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In this study we report the first case of an introduced alien host spider species being parasitized and manipulated by an ichneumonid wasp. Hymenoepimecis bicolor, previously described parasitizing exclusively Trichonephila clavipes (Araneidae), was observed parasitizing the European species Cyrtophora citricola (Araneidae) in southeastern Brazil. The cocoon web built by the parasitized spider is composed of a reduced horizontal sheet, which maintains the radial structure. The reduced number of radii and spirals probably reduce the chances of insect interception by these modified structures. In addition, the density of supporting threads is apparently very different between normal and modified webs. The cocoon web spun by C. citricola lacks the protective barrier structure usually observed in cocoon webs spun by parasitized females of T. clavipes. Our observations are in agreement with several predictions of the ecdysteroid hypothesis and represent an interesting opportunity for further investigation of interactions between these parasitoids and their spider hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence of parasitism is often underestimated because 'ghost' parasitoids (dead unemerged parasitoids or those that have emerged leaving the host carcasses) are difficult to detect and identify. This study demonstrates that the use of melting curve analysis (MCA) of host carcasses can detect and identify DNA of ghost parasitoids even a month after host death.The coccinellid hosts Cycloneda sanguinea, Eriopis connexa, Harmonia axyridis and Hippodamia convergens were sampled from cole crops in 2017 and 2018 in the Midwest of Brazil, and reared and observed daily for parasitoid emergence. Dead coccinellids were held for 30 days after death before storage and only host carcasses with parasitoid emergence observed were analysed. Species‐specific primers were designed for the identification of the parasitoid species that emerged during host rearing: Dinocampus coccinellae, Homalotylus mirabilis, Ho. terminalis, Strongygaster triangulifera and Phalacrotophora sp. The melting temperatures (Tm) of their amplicons were used as positive controls in MCA post‐amplification in qPCR.Detection of parasitoid DNA in host carcasses was possible for D. coccinellae, Ho. mirabilis and Phalacrotophora sp. with a limit of detection (LOD) for all the parasitoids <1 pg of DNA, except for Phalacroptopthora sp. (LOD = 1.9 ng). Parasitoids were detected in 31 out of 70 host carcasses (44.3%) with detection ranging from 0% to 71%, depending on the parasitoid species.Synthesis and applications. This work demonstrates that MCA could be used to detect and rapidly identify the DNA of some parasitoid species (e.g. Ho. mirabilis, D. coccinellae and Phalacrotophora sp.) in host carcasses up to a month after parasitoid emergence with high sensitivity and specificity. MCA can be used on any field‐collected host and, for some parasitoid species, it should lead to more accurate estimates of the incidence of parasitism. Our approach can be easily adapted and applied to study other parasitoid–host interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf‐cutting ant Atta bisphaerica Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Attini) forages leaves from monocotyledons in natural environments and is a serious pest of pastures and sugarcane plantations in Brazil. This study investigated aspects of the interactions between A. bisphaerica and dipteran Phoridae parasitoids. The seasonal and inter‐colonial variations in parasitism rates were also investigated. Ants from four A. bisphaerica colonies were sampled, with a total of 91 554 worker ants collected and evaluated. Of these ants, 4.4% were found to have been parasitized by three phorid species: Apocephalus attophilus Borgmeier (relative parasitism rate: 40%), Myrmosicarius grandicornis Borgmeier (31%), and Eibesfeldtphora bragancai (Brown) (28%). The months with the lowest average temperatures, lowest relative humidity, and lowest rainfall (characteristics of the dry season of the region under study) corresponded to the highest parasitism rates, especially by A. attophilus. Apocephalus attophilus and E. bragancai had the highest relative parasitism rates in two of the colonies, 45 and 41%, whereas M. grandicornis was the dominant species in each of the other two colonies, corresponding to approximately 40% of total parasitism. The variation in parasitism rates observed between colonies could be explained, at least in part, by the relationship between the size of the parasitoids and the size of the host ants. Concerning the biological characteristics, A. attophilus had the shortest life cycle, the highest successful emergence rate, and produced 2.5× more parasitoids per host. These characteristics, combined with the ability to cause higher levels of mortality of parasitized worker ants when compared to the two other phorid species, indicates that A. attophilus is an efficient natural enemy of A. bisphaerica and is therefore a candidate for a biocontrol program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Ecological interaction networks, those built from linking interacting species in a biological community, can be structured according to neutral factors, like abundance, or depend on species distribution in space, time, or functional aspects of interacting species. 2. Gall inducers are a specialized guild of herbivores producing a structure serving as shelter, food, and defence against natural enemies. Interactions between galling insects and their parasitoids can become complex; studies analysing processes influencing how these interactions occur are uncommon. 3. We tested for ecological processes predictive of network structure: neutral (abundance), temporal, or morphological coupling factors. 4. We used a single host plant, and six Cecidomyiidae species from subtropical forests of southern Brazil. There were 14 samples across two years; out of 1762 galls, 741 parasitoids emerged (45 species). The network had high specialization (39 exclusive parasitoid species) and low connectance (21%). 5. Gall‐parasitoid morphological coupling (gall thickness vs. parasitoid ovipositor length) was the best factor explaining network structure, with little effect for time, or abundances. Modularity was significant, with two modules, one with only Pisphondylia brasiliensis and its parasitoids. This insect induces thick multichambered galls with the lowest parasitism rate, attacked by parasitoids with longer ovipositors. Thinner galls had higher parasitism rates and more attacking parasitoid species, implying an important adaptive role for gall shape/size in natural enemy interactions. 