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ABSTRACT Larval identification is crucial for the utilization and management of insect resources, yet morphological studies remain too limited to fulfill this requirement. Flower chafers represent one of the best-studied groups of holometabolous insects in terms of larval morphology, while their adults exhibit highly diverse habits. However, previous research has focused mainly on the larger third instar larvae, offering limited utility for early identification. In this study, we describe and compare the first instar larvae of Cetonia magnifica Ballion, 1871, Gametis jucunda (Faldermann, 1835), Protaetia brevitarsis (Lewis, 1879) and Lasiotrichius succinctus (Pallas, 1781) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Distinct morphological characters, including eyespots, nesium, process of haptomerum, scissorial teeth, and palidia on the raster, were highlighted, providing new data to improve early identification within Cetoniinae.

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ABSTRACT Culicidae are implicated in arboviruses and represent a public health concern. The objective of this study was to understand the diversity and population dynamics of synanthropic Culicidae sheltered in forest fragments, pointing out potential vectors of agents etiological. Culicidae were sampled using traps in three forest fragments (Daher Wood, Botanical Garden, and Mata dos Godoy State Park) in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. To sample Culicidae, six traps were deployed along two parallel 70-m transects, spaced 30 m apart. Each transect contained three oviposition traps, comprising bamboo internode traps and tire traps in equal numbers. Five genera and eight species were collected, totaling 15,048 specimens. The peri-urban fragments showed the highest richness. Tires were preferred as breeding sites. The seasons of the highest and lowest sampling were summer (6 species and 7,295 specimens) and winter (4 species and 696 specimens). The Daher Wood and Botanical Garden showed high similarity, and the Godoy Wood, an intact environment, showed the greatest dominance. Mosquitoes showed different synanthropy levels (Culex saltanensis = + 97 and Toxorhynchites theobaldi = - 0.4). Correlations were positive between temperature (r = 0.53) and precipitation (r = 0.40) with Culicid abundance. The Principal Component Analysis indicated that tires were most influenced by temperature, relative humidity, and bamboo by total dissolved solids. Four collected species showed vector potential. High diversity occurred in warmer and rainy periods. Vector species in these areas are of concern because they may alter arbovirus cycles, making continuous monitoring essential.

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ABSTRACT The genus Protium Burm.f. is known for being highly diverse in tropical forests and also for hosting a great diversity of insect galls. In this study we perform an inventory of the insect galls associated with Protium in the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve, Peru. We found 59 gall morphotypes, distributed across 13 Protium species. Protium decandrum (Aubl.) Marchand and Protium opacum Swart., with 10 morphotypes each, hosted the greatest gall richness. All the galls occurred on leaves, and the majority were globoid. We found galling insects belonging to Diptera and Thysanoptera. Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) were the most common gall-inducing insects, responsible for 37.3% of the gall morphotypes. All the recorded gall morphotypes represent first records for the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve.

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ABSTRACT Parasitoids of the genus Aleochara play an important role in the natural regulation of cyclorrhaphous Diptera of medical and veterinary relevance, many of which are associated with decomposing substrates and are of forensic importance. Aleochara (Aleochara) lustrica Say, 1832 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) is distributed across the Americas but, despite records from several Brazilian states, had not previously been reported from Rio Grande do Sul, and its host associations remain poorly documented. In this study, we report the first occurrence of A. (A.) lustrica in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, extending its known southern distribution limit in the Americas. Field sampling was conducted between April and May 2025 at the Pelotas – Visconde da Graça Campus (IFSul), using poultry liver as bait to attract ovipositing flies. Pupae recovered from the substrate were reared individually under controlled laboratory conditions. Among 178 field-collected sarcophagid pupae, 61 (34.26%) were parasitized, yielding nine adult specimens of A. (A.) lustrica. Although parasitized puparia were morphologically highly consistent with Microcerella halli (Engel, 1931) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), species-level host identification for field-parasitized pupae could not be formally confirmed and is therefore conservatively interpreted at the family level (Sarcophagidae). Laboratory assays confirmed M. halli as a suitable host for A. (A.) lustrica, representing the first confirmed association between this parasitoid and a sarcophagid fly under controlled conditions. These findings expand current knowledge of the geographic distribution and host range of A. (A.) lustrica and document a previously unreported interaction of relevance to ecological, veterinary, and forensic entomology.

