Shelter-Building Behavior and Natural History of Two Pyralid Caterpillars Feeding on Piper stipulaceum

Shelter-building behavior by caterpillars provides a mechanism of defense against predators, microenvironment enhancement, and in some cases nutritional benefits. This study provides a detailed description of the life cycle and shelter-building process of caterpillars, and identifies constraints and factors influencing this adaptive behavior in Lepidomys n. sp. near proclea Druce (Pyralidae: Chrysauginae), a tropical dry forest pyralid. Five macroscopic larval instars were detected during the life cycle, and activities performed during shelter-building were categorized and timed. Caterpillar predators were identified, and 20% of all collected larvae died due to attack by parasitoid wasps. Shelter-building behavior was found to be constrained by the ontogenetic stage of caterpillars and influenced by leaf size of the host plant, Piper stipulaceum Opiz (Piperales: Piperaceae). A similar pattern of shelter- building behavior exhibited by Tosale n. sp. near cuprealis larvae that coexisted in the same host plant is also described. Larvae of the second species were significantly less abundant than those of Lepidomys and hatched one month later in the rainy season, which could indicate some competitive interactions between these two pyralid species

Biodiversidad de Braconidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) en México

ResumenSe revisa la riqueza taxonómica de las avispas parasitoides de la familia Braconidae en México. Se presentan los principales estudios faunísticos regionales y nacionales, así como los trabajos taxonómicos más relevantes de este grupo para el país. A la fecha, se han registrado un total de 704 especies descritas de Braconidae para el territorio mexicano pertenecientes a 318 géneros y 35 subfamilias.AbstractWe revise the taxonomic richness of the parasitoid wasp family Braconidae in Mexico. The main regional and national faunistic and the most relevant taxonomic studies for Braconidae in this country are given. A total of 704 described species of Braconidae belonging to 318 genera and 35 subfamilies have been reported in the Mexican territory

Sobre la presencia de Cissites maculata (Coleoptera: Meloidae) en México

[EN] The presumed sympatry and validity of morphological diagnostic characters used to separate the only 2 described species of Cissites (Coleoptera: Meloidae), C. maculata (Swederus) and C. auriculata Champion, are assessed. Morphological diagnostic features between both species (head shape, antennae length, thorax shape, first metatarsal segment length, and elytral coloration) are constant over their entire geographic distribution, without the existence of intermediate morphs. Regional sympatry between these species was found in central Mexico, confirming the presence of C. maculata in Central America and Mexico, whereas C. auriculata, widely distributed in Central America, has not colonized South America. Sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase were obtained from single Mexican specimens of each species. Divergence between the sequences is considerably high (14.5%), suggesting separation of both species as a result of an ancient cladogenetic event.[ES] Se investiga la probable simpatría y validez de los caracteres morfológicos diagnósticos empleados para distinguir a las 2 únicas especies de Cissites (Coleoptera: Meloidae), C. maculata (Swederus) y C. auriculata Champion. Los caracteres morfológicos diagnósticos de ambas especies (forma de la cabeza, longitud antenal, forma del tórax, longitud del primer segmento del metatarso y color de élitros) son constantes a lo largo de toda su distribución geográfica, sin existencia de formas intermedias. Se encontró simpatría regional entre ambas especies en el centro de México, confirmándose la presencia de C. maculata en América Central, mientras que C. auriculata, ampliamente distribuida en América Central, no ha colonizado América del Sur. Las secuencias del gen mitocondrial citocromo oxidasa, obtenidas a partir de un ejemplar mexicano de cada especie, muestran una divergencia considerablemente alta (14.5%), por lo que la separación entre ambas especies sería consecuencia de un evento cladogenético muy antiguo.This work was funded by the project grant CGL2010-15786 (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain).Peer reviewe

Doryctopambolus nunes & Zaldívar-Riverón (Braconidae), a new Neotropical doryctine wasp genus with propodeal spines

