ABSTRACT The emergence of insecticide resistance in different mosquito populations underscores the pressing need for alternative approaches to control vector-borne diseases. Among several technological strategies, the employment of bacterial symbionts, such as the Wolbachia pipientis strains wMel and wAlbB to inhibit the ability of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) to transmit dengue and Zika viruses in endemic regions worldwide is promising. This investigation examines both the bacterial diversity associated with Culex quinquefasciatus and the genetic diversity of Wolbachia in females collected in Coari, Amazonas State, Brazil. Both 16S rRNA and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene sequences were generated and examined. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum. Wolbachia was the predominant genus, followed by Providencia, unclassified Erwiniaceae, and Acinetobacter. The presence of Delftia in Cx. quinquefasciatus need further investigations to identify the strains and if any of them can inhibit the transmission of arboviruses by this mosquito. Wolbachia 16S rRNA sequences were detected in all samples analyzed. The wsp sequences from Coari specimens were identified as Wolbachia wPip strain of the supergroup B. These sequences are identical and share 100% similarity with those of other Cx. quinquefasciatus populations from Brazil. Our findings suggest the hypothesis of previous studies that the Wolbachia invasion in Cx. quinquefasciatus was recent. vectorborne vector borne diseases strategies symbionts Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1762 promising State Brazil S (wsp examined phylum genus Providencia Erwiniaceae Acinetobacter Cx analyzed B 100 recent 176 10 17 1

ABSTRACT The Maricá Environmental Protection Area (RJ, Southeastern Brazil) is predominantly occupied by the restinga ecosystem. Two broad inventories of insect galls and several contributions to the taxonomical knowledge of the local gall-inducing fauna have been done since 1992. The present study aims to compile literature data, compare them with data from recent collections and evaluate the similarity between the gall-inducing insects from this area and those from other restingas, using the Sorensen’s index. Field work was carried out from April 2021 to March 2022, in a total of 14 expeditions. All voucher material was deposited in the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional/UFRJ. According to literature compilation, the Environmental Protection Area of Maricá (MEPA) hosts 108 gall-inducing species, 83.3% were collected again. Twenty-three gall morphotypes were found for the first time in the study area as well as two host plants, Schwartzia brasiliensis (Marcgraviaceae) and Lantana fucata (Verbenaceae). All Brazilian restingas have low similarity with MEPA, which shows that this restinga is unique in the composition of the gall-inducers. MEPA includes 63 endemic species and morphospecies of cecidogenous insects. Nyctaginaceae, Boraginaceae, and Erythroxylaceae showed the greatest average of inducers by plant species. However, these taxa are not the best represented in MEPA, but they include super hosts, which explains their highest value. The family Myrtaceae shelters the greatest richness of gall-inducing insects and the greatest richness of host plant species. A new case of inquilinism was observed in galls on Neomitranthes obscura (Myrtaceae). RJ, RJ (RJ Brazil ecosystem gallinducing inducing 1992 Sorensens Sorensen s index 202 2022 1 expeditions NacionalUFRJ Nacional UFRJ Nacional/UFRJ compilation (MEPA 10 833 83 3 83.3 again Twentythree Twenty three plants Marcgraviaceae (Marcgraviaceae Verbenaceae. Verbenaceae . (Verbenaceae) gallinducers. gallinducers inducers. gall-inducers 6 Nyctaginaceae Boraginaceae However value Myrtaceae. (Myrtaceae) 199 20 8 83. (Verbenaceae (Myrtaceae 19 2

ABSTRACT Brazil has been suffering a dengue (DENV) epidemic in 2019 and 2022 and records cases of Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV). Londrina city, Paraná, stands out for the number of cases and deaths from dengue. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the density and diversity of mosquitoes present in urban public establishments of Londrina, to analyze their ecological relationships, and to investigate the presence of the DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV. Ovitraps were installed in outdoor sites in two public establishments in each region of Londrina, while adult culicids were caught indoors with a Nasci aspirator. A total of 5077 eggs were obtained in 77 ovitraps. The South region had the highest infestation while the East had the lowest (Ovitrap Positivity Index: 38% and 25%; Egg Density Index: 67.83 and 19.03, respectively). From eggs, 704 Aedes aegypti females and 71 Aedes albopictus females were obtained, while in the aspiration of adults, 99 A. aegypti and 11 Culex quinquefasciatus were captured, the highest number in the West and the lowest in the North. The DENV-II virus was detected in a pool of 17 A. aegypti females in the West region. The results demonstrate high density of pathogen vector species, mainly A. aegypti, in and around establishments, alerting to the need for constant local entomological surveillance to prevent viral circulation, mainly in crowded places. The presence of A. albopictus around the establishments also alerts to the urbanization of the species and potential participation in the viral circulation, demonstrating the need for constant monitoring. DENV (DENV 201 202 ZIKV (ZIKV CHIKV . (CHIKV) city Paraná Therefore relationships aspirator 507 7 ovitraps Ovitrap Index 38 25% 25 6783 67 83 67.8 1903 19 03 19.03 respectively. respectively respectively) 70 adults 9 1 captured North DENVII II circulation places monitoring 20 (CHIKV 50 3 2 678 6 8 67. 190 0 19.0 5 19.

