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Abstract Background We assessed the impact of two sand fly insecticide interventions (insecticide spraying and insecticide-impregnated dog collars) on the peridomestic abundance and distribution of mosquitoes (Culicidae) and biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) in western São Paulo (Brazil) in a long-term (42-month) evaluation. Both of these dipteran groups are vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary relevance to humans and domestic animals in Brazil. Methods The interventions in the 3-arm stratified randomised control trial were: pheromone + insecticide (PI) (chicken roosts were sprayed with microencapsulated lambda-cyhalothrin; pheromone lure has no effect on the Diptera pests studied here); dog-collars (DC) (dogs fitted with deltamethrin-impregnated collars); and control (C) (unexposed to pyrethroids) were extended by 12 months. During that time, adult mosquitoes and midges were sampled along 280 households at three household locations (inside human dwellings, dog sleeping sites and chicken roosts). Results We collected 3145 culicids (9 genera, 87.6% Culex spp.) distributed relatively uniformly across all 3 arms: 41.9% at chicken roosts; 37.7% inside houses; and 20.3% at dog sleeping sites. We collected 11,464 Culicoides (15 species) found mostly at chicken roosting sites (84.7%) compared with dog sleeping sites (12.9%) or houses (2.4%). Mosquitoes and Culicoides were most abundant during the hot and rainy season. Increased daytime temperature was marginally associated with increased mosquito abundance (Z = 1.97, P = 0.049) and Culicoides abundance (Z = 1.71, P = 0.087). There was no significant association with daily average rainfall for either group. Household-level mosquito and midge numbers were both significantly reduced by the PI intervention 56% [incidence rate ratio, IRR = 0.54 (95% CI: 0.30–0.97), P ≤ 0.05] and 53% [IRR = 0.47 (95% CI: 0.26–0.85), P ≤ 0.05], respectively, compared to the control intervention. The abundance of both dipteran groups at dog sleeping sites was largely unaffected by the PI and DC interventions. The PI intervention significantly reduced abundance of mosquitoes inside houses (41%) and at chicken roosting sites (48%) and reduced midge abundance by 51% in chicken roosting sites. Conclusions Sprayed insecticide at chicken roosting sites reduced the abundance of mosquitoes and midges at the peridomestic level while dog collars had no effect on numbers for any group.

Abstract The first description of the fourth instar larva and pupa of Palpomyia mapuche Spinelli, Grogan & Ronderos and the pupa of P. subfuscula Ingram & Macfie are provided, as well as the redescription of the pupa of P. subaspera (Coquillett). Studied specimens were collected in lotic environments of Argentinian Patagonia, in Neuquén and Chubut Provinces. The described stages were examined and illustrated with a phase-contrast microscope. The larva was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Data on the bionomics for P. mapuche and new records for the three species are provided.

En Argentina, la distribución de la enfermedad del Virus de la Lengua Azul se encuentra restringida al noreste del país. En la región Neotropical el principal vector sería Culicoides insignis Lutz. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la fluctuación poblacional de C. insignis en la ciudad de Posadas y también la influencia de las variables climáticas como determinantes en la abundancia de esta especie. Los ejemplares fueron capturados mediante trampas de luz en el período comprendido entre enero y diciembre de 2013. La relación entre el número de C. insignis capturados y las variables ambientales fue analizada por regresión lineal multivariada. Se recolectaron 2.952 ejemplares de C. insignis representando el 93,4% del total de Culicoides capturados. Los análisis de regresión lineal multivariada muestran que la humedad relativa media mensual fue la variable que mejor explicó la dinámica de C. insignis en la zona de estudio. La transmisión de patógenos está probablemente influenciada por la abundancia del vector en el área. Los picos poblacionales observados indican los períodos donde debe haber mayor control para evitar la transmisión de la enfermedad. Este es el primer reporte sobre fluctuación poblacional de C. insignis en el noreste del país.

