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Ants are used as bioindicators because they play diverse ecological roles in terrestrial ecosystems. Their richness, abundance, and broad geographic distribution allow these insects to be used to predict the conditions of environmental conservation. This study aimed to evaluate the bioindicator potential of the ant fauna in Parque Estadual do Turvo, Rio Grande do Sul. Sampling was carried out in two events, in January and November of 2019, using soil and canopy pitfall traps, sardine baits, glucose baits, an entomological umbrella, and a sweeping net. We verified the association of ant species to the sampled strata (soil and leaf litter and vegetation) through an Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We identified 157 species belonging to 32 genera and eight subfamilies. The subfamily with the most outstanding richness was Myrmicinae, with 70 species, followed by Formicinae, with 40 species. The richest genera in the samples were Camponotus (S = 29), Pheidole (S = 23), and Linepithema (S = 11). Overall, 58 species occurred exclusively in the soil and leaf litter stratum and 23 in the arboreal stratum. Nine species had a significant indication value for the sampled strata, seven for soil and leaf litter, and two for the arboreal strata. The results show the potential of ant fauna as a basis for environmental impact studies and management and conservation plans in the southern Atlantic Forest biome.

Interest in biological pest control using ants in agroforestry and agricultural systems has increased in recent decades due to the diversity and abundance of these insects in different ecosystems. Biological pest control has emerged as an alternative to reduce the impact of production on agroecosystems, and ants play a crucial role in this context. Therefore, this study aimed, based on an extensive and rigorous literature review, to describe the potential of ants as biological control agents, as well as the pests that have been targeted by this control. The search was carried out between July and November 2023, using databases such as Lilacs, Scielo, and Google Scholar. The selected descriptors were “Predatory ants”, “Natural enemy ants”, and “Chemical defense ants”, used in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. These terms were used in isolation and with the Boolean operator “AND”. A total of 47 articles published between 1976 and 2023 were reviewed. The results showed that 34 genera and 70 species of ants have potential for use in biological control. Among the most notable genera are Camponotus, Crematogaster, Oecophylla, Pheidole, Solenopsis, and Wasmannia. Their role as biological control agents can be complementary, contributing to the maintenance and balance of agroecosystems through pest predation, which can reach 100% efficiency. The predatory potential of ants has been verified, with an emphasis on biological control against invertebrate pests of cultivated plants. Among the pests potentially controlled by ants are mites, coleopterans, fruit flies, bedbugs, lepidopterans, thrips, mollusks, and other ants. The scientific literature already contains robust evidence proving the potential of ants as biological control agents, especially for invertebrate pests.

Nas últimas décadas, as exportações e importações de produtos agrícolas aumentaram e o transporte global favoreceu a ampliação da distribuição geográfica de várias espécies-praga exóticas invasoras. Insetos-praga introduzidos em um novo ambiente podem colocar em risco a biodiversidade nativa e a produção agrícola, causando impactos ambientais e econômicos negativos. Neste trabalho relatamos o primeiro registro da espécie Afrotropical Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) no estado de Santa Catarina. O primeiro registro de Z. tuberculatus foi em março de 2023, em frutos de goiaba-serrana coletados em Caçador e de araçá-amarelo coletados em Videira, municípios da região do Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe. Em Caçador, a espécie também foi registrada em araçá-vermelho, em abril de 2023. Registrou-se também o aumento de espécies frutíferas hospedeiras de Z. tuberculatus no Brasil, com a inclusão da goiabeira-serrana. Tais resultados reforçam a necessidade da realização do monitoramento desta praga no Estado, para se avaliar seus impactos, distribuição e estabelecer futuros programas de manejo da espécie.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is an invasive pest mainly affecting berry and stone fruit crops worldwide. In Argentina, it inhabits fruit-growing regions. An eco-friendly management strategy involves biological control by using resident natural enemies, such as the Neotropical-native pupal parasitoid Trichopria anastrephae Lima (Ta). The study compared the host-killing capacity and the offspring reproductive success of two Ta lineages on the puparia of both D. suzukii (Ds) and D. melanogaster (Dm) in no-choice and choice tests under laboratory conditions. The host preference and host-switching behaviors were also assessed. One parasitoid lineage was reared on Ds (TaDs), and the second on Dm (TaDm). In no-choice tests, both Ta lineages performed similarly on both hosts regarding the percentage of killed hosts and parasitoid offspring survival. The host-killing ability of TaDm was only significantly lower when Ds was offered as a host, relative to Dm. In choice tests, Ta attacked mainly Ds at a 4–9 times Ds to Dm ratio, but at a 1.5–2 times Ds to Dm ratio, the host-killing ability was similar between both drosophilids. At an equal host ratio or higher Dm ratios, Ta preferred the native host. However, it was determined that Ta has the potential to parasitize the recently-introduced pest.

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a pest that reduces the productivity of small fruits. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and chemical insecticides can suppress this pest, but the compatibility of the two approaches together requires further examination. This laboratory study evaluated the compatibility of Steinernema brazilense IBCBn 06, S. carpocapsae IBCBn 02, Heterorhabditis amazonensis IBCBn 24, and H. bacteriophora HB with ten chemical insecticides registered for managing D. suzukii pupae. In the first study, most insecticides at the recommended rate did not reduce the viability (% of living infective juveniles (IJs)) of S. braziliense and both Heterorhabditis species. The viability of S. carpocapsae was lowered by exposure to spinetoram, malathion, abamectin, azadirachtin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, and spinetoram after 48 h. During infectivity bioassays, phosmet was compatible with all the EPNs, causing minimal changes in infectivity (% pupal mortality) and efficiency relative to EPN-only controls, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin generally reduced infectivity of EPNs on D. suzukii pupae the most, with a 53, 75, 57, and 13% reduction in infectivity efficiency among H. bacteriophora, H. amazonensis, S. carpocapsae, and S. brazilense, respectively. The second study compared pupal mortality caused by the two most compatible nematode species and five insecticides in various combinations. Both Heterorhabditis species caused 78–79% mortality among D. suzukii pupae when used alone, and were tested in combination with spinetoram, malathion, azadirachtin, phosmet, or novaluron at a one-quarter rate. Notably, H. bacteriophora caused 79% mortality on D. suzukii pupae when used alone, and 89% mortality when combined with spinetoram, showing an additive effect. Novaluron drastically reduced the number of progeny IJs when combined with H. amazonensis by 270 IJs and H. bacteriophora by 218. Any adult flies that emerged from EPN–insecticide-treated pupae had a shorter lifespan than from untreated pupae. The combined use of Heterorhabditis and compatible chemical insecticides was promising, except for novaluron.

