RESUMO

Sarcophaga (=Parasarcophaga) (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) is a species of medical-veterinary and forensic importance, as its immatures cause myiasis in humans and animals and colonize carcasses and cadavers. Therefore, investigations into the biology and morphology of this species, with a particular focus on pupae that constitute ≥50% of the developmental period for the immatures, are pertinent. Although there are biological and morphological studies of pupae, the intrapuparial development at different temperatures has not yet been analysed. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe how temperature (22, 27 and 32 ± 1°C) affects the development and morphology of S. (L.) ruficornis pupae at 60 ± 10% relative humidity and a 12-h photoperiod. Ten pupae were collected, euthanized and fixed every 4 h from pupariation until 24 h and every 8 h until the emergence of the first adult. Emergence occurred at 440, 272 and 232 h at 22, 27 and 32°C, with 590, 380 and 330 pupae, respectively. The highest mortality occurred at 32°C. Eight periods were defined, and sex was determined in pharate adult stage; in addition, 40 key morphological characteristics to estimate pupal age were presented. These findings can serve as a basis for studies on the biology and morphology of the pupa of S. (L.) ruficornis, particularly in bionomics, control and forensics, helping researchers and experts.

Sarcophaga (=Parasarcophaga) (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) é uma espécie de importância médico­veterinária e forense, pois seus imaturos causam miíase em humanos e animais e colonizam carcaças e cadáveres. Portanto, são pertinentes as investigações sobre a biologia e morfologia dessa espécie, com foco especial nas pupas que constituem ≥50% do período de desenvolvimento dos imaturos. Embora existam estudos biológicos e morfológicos das pupas, o desenvolvimento intrapuparial em diferentes temperaturas ainda não foi analisado. Logo, o presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever como a temperatura (22, 27 e 32 ± 1°C) afeta o desenvolvimento e a morfologia das pupas de S. (L.) ruficornis a 60 ± 10% de umidade relativa e fotoperíodo de 12 horas. Dez pupas foram coletadas, eutanasiadas e fixadas a cada quatro horas desde a pupariação até 24 horas e a cada oito horas até a emergência do primeiro adulto. A emergência ocorreu em 440, 272 e 232 horas a 22, 27 e 32°C, com 590, 380 e 330 pupas, respectivamente. A maior mortalidade ocorreu a 32°C. Foram definidos oito períodos e o sexo foi determinado na fase de adulto farato; além disso, foram apresentadas 40 características morfológicas importantes para estimar a idade das pupas. Essas descobertas podem servir de base para estudos sobre a biologia e a morfologia da pupa de S. (L.) ruficornis, especialmente em bionomia, controle e ciência forense, ajudando pesquisadores e especialistas.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae), popularly known as "housefly", is a highly synanthropic species, with economic, medical-sanitary, veterinary, and forensic importance. It is able to cause damage to health, transmit pathogenic agents, cause infection in domestic animals, and, in its immature stage, cause secondary myiasis. The scavenging habit of its immature stages makes these flies pioneers in colonizing both human and animal carcasses, from the initial stages of corpse decomposition to the final stages. Intrapuparial development studies of all stages of the biological cycle of these insects help estimate pupal age, being useful to forensic entomology to aid in determining the minimum postmortem interval (minPMI). This study describes, morphologically, the external structures of the pupae, under temperatures of 23, 27, and 30 ±â€…1 °C aiming to identify the characteristics that define their developmental stages and estimation of the pupae age of M. domestica. The whole experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions, with relative humidity 60 ±â€…10% and 12 hours of photoperiod. The process of pupariation and pupation including pre-pupae phases were observed; larvae pupae apolysis; early cryptocephalic pupae; late cryptocephalic pupae; phanerocephalic pupae; pharate adult, discriminated by eye color (transparent eyes, pink eyes, and red eyes); and the emergency of adults, which occurred in the intervals of 162-180; 138-144, and 96-102 hr, respectively, being described throughout the metamorphosis of the external morphological characteristics of the pupal stage of M. domestica.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The current knowledge of morphology and chaetotaxy of the different developmental stages within the subfamily Scolytinae presents an information deficit that needs to be addressed. Thus, the objective of the present study was to describe, the chaetotaxy and morphology of larvae and pupae, and determine the number of larval instars, the sexual dimorphism in adults, and the development time in Phloeosinus tacubayae. The number of larval instars was determined using traditional morphometry of cephalic capsule and multivariate analysis; description of morphology and chaetotaxy of larvae and pupae, and sexual dimorphism in adults was based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy photographs; finally, we quantified development time by mean reviews of 10 gallery systems selected randomly in infested logs, in the laboratory. Morphometric analysis of the cephalic capsule allowed the recognition of 3 different instars. Our results showed that the larvae of P. tacubayae have unique attributes in the body that differentiate them from other genera of the subfamily for example the epicranial suture is not marked, and differentiated from Phloeosinus canadensis, such as a smaller number of setae in the maxillae and without a tergal plate. The pupa had a smaller number of setae on the whole body. The most useful morphological characters to identify a sexual dimorphism in adults were found in the shape and relative position of the seventh and eighth tergites; development time lasted 40 days in total, being the pupal stage the one that took the longest to complete.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Dengue is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes and is one of the 15 main public health problems in the world, including Colombia. Where limited financial resources create a problem for management, there is a need for the department to prioritize target areas for public health implementation. This study focuses on a spatio-temporal analysis to determine the targeted area to manage the public health problems related to dengue cases. To this end, three phases at three different scales were carried out. First, for the departmental scale, four risk clusters were identified in Cauca (RR ≥ 1.49) using the Poisson model, and three clusters were identified through Getis-Ord Gi* hotspots analysis; among them, Patía municipality presented significantly high incidence rates in the time window (2014-2018). Second, on the municipality scale, altitude and minimum temperature were observed to be more relevant than precipitation; considering posterior means, no spatial autocorrelation for the Markov Chain Monte Carlo was found (Moran test ˂ 1.0), and convergence was reached for b1-b105 with 20,000 iterations. Finally, on the local scale, a clustered pattern was observed for dengue cases distribution (nearest neighbour index, NNI = 0.202819) and the accumulated number of pupae (G = 0.70007). Two neighbourhoods showed higher concentrations of both epidemiological and entomological hotspots. In conclusion, the municipality of Patía is in an operational scenario of a high transmission of dengue.

