Minicourse 1
From Popular Knowledge to Science: The Fascinating World of Ethnoentomology
Main speaker: Davy Soares Gomes
Vacancies: 12
Duration: 8 hours
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Abstract: Immunofluorescence is a sensitive and specific technique for the detection and localization of proteins in biological tissues, widely used in entomology to investigate morphological, physiological and pathological processes. Using fluorophore-labeled antibodies, it allows detailed visualization of target molecules by fluorescence microscopy, enabling analysis at the cellular level. This mini-course will cover the principles of immunofluorescence, its methodology, applications and technical challenges, providing a solid basis for its application in research.
From Popular Knowledge to Science: The Fascinating World of Ethnoentomology
Minicourse 2
Main speaker: Caique Dantas Vasconcelos
Vacancies: 50
Duration: 6 hours
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Abstract: Ethnoentomology is the area of ethnobiology that investigates the interactions between humans and insects throughout history, covering cultural, ecological and scientific aspects. This mini-course will provide an introduction to ethnoentomology, exploring how different societies perceive, use and represent insects in their customs, mythologies, traditional medicines and agricultural practices. The proposal seeks to bring academic knowledge closer to traditional knowledge, promoting reflections on the role of insects in culture and biodiversity conservation.
Minicourse 3
Introduction to Myrmecology
Main speaker: Gustavo Rocha Alves
Vacancies: 14
Duration: 8 hours
Note: bring tweezers and notebook
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Abstract: The mini-course aims to present a general overview of Myrmecology, covering aspects of the biology of the group, basic principles of morphology and taxonomic classification of the group. After the presentation of the main morphological structures of ants, the participants in the mini-course will go through a short morphospeciation exercise, and then be introduced to the identification keys for genera. The overall aim of the proposal is to empower undergraduate and postgraduate students who are beginning research work with ants to recognize the main genera, handle identification keys and access reliable sources of information to help in the taxonomic identification process.
Minicourse 4
Wasps from Villains to Partners: Pest Management, Human Health and Resilience in the Face of Climate Change
Main speaker: Bruno Corrêa Barbosa
Vacancies: 30
Duration: 6 hours
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Abstract: For a long time, social wasps were seen as aggressive and undesirable insects. However, recent studies have highlighted their fundamental role in regulating ecosystems and their potential benefits for human health. As well as being natural predators of agricultural pests, contributing to sustainable crop management, their venoms have demonstrated promising bioactive properties for the development of new drugs. In addition, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in these insects can serve as a tool for environmental biomonitoring.
In this mini-course, we will cover the ecology and behavior of social wasps, their use in biological pest control, the bioprospecting of their venoms for medical applications and the impacts of climate change on their populations. We will also discuss how the conservation of these insects can contribute to the resilience of ecosystems and the development of innovative agricultural and medical practices. The aim is to demystify the image of wasps and highlight their ecological, economic and scientific importance, encouraging sustainable management strategies and applied research.
Insect Cytogenetics
Minicourse 5
Main speaker: Gisele Amaro Teixeira
Vacancies: 8
Duration: 8 hours
Notes: Bring a notebook with an image editing tool such as GIMP or Photoshop.
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Abstract: Cytogenetics is an area of genetics that studies the karyotype of species, i.e. the characteristics of chromosomes such as number, morphology, organization of gene and repetitive sequences, as well as their variations during evolution caused by chromosomal rearrangements. Cytogenetics has been an important tool in evolutionary, taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of species. This mini-course will cover:
- Obtaining metaphase chromosomes from brain ganglia of larvae at a specific stage of development of hymenopteran insects;
- Staining the slides with Giemsa;
- Analysis of the slides under a microscope with a high-resolution image capture system;
- Assembly of the karyotype using an image editing system;
- Measurement of the chromosomes and classification according to the ratio between the chromosome arms into metacentric, submetacentric, subtelocentric and telocentric;
- Characterization of the karyotype in relation to chromosome number and chromosome morphology.
