Search Results (3)

The family Scoliidae is composed of parasitoid wasps of notable ecological and agronomic importance, particularly for their role in the natural control of soil-dwelling beetle larvae within agroecosystems. This study provides the first record of Campsomeriella whitelyi (Kirby, 1889) in Chile, a species originally described from the Tambo Valley, Arequipa, Peru. The specimens analyzed, previously identified as Campsomeris servillei (Guérin-Méneville, 1831), were found to correspond to Campsomeriella whitelyi, whose known distribution in Chile was restricted to the extreme north. Their identity was confirmed through morphological analysis, which revealed the presence of a distinct yellow band on the fourth abdominal tergite and an elongated posterior tibial spur—diagnostic characters consistent with the original description of the species. This record from the Coquimbo Region represents the southernmost known expansion of the species. Specimens were collected between 2017 and 2025 in horticultural and rainfed agroecosystems associated with the Elqui River Basin (Coquimbo Region, Chile), using entomological nets in targeted sampling efforts. The edaphoclimatic conditions of the area—characterized by light-textured soils, winter humidity, and a high availability of hosts—appear to have favored the establishment of this wasp in a previously unreported environment. Through MaxEnt modeling, areas of high environmental suitability were identified in Chile’s Norte Chico region. From an agronomic perspective, this finding opens opportunities to incorporate Campsomeriella whitelyi as a functional component in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, particularly in the biological control of Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera) larvae that affect root, bulb, and minor fruit crops. Its adaptation to semi-arid agricultural environments suggests potential resilience under climate change scenarios, as well as a low impact on non-target species. This study contributes to applied entomology and functional conservation, promoting the integration of beneficial Hymenoptera into sustainable agricultural systems of north-central Chile. Full article

Great efforts have been made to preserve manatees. Recently, a hybrid zone was described between Trichechus inunguis (TIN) and the Trichechus manatus manatus (TMM) in the Amazon estuary. Cytogenetic data on these sirenians are limited, despite being fundamental to understanding the hybridization/introgression dynamics and genomic organization in Trichechus. We analyzed the karyotype of TMM, TIN, and two hybrid specimens (“Poque” and “Vitor”) by classical and molecular cytogenetics. G-band analysis revealed that TMM (2n = 48) and TIN (2n = 56) diverge by at least six Robertsonian translocations and a pericentric inversion. Hybrids had 2n = 50, however, with Autosomal Fundamental Number (FNA) = 88 in “Poque” and FNA = 74 in “Vitor”, and chromosomal distinct pairs in heterozygous; additionally, “Vitor” exhibited heteromorphisms and chromosomes whose pairs could not be determined. The U2 snDNA and Histone H3 multi genes are distributed in small clusters along TIN and TMM chromosomes and have transposable Keno and Helitron elements (TEs) in their sequences. The different karyotypes observed among manatee hybrids may indicate that they represent different generations formed by crossing between fertile hybrids and TIN. On the other hand, it is also possible that all hybrids recorded represent F1 and the observed karyotype differences must result from mechanisms of elimination. Full article

In the semi-arid and arid regions of the Chilean Andes, meltwater from the cryosphere is a key resource for the local economy and population. In this setting, climate change and economic activities foster water scarcity and resource conflicts. The study presents a detailed glacier and rock glacier inventory for the Huasco valley (28–29° S) in northern Chile based on a multi-temporal remote sensing approach. The results indicate a glacier-covered area of 16.35 ± 3.06 km² (n = 167) and, additionally, 50 rock glaciers covering an area of about 8.6 km² in 2016. About 81% of the ice-bodies are smaller than 0.1 km², and only four glaciers are larger than 1 km². The change analysis reveals a more or less stable period between 1986 and 2000 and a drastic decline in the glacier-covered area by about 35% between 2000 and 2016. The detailed assessment of six subregions indicates a more pronounced glacier decrease in the vicinity of the Pascua Lama mining project. Full article