RESUMO

Species belonging to the Muscidae family are important in the medical-sanitary and forensic fields due to their biology. The intrapuparial stage of Hydrotaea aenescens (Wiedemann, 1830), which represents about 50% of the immature development cycle in muscoid Diptera, has not yet been studied in detail. This study identifies and describes the main temporal morphological changes that occur in the pupal body of H. aenescens during its development at 22, 27, and 32 ± 1°C, RH 60 ± 10% with a 12-hr photoperiod. Ten pupae were collected, sacrificed, and fixed every 3 hr after pupariation up to 24 hr, and every 6 hr thereafter until the first emergence. Emergence took place at 282, 174, and 126 hr at 22, 27, and 32°C, with 520, 340, and 260 pupae, respectively. External morphology was described and recorded at eight development stages: pupariation, pre-pupae, early and late cryptocephalic pupae, phanerocephalic pupae, pupae-adult apolysis, pharate adults, and imago, employing 18 key morphological characters for pupae age. These morphological pupae characters, comprise, therefore an alternative and/or additional method to aid in determining the minimum Postmortem Interval (minPMI).

Assuntos

RESUMO

Forensic Entomology uses arthropods to aid in legal investigations. This study checked the biological response of Chrysomya putoria pupae to submersion in fresh water for up to 6 d, evaluating the critical submersion time, survival rate, and development time of the flies. Adults were collected using fish baits in two typical traps. Seven hundred and twenty fourth-generation pupae with 2 d of development were used and separated into submergence intervals: 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h. An additional 120 pupae were used as a control. Each treatment was done in triplicate, consisting of 40 pupae distributed in four tulle-sealed test tubes containing 10 pupae each. All tubes of each treatment were co-adhered in test tube racks and were submerged in mineral water in a container with constant oxygenation, except those of the control group, which were not submerged. The tubes were removed from the water according to their respective submersion interval, until 144 h was completed. The control group had a survival rate of 90%, while the 24-h treatment had 85% and the 48-h treatment had 35.8%. The critical submersion time for pupae was 72 h, with 100% mortality by 144 h. The average development time for the control group was 3.2 d, while the 24- and 48-h treatments developed in 4.3 and 6.3 d, respectively. The longer the individuals were submerged, the lower the survival rate was, while the development time increased. The data obtained in this study have potential in applications to estimate the interval of submersion of a cadaver.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.(AU)

A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introduction: Annona macroprophyllata Donn. Smith. (Annonaceae) (syn. Annona diversifolia Saff.) is a valued fruit tree species known as papausa. In Mexico and Central America, this fruit has become an important crop because of its tasty flavor and high pulp content. Its fruits are frequently damaged by the incidence of wasps of the genus Bephratelloides Girault (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), which develop inside the seeds. Objective: To report the interaction of Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead during its life cycle in fruits of A. macroprophyllata. Methods: We periodically collected fruits in different states of growth recording a) oviposition, b) the moment of evident infection, c) the development of the wasps inside the seeds, and d) their emergence as adults. We also determined the proportion of damaged fruits and seeds. Results: The data indicate that wasps preferred to oviposit on fruits with a diameter of less than 8 cm, oviposition was more frequent between 11:00 am and 03:00 pm., and there was 26 % infestation of fruits, and 9 % of seeds. Conclusion: It is an obligatory interaction for the wasp, the highest proportion of attack on fruits was in the early stages of fruit development and control actions should focus on the protection of these early stages.