ABSTRACT Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858) is an economically relevant polyphagous moth, widely distributed in the Neotropics and part of the Spodoptera latifascia (Walker, 1856) species group. In this study, we used extensive sampling from different regions to describe the spatial distribution of S. cosmioides in Brazil and evaluate its variability both from morphological and molecular perspectives. Variable coloration and several morphological similarities were found among S. cosmioides and congeners of the S. latifascia complex, diverging from each 0.5 to 3.5% of mitochondrial DNA. The genetic divergence at the species level of S. cosmioides was 0.5% throughout Brazil, and a geographic structure was absent, including shared haplotypes with S. descoinsi Lalanne-Cassou & Silvain, 1994. Spodoptera cosmioides was found in all six biomes of Brazil, with the highest abundance recorded in the Cerrado, followed by the Amazon, Atlantic Rainforest, Caatinga, Pantanal, and Pampa. Walker, Walker (Walker 1858 moth 1856 group study S perspectives complex 05 0 5 0. 35 3 3.5 DNA absent LalanneCassou Lalanne Cassou Silvain 1994 Cerrado Amazon Rainforest Caatinga Pantanal Pampa 185 3. 199 18 19 1

ABSTRACT Mansonia Blanchard mosquitoes are aggressive and opportunistic, making it difficult for habitation in certain areas. However, there is no data regarding their rearing in laboratory in Brazil. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different diet composition on the development of Mansonia humeralis immatures. The plant Pistia stratiotes was used as a substrate for larval attachment, and fish food (Tetra Marine® Flakes) and baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in various combinations were used as feed. Eggs and larvae were obtained from mosquitoes collected in the field using protected human catches, and the experiments were conducted in the laboratory (25-27°C and 70-80% relative humidity) with 200 larvae per container (n=15). Mortality rate, larval development time, pupation rate, emergence rate, and the number of eggs and larvae were recorded. Overall, a high mortality rate (0.5 – 0.7) was observed in the first 12 days of the experiment in all diets, up to 50% of adults emerged from the remaining larvae with a male to female ratio of 1.1 to 1.3. The use of yeast in combination with fish food resulted in lower mortality rate (0.52), a shorter larval development time (34 days), a higher pupation rate (0.21) and number of eggs (21 eggs) compared to the other diets. However, fertility was very low (1%) regardless of the diet used. The use of yeast is recommended as part of the diet offered to this mosquito species under the laboratory conditions used in our study. opportunistic areas However Brazil Therefore immatures attachment Tetra Marine Flakes bakers baker s Saccharomyces cerevisiae feed catches 2527°C 2527C C 25 27°C 27 7080% 7080 70 80% 80 70-80 humidity 20 n=15. n15 n n=15 . 15 (n=15) recorded Overall 0.5 05 0 5 (0. 0.7 07 7 1 diets 50 11 1. 13 3 1.3 0.52, 052 0.52 , 52 (0.52) 34 (3 days, days) 0.21 021 21 (0.21 (2 1% (1% 2527 2 27C 708 8 70-8 n1 n=1 (n=15 0. (0 (0.52 ( 0.2 02 (0.2 (1 252 70- n= (n=1 (n= (n

ABSTRACT The genus Isostenosmylus Krüger, 1913 contains 18 species distributed in South America, especially in the Andean region and in southern Brazil and Paraguay. Herein, a new species – Isostenosmylus derpi sp. n. – from a specific habitat named “Brejo de Altitude” from Paraíba state, Northeast Brazil, is described and illustrated. Distribution map and an updated taxonomic key for the genus females are provided. Krüger 191 1 America Paraguay Herein sp n Brejo Altitude state illustrated provided 19

