RCAAP Repository

This paper presents 28 species of Echinoderms collected on 5 beaches of Salvador (12º54' to 13º01' S and 38º26' to 38º33' W), Brazil, which are distributed in 19 families. Ophiuroidea represented 53,6% of the collected species, followed by Echinoidea (28,6%), Asteroidea (7,1%), Holothuroidea (7,1%), and Crinoidea (3,6%). Ophiuroidea and Echinoidea were the most frequent groups, occurring at all the studied beaches while Crinoidea occurred only on 20% of them. Most of the species are characterized as belonging to the tropical warm waters, some to the shallow coastal areas and some having a broad bathymetric distribution. The richness of species values on beaches ranged from 7 to 24, at Itapua Beach, and from 2 to 14 among different kinds of habitats, where protected ones showed higher values.

The occurrence of a rare ginandromorph specimen of Saturniidae collected in the State of Amazonas, Brazil is reported. This is the first unique deposit of a gynandromorph in the Collection of the National Institute for Amazonian Research.

The poorly known phenomenon of copula "inter mares" (a male insect copulating with another male) is reported in Pirascca sagaris satnius (Dalman, 1823) (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae, Riodininae).

Tynelia Stål, 1858 is revised and its limits redefined; two species are included: T. longula Burmeister, 1835 (= Boethoos nitida Funkhouser, 1922, Syn.n.)and T. godoyae sp.n. (from Brazil, Pará). Neotynelia gen.n. (type species: Darnis pubescens Fabricius, 1803) is described and the following species are treated, as well as some nomenclatural changes introduced: Neotynelia pubescens (Fabricius, 1803) comb.n. (= Tragopa prominens Walker, 1858 Syn.n.;= Boethoos hirsuta Funkhouser, 1922 Syn.n.; = Boethoos cinctata Haviland, 1925, Syn.n.); Neotynelia vertebralis (Fairmaire, 1846) sp. reval., comb.n. (= Tragopa bilinea Walker, 1858 Syn.n.; = Boethoos brunnea Funkhouser, 1922 Syn.n.); Neotynelia distinguenda (Fowler, 1895), sp. reval., comb.n.; Neotynelia nigra (Funkhouser, 1940) comb.n. (= Tynelia flavodorsata Fonseca, 1941 Syn.n.); Neotynelia bandeirai sp.n., Neotynelia martinsi sp.n., and Neotynelia rafaeli sp.n. (all three new species from Brazil, Mato Grosso).

The reproductive cycle of Hoplias malabaricus Bloch, 1794, was studied through histological preparations, based on 102 specimens collected in the Gramame reservoir, Paraiba State, from August 1993 to July 1994. Seven developmental stages were identified for the feminine gametes and five for the masculine gametes.

There are report two human envenenomations for species from Clelia Fitzinger, 1826 (opisthoglyph snake). The patients exhibited symptoms similar from bothropic accident. Then this work have with objective, the hystological and histochemical study of Duvernoy's gland from Clelia plumbea. For the hystological observation of the Duvernoy's gland were using, with paraffin's cutting edge, two methods: Hematoxylin + Eosin and Toluidine's Blue. With historesine's cutting edge were using three methods: Metilen's Blue, Toluidine's Blue + Floxine and Toluidine's Blue. For the histochemical detection were using six techniques, with paraffin's cutting edge: PAS, PAS + Alcian Blue pH 2,5, Alcian Blue pH 2,5, PAS + Salivar Amilase, Method of Lars Grimelius and Method of Lillie. It was evidenced the predominance of serous cells on Duvernoy's gland. In relation to the histochemical constituion of the duvernoy's gland, was verified the presence of glucoconjugates neuters, enzymes and cells with reduetive activity. By fact from this species to kill his preys by constriction, the predominance of serous cells in the duvernoy's gland, don' t must be direct related with the subjugation of his preys, but with the digestive processes. Histological and histochemical analysis showed cells of Duvernoy's gland are constituted for two populations: serous cells (prodution of enzymes) and mucous cells (prodution of glucoconjugates).

Populational flotation of Cordiamyia globosa Maia, 1996 - a gall maker species - was studied during 12 months using its galls as parameter. The maximum and medium number of galls/leaf/month was obtained, as well as the percentage of attacked leaves. Eight species of parasitoid Hymenoptera were associated with the gall maker. Seasonal rates of parasitoidism are given.

Albinapis gracilis gen.n. and sp.n. from Caçapava do Sul and Hexantheda enneomera sp.n. from Capão da Canoa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with peculiar number of labial palpi articles, are described and illustrated.

The biology and immature stages of Psigida walkeri (Grote) are described for the first time. Development is rapid with only 35 days from egg to adult. The larva feed on Calliandra parviflora Benth. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae), its natural host plant. Egg, larval instars, pupa and adults are illustrated in color.

