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.

Some conservation units in Brazil border urban areas, like the Catolé and Fernão Velho Environmental Protection Area (EPA) in the State of Alagoas. In urban areas, there is the habit of cultivating plants for landscape purposes, and Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari (Arecaceae), “Licuri” or “Ouricuri”, is a palm tree commonly used in ornamentation; a native species from Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes widely explored through time. Some insects have part of their development associated with plants, and Pachymerus nucleorum Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) has a close connection with some Arecaceae. Females usually lay eggs on the surface of fallen fruits and the immatures feed on the seed under the drupe endocarp; the larvae, even protected by the hard surface could be preyed by skilled parasitoid wasps. Here, the record of a tritrophic relationship between S. coronata, P. nucleorum, and a wasp of the genus Heterospilus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in an urbanized region of Alagoas, close to a remnant of Atlantic Forest of the Catolé and Fernão Velho EPA is communicated. Fruits were collected from the soil surface under the canopy of Licuri palms in the “Universidade Federal de Alagoas” A. C. Simões Campus and transported for laboratory monitoring. Either adults of Heterospilus parasitoid wasps and P. nucleorum beetles from some fruits were recorded. The specimens of S. coronata had seeds preyed upon by P. nucleorum close to a remnant of the Atlantic Forest. The record of a tritrophic relationship involving Heterospilus seems to indicate the tenacity of natural biological control.

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.

In the state of Acre, Brazil, family-based agriculture is predominant and although it has less economic impact in relation to large-scale plantations, it is also subject to biological imbalances, such as the attack of pests, generating economic losses for producers. Phytosanitary knowledge in the state is still incipient and becomes an obstacle to production, often resulting in mistaken management decisions. In this context, this work aimed to present a history of research carried out in the field of Agricultural Entomology, especially in the areas of integrated management and biological control of pests of the most relevant crops grown in the Acre state. In this review, 55 scientific papers related to Agricultural Entomology were presented, 23 on new insect records and/or new insect associations with host plants, 16 on insect control using plant extracts from the Amazon region, 13 on integrated pest management and three on bioecology and population dynamics of pests in the state of Acre. Through this review, it is observed that research in the area  of Agricultural Entomology in the state of Acre is characterized by basic research (surveys, registration of new species, bioecological and dynamic population studies). However, there has been a notable advance in scientific studies aimed at integrated pest management in the state in the past ten years. Still, there is a need to concentrate efforts on research aimed at prospecting and using Amazonian biodiversity (fauna and flora), which subsidize applied programs for integrated pest management of the main crops grown in the Acre state.

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.

Abstract. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) is a Coccinellidae species originating from northeast Asia and used in biological control of aphids. As an exotic species is very important to know its natural enemies. Thus, this paper provides the first record of Strongygaster brasiliensis (Towsend)(Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitizing H. axyridis in Southern Brazil. Parasitismo de Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) por Strongygaster brasiliensis (Towsend)(Diptera: Tachinidae) Resumo. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) é uma espécie de Coccinellidae originária do Nordeste da Ãsia e utilizada como agente de controle biológico de afídeos. Como é uma espécie invasora é muito importante conhecer seus inimigos naturais. Dessa forma, este trabalho fornece o primeiro registro de Strongygaster brasiliensis (Towsend)(Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitando H. axyridis no sul do Brasil.

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

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.

The objective of this work was to describe the pattern forage of Polistes versicolor (Olivier) waps, verifying the influence of environmental variables on foraging activity. From January to December of 2007, 24 observations of P. versicolor foraging activity in a eucalypt plantation were accomplished. During 10 hours, the intensity of light, wind speed, air humidity and temperature were registered close to the colony. The P. versicolor foraging activity began at 7:30 a.m. and extended to 6:00 p.m. The average departure of workers per hour was 9.62 ±16.67 (0-84), and arrivals per hour were 9.76 ±18.14 (0-87). The most intense activities of the colonies occurred in the period between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Spearman´s correlation test revealed that the workers’ departures of P. versicolor were stimulated by the increase of light intensity (p< 0.0001) and air temperature p< 0.0001) and the decrease of the humidity (p< 0.0004). The wind speed, however, did not present representative index correlation with the daily activity of the species (p= 0.54). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that air temperature is the most influential on the P. versicolor foraging activity (p< 0.0001).This study demonstrated that the best weather for P. versicolor departure to forage is a sunshine day, hot temperature and low humidity. In tropical areas these days are common in the summer. Qual o Clima Ideal para Vespa Social Polistes versicolor (Olivier) Sair para Forragear? Resumo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o padrão de forrageio de Polistes versicolor (Olivier), analisando a influência das variáveis ambientais no forrageio diário. Entre janeiro a dezembro de 2007, foram realizadas 24 observações de colônias de P. versicolor no município de Juiz de Fora, MG, totalizando 240 horas. Durante 10 horas foram registradas, a cada 30 minutos, a intensidade de luz, velocidade do vento, umidade do ar e a temperatura nas proximidades da colônia. A atividade forrageadora de P. versicolor começou às 7h e se estendeu até às 18h. A média de saída para o forrageio por hora foi de 9,62 ± 16,67 (0-84), e a chegada/hora foi de 9,76± 18,14 (0-87). A atividade foi mais intensa no período compreendido entre 10 e 15h. O teste de correlação de Spearman revelou que as trabalhadoras de P. versicolor foram estimuladas a sair pelo aumento da intensidade da luz (p <0,0001), da temperatura do ar (p < 0,0001) e a diminuição da umidade (p <0,0004). Já a velocidade do vento não apresentou índice significativo com a atividade diária da espécie (p = 0,54). A análise de regressão linear múltipla mostrou que a temperatura do ar é a mais influente sobre a atividade forrageadora de P. versicolor (p < 0,0001). O presente estudo revelou que o melhor clima para as operárias de P. versicolor saírem para forragear é com forte intensidade de luz do sol, temperatura elevada e baixa umidade.