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Autophagy is a cellular degradation pathway mediated by highly conserved autophagy-related genes (Atgs). In our previous work, we showed that inhibiting autophagy under starvation conditions leads to significant physiological changes in the insect vector of Chagas disease Rhodnius prolixus; these changes include triacylglycerol (TAG) retention in the fat body, reduced survival and impaired locomotion and flight capabilities. Herein, because it is known that autophagy can be modulated in response to various stimuli, we further investigated the role of autophagy in the fed state, following blood feeding. Interestingly, the primary indicator for the presence of autophagosomes, the lipidated form of Atg8 (Atg8-II), displayed 20%-50% higher autophagic activation in the first 2 weeks after feeding compared to the third week when digestion was complete. Despite the elevated detection of autophagosomes, RNAi-mediated suppression of RpAtg6 and RpAtg8 did not cause substantial changes in TAG or protein levels in the fat body or the flight muscle during blood digestion. We also found that knockdown of RpAtg6 and RpAtg8 led to modest modulations in the gene expression of essential enzymes involved in lipid metabolism and did not significantly stimulate the expression of the chaperones BiP and PDI, which are the main effectors of the unfolded protein response. These findings indicate that impaired autophagy leads to slight disturbances in lipid metabolism and general cell proteostasis. However, the ability of insects to fly during forced flight until exhaustion was reduced by 60% after knockdown of RpAtg6 and RpAtg8. This change was accompanied by TAG and protein increases as well as decreased ATP levels in the fat body and flight muscle, indicating that autophagy during digestion, i.e., under fed conditions, is necessary to sustain high-performance activity.

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Studies on the timing of anopheline host-seeking are important for understanding mosquito ecology, behaviors, and possible role in disease transmission. To study the evening crepuscular host-seeking activity of anophelines and the effects of moonlight, anopheline mosquitoes were collected with light traps settled in a livestock area in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Traps (Silva traps) were placed next to animal enclosures at 1.5 m asl. The research was divided in 2 experiments: the first experiment (12 nights) comprised 2 trapping periods, one from 6 PM to 7 PM and one from 7 PM to 6 AM, and the second experiment (16 evenings) divided in three 20-min intervals based on the 3 twilight phases (civil: 6-6:20 PM; nautical: 6:20-6:40 PM; and astronomical: 6:40-7 PM). A total of 2,815 anopheline mosquitoes and 9 species were found. The main species were Anopheles triannulatus s.l., An. argyritarsis, An. goeldii, and An. evanse. Host-seeking mosquitoes were more frequently active during the first hour after sunset, with a significant peak in the second 20-min interval. After that, a decrease in the number of individuals was observed from the astronomical twilight onwards. Moonlight did not affect the evening flight activity of anophelines. By using LED-based passive light traps, the evening arrival time of anophelines at blood-feeding sites was demonstrated, and it may be a key time window for malaria vector control interventions.

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Light traps have been widely used for monitoring malaria vectors, although drawbacks remain. In this context, new tools and attractants are always becoming available to perform monitoring tasks, like the Silva trap, a passive and low-cost LED-light trap for host-seeking anopheline mosquitoes. In this work, the effectiveness of the Silva trap by using UV-LED and at different heights as well as a comparison with the conventional CDC-type (HP) light trap was studied. A total of 9009 mosquitoes and nine species were caught, Anopheles triannulatus, An. argyritarsis, and An. goeldii being the most frequent species. The green (520 nm) and blue (470 nm) LEDs attracted almost equal numbers of anopheline mosquitoes, but UV LEDs (395 nm) attracted a significantly lower number of individuals (Kruskal-Wallis = 19.68, P = 0.0001). Even with the predominance of mosquitoes trapped at the height of 1.5 m, no significant statistical difference was found among the four heights tested (0.5 m; 1.0 m; 1.5 m; 2.0 m). Green-baited Silva traps collected significantly more individuals than incandescent-baited CDC-type traps (U = 60.5; P = 0.0303). LEDs have been useful as light sources for attracting insect vectors and together with a low-cost trap, as the Silva trap, a feasible alternative to conventional trap-based monitoring Anopheles mosquitoes that can be implemented in the field.

