Search

This investigation involved analyzing 77 publications, 6 national biological collections and an international collection and determining the myrmecological diversity of Tamaulipas, which consists of 195 species that belong to 60 genera, with 410 records in the state. The genera with the highest species richness were Camponotus Mayr (Formicinae), Pheidole Westwood (Myrmicinae) and Neivamyrmex Borgmeier (Dorylinae), with 17, 15 and 12 species, respectively. The ant fauna of Tamaulipas consists of 95% native species and 5% exotic species. The investigation determined that 25 municipalities had been sampled, and Gómez Farías, Victoria and Jaumave stood out with the highest number of ant species records; however, 18 municipalities that provide opportunities to increase the knowledge of Formicidae remain unexplored.

Se reportan los primeros registros de dos especies de hormigas, i.e., Hypoponera opacior y Pseudomyrmex seminole y dos géneros, i.e., Acanthosticus y Mycetosoritis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), asociados a etapas de descomposición de necrotrampas colocadas en una zona semiurbana del estado de Yucatán, México.

Ants (Formicidae) in Mexico have usually been undersampled despite their ecological significance and their utility as environmental service providers and bioindicators. This study estimates the species richness and the narrow endemic species number of ants across Mexico. It also documents the presence of one species newly recorded in Mexico and 19 new state-based records of 14 species from central and north Mexico. No surveys have been performed in most of the localities where we report those records, suggesting the need for a higher sampling effort across the country. We present an ant species richness estimation and a narrow endemic ant species estimation in a grid of 0.5 degrees in Mexico. Stenamma schmitii is recorded for the first time from Mexico. Additionally, new state-based records of Azteca velox, Dorymyrmex insanus, Camponotus coruscus, Camponotus striatus, Formica propatula, Lasius latipes, Neivamyrmex melanocephalus, Neivamyrmex rugulosus, Syscia augustae, Atta texana, Cephalotes scutulatus, Crematogaster crinosa and Temnothorax andrei are recorded.

The synthesis of comprehensive databases on the identity and distributions of alien organisms is a critical step to developing informed invasion management plans and identifying areas that are data-deficient. Here, we assembled all available records of alien ant distributions for Mexico, based on the literature, databases and unpublished data for a period ranging from 1855 to 2019; we compiled 967 records for 42 ant species non-native to Mexico, distributed across 438 localities. For the first time, we present mapped records and the distribution database of alien ants which is available through The Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics database at www.antmaps.org . The most commonly recorded species were Paratrechina longicornis, Monomorium pharaonis and Anoplolepis gracilipes. The states with the most records were Veracruz, Chiapas, Jalisco and Quintana Roo. The alien ants were most frequently encountered in urban areas (372 records) and in deciduous forest habitats (220). We provide summary of their distribution patterns and other related information useful for the control of these species in Mexico.

The superfamily Vespoidea of the order Hymenoptera is reportedly comprised of 27,389 species worldwide within 10 taxonomic families and represents a diversity of composition, behavioral habits, and ecological roles. Studies of Vespoidea in the state of Campeche, Mexico, are scarce, and most reports are focused on the family Formicidae. This study presents an analysis based on a literature review of the occurrence of Vespoidea in Campeche. Results indicate that 91 species in 3 taxonomic families (Formicidae, Pompilidae, and Vespidae) are found in Campeche. Tropical ecosystems of Campeche serve as habitats for 6.3% of the total species of Vespoidea in Mexico. Further research on the diversity and ecology of Vespoidea is suggested to increase our knowledge of Vespoidea as natural enemies and pollinators in agroecosystems and natural environments in the state of Campeche, Mexico.

En México se ha realizado escaso trabajo taxonómico de las hormigas, particularmente en los estados del noroeste, como Sinaloa. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo revisar la información disponible para los registros de especies de hormigas en el estado de Sinaloa, México. Se muestrearon 11 sitios que comprendieron el 61% de los municipios de Sinaloa y se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de artículos, páginas web y todo tipo de información especializada disponible sobre Formicidae. Se encontraron un total de 91 especies pertenecientes a 35 géneros. La revisión de la información reveló que el 85.7% de los registros de hormigas involucraban zonas rurales y urbanas, así como bordes de carreteras. Las selvas bajas caducifolias representaron el 7.61%, seguidos por los bosques espinosos y los mezquitales con 2.85% y 1%, respectivamente. Se reconoce un total de ocho especies introducidas para Sinaloa. Este es el primer estudio para documentar el conocimiento de Formicidae en Sinaloa. Se sugiere más investigación taxonómica para explorar la diversidad y hábitats relacionados.

