Abstract Antispastis Meyrick, 1926 is a poorly known genus of leaf-mining micromoths endemic to the Neotropics, with still uncertain taxonomic position within the Yponomeutoidea. In the present study, the egg, larva and pupa of A. clarkei Pastrana, previously known only from Argentina, are described and illustrated with the aid of optical and scanning electron microscopy. Data on life history, including histology of the mine, are also provided. Family placement of the genus is reassessed based on comparison of morphology and DNA sequences with closely related lineages. The larvae form blotch mines on the upper surface of Solanum L. (Solanaceae) leaves, feeding on palisade parenchyma in all instars. Pupation occurs outside the mine, in an inverted basket-like, large-meshed cocoon constructed on the plant surface. DNA analysis of Cytochrome oxidase I gene of A. clarkei revealed interspecific differences averaging 10% with A. xylophragma, which provided species separation matching morphological differences. Antispastis was closely related phylogenetically to Digitivalva, clustering in the Acrolepiinae together with the genera Acrolepia and Acrolepiopsis, and ultimately placed within Glyphipterigidae. The geographical distribution of A. clarkei is expanded to the Southern Atlantic forest (Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná states, Brazil).

ABSTRACT Larvae of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae), especially in the world-wide genus Alucita Linnaeus, 1758 are known as borers or gall-inducers on flowers, fruits and shoots of a few dicotyledonous families, including Bignoniaceae, Caprifoliaceae and Rubiaceae. However, there is no study available on the biology of the monotypic, Neotropical genus Prymnotomis Meyrick, 1931 except for its original description that was based on a single male, the holotype of Prymnotomis crypsicroca Meyrick, 1931 from Espirito Santo, Brazil. We describe here a second species for this genus, Prymnotomis cecidicola sp. nov. whose larvae induce galls on Cordiera elliptica (Cham.) Kuntze (Rubiaceae), a dioecious plant with dimorphic inflorescences found in the Brazilian Cerrado, Planaltina City, Federal District. Adults, larvae, pupae and galls are illustrated under light and scanning electron microscopy. Galls are green, spherical, unilocular and develop individually on C. elliptica flower buds. During development they look like fruits in shape and colour but are larger, do not have style scars when on female plants, and are induced also in male inflorescences. Pupation occurs outside the gall within a silk cocoon, presumably in the litter. A preliminary analysis of DNA barcode sequences including putative members of other alucitid lineages and Neotropical BINs (Barcode Index Number) supports Prymnotomis cecidicola sp. nov. as an independent phylogenetic unit, with 12 to 18% divergence. Its nearest-neighbour was the BIN cluster 5 (BOLD:AAA0842) that includes specimens from Costa Rica.

ABSTRACT During recent studies performed in the Atlantic Forest, a new species of Phyllocnistinae (Gracillariidae), Phyllocnistis hemera sp. nov., leaf miner of Daphnopsis fasciculata (Thymelaeaceae) was discovered. The adults are described and illustrated as well as the immature stages, with notes on natural history including a description of the leaf mine. Additionally, DNA barcode sequences were compared to other representatives of Phyllocnistinae to test for the specific status of P. hemera and to infer phylogenetic relationships. This is the fifth species described for the genus Phyllocnistis in the Atlantic Forest and the first record of a gracillarid mining Thymelaeaceae leaves.

ABSTRACT Stigmella schinivora van Nieukerken, 2016 was described from Cataratas de Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina, based on adults reared from Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) leaf mines. The aim of this study is to describe for the first time the external morphology of the immature stages of S. schinivora with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopy, based on mines collected on the same host plant, but in Laranjeiras do Sul, Paraná, Brazil. Data on natural history, including histology of the mines, are also provided. The larva passes through four instars, all endophytic, having chewing mouth parts and feeding on the palisade parenchyma. The first three instars are apodous and have a subcylindrical body, bearing only one pair of setae on the tenth abdominal segment; the fourth instar is eruciform, with well-developed ambulatory calli on thorax and abdomen and setae on all tagmata. A serpentine mine is constructed on the adaxial surface, progressively increasing in width during larval development. With the exception of the widened, terminal section, the mine is left filled with larval feces. The fully developed larva of last instar exits through a slit made at the distal end of the mine, building a silk cocoon on the leaf abaxial surface where pupation occurs. This is the first record of S. schinivora from Brazil, which was only known from the type locality in Argentina.