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The study aimed to identify the relationship between pollen collection, nectar, and seasonal dynamics of the brood of the bee colonies of the Ukrainian bee breed to study their active activity when changing the period of the active season. We compared the collection of nectar and pollen from honey plants of the garden, white acacia, and sunflower. The number of bees bringing pollen and nectar to the hive was recorded. The active work of bees to collect pollen is associated with the work of the uterus to lay eggs and the number of broods in the hives. Bee colonies increase their flight activity by collecting pollen in early spring and summer. By the beginning of the main honey harvest, pollination work is minimized, especially during the flowering of white acacia, and they switch to collecting nectar. Analysis of the results allows us to conclude that bees' daily dynamics that produce pollen increase in the spring to May and June.(AU)

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The study aimed to identify the relationship between pollen collection, nectar, and seasonal dynamics of the brood of the bee colonies of the Ukrainian bee breed to study their active activity when changing the period of the active season. We compared the collection of nectar and pollen from honey plants of the garden, white acacia, and sunflower. The number of bees bringing pollen and nectar to the hive was recorded. The active work of bees to collect pollen is associated with the work of the uterus to lay eggs and the number of broods in the hives. Bee colonies increase their flight activity by collecting pollen in early spring and summer. By the beginning of the main honey harvest, pollination work is minimized, especially during the flowering of white acacia, and they switch to collecting nectar. Analysis of the results allows us to conclude that bees' daily dynamics that produce pollen increase in the spring to May and June.

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The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, and the rust red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, are two major beetle pests commonly found infesting stored products worldwide. Both species can cause severe economic damage and their management is complicated by their potential to develop resistance to several of the limited chemical options available. However, pest management strategies can be improved by understanding the ecology of the pest insect. To determine the spatiotemporal activity of R. dominica and T. castaneum, we conducted a trapping study over two years in a temperate region of south-eastern Australia, with traps located near grain storages and fields. We captured higher numbers of R. dominica than T. castaneum, and both species were more prevalent in traps located close to grain storages. Similar and consistent seasonal patterns were displayed by both species with activity ceasing during the winter (June-August) months. We found linear correlations between maximum daily temperatures and trap catches, and minimum threshold temperatures for flight activity were 14.5 °C and 15.6 °C for R. dominica and T. castaneum, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to the ecology of these pests along with their implications for pest management.

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Several invasive bark beetle species have caused major economic and ecological losses in South America. Accurate predictions of beetle emergence times will make control efforts more efficient and effective. To determine whether bark beetle emergence can be predicted by season, temperature, or precipitation, we analyzed trapping records for three introduced pest species of bark beetles in Uruguay. We used trigonometric functions as seasonal predictors in generalized linear models to account for purely seasonal effects, while testing for effects of temperature and precipitation. Results show that all three beetle species had strong but unique seasonal emergence patterns and responded differently to temperature and precipitation. Cyrtogenius luteus (Blandford) emerged in summer and increased with precipitation but was not affected by temperature. Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) emerged in winter and increased with temperature but was not affected by precipitation. Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston) had a primary emergence in spring, and a smaller emergence in early summer, but showed no significant relationship with temperature or precipitation. This study shows that the emergence of these bark beetle species in Uruguay is influenced by seasonality more than by temperature and precipitation fluctuations. It also shows how seasonality can be easily incorporated into models to make more accurate predictions about pest population dynamics.

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Sphingidae attracted to light were systematically collected in an Amazonian forest canopy. Sampling occurred at a height of 34 m in an upland primary rainforest plateau in the Cueiras River basin, located within the Experimental Station of Tropical Silviculture, Manaus municipality, Amazonas, Brazil. The hawkmoths were collected using a vertical white sheet illuminated by a 250 W mixed mercury light and a 20 W black-light (BLB) fluorescent tube. Monthly collections were carried out from January to December 2004, during three nights of lunar transition from third quarter moon to new moon between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. We sampled 1748 specimens, represented by 1485 males and 263 females, belonging to 52 species and 21 genera. Xylophanes comprised the highest number of species (seven), followed by Erinnyis, with six species. The most abundant species were Pseudosphinx tetrio (169 specimens), Pachylia darceta (162), Erinnyis ello ello (154), Isognathus excelsior (151) and Callionima parce (139). The species accumulation curve showed that the species richness tended to stabilize by the eighth month. We also observed that species composition altered significantly throughout the night period. All presented hawkmoth records are new for the canopy in the central Amazon.(AU)