The new Neotropical doryctine genus Doryctopambolus gen. n. is erected to contain D. pilcomayensis (van Achterberg & Braet, 2004), comb. n., which was previously placed within Pambolus (Pambolinae), as well as three new species, D. clebschi sp. n., D. dominicanus sp. n. and D. sarochensis sp. n. Membersof this new genus are mainly characterised by the presence of at least one pair of conspicuous propodeal apico-lateral projections, which are similar to those present in all members of Pambolinae and in species of three Australasian doryctine genera. We generated DNA barcoding sequences for the three newly described species. We discuss the morphological similarity between species of the Australasian Echinodoryctes Belokobylskij, Iqbal & Austin and Doryctopambolus. A key for the described species of Doryctopambolus is provided.Fil: Nunes, Juliano Fiorelini. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Zaldívar Riverón, Alejandro. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: de Castro, Clóvis Sormus. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Marsh, Paul M.. No especifica;Fil: Penteado Dias, Angélica Maria. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Briceño, Rosa. Universidad Centroccidental Lissandro Alvarado; VenezuelaFil: Martinez, Juan Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentin

Redescubrimiento de Lytta corallifera (Coleoptera: Meloidae) en el centro de México

[EN] A population of Lytta corallifera Haag-Rutenberg, 1880 (Coleoptera: Meloidae), one of the less-studied and rarest species of its genus, was discovered near Charco Blanco, in the Guadalcázar Biological Preservation Area in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The rarity of L. corallifera and its apparent sensitivity to changes in its habitat make the above region an important location for the survival of the species.[ES] Se descubrió una población de Lytta corallifera Haag-Rutenberg, 1880 (Coleoptera: Meloidae), una de las especies menos estudiadas y más raras de su género, cerca de Charco Blanco, en el área natural protegida de Guadalcázar, en el estado de San Luis Potosí, México. La rareza de L. corallifera y su aparente vulnerabilidad a cambios en su hábitat hace de la región antes mencionada un punto de suma importancia para la supervivencia de esta especie.Peer reviewe

A new species of Bracon (Braconidae: Braconinae) from central Mexico, probable parasitoid of a weevil that feeds on roots of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae)

A new species of the braconine genus Bracon (subgenus Bracon), B. hidalguensis sp. nov., is described from the locality of Tasquillo in the state of Hidalgo, central Mexico. The new species was reared from roots of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae), where specimens of the weevil species Conotrachelus leucophaeus (Champion) (Curculionidae) were also obtained and thus probably it represents its host. The new Bracon species was characterised molecularly with DNA barcoding (COI) and a fragment of the variable D2–3 region of the nuclear ribosomal 28S gene.Fil: Rosa, Jaime Solis de la. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; MéxicoFil: Martinez, Juan Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa; ArgentinaFil: Benites, Pilar. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; MéxicoFil: Hernández Cumplido, Johnattan. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; MéxicoFil: Zaldívar Riverón, Alejandro. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; Méxic

Invasion of two widely separated areas of Mexico by Forficula auricularia (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

Peer reviewe

Venifurca, a new genus of neotropical Doryctinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and its phylogenetic placement

A new genus belonging to the braconid wasp subfamily Doryctinae, Venifurca gen. n., is described containing one species, Venifurca leiosoma sp. n. The new genus is morphologically similar to Johnsonius Marsh and Semirhytus Szépligeti. A phylogenetic analysis based on one nuclear (28S) and one mitochondrial (COI) gene marker supported the close affinity of these three genera + Bolivar Zaldívar-Riverón & Rodríguez-Jiménez and Parallorhogas Marsh. All these genera are mainly characterized by having vein m-cu of the hind wing slightly curved distally. Copyright © 2016 Sian de Souza Gadelha et al

Señal acústica y redescripción de Gongrocnemis (Gongrocnemis) munda Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1895 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)

