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ABSTRACT The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others.

A laranja, uma fruta popular, gera grandes quantidades de resíduos, com metade descartada como bagaço após a extração do suco, contribuindo para os 110-120 milhões de toneladas de resíduos cítricos anualmente, e criando desafios ambientais, especialmente em relação à poluição do solo e da água. Sendo assim, este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a bioconversão utilizando larvas de Hermetia illucens (BSFL) alimentadas com bagaço de laranja, analisando a eficácia do processo e a qualidade nutricional das larvas resultantes. Testes preliminares demonstraram que o bagaço de laranja puro não oferece o aporte nutricional necessário para o desenvolvimento da BSFL. Com isso, as dietas foram complementadas com resíduo farináceo e definidas com base em diferentes concentrações do bagaço de laranja: LA25 (25% de bagaço, 75% de resíduo farináceo), LA50 (50% de bagaço, 50% de resíduo farináceo), LA75 (75% de bagaço, 25% de resíduo farináceo) e LA0 (100% de resíduo farináceo). Foram avaliados o desempenho larval, o desenvolvimento em bioconversão e a qualidade nutricional da BSFL. Os resultados mostraram que a BSFL pode efetivamente converter bagaço de laranja, aproveitar seus nutrientes e, portanto, reduzir seu potencial poluente. De forma geral, utilizando somente o bagaço de laranja puro, não houve crescimento larval, embora níveis crescentes de inclusão do resíduo farináceo tenha alterado parâmetros de desenvolvimento e de bioconversão, bem como a qualidade nutricional da BSFL (p≤0,05). Assim, observou-se que a inclusão de 25% do resíduo farináceo (LA75) melhorou o desempenho global da BSFL (p≤0,05), propiciando tambéma valoração deste resíduo em relação a todos os parâmetros avaliados.

The aim of this study is to collect information about events in the city of Oslo, Norway, that produce a seismic signature. In particular, we focus on blasts from the ongoing construction of tunnels and under-ground water storage facilities under populated areas in Oslo. We use seismic data recorded simultaneously on up to 11 Raspberry Shake sensors deployed between 2021 and 2023 to quickly detect, locate, and classify urban seismic events. We present a deep learning approach to first identify rare events and then to build an automatic classifier from those templates. For the first step, we employ an outlier detection method using auto-encoders trained on continuous background noise. We detect events using an STA/LTA trigger and apply the auto-encoder to those. Badly reconstructed signals are identified as outliers and subsequently located using their surface wave (Rg) signatures on the seismic network. In a second step, we train a supervised classifier using a Convolutional Neural Network to detect events similar to the identified blast signals. Our results show that up to 87% of about 1,900 confirmed blasts are detected and locatable in challenging background noise conditions. We demonstrate that a city can be monitored automatically and continuously for explosion events, which allows implementing an alert system for future smart city solutions.

In order to estimate well-constrained seismic hazard and risk on local scales, the knowledge of site amplification factors is one of several important requirements. Seismic hazard studies on national or regional scales generally provide the level of earthquake shaking only at bedrock conditions, thereby avoiding the difficulties that are caused through local site effects. Oftentimes, local site conditions are not well understood or even non-existent. In this study we investigate an efficient and non-invasive methodology to derive the local average shear wave velocity in the uppermost 30 m of the ground (Vs30). The Vs30 value is a useful parameter to define soil classes and soil amplification used in seismic hazard assessment and to extend the knowledge of the site to include the depth to basement rock. At the level of the municipality of Oslo, there is currently no map available that describes the Vs30, and as such any seismic risk study is lacking potentially critical information on local site amplification. The new proposed methodology includes the use of existing well databases (with knowledge on minimum basement depth), topographic slope derived from Digital Elevation Models (as a proxy for both depth to basement and Vs30, integrated with geological maps) and near-surface Quaternary geological maps. The Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method and a statistics-based geological mapping tool (COHIBA) are used to integrate the various sources of data estimates. Finally, we demonstrate our new methodology and workflow with data from three different regions within the Oslo municipality and propose an approach to conduct cost-efficient mapping for seismic site amplification on a general municipality scale.

Abstract During the storage period of dry tobacco and its derivatives, insect pests such as species of Ephestia Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), popularly known as moths, cause damage to the product, being controlled mainly with physical practices and synthetic chemicals, although with limitations on their use and results. Some biological control agents, such as the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), have the potential to control these pests. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of H. hebetor release in tobacco farms and industrial warehouses, on the infestation of Ephestia spp. adults. Parasitoids were released in tobacco farmers and tobacco industry warehouses between 2016-2018, comprising two years/crop seasons. Each release consisted of 1,000 parasitoids (four times) in tobacco farmers warehouses (70 m2) and 30,000 (five times) in tobacco industry warehouses (8,000 m2). Pheromone-baited sticky traps were used to weekly monitor the average number of adults of Ephestia spp. in warehouses with (WP) and without parasitoid release (NP). The average number of adults of Ephestia spp. captured in the traps in WP environments at farmers and industry level was significantly lower than the average captured in NP from the third and fifth weeks. In the following weeks, the averages of Ephestia spp. were always significantly lower in the WP environments until the end of monitoring. Therefore, the use of H. hebetor for moth control should be considered as part of a biological control program in stored tobacco environments.

