Cassava crops hold high agricultural importance in Paraná State, Brazil. However, cassava root production is adversely impacted by pests. Aleyrodids, in particular, cause great damage to cassava fields, necessitating better knowledge of predators found in these agroecosystems and novel biological control strategies for integrated pest management. This study reports the first occurrence of the predatory lady beetle Delphastus argentinicus Nunenmacher, preying on all life stages of whiteflies in cassava fields. Given the economic and social importance of cassava crops in Brazil and the deleterious potential of aleyrodid species, it is recommended to conduct behavioral and bioecological studies assessing the application of D. argentinicus as a biocontrol agent in integrated pest management programs.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and identify the egg-parasitoid species of the cassava hornworm (Erinnyis spp.) in cassava plants (Manihot esculenta Crantz - Euphorbiaceae), facilitating their usage in the biological control as a management strategy in the Pará State. During February to December of 2016, cassava hornworm eggs were collected in the Cassava Germplasm Bank area of the Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, located at the city of Belém, State of Pará. In the laboratory, eggs were separated in viable and parasitized and were daily observed until the hatching of the caterpillars and emergence of the parasitoids. The caterpillars were reared until reaching the adult stage and the sex determined at the pupae stage. A total of 482 eggs were collected, with a higher occurrence at March, and 244 caterpillars were obtained with sex ratio of 0.52 with 191 specimens reaching adult stage. Among these adults, 95.81% were Erinnyis ello (Linnaeus) and 4.19% Erinnyis alope (Drury). A total of 1,087 parasitoids were obtained from 131 eggs and belong to four Hymenoptera families: Platygastridae (Telenomus dilophonotae Cameron), Eulophidae (Chrysonotomyia sp. aff. serjaniae), Trichogrammatidae (Trichogramma marandobai Brun, Moraes & Soares) and Encyrtidae (Ooencyrtus sp.). The Erinnyis spp. eggs were mostly parasitized by T. dilophonotae, which was classified along with T. marandobai as constant. The occurrence of these natural enemies highlights the potential for natural biological control against Erinnyis spp.

The objective was to assess the selectivity and sublethal effect of botanical extracts on adults of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Plant species used: Rosmarinus officinalis L., Mikania glomerata Spreng., Varronia curassavica Jacq., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Vermonia polyanthes Spreng., Plectranthus amboinicus Spreng., Tetradenia riparia Codd., Artemisia absinthium L., Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. Plant material were reared in laboratory and leaves collected during the morning were used to prepare the extracts as following: 100 g of leaves from each plant were macerated and immersed in 300 mL of triple-extracted methyl alcohol and evaporated on rotavapor. Then, 250 mg of crude extract was diluted in 1000 mL of water. The experimental design for selectivity was done in randomized blocks with five repetitions, following a standardized protocol of the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) and accordingly classified. In sublethal effect, the design was completely randomized with twenty repetitions, where the eggs exposed to parasitism were sprayed with the treatments. In both experiments the control was twofold (water and chlorpyrifos). Regarding selectivity, the botanical extracts of M. glomerata, C. ambrosioides, V. polyanthes, P. amboinicus, A. absinthium and C. citratus were classified as slightly harmful (class 2), chlorpyrifos as moderately harmful (class 3). In the evaluation of sublethal effects, the botanical extracts of C. ambrosioides and C. citratus initially presented reduced number of parasitized eggs, reduction in total parasitized eggs and female longevity. It can be concluded that C. citratus botanical extract has small selectivity and causes sublethal effects on T. pretiosum adults.

Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector of arboviruses associated with dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever. Based on empirical knowledge, plants belonging to genus Crotalaria (Fabaceae) attract dragonflies, which are the main natural predator to A. aegypti and help controlling populations of this mosquito. The aim of the present study is to investigate (i) whether Crotalaria is a food source for A. aegypti and (ii) whether Crotalaria attracts predators to this mosquito, mainly dragonflies. The study was carried out from January to March 2018 in two Crotalaria spectabilis Roth (Fabaceae) cultivation fields, which covered 100 m2 (each) in Missal County, Paraná State, Brazil. Samples of all arthropods foraging on C. spectabilis were collected. Observations in situ were carried out to investigate whether A. aegypti individuals visit C. spectabilis flowers. In total, 14,967 arthropods were recorded foraging on C. spectabilis (288 in cultivation field 1 and 14,679 in cultivation field 2). Dragonflies and damselflies were recorded foraging on C. spectabilis crops, but no A. aegypti individual was recorded in active collections and observations in situ. These results indicate that C. spectabilis works as food source and/or place used by several arthropods to find preys. The incidence of dragonflies and damselflies flying in C. spectabilis monocultures indicates that these plants attract dragonflies, as well as that Crotalaria can help indirectly controlling A. aegypti populations.