On the wings of butterflies: Biology, Ecology and Conservation
Minicourse 6
Main speaker: Beatriz da Silva Monteiro Lima
Vacancies: 30
Duration: 8 hours
Notes: appropriate clothing for field activities
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Resumo: The aim of the mini-course is to provide basic notions about Lepidoptera with an emphasis on butterflies. Students will learn about morphology, ecology, conservation and the main groups of butterflies during the theoretical class (4 hours). During the practical class (4 hours), students will learn the main methods of collecting, identifying families and mounting butterflies.
Minicourse 7
Introduction to the biology, ecology and chemical control of Culicidae Vectors of Tropical Diseases
Main speakers: Claudia Christian Bezerra de Souza e Ma. Amélia Macarle Silva de Sousa
Vacancies: 15
Duration: 6 hours
Notes: material para anotações
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Abstract: The main objective of this mini-course is to introduce students to test methodologies recommended by the World Health Organization for evaluating substances that have insecticidal potential against culicidae; specifically, to enable students to visually identify which stage of the life cycle this culicidae is in, different test methodologies to be applied for each life stage, learning how to differentiate culicidae species through their morphology and other characteristics, as well as how to carry out a larvicidal test, being introduced to basic calculations and monitoring all stages of the experiment.
Minicourse 8
Light and Electron Microscopy Techniques for Morphological Studies of Insect Reproductive Organs
Main speakers:Mauricio da Silva Paulo e Paulo H. Rezende
Vacancies: 20
Duration: 4 hours
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Abstract:
- To give a brief introduction to the types of microscopy and their applications in the study of insect reproductive organs.
- Characterize the reproductive organs of insects.
- Explain techniques for processing biological material for light and electron microscopy.
- Types of staining (for light microscopy) and contrasting with metals (for electron microscopy).
- Applications of the results of research into reproductive and sperm morphology in insect taxonomy.
Mapping Entomodiversity: Map Production with QGIS
Minicourse 9
Main speaker: André Almeida Alves
Vacancies: 15
Duration: 8 hours
Notes: bring notebook
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Abstract: This mini-course aims to enable participants to use QGIS to create thematic maps, from the fundamental concepts of geoprocessing to the production of finished maps with geospatial information. The course is aimed at beginners and will cover the essential steps for manipulating and visualizing geospatial data clearly and efficiently. At the end, students are expected to be able to use the maps produced in articles and presentations at scientific events
Main topics covered
1. introduction to QGIS and geoprocessing
-Definition of GIS software and the importance of QGIS
-QGIS installation and configuration
2. Fundamental concepts in Geoprocessing
-Shapefile, geopackage and geotiff file structure and formats
-Geodetic Reference Systems and Cartographic Projections
3. Loading and organizing data
-Importing and organizing layers
-Geospatial data types: vector and raster
4. Data Analysis and Manipulation
-Editing geometries and attributes
-Basic spatial analysis tools
5. Styling and Personalizing Maps
-Applying symbology and labels
-Customizing colors and graphic elements
6. Creating thematic maps
-Configuring legends, layout and design
-Exporting and printing maps
7. Review and Conclusion
-Recap of the content covered
Tips for improving your day-to-day use of QGIS
Proposal Objectives:
-To enable beginners to use QGIS to create thematic maps with geospatial data.
-To teach the basics of geoprocessing, from loading data to spatial analysis and map customization.
-Provide a practical understanding of QGIS, with an emphasis on tools that enable the creation of maps with quality and precision.
-Prepare participants to use QGIS in real projects, applying the knowledge acquired to create thematic maps for different purposes.
