Registro y descripción del daño de la cochinilla rosada del hibisco, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), en Theobroma cacao L., en Tabasco, México

Se registra por primera vez a Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) atacando a Theobroma cacao (Linneo, 1753) en México. Se describen los síntomas que ocasiona y se mencionan a Pithecellobium lanceolatum (Humb. y Bonpl. ex Willd.) Benth., 1846 y Trophis racemosa (L.) Urb., 1905 como nuevos hospedantes vegetales afectados por la cochinilla rosada del hibisco

Survival of Coptotermes testaceus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to Environmental Conditions (Relative Humidity and Temperature) and Preference to Different Substrates

Coptotermes  testaceus (L.) (Rhinotermitidae) is a subterranean termite species that causes damage in urban and agricultural areas in the neotropics. Despite its economic importance,  there  are  no  studies  on  its  basic  biological  aspects  for  laboratory management and the development of strategies for its control. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relative humidity, temperature, substrate moisture and preference to different wood substrates for the best C.  testaceus survival under laboratory conditions. For this, a range of eight relative humidity (from 9 to 100%), three temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C), six substrates (Pinus sp, Cedrela  odorata  (L.), Cocos nucifera (L.), Eucalyptus urophylla (S. T. Blake), Haematoxylum campechianum (L.) and Tabebuia rosea [Bertol.] DC) and four substrate moistures, (0 to 60%) were tested. The results of this study indicated a significant effect of all factors on termite survival or termite preference. When tested independently, the highest survival percentage of C.testaceus was obtained with humidity of 100%, temperature of 20 °C, substrate moisture of 60% and the Eucalyptus  urophylla substrate, reaching 83.33% survival at 21 days of observation. With these preliminary assays on small termite groups, it is concluded that with the appropriate percentages of humidity, temperature and substrate and the interaction of these three factors, further research can be conducted using larger termite groups in biologically relevant conditions, in order to study various aspects of C. testaceus biology

Diversidad y fluctuación de la comunidad de escarabajos descortezadores y barrenadores (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae, Curculionidae: Scolytinae, Platypodinae) asociados a una selva en Tabasco, México

El estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la diversidad de descortezadores y barrenadores correspondientes a Scolytinae, Platypodinae y Bostrichidae en el borde e interior de la selva tropical de Teapa, Tabasco, México. La captura de insectos se realizó con trampas de intercepción cebadas con alcohol etílico y luz ultravioleta como atrayente. Se recolectaron 8.552 especímenes pertenecientes a 73 especies incluidas en 31 géneros; 60 especies de 21 géneros pertenecen a Scolytinae, ocho especies de cinco géneros a Platypodinae y cinco especies de cinco géneros a Bostrichidae. Los géneros con mayor riqueza específica fueron Xyleborus Eichhoff con diez especies e Hypothenemus Westwood con ocho especies. En el interior de la selva se presentó la mayor riqueza con 64 especies y la menor abundancia con 3.194 especímenes y en el borde se registró una mayor abundancia de barrenadores con 5.358 especímenes y la menor riqueza con 60 especies. Los máximos valores de diversidad se obtuvieron dentro de la selva (1D= 25,35; 2D= 17,74) y los mínimos en el borde (D=22,32; D= 14,49). Se determinó un valor de similitud (Is) de 65,7% entre los sitios. En el interior del ecosistema, la abundancia de la comunidad fue más estable a lo largo del tiempo, presentando los picos poblacionales más altos en abril y noviembre. En el borde, la abundancia de la comunidad presentó los máximos picos poblacionales en enero, mayo y noviembre, coincidiendo con los meses donde se presentó una reducción en la precipitación. Los estimadores Chao 1 y Chao 2 muestran que se obtuvo una completitud del muestreo de 96% y 94,4% respectivamente en el borde, y 90,87% y 94,12% en el interior

Fluctuación poblacional, plantas huéspedes, distribución y clave para la identificación de Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) asociados al agroecosistema cacao en Tabasco, México