The coconut moth Atheloca subrufella Hulst (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is considered an important pest of coconut crops in Brazil, which is the fourth largest global coconut producer. Concerning the economic importance of this crop and aiming to increase the knowledge related to biological control, the present research aimed records the first occurrence of Venturia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitizing A. subrufella caterpillars in the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Coconuts infested by A. subrufella caterpillars were collected in coconut plantation and kept in the Entomology Laboratory (Universidade Federal de Sergipe – UFS) until the emergence of A. subrufella adults or the parasitoids. The parasitoids obtained were identified as Venturia sp.. Primeira ocorrência de Venturia sp. Parasitando a Traça-do-Coqueiro Resumo. A traça-do-coqueiro Atheloca subrufella Hulst (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) é considerada uma importante praga da cultura do coqueiro no Brasil, o qual é o quarto maior produtor mundial de coco. Devido à importância econômica desta cultura e visando aumentar o conhecimento relacionado ao controle biológico, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar a primeira ocorrência de Venturia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitando lagartas de A. Subrufella no estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Cocos infestados por lagartas de A. subrufella foram coletados em plantações de coco e mantidos no laboratório de Entomologia (Universidade Federal de Sergipe – UFS) até a emergência de adultos de A. subrufella ou dos parasitoides. Os parasitoides obtidos foram identificados como Venturia sp.. Â

The coconut moth Atheloca subrufella Hulst (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is considered an important pest of coconut crops in Brazil, which is the fourth largest global coconut producer. Concerning the economic importance of this crop and aiming to increase the knowledge related to biological control, the present research aimed records the first occurrence of Venturia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitizing A. subrufella caterpillars in the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Coconuts infested by A. subrufella caterpillars were collected in coconut plantation and kept in the Entomology Laboratory (Universidade Federal de Sergipe – UFS) until the emergence of A. subrufella adults or the parasitoids. The parasitoids obtained were identified as Venturia sp.. Primeira ocorrência de Venturia sp. Parasitando a Traça-do-Coqueiro Resumo. A traça-do-coqueiro Atheloca subrufella Hulst (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) é considerada uma importante praga da cultura do coqueiro no Brasil, o qual é o quarto maior produtor mundial de coco. Devido à importância econômica desta cultura e visando aumentar o conhecimento relacionado ao controle biológico, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar a primeira ocorrência de Venturia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitando lagartas de A. Subrufella no estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Cocos infestados por lagartas de A. subrufella foram coletados em plantações de coco e mantidos no laboratório de Entomologia (Universidade Federal de Sergipe – UFS) até a emergência de adultos de A. subrufella ou dos parasitoides. Os parasitoides obtidos foram identificados como Venturia sp..

Uma das principais causas de mortalidade em bovinos está relacionada à intoxicação por plantas de Senecio spp. (Asteraceae). Assim, alternativas para a redução dessas plantas na região sul do Brasil são necessárias a fim de diminuir as perdas na atividade pecuária. Estudos indicam o crisomelídeo Phaedon confinis Klug como potencial agente de controle biológico de plantas de Senecio brasiliensis Less. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a preferência alimentar de larvas e adultos de P. confinis pelas espécies S. brasiliensis, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret, Senecio oxyphyllus DC e Senecio selloi DC. Os insetos foram alimentados com S. brasiliensis anteriormente ao experimento à temperatura de 22 ± 1ºC, umidade relativa de 60 ± 5% e fotofase de 12 horas. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as categorias de injúria ocasionada por P. confinis foram dependentes da espécie de Senecio oferecida ao inseto, com maior consumo de S. brasiliensis. O estágio de desenvolvimento dos insetos influencia a preferência alimentar, uma vez que larvas neonatas apresentaram maior seletividade ao hospedeiro do que os adultos. Além de S. brasiliensis, os adultos podem colaborar no controle de outras espécies de Senecio, principalmente de S. madagascariensis, uma vez que há oviposição nessas plantas. Feeding Preference of Larvae and Adults of Phaedon confinis Klug (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for Senecio spp. (Asteraceae) Abstract. One of the main causes of death in cattle is related to poisoning by plants of Senecio spp. (Asteraceae). Thus, alternatives for reduction of these plants in the Southern region of Brazil are necessary to diminish losses in livestock. Studies have demonstrated the chrysomelid Phaedon confinis Klug as a potential biological agent of Senecio brasiliensis Less. Our study aimed to evaluate the feeding preference of larvae and adults of P. confinis by the species S. brasiliensis, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret, Senecio oxyphyllus DC and Senecio selloi DC. Previously, the insects were fed on S. brasiliensis to the experiment at 22 ± 1oC temperature, 60 ± 5% relative humidity and 12h photophase. Results obtained indicate that injury caused by P. confinis depended on the species of Senecio offered to the insect, with higher consumption of S. brasiliensis. The developmental stage of the insect influences the feeding preference, since neonate larvae demonstrated higher selectivity to the plant host than adults. In addition to S. brasiliensis, adults can be used to control other species of Senecio, especially S. madagascariensis, since there is oviposition on these plants.

