In the present work, the species Arge quidia Smith, 1989 (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Argidae) associated with Coccoloba caracasana Meisn, 1856 (Plantae: Polygonaceae) is recorded in the RAMSAR Wildlife Refuge Protected Area, Bahía de Panamá Wetland. Biological and ecological data of A. quidia are provided.

Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae), known as the West Indian fruit fly, is a widely distributed species in America. Due to its polyphagous capacity, this insect is of great economic importance, which is studied based on its distribution, forms of management and control. Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a native species, solitary endoparasitoid, koinobiont, has a wide distribution in the Neotropics and subtropics, and due to its capacity as a parasitoid of the genus Anastrepha is a potential candidate for the natural control of this pest. The species Psidium guajava L., native to Mexico, is a fruit with high nutritional value and has great relevance from the commercial perspective. In Panama, the information related to the Parasitoid-Anastrepha-Fruit relationship in this species is limited, so it is of high value to establish r...

This work provides information on molecular identification, biology and ecology of the moth Titya synoecura (Dyar, 1914) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) and aggregates of its larvae are recorded carrying out herbivory on Banara guianensis Aublet 1775 (Plantae: Salicaceae). Also, this species of moth is recorded for the first time in Panama. Information is provided on the behavior of the larvae in their nest, and information on their distribution in the region is updated.

In the present work, information is provided on biological and ecological aspects of the fl y Ocyptamus gastrostactus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Syrphidae) and its larvae are recorded carrying out predation on aphids, Sarucallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy, 1906) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) on plants from Lagerstroemia indica (L.) Pers. (Ly thraceae: Myrtales). Also, parasitism of the pupae of the fl y O. gastrostactus by the parasitoid wasp Pachyneuron albutius Walker, 1843 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in the fi eld is recorded for the fi rst time. Distribution information is provided for all the species involved in the work.

This article reports the first record of the parasitoid wasp Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) that attacks the larvae of Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke, 1832) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea) pest that causes significant damage to seeds. This event was observed in plantations located in Altos de Pacora, Cerro Azul, Panama. The parasitoid could be used in insect biological control programs to combat this pest.

Objective. To Identify the stinging larvae species complex of the genus Automeris Hübner, 1819 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), associated with pigeon pea crops, Cajanus cajan (L.), that represent a health risk for farmers in Panama. Methods. The study is descriptive and exploratory. During the second semester of 2022, trips were made in areas with pigeon pea crops in the provinces of Coclé, Herrera, Veraguas and Chiriquí. A photographic record was kept and specimens were collected, which were prepared with boiling water and then deposited in glass vials with 70 % ethanol. The laboratory identifcation of the specimens was made by consulting specialized literature. Results. Three larvae species of the genus Automeris associated with pigeon pea crops were identifed: Automeris zozine Druce, 1886, and Automeris dagmarae Brechlin & Meister, 2011, in the province of Chiriquí; Automeris io F...

Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) (Diptera: Tephritidae), known as the West Indian fruit fly, is a widely distributed species in America. Due to its polyphagous capacity, this insect is of great economic importance, which is studied based on its distribution, forms of management and control. Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a native species, solitary endoparasitoid, koinobiont, has a wide distribution in the Neotropics and subtropics, and due to its capacity as a parasitoid of the genus Anastrepha is a potential candidate for the natural control of this pest. The species Psidium guajava L., native to Mexico, is a fruit with high nutritional value and has great relevance from the commercial perspective. In Panama, the information related to the Parasitoid-Anastrepha-Fruit relationship in this species is limited, so it is of high value to establish r...

El complejo del género Anastrepha spp. está formado por especies de importancia económica que infestan una amplia variedad de frutas en la región tropical y subtropical. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir el comportamiento y ciclo biológico asociado al ataque de Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) sobre la especie Spondias purpurea L. Se realizaron observaciones biológicas en Alto de la Arena, corregimiento de Veladero, distrito de Tolé, provincia de Chiriquí, Panamá, donde se recolectaron un total de 12 frutos de Spondias purpurea L., se llevaron al laboratorio y se anotaron los datos del ciclo biológico y de comportamiento diariamente. Se determinó que el ciclo biológico de Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) tiene duración aproximada de 30 a 32 días en el laboratorio; el estado inmaduro de pupa es el estadio que presentó mayor mortalidad, posiblemente debido...