Foram realizadas coletas sistemáticas de Sphingidae no dossel de floresta ombrófila densa na Amazônia central utilizando-se armadilha luminosa. As coletas ocorreram em uma floresta primária de terra firme, na bacia do Rio Cuieiras, a 34 m de altura na torre da Estação Experimental de Silvicultura Tropical, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Foi utilizado um lençol branco iluminado com uma lâmpada de luz mista de mercúrio e uma lâmpada de luz negra UV-BLB. As mariposas foram coletadas mensalmente durante o ano de 2004, em três noites consecutivas de lua minguante e/ou lua nova, sempre das 18:00 às 06:00h. Foram coletados 1748 espécimes, dos quais 769, por serem comuns, foram identificados, marcados e soltos. Foram obtidos 1485 machos e 263 fêmeas, pertencentes a 21 gêneros e 52 espécies. Xylophanes foi representado por sete espécies, seguido por Erinnyis com seis. As espécies mais abundantes foram Pseudosphinx tetrio (169 espécimes), Pachylia darceta (162), Erinnyis ello ello (154), Isognathus excelsior (151) e Callionima parce (139). A curva de acumulação de espécie mostrou que em torno do oitavo mês de coleta, a riqueza de espécies tendeu a estabilizar. Foi possível observar ainda que a composição de esfingídeos mudou significativamente ao longo da noite. Todos os registros são novos para o dossel de floresta na Amazônia central.(AU)

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ABSTRACT Sphingidae attracted to light were systematically collected in an Amazonian forest canopy. Sampling occurred at a height of 34 m in an upland primary rainforest plateau in the Cueiras River basin, located within the Experimental Station of Tropical Silviculture, Manaus municipality, Amazonas, Brazil. The hawkmoths were collected using a vertical white sheet illuminated by a 250 W mixed mercury light and a 20 W black-light (BLB) fluorescent tube. Monthly collections were carried out from January to December 2004, during three nights of lunar transition from third quarter moon to new moon between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. We sampled 1748 specimens, represented by 1485 males and 263 females, belonging to 52 species and 21 genera. Xylophanes comprised the highest number of species (seven), followed by Erinnyis, with six species. The most abundant species were Pseudosphinx tetrio (169 specimens), Pachylia darceta (162), Erinnyis ello ello (154), Isognathus excelsior (151) and Callionima parce (139). The species accumulation curve showed that the species richness tended to stabilize by the eighth month. We also observed that species composition altered significantly throughout the night period. All presented hawkmoth records are new for the canopy in the central Amazon.

RESUMO Foram realizadas coletas sistemáticas de Sphingidae no dossel de floresta ombrófila densa na Amazônia central utilizando-se armadilha luminosa. As coletas ocorreram em uma floresta primária de terra firme, na bacia do Rio Cuieiras, a 34 m de altura na torre da Estação Experimental de Silvicultura Tropical, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Foi utilizado um lençol branco iluminado com uma lâmpada de luz mista de mercúrio e uma lâmpada de luz negra UV-BLB. As mariposas foram coletadas mensalmente durante o ano de 2004, em três noites consecutivas de lua minguante e/ou lua nova, sempre das 18:00 às 06:00h. Foram coletados 1748 espécimes, dos quais 769, por serem comuns, foram identificados, marcados e soltos. Foram obtidos 1485 machos e 263 fêmeas, pertencentes a 21 gêneros e 52 espécies. Xylophanes foi representado por sete espécies, seguido por Erinnyis com seis. As espécies mais abundantes foram Pseudosphinx tetrio (169 espécimes), Pachylia darceta (162), Erinnyis ello ello (154), Isognathus excelsior (151) e Callionima parce (139). A curva de acumulação de espécie mostrou que em torno do oitavo mês de coleta, a riqueza de espécies tendeu a estabilizar. Foi possível observar ainda que a composição de esfingídeos mudou significativamente ao longo da noite. Todos os registros são novos para o dossel de floresta na Amazônia central.

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Despite the medical importance of Paederus beetles, no studies have studied the influence of the abiotic factors on the flight activity and nighttime dispersal of these insects in Brazil. Therefore, the influence of both climatic factors and moon phase on black-light catches of Paederus rove beetles was investigated. Paederus beetles were attracted to a black light source hourly from 1800 to 0600 hours, and data on weather conditions as well as moon phase data were taken for every sampling date. Overall, 543 individuals of Paederus beetles belonging to four species were captured: P. protensus, P. columbinus, P. brasiliensis, and P. mutans. Paederus beetles were mostly active in the warmest parts of the studied nights. Variations in nighttime temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, and moon phases appear not to affect Paederus flight. The diurnal temperature was observed to affect the night hourly dispersal of Paederus rove beetles as well as their distribution pattern during the entire period of study. The true environmental condition responsible for Paederus beetles seasonal pattern and daily night dispersal in northeastern Brazil were the annual moisture and drought cycles and the diurnal maximum temperatures, respectively. Significant trap catches were observed in the earliest hours after sunset (1800-2100), and people must be aware of this fact, as it can notably increase the risk of acquiring linearis dermatitis from the contact with large numbers of active Paederus.