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ABSTRACT Given the limited taxonomic knowledge of Caenidae in the Neotropical region, including the Doce River Basin, we provide new data to help address this gap. Through the examination of recently collected material, specimens deposited in the Museu de Entomologia of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFVB), and literature records, we recognize seven species of Caenidae in the basin: Brasilocaenis elidioi, Caenis cuniana, Caenis fittkaui, Caenis teipunensis, Latineosus sigillatus, and two new species described herein, Caenis anadariae sp. nov. and Caenis araponga sp. nov. Caenis anadariae sp. nov. is distinguished by robust, apically rounded forceps densely covered with trichomae, a non-sclerotized styliger plate with a slightly convex posterior margin, an elongated central sclerite, and a quadrangular penis with a ventral groove. Caenis araponga sp. nov. presents robust rounded forceps, a sclerotized styliger plate, and a rectangular penis with laterally projected and upward-bent apex. This study also provides new distributional records: Caenis teipunensis is reported for the first time from both the Atlantic Forest and the Doce River Basin, whereas Latineosus sigillatus is recorded for the first time from Minas Gerais and from the basin. These results reveal that Caenidae diversity in the region has been substantially underestimated and provide essential taxonomic and biogeographic information to support future ecological and conservation efforts.

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ABSTRACT Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose major global health and economic challenges, compounded by increasing resistance to chemical insecticides. This study explored the larvicidal potential of Cynodon gayana extracts as eco-friendly alternatives. Plant material was extracted using the Soxhlet method with solvents of varying polarity. Extracts were screened for phytochemicals and analyzed by GC–MS to identify major constituents. Larvicidal bioassays were conducted against fourth-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus following WHO (2005) guidelines, and LC50 and LC90 values were determined via probit analysis. Key compounds were docked in silico against mosquito enzymes kynurenine aminotransferase (6MFB), acetylcholinesterase (6XYU), and glutathione S-transferase (2IMI), with Normal Mode Analysis evaluating complex stability. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids, with ethanol and methanol extracts showing the richest profiles and strongest larvicidal activity. Ethanol extract achieved 100% mortality at 250 ppm, with LC50 values of 95.20 ppm (C. quinquefasciatus), 102.71 ppm (A. aegypti), and 112.83 ppm (A. stephensi). GC–MS identified 26 compounds, predominantly sterols, terpenoids, and fatty acids, with stigmasterol (22.22%) and γ-sitosterol (18.29%) as major constituents. Docking revealed strong binding of these sterols to 6MFB (−10.2 and −9.7 kcal/mol), exceeding temephos (−7.6 kcal/mol). NMA of the 6MFB–stigmasterol complex indicated low deformation energy (5.38 × 10−5) and adaptable hinge regions, supporting conformational stability. These findings demonstrate that C. gayana extracts exhibit potent larvicidal activity, underpinned by strong molecular interactions with mosquito enzymes, providing a promising basis for developing sustainable plant-based bioinsecticides and warranting further in vivo and field evaluations.

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ABSTRACT In the present study, we present the first inventory of gall-inducing arthropods in cerrado sensu stricto areas of the Parque Estadual Veredas do Peruaçu, northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Field surveys were conducted in 15 plots (10 × 10 m each) sampled in November 2018 (rainy season) and August 2019 (dry season) to record the diversity of galls and their host plants. A total of 33 gall morphotypes were recorded in 23 host plant species from 13 botanical families. Fabaceae (nine morphotypes), Vochysiaceae (six), and Malpighiaceae (five) were the most diverse families, and Copaifera oblongifolia was the plant species with the highest gall richness (five morphotypes). The majority of galls were globoid or lenticular in shape and occurred mainly on leaves. Dipterans of the family Cecidomyiidae were the most frequent gall inducers, representing 19 out of the 20 identified taxa. Despite the low number of morphotypes compared to other Cerrado inventories, this study records three host plant species of insect galls for the first time and adds seven new gall morphotypes to the literature. This study expands the geographical coverage of gall inventories in the Cerrado and contributes to a better understanding of host–gall inductor associations in an underexplored area, providing valuable baseline data for future ecological and conservation research.

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ABSTRACT Drosophilidae includes well-known species that have served as models in the biological sciences. The family encompasses a wealth of life histories, feeding habits, and morphology. Although Drosophila has been widely used as a model taxon across several disciplines, like taxonomy, systematics, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology, way beyond genetics, genomics, and development, significant gaps remain unexplored in the morphological research of these flies. In this paper, we highlight the external and internal skeletal morphology of exemplars of species of Drosophilidae, offering interesting avenues for comparative research, especially to advance fly systematics. We present the first comparative study of two species of Drosophilidae: Drosophila buzzatii (Drosophilinae) and Rhinoleucophenga gigantea (Steganinae). This study provides extensive illustrations of adult males and females using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), documenting their morphological variations in detail. This work contributes to the interpretation of homology among anatomical structures, standardizes the application of anatomical terms for Drosophilidae, and facilitates communication between studies using drosophilid flies as models.

