Protopolybia sedula es una avispa social enjambradora, ampliamente distribuida por varios países de las Américas, inclusive gran parte de Brasil. No obstante su distribución, son escasos los estudios sobre su ecología comportamental. Este estudio tuvo el fin de describir el horario de forrajeo y su relación con factores climáticos en Juiz de Fora, de Brasil. Tres colonias estuvieron bajo observación, entre las 00: 07 a las 18:00 horas, durante abril de 2012, enero de 2013 y marzo de 2013. Cada 30 minutos se registró el número de avispas forrajeadoras que salían o retornaban, así como temperatura y humedad del aire. La actividad forrajeadora se iniciaba cerca de las 07:30 con intensificación entre las 10:30 y 14:30 terminando cerca de las 18:00. Se registró una media de 52,7 salidas y 54 retornos cada 30 minutos. La media diaria fue de 1.107 ± 510,6 salidas y 1.135 ± 854,8 retornos. Sólo una colonia mostró relación significativa entre las salidas y la temperatura (rs = 0,8055; P < 0,0001) y entre salidas y humedad (rs = -0,7441; P = 0,0001). Este trabajo demuestra que las variables climáticas ejercen poco control sobre el ritmo de forrajeo de P. sedula en comparación con otras especies, sugiriendo la interacción de otros factores extrínsecos e intrínsecos estimulando esta actividad.

Protopolybia sedula is a social swarming wasp, widely spread throughout many countries in the Americas, including most of Brazil. Despite its distribution, studies of its behavioral ecology are scarce. This study aimed to describe its foraging activity and relation to climatic variables in the city of Juiz de Fora in southeastern Brazil. Three colonies were under observation between 07:00 and 18:00 during April 2012, January 2013, and March 2013. Every 30 minutes, the number of foragers leaving and returning to the colony was registered along with air temperature and relative humidity. Activity began around 07:30, increased between 10:30 and 14:30, and ended around 18:30. A mean of 52.7 exits and 54 returns were measured every 30 minutes. The daily mean values were 1,107 ± 510.6 exits and 1,135 ± 854.8 returns. Only one colony showed a significant correlation between forager exits and temperature (rs = 0.8055; P < 0.0001) and between exits and relative humidity (rs = -0.7441; P = 0.0001). This paper shows that climatic variables are likely to have little control on the foraging rhythm of P. sedula when compared to other species, suggesting the interaction of other external and internal factors as stimuli of species foraging behavior.

RESUMO. O conhecimento das atividades de forrageio de Apis mellifera sob a influência dos fatores abióticos ainda não está completamente elucidado. Conhecer as interações entre abelhas e plantas de importância apícola é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de metodologias de manejo, que visem à produtividade e desenvolvimento da apicultura. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo conhecer o horário de forrageio de A. mellifera e avaliar a influência dos fatores ambientais sobre o forrageio nas inflorescências de Vernonia polyanthes. O estudo foi conduzido em uma área rural da cidade de Valença, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. As visitas das operárias de A. mellifera as inflorescências de V. polyanthes ocorreram das 9 às 16 h, com maior atividade entre 11 e 15 h. Dos fatores abióticos estudados, umidade relativa do ar (rs = -0,691; p < 0,0001) e temperatura (rs = 0,531; p < 0,0001) se correlacionaram com a atividade forrageadora. O aumento da temperatura e diminuição da umidade aumentou a frequência no forrageio das abelhas, sendo responsáveis por 46,9% da atividade de A. mellifera. Este trabalho fornece subsídios para o desenvolvimento da apicultura, uma vez que destaca a importância de V. polyanthes como fonte de recurso para A. mellifera durante o inverno, sendo uma boa alternativa para os apicultores melhorarem a produtividade dessa atividade econômica, principalmente em áreas de pastagem ou cultivos abandonados, com abundância de Assa-peixe.