ABSTRACT The Neotropical micromoth genus Leurocephala Davis & Mc Kay, 2011 (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) was originally described to include only the type species, L. schinusae Davis & Mc Kay, 2011, whose leaf miner larvae are associated with Anacardiaceae in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. An integrative analysis including morphology, life history and DNA barcode sequences revealed that specimens collected on Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) in the coastal valleys of the Atacama Desert of northern Chile belong to a second species of this formerly monotypic genus. Adults of Leurocephala chilensis Vargas & Moreira sp. nov. are herein described and illustrated in association with the immature stages and life history, and corresponding phylogenetic relationships are assessed based on DNA barcode sequences. This finding provides the first record of Leurocephala from west of the Andes Range, expanding remarkably its geographic range. It is suggested that the extent of diversity within Leurocephala is much greater and that variation in geographic factors and host plant use may have modeled it, an evolutionary hypothesis that should be assessed in further studies.

ABSTRACT Gracillariidae (Lepidoptera) are commonly known by the leaf miner habit found in the larval stage of most species. By using worldwide, public databases on species diversity and DNA sequences available for extant gracillariid species, we determined changes in the rate of taxonomic species descriptions through time, mapped their spatial distributions, examined their phylogenetic diversification, and estimated the number of species yet to be described for the family in the Neotropics. We recovered 185 species, a number that is smaller than that found in any other biogeographic region. However, it was estimated that at least 3875 additional species remain to be described in the region. Phylogenetic diversification showed a pattern of expanding diversity. A few entomologists have been involved with gracillariid taxonomy in the Neotropics, having 39% of the species been described by a single taxonomist. In most of such cases, descriptions were based on the adults only. A few species have been described from biomes known to have some of the greatest diversity on earth, such as the Atlantic Forest. Thus, such a scenario results from low sampling and scarce taxonomic activity that has prevailed for this family of moths in the Neotropics. It may also be associated with their small body size and to the fact that gracillariids do not seem to be attracted to light traps as much as other moths, which make their collection and identification by non experts difficult. We also suggested scientific and political actions that could be adopted to overcome such an unfavorable scenario.

Supõe-se que insetos galhadores de hábito sugador causam menos alterações nos tecidos vegetais, já que eles usualmente não necessitam de um tecido nutritivo diferenciado para sua alimentação. Essa premissa foi examinada pelo uso da histometria, citometria e comparação do desenvolvimento de folhas não galhadas e galhas de Calophya duvauae (Scott) (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) em Schinus polygamus (Cav.) Cabrera (Anacardiaceae). As galhas demonstraram alterações nos tipos celulares durante a diferenciação tecidual. C. duvauae causou mudanças nos sistemas de revestimento, fundamental e vascular das folhas de S. polygamus. A atividade alimentar induziu a homogeneização do parênquima, a neoformação dos tecidos vasculares e tricomas. Os dados histométricos revelaram efeitos compensatórios de hiperplasia e hipertrofia celular na epiderme, predominando a hiperplasia na epiderme adaxial. Houve um balanço entre esses processos nos demais tecidos. Assim, obtivemos diferenças expressivas entre as trajetórias de desenvolvimento das folhas com e sem galhas. Essas alterações foram associadas a alterações fenotípicas relacionadas à provisão de abrigo e microambiente adequado ao galhador. A não diferenciação de um tecido nutritivo típico neste caso foi comparada com sistemas de galhas induzidas por outros artrópodes, sendo sugerido como uma convergência associada ao aparato alimentar perfurador do agente indutor.

Galling sap-feeding insects are presumed to cause only minor changes in host plant tissues, because they usually do not require development of nutritive tissues for their own use. This premise was examined through comparison of the histometry, cytometry and anatomical development of non-galled leaves and galls of Calophya duvauae (Scott) (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) on Schinus polygamus (Cav.) Cabrera (Anacardiaceae). Cell fates changed from non-galled leaves to galls during the course of tissue differentiation. C. duvauae caused changes in dermal, ground, and vascular systems of the leaves of S. polygamus. Its feeding activity induced the homogenization of the parenchyma, and the neoformation of vascular bundles and trichomes. The histometric and cytometric data revealed compensatory effects of hyperplasia and cell hypertrophy in the epidermis, with hyperplasia predominating in the adaxial epidermis. There was a balance between these processes in the other tissues. Thus, we found major differences between the developmental pathways of non-galled leaves and galls. These changes were associated with phenotypic alterations related to shelter and appropriate microenvironmental conditions for the gall inducer. The nondifferentiation of a typical nutritive tissue in this case was compared to other non-phylogenetically related arthropod gall systems, and is suggested to result from convergence associated with the piercing feeding apparatus of the corresponding gall-inducer.

