RCAAP Repository

Experiments concerning oviposition preference were carried out on Ceratitis capitata to determine whether females are able to preferentially oviposit on natural hosts in which the larvae develop better. The results indicated that the females do not preferentially oviposit on hosts of better nutritive value for the larvae.

Ovigerous females of Pachygrapsus transversus (Gibbes, 1850) were collected on the Praia Dura and Saco da Ribeira beaches, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Larvae were individually reared in a climatic room at 25ºC temperature, salinities of 28, 32 and 35‰ and under natural photoperiod conditions. The best rearing results were observed at 35%o salinity. Seven zoeal instars were observed, drawing and described in detail. The data are compared with those obtained for P. gracilis (Saussure, 1858).

The Hymenoptera fauna associated to Solanum gilo was studied. There were 21 species of Hymenoptera from eight families. It was observed Homalotylus flaminus (Dalman, 1820) (Encyrtidae) parasiting the adults of Cycloneda sanguinea Linnaeus, 1763 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) and Chalcididae parasiting caterpillars of Mechanitis pofymnia casabranca Haensch, 1905 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Ithomiinae, Sthomiinae). Vespidae were observed preying both M. pofymnia casabranca and Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) adults. Halictidae, Andrenidae and Anthophoridae, were observed visiting flowers and Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793) (Apidae) attacking fruits and stem ápices. The most abundant Hymenoptera were Formicidae; Cremalogaster sp. and Camponotus rufipes (Fabricus, 1775) were observed in protocooperation relation with Homoptera, the main cause of plant mortality was Solenopsis saevissima (Smith, 1855). Higher population density of Formicidae occurred on the final phase of cultivation, when there were high insolation and temperature and low pluvial precipitations.

This paper reports the results concerning collection of Euglossinae bees in a mangrove ecosystem in Valença(13º22'08"S and 39º04'20"W), Bahia. These samples were made twice a month, for a year. The chemical baits Citronella, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Metyl Salicylate and Vanillin attracted 1,144 specimens distributed among twelve species and two genera: Eulaema (Lepeletier, 1841) and Euglossa (Latreille, 1802). The predominam bee species was Eulaema nigrita (Lepeletier, 1841) consisting of 49.4% of the collected specimens, followed by Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus, 1758) with 44.88%, Euglossa imperialis (Cockerell, 1922) with 2.4% and Eulaema meriana flavescens (Friese, 1899) with 1.6%. Theothers species, considering sporadic visitors, Euglossa securigera (Dressler, 1982), Euglossa chalybeata (Friese, 1925), Euglossa liopoda (Dressler, 1982), Euglossa gaianii (Dressler, 1982), Euglossa townsendi (Cockerell, 1904), Euglossa truncata (Rebelo & Moure, 1995), Euglossa melanotricha (Moure, 1967) and Euglossa sapphirina (Moure, 1968) represented together only 1.8% of the total sample. The Euglossinae were more active from October to May. Eucalyptol was the most attractive bait, attracting 1,120 specimens. Methyl Salicylate attracted 17 specimens, followed by Eugenol, which attracted 04 specimens and Vanillin, which attracted 03 specimens. Citronella was not an attractive chemical.

Morphometric data on larval and adult specimens of Angiostrongylus (Parastrongylus) costaricensis Morera & Céspedes, 1971 recovered from Swiss albino mice experimentally infected is presented. Infective larvae were obtained from parasitized veronicellid Sarasinula margínala (Semper, 1885) maintained in the laboratory. This is the first complete morphometric study regarding specimens of a Brazilian strain of A. (P.) costaricensis.

Five genera of marine fishes are recognized in the family Pinguipedidae: Pinguipes, Prolatilus, Pseudopercis, Paraperci and Kochichlhys, the first three being endemic to South America. The following South American pinguipedid species are considered valid: Pinguipes brasilianus, Pinguipes chilensis, Prolatilus jugularis, Pseudopercis numida, Pseudopercis semifasciata and Parapercis dockinski. Lecto-types are designated for Pinguipes brasilianus, Pinguipes chilensis and Prolatilus jugularis.