This work provides information about striped garden caterpillars as pests of the Peruvian lily Alstroemeria aurea Graham (Asparagales: Alstroemeriaceae), an important species for floriculture in Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá. Between December 2022 and May 2024, field observations were recorded periodically and larvae were collected for species identification at the laboratory by consulting specialized literature. According to the results, the caterpillar species corresponds to Trichordestra legitima (Grote, 1864) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a common pest of asparagus, clover, beans, berries, aster, among other crops. This insect is native from the eastern North America. However, this represents a new record for Panama and, during the study, larvae were mainly found from December to May (dry season).

Stingless or meliponine bees form a group of social bees classified in the tribe Meliponini (Apidae Meliponini). The meliponines of America are native bees, which makes them the main pollinators of flora in tropical and subtropical regions. The objective of this study was to recognize and identify the presence of native stingless bees and their interaction on a farm located in the community of Los Lajones, Cañazas District, Veraguas, Panama. Diverse transect sampling and qualitative and quantitative direct observation were carried out. To capture samples, the active method of obtaining nests and, sometimes, a small net was used. Taxonomic identification was carried out with entomological keys, resulting in two genera in total. Seven specimens were found distributed in one genus in transect one [Trigona (Fabricius,1804)], while in the second transect, two genera were found (Trigona and P...

The aim of the study was to identify the bug species associated with Pithecellobium dulce (Fabales: Fabaceae) in Arraiján, Panamá Oeste, Panama; describing the different development stages of the insect. Periodic observations were made (December 2022 – April 2023), reviewing ornamental plants, surrounding vegetation and photographic records. Bug specimens were collected for identification in the laboratory, consulting specialized literature. According to the results, two species were identified: Pachylis nervosus Dallas, 1852 and Pachylis pharaonis (Herbst, 1784) (Hemiptera: Coreidae), the first is present from Mexico to Colombia and Ecuador; the second is found in Costa Rica, Panama and several South American countries. Pachylis eggs are black and oval, with a flattened operculum and laid in groups of up to 80 eggs; the first instar nymphs have a black head, antennae, thorax and leg...

The objective of the study was to identify the stinging larvae of the Order Lepidoptera, found in backyard crops in Volcán, Chiriquí Province, Panama (8°46’ N 82°38’ W, 1378 m a. s. l.). For this, five random trips were carried out, checking the soil, wild vegetation, fruit crops and ornamental plants. The larvae were photographed and identified with the support of specialized literature. According to the results, four species of Lepidoptera stinging larvae were identified, corresponding to Acharia stimulea (Clemens, 1860) (Limacodidae) in heliconias, Phobetron hipparchia (Cramer, 1777) (Limacodidae) in mango and loquat, Megalopyge opercularis (Smith, 1797) (Megalopygidae) on hibiscus and Automeris metzli (Salle, 1853) (Saturniidae) on the soil. These results are close to what was found in a research previously carried out on horticultural crops in Cerro Punta; where the families...

Tityus cerroazul Lourenço, 1986, is one of the most medically important scorpion species in Panama. In this study, previous records were reviewed and field sampling was conducted in the provinces of Panama, West Panama, Coclé, and Chiriquí, with the aim of updating its distribution in the country. Sampling was carried out through active search with UV light, and specimens deposited at the G.B. Fairchild Museum were reviewed. The data obtained were analyzed with ArcGIS software to generate an updated distribution map. Eighteen individuals were collected from 11 locations, confirming the presence of T. cerroazul in the provinces of Panama, West Panama, Coclé, and, for the first time, in Chiriquí. The results indicate a restricted distribution, with a preference for forested ecosystems and considerable elevations. The species is difficult to detect, suggesting the need for prolonged sa...

