Identification of the best ovitrap installation sites for gravid Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti in residences in Mirassol, state of São Paulo, Brazil

This study aimed at identifying the best ovitrap installation sites for gravid Aedes aegypti in Mirassol, state of S?o Paulo, Brazil. Ovitraps were installed in ten houses per block over ten blocks. Four ovitraps were placed per residence, one in the bedroom, one in the living room, and two outdoors with one in a sheltered area and one in an outside site. Each week for eleven weeks, visits were made to examine the ovitraps and to change the paddles used for egg-laying. Eggs were analyzed according to the trap location. The results showed that the outdoor sites received significantly more oviposition than indoor sites. Additionally, in respect to the outdoor sites, the outside site received significantly more oviposition than the sheltered site. A strong correlation was observed between positive traps and egg numbers. The results are discussed with respect to the best installation site of the traps and their implications in surveillance and control of dengue vectors.     

中国蚊种校订,2.Aedes(Stegomyia)scutellaris(Walker,1859)

Aedes(S.)scutellaris(Walker,1859)(盾纹伊蚊)过去在我国台湾、广东、云南等地都有记载。现知其指名亚种s.scutellaris为巴布亚种类,分布于印度尼西亚和新几内亚。最近我们检视了广东和云南的本种标本,发现它们实系另一亚种,即scutellaris malayensis Colless,1962。它与指名亚种的外表十     

Characterisation of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) larval habitats at ground level and temporal fluctuations of larval abundance in Córdoba, Argentina

The aims of this study were to characterise the ground-level larval habitats ofthe mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus, to determine therelationships between habitat characteristics and larval abundance and toexamine seasonal larval-stage variations in Córdoba city. Every two weeks fortwo years, 15 larval habitats (natural and artificial water bodies, includingshallow wells, drains, retention ponds, canals and ditches) were visited andsampled for larval mosquitoes. Data regarding the water depth, temperature andpH, permanence, the presence of aquatic vegetation and the density of collectedmosquito larvae were recorded. Data on the average air temperatures andaccumulated precipitation during the 15 days prior to each sampling date werealso obtained. Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae were collectedthroughout the study period and were generally most abundant in the summerseason. Generalised linear mixed models indicated the average air temperatureand presence of dicotyledonous aquatic vegetation as variables that served asimportant predictors of larval densities. Additionally, permanent breeding sitessupported high larval densities. In Córdoba city and possibly in other highlypopulated cities at the same latitude with the same environmental conditions,control programs should focus on permanent larval habitats with aquaticvegetation during the early spring, when the Cx.quinquefasciatus population begins to increase.     

Compared biology of populations of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) of Paraíba state, Brazil

The present work aims at comparing the life cycle and estimating, based on life tables, the patterns of fertility of populations of A. aegypti (L.). The life cycles were studied at the temperature of 26 +/- 2 degrees C, and 12h photophase. The development period, egg viability and larval and pupal survival were evaluated daily as well as adult longevity and fecundity. Tables of fertility life were built. The durations of egg, larva and pupa stages varied from 3,9 to 4,5 days, from 6,4 to 8,3 days and from 2,0 to 2,5 days, respectively. The life table parameters for A. aegypti from Brejo dos Santos, Boqueir?o, Itaporanga and Remígio, being, respectively, Ro = 104,03, 84,58, 113,37 and 91,18; rm = 0,92, 0,78, 0,89 and 0,88; and lambda = 2,50, 2,18, 2,43 and 2,41. The populations of Brejo dos Santos and Itaporanga had the biggest potential of growth in relation to the other populations. The results showed a differentiated pattern of growth and a biotical potential in the populations of A. aegypti originated from different municipal districts of the state of Paraíba.     

Study of the relationship between Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti egg and adult densities, dengue fever and climate in Mirassol, state of São Paulo, Brazil

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Aedes aegypti egg and adult density indices, dengue fever and climate in Mirassol, state of S?o Paulo, Brazil, between November 2004-November 2005. Weekly collections of adults and eggs were made using, respectively, manual aspirators and oviposition traps that produced four entomological indices (positivity and average of females and eggs). Weekly incidence coefficients were calculated based on dengue cases. Each week, the data obtained from entomological indices were related to each other, dengue, and climate variables. The first index to show an association with dengue transmission was the female average, followed by female positivity and egg average. Egg positivity did not show a relationship with risk for dengue, but was sensitive to identifying the presence of the vector, principally in dry seasons. The relationship between climatic factors, the vector and the disease found in this study can be widely employed in planning and undertaking dengue surveillance and control activities, but it is a tool that has not been considered by the authorities responsible for controlling the disease. In fact, this relationship permits the use of information about climate for early detection of epidemics and for establishing more effective prevention strategies than currently exist.     