Relationships among some abiotic factors (temperature, velocity, flow, conductivity, oxy-reduction potential and pH) and the seazonal density of benthic insects (immature forms) of the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera at the Parque Ecológico de Goiânia, Goiás are studied. An area of 1m² was sampled and abiotic factors were recorded in 4 sites from August/1994 to July/1995. The faunistic composition was 75% Ephemeroptera, 1% Plecoptera and 24% Trichoptera. The data suggest the water velocity and flow as the main factors that determined the aquatic insects abundance.

The anatomy of Anodontiies elongatus (Swainson, 1823), a rare species restricted to the Amazon and Parana Basins, is described by first time, showing a group of conchological and anatomical characters exclusive of this species that may be analyzed to identify it. Diagnosis of A. elongatus: shell long antero-posteriorly, umbones prominent, periostracum opaque and smooth, two posterior radial striae; middle fold of mantle edge veiy tall; gill long antero-posteriorly and short dorso-ventrally, extending about a half of it total length beyond visceral mass; palps proportionally small, several furrows in its outer surface; stomach without esophageal transversal ridjp, dorsal hood and gastric shield poorly developed, major typhlosole entering in ddd , posterior pouch of sa³ very-long; style sac reduced, without crystalline style; distal region of intestine and rectum with a well developed typhlosole, "T" in section, other intestinal regions without folds; gonad gonochoristic.

Fifteen species of Aguna Williams, 1927 (Hesperiidae: Pyrginae) are known from near Cacaulàndia in central Rondônia, Brazil; nine represent undescribed species. These nine, plus four additional new species discovered among material from other areas, are named and described: Aguna latifascia, Aguna coeloides, Aguna nicolayi, Aguna latimacula, Aguna penicillata, Aguna spicata, Aguna longicauda, Aguna panama, Aguna spatulala, Aguna similis, Aguna mesodenlala, Aguna squamalba, Aguna parva. The species of Aguna are placed into ten species groups based upon the characters of the male and female genitalia. These groups are described and their included species are discussed. Aguna williamsi Hayward, 1935, new synonymy is considered synonymous with Eudamus glaphyrus Mabille, 1888, revised status. Goniurus hypozonius Plötz, 1880, new status is considered a subspecies of Eudamus aurunce Hewitson, 1867. Neotypes are designated for Goniurus cholus Plötz, 1880, Papilio coelus Stoll, [1781], Goniurus gideon Plötz, 1880, and Goniurus hypozonius Plötz, 1880. Lectotypes are designated for Eudamus asander Hewitson, 1867, Eudamus panthius Herrich-Schäffer, 1869, Eudamus scheha Plötz, 1882, Eudamus mega-clesMabille, 1888, Eudamus leucogramma Mabille, 1888, Hesperia metophis Latreille, [1824], Eudamus aurunce Hewitson, 1867, and Eudamus glaphyrus Mabille, 1888. Preliminary identification keys are provided.

426 butterfly species were sampled on six field-trips to Morro do Diabo and are listed with their dates of capture and where they are recorded. A variety of collecting methods was used, including standard insect nets and traps. Adult butterflies were attracted to many substances, including, wet sand, bird droppings, excrement and decaying fruits and animais. The results were compared with anothers richest butterfly communities. The following taxonomic changes are included: Pyrrhopyge aziza subnubilus Hayward, 1935 nom. rev., stat. nov., comb. rcv.; Telemiades meris meris (Plötz, 1886) sp. rev.; Quadrus u-lucida mimus (Mabille & Boullet, 1917) nom. rev., stat. nov., Peba verames (Schaus, 1902) sp. rev., comb.n.; Peba striata Mielke, 1968, syn. nov. of Peba verames. Zonia zonia diabo ssp.n. is described.

From March/91 to February/92 monthly collcction surveys were carried out to obtain basic information about the dynamics of feeding and trophic spectrum of C. danae Smith, 1869. A total of 456 males and 527 females were caught. The diet of the species was not sex related. The trophic spectrum of C. danae is composed by a high number of items. The 35 items were assembled in 14 categories and the feeding index was applied. Mollusca, Polychaeta and Crustacea were observed to be basic elements in the species diet, Osteichthyes and MOND appear as secondary resource whereas vegetal material were found to be of less importance.