A new species of predaceous midge, Austrosphaeromias setosa sp. nov., is described and illustrated from adult males and females collected in the Patagonian-Andean region of Argentina and Chile. Based on examination of the type species of Austrosphaeromias Spinelli, 1997 and recently collected specimens from near the type-locality, the female and previously unknown male of Austrosphaeromias chilensis (Ingram & Macfie, 1931) are also described and illustrated. Descriptions are accompanied by color photographs and illustrations of key features of females and males of both species. We also provide a key to adult females and males of the four species of Austrosphaeromias.

A new species from the Neotropical Region, Stilobezzia (Stilobezzia) pseudopunctulata Cazorla & Ronderos, is described and illustrated based on male and female adults and pupal exuviae. Adults were collected in the Argentinian provinces of Chaco, Formosa, Corrientes and Buenos Aires, and in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The pupa was collected from mats of floating aquatic macrophytes in a lagoon in Ilha da Marchantería, in the vicinities of Manaus, Brazil. This new species is compared with its similar congener Stilobezzia punctulata Lane, from which it can be mainly distinguished by the wing with only two dark spots, the parameres longer and hook-shaped, the pupal respiratory organ with 11-12 pores and the very short apicolateral processes of the anal segment.Uma espécie nova da Região Neotropical, Stilobezzia (Stilobezzia) pseudopunctulata Cazorla & Ronderos, é descrita e ilustrada a partir de adultos macho e fêmea e exúvia pupal. Os adultos foram coletados nas províncias argentinas de Chaco, Formosa, Corrientes e Buenos Aires e em Santa Cruz, Bolívia. A pupa foi coletada em tapetes de macrófitas aquáticas flutuantes em um lago na Ilha de Marchantaria, nas proximidades de Manaus, Brasil. Esta espécie nova é comparada com a sua congênere semelhante Stilobezzia punctulata Lane, a partir da qual pode ser distinguida principalmente pela asa com apenas duas manchas escuras, parâmeros mais longos e em forma de gancho, órgão respiratório da pupa com 11-12 poros e processo apicolateral do segmento anal muito curto.

Examination of the type-series and non-type specimens of the Patagonian biting midge, Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) multipicta Ingram & Macfie (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), revealed considerable variation in wing patterns of both sexes. One pattern includes several distinct light spot areas, whereas another pattern (e.g, in the holotype) only features marginal light spots in cell r3, while other light spots are barely perceptible or absent. The cause(s) of the differential lack of dark macrotrichia in certain areas of the wing membrane in specimens of some series could not be attributed either to their age, sex, or method of preservation.El estudio de la serie-tipo y de ejemplares no típicos de la mosquita patagónica, Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) multipicta Ingram & Macfie, reveló una variación considerable en el diseño alar de ambos sexos. Uno de los patrones incluye varias áreas claras distintivas, mientras que el otro diseño (e.g., en el holotipo) solo muestra áreas claras marginales en la celda r3, y algunas que son poco perceptibles o están ausentes. La(s) causa(s) de la pérdida diferencial de macrotriquias, en ciertas áreas de la membrana alar en ejemplares de diferentes series, no puede ser atribuida al sexo, edad de los ejemplares o método de preservación.

A new species, Stilobezzia ( Acanthohelea) longisternalis, collected in the Nothofagus forest of the Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina) is described, photographed and illustrated based on the examination of male and female adults. The new species can be easily recognized by the elongate and narrow posteromedian projection of the male sternite 9; it is compared with S. (A.) hirsuta Ingram & Macfie.Una nueva especie, Stilobezzia (Acanthohelea) longisternalis, colectada en los bosques de Nothofagus del Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi (Argentina), se describe, fotografía e ilustra en base al estudio de machos y hembras adultos. La nueva especie se reconoce fácilmente por presentar una proyección posteromediana alargada y delgada en el esternito 9 de los machos. Se compara con S. (A.) hirsuta Ingram & Macfie.