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ABSTRACT The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive pest of thin-skinned and stone fruits with growing economic impact worldwide. In Brazil, it was first reported in 2013 and has since spread across major fruit-producing states. Although previously detected in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), records were limited to isolated individuals, never in commercial orchards. Here, we provide the first evidence of D. suzukii establishment in a commercial ‘Biloxi’ blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum Linnaeus, field in Sapucaia, RJ. Initial vinegar traps captured seven females, confirmed in the laboratory. Subsequent banana–yeast bait traps collected both sexes, including one male, confirming establishment. Emergence assays from naturally damaged fruits demonstrated reproductive success, resulting in approximately 279 individuals (110 males and 169 females) from a total of 1.6 kg of damaged fruits. Monitoring also detected Zaprionus spp. (Diptera: Drosophilidae), another invasive drosophilid associated with fruit damage. To assess management options, we evaluated susceptibility of this D. suzukii population to imidacloprid. Bioassays showed that exposure to 0.140 mg/mL (LC50 for a susceptible reference strain) killed approximately 50% of adults, indicating local susceptibility, in contrast to reduced susceptibility reported in other Brazilian strains. Collectively, these findings confirm D. suzukii establishment in a new blueberry-producing region, reveal potential phytosanitary risks, and suggest that chemical control options remain effective locally. This integrated evidence highlights the importance of early monitoring and management strategies to safeguard Brazil’s expanding blueberry industry.

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ABSTRACT In the present study, sawflies and woodwasps (Symphyta) are recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia. The study identifies seven species across four different families: Orussus arabicus Gadallah and Soliman, sp. nov. and Pseudoryssus niehuisorum Kraus (Fam: Orussidae); Athalia vollenhoveni Gribodo (Fam: Athaliidae); Corynis citrina (Pérez) (Fam: Cimbicidae); Taxonus terminalis (Say), Tenthredo (Elinora) cf. baetica dominquei (Konow) and T. (E.) flaveola Gmelin (Fam: Tenthredinidae). Only two of the species recorded here previously reported from the Arabian Peninsula: Athalia vollenhoveni from Yemen, and Corynis citrina from Bahrain. Here we provide detailed illustrations and diagnoses of the species based on specimens recorded from Saudi fauna and also a map representing distribution of species in the Arabian Peninsula.

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ABSTRACT The microbial communities associated with muscid flies have gained increased attention due to their changing composition across developmental stages, which is significantly influenced by environmental factors and available food sources. In this context, Musca domestica L. stands out as one of the most relevant species, primarily recognized as a mechanical vector of infectious agents, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Some of these agents can be transmitted to humans and animals, causing disease, largely due to the species frequent association with decomposing organic matter and contaminated environments, thereby facilitating the dissemination of microorganisms. Among the microorganisms that share these same environments, the eukaryotic protozoan genus Acanthamoeba deserves special attention. However, despite this environmental coexistence, current knowledge regarding Acanthamoeba species and their interactions with insects remains limited and fragmented, highlighting the need for further studies to clarify the specific role of flies in the epidemiology of Acanthamoeba infections. In this context, the occurrence of Acanthamoeba species. was investigated in wild populations of M. domestica. Flies were collected using traps distributed throughout the FIOCRUZ/RJ campus. 14 (28%) of the 50 flies examined tested positive for Acanthamoeba and were identified as genotype T4 by Sanger sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, a genotype commonly associated with keratitis. Active Acanthamoeba trophozoites were detected in the intestines of five flies. These findings reinforce the importance of understanding the ecological relationship between Acanthamoeba and M. domestica, given the potential role of these flies as environmental vectors in the dissemination of pathogens that may impact human health.

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ABSTRACT The family Pompilidae (Latreille, 1804), within the order Hymenoptera, comprises a monophyletic group of solitary wasps, notably specialized in the predation and provisioning of spiders as a larval resource. The genus Braunilla (= Balboana Banks, 1944), restricted to the Neotropical region, currently includes 11 valid species, of which only two have males formally described. Braunilla nigrina was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1946; however, the original description lacks precise information regarding the sex of the holotype, generating taxonomic uncertainty concerning the sexual identity of the species. In this context, the present study aimed to conduct a morphological revision of B. nigrina, focusing on sexual association and morphological characterization of the specimens. A total of 22 individuals were examined, collected from the Cerrado biome in the municipalities of Capitólio and Ingaí, southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Based on detailed morphological analyses, it was possible to associate males and females, which allowed for the first formal description of the male and the redescription of the female based on additional material. Regional studies such as this are essential for advancing the taxonomic knowledge of Pompilidae in Brazil, providing significant contributions in terms of morphological data, distributional records, and formal descriptions of poorly known species such as B. nigrina.