A survey of nematode species parasitizing Brazilian mammals is presented, with enough data to provide their specific identification. The tirst section refers to the survey ofthe species, related to 21 superfamilies, 45 families, 160 genera and 495 species that are illustrated and measurement tables are given. The second section is concerned to the catalogue ofhost mammals which includes 34 families, 176 species and their respective parasite nematodes. The identification of these helminths is achieved by means of keys to the superfamilies, families and genera. Specific determination is induced through the figures and tables as above mentioned.

Thirty one South American species of Melissoptila Holmberg, 1884, from Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile are described: M. albinoi, M. aliceae, M. amazonica, M. aurea, M. bahiana, M. boliviana, M. buzzii, M. cacerensis, M. carinata, M. calamarcensis, M. chilena, M. clypeata, M. ecuatoriana, M. graji, M. hirsutula, M. larocai, M. marinonii, M. mielkei, M. mirnae, M. montanicola, M. moureana, M. ornala, M. paranaensis, M. plumala, M. renatoi, M. sertanicola, M. seligera, M. sexcincta, M. solangeae, M. trifasciata and M. villosa. Two species are revalidated: Melissoptila argentina Brèthes, I910 and Melissoptila ochromelaena (Moure. 1943). A key to the South American species is proposed to include the new species and the twenty one known species that belong to this genus.

New synonym proposed: Tachocha Lane, 1970 = Phoebemima Tippmann, 1960 (Hemilophini). New taxa described: Apanoeme castanea sp.n. from Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul (Oemini); Lissoeme maculata, sp.n. from Brazil, Bahia (Achiysonini); Taygayba gen.n., type species T. venezuelensis sp.n. from Venezuela (Hesperophanini ?); Neoconipsa santarensis sp.n. from Brazil, Pará (Ibidionini); Hippopsis campaneri sp.n. from Brazil, Goiás (Agapanthiini); lquiara gen.n., type species I. tuiuca sp.n. from Ecuador (Hemilophini); Paracallia gen.n., type species P. bonaldoi sp.n. from Brazil, Acre (Calliini); Neopibanga gen.n., type species, N. brescoviti sp.n. from Brazil, Rondônia (Eupromerini).

A study of correlation between the total body length and the somites length was carried out in a population of Hyale media (Dana, 1857), in order to know which somite or group of somites has the highest correlation index with the total body length. As the sum of the length of the first to fourth pereonites showed the highest linear correlation index (Y=0.0764+0.2736X; r=0.9723), this meristic parameter was chosen to describe the population structure of the species. The following aspects were treated: distribution of the body size classes in the various phytals, population composition, seasonal fluctuation of population density. relative frequency of the ovigerous females and correlation between the body length and the number of eggs inside the marsupium of the ovigerous females. The amphipods were obtained from the seasonal collections of six phytals from a rocky seashore of Caiobá, Paraná State: Pterosiphonia pennata (Roth) Falkenberg. Gymrogongrus griffithsiae (Turner) Martius, Pterocladia capillacea (Gmelin) Bornet & Thured, Sargassum cymosum Garth, Gelidium sp and Ulva fasciata Delile; they did not occurred in Padina gymnospora (Kútsing) Vickers and Porphyra atropurpurea (Olivi) De Toni. The air temperature oscillated from 16ºC (winter and autumn) to 23ºC (summer), the surface water temperature from 17ºC (winter) to 25ºC (summer) and the surface water salinity, from 29.3‰ (autumn) to 32.8‰ (winter). The density oi Hyale media varied from 0.20 ind.g-1 (in Ulva) to 26.37 ind.g-1 (in Pterosiphonia) of alga-substratum weigth, and the population was distributed mainly in branched algae. It was determined three size classes in the population, within a range from 0.01 to 2.99mm of pereonits 1-4 length. Small amphipods prefer finely branched algae like Gymnogongrusand Pterosiphonia, whereas broad-thallii or less branched algae such as Sargassum, Pterocladia, Gelidium and Ulva harbour proporcionally high number of large individuais. The life cycle of Hyale media takes place wholly in the phytals and the species reproduces continually all year round: males, ovigerous females and juveniles are present every season. The highest femalc reproductive activity occurs in winter and the juveniles are more numerous in summer. The number of eggs inside the marsupium and the pereonites 1-4 length has a linear correlation (Y=-9,9682+12,0729X; r=0.8024).