The pupal exuvia of Mallochohelea termophila (Spinelli) is redescribed, photographed and illustrated mainly based on the type-series. Pupae of the type-series were collected with forceps from a thermal stream and were attached to rocks about 200 m from the spring head. Pupae from Uruguay were collected with a dipper in lotic and lentic environments. They were reared to adults in the laboratory. This is the first detailed pupal description of a species of Mallochohelea, and the first record of this species from Uruguay. Similarities and differences with the pupae of Neobezzia are provided.Se describe, fotografía e ilustra la exuvia pupal de Mallochohelea termophila (Spinelli), en especial sobre la base de la serie-tipo. Las pupas de la serie-tipo fueron recolectadas mediante pinzas en un arroyo termal, adheridas a rocas, aproximadamente a 200 m del manatial y las pupas de Uruguay mediante el uso de un cucharón tanto en ambientes lóticos como lénticos. Ellas fueron criadas hasta adultos en el laboratorio. Ésta es la primera descripción detallada de una pupa de una especie de Mallochohelea y el primer registro de la especie para Uruguay. Se destacan semejanzas y diferencias con las pupas de Neobezzia.

The pupa of Parabezzia balseiroi Spinelli & Grogan was described and illustrated using binocular microscope, camera lucida and digital photographs. Pupae were captured along a stream margin in the Parque Provincial E. Tornquist Reserve, Sierra de la Ventana, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Also, additional pupae were observed, measured and photographed on the basis of the type series deposited in the Museo de La Plata. Parabezzia balseiroi is compared with P. alexanderi Wirth, which was also herein studied and photographed from Nearctic specimens.Se describe e ilustra la pupa de Parabezzia balseiroi Spinelli & Grogan, utilizando microscopio binocular, cámara clara y fotografía digital. Las pupas fueron capturadas en el margen de un arroyo en la reserva Parque Provincial E. Tornquist, Sierra de la Ventana, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Asimismo, se observaron, midieron y fotografiaron las pupas de la serie tipo depositadas en el Museo de La Plata. Se compara Parabezzia balseiroi con P. alexanderi Wirth, la cual ha sido también estudiada y fotografiada en este trabajo, sobre la base de ejemplares neárticos.

The previously unknown pupa and adult male of Neobezzia fittkaui Wirth & Ratanaworabhan (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae). The pupa of Neobezzia fittkaui Wirth & Ratanaworabhan, 1972, collected from a mat of floating fern (Salvinia auriculata Aubl., Salviniaceae) in Ilha da Marchantaria near Manaus, Brazil and the reared adult male are described, photographed and illustrated for the first time. This is the first detailed pupal description for the genus Neobezzia Wirth & Ratanaworabhan.Pupa e adulto macho previamente desconhecidos de Neobezzia fittkaui Wirth & Ratanaworabhan (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae). A pupa de Neobezzia fittkaui Wirth & Ratanaworabhan, 1972 foi coletada em macrófitas aquáticas flutuantes (Salvinia auriculata Aubl., Salviniaceae) na Ilha da Marchantaria próximo a Manaus, Brasil e o adulto macho criado foi descrito, fotografado e ilustrado pela primeira vez. Esta é a primeira descrição para a pupa do gênero Neobezzia Wirth & Ratanaworabhan.

Paryphoconus peruvianus, a new species from Peruvian Amazonia is described and illustrated from female and male specimens collected at light in the Department of Cuzco. The species is compared with its similar congener P. anomalicornis Kieffer. Furthermore, P. anomalicornis, P. fusciradialis Spinelli y Wirth and P. oliveirai Lane are firstly recorded from Peru.Se describe e ilustra a Paryphoconus peruvianus, una especie nueva de la Amazonia peruana, a partir de hembras y machos capturados a la luz en el Departamento de Cuzco. Esta especie es comparada con su congénere más similar, P. anomalicornis Kieffer. Además, se registran por primera vez para Perú P. anomalicornis, P. fusciradialis Spinelli y Wirth y P. oliveirai Lane.

