We evaluated the effects of constant low-temperature storage on Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Braconidae, Aphidiinae). Diaeretiella rapae mummies were stored at 5 ± 1°C for 0-36 days. The percentage of D. rapae emergence varied (100-83%) after 0-32 days of storage. After 32 days, emergence reduced to 55%. According to our Probit analysis, 50% mortality (LT50) of the population of D. rapae was reached after 40 days of storage at 5°C. Storage for up to 32 days did not negatively affect emergence and survival. Cold exposure of D. rapae for 36 days did not influence morphological malformations, sex ratio, and emergence of the F1 generation. After 4-36 days of storage, D. rapae showed a gradual decrease in emergence, longevity, reproductive capacity, and F1 sex ratio. Diaeretiella rapae can be stored for up to 24 days at 5°C, at which time the percentage of parasitism and the F1 sex ratio remain above 38% and at 0.50, respectively.

We describe the vertical and horizontal distribution of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover within a cotton plant in two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum Linnaeus) cultivars (BRS Safira and BRS Rubí) with colored fiber over the time. Measurements of aphid population dynamics and distribution in the cotton plants were recorded in intervals of seven days. The number of apterous or alate aphids and their specific locations were recorded, using as a reference point the location of nodes on the mainstem of the plant and also those on the leaves present on branches and fruit structures. The number of apterous aphids found on the cultivar BRS Safira (56,515 aphids) was greater than that found on BRS Rubí (50,537 aphids). There was no significant difference between the number of alate aphids found on the cultivars BRS Safira (365 aphids/plant) and BRS Rubí (477 aphids/ plant). There were interactions between cotton cultivar and plant age, between plant region and plant age, and between cultivar and plant region for apterous aphids. The results of this study are of great importance in improving control strategies for A. gossypii in the naturally-colored cotton cultivars BRS Safira and BRS Rubí.

Effects of photoperiod on reproduction and longevity of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were assessed under seven different photophases (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 h) at a constant 28 ± 1°C temperature and 70 ± 10% RH in the laboratory. Photoperiod affected the longevity of P.nigrispinus females. The highest longevity (24.10 d) occurred with a 15-h photoperiod, compared with longevity of 9.75 d at 12-h photoperiod. The preoviposition period of P.nigrispinus was influenced by the photoperiod. The preoviposition period of P.nigrispinus was longer for the 16-h photoperiod (7.25d) than for the 12- (4.06d), 13- (4.00 d), and 14-h (3.68d) photoperiod. The postoviposition period, the number of egg clutches per female per day, and the interval between egg clutches were not affected by the photoperiod. The postoviposition period ranged from 1.46 d (at 14 h of light) to 3.71 d (at 11 h of light). The number of egg clutches per female per day varied between 0.19 (at 11 h or 14 h of light) and 0.40 (at 15 h of light). The interval between egg clutches ranged from 1.29 d (at 14 h of light) to 2.07 d (at 11 h of light). The variation in the number of eggs and egg clutches per female of P.nigrispinus in relation to their age varied according to the photophase to which they were exposed. The fecundity of P.nigrispinus females was higher in 15 h of light. These informations serve as a valuable ecological variable in modeling population dynamics of P.nigripinus, both in the field and in the laboratory, thereby contributing to the success of A.argillacea control programs.

The carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are recognized as polyphagous predators and important natural enemies of insect pests. However, little is known about the feeding habits of these beetles. In this work, we determine the types of food content in the digestive tracts of nine species of Carabidae associated with herbaceous plants and different growth stages of coloured cotton. The food contents were evaluated for beetles associated with the coloured cotton cv. BRS verde, Gossypium hirsutum L. latifolium Hutch., adjacent to weed plants and the flowering herbaceous plants (FHPs) Lobularia maritima (L.), Tagetes erecta L., and Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. The digestive tract analysis indicated various types of diets and related arthropods for Abaris basistriata, Galerita brasiliensis, Scarites sp., Selenophorus alternans, Selenophorus discopunctatus and Tetracha brasiliensis. The carabids were considered to be polyphagous predators, feeding on different types of prey.