Host diet often influences its biological parameters and the success of their parasitoids, both in mass rearing, field research and parasitism in applied biological control programs. Habrobracon hebetor (Say, 1836) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an important biological control agent of the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), which infests tobacco, grain and other products in storage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different proportions of tobacco in artificial diets on the biological parameters of the host E. kuehniella and its parasitoid H. hebetor. Four classes of Virginia tobacco with different sugar and nicotine concentrations were added to flour diets for moths in different percentages (5, 10 and 15%).The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme (percentage of dietary tobacco × class of tobacco). In the parasitoid bioassays, hosts fed only with 5% tobacco were used. For E. kuehniella, the development time (egg-adult), viability of immature stages, sex ratio, fecundity, egg viability and longevity were measured. For H. hebetor, percentage parasitism, offspring sex ratio, number of paralyzed and parasitized larvae, egg-adult viability and parasitism preference were measured. Tobacco classes and percentages added to the diet influenced the development time and viability of E. kuehniella. The 5% host diet did not influence the different biological parameters and behaviour of H. hebetor. For mass rearing of H. hebetor, it is unnecessary to add tobacco to the artificial diet in order to improve parasitoid performance.

Glacial seismicity provides important insights into glacier dynamic processes. We study the temporal distribution of cryogenic seismic signals (icequakes) at Holtedahlfonna, Svalbard, between April and August 2016 using a single three-component sensor. We investigate sources of observed icequakes using polarization analysis and waveform modeling. Processes responsible for five icequake categories are suggested, incorporating observations of previous studies into our interpretation. We infer that the most dominant icequake type is generated by surface crevasse opening through hydrofracturing. Secondly, bursts of high-frequency signals are presumably caused by repeated near-surface crevassing due to high strain rates during glacier fast-flow episodes. Furthermore, signals related to resonance in water-filled cracks, fracturing or settling events in dry firn or snow before the melt season, and processes at the glacier bed are observed. Amplitude of seismic background noise is clearly related to glacier runoff. We process ambient seismic noise to invert horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios for a sub-surface seismic velocity model used to model icequake signals. Our study shows that a single seismic sensor provides useful information about seasonal ice dynamics in case deployment of a network is not feasible.

The aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is considered one of the main pests in tobacco crops. By knowing their natural enemies, such as parasitoid wasp, is the first step to develop management strategies for the biological control of the aphids using local agents. For the success of using this tool, it must be considered some environmental factors like thermal tolerance. Therefore, the objective of this work was to survey the occurrence of the parasitoids of M. persicae associated with tobacco crops in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as well as to evaluate the influence of temperature on the occurrence of these parasitoid species. During four crop seasons, tobacco leaves infested with aphids were collected in 42 cities of Rio Grande do Sul. The leaves with aphids were conditioned in plastic containers for ten days for later screening and verification of parasitoids’ emergence. In total, 2963 individuals of two emerging species were sampled: 78% were Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and 22% were Praon volucre (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Among the 42 cities sampled, the occurrence of parasitoids was detected in 25 of them. Under the conditions of this study, it was confirmed the influence of the temperature on the populations of the parasitoids of M. persicae. Individuals of P. volucre occurred preferably in temperatures below 22 °C, unlike to A. colemani, which preferred higher temperatures, above 22 °C, showing a different thermal tolerance between both species.

A vespa-da-galha do eucalipto (Leptocybe invasa) causa severos danos em suas plantas hospedeiras. Uma das principais estratégias para controlar sua dispersão é o controle biológico com himenópteros parasitoides. Existem espécies, como o parasitoide Megastigmus brasiliensis que apresentam potencial no controle biológico da vespa-da-galha na região Sul do Brasil. O trabalho teve como objetivo registrar a ocorrência de parasitoides associados à L. invasa bem como levantar informações a respeito de sua distribuição na região central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As coletas foram realizadas em doze municípios na região central do Estado entre os meses de dezembro e março de 2015-2016 e 2016-2017. Ramos de eucalipto com galhas foram coletados e mantidos no laboratório em condições controladas de temperatura (28 ± 2°C). Após dois meses, foi feita a triagem e identificação dos indivíduos coletados. Em todos os municípios amostrados houve presença da vespa-da-galha com diferentes níveis de densidade, o que pode estar relacionado ao material genético da planta hospedeira e às condições meteorológicas locais. O único parasitoide coletado foi M. brasiliensis. Este trabalho apresenta o primeiro registro da ocorrência de M. brasiliensis no Rio Grande do Sul e o segundo registro no Brasil.

