RCAAP Repository

From 1978 to 1991, 48 bird species have exploited some kind of resource in a residential quarter reasonably well provided of vegetation. There was a predominante of species with generalist feeding habits (omnivores and non-specialized insectivores), forest edge or secondary growth dwellers, and species that feed and nest in arboreal and shrub layers. Only 23 species are certain or probable residents; the presence of others is due to migration or to displacement of populational excedents coming perhaps from nearby urban parks. Although the vegetation is not exactly profuse, it is enough to be exploited by many forest species. As the city of São Paulo confines with the Atlantic Forest, this kind of urban vegetation may be important to the maintenance not only of resident populations but also of vagrant birds from the surroundings, including some rare or little known species.

The genus Coelosis with two subgenera, Coelosis s.str. [type species: Scarabaeus sylvanus Fabricius, 1775] and Eucoelosis subgen.n. [type species: Scarabaeus biloba Linnaeus, 1767], is revised and redescribed. Other four species: C. (C.) inermis Sternberg, 1908, C. (C.) bourgini (Dechambre, 1976), C. (Eucoelosis) hippocrates Blanchard, 1846, and C. (E.) bicornis (Leske, 1779) were recognized and redescribed. Coelosis (E.) denticornis Arrow, 1937 was not studied, and the original description is transcribed herein. New characters considered relevant for comparative studies and for species identification are presented. The subgenus Millotsis Bourgin, 1944 [type species: Coelosis inermis Sternberg, 1908] is considered a junior subjective synonym of Coelosis s.str.. A phenetic analysis is presented.

Ligyra maracaensis, sp.n. (from Brazil, Roraima, Maracá Island) is described.

A study of phylogenetic relationships of the genera of Mesembrinellinae and of the species of Eumesembrinella Townsend, 1931, on the ground of shared derived character states (synapomorphies) is presented. Resulting the following assumption: Laneella Mello, 1967 presenting sister group relationship with all other Mesembrinellinae, followed by Souzalopesiella Guimarães, 1977, M. peregrina Aldrich, 1922 that was isolated from Mesembrinella Giglio-Tos, 1893. Mesembrinella was considered paraphiletic, its species were judged in changeable positions at the bifurcation point of analysis of Albuquerquea Mello, 1967 with the tricotomic interrelationships of Thompsoniella Guimarães, 1977, Huascaromusca Townsend, 1918 and Eumesembrinella Townsend, 1931. The phylogeny of the genus Eumesembrinella shows E. cyaneicincta in basal position, followed by E. quadrilineata that showed sister group relationship wilh E. randa plus E. benoisti. Mesembrinella currani Guimarães, 1977 and Eumesembrinella benoisti (Séguy 1925) were revalided.

Known as "domestic dove", the Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789) is a columbidae species widely distributed in Brazil, whose reproductive biology has been studied by many researchers. The testes of 12 Columba livia males were collected and prepared for histologic examination under an optical microscope, the results of which were analysed and photographed. The tunica albuginea that covers the testes consists of a thick, not very cellular layer of dense connective tissue. Groups of interstitial cells with typical morphological appearance and surrounded by loose, well vascularized connective tissue are observable within the organ, between the seminiferous tubules. The seminiferous tubules are thick, intensely wound and, when seen in cross section, show Sertoli cells and spermatogenic lineage cells in different stages of development. These include spermatogonia (type A, clear; type A, dark; and type B), spermatocytes I and II, spermatids, and a large number of spermatozoons. Similarities are found between the histological findings described and those reported for the testes of Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811).