Resumen Entre los himenópteros de importancia médica sobresale la familia Bethylidae, entre estos la avispa Cephalonomia gallicola (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) causante de dermatitis en humanos. Este trabajo reporta por primera vez en México la presencia de C. gallicola y un caso de picaduras en humanos. Este reporte se suscitó en octubre del 2019 dónde las personas afectadas colectaron dentro de su hogar 20 especímenes de C. gallicola y cuatro individuos del hospedero (Lasionderma serricorne). Las avispas provocaron en tres miembros de la familia afectada aproximadamente 10 picaduras por individuo. Este es el primer registro reportado en México de C. gallicola que causa problemas de salud en humanos. Los registros de casos son escasos, posiblemente debido a que el diagnóstico debe basarse en la historia y los hallazgos físicos de la picadura lo cual puede ser difícil a menos que se obtenga una explicación detallada del entorno del hogar. Se requiere más investigación en el país de los posibles encuentros accidentales de humanos con estos insectos, y cómo afecta a la salud de la población. Abstract Among the medically important Hymenoptera, the family Bethylidae stands out, among these the wasp Cephalonomia gallicola (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) that causes dermatitis in humans. This work reports for the first time in Mexico the presence of C. gallicola and a case of stings in humans. This report was raised in October 2019 where the affected people collected 20 specimens of C. gallicola and four individuals of its host (Lasioderma serricorne) within their home. The wasps caused approximately 10 stings per individual in three members of the affected family. This is the first reported record in Mexico of C. gallicola causing health problems in humans. Case records are sparse, possibly because the diagnosis must be based on the history and physical findings of the sting, which can be difficult unless a detailed explanation of the home environment is obtained. More research is required in the country of possible accidental human encounters with these insects, and how it affects the health of the population.

The family Pompilidae is a little-known insect group in Mexico, which comprises insects known as spider-hunting wasps. This study aimed to review and update the occurrence of pompilids in Mexico and provide information on their geographical distribution. A total of 305 species and 46 genera were compiled, of which 131 species and 11 genera were added to the Pompilidae species list in Mexico. Moreover, we provided data on the geographical distribution of 216 Pompilidae species and highlighted 126 species as registered only from this country, which accounted for 41 % of the total species. The nearctic portion in Mexico is the most studied area, with 203 species, whereas only 96 species are listed from the neotropical region of the country. Four subfamilies were represented: Pompilinae with 161 species, Pepsinae with 128 species, Ceropalinae with ten species, and Notocyphinae with six species. Anoplius was the most species-rich genus with 41 species, and Sericopompilus neotropicalis was the most widely distributed species. The analysis suggests a high diversity of the family Pompilidae and underlines the need to further explore southern areas of Mexico.

The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most important pests in citrus‐growing areas in Mexico. In this study, we analyzed the temporal fluctuation of sexually mature females of A. ludens populations with respect to the availability of commercial hosts and climatic factors, as well as population data of females over an extensive citrus area in northeastern Mexico. The numbers of mature females were treated as proportions and analyzed with generalized linear mixed models with a binomial error distribution. Results revealed positive effects on proportions of mature females when commercial hosts (Valencia orange and grapefruit) were available at both medium and high levels, whereas negative effects on proportions were observed when commercial hosts were scarcely available. Monthly analyses indicated positive trends on proportion in March, April, October, and November, whereas negative trends were seen in January and June. A low capture of mature females during the late summer and the onset of winter suggests transitional phenological processes across the year. Overall, no relationships were observed between proportions with temperature and the total number of females; however, a positive relationship was observed between proportion and rainfall. These findings provide insight into the reproductive phenology of A. ludens with practical implications for fruit sampling, as well as for the autocidal or chemical control in an areawide integrated pest management (AW‐IPM) approach in citrus‐growing areas of northeastern Mexico.