New records are provided for 22 species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Argentina and Chile, 12 belonging to Forcipomyia Meigen, two to Atrichopogon Kieffer and Culicoides Latreille, and one to Leptoconops Skuse, Dasyhelea Kieffer, Paradasyhelea Macfie, Alluaudomyia Kieffer, Macrurohelea Ingram & Macfie and Palpomyia Meigen. Forcipomyia (F.) harpegonata Wirth & Soria, F. (F.) pictoni Macfie, F. (F.) sexvittata Wirth, F. (Lepidohelea) annulatipes Macfie, F. (L.) kuanoskeles Macfie, F. (Phytohelea) jocosa Saunders and F. (Thyridomyia) nana (Macfie) are firstly recorded from Argentina, and Leptoconops ricardoi Ronderos & Spinelli, Atrichopogon endemicus Spinelli & Marino, Culicoides chacoensis Spinelli & Wirth, Paradasyhelea brevipalpis (Ingram & Macfie) and Alluaudomyia schnacki Spinelli are firstly recorded from Chile. Forcipomyia calchaqui Spinelli & Marino is removed from the subgenus Thyridomyia Saunders and assigned to the subgenus Synthyridomyia Saunders.Se brindan nuevas citas de 22 especies de Ceratopogonidae para Argentina y Chile, de las cuales 12 pertenecen a Forcipomyia Meigen, dos a Atrichopogon Kieffer y Culicoides Latreille, y una a Leptoconops Skuse, Dasyhelea Kieffer, Paradasyhelea Macfie, Alluaudomyia Kieffer, Macrurohelea Ingram & Macfie y Palpomyia Meigen. Forcipomyia (F.) harpegonata Wirth & Soria, F. (F.) pictoni Macfie, F. (F.) sexvittata Wirth, F. (Lepidohelea) annulatipes Macfie, F. (L.) kuanoskeles Macfie, F. (Phytohelea) jocosa Saunders y F. (Thyridomyia) nana (Macfie) son registradas por primera vez para Argentina, mientras que Leptoconops ricardoi Ronderos & Spinelli, Atrichopogon endemicus Spinelli & Marino, Culicoides chacoensis Spinelli & Wirth, Paradasyhelea brevipalpis (Ingram & Macfie) y Alluaudomyia schnacki Spinelli lo son para Chile. Se excluye Forcipomyia calchaqui Spinelli & Marino del subgénero Thyridomyia Saunders y se la asigna a Synthyridomyia Saunders.

Se brindan nuevas citas y localidades de los insectos acuáticos de la Meseta de Somuncurá y su área de influencia (Patagonia, Argentina), sobre la base de recolecciones de los órdenes Odonata (familias Coenagrionidae, Aeshnidae, Gomphidae y Libellulidae), Hemiptera (familias Corixidae y Notonectidae) y Diptera (familias Ceratopogonidae y Culicidae). Se registran 47 especies (agrupadas en 20 géneros), de las cuales 25 se citan por primera vez para el área. De ellas, 20 representan nuevos registros para Somuncurá (incluso tres especies nuevas para la ciencia), cuatro nuevas para la Patagonia extra-andina y una para la Patagonia. Se mencionan por primera vez dos géneros para Somuncurá, uno de los cuales es nuevo para la Patagonia extra-andina. Asimismo, se esclarece la identidad de cinco especies citadas previamente. Teniendo en cuenta el inventario preliminar y bibliografía reciente, el número total de especies de insectos acuáticos registrados en la Meseta de Somuncurá asciende a 104, agrupadas en 53 géneros.On the basis of recently collected specimens belonging to Odonata (Coenagrionidae, Aeshnidae, Gomphidae, and Libellulidae), Hemiptera (Corixidae and Notonectidae) and Diptera (Ceratopogonidae and Culicidae), new records and new localities of aquatic insects for the Somuncurá plateau and its area of influence (Argentinean Patagonia) are provided. Forty seven species in 20 genera are recorded, 25 of which for the first time from the area. Of them, 17 represent new records from Somuncurá, four from extra-andean Patagonia, one from Patagonia and three species are new to science. Two genera are recorded for the first time from Somuncurá, one of which is new from extra-andean Patagonia. The identity of five species previously recorded is established. Taking into account the preliminary inventory and recent bibliography, the total number of aquatic insects registered from the Somuncurá plateau increases to 104 species, grouped in 53 genera.