ABSTRACT The sharpshooter genus Balacha Melichar, 1926 includes nine species and is distributed in southeastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. All species of Balacha use only members of the genus Eryngium (Apiaceae) as host plants, except for a recently described species that is associated with Actinocephalus polyanthus (Eriocaulaceae). Here we describe and illustrate an additional species, B. caledonia sp. nov., from an alpine field in Nova Friburgo, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, which is also associated with Eryngium. Among the known species of the genus, the new taxon is morphologically most similar to B. caparao Takiya & Mejdalani, 2004, but can be easily distinguished by the shaft of the aedeagus, which has a dorsal lobe on the basal half and no ventroapical lobe, and the female sternite VII with the borders of the posterior emargination sinuous. Our studies indicate that the type locality of the new species and its surrounding Atlantic Forest area in Nova Friburgo harbor an interesting and diverse but still poorly known sharpshooter fauna, including the recently discovered Paratubana auromarginata Côrte et al., 2021 (also from Eryngium) and Cavichiana caelivittata Mejdalani et al., 2023 (from bromeliads). Melichar 192 Brazil Uruguay Paraguay Argentina Apiaceae (Apiaceae plants Eriocaulaceae. Eriocaulaceae . (Eriocaulaceae) B sp nov nov. Janeiro 2004 aedeagus sinuous fauna al al. 202 bromeliads. bromeliads bromeliads) 19 (Eriocaulaceae 200 20 1 2

ABSTRACT Understanding aspects of insect ecology is a key component for the applicability of control methods or pest resistance management. For instance, the comprehension of insect dispersal is crucial to determining insect gene flow and the maximum distance between refuge areas in Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) crops. But, for such studies, insects need to be marked prior to release. Seeking to refine the technique of dispersion studies of the genetic material of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), this study aimed to determine the efficiency of water-soluble dyes for the internal marking of S. frugiperda immatures and adults via larval feeding, with emphasis on marking the spermatophore. Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, Ponceau, Coomassie, and Eosin-Nigrosin were added to the larval artificial diet at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm. Mortality and duration of the larval stage as well as the efficiency of marking internal structures of larvae and adults were evaluated. Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue increased the duration of the larval period, but the former caused higher mortality. The staining of the gut, hemolymph, and imaginal discs, in the larval phase, was observed for Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, and Coomassie dyes. However, none of the dyes were efficient for marking spermatophores. Thus, the addition of these water-soluble dyes to the larval diet of S. frugiperda can mark internal structures of the larva, but not the adult. Therefore, these dyes have limited application once they may be used only for marking larvae. management instance Bacillus thuringiensis crops But release J.E. JE J E (J.E Smith Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Noctuidae, Noctuidae , Noctuidae) watersoluble water soluble S feeding spermatophore Ponceau EosinNigrosin Eosin Nigrosin 0 100 200 400 600 800 ppm evaluated period mortality gut hemolymph discs phase However spermatophores Thus larva adult Therefore J.E 10 20 40 60 80 1 2 4 6 8

ABSTRACT The largest genus within the family Tabanidae (Diptera: Brachycera), Tabanus Linnaeus, has a worldwide distribution and includes medium to large conspicuous flies. Although the species are difficult to identify and a large number have already been described, several new Neotropical species have been reported for science in the past few years. Taxonomy, the science that describes and catalogs biodiversity, depends on collections, as these preserve specimens for later purposes, allowing examination and checking by specialists. In this paper we describe a new species, Tabanus argentistrigatus sp. n. based on two specimens stored in the collection of the Museum of Zoology of the São Paulo University since 1938. The new species is only known from one location in the state of Paraná, which is now highly anthropized. Diptera (Diptera Brachycera, Brachycera , Brachycera) Linnaeus flies described years Taxonomy biodiversity collections purposes specialists sp n 1938 Paraná anthropized 193 19 1

ABSTRACT Great advances were made in recent years regarding the description of immatures of Cassidinae and their taxonomy as a whole, but many taxa remain undescribed. This study focuses on updating morphological data for Hybosa acutangula Spaeth, 1913 (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Ischyrosonychini), a tortoise beetle native of South America, which was collected in Fridericia florida (DC.) L. G. Lohmann in the Brazilian Cerrado. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the morphology of the larva, pupa, and genitalia of adults, all of which are novel for this genus. The main discerning features for this species among other Ischyrosonychini are the lack of dark patterns in the dorsum of either the larvae, being limited to the dark scoli and the cranium, or the pupae, and a much reduced anal fork. We also present the first record of parasitism by Chalcididae wasps, Brachymeria sp. Westwood, 1832 and Conura sp. Spinola, 1837. Morphological comparisons remain limited demanding further studies with other species of Ischyrosonychini, as to better understand the placement of this species within the taxonomy of tortoise beetles. whole undescribed Spaeth 191 Chrysomelidae (Chrysomelidae , Ischyrosonychini) America DC. DC (DC. L G Cerrado larva pupa adults genus larvae cranium pupae fork wasps sp Westwood 183 Spinola 1837 beetles 19 (DC 18 1