Os roedores são vertebrados, considerados pragas, pois destroem sementes recém-plantadas e atacam os cereais na espigagem e depois de colhidos e armazenados. Pelo seu hábito de cavar tocas podem danificar construções, calçamentos e sistemas de esgoto. Também podem transmitir várias doenças ao homem, tais como a leptospirose e a raiva.

Understanding the seasonal dynamics inherent to non-crop host–fruit fly–parasitoid interactions is vitally important for implementing eco-friendly pest control strategies. This study assessed the abundance and seasonal infestation levels of three pest fly species, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), as well as the related saprophytic drosophilids, and their natural parasitism in a disturbed wild habitat characterized by non-crop hosts in northwestern Argentina over 40 months. Juglans australis Griseb (walnut), Citrus aurantium L. (sour orange), Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindley (loquat), Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (peach), and Psydium guajava L. (guava) were sampled throughout their fruiting seasons. Fruits were collected from both the tree canopies and the ground. The most abundant puparia was A. fraterculus, followed by C. capitata and D. suzukii. Drosophila species from the D. melanogaster group were highly abundant only in fallen fruits. Spatiotemporal overlaps of different host fruit availability provided suitable sources for pest proliferation throughout the year. The populations of both invasive pests peaked from December to January, and were related to the highest ripe peach availability, whereas the A. fraterculus population peaked from February to April, overlapping with the guava fruiting period. The three pest fly species were parasitized mainly by three generalist resident parasitoids, which are potential biocontrol agents to use within an integrated pest management approach.

Understanding the mechanisms associated with the coexistence of competing parasitoid species is critical in approaching any biological control strategy against the globally invasive pest spotted-wing drosophila (=SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura). This study assessed the coexistence of two resident pupal parasitoids, Trichopria anastrephae Lima and Pachycrepoideus vindemiae Rondani, in SWD-infested fruit, in disturbed wild vegetation areas of Tucumán, northwestern Argentina, based on niche segregation. Drosophilid puparia were collected between December/2016 and April/2017 from three different pupation microhabitats in fallen feral peach and guava. These microhabitats were “inside flesh (mesocarp)”, “outside flesh”, but associated with the fruit, and “soil”, i.e., puparia buried close to fruit. Saprophytic drosophilid puparia (=SD) belonging to the Drosophila melanogaster group and SWD were found in all tested microhabitats. SD predominated in both inside and outside flesh, whereas SWD in soil. Both parasitoids attacked SWD puparia. However, T. anastrephae emerged mainly from SD puparia primarily in the inside flesh, whereas P. vindemiae mostly foraged SWD puparia in less competitive microhabitats, such as in the soil or outside the flesh. Divergence in host choice and spatial patterns of same-resource preferences between both parasitoids may mediate their coexistence in non-crop environments. Given this scenario, both parasitoids have potential as SWD biocontrol agents.

Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) is one of the main pests of fruit farming, and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) represent an important control tool of this species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of different isolate against A. fraterculus larvae and adults. Bioassays were performed using a suspension of three isolates of Heterorhabditis amazonensis IBCB 24, Steinernema carpocapsae IBCB 02 and Steinernema feltiae IBCB 47 at six concentrations (control - without nematodes), 50, 150, 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 infective juveniles (IJs)/mL of water per 3º instar larvae. It was verified the susceptibility of larvae of A. fraterculus to isolates of EPNs and a significant increase of the pupal mortality in the function of the concentration of IJs inoculated by larva (above 75%). After the dissection of pupae and adults of A. fraterculus from infected larvae, the concentration of 1500 IJs/mL of EPNs provided the highest rate of multiplication of IJs by insect, equating to maximum concentration tested 1500 IJs/mL. Adults of A. fraterculus from larvae infected with EPNs longevity of five days, being less than adults from uninfected larvae by IJs (135 days). H. amazonensis IBCB 24, S. carpocapsae IBCB 02, and S. feltiae IBCB 47 proved to be promising as agents of biological control of A. fraterculus.

Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) is one of the main pests of fruit farming, and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) represent an important control tool of this species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of different isolate against A. fraterculus larvae and adults. Bioassays were performed using a suspension of three isolates of Heterorhabditis amazonensis IBCB 24, Steinernema carpocapsae IBCB 02 and Steinernema feltiae IBCB 47 at six concentrations (control - without nematodes), 50, 150, 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 infective juveniles (IJs)/mL of water per 3º instar larvae. It was verified the susceptibility of larvae of A. fraterculus to isolates of EPNs and a significant increase of the pupal mortality in the function of the concentration of IJs inoculated by larva (above 75%). After the dissection of pupae and adults of A. fraterculus from infected larvae, the concentration of 1500 IJs/mL of EPNs provided the highest rate of multiplication of IJs by insect, equating to maximum concentration tested 1500 IJs/mL. Adults of A. fraterculus from larvae infected with EPNs longevity of five days, being less than adults from uninfected larvae by IJs (135 days). H. amazonensis IBCB 24, S. carpocapsae IBCB 02, and S. feltiae IBCB 47 proved to be promising as agents of biological control of A. fraterculus.

Abstract A new species of microgastrine wasp, Cotesia invirae Salgado-Neto & Whitfield, sp. nov., is described from southern Brazil in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. This species is a koinobiont gregarious larval endoparasitoid and spins a common mass of cocoons underneath the host caterpillars of Opsiphanes invirae (Huebner, 1818) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), feeding on the palm trees Syagrus romanzoffianum (Cham.) Becc.; Livistona chinensis (N.J. Jacquim) R. Brown; Roystonea regia (HBK) O.F. Cook; Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Wendland & Drude (Palmaceae). Morphological, molecular, biological, ecological and geographical data are integrated to describe the new species.