This project was funded from September 2006 for three years by the British Government's Darwin Initiative programme. The focus of our project is the study of aquatic insects from Nahuel Huapi National Park (NHNP) in Patagonia, Argentina. The park includes a wide range of wetlands, including montane streams, lowland lakes and marshes, distributed within temperate rainforest and arid steppe. The material will be identified and stored in a fully referenced and accessible collection at La Plata Museum and the Natural History Museum, London. Darwin Initiative funding has been used to equip a biodiversity laboratory at National Park Headquarters in Bariloche and also a field station at Puerto Blest. Information on the insect species in NHNP will be entered into a GIS database, together with a vegetation classification and wetland characteristics, to model freshwater insect data spatially and create a biodiversity database, the first of its kind in Patagonia. We hope that the experiences we gain during the project, the insect collections and databases, the publications, and the many other products, will be used to further enhance wetland conservation throughout Argentina and southern South America.Este proyecto fue financiado durante un período de tres años, desde septiembre de 2006 a través de la Iniciativa Darwin del gobierno Británico. El objetivo de este trabajo es el estudio de los insectos acuáticos del Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi (PNNHP), Patagonia, Argentina. El parque incluye una gran variedad de hábitats que comprenden arroyos, ríos y lagos los cuales se distribuyen desde el bosque siempreverde frío, hasta la zona árida de estepa. Todo el material será identificado y depositado en las colecciones del Museo La Plata y el Museo de Historia Natural de Londres. Los fondos de la Iniciativa Darwin han sido utilizados para equipar un laboratorio de biodiversidad en las oficinas del PNNHP en Bariloche y la estación de investigación en Puerto Blest. Toda la información de los insectos acuáticos y las distintas formaciones vegetales donde éstos se han encontrado, se incluirá en una base de datos (la primera de su tipo en Patagonia) que utilizará la metodología GIS para analizar patrones de distribución de las especies en el parque. En estos momentos se están produciendo varias guías de campo para identificar los insectos acuáticos del PNNHP. Es nuestro deseo que los resultados obtenidos en este proyecto, contribuyan a la conservación de los sistemas acuáticos en Argentina y América del Sur.

Ceratopogonidae incluye pequeños dípteros nematoceros que crían en hábitats acuáticos o semiacuáticos. Hasta los '80, el conocimiento de su taxonomía en la Patagonia se hallaba limitado a la contribución de los comienzos de los '30 de Ingram y Macfie, sobre la base de material capturado en 1926-27, en el área del Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi y zonas vecinas de Chile. En los últimos 25 años, se pusieron en marcha diferentes proyectos, resultando la descripción o registro de numerosos taxones para la región. Si se contabilizan los datos publicados, 102 especies habitan en la Patagonia, de las cuales 86 (84,31%) son endémicas para la región. Este alto porcentaje es evidente en los bosques de Nothofagus, con 71 especies endémicas de este bioma, nueve lo son de la estepa y seis presentan registros en bosque y estepa. Datos aún no publicados concuerdan con este esquema. Diecinueve géneros están representados en la Patagonia, diez de ellos con amplia distribución, tres de distribución transantártica y seis son endémicos para el área. Para la misma, se hallan publicadas las revisiones de Forcipomyia, Atrichopogon, Borkenthelea, Macrurohelea y Paradasyhelea; se han finalizado y aún no publicado aquellas de Dasyhelea y Palpomyia, está muy avanzada la de Stilobezzia y se prevé comenzar con las de Austrohelea, Austrosphaeromias, Physohelea y Bezzia. Se calcula que estos datos no divulgados contienen al menos 55 especies todavía no descriptas. Con respecto a los aspectos biogeográficos se pueden destacar estudios que tienden a establecer relaciones entre las áreas reconocidas en esquemas biogeográficos propuestos para la región andina.Ceratopogonidae includes small nematoceran Diptera which breed in aquatic and semiaquatic habitats. Until the 80´s its taxonomic knowledge in Patagonia was limited to the early 30´s contribution of Ingram and Macfie, from material collected in 1926-27 in the area of the Nahuel Huapi National Park and neighboring sites of Chile. During the last 25 years several projects were performed, many new taxa were described or firstly recorded from the mentioned area. Considering the published data, 102 especies inhabit Patagonia, out of which 86 (84,31%) are endemic. This high percentage is evident in the Nothofagus forests with 71 endemic species, nine are endemic from the steppe and six occur in both biomas. Unpublished data is consistent with this squeme. Nineteen genera are represented in Patagonia, ten widely distributed, three exhibiting transantarctic distribution and six endemic of Patagonia. Revisions of Forcipomyia, Atrichopogon, Borkenthelea, Macrurohelea and Paradasyhelea for the area are published. Those of Dasyhelea and Palpomyia are finished and remain unpublished, Stilobezzia's is almost completed, and studies on Austrohelea, Austrosphaeromias, Physohelea and Bezzia will begin soon. Fifty-five undescribed species are recognized. Regarding biogeographical aspects, there are available studies aimed at establishing relationships between areas recognized in squemes of the Andean region.

