RCAAP Repository

Seventeen leeches obtained from armoured catfish (Hypostomus punclatus Valenciennes, 1840) infected with Trypanosoma spp. were examined. It was observed the presence of tripomastigotes, epimastigotes and amastigotes forms as well as dividing forms in the proboscis and in the stomach, different from the ones found in the vertebrate host as regards the morfometric features and developing forms. The examination of the contents of rectum did not show tripanosomes. These facts seem to demonstrate that Batracobdella gemmata (Blanchard, 1900) is an invertebrate host of trypanosomes and the transmission is done by means of inoculation.

In this article the length growth curves of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) held in different population densities were analysed. Postlarvae prawns were stocked into five 0,02 ha earthen ponds at densities of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 ind./m² during six months. Forthnightly, the mean total length of animals from each pond were obtained by means of random samples. For each population the length growth curves and the instantaneous growth rate expressions were determined. The growth rate and the asymptotic maximum length decreased with the stocking density raised. This effect is greater when the density ranges in low levels. The growth decrease can be due to intraspecific competition for life resources and to negative interactions between individuals, as aggressive or social behavior, that increase with the increase prawns density.

This paper compares some morphological parameters of Hyla bipunctata Spix, 1824 adults from two populations, one from Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro) and the other from Linhares (Espírito Santo). Some morphometric data of the morphological variation between those populations are studied.

The last instar larva of Erythemis mithroides (Brauer, 1900) is described and figured based on exuviae of reared specimens. A comparative analysis of this immature stage and the known larvae of the genus are furnished according to the data available in the literature and of specimens of E credula (Hagen, 1861) and E. vesiculosa (Fab., 1775) permiting a diagnose for the larvae of the genus Erylhemis Hagen, 1861.

In Partamona cupira, caste determination follows the general patterns of Trigonini bees. The effects of the juvenile hormone and the amount of food on the process were studied. The frequency of queens increased with the quantity of food ingest by the larvae and or whith the amount of juvenile hormone topically applicated. Queens emerged earlier than workers. Intercastes were not found, sugesting that castes differentiation is a canalised process in this species.

Patterns of spatial occupation, feeding, and reproductive period of two species, Corydoras aeneus and Corydoras gr. carlae (Siluroidei, Callichthyidae), coexistents in the Alambari River (Botucatu, São Paulo), were studied. High diet overlap, partial spatial segregation, and well differentiated reproductive strategies were verified. These findings do not permit to evidence the occurrence of competitive interactions between the analysed species.

The larva of Diastatops obscura (Fabricius, 1775) is described and figured based on exuviae of last instar of reared specimes collected on still waters in São João river, Silva Jardim (22º38' - 42º18'), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The relationship among the larva of D. obscura and larvae of Celithemis are discussed.

Dendrophryniscus carvalhoi, sp.n. from Espírito Santo, D. berthalutzae, sp.n. from Santa Catarina, and D. stawiarskyi, sp.n. from Paraná, Brazil, are described and considered to be related to D. brevipollicatus Jiménez de la Espada.

A study of the anatomy of Subulina octona, mainly the genital and digestive systems, was undertaken in order to obtain additional data on the taxonomic position in the genus Subulina. The importance of the species as intermediate host for several helminths which occur in Brazil was also discussed.

An anatomic study of Leptinaria unilamellata (Orbigny, 1835) was made emphasizing the genital system, the pallial chamber the radulae and the mandible. The details of these parts characterize better the species and allow more systematic clarity to the group. The importance of the evolutive cycle of the two trematodes, Postharmostomum gallinum (Witenberg, 1923) and Paratanaisia bragai (Santos, 1934) both parasites of domestic birds in Brazil is accentuated.

The objective of this study was to determine the size and composition of a group of wild Callithrix jacchus Erxleben, 1777, a small neotropical primate from the North East Brazil. The study was carried out in Dois Irmãos Forest, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, in an area of 6ha where this social group of marmosets had its home range. A graded transects system was cut to provide the access and moving during the observation period. To provide an individual identification for the members of the marmosets group and to achieve the objective of this study, two captures were made, with a six month interval between them in a 50x50m² area at the nuclear range of the group's area. The animals were realeased after a maximum period of 24h after traping. We made, during the whole study period, direct observations of the social group which wasn't limited only to count and identification of the marmosets, but expanded in consideration on the ecology and behavior of the Callithrix jacchus group. The results show us that the size and composition of the study group was similar to others descriptions for the Callitrichidae. The group composition suffered a 30% "turnover" in a six month interval, and the adults particulary, had a big frequency of change. One pair of infants was seen in December 1986 - in the middle of the dry season - and another infant appeared in the study group in 1987, just after the end of the wet season. Some dietary items were fruits, leaf buds and also exudate from the trunks and branchs of some tree's species. Intergroup agonistic interactions were recorded during February 1987.

Stephomyia rotundifoliorum, sp.n., S. tetralobae, sp.n., S. espiralis, sp.n. and S. mina, sp.n. from Rio de Janeiro State are described. A brief diagnosis of the genus and two keys are presented - one to larvae of the known species and one for available males. The new species are recorded from various species of Eugenia L. and Neomithrantes obscura (DC) Legr. (Myrtaceae).

No summary/description provided

No summary/description provided

No summary/description provided

No summary/description provided

No summary/description provided

Several families were added in the past in order to constitute the Xanthidae, but the boundaries between Xanthidae, Parthenopidae and Goneplacidae were diluted, and the classification of some genera doubtful. By this reason was made the analysis of a typical genus of each subfamily occurring in Brazil. 50 characters were selected and coded as (0) for absence and (1) for presence. The data matrix was analysed by computer programs NTSYS and NMIX. The phenetic analysis shows the Xanthidae as a good family, but the cladistic one (Wagner tree) split them in four families: Carpiliidae, Xanthidae (with the subfamilies Menippinae, Platyxanthinae, Xanthinae and Eucratopsinae), Eriphiidae and Pilumnidae (with the subfamilies Trapeziinae and Pilumninae). Redescriptions and identifications keys for the proposed families and subfamilies are presented.

Several reports on puma (Puma concolor) have been made in the State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, most of them in remnant original habitats above 800 meters. These records show a thight relationship between the puma with altitude and mainly with habitat quality. The eastern boundary of the puma range isset by the mountain chains of Serra do Mar and Serra Geral. The definite implementation of National Parks and Reserves, studies of movements, and polimorfism analyses are suggested, in order to provide protected habitats and assure the genetic flow amongst puma populations.

Saranthidium marginatum, sp.n. from Brazil (Minas Gerais and Parana) and Argentina (Misiones) and Hypanthidium erythrogaster, sp.n. from Brazil (Bahia, Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso do Sul) are described.