey ratios of 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20. The assessments were performed after 24 and 48 hours of exposure between species. There was increasing consumption throughout the larval development of C. externa. The predator:prey ratios 1:5 and 1:10 were the most efficient for P. citri population reduction, but the 1:5 ratio led to lower survival of larvae than the 1:10 and 1:20 ratios. There was a positive correlation between C. externa larval density and cannibalism (ρ = 0.45) and a negative correlation between predator density and P. citri population density (ρ = -0.81). Third-instar larvae consume more P. citri nymphs than second-instar larvae. Second-instar larvae of this lacewing released at a 1:20 ratio caused total mortality of mealybug nymphs within 48 hours, regardless the density of P. citri, with high larvae survival of C. externa.

ABSTRACT The predator Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a polyphagous species that has, among its wide range of acceptable prey, the aphid Macrosiphum rosae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an important pest of rose plants. We assessed the consumption of nymphs and adults of M. rosae by C. externa larvae, the predatory efficiency, and larval survival under different predator:prey ratios, densities of aphids, and ages of aphids. The bioassays were performed at 25 ± 1°C and 70 ± 10% RH under a 12-hour photoperiod, with aphids taken from roses of the cultivar Avalanche. Consumption was assessed by making young aphids (2nd and 3rd instars) and more developed aphids (4th instar and adult) available throughout the larval stage of the predator. The predatory efficiency and survival were studied for second-instar larvae offered M. rosae nymphs at densities of 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 using predator:prey ratios of 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20. The assessments were performed 24, 48, and 72 hours after putting the species together. All of the C. externa instars consumed younger than older aphids. Larvae in the third instar consumed 80% of the young aphids and 77% of the older aphids. The higher the predator:prey ratio and larval density, the higher the predatory efficiency and the lower the larval survival. The ratios 1:5 and 1:10 led to the elimination of younger and older aphid populations 72 hours into the interaction between species.

Resumo O controle biológico é uma tendência mundial e tem se destacado como uma estratégia eficaz e compatível para uso em programas de Manejo Integrado de Pragas. No Brasil, o controle desses organismos, envolvendo agentes biológicos, tem sido utilizado em diversos sistemas agrícolas, inclusive, na floricultura. Neste artigo, o controle biológico é abordado sob o ponto de vista natural, por meio da interação entre os organismos na natureza, e aplicado, como estratégia para o manejo de pragas. O conhecimento sobre a dependência e reciprocidade existentes entre as populações na natureza é fundamental para a conscientização de que esse método de controle consiste na exploração de um serviço ecológico natural. Tendo-se em vista que, para o controle biológico de uma praga, a densidade populacional dos inimigos naturais deve ser aumentada, relatamos sobre as duas principais formas para se atingir esse incremento: o controle biológico conservativo e controle biológico aumentativo. A primeira, por meio da modificação do ambiente de cultivo de modo a oferecer uma estrutura vegetacional que favoreça a manutenção e/ou atração dos inimigos naturais, e a segunda, por meio da criação massal de entomófagos e entomopatógenos com características que possam garantir sua função como agentes de controle por ocasião da sua liberação nos cultivos. Entre tais agentes, enfatizamos aqueles que são produzidos e comercializados no Brasil para aplicação em plantas ornamentais. Por fim, relatamos sobre as tecnologias que têm sido mais recentemente empregadas para incrementar o uso adequado e a eficiência desses agentes biocontroladores.

Abstract Biological control is a worldwide trend and has been prominent as an effective and compatible strategy for use in Integrated Pest Management programs. In Brazil, the control of these organisms using biological agents has been used in several agricultural systems, including floriculture. This paper approaches biological control from the perspective of the interaction between organisms in nature, applied as a pest management strategy. Knowledge about the dependence and reciprocity among populations in a natural environment is fundamental to understanding that this control method is nothing more than an exploiting of a natural ecological service. Considering that, for the biological control of a pest we must increase the population density of natural enemies, we report on the two main ways to achieve this increase: conservative biological control and augmentative biological control. The first is done by modifying the environment’s vegetation structure to favor natural enemies’ maintenance or their attraction to the crops. The second is done by mass rearing entomophagous and entomopathogen species with attributes that can ensure their function as control agents when released in crops. Among such agents, we emphasize those produced and marketed in Brazil for application in ornamental plants. Finally, we report on the technologies most recently employed to increase the appropriate use and the efficiency of these biological control agents.