Usando a microscopia eletrônica de varredura, foram descritas e ilustradas a morfologia externa e a distribuição das sensilas antenais da fêmea de Gryon gallardoi (Bréthes), um importante parasitóide de ovos de coreídeos. As antenas são genículo-clavadas, dotadas de 12 antenômeros. Ao longo do flagelo, foram registradas glândulas dorsais e sete tipos de sensilas: papilárias, caéticas, de dois tamanhos - uma mais alongada e outra mais curta, estilocônicas, cavilhas, falciformes e tricóides, com variação numérica e espacial entre os flagelômeros. Aspectos referentes à função das sensilas, em associação ao comportamento de tamborilamento antenal de G. gallardoi são discutidos Assim, a descrição e a determinação do padrão de distribuição das sensilas antenais de G. gallardoi, no presente estudo, é um avanço no sentido de elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos nos comportamento de seleção de hospedeiros dessa espécie.

With the aid of scanning electron microscopy, the external morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla were described for females of Gryon gallardoi (Bréthes), an egg-parasitoid of coreids. The geniculated and clavated antennae are composed of 12 antennomeres. Along the flagelum we registered dorsal glands and seven types of sensilla: papillary, chaetica of two sizes - long and short types, styloconic grooved-peg, sickle-shaped and trichodea with numerical and spatial variation among the flagellomeres. Functional aspects of the sensilla are discussed in the context of G. gallardoi antennal drumming behavior. Thus, the determination and the description pattern of antennal sensilla in G. gallardoi, in the present study, is an advance regarding the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the host selection behavior of this species.

Avaliou-se a influência do nitrogênio no crescimento e nas características morfológicas e nutricionais de Passiflora suberosa L. e as conseqüências no desempenho larval e oviposição de Heliconius erato phyllis (Fabricius). Foram utilizados três níveis de nitrogênio no solo (tratamentos) para o cultivo de P. suberosa: 0, 150 e 300 mg L-1. Larvas recém-eclodidas foram criadas em laboratório (25 ± 1ºC), individualmente, em ramos das plantas cultivadas em cada tratamento e fêmeas capturadas em campo foram submetidas a testes de escolha para oviposição. A taxa de crescimento, a área foliar e o comprimento dos internódios de P. suberosa aumentaram significativamente com a adição de nitrogênio. A dureza das folhas jovens nas plantas cultivadas sem adição de nitrogênio foi maior, as quais também apresentaram menor conteúdo de água. Houve maior concentração de nitrogênio e potássio nas plantas cultivadas com a adição de nitrogênio no solo. A qualidade nutricional do alimento expressa pela maior concentração de nitrogênio e água, diminuiu o tempo de desenvolvimento larval e aumentou o tamanho dos adultos, embora não tenha afetado a sobrevivência de forma significativa. As fêmeas escolheram os ramos das plantas fertilizadas para oviposição, o que foi positivamente relacionado com desempenho das larvas. Isto poderia explicar a manutenção desse comportamento, bem como a escolha por ramos maiores, registrado em estudos anteriores.

The present study examines the influence of nitrogen on growth rates, morphological and nutritional characteristics of Passiflora suberosa L., and the corresponding consequences for Heliconius erato phyllis (Fabricius) growth and oviposition. The treatments consisted of different nitrogen doses (0, 150 and 300 mg L-1) applied to the soil. Newly emerged larvae were individually reared in the laboratory (25 ± 1ºC) on branches of P. suberosa obtained from plants grown under the three nitrogen levels, and field collected females were submitted to oviposition choice tests. P. suberosa growth rates, leaf area and internode length increased significantly when grown with nitrogen enriched soil. P. suberosa presented significantly greater leaf toughness when grown without nitrogen addition. Leaves of this species also presented lower water content and toughness. Nitrogen addition increased the concentration of nitrogen and potassium on plant leaf tissues. The greater nitrogen concentration on plants did not affect H. erato phyllis larval survival, but led to a reduction in larval development time and increased adult size. Females significantly preferred to lay eggs in plants cultivated in nitrogen enriched soil. This choice was positively correlated with larval performance, which could be a possible explanation for the maintenance of that behaviour, as well as the choice of larger branches as reported in previous studies.