Habrobracon hebetor (Say) is a cosmopolitan idiobiont braconid which parasitizes Pyralidae larvae, a pest of stored products, such as Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller). The objective was to describe the morphology of immature forms of H. hebetor and morphological changes throughout its development. Mated females of H. hebetor were individualized in Petri dishes containing larvae of E. kuehniella for parasitism for six hours. Then, the females were removed, leaving only the eggs placed on the host. The development was evaluated every 12 hours, recording all stages and changes until the emergence of adults. Using stereoscopic optical and scanning electron microscopy, photographs of immature individuals were taken. The results showed that this parasitoid completes its development between 10–12 days. There were stages overlaps during egg to adult development. Eggs are hymenopteriform, with a smooth surface. According to cephalic capsule and larval length measurements of H. hebetor, it was possible to determine four instars. In general, the instars are similar to each other, differing mainly in the size and shape of segments. Larvae present a gradual loss of transparency, becoming opaquer at each successive instar. Last instar larvae distanced from the host to form the cocoon and to pupate. This study was relevant for a better understanding of the physiological interactions between E. kuehniella and H. hebetor.

Abstract. This study aimed to determine social wasps’ species from Pampa Biome. Were examined samples of social wasps from south-central of Rio Grande do Sul state (Brazil), parts of Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, Corrientes, Cordoba, Santa Fé and La Pampa provinces (Argentina) and in Uruguay maintained in the Coleção Entomológica de Santa Cruz do Sul (Santa Cruz do Sul-Brazil), American Museum of Natural History (USA), Natural History Museum (London-United Kingdom) and Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris-France). Thirty species were recorded: Agelaia (01), Brachygastra (01), Mischocyttarus (04), Polistes (15), Polybia (08) and Protonectarina (01). Vespas sociais do Bioma Pampa: sul do Brasil, nordeste da Argentina e Uruguai. Resumo. Este estudo objetivou determinar as espécies de vespas sociais provenientes do Bioma Pampa. Foram examinadas vespas sociais provenientes de coletas da região centro-sul do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), parte das províncias de Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, Corrientes, Cordoba, Santa Fé e La Pampa (Argentina) e Uruguai depositadas na Coleção Entomológica de Santa Cruz do Sul (Santa Cruz do Sul-Brasil), American Museum of Natural History (Nova Iorque-USA), Natural History Museum (Londres-Reino Unido) e Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris-França). Trinta espécies foram registradas: Agelaia (01), Brachygastra (01), Mischocyttarus (04), Polistes (15), Polybia (08) e Protonectarina (01).

Resumo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a contribuição de dois ambientes antrópicos (monocultura de Eucalyptus e pastagem de bovinos) como habitats para espécies de formigas edáficas de Floresta Estacional Decidual (mata nativa). Foram realizadas coletas semanais entre outubro de 2009 e março de 2010 utilizando armadilhas de solo do tipo Pitfall, no município de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brasil. Duas hipóteses foram testadas: (1) a diversidade de formigas é maior na mata nativa em relação a pastagem de bovinos e a monocultura de Eucalyptus; (2) ambientes florestais (mata nativa e monocultura de Eucalyptus) apresentam assembleias de formigas mais similares entre si do que com ambientes abertos (pastagem de bovinos). Foi observado 930 espécimes de formigas, distribuídas em seis subfamílias, 17 gêneros e 28 espécies. As curvas geradas pelos estimadores de espécies indicam que a amostragem foi suficiente. A mata nativa foi mais rica que as outras fitofisionomias, corroborando com a hipótese (1). Embora a pastagem de bovinos tenha sido estatisticamente mais semelhante com a monocultura de Eucalyptus, possivelmente por serem ambientes mais impactados que a mata nativa, houve um alto compartilhamento de espécies entre os ambientes florestais. Esses resultados demonstram a importância da preservação de ambientes naturais como repositórios da mirmecofauna. Contribution of anthropogenic environments as habitats for soil ant from Deciduous Seasonal Forest in Southern Brazil Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of two anthropic environments (Eucalyptus monoculture and cattle pasture) as habitats for edaphic ant species of Deciduous Seasonal Forest (native forest). Weekly collections were conducted between October 2009 and March 2010 using Pitfall traps, in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) the diversity of ants is greater in the native forest in relation to cattle pasture and a monoculture of eucalyptus; (2) forest environments (native forest and Eucalyptus monoculture) present ant mounts more similar to each other and with open environments (pasture area). It was observed 930 occurrences of ants, distributed in six subfamilies, 17 genera and 28 species. Curves generated by species estimators indicate that sampling was sufficient. The native forest was richer than the other phytophysiognomies, corroborating with the hypothesis (1). Although the pasture area has been established statistically with the Eucalyptus monoculture, possibly for being environments more impacted than the native forest, there was a high species sharing among the forest environments. These results demonstrate the importance of the preservation of natural environments as repositories of ant fauna.