Since 1985 the biology and behavior of Phrynops hilarii (Duméril & Bibron, 1835) at São Paulo Zoo is being studied. Feeding behavior is divided in five phases (foraging, approach, capture, dilaceration and ingestion), but not necessarily all of them happen. During phase 1 the food or prey seems to be visually located. During phase 2 the food itens and stationaty preys are approached and examined by olfaction. Moving preys are pursued and there is no olfactory examination. During phase 3 the food is captured by suction. When food is bigger than turtle mouth it is dilacerated by one or both forefeet used alternately (phase 4). Ingestion is accomplished by gradual suction (phase 5). Intra and inter-specific cleptoparasitism was observed. Success in capture and ingestion of food seems not be dependent on species or size of the turtle. Adults, young, and hatchlings of P. hilarii are primarily carnivorous and vegetables were rarely eaten.

Five new species of Neophlepsius Linnavuori, 1955 are described: N. peruvianus sp.n., N. abruptus sp.n., N. denticulatus sp.n., N. bifidus sp.n., and N. malkowskiae sp.n., (the first one from Peru and the remainder from Brazil). N. phorus Cheng, 1980 is a new synonym of N. gracilis (Osborn, 1923).

A total of 1257 caprellids, mostly females, were collected, from Februaty to September 1991. The average sex-ratio was of 0,83, with a range from 1,58 and 0,20. Salinity ranged from 30‰ to 36‰ seawater and air temperature ranged from 26,00 to 17,66ºC and 25,23 to 18,60ºC respectively. Caprellid densities were higher during the cold months and males were the largest of the population. Males could be distributed in 12 length classes, while females in seven only.

It is described the anatomy and microanatomy of the phallus complex of Rectartemon depressus (Heynemann, 1868). The complex is composed by a phallus, a diverticle of the phallus and an epiphallus, where the deferens duct is thrown in: the retractor muscle is splitted in two parts, inserted into the region of the epiphallus through a smaller branch, and at the extremity of the diverticle, through a longer and thiner branch. The lumen of the phallus, epiphallus and diverticle have corrugations and thorns. On the phallus the thorns are arranged in a protuberance and disposed alternately in rows, ali with an aculeus form and with a chestnut collor point and a yellow basis.

This Study Concerns the morphological changes of the testes of "curimbatá", Prochilodus scrofa (Steindachner, 1881) at the beginning of sperm production, before and after the hormonal injections. We examined 25 three year old males that were reared in tanks at the Experimental Fish and Frog Culturing Station of Pindamonhangaba of the Fisheries Institute of São Paulo. The testes were sampled at the start of sperm production, after the first hormone injection (5 IU/g for weight of hCG), and 14 days before and after a second injection. Testicle fragments of these specimens were fixed and embedded in historesin. At the beginning of sperm production, the milky-white gonad showed consistem superficial vascularization, exceeding thick sperm under light pressure. Microscopically, the presence of spermatogonia, many spermatocytes, spemiatids and some tubules with spermatozoa were conspicuous. After the first hormonal dose, the gonads increased in volume, occupying most of the abdominal cavity superficial blood irrigation was evident, and sperm flowed easily out of the genital pore. Many spermatozoa were observed in the histology sections, along with spermatocytes and spemiatids, within the lumen of the seminal tubules. After 14 days, the testes exhibited decreased volume and pink-white coloration. Light microscopy revealed few spermatozoa and disarrangement of the structures forming the seminal tubules. After the second hCG dose, the testes again increased in volume, occupying most of the abdominal cavity. Some tubules were filled with spermatozoa whereas others showed reduced numbers of this cellular type.