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ABSTRACT This study presents an illustrated dichotomous key to the genera of Drosophilidae recorded in Brazil, based on morphological characters extracted from published papers and the direct examination of specimens. Brazil harbors exceptional drosophilid diversity, with 20 genera and 394 valid species currently recognized in the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna, approximately 52% of which belong to the genus Drosophila. However, identification challenges persist because diagnostic information is fragmented across multiple publications, thereby restricting accurate biodiversity assessments and a comprehensive understanding of the Brazilian drosophilid fauna. All 20 genera listed in the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna were included, along with Microdrosophila, which was added based on unpublished records from Brazilian collections. The discussion addresses ongoing taxonomic challenges and the ecological relevance of different genera as bioindicators, agricultural pests, or potential biological control agents. This study addresses long-standing gaps in diagnostic resources, advances the understanding of drosophilid diversity in Brazil, and provides a practical tool for taxonomists, conservationists, and agricultural specialists.

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ABSTRACT The genus Sceliomorpha Ashmead is restricted to the New World, having mostly a Neotropical distribution. In this study we provide an update on the knowledge of Sceliomorpha from Brazil, with the description of seven new species: S. brunnipes sp. nov., S. dentata sp. nov., S. fulgida sp. nov., S. nigripes sp. nov., S. orbiculata sp. nov., S. porosa sp. nov. and S. signata sp. nov. Six of them are proposed based on specimens from the state of Paraná, in southern Brazil, and one from the state of Mato Grosso, in central Brazil. For the newly described species both males and females are reported for S. brunnipes sp. nov., S. fulgida sp. nov., S. orbiculata sp. nov. and S. signata sp. nov., while for the remaining ones only males are known. In addition, identification keys for males and females of Sceliomorpha are included.

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ABSTRACT Gynandromorphism, the occurrence of individuals with mixed male and female traits, is rarely reported in mosquitoes and is especially uncommon in the genus Toxorhynchites Theobald, 1901. This is the first bilateral gynandromorph of the Neotropical species, Toxorhynchites (Lynchiella) haemorrhoidalis (Fabricius, 1787) from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, and the second for the genus. Immature stages were collected from open coconut shells on the ground in the primary forest of the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, reared to the adult stage under laboratory conditions, and preserved as voucher material. The pupal exuviae and adult were examined morphologically, including dissection of the terminalia. The gynandromorph pupal exuviae show slightly asymmetrical genital lobes. The adult specimen exhibits bilateral gynandromorphism, with male characters on the right and female characters on the left, except for the 180°-rotated terminalia, which have inverted dorsal and ventral components. Sex-specific traits differ between sides in antennae, maxillary palpi, tarsal colour pattern, claw morphology, wing length, density of red lateral abdominal setae, and in the composition and position of the terminalia components, which combine predominantly male elements with a few female elements, such as cercus, hypoproct, and two spermathecae.

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ABSTRACT A new species of Salpingogaster is described from southern Brazil, S. distincta Mengual, Veríssimo & Auad sp. nov. The new species is very similar to the widespread S. nigra Schiner. We describe the new species in full and provide images and DNA barcodes of the closest species to differentiate them. Moreover, a RAPD analysis was performed to test its value to distinguish our new species from Salpingogaster nigra. Larvae and adults of the new species were collected in fields of elephant grass, Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone. Larvae of the new species are reported feeding on spittlebugs Mahanarva spectabilis and Aeneolamia contigua (Hemiptera: Cercopidae). Until now our efforts to rear the species in captivity have not been successful.