ABSTRACT. Knowledge on the foraging activity of Apis mellifera under the influence of abiotic factors has not been fully elucidated. Knowing the interactions between bees and plants with beekeeping relevance is fundamental to develop management strategies aimed at improving the beekeeping productivity. In this way, this study aimed to determine the foraging schedule of A. mellifera and to assess the influence of environmental factors on the foraging on inflorescences of Vernonia polyanthes. The study was conducted in the rural area of Valença, Rio de Janeiro State. Visits of A. mellifera workers to V. polyanthes inflorescences occurred from 9 am to 4 pm, especially between 11 am and 3 pm. Among the abiotic variables, relative humidity (rs = -0.691; p < 0.0001) and temperature (rs = 0.531; p < 0.0001) were correlated with foraging activity. Increase in temperature and decrease in humidity resulted in increased frequency in bee foraging activity, accounting for 46.9% of the activity in A. mellifera. This study provides subsidies to the development of apiculture, emphasizing the importance of V. polyanthes as a food resource during winter, representing a good alternative to increase the productivity, especially in areas of grasslands or abandoned crops, where 'Assa-peixe' is abundant.

A species' mating system depends on its spatial distribution and temporal availability of mating opportunities, as well as on the resources that create these opportunities. In addition, for many species, courtship is driven by specific behaviors that precede and follow copulation. Although Sphex ingens is a taxonomically well known species of digger wasp, its ecology and behavior remain poorly known. Hence, we analyzed patterns and trends of sexual behavior, in order to understand whether courtship can persist in a polygamous mating system. We monitored by video wasp populations in Ilha Grande, southeastern Brazil. Based on the observed behaviors, we calculated stochastic probabilities with a Markov chain to infer on behavioral trends. We recorded four behavioral phases based on 19,196 behavioral acts observed in 224 copulation attempts. There were no significant differences in common behavioral acts between males and females. The copulation patterns, conflicts, and trends observed in S. ingens clearly show the influence of sexual selection in its promiscuous mating system.

Ants inhabit several types of natural and urban habitats, where they successfully nest. In urban environments, the hospitals should be considered priority for studies, as ants pose risks to human health due to their pathogen carrying potential. We aimed at surveying the literature about studies on ants in hospital settings in Brazil in the past 20 years. We found 40 papers in 22 journals, the first one published in 1993. Among them, 26 papers assessed pathogenic microorganisms on ants. We recorded 59 ant species, being Tapinoma melanocephalumthe most common. The Minas Gerais and São Paulo states had the largest number of published papers. Mato Grosso do Sul and Rio Grande do Sul showed the highest number of species. Exotic ant species were recorded in all states, except Goiás. Considering the potential to carry microorganisms and the importance of thorough studies on the ecology of ant species, our results can support and guide further research in Brazil.

Nesting substrata, colony success and productivity of the wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga. Colonies of the wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga (von Ihering, 1903) are easily found in urban areas. However, in spite of the massive presence of this species in cities, little is known about its nesting habits, colony success and productivity. The present study aimed at answering the following questions: What are the substrates used for nesting by M. cassununga? What is the main foundation strategy adopted by M. cassununga in urban areas: a solitary female or associative foundation? Is there a relationship between foundation strategies and colony success? Is the total number of cells per nest related to the number of adults produced? The study was conducted in Juiz de Fora, southeastern Brazil, from December 2006 to November 2007. Nesting in man-made substrata seems to be a common strategy in M. cassununga (90.9%), with preference for nest building with a horizontal comb facing north. The colonies were established mainly by groups of foundresses (67.6%), with a success of 84%. The number of brood cells produced per nest was 71.74 ± 45.25 (18-203), and it was positively correlated with the number of adults produced. Hence, we can say that the nests founded by M. cassununga are located mainly in man-made substrata and mostly founded by a group of females. The cell reuse behavior increases the number of adults produced, as it optimizes foraging. These characteristics together with its behavior and nesting habits promote the success of this species in thriving in urban environments.

Registra-se a nidificação associada entre a vespa social Polybia rejecta (Fabricius, 1798) e a formiga Azteca chartifex Forel, 1896 no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais. Esta associação é observada neste bioma pela primeira vez. Observaram-se doze colônias de P. rejectafundadas ao lado de ninhos da A. chartifex . Cada colônia da vespa social foi fundada a uma distância em torno de 10 a 20 cm do ninho da formiga, não ocorrendo sobreposição das colônias. Os ninhos das vespas eram menores em relação a formiga, porém a coloração do invólucro protetor era semelhante, o que dificultava a diferenciação entre os ninho da vespa e da formiga.