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Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) has been known in Uruguay for 30 years and only in vineyards, despite being polyphagous. In recent years, this pest has caused sporadic but serious damage on some grapevine cultivars. Understanding the insect's phenology and developing a monitoring program are essential aspects of integrated pest management. We monitored males using sexual pheromone traps on four cultivars of vine, Pinot noir, Tannat, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, in two vine-growing establishments in the Department of Canelones and compiled data on the accumulated effective temperatures for the southern area of Uruguay. We determined that this species undergoes three generations per year and overwinters without diapause as larvae on dried grapes remaining after harvest. Using the proportion of cumulative male moths caught from December to May from 2003-2007 on the four cultivars and the sum of effective temperatures above two previously-published lower-threshold temperatures for development, 12.26°C and 13°C, statistically significant logistic models were estimated. Predictions based on the resulting models suggested that they would be acceptable tools to improve the efficiency of integrated management of this pest in Uruguay.

RESUMO

Se realizó un estudio durante los años 2002, 2003 y 2004, con el fin de determinar la composición, la abundancia, riqueza, diversidad, equidad, ocurrencia y fluctuación temporal de las especies de saltahojas en tres zonas productoras de café de Costa Rica. Se utilizaron trampas amarillas pegajosas para clasificar y cuantificar el número de saltahojas adultos durante el período de muestreo. Se encontró un total de 82.500 individuos, pertenecientes a 139 especies ubicadas dentro de nueve subfamilias. San Isidro de León Cortés presentó la mayor diversidad entre los sitios estudiados. Veinticinco especies se encontraron frecuentemente en al menos uno de los sitios muestreados, y solamente Coelidiana sp.1, Osbornellus sp.1, Scaphytopius sp.1 y Empoasca sp. se capturaron a lo largo de todo el período de estudio. La fluctuación temporal de los taxa que comprenden los principales vectores de X. fastidiosa Wells et al. mostró diferencias entre las zonas estudiadas.

A survey was conducted during 2002, 2003 and 2004 to determine the leafhopper species composition, abundance, richness, diversity, evenness, occurrence and flight activity among three coffee production zones of Costa Rica. Yellow sticky traps were used to qualify and quantify the number of aerial leafhoppers during the sampling period. A total of 82,500 individuals, belonging to 139 species within nine leafhopper subfamilies, were trapped. San Isidro de León Cortés site presented the highest diversity from the three surveyed sites. Twenty five species were frequently trapped at least in one of the studied zones, and only Coelidiana sp.1, Osbornellus sp.1, Scaphytopius sp.1 and Empoasca sp. were trapped throughout the sampling period. The flight activity of the taxa that contain the main vectors of Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. showed differences among the sampling zones.

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Os Hedylidae constituem um grupo de lepidópteros exclusivamente neotropical com 35 espécies conhecidas em um gênero, Macrosoma Hübner, 1818. Antes classificados entre as mariposas Geometridae, agora são considerados um grupo basal e noturno de borboletas. Foram realizadas coletas mensais de janeiro a dezembro de 2004 no dossel de uma floresta em área de terra-firme, utilizando um lençol branco iluminado por luz mista de mercúrio e outra luz negra UV-BLB, instalado a 40 m de altura em uma torre. As coletas foram realizadas das 18:00 às 6:00 h do dia seguinte. Foram coletados 55 exemplares , a maioria machos, somente dois exemplares fêmeas pertencentes a nove espécies, uma delas provavelmente nova, a saber: M. hedylaria Warren (1894), M. bahiata (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875), M. conifera (Warren, 1897), M. heliconiaria (Guenée, 1857), M. hyacinthina (Warren, 1905), M. klagesi (Prout, 1916), M. lucivittata (Walker, 1863) M. nigrimacula (Warren, 1897) e Macrosoma sp. Os Hedylidae foram mais abundantes na estação mais chuvosa, dezembro a maio, com 65,5 por cento dos espécimes coletados. O horário de maior atividade foi entre 19:00 e 22 h com 80 por cento dos espécimes coletados.