Abstract. A key to the species of Megaspilidae occurring in Neotropical Region is given, and information on the 20 species in four genera is provided, including data on their distribution and host associations. The Megaspilidae fauna is still poorly known in the Neotropical region and more studies are necessary. Chaves de identificação para as espécies de Megaspilidae (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronoidea) na Região Neotropical Resumo. É fornecida chave de identificação para os quatro gêneros e 20 espécies de Megaspilidae que ocorrem na Região Neotropical assim como dados sobre as suas distribuições e associações. A fauna de Megaspilidae da Região Neotropical é pouco conhecida e mais estudos são necessários.

Neste trabalho foram avaliados os índices de paralisação, parasitismo e sucesso reprodutivo de Habrobracon hebetor (= Bracon hebetor), parasitoide de lepidópteros praga de produtos armazenados, sob influência de diferentes fotoperíodos. Os parasitoides desenvolveram-se durante a fase pré-imaginal em três diferentes fotoperíodos (claro/escuro), 24:0, 12:12 e 0:24, sendo que os adultos oriundos de cada um dos tratamentos ficaram expostos a 0, 12 e 24 horas de fotofase, perfazendo nove tratamentos. Um casal de parasitoides foi inserido por placa de Petri contendo dez larvas de último instar de Ephestiakuehniella, sendo que, a cada 24 horas, eram retirados e transferidos para uma nova placa com dez larvas, até a morte da fêmea. Foram avaliados diariamente o número de larvas paralisadas, parasitadas e número de ovos. As larvas parasitadas foram mantidas nas mesmas condições de fotoperíodos para verificar a viabilidade (%) de cada fase do desenvolvimento. A quantidade de larvas paralisadas foi sempre superior à de parasitadas, com máximo de parasitismo entre o 2º e 4º dia de idade da fêmea. O parasitismo acumulado atingiu 80% entre o 6º e 8º dia de idade, independente do fotoperíodo. O número médio de sobreviventes em cada fase do desenvolvimento foi maior na prole das fêmeas oriundas de plena fotofase, sendo que houve um acréscimo no número médio total de ovos produzidos por estas. Entretanto, entre os tratamentos, a viabilidade final não foi afetada considerando a proporção da oviposição inicial. O fotoperíodo na fase adulta não influenciou diretamente o desempenho de H. hebetor.

Resumo. Dentre as espécies de Hymenoptera, os parasitoides representam um importante elemento da fauna neotropical por seu papel no controle da população de pragas agrícolas em programas de controle biológico. Membros de Mymaridae são parasitoides idiobiontes de ovos de insetos. Dentre estes, os Gonatocerini possuem grande importância agrícola, pois algumas espécies são utilizadas no controle biológico de Proconiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Atualmente, a tribo está dividida em 14 gêneros conhecidos. A necessidade de trabalhos taxonômicos em nível de espécie tem impedido a sua aplicação em programas de controle biológico no tabaco. Com isso, o objetivo do trabalho foi identificar vespas parasitoides de Gonatocerini depositadas na Coleção Entomológica de Santa Cruz do Sul (CESC), coletadas através de armadilhas entomológicas dos tipos Malaise e Pitfall, em lavouras de tabaco de manejos orgânico e convencional e, posteriormente, desenvolver uma chave de identificação para as espécies encontradas. Foram identificados 698 indivíduos distribuídos em 21 espécies distintas, pertencentes a quatro gêneros de Gonatocerini, sendo Gonatocerus o de maior número de indivíduos, com 475, seguido de Cosmocomoidea, com 141, Lymaenon, com 72 e Tanyxiphium com apenas 10 indivíduos, onde 84% foram coletados em lavoura de manejo orgânico e apenas 16% em manejo convencional. A espécie mais abundante foi Gonatocerus granulosus (Ogloblin, 1959), com 252 indivíduos. Das 21 espécies encontradas, 13 ainda não possuíam registro para o Brasil. Gonatocerini Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae) in the Center of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: New Records and Identification Key Abstract. Among the species of Hymenoptera, the parasitoids represent an important element of Neotropical fauna for his role in population control agricultural pests in biological control programs. Members of Mymaridae are idiobiont parasitoids of insect eggs. Mimarides of Gonatocerini have great agricultural importance, because some species are used in biological control of Proconiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Currently have 14 known genera. The necessity of taxonomic works at the species level has prevented their application in biological control programs in tobacco. With that, the objective of this study was to identify parasitoid wasps of Gonatocerini deposited in the Entomological Collection of Santa Cruz do Sul (CESC), collected through entomological traps of Malaise and Pitfall in tobacco crops with organic and conventional management systems and, subsequently develop an identification key to the species found. It were identified 698 individuals in 21 different species, belonging to four genera of Gonatocerini, being Gonatocerus hasthe largest number of individuals, with 475, followed by Cosmocomoidea, with 141, Lymaenon, with 72 and Tanyxiphium, with only 10 individuals, where 84% were collected in organic cultivation of crops and only 16% in conventional management. The most abundant species was Gonatocerus granulosus (Ogloblin, 1959), with 252 individuals. Of the 21 species found, 13 still lack record for Brazil.