The male of Culicoides dureti Ronderos & Spinelli is described and illustrated from specimens collected associated with females in the province of Misiones, Argentina, and a brief description of the female is provided. The species is compared with Culicoides barbosai Wirth & Blanton.Se describe e ilustra el macho de Culicoides dureti Ronderos & Spinelli y se brinda una breve descripción de la hembra sobre la base de ejemplares capturados, asociados con hembras en la Provincia de Misiones, Argentina. La especie es comparada con Culicoides barbosai Wirth & Blanton.

The fourth instar larva and pupa of Bezzia roldani Spinelli & Wirth is redescribed and illustrated by using phase-contrast microscope and scanning electron microscope. Immatures were collected by placing floating hydrophytes of the genera Lemna, Wolfia, Wolfiella and Spirodella (Lemnaceae) in Berlesse funnels. The hydrophytes were collected in the Chascomús and Los Talas ponds, both in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The larva show features typical of carnivorous larvae, and it is compared with that of B. nobilis (Winnertz) and with a similar species of the genus Palpomyia Meigen, P. guarani Lane. The pupa is compared with its similar congener B. blantoni Spinelli & Wirth.Se redescribe e ilustra el último estadio larval y la pupa de Bezzia roldani Spinelli & Wirth, utilizando microscopio de contraste de fase y microscopio electrónico de barrido. Los estados inmaduros se capturaron con la ayuda de embudos Berlesse a partir de hidrófitas flotantes, de los géneros Lemna, Wolfia, Wolfiella y Spirodella (Lemnaceae) de las lagunas Chascomús y Los Talas, ambas en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. La larva presenta las características típicas de larvas carnívoras, se compara con la de Bezzia nobilis (Winnertz) y con una especie similar del género Palpomyia Meigen, P. guarani Lane. La pupa se compara con la de Bezzia blantoni Spinelli & Wirth.

RESUMEN. Se brinda un inventario preliminar de los insectos acuáticos de la Meseta del Somuncura y su área de influencia (Patagonia, Argentina) realizado sobre la base de colecciones y registros previos de especies pertenecientes a los órdenes Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Hemiptera (Heteroptera), Trichoptera, Diptera (familias Ceratopogonidae, Culicidae y Psychodidae) y Coleoptera. Se han relevado diversos tipos de ambientes en 14 localidades. El número de especies registrado asciende a 78, agrupadas en 51 géneros y 26 familias, de las cuales 33 se citan por primera vez del área. De los taxa registrados 83% de los géneros corresponden a grupos de amplia distribución (neotropicales, americanos o cosmopolitas), mientras que 41% de las especies presentan una distribución patagónica o andina.ABSTRACT. A preliminary inventory of the aquatic insects from the Somuncura plateau and its area of influence (Patagonia, Argentina) is presented. It was done on the basis of the study of collections and previous records of species belonging to the orders Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Hemiptera (Heteroptera), Trichoptera, Diptera (families Ceratopogonidae, Culicidae, and Psychodidae) and Coleoptera. Different kinds of environments were surveyed in 14 localities. Seventy eigth species grouped in 51 genera and 26 families were registered, and 33 species are new records for the area. Eighty three % of the registered genera are widely distributed (neotropical, american or cosmopolitan), while 41 % of the species exhibit patagonic or andean distribution.