La digestibilidad proteolitica de las proteinas hidrosolubles extraidas de tres insectos de interes alimentario (Atta mexicana (Smith), Pterophylla beltrani (Bolivar and Bolivar), y Sphenarium purpurascens (Charpentier)) fue evaluada. Se confirma la hidrolisis enzimatica de las proteinas de insectos y esta fue diferencial dependiendo del insecto y el tipo de enzima proteolitica. Estas proteinas podrian ser aprovechadas en la nutricion humana ya que son digeribles con proteinasas similares a las del tracto digestivo humano.

The coleopteran Stethobaroides nudiventris was found in flowers of the epiphytic orchid Catasetum integerrimum and the ant Paratrechina longicornis in the Trichocentrum cebolleta epiphytic orchid in the field. This is the first report of S. nudiventris at Tamaulipas, expanding its distribution in northeastern Mexico, and is the second record as a visitor to the orchid. This is the first report of P. longicornis in flowers of T. cebolleta. Knowledge of potential orchid pollinators and pests is of utmost importance as a reference for future studies, because the knowledge is scarce in the northern Neotropical zone.

International audience

The role of urban ecosystems in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services is highly variable because of the heterogeneity of habitats in human-use landscapes. We analyzed ant diversity in a sub-montane and sub-tropical urban area of northeastern Mexico to determine the conservation value of this cityscape. Ants were collected in 16 across the cityscape, including spaces at the periphery and urban center, during the rainy season (August to October) of 2015. To capture ants, eight trap traps were installed along a 100-m transect, and hand collections were performed. In total, 7,415 ant workers belonging to 32 species, 23 genera, 11 tribes, and 5 sub-families were collected. The richness and structure of the assemblages varied among the sampling sites. The compositional similarity also varied significantly among sampling sites, and unique species were found in four sites. Each site showed an important and particular ant assemblage that differed from that of the other sites and the surrounding habitats in the cityscape. The results suggest that some sampling sites in the studied cityscape may contribute to the conservation of certain ant groups and invertebrate communities threatened by urban intensification. Ultimately, our findings support the importance of conserved areas and green spaces for the conservation of native species in and near urban areas.

Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with an important proportion of endemism mainly because of the convergence of the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic regions, which generate great diversity and species turnover at different spatial scales. However, most of our knowledge of the Mexican ant biota is limited to a few well-studied taxa, and we lack a comprehensive synthesis of ant biodiversity information. For instance, most of the knowledge available in the literature on Mexican ant fauna refers only to species lists by states, or is focused on only a few regions of the country, which prevents the study of several basic and applied aspects of ants, from diversity and distribution to conservation. Our aims in this data paper are therefore (1) to compile all the information available regarding ants across the Mexican territory, and (2) to identify major patterns in the gathered data set and geographic gaps in order to direct future sampling efforts. All records were obtained from raw data, including both unpublished and published information. After exhaustive filtering and updating information and synonyms, we compiled a total of 21,731 records for 887 ant species distributed throughout Mexico from 1894 to 2018. These records were concentrated mainly in the states of Chiapas (n = 6,902, 32.76%) and Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave (n = 4,329, 19.92%), which together comprise half the records. The subfamily with the highest number of records was Myrmicinae (n = 10,458 records, 48.12%), followed by Formicinae (n = 3,284, 15.11%) and Ponerinae (n = 1,914, 8.8%). Most ant records were collected in the Neotropical region of the country (n = 12,646, 58.19%), followed by the Mexican transition zone (n = 5,237, 24.09%) and the Nearctic region (n = 3,848, 17.72%). Native species comprised 95.46% of the records (n = 20,745). To the best of our knowledge, this is the most complete data set available to date in the literature for the country. We hope that this compilation will encourage researchers to explore different aspects of the population and community research of ants at different spatial scales, and to aid in the establishment of conservation policies and actions. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using its data for publications or teaching events.