En los ortópteros de la superfamilia Tettigonioidea las señales acústicas son de especial interés, ya que juegan un papel importante en el apareamiento y están involucradas en el reconocimiento intraespecífico macho-hembra. La señal acústica de llamado permite al macho atraer individuos del sexo opuesto a corta o larga distancia. En este trabajo se presenta la señal acústica de llamado de Gongrocnemis (Gongrocnemis) munda (Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae) y se hace una breve redescripción de esta especie, en particular de la hembra, no descrita previamente. Ejemplares de G. (G.) munda se recolectaron en San Felipe Orizatlán (1♂: 1♀; 27.XI.2017) e Ixcatlán, Huejutla de Reyes (2♂: 2♀; 22.I.2013), Hidalgo, México. G. (G.) mexicana se recolectó en Cd. del Maíz, San Luis Potosí (1♀; 19.VII.2003). Los machos producen la señal acústica de llamado principalmente durante la noche y está compuesta por pares de equemas que se emiten ininterrumpidamente por periodos de una hora o más. Machos de G. (G.) munda producen 6.0 ± 0.9 (d.e) equemas/min (n=30 min; tres machos, 10 min cada uno). La duración por equema-par es de 3.97 ± (d.e) 1.2 s (2.7-8.0 s) (n=30 equemas-pares). El análisis de frecuencia muestra la mayor liberación de energía de 16-40 kHz, con una fi pico de 20-38 kHz. La hembra es similar al macho, pero más robusta. El color general del cuerpo es verde oliváceo con matices color crema y manchas marrón obscuro. La longitud es de 32.7 ± 1.5 mm (n=3). Esta especie habita selva mediana y bosque de encino, se encuentra generalmente sobre la copa o el tronco de los árboles. Durante el día permanecen quietos y ocultos, siendo activos por la noche.In the Orthoptera of the superfamily Tettigonioidea acoustic signals are of special interest since they play an important role in the process of pair formation and are directly involved in intraspecific male-female recognition. The calling signal usually allows the male to attract individuals of the opposite sex at short or long distance. In this work, we present the acoustic signal of Gongrocnemis (Gongrocnemis) munda (Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae) and provide a brief redescription of this species, in particular of the female not formally described previously. Specimens of G. (G.) munda were collected in San Felipe Orizatlán, (1♂: 1♀; 27.XI.2017) and Ixcatlán, Huejutla de Reyes (2♂: 2♀; 22.I.2013), Hidalgo, México. G. (G.) mexicana was collected in Ciudad del Maíz, San Luis Potosí (1♀; 19.VII.2003). Males produce the calling acoustic signal mainly at night, and it is composed of paired-echemes. The acoustic signal may be produced uninterruptedly for long periods, 1 h or more. Males of G. (G.) munda produce 6.0 ± 0.9 (s.d) echemes per minute (n=30 min; three males, 10 min each). Duration per paired-echeme is 3.97 ± (s.d) 1.2 s (2.7-8.0 s) (n=30 echemes). Frequency analysis showed the highest energy release between 16-40 kHz, with a fi peak in the range of 20-38 kHz. The female is similar to the male, but more robust. The general body color is olive-green, with cream spots and brown marks. The average length is 32.7 ± 1.5 mm (n=3). The ecosystem this species lives on is tropical evergreen and oak forest; it is found usually on the foliage or trunk of trees. During the day, adults remain quiet and hidden, being active at night

Diversidad de Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera) en la Huasteca de Hidalgo, México

Four subfamilies, 17 genera and 22 species of Tettigoniidae are reported; of these, 11 are new records for the state of Hidalgo. The Shannon index showed that the study area presents a high and uniform diversity: Oak Forest (BE) H'= 2.78, Rain Forest (SM) H'= 2.23 and Mountain Cloud Forest (BMM) H'= 2.13. The subfamily Phaneropterinae showed the highest abundance (N) with 103 individuals, representing 53% of the total collected specimens (195). This subfamily also showed the highest richness (S) with 67% (14 taxa) of the total species (22) collected. The Sorensen index, modified by Bray Curtis showed that similarity in the faunal composition between the ecosystems is as follows: BE-SM (0.36), SM-BMM (0.49) and BMM-BE (0.33). The Morisita-Horn Index resulted in a similarity of 77% between BE-SM, 62% between SM-BMM and 76% between BE-BMM. Both, N and S showed a negative relationship in reference to the elevational gradient, which occurs in other insect groups.Se reportan cuatro subfamilias, 17 géneros y 22 especies de Tettigoniidae; de éstos, 11 son nuevos registros para el Estado de Hidalgo. El índice de Shannon mostró que el área de estudio presenta una diversidad elevada y uniforme: Bosque de Encino (BE) H´=2.78, Selva Media (SM) H´=2.23 y Bosque Mesófilo de Montaña (BMM) H´=2.13. La subfamilia Phaneropterinae mostró la mayor abundancia (N) con 103 individuos, que representan el 53% del total de ejemplares recolectados (195). Esta subfamilia mostró también la mayor riqueza (S) con 67% (14 taxa) del total de especies (22) recolectadas. El índice de Sorensen, modificado por Bray Curtis mostró que la similitud en la composición faunística entre los ecosistemas es la siguiente: BE-SM (0.36), SM-BMM (0.49) y BMM-BE (0.33). El Índice de Morisita-Horn dio como resultado una similitud de 77 % entre BE-SM, 62 % entre SM-BMM y 76 % entre BE-BMM. Tanto N como S mostraron una relación negativa en referencia al gradiente altitudinal, lo cual ocurre en otros grupos de insectos