A new species of microgastrine wasp, Cotesia invirae Salgado-Neto & Whitfield, sp. nov., is described from southern Brazil in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. This species is a koinobiont gregarious larval endoparasitoid and spins a common mass of cocoons underneath the host caterpillars of Opsiphanes invirae (Huebner, 1818) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), feeding on the palm trees Syagrus romanzoffianum (Cham.) Becc.; Livistona chinensis (N.J. Jacquim) R. Brown; Roystonea regia (HBK) O.F. Cook; Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Wendland & Drude (Palmaceae). Morphological, molecular, biological, ecological and geographical data are integrated to describe the new species. Keywords: Palmaceae, Nymphalidae, Opsiphanes invirae, Taxonomy

Elio Corseuil (20/07/1930-26/07/2020)

The use of toxic baits with spinosyns (spinosad and spinetoram), along with the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, is a sustainable alternative for the management of Ceratitis capitata. This study aimed to evaluate the lethal concentration (LC) and lethal time (LT) of spinosad and spinetoram, associated with the food lures sugarcane molasses at 7 %, Biofruit at 3 %, Ceratrap® at 1.5 %, Flyral® at 1.25 %, Isca Samaritá® and Samaritá Tradicional® at 3 %, on C. capitata, under laboratory conditions, as well as their effect, at the concentration of 96 mg L-1, on D. longicaudata. For the lethal time data, mortality was assessed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 h after the exposure to the toxic baits. The lowest lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC95), to spinetoram (0.5 mg L-1 and 3.7 mg L-1, respectively) and spinosad (0.8 mg L-1 and 7.8 mg L-1, respectively), corresponded to the association with Samaritá Tradicional® at 3 %. The lowest lethal time (TL50), in hours, for the spinosad insecticide, corresponded to the formulation containing Biofruit at 3 % (6.6), and, to spinetoram, Samaritá Tradicional® at 3 % (7.9). For D. longicaudata, the formulations that caused the lowest mortality corresponded to the association of Biofruit® at 3 % with spinosad (4.7 %) and Samaritá Tradicional® at 3 % with espinetoram (3.5 %). The toxic baits formulated with spinosad and espinetoram, associated with Isca Samaritá® at 3 %, caused a mortality rate of more than 60 % to the parasitoid D. longicaudata.

A drosófila-de-asa-manchada possui elevada importância econômica por danificar frutos de epicarpo delgado os quais possuem elevado valor comercial agregado, principalmente para o consumo in natura. Os relatos da praga mostram que ela está distribuída em diferentes locais estados do Brasil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Distrito Federal e Minas Gerais). Nosso estudo teve como objetivo ampliar a área de ocorrência da espécie na região Serrana de Santa Catarina. Para o monitoramento de sua ocorrência foram utilizadas armadilhas tipo PET, iscadas com vinagre de maçã em um cultivo orgânico de morango conduzido em sistema semi-hidropônico no município de Frei Rogério. As armadilhas monitoraram 8.600 plantas durante dez dias e o material coletado foi avaliado em microscópio estereoscópico. Foram coletados diversos insetos de Drosophilidae e destes, noventa e oito fêmeas e quatro machos de Drosophila suzukii revelando assim a presença da praga na região Serrana de Santa Catarina.

Permanent preservation areas contribute to the recovery of impacted environments and Formicidae is a potentially bioindicator group, used to describe the structural complexity of habitats. In this context, the study aimed to characterize the diversity of ant assemblages that occur in sites with different soil use history in the APP of Foz do Chapecó HPP reservoir, as well as to evaluate the similarity of ant assemblages according to the sampled sites. Sampling was carried out in January 2017 at five sites, three in Santa Catarina state and two in Rio Grande do Sul state. Pitfall, entomological umbrella, sardine bait, glucose bait and manual collection were used. Assemblies were characterized and compared through richness, abundance, diversity of Shannon-Weaver (H’), Equitability (J’) and estimated richness (Chao 1). A total of 101 species were sampled. The average of the estimates indicated that richness may be 86.7% greater than that sampled, while the diversity parameters indicated differences between the assemblies. Diversity indices showed divergence of 39.7% between the more and less diverse assemblies. The richness observed in this study reiterates the potential of the use of ants as bioindicators of the state of environmental conservation, adds important information on the richness and occurrence of ants for the region and presents, above all, an inventory of the species of ants present in an area of APP in a regeneration process that can serve as parameter for subsequent evaluations.

Ants can be important tools to assess the conditions of a given environment, as well as to monitor restoration of degraded areas. This study evaluated the richness and abundance of ant assemblages associated with areas directly impacted by the construction of small hydropower plants in the State of Paraná. To survey the ant fauna, samples were collected in September 2014 and January 2015 using pitfall and malaise traps. The association of the ant fauna composition with fragments and seasonality was analyzed by detrended correspondence. Fifty-eight species of ants were registered. The subfamily Myrmicine and the genus Camponotus were the most abundant (S= 25, S = 10, respectively). The removal of vegetation and formation of lakes in the directly affected area cause impacts that can be monitored based on the results of this study.

Does organic management of agroecosystems contribute to the maintenance of the richness of ants? This study assessed the richness of ant species in organically farmed crop agroecosystems of different ages located in the southern state of Paraná, Brazil. During the sampling, the pitfalls that were active during May/August 2009 and from October 2009 to February 2010 were used. A total of 11,874 ants belonging to five subfamilies was sampled, comprising 18 genera and 48 species. The subfamily Myrmicinae (S = 27) had the highest richness, followed by the genera Pheidole (S = 10), Solenopsis (S = 7), Formicinae (S = 3), Camponotus (S = 5), and Brachymyrmex (S = 5). The average difference between the observed richness (Sobs) and the estimated richness (Chao2) was 10.9%. Ant assemblages belonging to agroecosystems under organic management for long times presented the greatest richness, indicating that this system contributes to the maintenance of ant diversity.

The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of the assembly of Scolytinae beetles associated with Eucalyptus plantations in southern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, and determine species of importance to the culture. Biweekly samples were taken from five Fibria Celulose S/A farms forested with Eucalyptus spp., from February 2006 to December 2010, with flight intercept traps baited with 95% ethanol. We collected 7,365 specimens within 76 species, 18 genera, and seven tribes. Corthylini, represented by the genera Corthylus , Monarthum , Amphicranus , Metacorthylus , Microcorthylus and Tricolus , and Xyleborini, by Ambrosiodmus , Dryocoetoides , Xyleborinus , Xyleborus and Xylosandrus , were the most representative tribes, with 42.1% and 31.6% species, respectively. Xylosandrus retusus (Eichhoff) and Xyleborinus saxeseni (Ratzeburg) were the most abundant species, with 52.64% and 27.98% of all specimens sampled, followed by Corthylus antennarius Schedl with 4.15% beetles collected. Fifteen species were common to all sites, including Xyleborus ferrugineus (Fabricius), considered a potential pest to the culture, while 25 species were found exclusively in only one site. The farm Cerro Alegre had the highest species richness and larger number of exclusive species; São Manoel farm presented the highest diversity index and equitability; Aroeira farm had the highest frequency of Scolytinae and São Francisco farm showed the greatest abundance and dominance. The study of Scolytinae assemblages showed the predominance of Xylosandrus retusus and Xyleborinus saxeseni in all studied environmentals.