The larva of Palpomyia guarani Lane, 1946 is described and illustrated by using a phase-contrast and Scanning Electron Microscope, and pupa and adult redescribed by using a phase-contrast stereoscope. Immatures were collected breeding in a tree hole in Bella Vista, Paraguay. Larvae have character states typical of carnivorous larvae. The species is compared with its similar congener Palpomyia columbiana Kieffer, and this record constitutes the first one from Paraguay.Se describe e ilustra la larva de Palpomyia guarani Lane, 1946 utilizando Microscopio de Contraste de Fase y Microscopio Electrónico de Barrido. Se redescriben pupa y adulto usando Microscopio de Contraste de Fase. Los estados inmaduros fueron capturados en Bella Vista, Paraguay, en hueco de árbol, donde se desarrollan. La larva presenta características típicas de larvas carnívoras. La especie se cita por primera vez para Paraguay, y es comparada con su similar cogenérica Palpomyia columbiana Kieffer.

A new species of ceratopogonid diptera from central Chile, Bezzia chilensis, is described and illustrated based on an adult male and five female specimens, and also the widespread species Bezzia nobilis (Winnertz) is firstly recorded for the countrySobre la base de ejemplares adultos macho y hembras, se describe una nueva especie de díptero ceratopogónido de la zona central de Chile, Bezzia chilensis. Además, se registra por primera vez para este país a la especie de amplia distribución Bezzia nobilis (Winnertz)

RESUMEN. Se describe e ilustra el macho de Culicoides pampaensis, y se brinda una diagnosis de la hembra. El ejemplar descripto fue capturado a la luz junto a una hembra, en la provincia de Catamarca, Argentina. La genitalia se compara con la de Culicoides bambusicola Lutz.ABSTRACT. The male of Culicoides pampaensis Spinelli & Wirth is described and illustrated and female diagnosis is also provided. The described male specimen was captured at light, associated with a female, in Catamarca province, Argentina. Male genitalia of Culicoides pampaensis and Culicoides bambusicola Lutz are compared.

Se registra por primera vez para la Argentina a Stilobezzia (Eukraiohelea) amnigena (Macfie) y a Stilobezzia (E.) elegantula (Johannsen) para la Argentina y Paraguay. Se reconoce a Stilobezzia subsessilis Kieffer como sinónimo menor de S. elegantula.

Se describe e ilustra el macho de Culicoides pampaensis, y se brinda una diagnosis de la hembra. El ejemplar descripto fue capturado a la luz junto a una hembra, en la provincia de Catamarca, Argentina. La genitalia se compara con la de Culicoides bambusicola Lutz.

A new species of Downeshelea Wirth & Grogan, D. deanei Felippe-Bauer & Quintelas, is described and illustrated from a male specimen from Trinidad, and a redescription of D. guianae (Wirth) is given.

New findings in Argentina of the following five species of the tribe Palpomyiini are reported: Amerohelea pseudofasciata Grogan and Wirth and Bezzia venustula (Williston), in the Somuncurá plateau in Río Negro province; Bezzia chilensis Ronderos and Spinelli, in western Río Negro and Salta provinces; Bezzia fluminensis Lane, in northern Corrientes province; and Clastrieromyia uruguayensis Spinelli and Grogan, in La Pampa province.Se informa acerca de nuevos hallazgos en la Argentina de las siguientes cinco especies de la tribu Palpomyiini: Amerohelea pseudofasciata Grogan and Wirth y Bezzia venustula (Williston), en la meseta de Somuncurá en la provincia de Río Negro; Bezzia chilensis Ronderos and Spinelli, en el Oeste de las provincias de Río Negro y Salta; Bezzia fluminensis Lane, en el norte de la provincia de Corrientes; y Clastrieromyia uruguayensis Spinelli and Grogan, en la provincia de La Pampa.

Two new Neotropical predaceous midges are described and illustrated, Downeshelea charrua from Uruguay, and Monohelea bidenata from Argentina. The first species is described from female and male specimens; only one male is know from the second.