The ambrosia beetle dynamic population, hosts and distribution were studied in the cacao agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico during 2007. The insects were collected in four localities with ethanol and light traps and by direct collecting in their host plants. Five species were collected with Teloplatypus excisus (Chapuis) being the most abundant with a total of 346 specimens. T. excisus and Tesserocerus dewalquei Chapuis are new records for Tabasco. Spondias mombin is recorded as a new host to Platyscapulus pulchellus (Chapuis) and T. excisus. The most efficient method of captured was the ethanol trap where which 459 specimens captured. The populational dinamic of the species through the year of study stayed in low levels in most of the towns studied, with exception of Teapa where market populational pick was seen in May and July through use the ethanol traps and in its hosts; and in the months of July and November with the light traps.Se estudió la fluctuación poblacional, huéspedes y distribución de platipódidos asociados al agroecosistema cacao en Tabasco, México durante el año 2007. Los insectos fueron capturados con trampas de alcohol, luz y en sus plantas huéspedes en cuatro localidades. Se recolectaron cinco especies siendo Teloplatypus excisus (Chapuis) el que presentó la mayor abundancia con un total de 346 especímenes.T. excisus y Tesserocerus dewalquei Chapuis son nuevos registros para Tabasco. Se encontró a Spondias mombin como nuevo huésped de Platyscapulus pulchellus (Chapuis) y T. excisus. El método de captura más eficiente fue la trampa de alcohol, con la cual se capturo 459 especímenes. La fluctuación poblacional de las especies a través del año de estudio se mantuvo en niveles bajos en la mayoría de las localidades estudiadas a excepción de Teapa, donde se registraron picos poblacionales marcados en mayo y julio tanto en las trampas de alcohol como directamente en sus hospederos y en los meses de julio y noviembre en las de luz.

Three species of Megacerus Fahraeus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) associated to Merremia umbellata (L.) Hall. Fill (Convolvulaceae) in México

Abstract. In order to determine the species of bruchids that feed on Merremia umbellata (L.) Hall. Fil. (1892) seeds, 110 samples of ovoid capsule were collected, from which 753 bruchids of the genus Megacerus Fahraeus, 1839 were obtained. The most abundant species was M. alabani (Terán and Kingsolver, 1977) (84.86%), followed by M. cubiculus (Casey, 1884) (14.87%) and M. tricolor (Suffrian, 1870) (0.27%). A total of 5,709 seeds was evaluated to determine the damage these insects cause plants. Of these, 880 presented some type of condition, representing a 15.41% damage caused by the three Megacerus species include the parasited. This is the first record of the species M. alabani, M. cubiculus on the host M. umbellata

Scolytinae y Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculiondae) de Tabasco, México