The Hedylidae is a lepidopteran group exclusively neotropical, with 35 known species in the genus Macrosoma Hübner, 1818. The family was classified as Geometridae moths but presently they are considered a basal and nocturnal group of butterflies. The collections were carried out monthly from January to December of 2004, during three nights of lunar transition third quarter moon/new moon from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The insects were collected over a vertical white sheet illuminated by a 250 watt mixed light and a 20 watt black-light (BLB) lamp installed in a tower at a height of 40 m. We collected 53 male specimens and two female specimens, belonging to nine species of which one was probably new to science: M. hedylaria Warren (1894), M. bahiata (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875), M. conifera (Warren, 1897), M. heliconiaria (Guenée, 1857), M. hyacinthina (Warren, 1905), M. klagesi (Prout, 1916), M. lucivittata (Walker, 1863) M. nigrimacula (Warren, 1897) e Macrosoma sp. The hedylids were more abundant in the rainy season, December to May, with 65,5 percent of the collected specimens. They were collected mainly from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm with 80 percent of the collected specimens.

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The Hedylidae is a lepidopteran group exclusively neotropical, with 35 known species in the genus Macrosoma Hübner, 1818. The family was classified as Geometridae moths but presently they are considered a basal and nocturnal group of butterflies. The collections were carried out monthly from January to December of 2004, during three nights of lunar transition third quarter moon/new moon from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The insects were collected over a vertical white sheet illuminated by a 250 watt mixed light and a 20 watt black-light (BLB) lamp installed in a tower at a height of 40 m. We collected 53 male specimens and two female specimens, belonging to nine species of which one was probably new to science: M. hedylaria Warren (1894), M. bahiata (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875), M. conifera (Warren, 1897), M. heliconiaria (Guenée, 1857), M. hyacinthina (Warren, 1905), M. klagesi (Prout, 1916), M. lucivittata (Walker, 1863) M. nigrimacula (Warren, 1897) e Macrosoma sp. The hedylids were more abundant in the rainy season, December to May, with 65,5% of the collected specimens. They were collected mainly from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm with 80% of the collected specimens.

Os Hedylidae constituem um grupo de lepidópteros exclusivamente neotropical com 35 espécies conhecidas em um gênero, Macrosoma Hübner, 1818. Antes classificados entre as mariposas Geometridae, agora são considerados um grupo basal e noturno de borboletas. Foram realizadas coletas mensais de janeiro a dezembro de 2004 no dossel de uma floresta em área de terra-firme, utilizando um lençol branco iluminado por luz mista de mercúrio e outra luz negra UV-BLB, instalado a 40 m de altura em uma torre. As coletas foram realizadas das 18:00 às 6:00 h do dia seguinte. Foram coletados 55 exemplares , a maioria machos, somente dois exemplares fêmeas pertencentes a nove espécies, uma delas provavelmente nova, a saber: M. hedylaria Warren (1894), M. bahiata (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875), M. conifera (Warren, 1897), M. heliconiaria (Guenée, 1857), M. hyacinthina (Warren, 1905), M. klagesi (Prout, 1916), M. lucivittata (Walker, 1863) M. nigrimacula (Warren, 1897) e Macrosoma sp. Os Hedylidae foram mais abundantes na estação mais chuvosa, dezembro a maio, com 65,5% dos espécimes coletados. O horário de maior atividade foi entre 19:00 e 22 h com 80% dos espécimes coletados.

RESUMO

Através de um sistema automatizado, a atividade do vôo de forrageiras de quatro colônias de Plebeia remota foi registrada ao mesmo tempo, de dezembro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999. Havia uma quantidade grande de dados que permitiram uma análise quantitativa e sazonal do impacto da pluviosidade sobre a atividade de vôo. As colônias vieram de duas localidades diferentes: Cunha, Mata Atlântica de São Paulo e Prudentópolis, Mata Araucária no Paraná. Números percentuais referentes à atividade de vôo para o momento que antecedia em uma hora a chuva, como também durante e após a precipitação, são apresentados. Em todas as colônias observaram-se, predominantemente, decréscimos na atividade externa de P. remota, tanto antes como durante a precipitação. Após cessar a chuva, houve um predomínio de acréscimos, o que indica uma compensação da atividade de vôo em relação ao período chuvoso. De modo geral, o maior decréscimo de atividade de vôo, antes da chuva, ocorreu no outono e o maior acréscimo de atividade de vôo, depois da chuva, ocorreu na primavera. Alterações nesta atividade foram observadas com a variação da intensidade, freqüência e duração das precipitações pluviométricas. A atividade externa foi pouco alterada quando a precipitação foi de até 1,0 mm, mas com o aumento de intensidade, os valores de decréscimo nesta atividade aumentaram. Quando a precipitação ocorreu apenas uma vez por dia, os decréscimos na atividade de vôo foram maiores, comparados às chuvas intermitentes. Chuvas com duração maior que 1 hora causaram decréscimos maiores na atividade de vôo, do que precipitações de curta duração. A atividade do vôo foi bem diferente quando comparados dias com chuva e dias sem chuva, assim como a atividade do vôo foi influenciada diferentemente em dias chuvosos no verão e no inverno. Entretanto, este comportamento não permitiu discriminar as populações.