Introducción: Annona macroprophyllata Donn. Smith. (Annonaceae) es una especie de árbol frutal, conocida como papausa. En México y América Central, esta fruta se ha convertido en un cultivo importante y valorado debido a su delicioso sabor y la cremosa textura de su pulpa. Sus frutos son frecuentemente dañados por la incidencia de avispas del género Bephratelloides Girault (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), que se desarrollan dentro de las semillas. Objetivo: Describir la interacción de Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead durante su ciclo de vida en frutos de A. macroprophyllata. Método: Recolectamos frutos en diferentes estados de crecimiento registrando a) la ovoposición, b) el momento de la infección evidente, c) el desarrollo de las avispas dentro de las semillas, y d) su emergencia como adultos. También determinamos la proporción de frutas y semillas dañadas. Resultados: Los datos indican que las avispas preferían ovipositar en frutas con un diámetro de menos de 8 cm, la oviposición era más frecuente entre las 11:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m., y que había un 26 % de la infestación en las frutas y un 9 % en semillas. Conclusión: Es una interacción obligada para la avispa y la mayor proporción de ataque a los frutos fue en las etapas tempranas de desarrollo de frutos y las acciones de control se deberían enfocar a la protección de estas etapas.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.

RESUMO

The third instar larva and puparium of Gastrops willistoni Cresson (Diptera: Ephydridae), preying on eggs in a foam nest of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer (Anura: Leptodactylidae), in a central Amazonian dryland forest (Brazil) are described for the first time. The fusiform larva has a short breathing tube, its anterior spiracles are fan-shaped and posterior spiracles with three spircular openings. Pupa is ovoid with a broad anterior margin and bifurcate posterior tip. The taxonomic relationship of the frog egg predators, Gastrops Williston and Typopsilopa Cresson, are discussed.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

Resumo A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti-borne diseases are becoming major public health problems in tropical and sub-tropical regions. While socioeconomic status has been associated with larval mosquito abundance, the drivers or possible factors mediating this association, such as environmental factors, are yet to be identified. We examined possible associations between proximity to houses and roads and immature mosquito abundance, and assessed whether these factors and mosquito prevention measures mediated any association between household environmental factors and immature mosquito abundance. METHODS: We conducted two cross-sectional household container surveys in February-March and November-December, 2017, in urban and rural areas of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. We used principal components analysis to identify factors from 12 variables to represent the household environment. One factor which included number of rooms in house, electricity, running water, garbage service, cable, television, telephone, latrine, well, and sewer system, was termed "environmental capital." Environmental capital scores ranged from 0 to 5.5. Risk factors analyzed included environmental capital, and distance from nearest house/structure, paved road, and highway. We used Poisson regression to determine associations between distance to nearest house/structure, roads, and highways, and measures of immature mosquito abundance (total larvae, total pupae, and positive containers). Using cubic spline generalized additive models, we assessed non-linear associations between environmental capital and immature mosquito abundance. We then examined whether fumigation, cleaning containers, and distance from the nearest house, road, and highway mediated the relationship between environmental capital and larvae and pupae abundance. RESULTS: We completed 508 household surveys in February-March, and we revisited 469 households in November-December. Proximity to paved roads and other houses/structures was positively associated with larvae and pupae abundance and mediated the associations between environmental capital and total numbers of larvae/pupae (p ≤ 0.01). Distance to highways was not associated with larval/pupal abundance (p ≥ 0.48). Households with the lowest and highest environmental capital had fewer larvae/pupae than households in the middle range (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence that proximity to other houses and paved roads was associated with greater abundance of larvae and pupae. Understanding risk factors such as these can allow for improved targeting of surveillance and vector control measures in areas considered at higher risk for arbovirus transmission.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The pathogen-carrying tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has spread from the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North and South America, and the Caribbean. This species of mosquito transmits arboviral infections, such as yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue, zika, and several encephalitides. The objective of this research was to provide a radiation dose inducing sterilization in adult male Ae. albopictus in the pupal stage. A cobalt-60 source of gamma radiation at a dose rate of 381 Gy/h was used. The pupae were irradiated with doses of 0 (control), 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 Gy. Each treatment had a total of five replications using 60 pupae. After irradiation, the different phases of Ae. albopictus development (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) in the F1 generation were observed daily. Parameters such as viability, fertility, longevity, and mortality were recorded. The results from these studies showed that a dose of 60 Gy was necessary to sterilize 100% of the male Ae. albopictus pupae.