The study of the female genital system of Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789) is part of the research on the reproductive biology of Brazilian birds. This work describes the morphological aspects of the ovary of Columba livia, as well as the histological differences observed in the ovarian follicles during the ovocyte maturation process. Ten Columba livia females were studied, whose ovaries had been dissected, fixed in Bouin and Helly solutions, and histologically processed for staining (Hematoxylin-Eosin; Gomori's trichromic and Weigert's technique and Gomori's technique for connective tissue fibers). The ovary has an irregular surface, is located in the abdominal cavity, and relates to the cranial portion of the left kidney and caudal extremity of the left lung. Histological examination shows that the ovary is covered with simple cubical epithelium, underlined by loose connective tissue that continues internally, surrounding the follicles. The ovarian follicles were described, in their different stages of development, with basis on the morphological changes occurring in the ovocyte and in the layers that surround it, in each phase of maturation. Among the follicles, groups lof cells of two distinct types, surrounded by connective tissue, are observable: clear cells with a spherical nucleus, and acidophilic cells with a slightly elongated nucleus. The studies of the ovary of Columba livia reveal histological similarities between this species and Columbina talpacoli (Temminck, 1811), whose ovaries were examined by Ribeiro et al. (1991).

A check-list of new species, descriptions of other sex of previously described species, redescriptions, proposals of synonymy, and new status for species previously in synonymy or described as subspecies for american sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae), for the period 1975-1993, and not included in the revision of Martins el at. (1978), are presented.

Six individuals of Dacnis nigripes (Pelzeln, 1856) were observed in Blumenau (26º55'26"S 49º03'22"W), (Santa Catarina) since 1985 in secondary Atlantic Forest. A male was observed in the forest of Itajaí-Açú river. A couple was registered eating the seeds of Alchornea iricurana Endl. & Poepp.. (Euphorbiaceae). The seeds were swallowed and the male offered twice the seeds to the female, who accepted them at once. Other three individuals were observed exploring Ficus sp. fruits (Miq.) Miq. (Moraceae). They made holes in the fruits and sucked the liquid. In these two oportunities when the female left the tree, it was immediately followed by the male.

Conchomorphological and anatomic characteristics of species from Punctum (Toltecia) are presented and discussed. The brief recharacterization about the conchomorphology and internal anatomy of Toltecia with related species from this subgenus is presented. The data from this species are compared with other related species from Punctidae, Helicodiscidae and Charopidae. Punctum (Toltecia) pilsbryi, n.comb. is redescribed and its shells features was analyzed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and commented, as well as the shells dimensions; the anatomy of the excretory and reproductive systems are described too. The anatomic characteristics, mainly from excretory system, characterize Punctum (Toltecia) pilsbryi, n.comb. like Punctidae.

Due to its biogeographical characteristics. the coast of the State of Paraná reveals to be a very important area for zoological researches. At the present time, however, there are only a few studies related to its carcinological fauna. The Museu de História Natural Capão da Imbuia which belongs to the Curitiba City Hall and the Centro de Estudos do Mar, of the Universidade Federal do Paraná have Crustacea collections, which are the unique references to the State. This research paper was based on the files of these institutions and also on bibliographical survey. The present research contains a detailed report of the collections and a catalogue of Dendrobranchiata and Caridea (Crustacea) species, including typical locality and geographical distribution of them.

The fine structure of the sperm and spermatogenesis of the Donax striatus are described. The morphology of the spermatozoa is classified as of a primitive type with a head, mid-piece with four mitochondria and tail. The head shows a complex acrosome, typical of heterodont bivalves. During spermatogenesis the nuclear chromatin shows granular condensation. The present paper describes detailed observations of the espermatozoa.

Cyrtoneurina pararescita. sp.n. is described and illustrated comments on morphological similarities with congeneric species.

Cycloramphus dubius Miranda-Ribeiro. 1920 is a frog species from the coastal Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil. It uses waterfalls of forested rivulets as breeding sites. The eggs are placed outside of water, between rock crevices or roots constantly wetted by water dripping. Clutches have about 60 eggs, and the tadpoles grow attached to rocks, out of water. Males of this species exhibit parental care, biting and/or pushing away strange objects approaching the egg masses. Two types of calls were identified in the spectrograms. The "advertisement calls" consist of juxtaposed pulses lasting 200ms; the "aggressive calls", also have the short pulses structure, and last around 300ms. The aggressive calls are emitted during territorial invasion.