Dynamic glacier activity is increasingly observed through passive seismic monitoring. We analysed near-regional-scale seismicity on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to identify seismic icequake signals and to study their spatial–temporal distribution within the 14-year period from 2000 until 2013. This is the first study that uses seismic data recorded on permanent broadband stations to detect and locate icequakes in different regions of Spitsbergen, the main island of the archipelago. A temporary local seismic network and direct observations of glacier calving and surging were used to identify icequake sources. We observed a high number of icequakes with clear spectral peaks between 1 and 8 Hz in different parts of Spitsbergen. Spatial clusters of icequakes could be associated with individual grounded tidewater glaciers and exhibited clear seasonal variability each year with more signals observed during the melt season. Locations at the termini of glaciers, and correlation with visual calving observations in situ at Kronebreen, a glacier in the Kongsfjorden region, show that these icequakes were caused dominantly by calving. Indirect evidence for glacier surging through increased calving seismicity was found in 2003 at Tunabreen, a glacier in central Spitsbergen. Another type of icequake was observed in the area of the Nathorstbreen glacier system. Seismic events occurred upstream of the glacier within a short time period between January and May 2009 during the initial phase of a major glacier surge. This study is the first step towards the generation and implementation of an operational seismic monitoring strategy for glacier dynamics in Svalbard.

A new species of the megaspiline genus IRatzeburg is described and figured. Dendrocerus riograndensis sp. n., is known from a series of males from the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and were captured with Malaise traps from an agricultural tobacco field.

As vespas integram a comunidade de visitantes florais e podem constituir uma parcela representativa dos polinizadores. Por este motivo, objetivou-se conhecer e analisar a preferência floral das espécies de Vespidae, bem como investigar o uso de recursos florais por estas vespas. Foram realizadas coletas entre o período de 2001 a 2008 em diferentes localidades do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Estrela Velha, Santa Cruz do Sul, São Francisco de Paula e Sinimbu), entre 08:00 a 17:00 horas, utilizando redes entomológicas para a captura dos vespídeos visitando flores. Os espécimes coletados foram depositados na Coleção Entomológica de Santa Cruz do Sul (CESC). Coletou-se 1.483 indivíduos alocados em 73 espécies de vespas, sendo que 78,9% são Polistinae (30 espécies) e 21,1% Eumeninae (43 espécies), visitando as flores de 33 espécies de plantas classificadas em 16 famílias botânicas; as famílias com maior número de espécies vegetais foram Asteraceae (12), Fabaceae (4) e Apiaceae (3). A planta com o maior número de vespídeos coletados foi Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (616), seguida por Eryngium pandanifolium L. (137) e Eryngium horridum Spreng (122). A análise da sobreposição de nicho trófico de 26 espécies que visitaram quatro ou mais floração, mostrou que a sobreposição foi igual ou maior que 50% em apenas seis casos.Floral Preferences of Wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in the Rio Grande do Sul State, BrazilAbstract Wasps integrate the floral visitors’ community and they can constitute a representative portion of the pollinators. For this reason, it was aimed to know and to analyze the floral preference of the Vespidae species and to investigate the use of floral resources for these wasps. The collects were performed between 2001 and 2008 in different localities of Rio Grande do Sul state (Estrela Velha, Santa Cruz do Sul, São Francisco de Paula e Sinimbu) between 08:00 at 17:00 hours, utilizing entomological nets to catch the flower-visiting wasps. The collected specimens were deposited at the Coleção Entomológica de Santa Cruz do Sul (CESC). 1.483 specimens were captured belonging to 73 wasp species, whose 78.9% were Polistinae (30 species) and 21.1% Eumeninae (43 species), visiting the flowers of 33 plant species classified in 16 botanical families; the families with the larger number of plant species were Asteraceae (12), Fabaceae (4) and Apiaceae (3). The plant species with the largest number of wasps collected was Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (616), followed by Eryngium pandanifolium L. (137) and Eryngium horridum Spreng (122). The analysis of the trophic niche overlap of 26 species with four or more visited plant species, showed an overlap equal or higher than 50% in six cases.

This paper aimed to list the community of floral visitors of Ocimum selloi, indicate the potential pollinators, and their patterns of visitation. The collection of flower visitors was carried out in 2007, in an anthroposophical area, with analysis of constancy and dominance of taxa. A total of 653 insects was collected, belonging to seven orders; Hymenoptera, with 370 individuals, was the most representative group. Thirty six families were identified, being 12 of Hymenoptera and eight of Diptera the most diverse ones. Apidae was the family which showed the greatest constancy and dominance, especially through the bee Apis mellifera L., 1758 (n = 223), followed by Halictidae (n = 107). Most of the foraging activity was observed between 9a.m. and 11a.m. It was found that A. mellifera was the main floral visitor and potential pollinator of O. selloi.