Minicourse 10
The last of bugs: unraveling the biology behind zombie insects
Main speaker Samuel Julio Lima dos Santos
Vacancies: 15
Duration: 8 hours
Notes: appropriate clothing for field activities
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Abstract: Insects (mainly ants) infected by entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps have attracted a lot of attention through exposure in TV series and video games. However, the biological basis and nuances of this interaction are not widely known by the general public. The main aim of our mini-course is to introduce VIII SIEV participants to the world of zombie insects. To do this, we will give a general introduction to the biology of the interaction between fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps and host insects, by presenting taxonomic and ecological studies on the subject. Afterwards, we propose a field experiment (at UFV's Cicada Corner) to collect buzzing insects. After the collection, we will teach the participants how to process the material collected, by making microscopic slides to visualize the key structures that allow for the identification of Ophiocordyceps and storing the samples, following the recommended protocols.
Minicourse 11
Preparation of crude extracts for enzymatic tests: Extraction methods for Lepidoptera intestines
Main Speaker: Daniel Guimaraes Silva Paulo
Vacancies:15
Duration: 6 hours
Notes: lab coat required
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Abstract: The study of enzymatic activity in insects has proved essential for understanding digestive processes, ecological interactions and potential biotechnological applications. This mini-course will cover the preparation of crude extracts from the intestines of Lepidoptera, highlighting efficient methods for the extraction and preservation of enzymes. The main precautions for collecting, dissecting and homogenizing tissues will be discussed, as well as protocols for avoiding enzyme degradation. The practical part will include techniques for handling and processing biological material, ensuring that extracts with high enzymatic activity are obtained for different types of biochemical assays. The mini-course is aimed at students and researchers interested in insect biochemistry, digestive physiology and enzymatic applications.
Procedures and methods for collecting insects and other arthropods
Minicourse 12
Main Speaker: Alexander Gaione Costa
Vacancies: 20
Duration: 6 hours
Notes: PPE and appropriate clothing for field activities
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Abstract: This mini-course aims to present and discuss the essential procedures for collecting insects and other arthropods, including the technical, methodological and practical aspects of these activities. The mini-course will be divided into two parts: the first will focus on a theoretical introduction with discussions of methodologies, experiments and regulations; and the second part will focus on field practices. With regard to the theoretical part (2 hours), we will introduce the collection of arthropods, presenting the licenses needed to carry it out and the issues that precede field activities. We will then discuss the different methodologies used to collect organisms and how to choose each one, relating them to the experimental design and scientific questions. In the practical stage (4 hours), participants will have contact with various types of traps frequently used to collect arthropods, such as Malaise traps, Pitfall traps, Entomological Umbrellas and Nest Traps, Active Collection, soil triangles, among others. Initially, the characteristics, applications and functioning of these methodologies will be demonstrated. Participants will then be guided through the installation and use of these traps in the field, allowing them to experiment directly with the methods discussed. To do this, participants will be divided into groups and led by an instructor. Each group will receive one type of trap and will be instructed in its use and installation on a rotating basis, until all the traps have been presented to each of the groups. To make it easier to carry out the practical part, the aim is for it to be conducted in Mata da Biologia or, preferably, Mata do Paraíso, both located in the city of Viçosa, close to UFV. With this mini-course, we hope that participants will understand the different methods of collecting arthropods and be able to apply them appropriately to their research, considering both technique and suitability for the type of scientific question to be answered. The aim will not be to kill or preserve specimens that fall into the traps, but rather to demonstrate their operation and possible uses.
Main objective:
- To present and discuss the essential procedures for collecting insects and other arthropods, emphasizing technical, methodological and regulatory aspects.
Specific objectives:
- Discuss the main procedures for collecting arthropods, including legal requirements such as licenses.
- Relate collection methodologies to experimental designs and scientific questions.
- To compare different types of traps, highlighting their operating principles and applications.
- Present the main traps frequently used to collect arthropods.
- Carry out practical activities aimed at setting up and using different traps in the field (Malaise, Pitfall, Entomological Umbrella, Nest Traps, etc).
- Guide participants in the installation and handling of traps in the field.