RESUMO

The Apioceridae (Diptera) are relatively large asiloid flies with just over 140 described species worldwide. They are closely related to both Mydidae and Asilidae, and most species are found in Australia and North America, however a handful are found in both southern Africa and southern South America. The immature stages of only one species is known, the Australian beach dune inhabiting species Apiocera maritima Hardy. Like most asiloid larvae, apiocerid larvae are assumed to be predators of other soft-bodied invertebrates in the soil. Anatomically the larvae and pupae are similar to those of closely related families. The larvae are elongate, cream-coloured, subcylindrical and with a small, well-sclerotised head capsule. The pupa has a number of robust processes and spines on the head capsule and rows of distinctive bristles on the abdominal tergites. These spines and bristles are used by the pupa to drill upwards out of the soil prior to adult emergence. Here we describe the late instar larva and pupa of the Australian species A. striativentris Paramonov and compare them to the larva and pupa of the previously described species. Apiocerid larvae have distinctive, rounded abdominal segments 2-5 that may be diagnostic for the family.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Drosophila buzzatii and D. koepferae are sibling cactophilic species. The former breeds primarily on prickly pears (genus Opuntia) whereas the latter breeds on columnar cacti of the genera Cereus and Trichocereus, although with certain degree of niche overlapping. We examined the interspecific differences in diurnal temporal patterns of adult emergence from puparia and evaluated whether this behavior is affected by rearing in the different cactus hosts available in nature. We detected important host-dependent genetic variation for this trait differentially affecting the emergence schedule of these species. Diurnal pattern of emergence time was directly correlated with developmental time and negatively correlated with adult wing size, suggesting that early emergences are at least indirectly correlated with increased fitness. We discussed our results in terms of their putative effects on fitness and the genetic-metabolic pathways that would be presumably affected by host's nutritional-chemical differences.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: An online database of the described immature beetles from Brazil is presented for the first time based on published literature. The main purpose of this online database is to ensure accessibility to data associated with the described immature Coleoptera from Brazil, which will be useful for future biological, ecological, conservational and biogeographical studies. NEW INFORMATION: More than 9,486 specimens of 248 genera, 282 species and 4 subspecies of 76 Coleoptera families from 15 states and the Federal District of Brazil were found. Taxonomical and ecological information about each species, when available, are given. The dataset of Immatures of Coleoptera described from Brazil are available and can be accessed through the portals of GBIF at http://www.gbif.org/dataset/8e0e9330-e1b2-475a-9891-4fa8e5c6f57f and the SiBBr at http://ipt.sibbr.gov.br/sibbr/resource?r=coleoptera_immature_of_brazil.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The follow-up survey of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of evidence-based community mobilisation for dengue control in Nicaragua and Mexico included entomological information from the 2012 rainy and dry seasons. We used data from the Mexican arm of the trial to assess the impact of the community action on pupal production of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti in both rainy and dry seasons. METHODS: Trained field workers inspected household water containers in 90 clusters and collected any pupae or larvae present for entomological examination. We calculated indices of pupae per person and pupae per household, and traditional entomological indices of container index, household index and Breteau index, and compared these between rainy and dry seasons and between intervention and control clusters, using a cluster t-test to test significance of differences. RESULTS: In 11,933 houses in the rainy season, we inspected 40,323 containers and found 7070 Aedes aegypti pupae. In the dry season, we inspected 43,461 containers and counted 6552 pupae. All pupae and entomological indices were lower in the intervention clusters (IC) than in control clusters (CC) in both the rainy season (RS) and the dry season (DS): pupae per container 0.12 IC and 0.24 CC in RS, and 0.10 IC and 0.20 CC in DS; pupae per household 0.46 IC and 0.82 CC in RS, and 0.41 IC and 0.83 CC in DS; pupae per person 0.11 IC and 0.19 CC in RS, and 0.10 IC and 0.20 CC in DS; household index 16% IC and 21% CC in RS, and 12.1% IC and 17.9% CC in DS; container index 7.5% IC and 11.5% CC in RS, and 4.6% IC and 7.1% CC in DS; Breteau index 27% IC and 36% CC in RS, and 19% IC and 29% CC in DS. All differences between the intervention and control clusters were statistically significant, taking into account clustering. CONCLUSIONS: The trial intervention led to significant decreases in pupal and conventional entomological indices in both rainy and dry seasons. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN27581154 .

Assuntos