This work presents a list of 169 bird species registered at the “RPPN da UNISC”, Private Natural Heritage in Sinimbu municipality, Rio Grande do Sul state. The survey was carried out between January 2007 and January 2009. Five species were highlighted as being most threatened with extinction in the state: Odontophorus capueira, Patagioenas cayennensis, Amazona pretrei, Triclaria malachitacea and Grallaria varia. One of them, Amazona pretrei, was also threatened on a national and global level, and eight species, were classified as near-threatened globally (Triclaria malachitacea, Strix hylophila, Picumnus nebulosus, Piculus aurulentus, Carpornis cucullata, Leptasthenura setaria, Cyanocorax caeruleus and Euphonia chalybea). The occurrence of four species was previously unknown in the region (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, Trogon rufus, Myiopagis viridicata and Turdus leucomelas) and the presence of six rare or rarely-registered species for Rio Grande do Sul state (Accipiter striatus, Geranospiza caerulescens, Micrastur semitorquatus, Chamaeza ruficauda, Macropsalis forcipata and Muscipripa vetula) was also verified. These records, in conjunction with other surveys conducted in the central escarpment of the Planalto, show high diversity of bird life, albeit unprotected due to the lack of conservation areas, environmental policies and fiscalization.

Este trabalho apresenta uma lista de 169 espécies de aves registradas na RPPN da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, município de Sinimbu, Rio Grande do Sul. O levantamento foi realizado no período de janeiro de 2007 a janeiro de 2009. Destacam-se os registros de cinco espécies ameaçadas de extinção em nível estadual (Odontophorus capueira, Patagioenas cayennensis, Amazona pretrei, Triclaria malachitacea e Grallaria varia), sendo Amazona pretrei também ameaçada em nível nacional e mundial, além de oito espécies classificadas como "quase ameaçadas" em nível mundial (Triclaria malachitacea, Strix hylophila, Picumnus nebulosus, Piculus aurulentus, Carpornis cucullata, Leptasthenura setaria, Cyanocorax caeruleus e Euphonia chalybea), quatro espécies que não tinham ocorrência previamente conhecida na região (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, Trogon rufus, Myiopagis viridicata e Turdus leucomelas) e seis espécies raras ou com poucos registros no Rio Grande do Sul (Accipiter striatus, Geranospiza caerulescens, Micrastur semitorquatus, Chamaeza ruficauda, Macropsalis forcipata e Muscipripa vetula). Estes registros em conjunto com outras pesquisas realizadas na região central da escarpa do Planalto demonstram uma avifauna muito rica, porém desprotegida devido à falta de unidades de conservação, políticas ambientais e fiscalização.

Objetivou-se investigar a comunidade de Syrphidae, do Cinturão Verde de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brasil, permitindo a obtenção de informações acerca da composição e estrutura desta comunidade, suas preferências florais e interações entre as espécies na utilização de recursos alimentares. Realizaram-se coletas com rede entomológica, entre setembro/2001 a janeiro/2005. Foram capturados 1.283 espécimes de Syrphidae, representados por 88 espécies, distribuídos em 21 gêneros. Eristalinae apresentou o maior número de espécies coletadas, seguida por Syrphinae e Microdontinae. O gênero Palpada Macquart e a espécie P. urotaenia (Curran) foram os mais abundantes. As coletas alcançaram cerca de 80% do que se estima para a área de estudo. Coletaram-se 1.187 sirfídeos (74 espécies) visitantes de 51 espécies de plantas, de 23 famílias, onde Apiaceae e Asteraceae apresentaram o maior número de visitantes. O grau de especialização alimentar variou de acordo com os tipos de flores visitadas. A facilidade do acesso aos recursos florais e a coloração clara das flores são os principais responsáveis pela atração dos sirfídeos em Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Lauraceae, Malvaceae, Meliaceae, Oleaceae, Poaceae e Solanaceae. A diversidade da comunidade de Syrphidae é regulada por interações locais entre as espécies, principalmente entre as condições ambientais e disponibilidade de recursos alimentares.The aim of this study was to investigate the Syrphidae community in the area of the Green Belt of Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil, as well as to obtain information on the structure and composition of this community, its floral preferences and the interactions between the species in the food resource utilization. The specimens were collected with entomological net, from September/2001 to January/2005. A total of 1.283 syrphid specimens were collected, totaling 88 species distributed in 21 genera. Eristalinae presented the highest number of collected species, followed by Syrphinae and Microdontinae. The genus Palpada Macquart, 1834 and the species P. urotaenia (Curran) were the most abundant. 1.187 syrphids (74 species) were flower visitors of 51 plant species from 23 families, of which Apiaceae and Asteraceae presented the highest number of visitors. The feeding specialization degree varied according to the visited blooming types. The relative easy access to the floral resources with lighter coloration were the main factors regarding the syrphid attraction in the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Lauraceae, Malvaceae, Meliaceae, Oleaceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae. The diversity of the syrphid community is regulated by local interactions between the species, mainly between the environmental conditions and the food resources offering.