Records to nesting between associated social wasp Polybia rejecta(Fabricius, 1798) and the ant Azteca chartifex Forel, 1896 in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, are reported. This association is reported for the first time in this biome. Twelve colonies of P. rejecta founded close to nests of A. chartifex were observed. The wasp colonies were founded at a distance of about 10-20 cm from the ant nest and they did not overlap. The nests of wasps were smaller compared to ant, but the coloring was similar protective casing, making it difficult to differentiate between the wasp nest and the ant.

Successful heterospecific use of abandoned nests has been reported in birds. Although the same behavior has been observed in wasps, the success of such tactic has not been demonstrated. We described two cases in which the social wasp Polistes versicolor successfully reared its brood in empty nests of the social wasps Mischocyttarus drewseni and Mischocyttarus cassununga (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). We showed that this is a rare but a viable reproductive tactic for both solitary and associative foundress. Unlike birds, which use heterspecific nests very similar to their own, wasps are able to use heterspecific nests that do differ from their own.

El uso adecuado de los nidos abandonados ha sido reportado en aves. Aunque el mismo comportamiento se ha observado en avispas, pero el éxito de tal táctica no ha sido demostrada. Se describen dos casos en los que la avispa social Polistes versicolor utiliza con éxito los nidos vacíos de la avispa social Mischocyttarus drewseni y Mischocyttarus cassununga (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Hemos demostrado que esta es una rara, pero una viable táctica reproductiva. A diferencia de las aves, que utilizan nidos muy similares a las suyas, las avispas son capaces de utilizar los nidos que difieran de los suyos.

Polistes ferreri Saussure, 1853 is a Neotropical paper wasp often found in anthropic environments. However, there is little information available on biological, ecological and behavioral interactions of this species under these environmental conditions. This study investigated the colony cycle, foundation strategy and nesting biology of this species. From March of 2000 to February of 2004, several colonies were studied in the municipal district of Juiz de Fora, in southeastern Brazil. The colony cycle events of P. ferreri are concentrated in specific periods of the year. The colonies are established principally by association of females, the latter is the foundation strategy that confers the greatest success. Nidification on manmade substrates seems common for the species. The peduncle of the nest is increased in width to support the weight of colony members. Likewise, cells are increased in height, in accordance with the size of the layers of meconium, allowing accommodation of the immature. It is suggested that, at least for post-emergent colonies of P. ferreri, the cost of nest construction is not a factor limiting the development of the colonies. Finally, the results also support the idea that the reuse of cells is an advantageous strategy because it saves costs related to the construction of new cells.

Polistes ferreri Saussure, 1853 es una avispa de papel neotropical encontrada a menudo en ambientes antrópicos. Sin embargo, hay poca información disponible sobre las interacciones biológicas, ecológicas y de comportamiento de esta especie en estas condiciones ambientales. Este estudio investigó el ciclo de la colonia, la estrategia de fundación y la biología de anidación de esta especie. Desde marzo de 2000 a febrero de 2004, varias colonias fueron estudiadas en el municipio de Juiz de Fora, en el sureste de Brasil. Los eventos del ciclo de la colonia de P. ferreri se concentran en determinados períodos del año. Las colonias se establecen, principalmente, por asociación de hembras, siendo esta la estrategia que se traduce en un mayor éxito. La nidificación en sustratos artificiales parece común para la especie. El pedúnculo del nido va aumentando en ancho para soportar el peso de los miembros de la colonia. Del mismo modo, las celdas aumentan en altura, de acuerdo con el tamaño de las capas de meconio, lo que permite el alojamiento de los inmaduros. Se sugiere que, al menos para las colonias de postemergentes de P. ferreri, el costo de la construcción del nido no es un factor que limita el desarrollo de las colonias. Por último, los resultados también apoyan la idea de que la reutilización de las celdas es una estrategia ventajosa porque reduce los costos relacionados con la construcción de nuevas celdas.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os recursos forrageados por Polistes versicolor em área de reflorestamento com eucalipto e identificar as presas forrageadas. No período de janeiro a dezembro de 2007, foram realizadas 24 observações da atividade forrageadora de colônias de P. versicolor presentes em um reflorestamento de eucalipto, em Juiz de Fora, MG, totalizando 240 horas de registros. Durante as dez horas de observação diária, foram registrados e qualificados, a cada 30 minutos, os retornos das operárias para a colônia. Foram registrados 1.809 retornos, dos quais 51,63% foram com néctar; 6,85%, com água; 4,7%, com fibra vegetal; 17,41%, com presas; e 19,40%, sem recurso forrageado (improdutivos). As operárias de P. versicolor predaram exclusivamente lagartas de lepidópteros, que foram a única fonte de proteína animal oferecida aos insetos imaturos, na colônia. Dessa forma, a espécie estudada apresenta potencial como agente controlador biológico de herbívoros desfolhadores de eucalipto.