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diversity of Scolytinae and Platypodinae in five localities of Tabasco between December 2012 and April 2013. Ten flight intercept traps were used with ethyl alcohol as an attractant to collect insects in each site. A total of 4,232 specimens were collected from 62 species, of which 57 belong to Scolytinae and five to Platypodinae. The greatest diversity of species was obtained in Malpasito (MP) with a value of H´=2.11 and the lowest in Boca del Cerro (BC) with a value of H´=0.78, the highest species richness was recorded MP with 39 and the highest species abundance Francisco Rueda (FR) with 1,500 specimens. The genera Hypothenemus and Xyleborus presented the highest species richness with 10 and 7 respectively. The species Premnobius cavipennis Eichhoff, Xyleborus volvulus (Fabricius), Sampsonius dampfi Schedl, Hypothenemus interstitialis (Hopkins) and Corthylus papulans Eichhoff showed the highest abundance with 2,962 specimens, representing 69.99% of the total. The especies Cnesinus elegans Blandford, C. gracilis Blandford, Corthylocurus barbatus (Blandford), Chramesus crenatus Wood, H. effeminatus Wood, H. inaequalis Wood, H. columbi Hopkins and M. robustum (Schedl) are new records for Tabasco. The list of species of these insects in Tabasco, México continues to grow as new samples are taken, suggesting that it has not been possible to collect the real diversity supported by the ecosystems of the state.El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la diversidad de Scolytinae y Platypodinae en cinco localidades de Tabasco de diciembre de 2012 y abril de 2013. Se utilizaron diez trampas de intercepción de vuelo con alcohol etílico como atrayente para recolectar a los insectos en cada sitio. Se recolectaron en total 4,232 especímenes de 62 especies, de las cuales 57 pertenecen a Scolytinae y cinco a Platypodinae. La mayor diversidad de especies se obtuvo en Malpasito (MP) con un valor de H´=2.11 y la menor en Boca del cerro (BC) con un valor de H´=0.78, la mayor riqueza de especies la registró MP con 39 y la mayor abundancia Francisco Rueda (FR) con 1,500 especímenes. Los géneros Hypothenemus y Xyleborus presentaron la mayor riqueza de especies con diez y siete respectivamente. Las especies Premnobius cavipennis Eichhoff, Xyleborus volvulus (Fabricius), Sampsonius dampfi Schedl, Hypothenemus interstitialis (Hopkins) y Corthylus papulans Eichhoff registraron la mayor abundancia con 2,962 especímenes, lo que representa el 69.99% del total. Las especies Cnesinus elegans Blandford, C. gracilis Blandford, Corthylocurus barbatus (Blandford), Chramesus crenatus Wood, H. effeminatus Wood, H. inaequalis Wood, H. columbi Hopkins y M. robustum (Schedl) son nuevos registros para Tabasco. La lista de especies de estos insectos en Tabasco, México continúa creciendo conforme se incrementan los muestreos, lo que sugiere que no ha sido posible recolectar la diversidad real que albergan los ecosistemas del estado

Lista comentada con clave para la identificación de termitas (Blattodea: Isoptera) asociadas a las zonas forestales de Tabasco, México

Termites are important insects due to their participation in the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients in the soil, however, some species cause damage to buildings, forest plantations and agricultural crops, where they cause significant losses. The objective of this study was to make an annotated list with identification keys for the termite species present in agroforestry and relict forest systems in the State of Tabasco, Mexico. The collection of termites was carried out in 20 sites distributed in the main forest areas of Tabasco, Mexico. The sampling was directed selecting 15 transects of 10x50 m for each type of vegetation. Eight species of termites were identified of which Nasutitermes nigriceps (Haldeman, 1854) and N. corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) were present in all forest areas, followed by Coptotermes testaceus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Heterotermes convexinotatus (Snyder, 1924). The species Microcerotermes septentrionalis Light, 1933, Tenuirostritermes briciae (Snyder, 1922), Cahuallitermes intermedius (Snyder, 1922), and Incisitermes snyderi Light, 1933 were only collected from one locality. The species T. briciae and M. septentrionalis are reported as new records for Tabasco.Las termitas son insectos importantes por su participación en la descomposición de la materia orgánica y el reciclaje de los nutrientes en el suelo, sin embargo, algunas especies causan daños en edificaciones, plantaciones forestales y cultivos agrícolas, donde ocasionan pérdidas significativas. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un listado comentado con claves de identificación para las especies de termitas presentes en los sistemas agroforestales y relictos de selva en el Estado de Tabasco, México. La recolecta de las termitas se realizó en 20 sitios distribuidos en las principales zonas forestales de Tabasco, México. El muestreo fue dirigido seleccionando 15 transectos de 10x50 m por cada tipo de vegetación. Se identificaron ocho especies de termitas de las cuales Nasutitermes nigriceps (Haldeman, 1854) y N. corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) estuvieron presente en todas las zonas forestales, seguido de Coptotermes testaceus (Linnaeus, 1758) y Heterotermes convexinotatus (Snyder, 1924). Las especies Microcerotermes septentrionalis Light, 1933, Tenuirostritermes briciae (Snyder, 1922), Cahuallitermes intermedius (Snyder, 1922) e Incisitermes snyderi Light, 1933 solo se recolectaron en una localidad. Se reportan como nuevos registros para Tabasco a las especies T. briciae y M. septentrionalis