A família Carabidae pertence à ordem Coleoptera, formada por besouros de hábito cursorial e predatório. A ocorrência de carabídeos pode determinar características importantes para o plantio de tabaco, além de contribuir para o controle biológico de insetos pragas. O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar as espécies de Carabidae amostradas em lavoura orgânica e convencional de tabaco e a sua distribuição conforme o tipo da vegetação adjacente ao plantio. Foram realizadas coletas semanalmente durante três safras, de 2011 a 2014. As áreas adjacentes eram compostas por diferentes composições paisagísticas. Em cada linha de amostragem, foram determinados quatro pontos de coleta (pontos “fora”, “borda”, “dentro” e “meio”). As armadilhas utilizadas para a coleta foram do tipo Malaise e pit-fall. Foi amostrado um total de 1.820 indivíduos adultos de Carabidae, sendo, 1.513 no cultivo orgânico e 307 em cultivo convencional de tabaco. No que se diz respeito aos espécimes, foram identificados sete táxons de Carabidae, sendo: Calosoma granulatum, Cicindela spp., Galerita spp., Lebia concinna, Megacephala (Tetracha) spp., Odontocheila spp., Scarites spp. Através deste estudo foi possível conhecer mais sobre a distribuição de Carabidae, na cultura do tabaco. Além do papel imprescindível da vegetação adjacente ao cultivo para a presença destes insetos.

Wasps, important agents for the control of insect population, have been scantily studied in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul. Current study investigates monthly variations of social wasps in microhabitats within a forest-agriculture mosaic. Samples were collected between February 2013 and February 2014, through active search and baited traps made from 2 L transparent PET bottles, in five microhabitats, namely, forest, monoculture, polyculture and the edges between the forest fragment and monoculture and polyculture, in the municipality of Doutor Maurício Cardoso. Statistical tests, similarity indices, dominance and constancy as well as PCoA were used for data analysis to group the collection. A total of 953 specimens were collected, distributed across 15 species and seven genera. Abundance differed between microhabitats and the monoculture cultivation was least similar to the other microhabitats. PCoA identified three different groups. Abundance was positively correlated with temperature, negatively correlated with air humidity and was not correlated with wind velocity. Social wasps are able to utilize resources outside the forest fragments, but monocultures may create barriers for their dispersal.

A facilidade de adaptação dos insetos aos diversos ambientes faz com que sejam encontrados em todos os tipos de habitats, independente de seu nível de sucessão. Sendo assim, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar a sucessão na comunidade de artrópodes em uma área de aterro em Santa Cruz do Sul, correlacionando os dados com a sazonalidade e a vegetação presente no local. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma área de aterro, da empresa Souza Cruz. Para a coleta do material entomológico, foram utilizados 17 pontos amostrais na área. As coletas foram realizadas quinzenalmente de junho de 2013 a junho de 2014, totalizando 24 coletas, seis em cada estação do ano. Em cada ponto foram instaladas quatro armadilhas do tipo pit-fall. Foi amostrado um total de 81.438 indivíduos pertencentes a 24 táxons diferentes. Sendo 19.828 no inverno, 24.845 na primavera, 20.635 no verão e 16.130 no outono. A maior amostragem durante todas as estações foi Formicidae (Hymenoptera), com 50.239 espécimes coletados, o que representa 62% do total. Nos dados obtidos nesse período, foi possível inferir que há certa dominância de poucos táxons, que possuem maior potencial de adaptação a ambientes perturbados antropicamente.

The flower-visiting social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) in two areas of Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. The structure of flower-visiting social wasps' assemblages in the CPCN Pró-Mata of São Francisco de Paula and in the Green Belt of Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, are characterized. A total of 879 polistine wasps were collected, of which 475 (11 spp.) in the CPCN and 404 (21 spp.) in the Green Belt, from September 1997 to April 2001 and from September 2001 to April 2004, respectively. Foraging social wasps were observed on flowers of 36 species of angiosperms (20 families) in the Green Belt, and on flowers of 54 species of angiosperms (21 families) in the CPCN. Asteraceae was the most visited plant family on both studied localities. A list of pant species visited by the polistines is provided.Vespas sociais (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) visitantes de flores em duas áreas no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A estrutura da assembléia de vespas sociais que visitam flores no CPCN Pró-Mata de São Francisco de Paula e no Cinturão Verde de Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, são caracterizadas. Do total de 879 polistíneos, 475 (11 spp.) foram coletados no CPCN, e 404 (21 spp.) no Cinturão Verde entre Setembro de 1997 a Abril de 2000 e Setembro de 2001 a Abril de 2004, respectivamente. Vespas sociais foram observadas em flores de 36 espécies de angiospermas (20 famílias) no Cinturão Verde, e em flores de 54 espécies de angiospermas (21 famílias) no CPCN. Asteraceae foi a família de planta que mais recebeu visitas por parte das vespas nas duas localidades estudadas. Uma lista com as espécies de plantas visitadas pelos polistíneos é apresentada.