The objective of this work was to determine the resources foraged by Polistes versicolor on an eucalyptus reforestation and to identify preys in the resources foraged. From January to December, 2007, 24 foraging activity observations were done on colonies of P. versicolor in an eucalyptus reforestation, in Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil, totalizing 240 hours of registrations. During ten hours, the return of the workers to the colony was registered and qualified, every 30 minutes. In this work, 1,809 returns were registered, and 51.63% were with nectar; 6.85%, with water; 4.7%, with vegetable fiber; 17.41%, with preys; and 19.40%, without foraged resource (unproductive). Polistes versicolor workers preys exclusively caterpillars, that were the only animal protein source offered to the immature insects in the colony. Thus, the studied species can be used as a biological controller of eucalyptus defoliating herbivores.

A criação de Galleria mellonella L. em laboratório é de grande importância para a multiplicação de nematóides entomopatogênicos, fundamental para estudos de controle biológico. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito de três diferentes condições térmicas sobre os estágios imaturos desse inseto, possibilitando a sincronização de sua produção. Foram empregadas duas etapas na criação, utilizando núcleo de incubação para desenvolvimento dos ovos e recipientes circulares de alumínio para desenvolvimento de larvas e pupas. A duração dos estágios imaturos foi inversamente proporcional à temperatura em todos os bioensaios executados. Os períodos de incubação foram de 13,4 dias a 22ºC, 8,3 a 27ºC e 6,8 a 32ºC. Para os períodos de desenvolvimento larval foram obtidos valores de 40,4, 27,2 e 23,4 dias, sob as mesmas temperaturas. O desenvolvimento pupal realizou-se em 18,2, 15,0 e 12,2 dias, na mesma ordem de temperatura. A maior sobrevivência para o estágio larval ocorreu a 32ºC; no entanto, para os estágios embrionário e pupal, as maiores sobrevivências foram registradas a 27ºC e 22ºC, respectivamente. A temperatura base para a espécie foi de 11,209167ºC para o desenvolvimento embrionário, 7,695869ºC para o estágio larval e 1,943050ºC para o pupal. As constantes térmicas foram 138,380533 GD (graus dia) para o estágio de ovo, 554,968830 GD, para larva e 369,054080 GD para pupa.

The rearing of Galleria mellonella L. in laboratory is important for multiplication of entomopathogenic nematodes, mandatory for biological control studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three thermal profiles on development stages of this insect, allowing synchronization of cycle production. Two distinct rearing phases were done: firstly, using nucleous of incubation for development of eggs and, secondly, using circular-aluminum manifolds for development of larvae and pupae. The time necessary for development of the immature stages decreased with higher temperatures. Incubation periods lasted 13.4 days at 22ºC, 8.3 at 27ºC and 6.8 days at 32ºC, while periods for larvae development lasted 40.4, 27.2, and 23.4 days, respectively, for the same temperatures. Development to pupal stage was observed 18.2, 15.0, and 12.2 days, respectively, for the same temperatures. Larval survival was higher at 32ºC, however embryonic stages and pupae survival were higher at 27ºC. and 22ºC, respectively. The threshold temperature was 11.209167ºC for the embryonic development stage, 7.695869ºC for larval stage, and 1.943050ºC for pupal stage of G. mellonella. Thermal constants were 138.380533 DG (degree day) for egg, 554.968830 DG for larvae, and 369.054080 DG for pupae.