Two new Brazilian species of Monohelea Kieffer, M. affinis and M. roraimensis are described and illustrated, and a redescription of M. guiaimiesi Lane & Wirth is given.

Two new Neotropical species of the tribe Sphaeromiini are described and illustrated, Mallochohelea limitrofe from Argentina and Uruguay, and Neobezzia wirthi from Argentina. The first species is only known from the female sex, being the second one described from both, female and male specimens.

ABSTRACT The fourth instar larva and pupa of Atrichopogon delpontei Cavalieri and Chiossone are described for the first time. The immatures were collected from stream margins in the northern Brazilian states Rondônia and Piauí, and subsequently reared to adults. Larvae and pupae are illustrated and photomicrographed. Details on the rearing process and feeding behavior in laboratory, bionomics and notes on habitats are also provided.

ABSTRACT Two new species of Dasyhelea Kieffer, Dasyhelea jorgei Diaz, Felippe-Bauer & Spinelli sp. nov. and Dasyhelea mineira Diaz, Felippe-Bauer & Spinelli sp. nov. are described, illustrated and photographed from Peru and Brazil respectively, based on male and female adults. These species are typical members of mutabilis species group and are compared with similar species within the group.

ABSTRACT A new monotypic genus and species of predaceous midge from the southernmost area of the Argentinean Yungas, Yungahelea australis Spinelli and Ronderos, is described and illustrated from male and female adults. It belongs to a group containing the Ceratopogonini genera Parabezzia Malloch, Diaphanobezzia Ingram and Macfie, Spinellihelea Borkent, Grogan and Picado, Leptohelea Wirth and Blanton, and Fittkauhelea Wirth and Blanton. Phylogenetic interpretation indicates that Yungahelea is the sister group of Spinellihelea or the clade composed by Parabezzia and Diaphanobezzia.

A new species of the Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) argenteola group, F. (F.) donatoi, is described and illustrated from males and females collected in several localities of northern Argentina and in Paraguay. The new species is compared with the similar congeners F. (F.) marini and F. (F.) uramaensis, both from Venezuela. The following three species: Forcipomyia (F.) argenteola, F. (F.) calatheae and F. (F.) quatei are recorded for the first time from Argentina, and a key is presented for the identification of the seven Neotropical species of the group. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 789-794. Epub 2008 June 30.Se describe e ilustra una especie nueva del grupo Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) argenteola, F. (F.) donatoi, sobre la base de machos y hembras capturados en diversas localidades del norte de Argentina y Paraguay. Esta especie es comparada con F. (F.) marini y F. (F.) uramaensis, ambas de Venezuela, con las cuales presenta semejanzas morfológicas. Las especies Forcipomyia (F.) argenteola, F. (F.) calatheae y F. (F.) quatei se registran por primera vez en Argentina, y se provee, además, una clave para la identificación de las siete especies Neotropicales del grupo.

Palpomyia iberaensis n. sp., was collected by Malaise trap in the province of Corrientes, Argentina and its female and attached male genitalia are described and illustrated. The species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: females with dark brown legs except fore trochanter, basal 1/2 of fore femur, basal 2/3 of mid femur, fore and mid tibiae except extreme tip, yellowish brown; fore femur with four to five, mid femur with two ventral spines; abdomen lacking gland rods. Males with gonocoxite stout, with a conspicuous posteromesal pointed hook; gonostylus short, curved; parameres entirely divided, the distal portions slender with two posteriorly directed processes. This species is placed in the tibialis group in spite of the curious parameres without recurved tips. The species is compared with its congener Palpomyia mellichroa, from southeastern Brazil. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (3): 1067-1070. Epub 2006 Sept. 29.Se describe Palpomyia iberaensis n. sp., recolectada con trampa Malaise en Corrientes, Argentina, con base en una hembra que traía adheridos los órganos genitales del macho. Se ubica la especie en el grupo tibialis a pesar de tener parameros con puntas curvadas. Se compara la especie con su congénere brasileño Palpomyia mellichroa.