No período entre dezembro de 2001 a dezembro de 2003, realizaram-se coletas com rede entomológica de insetos visitantes das flores de Eryngium horridum (Apiaceae) na Região do Vale do Rio Pardo, RS, Brasil. Esta planta é perene, freqüente em campos secos e apresenta expressiva dispersão. Possui, no Rio Grande do Sul, época de floração entre novembro e janeiro. Foram capturados 1.066 insetos visitantes, destes, 569 Syrphidae. Identificaram-se 60 espécies de Syrphidae, distribuídas em 16 gêneros. O gênero Palpada Macquart, 1834 foi dominante, e Ornidia Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 e Toxomerus Macquart, 1855 abundantes. Das espécies mais freqüentes, Palpada furcata (Wiedemann, 1819) ocupou posição mais elevada. Os sirfídeos apresentaram preferência pelas temperaturas entre 28 e 32ºC, e foram mais freqüentemente coletados entre as 10 e 14 horas, com picos entre as 10 e 11 horas. As fêmeas foram as mais freqüentes. O predomínio de sirfídeos robustos e mais ágeis sobre sirfídeos de menor porte como Toxomerus e Allograpta Osten Sacken, 1875, pode ter sido resultante de competição interespecífica. Eristalinus taeniops (Wiedemann, 1818) é pela primeira vez citada para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A alta diversidade e abundância dos espécimes coletados nas flores de E. horridum são indicadores da importância desta na dieta dos sirfídeos, visto que possui grande número de inflorescências e floração ocorrendo nos meses de baixa oferta de recursos alimentares na área de estudo.Between December 2001 and December 2003, collections of flower visitors of Eryngium horridum (Apiaceae) were carried out in areas of Rio Pardo Valley, RS, Brazil. This plant is perennial, commonly found in dry fields, presenting a wide distribution. Its flowering period ranges from November to January in Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 1,066 insects were captured, 569 of them belonging to Syrphidae. Sixty species of Syrphidae were identified, distributed in 16 genera. The genus Palpada Macquart, 1834 was considered dominant, and Ornidia Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 and Toxomerus Macquart, 1855 considered abundant. Palpada furcata (Wiedemann, 1819) was the most abundant species. The syrphids showed a preference for temperatures between 28 and 32ºC, and were more frequently collected between 10 and 14 hours, with peaks between 10 and 11 hours. The females were more frequent. The predominance of robust and agile syrphids over those with lower proportions, such as Toxomerus and Allograpta Osten Sacken, 1875, may have been a result of interespecific competition. Eristalinus taeniops (Wiedemann, 1818) is newly recorded from Rio Grande do Sul state. The high diversity and abundance of the species collected from flowers of E. horridum are indicators of the importance of this plant on the diet of the syrphids, since it possesses an elevated number of inflorescences that bloom in months of low resource availability in the study area.

The differences between Pseudodynerus auratoides (Bertoni, 1918) and Pseudodynerus serratus (Fox, 1902) are established. Lectotypes of Stenodynerus mondaiensis Bertoni, 1918 and Stenodynerus auratoides Bertoni, 1918 are designated. Pseudodynerus penicillatus (Zavattari, 1912) is redescribed and newly raised from synonymy under P. serratus (Fox, 1902).As diferenças entre Pseudodynerus auratoides (Bertoni, 1918) e Pseudodynerus serratus (Fox, 1902) são estabelecidas. Lectótipos são designados para Stenodynerus mondaiensis Bertoni, 1918 e Stenodynerus auratoides Bertoni, 1918. Pseudodynerus penicillatus (Zavattari, 1912) é redescrita e revalidada.

The genus Agelaia Lepeletier 1836 belongs to the swarming genera of the Polistinae, with species distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina. Fifteen of the 31 described species are found in Brazil. Four species occur in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, two of them recorded herein for the first time. Redescriptions and a key to these species are provided.Agelaia Lepeletier, 1836 pertence ao grupo de vespas enxemeadoras de Polistinae, com espécies que se distribuem desde o México até o norte da Argentina. No Brasil, são encontradas 15 das 31 espécies descritas. Quatro espécies ocorrem no Rio Grande do Sul, duas das quais aqui registradas pela primeira vez para este Estado. Estas espécies são redescritas e uma chave para sua identificação é fornecida.

The occurrence of Helorus brethesi Oglobin, 1928 (Hymenoptera: Heloridae) is reported in the town of Palmeira, Parana, Brazil, based on a specimen collected in a conventional tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) field with a Malaise trap.

A new species of Zamischus (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea, Figitidae) from Brazil. A new species of Zamischus from Brazil is described and diagnosed. The species is closely related to Z. brasiliensis but differs in the morphology of antennae and scutellum. Z. aquilesi sp. nov. was collected via Malaise trapping in a tobacco field in Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul.