A phoresy of the pseudoscorpion Haplochelifer philipi (Chamberlin, 1923) in a phoretic association with Acrocinus longimanus was observed in Bocas del Toro Province, Panama. A phoretic female found under the elytra of the beetle. This is the first time that H. philipi has been reported in Panama.

The genus Epichernes Muchmore, 1982 has three Neotropical species with specific rodent hosts. Epichernes vickeryae sp. nov. is here described from Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica: the specimens were collected from a spiny pocket mouse Heteromys nubicolens. The new species, named E. vickeryae, is closer to E. navarroi by the position of trichobothria setae ist and isb, which are adjacent and the number of teeth on the movable finger, known from Mexico. The new species is characterized by trichobothrium ist adjacent to isb, femur L/B 1.71–1.85, it has 22–31 external accessory teeth, 58 teeth on fixed finger and 62 on movable finger. The carapace ranging from 1.12 mm to 1.33 mm in length, central tergites with 21–22 setae, chelicera with five setae on the hand, sb and b denticulate. The new species represents the second known species of Epichernes from Costa Rica.

Aphis gossypii is a major pest that harms crops like industrial tomatoes in Panama. Recent resistance to synthetic insecticides has prompted interest in using plant secondary metabolites as eco-friendly alternatives. While some plants with insecticidal properties are well-known, others remain unexplored but could offer effective solutions. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of Eschweilera jefensis against nymphs and adults of Aphis gossypii. Extracts were tested at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 µg/L), with mortality assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h post-application. The LC₅₀ values for the stem extract were 66.5, 36.8, and 31.0 μg/L, and for the leaf extract, they were 37.3, 28.4, and <25 μg/L at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. An advanced metabolomic analysis was conducted to identify the active compounds in each extract. This analysis uncovered several pentacyclic triterpenes, which, known for their insecticidal properties, are likely the key bioactive components responsible for the observed effects. Advanced metabolic analyses also revealed that the leaf extract, displaying the strongest insecticidal activity, is primarily composed of friedelin, while the stem extract contains betulin as their key active compounds. Furthermore, 29 known compounds were identified across both extracts, representing the first comprehensive report on the metabolic composition of E. jefensis, which underscores the significance of these findings. Together, these results suggest that E. jefensis extracts could serve as a promising natural alternative to synthetic insecticides for the management and control of A. gossypii.

Aphis gossypii is a significant global pest that impacts numerous agricultural crops and vegetables, causing direct damage to food plants and indirect damage through the transmission of phytopathogenic viruses, primarily begomoviruses. In Panama, particularly in the Azuero region, viral infections transmitted by this aphid can affect a substantial share of tomato crops cultivated for industrial use. A traditional alternative to synthetic pesticides involves exploring plant extracts with insecticidal properties derived from wild plants found in our tropical forests, which can be easily prepared and applied by farmers. In this context, the present research aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata on both nymphs and adults of A. gossypii. Mortality was assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h after applying three doses of each extract (25, 50, and 100 µg/L). A standard phytochemical analysis to determine insecticidal activity revealed that both extracts exhibited significant efficacy at the highest concentration tested; however, the leaf extract demonstrated greater effectiveness at lower concentrations. A comprehensive metabolomic study indicated that the active compounds are diterpenes derived from the pimarenyl cation. These compounds have been extensively documented for their insecticidal potential against various insect species, suggesting that ethanolic extracts from this plant could serve as viable candidates for agricultural insecticides to combat aphid infestations.

The increased resistance of pathogenic bacteria to traditional therapy has forced the implementation of different therapies. The consequent use of more than one antibacterial drug can increase toxicity problems, an undesirable situation, especially when it comes to therapy for immunosuppressed patients. Bacterial resistance to different drugs is a war between "humans and bacteria". For this reason, it is important to keep looking for new alternatives for the treatment of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we determined the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts of Lippia graveolens, Sphagneticola trilobata and Gliricidia sepium against four pathogenic bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the strain most affected by antagonistic activity of all the extracts evaluated, followed by E. coli and S. aureus. We found that S. trilobata was the plant with the highest activity. We carried out tests mixing extracts (1:1) from different parts of each plant, where there was antagonistic and synergistic activity. These results are very promising, since these bacteria are currently being studied for their high resistance mechanisms to a wide variety of antibiotics.

This study aims to identify the species of land snails and slugs that may invade Panama through the loading and unloading sites of national and international merchandise in Panama City and Colon, along with their probable places of origin. The investigation also considers the ecological, economic, and health impacts of these potential invasive species. Between September 2008 and September 2009, sampling was conducted at the main seaports and airports of Panama City and Colon, including their containers, warehouses, and surrounding natural habitats. The study utilized GPS for accurate location marking, and sampling occurred twice a week. Specimens were collected, with live material fixed in 70% alcohol, and slugs dissected for identification through sexual organs. Taxonomic identification involved conchological characteristics and expert consultation, with the data analyzed for species abundance correlation with precipitation and humidity. A total of 2379 individuals were collected, identifying seven species across nine genera and four taxonomic families, with the Subulinidae family being the most abundant. Notably, Praticolella griseola, an agricultural pest, and Hapiella w. f. decolorata were new records for Panama. The study found species richness and abundance correlated with rainfall but not relative humidity. The research highlighted the quarantine importance of several species due to their roles as pests and vectors of diseases like Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. costarricensis. Panama hosts a moderate ecological diversity of gastropods, with certain species posing significant risks to agriculture, public health, and native ecosystems. The study underscores the necessity for ongoing surveillance and management of non-native mollusk introductions, particularly in a global trade hub like Panama. Identifying and understanding the distribution of invasive gastropods are crucial for developing effective control measures and mitigating their impact on the environment and human health. Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar las especies de caracoles y babosas terrestres que podrían invadir Panamá a través de los sitios de carga y descarga de mercancías nacionales e internacionales en la Ciudad de Panamá y Colón, junto con sus probables lugares de origen. La investigación también considera los impactos ecológicos, económicos y de salud de estas posibles especies invasoras. Entre septiembre de 2008 y septiembre de 2009, se realizó muestreo en los principales puertos marítimos y aeropuertos de la Ciudad de Panamá y Colón, incluyendo sus contenedores, almacenes y hábitats naturales circundantes. El estudio utilizó GPS para marcar las ubicaciones con precisión, y el muestreo se llevó a cabo dos veces por semana. Se recolectaron especímenes, con material vivo fijado en alcohol al 70%, y se diseccionaron babosas para la identificación a través de órganos sexuales. La identificación taxonómica involucró características conquiológicas y consulta experta, con los datos analizados para correlacionar la abundancia de especies con la precipitación y la humedad. Se recolectaron un total de 2379 individuos, identificando siete especies en nueve géneros y cuatro familias taxonómicas, siendo la familia Subulinidae la más abundante. Notablemente, Praticolella griseola, una plaga agrícola, y Hapiella w. f. decolorata fueron nuevos registros para Panamá. El estudio encontró que la riqueza y abundancia de especies se correlacionaba con la lluvia, pero no con la humedad relativa. La investigación destacó la importancia de cuarentena de varias especies debido a sus roles como plagas y vectores de enfermedades como Angiostrongylus cantonensis y A. costarricensis. Panamá alberga una diversidad ecológica moderada de gasterópodos, con ciertas especies que representan riesgos significativos para la agricultura, la salud pública y los ecosistemas nativos. El estudio subraya la necesidad de vigilancia y manejo continuos de las introducciones de moluscos no nativos, particularmente en un centro de comercio global como Panamá. Identificar y comprender la distribución de gasterópodos invasores es crucial para desarrollar medidas de control efectivas y mitigar su impacto en el medio ambiente y la salud humana.