Estudos de levantamento de espécies são importantes para o conhecimento dos recursos naturais além de contribuírem com informações de características ecológicas de uma determinada região. Não há estudos dessa natureza abordando vespas sociais no Triângulo Mineiro. O presente estudo investiga a diversidade das espécies encontradas em fragmentos de cerrado em Uberlândia, MG, e sua distribuição temporal. O trabalho de campo foi conduzido de outubro de 2003 a setembro de 2004, realizando-se 43 amostragens utilizando as metodologias de busca ativa e amostragem pontual. Foram encontradas 29 espécies em 10 gêneros, destacando-se Polybia e Polistes com 51,7% dos espécimes coletados. Mischocyttarus cerberus styx Richards representou 26,5% do total de indivíduos registrados para busca ativa e Agelaia pallipes (Olivier) correspondeu a 57,6% para amostragem pontual. Duas espécies apresentaram primeiro registro para Minas Gerais: Polybia striata (Fabricius) e M. cerberus styx. Os fragmentos estudados apresentaram elevado índice de diversidade (H’ = 0,66 a 1,16), grande quantidade de espécies raras e poucas espécies comuns. O método de amostragem pontual foi satisfatório para coletar as espécies mais comuns enquanto a busca ativa foi importante para a coleta de espécies raras. A metodologia de busca ativa foi mais eficiente, em termos de abundância, que a amostragem pontual, embora algumas espécies só tenham sido coletadas pelo método de amostragem pontual. Esses fatores revelaram que para efetuar um levantamento de vespas uma combinação de diferentes metodologias de coleta parece ser o mais indicado.

Sudies of species survey are important to know the available natural resources and to get useful information about the ecological characteristics of a specific area. There are not studies, on this issue, related to social wasps, in the Triângulo Mineiro region. The present study describes the diversity of species found in fragments of the cerrado region in Uberlândia, MG, and their temporal distribution. The field study was conducted from October 2003 to September 2004, and 43 samplings were carried out using active searching (24) and point sampling (19) methodologies. Twenty-nine species were found in 10 genera, Polybia and Polistes corresponding to 51.5% of the total listing. Mischocyttarus cerberus styx Richards represented 26.5% of the total individuals recorded by active searching and Agelaia pallipes (Olivier) corresponded to 57.6% by point sampling. Two species had their first record for the state of Minas Gerais: Polybia striata (Fabricius) and M. cerberus styx. The studied fragments presented a high level of diversity (H’ = 0.66 to 1.16), a large number of rare species and a few common species. To collect the more common species the point sampling method was satisfactory while active searching was better to collect the rarer species. The active searching methodology was more efficient than point sampling, however some species could only be collected by point sampling. These factors showed that in order to carry out a wasp survey, a combination of different collection methodologies seems to be more appropriate.

As vespas sociais são predadoras de muitas espécies de insetos e o estudo de suas presas pode revelar seu potencial para programas de controle biológico de pragas. Foram realizadas 240h de coleta de presas em 32 colônias de Polistes versicolor (Olivier) no município de Juiz de Fora, MG, de março de 2000 a fevereiro de 2001. As presas capturadas por P. versicolor foram, principalmente, das ordens Lepidoptera (95,4%) e Coleoptera (1,1%) além de 3,4% de indivíduos não identificados. A espécie mais coletada foi Chlosyne lacinia saundersii Doubleday & Hewitson (13,5%) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) e o número total estimado de presas capturadas por colônia de P. versicolor foi de 4.015 indivíduos por ano. Isso mostra que a espécie pode ser utilizada em programas de manejo integrado de pragas de insetos herbívoros, principalmente lagartas desfolhadoras.