A capacidade do parasitoide de localizar e parasitar o hospedeiro estão diretamente relacionados ao sucesso do controle biológico de pragas. Diante disso, o presente trabalho avaliou o efeito da idade de Cotesia flavipes Cameron na capacidade busca e no parasitismo em lagartas de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) em condições de laboratório. Realizou-se uma liberação de 2000 parasitoides com 24 horas de idade. Foram colocados 40 internódios infestados artificialmente com a broca, na distância de cinco e dez metros, num total de 80 colmos por avaliação, durante seis dias. Constatou-se que no primeiro dia de liberação houve a maior porcentagem de parasitismo, diferindo apenas do quinto e sexto dia. Conclui-se que C. flavipes pode parasitar até 120 horas de vida em condições de laboratório e recomenda-se a liberação de indivíduos com 24 horas de vida por apresentarem maior percentual de parasitismo nessa idade. Ability to Quest and Parasitism of Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Larvae Abstract. The ability of the parasitoid to locate and parasitize the host is directly related to the success of biological control of pests. The effect of Cotesia flavipes Cameron’s age on the ability to quest and parasitism larvae of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) in laboratory conditions was evaluated. An amount of 2,000 adults (24 hours aged) was released. Fourteen sugarcane borer artificially infested internodes were 5 and 10 m placed apart each other, comprising eighteen stalks in each evaluation, during six days. The higher parasitism rate was observed in the first day after parasitoid release, with significant differences from the fifth day on. Therefore, C. flavipes is able to efficiently parasitize until its first 120 hours of life in laboratory conditions. It makes possible a recommendation of 24-hours aged parasitoid releases, that possibly will be more efficient in the sugarcane borer biological control.

Uma das principais causas de mortalidade em bovinos está relacionada à intoxicação por plantas de Senecio spp. (Asteraceae). Assim, alternativas para a redução dessas plantas na região sul do Brasil são necessárias a fim de diminuir as perdas na atividade pecuária. Estudos indicam o crisomelídeo Phaedon confinis Klug como potencial agente de controle biológico de plantas de Senecio brasiliensis Less. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a preferência alimentar de larvas e adultos de P. confinis pelas espécies S. brasiliensis, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret, Senecio oxyphyllus DC e Senecio selloi DC. Os insetos foram alimentados com S. brasiliensis anteriormente ao experimento à temperatura de 22 ± 1ºC, umidade relativa de 60 ± 5% e fotofase de 12 horas. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as categorias de injúria ocasionada por P. confinis foram dependentes da espécie de Senecio oferecida ao inseto, com maior consumo de S. brasiliensis. O estágio de desenvolvimento dos insetos influencia a preferência alimentar, uma vez que larvas neonatas apresentaram maior seletividade ao hospedeiro do que os adultos. Além de S. brasiliensis, os adultos podem colaborar no controle de outras espécies de Senecio, principalmente de S. madagascariensis, uma vez que há oviposição nessas plantas. Feeding Preference of Larvae and Adults of Phaedon confinis Klug (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for Senecio spp. (Asteraceae) Abstract. One of the main causes of death in cattle is related to poisoning by plants of Senecio spp. (Asteraceae). Thus, alternatives for reduction of these plants in the Southern region of Brazil are necessary to diminish losses in livestock. Studies have demonstrated the chrysomelid Phaedon confinis Klug as a potential biological agent of Senecio brasiliensis Less. Our study aimed to evaluate the feeding preference of larvae and adults of P. confinis by the species S. brasiliensis, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret, Senecio oxyphyllus DC and Senecio selloi DC. Previously, the insects were fed on S. brasiliensis to the experiment at 22 ± 1oC temperature, 60 ± 5% relative humidity and 12h photophase. Results obtained indicate that injury caused by P. confinis depended on the species of Senecio offered to the insect, with higher consumption of S. brasiliensis. The developmental stage of the insect influences the feeding preference, since neonate larvae demonstrated higher selectivity to the plant host than adults. In addition to S. brasiliensis, adults can be used to control other species of Senecio, especially S. madagascariensis, since there is oviposition on these plants.

Los lepidópteros más importantes para el cultivo de los eucaliptos son los defoliadores y en Brasil, algunas especies se encuentran desde el estado de Amazona hasta Rio Grande del Sur. Thyrinteina arnobia arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidóptera: Geometridae) se cita como el lepidóptero defoliador más importante en Brasil y algunas especies depredadoras de la familia Reduviidae están asociados con diversos cultivos forestales. En este estudio se registra la ocurrencia de Zelus armillatus (Lepeletier & Serville) depredando a T. arnobia en plantaciones de eucaliptus en la ciudad de Sorriso, estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Registration of Thyrinteina arnobia arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Eucalyptus sp. (Myrtaceae) in Sorriso, Mato Grosso and its predation by Zelus armillatus (Lepeletier & Serville) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) Abstract. The most important lepidopterans for eucalyptus crop are called defoliators. In Brazil, some species occur from the Amazônia to Rio Grande do Sul State and Thyrinteina arnobia arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is cited as the most important lepidopteran defoliator in Brazil and some predatory species of the family Reduviidae are associated with various forest crops. Thus, this study recorded the ocorrence of Zelus armillatus (Lepeletier & Serville) preying T. arnobia in eucaliptus crop in Sorriso city, Mato Grosso state, Brazil.