Because of expanding urban areas and subsequent changes in land cover, elucidating the role of preserving biodiversity in heterogeneous urban green spaces in city scapes is necessary. Alpha, beta, and gamma diversity of ant assemblages were analyzed in a heterogeneous urban green space in the highland city of Tlaxcala in central eastern Mexico. Ant and habitat characteristics were sampled during hot and rainy seasons of 2017 in an urban green space divided into nine sections. In total, 842 individuals of 21 species, 12 genera, nine tribes, and four subfamilies were collected. Sections with more complex habitat structure had fewer and more dominant species, whereas those with simple habitat structure had greater number and evenness of species. Compositional diversity varied significantly among the sampled sections because of much species turnover and great contribution of beta diversity to gamma diversity. The value of the studied urban green space for ant diversity resulted from much turnover of species. Promotion of heterogeneity in urban green spaces in city scapes might be an important strategy for conserving biodiversity as well as ecosystem services provided in and near highland cities.

We found Multilure traps baited with Strepha Trap® to be a useful method for sampling arboreal ants. A total of 7 ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were recorded from 8 Multilure traps associated with tree canopies in a Neotropical transition region in northeastern Mexico. The genus Azteca and the species A. schimperi Emery are reported for the first time in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. This finding represents the northernmost distribution of these species in the Americas.

The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a pest of citrus crops in Mexico. A two years study was conducted aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal occurrence of traps that capture sexually mature A. ludens females in a citrus area in Mexico. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the monthly fluctuation of traps that captured sexually mature A. ludens females. A non-parametric interpolation, the Voronoi diagrams, was used to analyze spatial patterns of such traps according to availability levels of commercial hosts. The monthly analysis revealed a high activity of sexually mature females linked to a high availability of commercial hosts such as the orange fruit cultivar ‘Valencia’ in January, February, March, and April. By contrast, negative trends were showed when a lower availability of commercial hosts was observed from May to September. The availability of grapefruit from October yielded an increase of traps with capture of mature females. A spatial heterogeneity was depicted by the Voronoi diagrams regarding the distribution of traps with mature females. Such spatial variability was linked to availability levels of the commercial hosts across the year. The prevalence of areas with high levels of mature females in autumn continued to be present until the spring. This study provided evidence of an intrapopulation variability of A. ludens associated with a geographical space and temporal patterns. Practical implications for an Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management (AW-IPM) approach are discussed.

Los carbohidratos comunes en fuentes naturales de energía para las hormigas son: sacarosa, fructosa, glucosa, trehalosa y melezitosa. En este estudio se establecieron preferencias entre estos cinco carbohidratos en Pheidole bilimeki Mayr a través de la conducta de reclutamiento. El orden de efectividad reclutadora de los cinco químicos fue: sacarosa > melezitosa = trehalosa > fructosa > glucosa. En todos los azúcares la respuesta fue dependiente de la concentración entre 0.1 M y 1 M. Los tiempos bebiendo fueron los mismos en todos los carbohidratos, por lo cual se descarta que distintos volúmenes de solución ingerida determinen diferentes cantidades de feromona reclutadora secretada. Se propone que diferentes niveles de interacción de los azúcares con los receptores gustativos determina la intensidad del reflejo liberador de la feromona.

La diversidad de hormigas asociadas al cultivo de la palmillao palma camedor Chamaedorea radicalis Mart., bajo un sistemaagroforestal, ha sido estudiado en el bosque tropical de la Reservade la Biosfera El Cielo (RBEC). Se colectaron en las frondas mediante red entomológica de golpeo, las siguientes especies en dos épocas estacionales: Odontomachus laticeps, Crematogaster cerasi, Camponotus atriceps, Temnothorax texanus, Tapinoma sp., y Pheidole arctos en época lluviosa. Wasmannia auropuntata, Camponotus atriceps, Monomorium floricola, Pheidole arctos y Solenopsis geminata en época seca. Se comparan las especies reportadas por otros autores en la RBEC. En conjunto los géneros encontrados son colonizadores de agroecosistemas, con hábitos forrajeadores, cazadoras, recolectoras de néctar, semillas y restos de animales muertos. El conocimiento de los organismos asociados a la palma camedor y su ambiente, permitirá establecer un manejo integrado de plagas para la sustentabilidad de este importante biorrecurso.