The feather mite Pterolichus obtusus Robin, 1877 (Astigmata: Pterolichidae) is associated with Gallus gallus domesticus (L.) worldwide. Here, we report new records of this species from rustic chickens in Brazil after a gap of 45 years, and for the first time in a northern area of this country. The major role of Brazil as one of the main chicken meat producers and exporters highlights the importance of these new findings. Knowing and keeping track of the distribution of this ectoparasitic species might offer valuable information for the development of animal health programs and policies aimed at mitigating mite pest infestations, in addition to support decision-making processes regarding research funding to study the damage caused by P. obtusus in domestic and wild fowl populations, contributing to the advancement of aviculture.

This study aimed to verify the impact of different methods of overcoming dormancy in the germination of Ipomoea cavalcantei seeds, in addition to surveying the biometric data of its seeds and fruits. Ripe fruits were randomly collected from the species’ habitat, which is a unique ecosystem characterized by small vegetation and iron outcrops. For the biometric analyses, the weight, moisture content, length, width, and thickness of 100 fruits and 100 seeds were determined. To analyse the efficiency of overcoming seed dormancy, six different treatments were tested, including mechanical, physical, and chemical methods, and the resultant germinability, average germination time, and germination speed index were evaluated. Further, in order to estimate the imbibition curve, two treatments were selected to measure the water absorption rate of the seeds until the root emission of at least 50 % of the seeds. The results showed that the I. cavalcantei fruits and seeds biometrically vary in length, width, and thickness, which makes it difficult to obtain standard in situ samples. Moreover, mechanical scarification methods were the most efficient treatments to increase the efficiency of obtaining seedlings of this species. This study can contribute to ex situ conservation strategies for this endemic species, which is threatened by increasing mining activities. El objetivo de este trabajo fue verificar el impacto de diferentes métodos de superación de la latencia en la germinación de semillas de Ipomoea cavalcantei, además de determinar los datos biométricos de sus semillas y frutos. Las frutas maduras se recolectaron al azar en el hábitat de la especie, un ecosistema único caracterizado por vegetación baja y afloramientos de hierro. Para los análisis biométricos se determinaron el peso, la humedad, el largo, el ancho y el grosor de 100 frutos y 100 semillas. Para analizar la eficiencia de la superación de la latencia de las semillas, se probaron seis tratamientos diferentes, incluyendo métodos mecánicos, físicos y químicos, y se evaluaron la germinación, el tiempo medio de germinación y el índice de velocidad de germinación. Posteriormente, para estimar la curva de imbibición, se seleccionaron dos tratamientos para medir la tasa de absorción de agua de las semillas hasta la emisión radicular de al menos el 50 % de las semillas. Los resultados demostraron que los frutos y semillas de I. cavalcantei varían biométricamente en longitud, ancho y grosor, lo que dificulta la obtención de muestras estándar in situ. Además, los métodos de escarificación mecánica fueron los tratamientos más eficientes para aumentar la eficiencia en la obtención de plántulas de esta especie. Este estudio puede contribuir a generar estrategias de conservación ex situ de esta especie endémica, que se ve amenazada por el aumento de las actividades mineras.

Pronematinae was originally proposed as a subfamily of Tydeidae Kramer, 1877 and later transferred to Iolinidae Pritchard, 1956. Although apparently omnivorous, some species of this group have been reported as predators of mites. New collection records of Pronematinae from Brazil are presented. The original descriptions of Peridasilcoferla paraensis De Vis and Ueckermann n. gen. n. sp. and Parapronematus connarus De Vis and Ueckermann n. sp. are presented. Complementary descriptions of Parapronematus geminus Meyer and Rodrigues, 1966 and Naudea richinda Meyer and Rodrigues, 1966 are also presented, based on the examination of type specimens. A reappraisal of the subfamily and of Parapronematus Baker, 1965, is made based on the specimens collected and on literature information. Updated keys to the world genera of Pronematinae and to the world species of Parapronematus as well as suggestions of new generic characteristics to be considered in descriptions of new Pronematinae taxa are presented.

Ipomoea cavalcantei D.F. Austin (Convolvulaceae) is a Highly Restricted Endemic species only found in Canga vegetation in conservation areas in the Carajás region, Parauapebas, State of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. Due to edaphic endemism and the increase in mineral exploration in the Carajás, it is necessary to cultivate I. cavalcantei outside of its habitat in order to preserve the species. On plants cultivated in a greenhouse covered with shade, at the Parauapebas Campus of the Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), symptoms of pest attack were observed. The aim of this study was to characterize the damage and confirm the identification of the mite species causing injuries to the leaves of I. cavalcantei when cultivated outside its natural environment. The leaves of the plant had light green spots, which initially appeared as small dots. As the symptoms intensified, these spots coalesced, evolving into larger, yellowish spots, later necrosis and leaf fall at the slightest mechanical action. Mites were found on the abaxial surface of leaves, in abundant colonies, surrounded by a dense layer of webs, used for dispersion and oviposition of mites. This behavior, added to the shape of the eggs (spherical and hyaline) is characteristics of the mites of the genus Tetranychus Dufour, 1832 (Acari: Tetranychidae). Some female and male specimens were preserved for later identification. This is the first occurrence of Tetranychus ludeni Zacher, 1913 on I. cavalcantei and represents an important issue for conservation programs aimed at protecting I. cavalcantei.