Brúquidos (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) del estado de Tabasco, México

In order to determine the species diversity of the Bruchidae of the state of Tabasco, collections were made via (1) dry seeds samples, and (2) direct hand collections. A total of 3578 specimens in 14 genera and 49 species were recorded of which 37 species are new for Tabasco. Of the 35 host plants collected, 9 were recorded as new host associations. A diagnostic key to bruchid species of Tabasco is presented.Con el fin de determinar la diversidad de especies de Bruchidae del estado de Tabasco, se realizaron colectas a través de (1) muestras de semillas secas, y (2) colecta manual directa. Un total de 3578 ejemplares en 14 géneros y 49 especies fueron registradas de las cuales 37 especies son nuevas para Tabasco. De las 35 plantas hospederas colectadas, nueve fueron registradas como nuevas hospederas asociadas. Se presenta una diagnosis y clave con esquemas de genitalia para las especies de uchidae de Tabasco

Population Fluctuation of Disonycha teapensis Blake (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Crotalaria longirostrata Hook. & Arn. (Fabales: Fabaceae) in Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico

Objective: To know the population fluctuation of adults and larvae of D. teapensis, and to determine its relationship with the amount of damaged foliage, temperature and precipitation Methodology: The study was carried out in a culture of C. longirostrata of 48 plants. Weekly data were recorded on the number of adults and larvae, percentage of damaged leaflets, phenology of the plants, temperature and precipitation. With these data, monthly averages were calculated, and correlation analyzes were performed between the population fluctuation of D. teapensis and the fluctuation of the percentage of damaged foliage, temperature and precipitation. Results: The pest occurred in all phenological stages of C. longirostrata, with constant population growth. The population fluctuation was similar to the fluctuation of the percentage of damaged foliage, with a significant positive correlation between both variables. Respect to temperature and precipitation, the correlation was negative but not significant, so the relationship between population fluctuation and that of these climatic factors is not clear. Limitations on study: It was not possible to conduct the study for a full year. Conclusions: The population development of Disonycha teapensis is dependent on the increase in the amount of foliage of its host plant. This insect attacks plants in all their phenological stages and the amount of damaged foliage is considerable. Keywords: Chrysomeloidea, population, chipilin.Objective: To establish the population fluctuation of Disonycha teapensis adults and larvae and to determine its relationship with the amount of damaged foliage, temperature, and precipitation. Methodology: The study was carried out in a n=48 Crotalaria longirostrata plant crop. The following data was recorded every week: number of adults and larvae, damaged leaflets percentage, plant phenology, temperature, and precipitation. Based on these data, monthly averages were calculated, and correlation analysis were performed between the population fluctuation of D. teapensis and the fluctuation of the damaged foliage percentage, temperature, and precipitation. Results: All the phenological stages of C. longirostrata were affected by the pest, which showed a constant population growth. The population fluctuation resembled the fluctuation of the damaged foliage percentage, with a significant positive correlation between both variables. Regarding temperature and precipitation, the correlation was negative but not significant; therefore, the relationship between population fluctuation and these climatic factors is not clear. Study Limitations: It was not possible to conduct the study for a full year. Conclusions: The population development of D. teapensis depends on the increase in the amount of foliage of its host plant. This insect attacks plants in all their phenological stages and the amount of damaged foliage is considerable

Composición de arañas en nidos de Sceliphron Caementarium ( DRURY ) (HYMENOPTERA: SPHECIDAE) en Tabasco, México

Se estudió la composición de arañas en nidos de Sceliphron caementarium en Tabasco, México, durante el periodode agosto de 2002 - julio de 2003. Los nidos se obtuvieron de casas habitaciones y de bodegas abandonadas. Se recolectaron 24 nidos que contenían 25 especies de arañas pertenecientes a seis familias. La familiacon mayor diversidad de especies (14) y abundancia relativa (582 especímenes) fue Araneidae. Acanthepeirastellata (Walckenaer) y Eustala sp. se encontraron con mayor frecuencia en los nidos de estas avispas