A revision and phylogenetic analysis of Stoiba Spaeth?1909 (Coleoptera,Chrysomelidae)

Stoiba Spaeth, 1909 is revised with a phylogenetic analysis of 38 adult morphological characters for nine Stoiba species and 11 outgroup species (Mesomphaliini, Ischyrosonychini, and Hemisphaerotini). Four Cuban species of Stoiba were not sampled. Parsimony analysis located the four most parsimonious trees. The strict consensus (CI=0.59, RI=0.78, Steps=83) resolved the monophyly of Stoiba. The monophyly of Stoiba is supported by pale yellow antennae, antennomere VII broader than its length, and rounded basal line of pronotum. An illustrated key to ten species of Stoiba is provided along with a distribution map of 11 species. Stoiba rufa Blake is synonymized with Stoiba swartzii (Thunberg) by a morphological comparison which includes female genitalia.     

A new species of Xorides Latreille (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Xoridinae) parasitizing Pterolophia alternata (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae) in? Robinia?pseudoacacia

A new species is described, Xorides benxicus Sheng, sp. n., reared from the cerambycid twig-boring pest of Robinia pseudoacacia Linnaeus, Pterolophia alternata Gressitt, 1938, in Benxi County, Liaoning Province, China. A key is given to the species similar to Xorides benxicus Sheng, namely Xorides asiasius Sheng & Hilszczański, 2009, Xorides cinnabarius Sheng & Hilszczański, 2009 and Xorides sapporensis (Uchida, 1928).     

A review of the genus Megapulvinaria Young (Hemiptera,Coccoidea, Coccidae) from China,with?a?description of a new species

Prior to this study, only Megapulvinaria maxima (Green) was known from China. However, a new species Megapulvinaria beihaiensis Wang & Feng, sp. n. is described below and Megapulvinaria maxima is redescribed. A key is provided for the five species now placed in this genus.     

First record of Stegomyia albopicta (= Aedes albopictus) in Morocco: a major threat to public health in North Africa?

The Asian tiger mosquito Stegomyia albopicta (= Aedes albopictus) (Diptera: Culicidae), native to Asian forests, is a nuisance mosquito and is responsible for the transmission of arboviruses of public health importance, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. It has colonized parts of all continents, except Antarctica, over the past 30–40 years. However, to date, the only records of S. albopicta in North Africa refer to occasional collections in 2010 and 2014 in Algeria. In early September 2015, S. albopicta larvae and adults were collected in a district of Rabat, Morocco. Morphological identification was confirmed by molecular analysis. This is the first record of this invasive mosquito in Morocco. A national surveillance programme will be implemented in 2016 to establish its geographical distribution in Morocco and to instigate control measures to prevent the establishment of new populations and the transmission of arboviruses.     

A revised key to the Neotropical cleptoparasitic anthidiine genera (Hymenoptera,Megachilinae) with notes and description of the male of? Rhynostelis?Moure?& Urban

Rhynostelis Moure & Urban is a monotypic cleptoparasitic neotropical anthidiine genus currently known from two females. Herein, we describe and illustrate for the first time the male and its genitalia and it is confirmed that Rhynostelis parasitizes nests of Eufriesea. An identification key to the genera of cleptoparasitic anthidiine from the Neotropical region is also presented.     

Gastrocopta (Mollusca,Gastropoda, Pupillidae) in?the?Pilbara region of Western Australia

Six species of Gastrocopta have been identified from the Pilbara region, Western Australia, by means of comparative analyses of shell and mtDNA variation. Three of these species, Gastrocopta hedleyi, Gastrocopta larapinta and Gastrocopta servilis, have been recorded in the Pilbara for the first time. Gastrocopta sp. CW1 is probably new to science and might be endemic to the region. By contrast, Gastrocopta hedleyi, Gastrocopta larapinta and Gastrocopta mussoni are shown to be widespread.     

A neotype designation for the bone-skipper Centrophlebomyia anthropophaga (Diptera,Piophilidae, Thyreophorina), with a review of the?Palaearctic?species?of Centrophlebomyia

The European bone-skippers (Diptera: Piophilidae: Thyreophorina), long considered extinct, have recently been the object of much interest by dipterists after their unexpected rediscovery. Considerable faunistic work has been done on these flies in recent years. However, some nomenclatural and taxonomic issues still require attention. A neotype is designated for Thyreophora anthropophaga Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (now in the genus Centrophlebomyia Hendel, 1903) to fix the identity of this nominal species. Centrophlebomyia anthropophaga is recognized as a valid species. It is described and illustrated in detail, and information on its preimaginal instars is provided for the first time. Four Palaearctic species of Centrophlebomyia are recognized and reviewed and a key is provided for their identification. Centrophlebomyia orientalis Hendel, 1907 from northern India, is removed from synonymy with Centrophlebomyia anthropophaga and recognized as a valid species of Centrophlebomyia, stat. r. The nominal genus Protothyreophora Ozerov, 1984 is considered a junior synonym of Centrophlebomyia, syn. n.     