Holymenia clavigera (Herbst) e Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae: Anisoscelini) são hemípteros pouco estudados e que ocorrem no sul do Brasil. Observações preliminares indicam alta coexistência no uso de suas plantas hospedeiras (passifloráceas). Adicionalmente, há uma acentuada semelhança morfológica dos ovos e ninfas. Objetiva-se caracterizar e comparar as suas trajetórias ontogenéticas através de curvas de crescimento e da alometria ontogenética multivariada, uma vez que a única diferença aparente entre as espécies é uma dilatação da tíbia no terceiro par de pernas de A. foliacea marginella. Por não apresentarem as formas das tíbias distintas visualmente nos primeiro e segundo ínstares, as diferenças entre as espécies foram quantificadas pela função spline de placas finas, com o relaxamento do algoritmo para pontos em contorno. Em todos os ínstares, H. clavigera foi significativamente maior que A foliacea marginella. As trajetórias ontogenéticas dos coreídeos foram estatisticamente diferentes, e as estruturas mensuradas apresentaram coeficientes alométricos significativamente distintos. A forma das tíbias de H. clavigera e A. foliacea marginella não foi estatisticamente diferente no primeiro, mas sim no segundo instar. No terceiro instar, a forma da tíbia desses coreídeos torna-se distinta a olho nu. Ou seja, embora sejam espécies com imaturos quase idênticos morfologicamente, seus padrões de crescimento e tamanho diferem de forma significativa. Assim, o tamanho apresenta-se como parâmetro útil para a diferenciação desses estágios.

Holymenia clavigera (Herbst) and Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) are distributed in southern Brazil and belong to the poorly studied tribe Anisoscelini. Preliminary observations indicate an ample coexistence of these species in terms of host-plant use. There is also a strong similarity regarding egg and nymph morphology. We characterized and compared their ontogenetic trajectories by means of growth curves and multivariate ontogenetic allometry, since the only apparent difference between these species is a remarkable growth in the hind tibia of A. foliacea marginella. Because their hind tibia is similar in the early instars, the shape variation of this structure was quantified by the thin plate splines function with the relaxed algorithm for semilandmarks. H. clavigera was significantly larger than A. foliacea marginella in all stages. Their ontogenetic trajectories were significantly different, and the allometric vectors did not present a significant correlation. Hind tibia shape was not statistically different in the first instar, but was different in the second instar. In the third instar, this difference became visually apparent. Thus, although these bugs are almost morphologically identical in the immature stages, their growth patterns and general size are different. We found size to be a useful parameter for species differentiation at these stages.

External morphology of the immature stages of neotropical heliconians: I. Eueides isabella dianasa (Hübner, 1806). The external features of egg, larva and pupa of Eueides isabella dianasa (Hübner, 1806) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae) are described and illustrated, based upon light and scanning electron microscopy.

A field survey of flowering plants used as food resource by the adults of Heliconius erato phyllis (Fabricius, 1775) was carried out in four sites located in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Samples were taken in preserved areas of the Atlantic Rain and Myrtaceae forests, an Eucalyptus plantation, and an urban park. Adult feeding frequencies on flowers were registered monthly from December 1996 to May 1997, on plants located on previously marked 200 m long transects. Flowers on which H. erato phyllis fed in the field were collected, drawn and morphometrically characterized. Feeding was registered on flowers of twenty-three species, of which seventeen are new records for H. erato in Brazil . The use of a given plant varied among localities, as a function of its corresponding abundance. The most visited flowers were those of Lantana camara L. and Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, followed by Dahliapinnata Voss in the urban site. The data suggest the existence of size and shape convergence between the proboscis and the small, tubular flowers upon which H. eratophyllis feeds. They also indicate that H. eratophyllis adults have an opportunistic nectar feeding / pollen gathering habit, using several of those flowers available in a given time and locality that fit such a morphometrical pattern. Since plant species of both primitive and derived families are used, there is no indication that phylogenetic constraints play a major role in this association, nor that color of flowers, growth pattern or size of the plants are relevant in determining their use by H. erato phyllis.