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ABSTRACT Sustainable mosquito control requires safe and effective botanical alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Typha orientalis has been traditionally utilized in various ecological settings, yet its larvicidal potential and underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of a phytosterol-rich extract from T. orientalis, identify its major chemical constituents, assess its molecular interactions with key mosquito targets, and predict its environmental and toxicological profiles using in silico tools. The methanolic extract exhibited strong dose-dependent larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus, with an LC50 value of 45.3 ppm. GC–MS profiling revealed a phytosterol-dominant composition, with γ-sitosterol (30.05%), stigmasterol (21.07%), and campesterol (11.78%) as major constituents. Molecular docking showed high binding affinities of γ-sitosterol toward Anopheles gambiae acetylcholinesterase (−9.375 kcal/mol) and of stigmasterol toward the Aedes aegypti ecdysone receptor (−9.323 kcal/mol), suggesting a multi-target mode of action. In silico toxicology predicted favorable biodegradability and low bioaccumulation potential (Log BCF < 3) for all three sterols. However, models indicated high acute toxicity risks to Daphnia magna and Apis mellifera, as well as a potential genotoxicity alert for campesterol. The phytosterol-rich extract of T. orientalis demonstrates potent larvicidal activity supported by strong molecular interactions with key mosquito targets. Despite its promising biodegradability and low bioaccumulation potential, predicted ecotoxicity toward aquatic invertebrates and pollinators highlights the need for further environmental safety validation. These findings advance the understanding of phytosterol-based larvicides and support continued assessment toward their sustainable application.

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ABSTRACT Despite ongoing taxonomic efforts, species diversity and geographic distributions remain poorly documented for many groups of Osmyloidea, including in parts of Asia. In this study, we contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of Osmyloidea, the sole group of lacewings (Insecta: Neuroptera) with both freshwater and terrestrial representatives, while also reducing distributional gaps for the group. We conducted detailed examination of lacewing specimens from Vietnam from worldwide entomological museums. We described two new species of Osmylidae, Osmylus hagiangensis sp. nov. and Thaumatosmylus solitarius sp. nov. This is the first record of the genera Osmylus Latreille and Thaumatosmylus Krüger from Vietnam, totalling new records of four species of Osmylidae. We also provide the first record of three species of Sisyridae in the country Sisyra nikkoana (Navás), S. nobilia Yang, Zheng & Liu and Sisyrina qiong Yang & Gao. Previous studies recorded only five species and four genera in Vietnam, and our research nearly doubles this diversity: 12 species in six different genera.

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ABSTRACT Agriculture in Brazil stands out globally due to favorable environmental conditions that support high productivity; however, pest infestations remain a major challenge, increasing production costs and reducing crop efficiency. In Espírito Santo state, tomato cultivation is especially important in regions characterized by intensive pesticide use. Although Spodoptera frugiperda is considered a secondary pest in tomato crops, its management often requires chemical control, and the entomopathogenic virus Alphabaculovirus spofrugiperdae has emerged as a promising agent of biological control alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of A. spofrugiperdae with fungicides commonly used in tomato disease management. The experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions at the Insect Microbial Control Laboratory of NUDEMAFI, Federal University of Espírito Santo. A commercial bioinsecticide (Buick®) based on A. spofrugiperdae was evaluated alone and in combination with fungicides formulated with azoxystrobin + difenoconazole + chlorothalonil, acibenzolar-S-methyl, captan, difenoconazole, difenoconazole + pydiflumetofen, mancozeb, and chlorothalonil. Larval mortality of S. frugiperda was assessed in bioassays to determine product compatibility. Compatibility was observed between A. spofrugiperdae and all tested fungicides. Mancozeb resulted in the highest larval mortality in all assays, and this effect was attributed to the fungicide when applied alone; however, when mancozeb was applied together with the baculovirus, mortality reflected the combined action of both agents. Although no pH adjustment was performed, measurements showed that the mixtures remained acidic, a condition that does not inactivate baculoviruses, suggesting that pH did not interfere with viral activity. These findings indicate that A. spofrugiperdae can be used in combination with fungicides in tomato disease management, potentially reducing production costs and supporting sustainable pest control strategies.

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ABSTRACT Dryinidae, commonly known as pincer wasps, are parasitoids that attack both nymphs and adults of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera). In the Neotropical region, their diversity is considered largely underestimated, making it one of the most species-rich regions for this family worldwide. This study presents the first comprehensive checklist of Dryinidae species from Chile, comprising 15 species distributed across six genera and four subfamilies: Aphelopinae, Aphelopus (3 spp.); Anteoninae, Deinodryinus (3 spp.), Metanteon (1 sp.); Apodryininae, Apodryinus (1 sp.); Gonatopodinae, Gonatopus (6 spp.), and Haplogonatopus (1 sp.). New distribution records are reported for Deinodryinus nigrorufus and Gonatopus chilensis, expanding their known ranges within the country. For each species, we provide extended diagnoses and updated distribution maps. For D. nigrorufus and G. chilensis, we also present high-resolution images, including scanning electron micrographs, for the first time. An illustrated identification key to all Chilean Dryinidae is also provided. By addressing critical gaps in the knowledge of South American Dryinidae, this work offers a valuable foundation for future taxonomic and faunistic studies in the region.