ABSTRACT Cyphoedma n. gen., is validly described following a century of use as an unpublished manuscript name. Cyphoedma mirafloresa (Dognin, 1892) rev. stat. n. comb. is elevated to full species from subspecific status with Cyphoedma transvolutata (Walker, 1860) n. comb., and a third species in the genus is described from Central America: Cyphoedma ashleyorum n. sp. The adult habitus and male and female genitalia are illustrated for each of the three species and available COI (DNA) barcode data are reviewed. n gen gen. name Dognin, Dognin (Dognin 1892 rev stat comb Walker, Walker (Walker 1860 America sp DNA (DNA reviewed 189 186 18 1

ABSTRACT The rice stink bug, Tibraca limbativentris Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a significant pest of rice cultivation in Brazil and attacks plants during both vegetative and reproductive phases. Natural enemy surveys conducted in plantations located in Arari, Miranda do Norte, Matões do Norte, Santa Rita, and Viana (state of Maranhão, Brazil) led to the discovery of a new species of parasitoid, which is described in this study. Hexacladia lemosae Costa, Noyes & Machado sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is the first species of its genus associated with T. limbativentris and develops as a gregarious endoparasitoid in adult stink bugs, occasionally in nymphs. The parasitoid emerges from the host while host is still alive. bug Hemiptera (Hemiptera Pentatomidae, Pentatomidae , Pentatomidae) phases Arari Norte Rita state Maranhão study Costa sp nov Hymenoptera (Hymenoptera Encyrtidae T bugs nymphs alive

ABSTRACT One of the tools used to investigate the influence of environmental contaminants and other stresses on the development of organisms is the analysis of morphometric traits used to detect changes in growth and size patterns. To evaluate the effects of the heavy metal lead (Pb) present in experimentally contaminated soil on the morphometric traits of the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) reared on cultivated Brassica oleracea L. (var. acephala), we analyzed three different metrics: morphometry, allometry, and fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Additionally, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of these analyses in detecting environmental stress. We cultivated kale plants in soil contaminated with the maximum allowable limit of Pb for local soils in Brazil, and the colonization of plants by aphids occurred naturally under field conditions. After collection, we photographed and measured the antennae, tibiae, and total body length of aphids from the control and contaminated treatments. We observed no significant differences in the allometry and morphometric analysis, and the presence of the contaminant did not result in any observed FA. The study demonstrated that the morphometric trait analyses employed were not effective in detecting environmental stress resulting from field exposure of aphids to Pb in soil, since these insects suffered a reduction in their population density in the presence of Pb, as indicated in our previous findings. This result diverges from those found in studies conducted under laboratory conditions. We discussed mechanisms of metal accumulation, detoxification in aphids, and population aspects in natural conditions. patterns (Pb L (L. var. var (var acephala, acephala , acephala) metrics morphometry FA . (FA) Additionally Brazil conditions collection antennae tibiae treatments findings accumulation (L (FA

ABSTRACT Ecological interactions are diverse, variable across space and time and not always well understood. The use of interaction network analysis has become a tool that promotes a deeper understanding on ecological and evolutionary processes. The interaction between insects and fungi is an interesting research model, helping to understand colonization dynamics and species specialization in spatially aggregated and ephemeral resources. Here, we describe the interactions between Drosophilidae species and the fungal basidiocarps in a subtropical forest in Brazil. Flies were collected when were visiting basidiocarps and then the basidiocarps themselves were also collected to obtain the emerging flies whose larvae fed on the fungi. We observed 31 species of drosophilids interacting with basidiocarps of 23 fungi species. An ecological network analysis was performed for the drosophilids breeding on basidiocarps and for those visiting them as adults. We found a specialized breeding network, with stronger interactions involving Hirtodrosophila and Auricularia and Zygothrica bilineata and a Marasmius species. Our results indicate the generalist habit of most Zygothrica species. The visitation network was highly specialized. Despite being well represented in the sampling, most Zygothrica species did not emerge from any fungal species. This study advances the knowledge on patterns of Drosophilid-fungi interactions and provides insights into their drivers. diverse understood processes model resources Here Brazil 3 2 adults sampling Drosophilidfungi Drosophilid drivers