A study of the reproductive biology of B. chinensis (L.) DC. (Iridaceae) was realized comprising floral biology and breeding systems. The floral biology studies included analyses of nectar production, occurence of osmophores, corolla pigments, ultraviolet reflexion and absortion patterns, viability of pollen, pollinators and flower visitors. The breeding systems were studied taking into account the results of manual pollinators tests. B. chinensis is self-compatible bul cross-pollination is more frequent. The effective pollinators are Plebeia droryana (Friese, 1906) (45,7%), Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793) (27,3%), Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811) (9,3%). Others insects visitors are considered nectar and pollen thieves. The flowering begins generally in January and February. The complete reproductive cicle, as here considered, begining with floral bud production ending with development of mature fruits, lasts January to June. Seed dispersion is ornitocoric.

Sendaphne brasilianus. sp.n. and S. jatai. sp.n. are described from Brazil. The male is described by first time. A key to species of the genus is presented.

The objective of this research was to study the effect of feeding on Eucalyptus leaves on the life and fecundity tables of Tynacantha marginata Dallas, 1851 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Higher mortality of this predator occurred during second week of life, when the nymphs were starting second instar. The fecundity table showed that the nymphal period of T. marginata lasted four weeks, with viability of 57,9% and total longevity of 21 weeks. Egg oviposition period took 10 weeks. The population parameters (R0, rm and λ) showed a 50.69 times populational increase after one generation.

The bell quadrai lecnique were used lo oblain Rve bimestral samples during 1992. Fifteen laxoiioinic groups were found and Amphipoda had numerical dominante, Polychaeta and Decapoda are als<t important taxa. principally in spring. Ali biomass aspecis ofalgae are more important in winter.

The present paper deals with data on zooplankton collected from the estuary of Potengi, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil covering a period of one year from October 1992 to October 1993. Three fixed stations within the estuary located at varying distances from the mouth of the river were sampled. Sampling was done monthly when the tide was lowest. Analysis of the samples has shown clear pattern of seasonal variations in abundance of the dominant zooplankton components which are composed of Copepoda, Appendicularia, larvae of Brachyura, larvae of Cirripedia and Chaetognalha. A detailed study of the larvae of Brachyura was also attempted which showed that seven species can be identified in the samples, of which those of Aratus pisonii (H. Milne Edwards) and Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille have already been described. Other five species are designated here numerically and description of various stages present in the samples are given.

Three species of janirid isopods were found on the sea star Echinaster brasiliensis Müller &amp; Troschel collected in São Sebastião Channel, southeastern Brazil. Janaira gracilis Moreira &amp; Pires and Carpias nereus (Pires) were previously known from the area and Carpias asterophilus, sp.n. is described. The three isopod species were found together on the dorsal surface of the sea star, and juveniles performed nearly 73% of the population. The janirids presented homeochromy with the sea stars, and food and shelter were the observed benefits that the crustaceans received from the association. A key to separate the species of Carpias with a spoon-like gnathopod is included.

The natural breeding sites of Toxorhynchites (Lynchiella) haemorrhoidalis haemorihoidalis (Fabricius, 1794), in two study areas, were sampled monthly, during a period of one year, in an upland "terra-firme" forest of the Central Amazon. These natural breeding sites, consisting of water filled palm bracts on the ground, contained invertobrates and vertebrates along with palm inflorescences, leaves and twigs. The inhabitants of the non-submersed area of the bracts include Diplopoda, Acarina, Araneae, Pseudoscorpiones, Isopoda, Blattodea, Coleoptera (Carabidae, Curculionidae, Scolytidae, Staphilinidae). Collembola, Dermaptera, Diptera (Cecidomyidae, Drosophilidae, Mycetophilidae, Tipulidae), Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Trichoptera. The submersed areas of the bracts were inhabited by Oligochaeta, Coleoptera (Dysticidae, Helodidae, Histeridae, Hydrophilidae, Limnebiidae), Diptera (Ceratopogonidae, Chirononiidae, Culicidae, Psychodidae, Stratiomyidae, Syrphidae). Odonata, along with immature Dendrobatidae e Hylidae. The ovipositing, resting and feeding behaviors of T. h. haemorrhoidalis adults are described.