In Central Amazonia the tabanid Betrequia ocellala Oldroyd, 1970 was recorded for the first time blood feeding on caimans during an experiment in September/October 1996 at Ducke Reserve, Manaus, Brazil. Among different available hosts (Caiman, horse, duck and human) B. ocellata was observed only on Caiman crocodilus (Linnaeus, 1758), suggesting specific blood feeding on crocodilians. The adult flight season, diurnal blood feeding period and flight stratification are presented. Other tabanid species feeding or landing on caimans are also recorded.

One hundred eighty species in a preliminary inventory were identified. From these, 166 were in an area of 832.5 ha (Mata São Francisco State Park), 84 in another of 9.7 ha (Manoel Júlio de Almeida Municipal Forest) and 99 in the third remnant, briefly sampled, of 218 ha (Mata São Paulo). Comparing these numbers to inventories of nearby sites was considered that the larger area is poor in number of bird species, and believe this to be mainly due to the high degree of environmental degradation. Was considered that the smaller area is rich in birds, but its proximity (375 meters) to the third remnant certainly exeits strong influence. This paper presents the list of birds by site and with their relative frequency of occurrence. A new record for Paraná (Scarlet-headed Blackbird Amblyramphus holosericeus), two new ones for the interior of the state (Uniform Crake Amaurolimnas concolor and Yellow-lored Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum poliocephalum) and several other important records are commented (e.g. Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata, Vinaceous Parrot Amazona vinacea, and Black-banded Owl Ciccaba huhula). Locally extinct species are discussed (e.g. Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja), as well as the ones that colonized landscapes created by men (e.g. pastures, agricultural areas). When discussing Atlantic Forest endemism, some species were shown not to be endemic to this biome. Because the north of Paraná is almost totally deforested, the presence of the forest remnants by itself conter them great importance for conservation, besides the existence of species endemic to the Atlantic Forest and considered to be under the threat of extinction. Conservation and management measures are also proposed.

This work presents the characterization of larval external morphology of the kissing gourami Helostoma temminckii, an aquarium fish of the family Helostomatidae, reared all over the world. A total of 38 larvae (standard length between 3.2 and 10.1 mm), obtained through natural reproduction carried out in the Fish Culture Station of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, were used. The morphometric measurements pre-dorsal, pre-pectoral and pre-anal distances, and body height varied positively with standard length, and body proportions varied between 30.8 and 51.2%; 12.9 and 37.9%; 38.2 and 58.3%, and 17.2 and 30.43% CP, respectively. The eye diameter varied positively with the length of the head (CC), but its body proportion decreased with growth, varying between 63.3 and 30.2% CC, within fish lenghts from 3.2 to 10.1 mm, respectively. The external morphological characterization of larvae with 3.9, 6.6, 7.7, 8.0 and 10.1 mm CP are presented, showing the notochord flexion (CP between 5.5 and 6.8 mm), the appearance of rays and formation of the caudal (CP between 5.5 and 7.5 mm), dorsal (CP above 7.5 mm), anal (larger than 7.5 mm CP) and pectoral fins (larger than 8 mm CP); the modification of body shape and pigmentation absence. Larvae with 10.1 mm CP don't show completely developed dorsal and anal fins, with their definitive number of rays. The opening of mouth and anus, and reduction of the yolk-sac were observed in larvae with CP between 6.5 and 7.5 mm. Such information is importam for larval rearing of the species, besides providing data for comparative ontogenic analysis of other Perciformes.

A new species of xanthid crab, Hexapanopeus manningi, closely related to H. caribbaeus Stimpson, 1871 collected from mangrove areas in the estuaries of Rio Grande do Norte. Brazil is described. This is the sixth species of Hexapanopeus Rathbun, 1898 from Brazil. Distinguishing features of the species are also mentioned to facilitate its separation from closely related species.

The bee-plant community in a xeric ecosystem in northwestern Argentina was studied concerning diversity, relative abundance, floral preference and phenology. Fifty-seven bee species were recorded, 42.1% of them endemic to arid regions of southern South America, visiting flowers of 11 plant species. The most abundant bees were Canephorula apiformis (Friese, 1908), Isomalopsis niveata (Friese, 1908) and Melectoides bellus (Jorgensen, 1912). No strictly specialist bee was observed. Some aspects of bee-flowers associations and distribution patterns are discussed.

This study analyze the consequences of unilateral and bilateral ablation based on ovigerous percentage, consecutive spawns, and secondary effects of the surgical process in the females of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879). Two experiments were carried out with four and seven months old females in intermolt stage. Each experiment was comprised of control, unilateral and bilateral ablation. Eyestalk ablation was done with a bistoury with a topic hot cauterization followed by application of antibiotic pomades. The animals were maintained at constant temperature (28 ± 1,05ºC) and photoperiod of 12L: 12D within fibercement boxes with sandy bottom and biological filter. Females were observed once a day during fourteen weeks, registering gonadal condition, ecdysis and presence of spermatophore (mating) and spawning. Unilateral ablation technique is more efficient due to the anticipation of the first spawn, repeatability between spawns, expressive rate of ovigerous females and survival, that favored its applicability. Bilateral eyestalk ablation produced the mortality of ali the females with change in coloration and food activity patterns. These results corroborate other observations on penaeid shrimps. though bilateral ablation on some lobsters was a success. These results showing an interespecific variation and can be used in aquaculture projects.

Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) from the coast of Rio Grande do Sul State were examined and six trematodes species were recovered: Aponurus laguncula Looss, 1907, A. pyriformis (Linton, 1910), Monascus filiformis (Rudolphi, 1819), Opecoeloides catarinensis Amato, 1983, O. stenosomae Amato, 1983, and Pachycreadium gastrocotylum (Manter, 1940). All species are registered for the first time in Rio Grande do Sul State and M. furnieri represents a new host record for A. laguncula, A. pyriformis and M. filiformis.

The monthly analysis of maturity stage frequency suggested that spawning of the grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus (Gmelin, 1788) is annual, total and occurs from November to February in the south of São Paulo State, Brazil. Size at first maturity is 169 mm for females and 200 mm for males. Condition factor estimated considering and disconsidering gonad weight (K and K') showed maximum values related to periods of higher frequency of females at advanced maturity stage. ΔK was higher in December, January and February, and was related to the maximum frequency of mature females. As K estimates the gonad condition it could be used as a maturity and breeding season index for this species. The gonadosomatic relation behaved the same as K values.

The bay of the Tibagi river, a place which goes through quick environmental alterations, has three forest fragments: the "Floresta Nacional do Irati" (3.572 ha), the "Reserva Biológica da Klabin" (11.116 ha) and the "Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy" (680 ha). Here, Myotis ruber (E. Geoffroy, 1806) and Chiroderma doriae Thomas, 1891 can be found, these are threatened bats, and three species, Pygoderma bilabiatum (Wagner, 1843), Myotis levis (I. Geoffroy, 1824) and Rogheessa tumida H. Allen, 1866, which are presumably threatened. Using the same effort of capture in the three places, it was stated that the "Floresta Nacional do Irati" with low vegetation diversity, showed nine species of bats. The "Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy", although it's five times smaller, fifteen species. We came to the conclusion that a big reserve, without good conditions would house a lower number of species. A small reserve with adequate resources and great vegetation diversity presents a higher number of niches, housing a higher number of species.

The flowering pattern and the visiting bee species on Sida spp. and Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke were studied in a restricted area at the campus of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. There were differences among plant species but not among individuals in relation to the flowering time along the day and the time at which the flowers were visited by bees. Melissoptila cnecomala (Moure, 1944) and Cephalurgus anomalus Moure & Oliveira, 1962 were the most frequent visitors. Both species foraged on flowers for nectar and pollen. C. anomalus visited mainly plants with anthesis in the morning and M. cnecomala plants with anthesis in the afternoon. This fact sugests that those species of bees may be showing contrasting foraging strategies and can share the floral resources of Sida and Malvastrum. The males of C. anomalus mate on flowers of Sida and exhibit a behavior known as rendevouz pollination.

The effectiveness of pitfall traps associated with drift fences to capture amphibians and reptiles in three field studies, in Rio Grande do Sul (extreme southern Brazil), São Paulo (São Paulo, southeastern Brazil), and Amazonas (Amazonas, northern Brazil) is described. At Santa Maria, a total of 2040 amphibians and reptiles were caught in 30 pitfalls (200 L, with drift fence) during 18 months of study (capture efficiencies of 3.78 amphibians and reptiles/pitfall/month and 0.14 snake/pitfall/month). At Itirapina, São Paulo, 1262 amphibians and reptiles were obtained in 72 pitfalls (100 L, with drift fence) during six months (capture efficiencies of 11,9 amphibians and reptiles/pitfall/month and 0,38 snake/pitfall/month). At Rio Pitinga, Amazonas, over 600 amphibians and reptiles were caught in 50 pitfalls (100-150 L, with drift fence) during three months (capture efficiencies of ca. 4.00 amphibians and reptiles/pitfall/month and 0.87 snake/pitfall/month). Capture efficiencies of 1.25 to ~3.92 amphibians and reptiles/pitfall/month were obtained in four other unpublished studies made by other authors in Brazil, all of them using 20-35 L traps, either with or without drift fences. Higher capture efficiencies for snakes were obtained in those studies in which larger containers (100-200 L) were used. The results presented here indicate that pitfall traps are extremely useful to sample amphibians and reptiles in Brazil, especially anurans and lizards. From these results, it is possible to preview the capture of 125 to 1200 amphibians and reptiles with 100 pitfalls during one month, regardless of the size of the pitfalls and sampling design of the trap arrays. The main advantages and disadvantages of the method and detailed guidelines on how to design, install, and use the traps is discussed.