6. Interaction networks are important tools to help understand how ecological function impacts community structure, but higher‐scale studies may be needed to reach more encompassing conclusions about galler‐parasitoid interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Entomología is the property of Universidad del Valle and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We investigated the influence of seed-feeding beetles (Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) and their parasitoids on the germination performance of two Fabaceae, Leucaena leucocephala and Senna multijuga. We collected 150 fruits per species in forest fragments in the city of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between July and August 2020. Seeds were examined and separated into predated and non-predated categories. The predated category was divided into two subcategories: predated by Coleoptera (Bruchinae) (PCO) and predated in the presence of Coleoptera parasitoids (PARCO). The non-predated category was divided into artificially injured (AI), intact seeds without insect infestation (IS), and intact seeds with insect infestation (SIF). Seeds of S. multijuga and L. leucocephala germinated to 40% and 30%, respectively. PCO and PARCO seeds not only had a negative and restricting influence on S. multijuga germination (no germination) but also contributed to a large proportion of non-viable predated seeds (38%). PCO (7%) and PARCO (23%), on the other hand, improved L. leucocephala germination. This work represents one of the first attempt to evaluate the parasitoid effect on seeds germination. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the effect of herbivore predation and the presence of parasitoids on host plant seed germination, which can be critical to mother plant fitness depending on plant species. Further studies are necessary to determine the extend seed consumption by beetles and the presence of their parasitoids may facilitate or impair seed germination, and consequently plant fitness in other systems. [Display omitted] • We investigated the influence of beetles and their parasitoids on the seed germination performance of two plant species. • PCO and PARCO seeds had a negative influence on S. multijuga germination and caused non-viability to the majority of seeds. • PCO (7%) and PARCO (23%), on the other hand, improved L. leucocephala germination. • We helped to clarify how herbivore predation and the presence of their parasitoids affect their host plant germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of EntomoBrasilis is the property of EntomoBrasilis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We report for the first time Simaba guianensis Aubl. (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) as a host of Tephritidae, i.e., Anastrepha fraterculus and Anastrepha parishi. Also we report new hosts for species of Neosilba. Finally we report new associations between parasitoid hymenopterans and Anastrepha species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new natural host for Anastrepha fractura Stone, Salacia sp., is reported for the first time in Brazil. Parasitoids attacking A. fractura are also reported. We also report Anastrepha distincta Greene infesting Inga cinnamomea in Brazil for the first time. New associations between Anastrepha species and parasitoids are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dioctophyme renale larvae have been found in cysts in the gastric wall of 5.17% (3/58) Chaunus ictericus specimens from São Cristóvão district, Três Barras municipality, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. However, larvae of this nematode were not found in sympatric Chaunus schneideri. The larvae caused a mild granulomatous reaction. This is the first report of paratenic hosts for D. renale in Brazil, and probably is also the first in the Neotropical region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers information on the first records of three additional species of the genus Megaloproctus schulz (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Doryctinae) from Brazil compared with the original descriptions. The three species included Megaloproctus xanthus, Megaloproctus fumipennis, and Megaloproctus townesi.

Hymenopteran parasitoids have been shown to be of potential value in tick biocontrol. Tick parasitoids has been reported only once in Brazil, over 95 yr ago when Ixodiphagus hookeri (Howard) was reported parasitizing Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) nymphs in Rio de Janeiro. Herein, we report the occurrence of Ixodiphagus spp. in ticks from three different regions of Brazil. In the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil, parasitoids were detected in R. sanguineus nymphs on three occasions, during August 2009 and September 2010 (dry season), and January 2011 (rainy season). All parasitoids found in northeastern Brazil were identified as I. hookeri. In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (west-central Brazil), one Amblyomma sp. engorged nymph was shown to be parasitized by L hookeri. In the state of Rond6nia (northern Brazil), one Amblyomma sp. engorged nymph was parasitized by Ixodiphagus texanus (Howard). Because Ixodiphagus spp. are present in ecologically distinct and geographically distant areas of Brazil, they are of potential use for biocontrol in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little information on native species of hymenopteran parasitoids of fruit flies from the Neotropical region. Collections of guava (Psidium guajava L.) were conducted from January to March 2009 at the Experimental Area of Agroecological Production studies (AEEPA), Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul. Fruits were taken individually to the laboratory, counted, weighed and packaged in plastic pots containing moist sand and mesh on top. Weekly substrate was sieved, the pupae collected and placed in Petri dishes with filter paper moistened with distilled water. The pupae were placed in a room (26±2°C, 60±10% RH and 12h photophase) where observations were made weekly to check the emergence of adult flies or parasitoids and subsequent species identification. Trichopria anastrephae Lima was obtained from Anastrepha fraterculus in guavas, with a parasitism rate of 5.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the natural host and parasitoid of Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae) that were found in Brazil. It mentions that ripening fallen and ripe fruits were collected from identified trees and were observed until larvae emerged and pupated. It also presents table that shows the plant family of the plant species, Anastrepha species, and its new found parasitoid species such as Doryctobracon areolatus, Aganaspis nordlanderi and Aganaspis pelleranoi.

The article focuses on the geographic distribution and new host records of digenea species Acanthogalea gibsoni in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It notes that digenea were cold fixed in alcohol, formalin and acetic acid (AFA) under the light cover glass pressure. It notes that its finding in Balistes vetula and Epinephelus nigritus from the littoral of the state represents new hosts recods, increasing its distribution to South America. The description and measurements of the species' two recovered specimens are also presented.