The social wasps are predators of many insect species and the study of their preys can reveal the potential of these natural enemies in biological control programs. A total of 240h of collections of preys in 32 nests of Polistes versicolor (Olivier) was carried on in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from March 2000 to February 2001. The preys captured by P. versicolor were mainly those from the orders Lepidoptera (95.4%) and Coleoptera (1.1%) while 3.4% of them were not identified. Chlosyne lacinia saundersii Doubleday & Hewitson (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) was the most collected prey (13.5%). The total of 4,015 preys was estimated to be captured per colony of P. versicolor during one year. The species can be used in integrated pest management of herbivorous insects, especially defoliating caterpillars.

O comportamento de sair da colônia para o forrageio de materiais e a capacidade de retornar ao ninho é uma atividade complexa exibida pelas vespas sociais. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o raio de ação da vespa social P. simillimus. Os resultados dos testes com 125 vespas provenientes de 10 colônias em fase de pós-emergência, demonstraram que o raio de ação de P. simillimus é de aproximadamente 150 metros ao redor da colônia, resultando em uma área de forrageio com cerca de 70.650 m² por colônia, o que provem informações importantes para o manejo dessas colônias para o controle biológico em agrossistemas.

The aim of this study was to determine the flight range extension of the social wasps, Polistes simillimus. The results of the 125 wasps-carried out tests originating from 10 colonies in post-emergency stage demonstrated that the flight range extension of P. simillimus was of approximately 150m, resulting in a collection area of about 70.650m² by colony. It suggested wasp's efficiency as a biological control agent.

As vespas sociais são predadoras de várias espécies de insetos e, portanto, o estudo de suas presas pode revelar seu potencial para programas de controle biológico de pragas. Durante o período de setembro de 2000 a janeiro de 2002, foram realizadas 70h de coleta de presas capturadas em doze ninhos de Polybia platycephala Richards, localizados em áreas urbanas do município de Juiz de Fora, MG. As presas capturadas por P. platycephala compreenderam cinco ordens de insetos: Diptera (33,4%), Lepidoptera (28,6%), Hemiptera (12,0%), Hymenoptera (9,4%) e Coleoptera (7,2%). O peso médio da carga protéica transportada pelas vespas foi 1,9 ±1,6 mg (n = 34, 0,3 - 6,2 mg), e a taxa média de proteína transportada por dia foi 22,8 mg. De acordo com os resultados, pode-se estimar a captura de 4.380 presas por ano por uma única colônia de P. platycephala. Desta forma, a espécie pode ser utilizada em programas de manejo em ambientes urbanos contribuindo para o controle de insetos pragas como larvas de pernilongos, lagartas desfolhadoras de plantas de jardins, pulgões e formas aladas de formigas.

The social wasps are predators of several species of insects and the study of their preys can reveal their potential for programs of biological pest control. During the period of September 2000 to January 2002, were accomplished 70h of collections of the preys captured in twelve nests of Polybia platycephala Richards, placed in urban areas of Juiz de Fora municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The preys captured by P. platycephala include five orders of insects: Diptera (33.4%), Lepidoptera (28.6%), Hemiptera (12.0%), Hymenoptera (9.4%) e Coleoptera (7.2%). The mean weight of protein charge carried by the wasps was 1.9 ±1.6mg (n = 34, 0.3 - 6.2 mg), and the mean of protein transported per day was 22.8 mg. According to the results, we could estimate that 4,380 preys are captured by a single colony of P. platycephala during one year. Thus, this species could be used in management programs of urban pests, helping the equilibrium of this environment.

The corn is a plantation attacked by a lot of pests, mainly by Caterpillar Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), producing serious damages in the plants, occasioning unproductiveness. Thus, the goal of this research was to verify the predation of Polistes simillimus (Zikán, 1951) wasps on this pest of a corn plantation using the wasps colonies as a efficient form of this pest management. The present research was developed in a area in the Piracicaba county, São Paulo (22º43'S, 47º38'W), during the period of november/1995-march/1996, introducing 20 P. simillimus colonies in artificial wood shelters around of 5 plots of com, to accompany the foraging activity of the wasps and the development of the wasps colonies. Spodoptera frugiperda (23,07%) was the main prey captured by the wasps and the average rate of capture was 1,54 preys/h. These data gave an estimation of reduction in the occurrence of S. frugiperda (77,16%), due mainly to the wasps action.