This study aimed to evaluate how the surrounding vegetation affects the assemblage of fruit flies. For this, flies were collected in guava orchards with distinct types of surrounding vegetation (exotic pasture, native forest and fruit tree intercropping). The experiment was conducted in Itaporã and Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Weekly samples were collected from March to April 2015. McPhail traps were baited with 5% hydrolyzed corn protein. Species richness, diversity index and abundance were evaluated for each orchard, as well as the species composition of fruit fly between the environments surrounding the orchard and, finally, the sex ratio. A total of 579 individuals were collected of the species Anastrepha fraterculus, A. montei, A. obliqua, A. sororcula, A. striata, A. turpiniae and A. zenildae. The orchard surrounded by native forest had the highest species richness and Shannon diversity. The species composition differed between environments, with the formation of three distinct groups. The environment surrounding the guava orchard influences the richness, diversity, abundance and sex ratio of fruit flies, indicating that the native forest may provide more resources for the maintenance of these insects.

The State of Rio Grande do Sul is a major producer of grapes in Brazil, highlighting the Serra Gaúcha as the main producing region. In the pursuit of good quality in grapes it is essential the control of pests, especially insects. This study highlights the incidence of wasps, which cause serious damage at harvest time. This study aimed to characterize the community of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) through faunal analysis and to examine the relationship of these insects with injuries to the grape berries in vineyards of Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul State. Therefore, active search were made in January and February 2014, followed by analysis of frequency, constancy, abundance, dominance and diversity. Ten species of wasps were able to use grape berries as food. The two dominant species were Polybia ignobilis and P. minarum, however, Synoeca cyanea has greater ability to break the intact berries. Other three species, Polistes cavapytiformis, P. versicolor and Brachygastra lecheguana, were also able to break the skin of grapes, but of damaged berries.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo testar a eficiência do extrato supercrítico de Melia azedarach no controle de Sitophilus zeamais por meio do contato tarsal. Observou-se a sobrevivência dos insetos a cada 24 h após o início do experimento. Constatou-se que houve maior mortalidade de insetos nas primeiras 72 h. O tratamento que teve melhor desempenho considerando-se a relação tempo de ação e número de insetos mortos foi o de concentração 200 μL mL-1. A concentração letal média que mata 50% da população (CL50) obtida após 96 h do tratamento foi de 165,52 μL mL-1, indicando que a maior dose pode ser reduzida com resultados satisfatórios para as condições empregadas no estudo. O extrato de M. azedarach revelou-se efetivo no controle de S. zeamais em condições de laboratório.

A mosca-do-figo, Zaprionus indianus Gupta, 1970 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) é uma espécie generalista, mas importante economicamente na cultura do figo, onde é considerada praga primária. Esse estudo teve como objetivo verificar os níveis de infestação natural de Z. indianus em frutos de amora, araçá, fisális, goiaba, mirtilo, morango e pitanga na região sul do Brasil. Os índices foram calculados por meio do número de moscas emergidas por fruto e do número de moscas por massa (kg) de fruto. Os maiores índices de infestação (mosca/kg) foram verificados em amoras (1295), araçás (1253) e pitangas (1016), enquanto que para o segundo índice (M/n) os maiores índices foram verificados em goiabas (26,17), araçás (11,87) e morangos (10,27). Frutos coletados diretamente da planta foram mais infestados em relação a frutos coletados no solo, o que pode ser devido ao ataque inicial de Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) e Anastrepha spp., pragas já disseminadas na região.

This study aimed to evaluate how the surrounding vegetation affects the assemblage of fruit flies. For this, flies were collected in guava orchards with distinct types of surrounding vegetation (exotic pasture, native forest and fruit tree intercropping). The experiment was conducted in Itaporã and Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Weekly samples were collected from March to April 2015. McPhail traps were baited with 5% hydrolyzed corn protein. Species richness, diversity index and abundance were evaluated for each orchard, as well as the species composition of fruit fly between the environments surrounding the orchard and, finally, the sex ratio. A total of 579 individuals were collected of the species Anastrepha fraterculus, A. montei, A. obliqua, A. sororcula, A. striata, A. turpiniae and A. zenildae. The orchard surrounded by native forest had the highest species richness and Shannon diversity. The species composition differed between environments, with the formation of three distinct groups. The environment surrounding the guava orchard influences the richness, diversity, abundance and sex ratio of fruit flies, indicating that the native forest may provide more resources for the maintenance of these insects.

The State of Rio Grande do Sul is a major producer of grapes in Brazil, highlighting the Serra Gaúcha as the main producing region. In the pursuit of good quality in grapes it is essential the control of pests, especially insects. This study highlights the incidence of wasps, which cause serious damage at harvest time. This study aimed to characterize the community of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) through faunal analysis and to examine the relationship of these insects with injuries to the grape berries in vineyards of Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul State. Therefore, active search were made in January and February 2014, followed by analysis of frequency, constancy, abundance, dominance and diversity. Ten species of wasps were able to use grape berries as food. The two dominant species were Polybia ignobilis and P. minarum, however, Synoeca cyanea has greater ability to break the intact berries. Other three species, Polistes cavapytiformis, P. versicolor and Brachygastra lecheguana, were also able to break the skin of grapes, but of damaged berries.

Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) are an efficient group of insects as predators of various arthropods. Based on records of the predatory ant activity, a survey was carried out on the efficiency in predation of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae, considering the percentage of removal of larvae using the variables of soil density and moisture content and their effect on the larvae burying. For this, A. fraterculus larvae were released to the soil and observed for 10 min while burying or removed by the ants in a peach (Prunus persica, Rosaceae) orchard. Eight ant species were recorded removing 32.70% of the larvae. Solenopsis saevissima was the most efficient species, with 42.86% of larvae removal. There were no significant correlations between the predation by ants with soil density and soil moisture content. Despite this, the study pointed out that ants belong to genera Pachycondyla, Pheidole, Pogonomyrmex and Solenopsis can be predators on A. fraterculus larvae, with emphasis on the S. saevissima. These ants can contribute as important agents of conservative biological control of the population of A. fraterculus in peach orchard and their conservation becomes interesting to use of combined control methods aiming to reduce insecticides and aggressive soil management methods.

Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) are an efficient group of insects as predators of various arthropods. Based on records of the predatory ant activity, a survey was carried out on the efficiency in predation of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae, considering the percentage of removal of larvae using the variables of soil density and moisture content and their effect on the larvae burying. For this, A. fraterculus larvae were released to the soil and observed for 10 min while burying or removed by the ants in a peach (Prunus persica, Rosaceae) orchard. Eight ant species were recorded removing 32.70% of the larvae. Solenopsis saevissima was the most efficient species, with 42.86% of larvae removal. There were no significant correlations between the predation by ants with soil density and soil moisture content. Despite this, the study pointed out that ants belong to genera Pachycondyla, Pheidole, Pogonomyrmex and Solenopsis can be predators on A. fraterculus larvae, with emphasis on the S. saevissima. These ants can contribute as important agents of conservative biological control of the population of A. fraterculus in peach orchard and their conservation becomes interesting to use of combined control methods aiming to reduce insecticides and aggressive soil management methods.

Desde a última década é notório o desaparecimento das populações de abelhas polinizadoras em diversos países. Esse grupo é responsável pela polinização e manutenção de centenas de espécies vegetais usadas na alimentação humana, além de contribuir de forma expressiva para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico de comunidades associadas à agricultura familiar. Neste trabalho, são discutidas as possíveis causas do desaparecimento, entre as quais se destacam: o desmatamento, reforçado pela carência de flora natural, o manejo inadequado de colmeias, as crescentes infestações de pragas nas colônias e o uso de agrotóxicos. Sugerem-se estratégias para a conservação de abelhas nativas e domesticadas, merecendo destaque: (a) a conservação da paisagem natural circundante às áreas agrícolas; (b) a profissionalização de apicultores no manejo nutricional e de conservação das colmeias; e (c) o contínuo desenvolvimento de estudos criteriosos sobre o efeito letal e subletal de agrotóxicos sobre os polinizadores.

The increased cultivation of olive trees in Rio Grande do Sul State and its potential production arouse the need to characterize the assemblage of insects in olive groves, especially those with potential as pests. Therefore, the insect fauna was sampled monthly for two years, in the canopy of olive trees, using beat cloth, and collection of buds in five municipalities in Southern Rio Grande do Sul State. The faunal indices analyzed were abundance, constancy, dominance and frequency. The olive caterpillar Palpita forficifera Munroe 1959 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and mealybugs Saissetia oleae (Olivier, 1791) and Saissetia coffeae (Walker, 1952) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) are the main phytophagous insects in olive farms in the Rio Grande do Sul State, with potential to reach pest status. Eleven insect species were recorded for the first time in olive groves in Brazil. The occurrence of P. forficifera is a new record for the Rio Grande do Sul State.

Does organic management of agroecosystems contribute to the maintenance of the richness of ants? This study assessed the richness of ant species in organically farmed crop agroecosystems of different ages located in the southern state of Paraná, Brazil. During the sampling, the pitfalls that were active during May/August 2009 and from October 2009 to February 2010 were used. A total of 11,874 ants belonging to five subfamilies was sampled, comprising 18 genera and 48 species. The subfamily Myrmicinae (S = 27) had the highest richness, followed by the genera Pheidole (S = 10), Solenopsis (S = 7), Formicinae (S = 3), Camponotus (S = 5), and Brachymyrmex (S = 5). The average difference between the observed richness (Sobs) and the estimated richness (Chao2) was 10.9%. Ant assemblages belonging to agroecosystems under organic management for long times presented the greatest richness, indicating that this system contributes to the maintenance of ant diversity.

In Rio Grande do Sul, there’s a lack of systematic information on frugivorous butterflies. This paper aimed survey the guild at Irmao Teodoro Luis Botanical Garden, an environment characterized by ecological tension between the semideciduous seasonal forest and the pioneer formations. The collections were made in three areas, each one containing five modified Van Someren-Rydon traps, baited with fermented banana. The traps remained on the field for six consecutive days per month, from September 2010 to August 2011. Within 10.800 hours of sampling effort, 453 individuals were recorded, distributed into 16 species, 15 genera, and 3 Nymphalidae subfamilies. Satyrinae was the richest and most abundant one, and two species from this group are very frequent and dominant. Richness rates indicated between 78% and 93% of the reported fauna, the species accumulation curve matches these values, and the diversity was 2.02 (H’). Prepona pylene Hewitson, [1854] and Archaeoprepona demophoon (Hübner, [1814]) constitute new records for the Southern Coast of the state.

No Rio Grande do Sul, há carência de informações sistematizadas sobre a fauna de borboletas frugívoras. Este artigo teve por objetivo inventariar a guilda no Horto Botânico Irmão Teodoro Luis, ambiente caracterizado pela tensão ecológica entre a floresta estacional semidecidual e as formações pioneiras. As coletas foram realizadas em três áreas, cada uma contendo cinco armadilhas Van Someren-Rydon modificadas, iscadas com banana fermentada. As armadilhas permaneceram em campo durante seis dias consecutivos por mês, entre setembro de 2010 e agosto de 2011. Em 10.800 horas de esforço amostral, foram registrados 453 indivíduos distribuídos em 16 espécies, 15 gêneros e três subfamílias de Nymphalidae. Satyrinae foi a mais rica e abundante, sendo duas espécies deste grupo muito frequentes e dominantes. Os índices de riqueza indicaram entre 78% e 93% da fauna registrada, a curva de acúmulo de espécies condiz com esses valores e a diversidade foi de 2,02 (H’). Prepona pylene Hewitson, [1854] e Archaeoprepona demophoon (Hübner, [1814]) constituem novos registros para o Litoral Sul do estado.

Fruit flies are considered important pests of world fruit production, causing significant losses in yield and limiting the free movement of fruit due to the restrictions imposed by importing countries. Thus, the objective of the study was to investigate the infestation rates and faunal analysis to characterize the fruit fly assemblage in an orchard located in Bambuí, MG, Brazil. To this end, samples were taken weekly with fly traps hung in the trees, at a height of about 1.60 m height. Faunal analysis and study of infestation rates were conducted. The captured species were Ceratitis capitata, Anastrepha grandis, A. fraterculus, A. pseudoparallela, A. obliqua, A. dissimilis, A. zenildae, A. sororcula, A. similis, A. aczeli and A. bistrigata. The species varied throughout the studied period, but only C. capitata reached an economic threshold requiring better management of these insects in areas with citrus, acerola and fig. The predominant species was C. capitata.

