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Feeding behavior can explain how predaceous Pentatomidae use different food sources as a result of ecological and evolutionary changes. This study describes the salivary glands of adults of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to assist in understand the feeding habits of this natural enemy. A pair of principal and accessory glands in the prothorax form the salivary system of S. cincticeps. The principal glands are bilobed with a spherical anterior lobe and are smaller than the posterior lobe, which has a prolonged sack form. The accessory glands are present in a long and tubular form that arises from the terminal portion of the curved accessory duct. The salivary system of S. cincticeps presents the same morphological pattern of other Asopinae predators.

Kale (Brassica oleraceae var. acephala) is of great importance in human nutrition and local agricultural economies, but its growth is impaired by the attack of several insect pests. Social wasps prey on these pests, but few studies report the importance of this predation or the potential use of wasps as biological control for agricultural pests. This study aimed to survey the species of social wasps that forage in kale (B. oleraceae var. acephala), recording the influence of temperature and time of day on the foraging behavior of these wasps. The research was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Minas Gerais - Bambuí Campus, from July to December 2015, when twelve collections of social wasps that foraged on a common area of kale cultivation were made, noting the temperature and time of collection for each wasp. Polybia ignobilis, Protonectarina sylveirae and Protopolybia sedula were the most common wasp species foraging in fields of kale. Interspecific interactions between wasp species did not affect their coexistence within kale fields, with peak foraging occurring between 1000 and 1100 hours. Social wasps are important predators of herbivorous insects in the agricultural environment and the coexistence of a great diversity of these predators can help control pest insects that occur in the crop. Moreover, knowing factors that influence foraging behaviors of common wasp species that occur in this crop is important for effective use of these insects in the biological control of pests.

Ocotea catharinensis (Lauraceae) is an endangered tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Currently, little is known about the reproductive ecology of this species. Aiming to propose conservation measures, we described aspects related to phenology, floral biology, pollination, seed dispersal and mating system of O. catharinensis. We conducted phenological observations in 62 individuals for 2 years. In one reproductive event, we evaluated nectar production, stigmatic receptivity and pollen viability. Floral visitors were observed, identified and classified on a scale of pollination effectiveness. Seed dispersers were observed and identified using camera traps. Finally, the mating system was evaluated through pollen/ovule ratios, experimental pollination treatments and genetic analysis with molecular markers. Ocotea catharinensis presented a supra-annual fruiting pattern with a substantial reduction of reproducing individuals from bud phase to ripe fruit phase. Several mechanisms prompting cross-fertilisation were identified, such as attractive, herkogamic and protogynic flowers. The main floral visitors and pollinators were from the Diptera order, and all seed dispersers were birds. The species presented a predominantly outcrossed mixed mating system with significant selfing rate (17.3%). Although based on restricted evidence, we hypothesised that selfing is an escape mechanism for situations unfavourable to cross-fertilisation. Specifically, for the studied population selfing is a response to reduced population size, which is caused by the non-reproduction of all potentially reproductive individuals and by past exploitation events. Therefore, conservation efforts should be able to enhance population sizes, as well as prevent overexploitation.

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