The objective of the study was to identify the stinging larvae of the Order Lepidoptera, found in backyard crops in Volcán, Chiriquí Province, Panama (8°46’ N 82°38’ W, 1378 m a. s. l.). For this, five random trips were carried out, checking the soil, wild vegetation, fruit crops and ornamental plants. The larvae were photographed and identified with the support of specialized literature. According to the results, four species of Lepidoptera stinging larvae were identified, corresponding to Acharia stimulea (Clemens, 1860) (Limacodidae) in heliconias, Phobetron hipparchia (Cramer, 1777) (Limacodidae) in mango and loquat, Megalopyge opercularis (Smith, 1797) (Megalopygidae) on hibiscus and Automeris metzli (Salle, 1853) (Saturniidae) on the soil. These results are close to what was found in a research previously carried out on horticultural crops in Cerro Punta; where the families...

This research presents the species of the genus Argiope Audouin, 1827 (Araneae: Araneidae), found in agricultural and urban areas from Chiriqui, Panama. To do this, since August until November 2020, the locations of David, Alanje, Bugaba, Paso Ancho and Cerro Punta were visited. Random samplings were carried out both in crops and in surrounding vegetation, searching for Argiope specimens, also keeping a photographic record and georeferencing. Arachnids were reviewed in the laboratory for their identification, supported by specialized literature. According to the results, the species Argiope argentata (Fabricius, 1775), was present in the five locations visited; while Argiope trifasciata (Forskal, 1775) was only found in Paso Ancho, Tierras Altas District. Although the genus may be considered cosmopolitan and widely distributed in America, the predominance of A. argentata suggests that it...

This research presents the species of the genus Argiope Audouin, 1827 (Araneae: Araneidae), found in agricultural and urban areas from Chiriqui, Panama. To do this, since August until November 2020, the locations of David, Alanje, Bugaba, Paso Ancho and Cerro Punta were visited. Random samplings were carried out both in crops and in surrounding vegetation, searching for Argiope specimens, also keeping a photographic record and georeferencing. Arachnids were reviewed in the laboratory for their identification, supported by specialized literature. According to the results, the species Argiope argentata (Fabricius, 1775), was present in the five locations visited; while Argiope trifasciata (Forskal, 1775) was only found in Paso Ancho, Tierras Altas District. Although the genus may be considered cosmopolitan and widely distributed in America, the predominance of A. argentata suggests that it...

Orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) are endemic to the Neotropics, with 134 species recorded in Colombia. These bees are distinguished by being attracted to fragrances from various botanical families and play an important role in natural ecosystems. Research has primarily focused on these natural areas, which is why this study aims to evaluate the taxonomic diversity of orchid bees and their relationship to certain environmental factors in two peri-urban areas (Parque de la Iguana and Mirador de la Virgen) in the city of Yopal, Casanare Department, Colombia. Two types of sampling were conducted: transects (bottle method) and Zigzag, using eucalyptus, vanilla, eugenol, and methyl salicylate fragrances as attractants. The collected specimens were transported for taxonomic identification and preservation in the entomological collection. A total of 280 individuals (4 genera and 11 species) were...

Los bioindicadores son organismos que determinan el impacto ambiental de un ecosistema y se utilizan a los euglossinos por responder a cambio ambientales, son de fácil observación, y su taxonomía es bien conocida. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar calidad ambiental de un bosque a través de las abejas de las orquídeas como bioindicadores. En esta investigación, se realizaron colectas a nivel de sotobosque, por medio de “Bottle Traps”, y colectas manuales por método de zigzag, en el cual se emplearon redes entomológicas, las abejas serán atraídas con atrayentes químicos como: aceite de eucalipto, esencia de eugenol y esencia de vainilla. Lo cual obtuvimos una abundancia bastante al alta con una captura de 1024 individuos y una riqueza de 38 especies, el género que domino el estudio fue ele genero Euglossa con 89,5%, seguido por el género Eulaema con 9,6% y género Eufrie...