Through an automated system, foragers' flight activity of four colonies of Plebeia remota was registered simultaneously from December 1998 to December 1999. The large amount of data obtained has allowed a quantitative and seasonal analysis of the rain impact on the bees' flight activity. The colonies came from two different localities: Cunha, Atlantic Rainforest in São Paulo State and Prudentópolis, Araucaria Forest in Paraná State. Percent numbers related to the flight activity for the moment that preceded the rain in one hour, as well as during and after the precipitation are presented. In all colonies, it was observed that the flight activity of P. remota has predominantly decreased before and during the precipitation. After it stopped raining, there was a predominance of increases, what indicates a compensation of flight activity in relation to the rainy period. In general, the greatest decrease of flight activity before rain, occurred in the autumn and the greatest increase of flight activity after rain, occurred in the spring. Alterations in this activity were observed with the variation of intensity, frequency and duration of precipitation. The external activity was little modified when the precipitation was up to 1.0 mm. However, when the rain intensity increased, the bees reduced strongly their flight activity. When the rain occurred only once per day, the decreases in the flight activity were greater, when compared to intermittent rain. Rains that lasted more than one hour caused larger decreases in the flight activity than precipitations of short duration. Flight activity was quite different when we compared days with rain and days without rain, as well as, flight activity was differently influenced in rainy days in the summer and in the winter. However, this behavior (response of flight activity to rain) did not allow to discriminate both populations.

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Através de um sistema automatizado, a atividade do vôo de forrageiras de quatro colônias de Plebeia remota foi registrada, simultaneamente, de dezembro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999. A grande quantidade de dados obtidos permitiu uma análise quantitativa e sazonal do efeito da velocidade e direção do vento sobre a atividade de vôo. Nas quatro estações, a menor atividade de vôo de Plebeia remota ocorreu quando não houve vento ou quando a velocidade média do vento esteve abaixo de 0,5 m/s. Os picos de atividade de vôo ocorreram em velocidades de vento maiores e variaram segundo as estações e as colônias. No verão, os picos de atividade de vôo estiveram entre 3,5 e 5,5 m/s de velocidade, no outono, na classe 4,0-4,5 m/s, e na primavera entre 4,5 e 6,0 m/s. Entretanto, no inverno, houve clara restrição da atividade externa sob velocidades de vento superiores a 5,5 m/s. As forrageiras de P. remota orientaram preferencialmente seus vôos para certas direções de vento. Exceto no verão, as direções predominantes de vôo foram similares entre as quatro colônias. Estas direções também coincidiram com a posição dos recursos florais mais utilizados pelas colônias. Quando as forrageiras tinham que sair da colônia com vento contra, se registrou menor atividade de vôo.

Through an automated system, foragers' flight activity of four colonies of Plebeia remota was registered at same time from December 1998 to December 1999. The large amount of data obtained allowed a quantitative and seasonal analysis of the effect of speed and direction of wind on their flight activity. In all four seasons, the smallest flight activity of Plebeia remota occurred when there was no wind or when the wind speed average was below 0.5 m/s. The flight activity peaks occurred in higher measured wind speeds and varied according to the seasons and the colonies. In the summer, the flight activity peaks occurred between 3.5 and 5.5 m/s of speed, in the autumn, in the series 4.0-4.5 m/s, and in the spring between 4.5 and 6.0 m/s. In the winter, clear restriction upon flight activity occurred in wind speeds above 5.5 m/s. Plebeia remota foragers guided preferentially their flights for certain wind directions. Except summer, the directions were similar to the four colonies. These directions matched with the locations where the most used floral resources are. On the other hand, lowest flights number coincided with conditions when the foragers would left their colonies upwind.

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