Fruit flies are considered important pests of world fruit production, causing significant losses in yield and limiting the free movement of fruit due to the restrictions imposed by importing countries. Thus, the objective of the study was to investigate the infestation rates and faunal analysis to characterize the fruit fly assemblage in an orchard located in Bambuí, MG, Brazil. To this end, samples were taken weekly with fly traps hung in the trees, at a height of about 1.60 m height. Faunal analysis and study of infestation rates were conducted. The captured species were Ceratitis capitata, Anastrepha grandis, A. fraterculus, A. pseudoparallela, A. obliqua, A. dissimilis, A. zenildae, A. sororcula, A. similis, A. aczeli and A. bistrigata. The species varied throughout the studied period, but only C. capitata reached an economic threshold requiring better management of these insects in areas with citrus, acerola and fig. The predominant species was C. capitata.

The objective of this study was learn more about the population fluctuation of fruit flies in peach and passion fruit orchards in the municipality of Iraceminha, Santa Catarina. In order to carry out the survey, McPhail traps were set up with 10% inverted glucose from April 2006 to March 2007. Captured flies were identified at the Laboratório de Entomologia at UNOCHAPECÓ. The collected females belonged to twelve species and four genera. The adults of Anastrepha fraterculus were trapped during all seasons, with a population peak in October 2006 in the peach orchards. The population levels of Anastrepha grandis remained higher during the first five months in the passion fruit orchard. There were low infestation rates by flies of the genera Ceratitis, Blepharoneura and Tomoplagia when compared to flies of the genus Anastrepha. The results showed that the presence of flies in the orchards was associated with the availability of host fruit and not with climatic conditions.

O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer a flutuação populacional das moscas-das-frutas em pomares de pessegueiro e maracujazeiro no município de Iraceminha, Santa Catarina. Para o levantamento foram instalados frascos “caça-moscas” do tipo McPhail, contendo glicose invertida a 10%, no período de abril de 2006 a março de 2007. As moscas capturadas foram identificadas no Laboratório de Entomologia da UNOCHAPECÓ. As fêmeas coletadas pertencem a 12 espécies e quatro gêneros. Os adultos de Anatrepha fraterculus ocorreram em todas as estações do ano, com pico populacional em outubro/2006, nos pomares de pessegueiro. Os níveis populacionais de Anastrepha grandis mantiveram-se mais elevados durante os primeiros cinco meses da pesquisa, no pomar de maracujazeiro. Foi constatado baixa infestação dos gêneros Ceratitis capitata, Blepharoneura sp. e Tomoplagia sp. em relação às moscas do gênero Anastrepha. Os resultados mostraram que a presença das moscas está associada a disponibilidade de alimento e não com as condições climáticas.

The presence of ants in hospitals is health risk for the hospital community, since presents a strong capability to carry pathogenic organisms throughout this environment. This study was carried out from May 2007 to April 2008, aiming the identification of ant species that infest the hospitals in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 989 ants from 19 species were sampled: Acromyrmex niger (Fr. Smith, 1858), Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus rufipes (Fabricius, 1775), Camponotus sericeiventris (Guerin-Meneville, 1838), Camponotus sp1, Camponotus sp2, Gnamptogenys sp., Hypoponerasp., Labidus coecus (Latreille, 1802), Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Pachycondyla sp., Paratrechina fulva (Mayr, 1862), Paratrechina longicornis Latreille, 1802, Pheidole sp1, Pheidole sp2, Pheidole sp3, Pheidole sp4, Pheidole sp5, and Tapinoma melanocephalum Fabricius, 1793. Among them, Brachymyrmex sp. was the most frequent one (47.0%) followed by Monomorium pharaonis (18.7%) and Labidus coecus (17.2%).A presença de formigas em hospitais constitui risco à saúde da comunidade hospitalar, uma vez que elas possuem o poder de carrearmicrorganismos patogênicos por este ambiente. Este estudo foi realizado no período de maio 2007 a abril de 2008, com o objetivo de identificar as espécies de formigas que infestam hospitais em Porto Alegre, Brasil. Foi coletado um total de 989 formigas pertencentes a 19 espécies, sendo: Acromyrmex niger (Fr. Smith, 1858), Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus rufipes (Fabricius, 1775), Camponotus sericeiventris (Guerin-Meneville, 1838), Camponotus sp., Camponotus sp.2, Gnamptogenys sp., Hypoponera sp., Labidus coecus (Latreille, 1802), Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Pachycondyla sp., Paratrechina fulva (Mayr, 1862), Paratrechina longicornis Latreille, 1802, Pheidole sp., Pheidole sp.2, Pheidole sp.4, Pheidole sp.5, Pheidole sp.7 e Tapinoma melanocephalum Fabricius, 1793. Destas, Brachymyrmex sp. foi a mais frequente com 47,0%, seguida por Monomorium pharaonis com 18,7% e Labidus coecus com 17,2%.

This study was carried out aiming to make an inventory of the endophagous tephritid fauna associated with Asteraceae capitula in Chapecó town, Santa Catarina state. Samples of Asteraceae were taken from September 2005 to September 2006. Overall, we found 37 Asteraceae species; 14 of these presented tephritid species. Ten tephritid species were reared from the Asteraceae flowerheads. The most abundant genus was Tomoplagia. We found evidence of new associations between endophagous tephritids and host plants.

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de inventariar a fauna de tefritídeos endófagos associados a capítulos de Asteraceae no município de Chapecó, Santa Catarina. As coletas de capítulos foram realizadas quinzenalmente no período de setembro de 2005 a setembro de 2006. Foram coletados capítulos de 37 espécies de Asteraceae, sendo registrados tefritídeos em 14 delas. Obteve-se dez espécies de tefritídeos endófagos. O gênero mais abundante foi Tomoplagia. Encontramos evidências de novos registros de associação entre tefritídeos endófagos e suas plantas hospedeiras.

The present study aimed to elucidate the richness of ant fauna associated with the micro basin of Sanga Caramuru in the town of Chapecó that represents one of the principal tributaries of the São José dam. A total of 21 biweekly collections were made from June 2006 until May 2007, using Pit-fall traps. Analyzes of the data were carried out by the EstimateS statistics program (Colwell). A total of 676 registers of species were obtained through the traps. The richness obtained was 51 species distributed in 18 genera grouped in seven subfamilies. The richness estimated through the estimator Chao 2 was 61.6 species for the area of native forest, 42.3 species for the area of marsh, and 39.8 species for the area with eucalyptus. The Shannon and Wiener index obtained was 3.2 for the three sampled areas. The greater diversity estimated for the area with native forest coincided with the greater diversity also observed. Although the human impacts are easily evidenced in the studied area, the small fragments of areas with vegetation offer adequate resources for the maintenance of significant ant fauna.