RESUMO Fármacos e desreguladores endócrinos são encontrados em águas naturais brasileiras, incluindo alguns mananciais de abastecimento, também em função da baixa cobertura de coleta e tratamento de esgotos no Brasil. Nesse cenário, o presente trabalho intentou avaliar a remoção de três fármacos - sulfametoxazol (SMX), diclofenaco (DCF) e 17β-estradiol (E2) - em água destilada por meio da oxidação com cloro (hipoclorito de sódio), variando-se a dose de cloro e o tempo de contato em ensaios de batelada. As soluções cloradas foram analisadas, ainda, por cromatografia acoplada à espectrometria de massas para identificação de eventuais subprodutos de oxidação. Para tempo de contato de 10 min e dose de cloro de 1,5 mg.L-1, foi observada remoção média de 61% para DCF, 36% para E2 e 33% para SMX. Apenas para o DCF verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa (α=0,05) para dose de cloro de 3,0 mg.L-1. A oxidação seguiu modelo cinético de pseudossegunda ordem, com valores de k2 de 0,0168 L.µg.min-1 para SMX (para ambas doses testadas), de 0,0133 e 0,0798 L.µg.min-1 para DCF, e de 0,0326 e 0,0289 L.µg.min-1 para E2, para doses de cloro de 1,5 e 3,0 mg.L-1, respectivamente. Por fim, verificou-se que o aumento do tempo de contato favoreceu a oxidação dos fármacos, ainda que com a perspectiva de formação de subprodutos para SMX e E2.

ABSTRACT Pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds are found in Brazilian natural waters, including some water sources for public supply, also due to the low coverage of sewage collection and treatment in Brazil. This study investigated the removal of three pharmaceutical compounds - sulfamethoxazole (SMX), diclofenac (DCF) and 17β-estradiol (E2) - from aqueous solutions by means of chlorine oxidation (sodium hypochlorite) by varying the dose of chlorine and contact time in batch tests. The chlorine solutions were examined by chromatography attached to the mass spectrometry in order to identify the oxidation by-products. For 10 min contact time, mean removal values of 61% were observed for DCF; 36% for E2; and 33% for SMX, when the chlorine dose was 1.5 mg L-1. Just for DCF there was a statistically significant difference (α=0.05) in the removal efficiency when increasing the chlorine dose to 3.0 mg.L-1. The oxidation followed the kinetic model of pseudo-second order, with k2 values of 0.0168 L.µg.min-1 for SMX (at both chlorine doses tested); 0.0133 and 0.0798 L.µg.min-1 to DCF; and 0.0326 and 0.0289 L.µg.min-1 to the E2 at chlorine doses of 1.5 and 3.0 mg L-1, respectively. Finally, it was verified that an increase of the contact time favored the oxidation of all pharmaceuticals tested, although with the perspective of by-products formation for SMX and E2.

Los huevos de Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) están unidos al sustrato de oviposición por largos pedicelos de seda, cuya eliminación total es esencial para la liberación eficiente de los huevos en programas de control biológico. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo el establecimiento de un sustrato de oviposición apropiado y establecer la etapa embrionaria de los huevos de C. externa para retirar en forma manual los pedicelos y proceder a la cosecha de huevos. Los huevos depositados sobre papel sulfito o sobre papel gamuza fueron trasladados de las jaulas de cría e incubados en una cámara de crecimiento, bajo condiciones controladas por 24, 48, 72 ó 96 horas, dependiendo del desarrollo embrionario requerido. En seguida, se colocó el sustrato en una bandeja inclinada y los huevos fueron rozados suavemente con un paño rectangular de muselina doblada. Los huevos sin pedicelo fueron colocados individualmente en placas de microtitulación e incubados en la cámara de crecimiento hasta su eclosión. Los niveles de destrucción de los huevos, en todos los estados embrionarios mantenidos en papel gamuza, fueron considerablemente superiores en comparación con los de papel sulfito. Los huevos jóvenes (24 horas) colectados del papel gamuza fueron particularmente susceptibles y exhibieron 88 % de destrucción, mientras que aquellos de 48, 72 ó 96 horas mostraron, en ambos sustratos, menos de 10 % de destrucción. La viabilidad de los huevos fue afectada significativamente por la fase embrionaria al momento de retirar el pedicelo para los huevos cosechados a las 24 horas, en los dos sustratos. Se espera que el método descrito contribuya a la mejora de la eficiencia en la cosecha manual de huevos de C. externa y que sea utilizado como una alternativa a la técnica química de despedicelamiento, en la cría masiva de esta especie.

Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) eggs are attached to the oviposition substrate by long silk stalks. The complete removal of these stalks is crucial for efficient egg release in biological control programs. The present study aimed at establishing an appropriate oviposition substrate and determining the best embryonic stage for submission of C. externa eggs to manual destalking and harvesting. Eggs oviposited on bond or chamois paper substrates were transferred from rearing cages and incubated in a growth chamber under controlled conditions for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours according to the embryonic stage development required. Substrates were positioned in an inclined tray and softly brushed with a folded rectangle of soft muslin cloth. Destalked eggs were placed individually in microtiter plates and incubated in a growth chamber until hatching. Egg destruction at all embryonic stages and oviposition on the chamois substrate were considerably higher as compared to those from bond paper. Young eggs harvested from chamois paper were particularly susceptible and exhibited 88 % destruction, whereas eggs aged 48, 72 or 96 hours showed < 10 % destruction on both substrates. Viability of eggs collected at 24 hours for both substrates was significantly different from the observed for the other embryonic stages. The method described will contribute to improve the efficiency of manual harvesting of C. externa eggs and can be employed as an alternative to chemical techniques of destalking in mass rearing.

RESUMO Diferenças de suscetibilidade a viroses em plantas podem ser parcialmente explicadas pelo comportamento alimentar dos insetos vetores e presença de fenóis, a qual tem sido, muitas vezes, relacionada com tais defesas. Objetivou-se detectar barreiras que dificultem a alimentação da cochonilha Dysmicoccus brevipes (Pseudococcidae), vetora do vírus pineapple mealybug wilt-associated em abacaxizeiro, bem como analisar o conteúdo de fenóis dessas plantas, a fim de verificar a possível existência de correlação com a conduta alimentar, por meio da técnica de Electrical Penetration Graphs (EPG). Utilizaram-se as cultivares 'Smooth Cayenne' e 'Pérola'. Somente 28 % e 21 % das cochonilhas atingiram o floema nas cultivares 'Smooth Cayenne' e 'Pérola', respectivamente, durante as 16 h de registro, e, em média, levaram 9 h para alcançar os vasos floemáticos. A fase no xilema foi extensa em ambas as cultivares e representou, aproximadamente, 31 % ('Smooth Cayenne') e 44 % ('Pérola') do tempo registrado. O conteúdo de fenóis não diferiu entre as cultivares.

ABSTRACT Differences in susceptibility to viruses in plants may be partially explained by the insect vector probing behavior and by the presence of phenolic compounds, which are often associated with defense strategies. This study aimed at detecting barriers that may difficult the probing activity of the Dysmicoccus brevipes (Pseudococcidae) pineapple mealybug, a vector of the pineapple mealybug wilt-associated virus, as well as evaluating the phenolic content of plants, in order to verify any possible relationship with the probing behavior, by using the electrical penetration graphs (EPG) technique. Seedlings of 'Smooth Cayenne' and 'Pérola' pineapple cultivars were used in the experiments. Only 28 % and 21 % of the mealybugs reached the phloem of the 'Smooth Cayenne' and 'Pérola' cultivars, respectively, over 16 h of recording, with an average of 9 h to reach the phloem vessels. The xylem phase was extended in both cultivars and represented approximately 31 % ('Smooth Cayenne') and 44 % ('Pérola') of the recording time. The phenolic contents of both cultivars were similar.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la capacidad depredadora de larvas de tercer estadio de Chrysoperla externa para regular las poblaciones de Macrosihphum euphorbiae en el cultivo de rosa en condiciones semicontroladas, en función de diferentes densidades de la plaga. Se evaluó durante 24 horas el consumo de larvas de C. externa sobre ninfas de primer y segundo estadio de M. euphorbiae en la proporción depredador:presa 1:10, en cuatro diferentes densidades de pulgones. En una segunda etapa se comparó la capacidad de depredación durante 31 días de larvas de C. externa frente a cuatro densidades iniciales (40, 80, 120, 160) de M. euphorbiae a través de liberaciones semanales del depredador en proporción depredador:presa 1:10. Los resultados demostraron que C. externa posee mayor capacidad depredadora a densidades más elevadas de M. euphorbiae. Se observó además que las densidades iniciales del pulgón no influyeron en el consumo de las larvas de C. externa a lo largo de los 31 días de observación. Aún así el depredador mantuvo la población de M. euphorbiae en densidades más bajas en las plantas donde se liberaron larvas de C. externa, que donde no se hicieron liberaciones. Sin embargo, el número de larvas y la frecuencia de liberación no proporcionaron el control total de la población de áfidos.

The objectives of this study was to assess the efficiency of third instar larvae of Chrysoperla externa and to quantify its population control on different densities of Macrosiphum euphorbiae aphids on greenhouse rose crops. For 24 hours, the consumption of C. externa on first and second stage nymphs of M. euphorbiae at a predator: prey ratio of 1:10 was evaluated on four different aphid densities. In the second stage, the predatory capacity of C. externa was compared over a period of 31 days on four (40, 80, 120, 160) initial densities of M. euphorbiae, through the weekly release of predator larvae at a predator: prey ratio of 1:10. This experiment showed that C. externa has a greater predatory capacity at higher M. euphorbiae densities. It was also observed that the initial density of aphids did not influence the consumption of C. externa larvae over a 31 day observation period. However the predator kept the population of M. euphorbiae at lower densities on plants where C. externa larvae were released. Nevertheless, the number and frequency of larvae released did not provide complete aphid population control.

Se da el primer registro de la ocurrencia de Argentoleon irrigatus en el estado de Minas Gerais, a partir de tres especímenes recolectados en la Mata do Baú, municipio de Barroso, MG, Brasil, ampliando así el conocimiento de la distribución geográfica de esta especie de Myrmeleontidae para el Brasil.

Report of the first record of occurrence of Argentoleon irrigatus in the state of Minas Gerais, from three specimens collected in the Mata do Baú, municipality of Barroso, MG, Brazil. Thus, knowledge of the geographic distribution of this species of Myrmeleontidae in Brazil is increased.

Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) es uno de los enemigos naturales del pulgón de la hoja del maíz Rhopalosiphum maidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) y tiene potencial aplicación en el control biológico contra esta plaga. Fue investigado el efecto de la temperatura sobre el desarrollo y capacidad depredadora de C. externa alimentada con ninfas de R. maidis. Huevos frescos del crisópido fueron mantenidos a 15, 20, 25 ó 30 °C bajo una humedad relativa de 70% y 12 h fotofase. Fueron evaluadas la duración del período embrionario, la duración y viabilidad de la fase larvaria (primer, segundo y tercer estadio), fases de prepupa, pupa y adulta del depredador. La duración de todas las etapas del desarrollo se redujo al aumentar la temperatura, mientras que la viabilidad de todas las fases alcanzó el 100 % a los 20 y 25 °C. El umbral de temperatura y el valor de la constante térmica K obtenidos para el ciclo de vida completo (de huevo a adulto) fueron 10,7 ºC y 377,8 grados-día, respectivamente. Independiente de la temperatura, el consumo de ninfas de R. maidis por C. externa aumentó con el desarrollo de las larvas. A los 20 y 25 °C, el número promedio de pulgones consumidos durante toda la fase larvaria alcanzó aproximadamente 350 especímenes. Se concluye que el desarrollo de las formas inmaduras de C. externa alimentada con R. maidis, así como la viabilidad y su capacidad depredadora, se favorecen a temperaturas entre 20 y 25 °C.

Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is one of the natural enemies of the corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and has potential application in the biological control of that pest. The effect of' temperature on the development and the predatory capacity of this chrysopid fed with R. maidis nymphs was investigated. Fresh eggs of C. externa were maintained at 15, 20, 25 or 30 °C under 70% relative humidity and 12 h photophase, and the duration of the embryonic stage, as well as the duration and viability of the larval (first, second and third instars), prepupal, pupal and adult forms of the predator were evaluated. The duration of each of these stages decreased with increasing temperature, whilst the viabilities of all forms attained 100% at 20 and 25 °C. The threshold temperature and the value of the thermal constant K obtained for the complete life cycle (egg to adult) were, respectively, 10.7 °C and 377.8 degree-days. Independent of temperature, the consumption of R. maidis nymphs by C. externa increased as the larvae reached maturity. At 20 and 25 °C the average number of aphids consumed during the complete larval stage was maximal at approximately 350 specimens. It is concluded, therefore, that the development of the immature forms of C. externa fed on R. maidis as well as its viability and predatory capacity, were favored at temperatures between 20 and 25 °C.

Espécies de Apiaceae dispõem de óleos essenciais, nos quais podem ocorrer compostos voláteis, que funcionam como sinais para atração e manutenção de inimigos naturais nas áreas cultivadas. Com base nestas características, este trabalho objetivou avaliar a atratividade aos adultos do predador Chrysoperla externa. Foram utilizados folhas e caules de coentro, endro e erva-doce, coletados aos 30 e 60 dias após a semeadura. As plantas foram dispostas em olfatômetro de quatro vias (formato de "X") disponibilizando-se os odores para machos e fêmeas, virgens e acasalados, em testes de livre escolha. Ao serem liberados individualmente no interior do olfatômetro, foram cronometrados cinco minutos e contabilizado o tempo total de permanência do inseto em cada braço do aparelho. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste c², com frequência esperada de 25%. Estudou-se o rendimento de óleo essencial das três espécies de plantas, 30 e 60 dias após a semeadura, utilizando-se do método de hidrodestilação. A composição química dos óleos foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrômetro de massas. Verificou-se que adultos virgens têm preferência por plantas de coentro, enquanto os acasalados preferem plantas de erva-doce, ambas coletadas aos 30 dias. Plantas com 60 dias não proporcionaram resposta atrativa aos adultos de C. externa. O rendimento de óleo tendeu a aumentar com o desenvolvimento fenológico da planta. A composição química do óleo de coentro revelou, como componentes majoritários, o (2E)-decenal e decanal e, para erva-doce, a maior concentração foi de (E)-anetol.

Species of Apiaceae have essential oils that may present volatile compounds that act as signals to attract and maintain natural enemies in the crop. Based on these characteristics, the objective of this study was to evaluate the attractiveness to adults of the predator Chrysoperla externa. Leaves and stems of plants of coriander, dill and fennel, collected at 30 and 60 days after sowing, were used here. The plants were arranged in four-way olfactometer ("X" format), providing odor to males and females, virgin and mated insects, in free choice tests. When released individually inside the olfactometer, five minutes were timed and the total time spent by the insect in each arm of the device was counted. Data were analyzed by the χ² test, with expected frequencies of 25%. The yield of the essential oil of three species of plants at 30 and 60 days after sowing was evaluated by using the method of hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the oils was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. It was found that virgin adults have a preference for coriander plants, while the mated insects prefer fennel, both collected at 30 days. Plants at 60 days did not provide attractiveness response to adults of C. externa. The oil yield tended to increase with the phenological development of the plant. The chemical composition of coriander oil revealed (2E)-decenal and decanal as major components, and the highest concentration was of (E)-anethole for fennel.

O presente estudo relata, pela primeira vez, a ocorrência de Hemerobius gaitoi Monserrat, 1996 e Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996 (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) para o estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

The present study reports for the first time the occurrence of Hemerobius gaitoi Monserrat, 1996 and Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996 (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Os insetos predadores da família Chrysopidae têm sido relatados tanto em ecossistemas naturais como nos agroecossistemas, sejam eles cultivos consorciados ou monocultivos. Porém, são escassas as informações sobre o comportamento das populações desses insetos nos agroecossistemas diversificados, como aqueles de base agroecológica. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de determinar a riqueza de espécies de crisopídeos e avaliar a influência de diferentes cultivos agrícolas, assim como de fatores climáticos na abundância desses insetos em sistema de produção orgânica diversificada. O estudo foi conduzido de setembro de 2008 a agosto de 2009, por meio de amostragens semanais de adultos de Chrysopidae em áreas do Sistema Integrado de Produção Agroecológica, em Seropédica (RJ), cada qual com um tipo de sistema de cultivo (rotação milho-mucuna/olerícolas, cafeeiros sombreados e rotação cana-de-açúcar/pastagem de braquiária). Um total de 424 espécimes de crisopídeos foi coletado, sendo distribuídos em três espécies: Chrysoperla externa (98,1%), Ceraeochrysa cubana (1,7%) e Ceraeochrysa paraguaria (0,2%). Não houve diferença no número de adultos coletados em função dos diferentes cultivos, embora a análise de correlação evidencie que as rotações com poáceas favoreçam o aumento da sua abundância. A abundância dos crisopídeos foi influenciada pelo clima apenas no sistema de cafeeiros sombreados, sendo correlacionada negativamente com a temperatura média do ar e a com a precipitação pluvial acumulada.

The green lacewings (Chrysopidae) have been reported in natural ecosystems as well in agroecosystems, intercropping or monocropping. However, the knowledge on their behavior on different agroecosystems is scarce. The present work aimed to determine the diversity of green lacewing species and to evaluate the influence of different agricultural crops, as well as climate factors, on the abundance of these insects in an agroecologically-based organic production system. The study was conducted from September 2008 to August 2009, by performing weekly sampling of Chrysopidae adults in areas of the Integrated Production Agroecological System (SIPA) in Seropédica (RJ), each with one type of cropping system (corn-mucuna rotation/vegetable crops; shaded coffees and sugar cane/brachiaria pasture rotation). A total of 424 adult specimens were collected, belonging to three species: Chrysoperla externa (98.1%), Ceraeochrysa cubana (1.7%) and Ceraeochrysa paraguaria (0.2%). There were no differences on the number of green lacewing adults collected in the crops, although the correlation analysis showed that the crop rotations with grasses favor their abundance. The abundance of green lacewings was also influenced by the climate conditions only in the system of shaded coffees, being negatively correlated with mean air temperature and accumulated rainfall.