Abundance and aggregation egg of Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in the north and northwest of the State of Paraná, Brazil

The abundance and aggregation of eggs of Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse was evaluated in the municipalities of Cambé, Ibipor?, Jacarezinho, Maringá and Paranavaí, in the State of Paraná, Brazil by means of oviposition traps. Of the 225 installed traps, 100 were registered as positive for eggs; 4140 eggs were collected, thus demonstrating an highly aggregate distribution. Both species were registered in Cambé, Jacarezinho, Maringá and Paranavaí. Ae. albopictus was generally less abundant and was not present in Ibipor? nor in the oviposition traps of a second collection of Maringá. The relation between sexes for Ae. aegypti was approximately 1:1. In the comparison of the number of adults collected between the two species, a negative correlation was obtained in the samples of Maringá and Cambé, what was attributed the seasonality of these populations. The coexistence of these species indicates that both are under pressure by the control programs, therefore specific evaluations are necessary.     

Revalidation and redescription of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma Galv?o, 1956 and an identification key for the Triatoma brasiliensis complex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma is revalidated based on the results of previous multidisciplinary studies on the Triatoma brasiliensis complex, consisting of crossing experiments and morphological, biological, ecological and molecular analyses. These taxonomic tools showed the closest relationship between T. b. macromelasoma and Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis. T. b. macromelasoma is redescribed based on specimens collected in the type locality and specimens from a F1 colony. The complex now comprises T. b. brasiliensis, T. b. macromelasoma, Triatoma melanica, Triatoma juazeirensis and Triatoma sherlocki. An identification key for all members of the complex is presented. This detailed comparative study of the morphological features of T. b. macromelasoma and the remaining members of the complex corroborates results from multidisciplinary analyses, suggesting that the subspecific status is applicable. This subspecies can be distinguished by the following combination of features: a pronotum with 1+1 narrow brownish-yellow stripes on the submedian carinae, not attaining its apex, hemelytra with membrane cells darkened on the central portion and legs with an incomplete brownish-yellow ring on the apical half of the femora. Because the T. brasiliensis complex is of distinct epidemiological importance throughout its geographic distribution, a precise identification of its five members is important for monitoring and controlling actions against Chagas disease transmission.     

A new species of Myrmozercon Berlese (Acari,Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) associated?with?ant?from?Iran

This paper report on a new species of mites of the genus Myrmozercon associated with ant in Iran – Myrmozercon cyrusi Ghafarian and Joharchi sp. n. was collected associated of the Monomorium sp. in Kenevist Rural District in the Central District of Mashhad County, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. This new species is described and illustrations provided. Myrmozercon ovatum Karawajew, 1909 is suspected to be a junior synonym of Myrmozercon brevipes Berlese, 1902 and host-specificity and host range of Myrmozercon are also reviewed.     

Bias in vegetation databases? A comparison of stratified‐random and preferential sampling

Aim: Vegetation plots collected since the early 20th century and stored in large vegetation databases are an important source of ecological information. These databases are used for analyses of vegetation diversity and estimation of vegetation parameters, however such analyses can be biased due to preferential sampling of the original data. In contrast, modern vegetation survey increasingly uses stratified‐random instead of preferential sampling. To explore how these two sampling schemes affect vegetation analyses, we compare parameters of vegetation diversity based on preferentially sampled plots from a large vegetation database with those based on stratified‐random sampling. Location: Moravian Karst and Silesia, Czech Republic. Methods: We compared two parallel analyses of forest vegetation, one based on preferentially sampled plots taken from a national vegetation database and the other on plots sampled in the field according to a stratified‐random design. We repeated this comparison for two different regions in the Czech Republic. We focussed on vegetation properties commonly analysed using data from large vegetation databases, including alpha (within‐plot) diversity, cover and participation of different species groups, such as endangered and alien species within plots, total species richness of data sets, beta diversity and ordination patterns. Results: The preferentially sampled data sets obtained from the database contained more endangered species and had higher beta diversity, whereas estimates of alpha diversity and representation of alien species were not consistently different between preferentially and stratified‐randomly sampled data sets. In ordinations, plots from the preferential samples tended to be more common at margins of plot scatters. Conclusions: Vegetation data stored in large databases are influenced by researcher subjectivity in plot positioning, but we demonstrated that not all of their properties necessarily differ from data sets obtained by stratified‐random sampling. This indicates the value of vegetation databases for use in biodiversity studies; however, some analyses based on these databases are clearly biased and their results must be interpreted with caution.     

Description of a new species of Distenia (Coleoptera,Disteniidae, Disteniini) from Southeastern China,with?records and diagnoses of similar species

A new species, Distenia orientalis sp. n. is described from Southeastern China. It was misidentified as Distenia gracilis (Blessig, 1872) but can be separated from the latter by the color of antennae and legs, structure differences on scape, maxillary palp, pronotum, tibiae, punctures on elytra, etc. Three related species are carefully diagnosed and treated.     

A taxonomic contribution to the genus Dolichomitus Smith (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) from?Brazil

In the present study, two new species of Pimplinae, Dolichomitus jataisp. n. and Dolichomitus moacyrisp. n. are described, and the distribution range of Dolichomitus annulicornis (Cameron, 1886) is extended. The specimens were collected using Malaise traps in areas of Atlantic forest and Brazilian savannah (cerrado) in southeastern Brazil and are deposited in a Brazilian collection (DCBU).