A mirmecofauna de Santa Catarina vem sendo inventariada há mais de 60 anos; no entanto, pesquisas com formigas associadas a ambientes urbanos só começaram a ser realizadas na última década no Estado. Devido à carência de pesquisas nesta área, o presente trabalho objetivou conhecer a mirmecofauna urbana de Xanxerê, oeste de Santa Catarina. As coletas foram realizadas no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2006, utilizando-se de iscas à base de sardinha e coletas manuais. A partir do número de registros das espécies realizou-se a caracterização da fauna através dos índices de diversidade (Shannon & Wiener – H’) e de riqueza (Jackknife 1 e Bootstrap). Foram identificadas 67 espécies, distribuídas em 21 gêneros, 13 tribos e seis subfamílias: Myrmicinae (33), Formicinae (17), Dolichoderinae (10), Ponerinae (4), Pseudomyrmecinae (2) e Ectatomminae (1). O índice de diversidade encontrado foi de 3,17. Os índices de riqueza encontrados em residências, estabelecimentos comerciais e métodos de captura mostram que a riqueza de espécies observada foi satisfatória, devido à aproximação da estabilidade apresentada nas curvas de estimativa de riqueza. Constatou-se a presença de espécies típicas de ambientes perturbados e de espécies que causam incômodo quando associadas ao homem, bem como a presença de especialistas de habitat e associadas à vegetação.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de caracterizar a comunidade de moscas-das-frutas de ocorrência em pomares de pessegueiro e maracujazeiro, no Município de Iraceminha, Santa Catarina (SC), por meio da análise faunística. Os adultos de moscas-das-frutas foram capturados semanalmente, em armadilhas McPhail, contendo glicose invertida a 10%, no período de abril de 2006 a março de 2007. Na caracterização, foram calculados os índices de abundância, constância, dominância, frequência e diversidade. Foram coletados 697 adultos de moscas-das-frutas. Anastrepha grandis e Anastrepha fraterculus foram as espécies mais abundantes, frequentes, constantes e dominantes nos pomares estudados, predominando sobre as outras espécies de moscas-das-frutas. Ceratitis capitata foi caracterizada como dispersa e pouco frequente. O maior índice de diversidade encontrado foi de 1,99 no pomar de maracujazeiro.This research had the objective to characterize the community of fruit flies in peach and passion fruit orchards in Iraceminha, Santa Catarina, Brazil, through faunistic analyses. The adults fruit flies were weekly captured in McPhail traps with 10% inverted glucose, from April 2006 to March 2007. In the characterization, the indices for abundance, constancy, dominance, frequency and diversity were calculated. A total of 697 adults fruit flies were collected. Anastrepha grandis and Anastrepha fraterculus species were the most abundant, frequent, constant and dominant in orchards studied, predominating upon other fruit flies species. Ceratitis capitata was dispersed and not very frequent. The biggest index of diversity of 1.99 was in passion fruit orchard.

O presente estudo objetivou conhecer a riqueza da mirmecofauna associada à microbacia da Sanga Caramuru, no município de Chapecó, que representa um dos principais afluentes da barragem do Lajeado São José. As coletas ocorreram de junho de 2006 a maio de 2007. Realizaram-se coletas quinzenais, totalizando 21 coletas. Foram utilizadas armadilhas do tipo pit-fall. A análise dos dados foi realizada através do programa estatístico EstimateS (Colwell). Obtiveram-se 676 registros de espécies nas armadilhas. Foram identificadas 51 espécies distribuídas em 18 gêneros distribuídos em sete subfamílias. A riqueza estimada através do estimador Chao 2 foi de 61,6 espécies para a área de mata nativa, 42,3 espécies para a área de banhado e de 39,8 espécies para a área com eucalipto. O índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener obtido foi o mesmo (3,2) para os ambientes amostrados. A maior riqueza e diversidade estimadas para a área de mata nativa coincidem com a maior riqueza também observada neste local. Embora os impactos da antropização sejam facilmente constatados na área estudada, os pequenos fragmentos de áreas com vegetação presentes neste local oferecem os recursos para a manutenção de uma significativa mirmecofauna.

The Myrmecofauna of Santa Catarina State has been studied for more than sixty years; however, studies on urban ant species only began last decade in the state. This study was carried out due to the need of new research in this field for the purpose of elucidating the urban myrmecofauna of Xanxerê, in the west of Santa Catarina. Samples were taken from January to December of 2006, using sardine baits and direct sampling. The sampled urban communities were characterized by high species diversity (Shannon & Wiener – H’) and species richness (Jackknife 1 and Bootstrap) values. These communities yielded a total of 67 ant species, distributed in 21 genera, 13 tribes and six subfamilies: Myrmicinae (33), Formicinae (17), Dolichoderinae (10), Ponerinae (4), Pseudomyrmecinae (2) and Ectatomminae (1). The species diversity was 3.17. The observed ant species richness in houses, commercial establishments and samples showed that the sampling protocol was satisfactory, due to the stability of approximation to the species accumulation curves of estimated species richness. Typical species which are common in areas of stress and also species that cause harm to man were found, as well as habitat specialists and those associated with the vegetation.

Com o objetivo de verificar a flutuação populacional de gafanhotos na Floresta Nacional de Chapecó (FLONA), em Santa Catarina, foram realizadas coletas semanais durante o período de dezembro de 2003 a dezembro de 2004 com armadilhas do tipo pit-fall, rede de varredura, guarda-chuva entomológico e malaise. Os picos populacionais para a maioria das espécies ocorreram durante os meses de dezembro, janeiro e fevereiro. A análise de regressão (5%) apontou relação significativa entre os fatores climáticos e os níveis populacionais de Allotruxalis gracilis (Giglio-Tos, 1897), Parorphula graminea Bruner, 1900, Rhammatocerus brunneri (Giglio – Tos, 1895) e Xyleus discoideus discoideus (Serville, 1831).In order to verify the grasshopper population dynamics in the National Forest of Chapecó, SC., weekly collections were made between December 2003 and December 2004, using pit-fall traps, sweep nets, entomological umbrellas and malaises traps. The population peaks for most of the species was reached in December, January and February. The regression analysis (5%) showed significant relation between the climatic factors and the population levels of Allotruxalis gracilis (Giglio-Tos, 1897), Parorphula graminea Bruner, 1900, Rhammatocerus brunneri (Giglio – Tos, 1895) and Xyleus discoideus discoideus (Serville, 1831).

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a efi ciência e a seletividade de diferentesinseticidas usados via tratamento de semente no controle dos pulgões na cultura da aveia bem produção de matéria. O ensaio foi conduzido em Faxinal dos Guedes, SC, no ano agrícola de 2005 em condições de campo,com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Para a avaliação da efi ciência foi utilizada a contagem de insetos vivos e, para a seletividade, contou-seo número de pulgões mumifi cados. Todos controlaram signifi cativamenteos insetos, sendo os tratamentos imidacloprid e tiametoxam superiores a carbossulfam e acephato. O acephato e carbossulfam foram os mais seletivos, seguidos por imidacloprid e tiametoxam que não diferiram entresi. Os tratamentos que tiveram maior efi ciência no controle favoreceram o incremento de matéria seca.

In order to characterize the citrus orchard ecosystems of the western region of Santa Catarina state in relation to the Cicadellidae species, faunistic analysis was carried out in Chapecó from August to July 2005. To characterize the leafhopper population of this municipality, the abundance index, constancy, dominance and frequency were analyzed. The survey was made using yellow tray traps. Dilobopterus costalimai, Acrogonia citrina and Scopogonalia subolivacea were the most abundant, constant, frequent and dominant species, and were therefore considered as predominant. Dilobopterus costalimai had two population peaks, one in August and another in December-January. Acrogonia citrina had two population peaks, one in August and another in January-February. In contrast, S. subolivacea presented only a single population peak in period December-January.

Visando caracterizar os ecossistemas de pomares cítricos da Região Oeste de Santa Catarina em relação às espécies de Cicadellidae, desenvolveu-se uma análise faunística em Chapecó. Para a caracterização do município foram medidos os índices de abundância, constância, dominância e freqüência das moscas das frutas. O levantamento foi feito utilizando-se armadilhas do tipo bandejas amarelas. Dilobopterus costalimai, Acrogonia citrina e Scopogonalia subolivacea foram as espécies mais abundantes, constantes, freqüentes e dominantes, podendo ser consideradas como predominantes. Dilobopterus costalimai apresentou dois picos populacionais, um em agosto e outro em dezembro e janeiro. Acrogonia citrina apresentou dois picos populacionais, um em agosto e outro em janeiro e fevereiro e Scopogonalia subolivacea apresentou um único pico populacional do mês de dezembro e janeiro.

This descriptive and exploratory study was carried out in order to verify the incidence of and characterize accidents with spiders, from 1995 to 2002, in the city of Chapecó, State of Santa Catarina. Notification records kept by the Center for Epidemiologic Surveillance of Chapecó concerning that period of time were analyzed, and the number of occurrences was calculated. In Chapecó, 131 accidents with spiders occurred during that period of time, and the incidence of araneism was of 0.8% in 1995; 0.0% in 1996; 2,2% in 1997; 8.66% in 1998; 11.9% in 1999; 18,4% in 2000; 17,5% in 2001 and 29,8% in 2002. Sixty-two point six per cent (62,6%) of these accidents were caused by spider of the genera Loxosceles. Most of them occurred with women and adults from 21 to 60 years old (54,9%). Approximately 80% of the accidents occurred in the urban area, since 80% of the victims lived in the city. The parts of the body that were most bitten by spiders were thigh/legs, foot/toes and hand/fingers. The main clinical alterations presented by the patients were pain, edema and erythema. The season when most accidents occurred was the Spring, and more than 40% of the victims were doing housework . Results from this study showed that the number of accidents has increased significantly in recent years, and that the implementation of public health policies in this area to prevent such accidents to happen is necessary. Este estudo, de caráter descritivo e exploratório, foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar a incidência e caracterizar dos acidentes com aranhas de 1995 a 2002 no município de Chapecó, Santa Catarina, bem como caracterizar esses acidentes. Para tanto, verificaram-se os registros das notificações realizadas pela Vigilância Epidemiológica de Chapecó entre os anos e calculou-se a freqüência das mesmas. Em Chapecó, ocorreram 131 acidentes com aranhas durante o período estudado, e a incidência de araneísmo foi de 0,8% em 1995; 0,0% em 1996; 2,2% em 1997; 8,7% em 1998; 11,9% em 1999; 18,4% em 2000; 17,5% em 2001 e de 29,8% em 2002. Dentre eles, 62,6% foram ocasionados por aranhas do gênero Loxosceles. A maioria ocorreu com mulheres e adultos entre 21 e 60 anos (54,9%). Cerca de 80% dos acidentes ocorreram na área urbana, visto que quase 80% das vítimas residiam nesta área. As partes do corpo mais picadas pelas aranhas foram coxas/pernas, pé/artelhos e mão/dedos. As principais alterações clínicas apresentadas pelos pacientes foram dor, edema e eritema. A estação de maior ocorrência de acidentes foi a primavera, e as vítimas em mais de 40% encontravam-se em atividades no interior das residências. Conclui-se que o número de acidentes vem aumentando significativamente nos últimos anos, e isso demonstra a necessidade de políticas públicas de saúde para a prevenção destes.

The objective of this study was to identify ant occurrence in hospital environments in the State of Santa Catarina, along with associated bacteria. Ants were collected monthly from five inpatient clinics in two hospitals in the municipality of Chapecó, from August 2003 to June 2004. They were collected under aseptic conditions using swabs moistened with sterile distilled water and put into test tubes containing BHI for microbiological analysis. After 24 hours, cultures were made in both 5% sheep blood and MacConkey agar, which were incubated for 24 hours at 35/37°C. The Gram characterization, culture identification and biochemical characterization followed standardized rules for clinical microbiology. Seven species of ants were identified, of which the most frequent were Monomorium pharaonis (71.5%) and Solenopsis saevissima (57%), and nineteen species of bacteria was isolated from hospital "A".Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar a ocorrência de formigas e relacionar quais são as bactérias associadas a elas em ambiente hospitalar no Estado de Santa Catarina. As formigas foram coletadas mensalmente em cinco clínicas de internação de dois hospitais de Chapecó, SC no período de agosto de 2003 a junho de 2004. As formigas foram coletadas em condições assépticas com swab embebido em água destilada estéril, e depositadas em tubos de ensaio contendo caldo BHI para a análise microbiológica. Após 24 horas, foram realizadas semeaduras em ágar sangue de carneiro 5% e MacConkey, as quais foram incubadas por 24 horas a 35/37°C. A caracterização morfotintorial e identificação bioquímica e das culturas isoladas seguiram normas padronizadas para microbiologia clínica. Foram identificadas sete espécies de formigas: as mais freqüentes foram Monomorium pharaonis (71,5%), Solenopsis saevissima (57%), e dezenove espécies de bactérias foram isoladas no hospital "A".