RCAAP Repository

As part of two surveys in the state of Paraná, Nyssodrysina lignaria (Bates, 1864) (Cerambycidae, Coleoptera) was sampled using malaise traps. One of the surveys was developed in eight different sites (Antonina, São José dos Pinhais, Colombo, Ponta Grossa, Telêmaco Borba, Jundiaí do Sul, Guarapuava e Fênix) from August 1986 to July 1987 and another one in five areas in different conditions of forest conservation, all located at Vila Velha, Ponta Grossa, from September 1999 to August 2000. The data indicate that the seasonality is congruent with the conditions found in temperate regions, with an activity peak in the spring-summer months. In the beginning of fall a second peak of abundance was observed, but not as high as in the spring-summer. These two peaks probably indicate the presence of two populations of N. lignaria associated to different fruit-ripening phases on diverse species of Inga Ph.Miller (Leguminosae, Mimosacea). The populational fluctuation observed in the various sites and the temperature and air humidity influences are discussed. Differences in the floristic conditions in Vila Velha (Ponta Grossa), as a cause of punctual differences in the populational fluctuation are also discussed. Finally, the results are compared with a study made with N. lignaria in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Phytoseiidae and Sigmaeidae are the most common predatory mites on rubber tree leaves in the State of Mato Grosso, associated with phytophagous mites of the families Eriophyidae, Tenuipalpidae and Tetranychidae. The aim of this work was to compare the effect of different kinds of food, including different species of mites commonly found on the rubber tree in Mato Grosso, and one kind of pollen, on the oviposition of the predators Agistemus floridanus Gonzalez, 1965 (Stigmaeidae), Euseius concordis (Chant, 1959) and Neoseiulus anonymus (Chant & Baker, 1965), both Phytoseiidae. Those predators are common on rubber tree leaves in Mato Grosso. For the tests with A. floridanus, discs of 2 cm in diameter of rubber tree leaves were used as substrate. Food provided to the predators were the mites Calacarus heveae Feres, 1992, Oligonychus gossypii (Zacher, 1921), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1904), Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, 1945 and Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor, 1950), and pollen of Typha angustifolia L. Agistemus floridanus accepted a larger variety of foodthan other predators. This was the only predator with high oviposition rate when fed C. heveae and T. heveae, the phytophagous mites considered most important on rubber trees. Euseius concordis and A. floridanus had nearly the same oviposition rates when fed pollen of T. angustifolia (ca. one egg per female per day). Neoseiulus anonymus had the highest oviposition rate than other predators when fed O. gossypii and T. mexicanus. Polyphagotarsonemus latus was the least suitable food for the predators studied.

Descriptions of the fourth and fifth larval instars and pupa of Dasyophthalma creusa creusa (Hübner [1821]) from material reared in southern Brasil are presented and illustrated. The larva feed on leaves of Geonoma schottiana Martius (Arecaceae).

The feeding behavior and the food preference was studied in P. expansa (Schweigger, 1812) P. unifilis (Troschel, 1848) and P. sextuberculata (Cornalia, 1849). The method used for feeding behavior and food preference was the sampling of all occurrences. The Students' t test was applied on the food items, to compare differences during the development of each species. The main conclusions are: feeding behavior for food, except alive animals, is divided in foraging, approach, olfactory recognition, capture, laceration and ingestion; the persecution behavior was observed for prey activity; cleptoparasitism occurs in the three species and neustophagia mechanism was detected in P. unifilis; P. sextuberculata shows to be almost only carnivorous and P. expansa and P. unifilis show to be omnivorous; P. expansa can be considered more herbivorous in captivity than P. unifilis during the age between one and five years old and more than five years old; P. expansa is more sensitive than P. unifilis concerning the alteration of the food place, mainly the meat, decreasing its consumption, if it is put on a dry place.

A taxonomic key is provided for the assembly of sponges of the floating meadows, in a protected deltaic area at southern Brazil. The roots of the water hyacinths Eichhornia azurea (Sw). Kunth and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach were seen to be the prefered substrates. The register of C. australis (Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago, 1966) is the first for Brazil enhancing a discussion of the genus.

Age and growth of Hypophthalmus edentatus (Spix, 1829) (Siluriformes, Hypophthalmidae) was determined. Data were collected from December 1983 to November 1984 and from April 1997 to March 1998 in the Itaipu Reservoir. To evaluate reading consistency, it was analyzed the coefficient of variation of the total length for each annulus observed in the otoliths. Through marginal increment analysis, it was determined that the annuli formed annually (April) indicating that otoliths may be used in the study of age and growth of the species. Food supply was considered the main factor affecting growth and annuli formation in both periods. Back-calculated data were used to assess if the Rosa Lee phenomenon, commom in selective samples like commercial fishing, occured. It was used also, the von Bertalanffy model to obtain the length growth curve. Parameters k and L<FONT FACE=Symbol>¥</FONT> were estimated by nonlinear regression for sexes separated. Although nom significant, k was greater in 1983-1984 than in 1997-1998. Inversely the L<FONT FACE=Symbol>¥</FONT> was greater for females, but k was smaller. Age at first maturation and annual instantaneous mortality (A) were similar in both sexes and years analyzed.

The growth study, in length and weight, of Aegla leptodactyla Buckup &amp; Rossi, 1977, was developed based on biometric data of 2,435 specimens collected from Rio da Divisa, a tributary of the Rio Silveira, district of São José dos Ausentes, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The samplings were realized from April/2000 to July/2001. The captured specimens had recorded the Sex and the length and width of cephalothorax. The specimens from June/2000, November and May/2001 were weighted, and those from June and July/2001 had recorded their length and width of the chelipeds. For the description of the growth the von Bertalanffy's model was utilized. The growth curves in length (mm), for data obtained through the modal progression, are described by the equations: Ct = 19.83 [1- e - 0,0023 (t +55,5)] for males and Ct = 18.096 [1- e - 0,0024 (t +48,6)] for females. For data obtained through the progression of age group means, the equations for males and females are, respectively, Ct = 18.15 [1- e - 0,0027 (t +52)] and Ct = 20.7 [1- e - 0,002 (t +63,4)]. For the growth description in weight (g), for data obtained through modal progression, the equations are: Pt = 3.88 [1- e - 0,0023 (t +55,5)]3,073 for males and Pt = 2.78 [1- e - 0,0024 (t +48,6)]3,1046 for females, and for data obtained from progression of age group means: Pt = 2.96 [1- e - 0,0027 (t +52)]3,073 (males) e Pt = 3.65 [1- e - 0,002 (t +63,4)]3,1046 (females). The analysis of covariance did not record significant differences between the length of right and left chelae, of males and females.

A new species of Xenocoelidia Kramer, 1959 is described from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. This species can be distinguished by the aspect of the male genitalia, mainly by the aedeagus shape.

Santiago wittmanni sp. nov. from Canchaque, Huancabamba, Piura, Peru, is described and illustrated. For the first time, the female from Svastrina subapicalis (Brèthes, 1910) and the males of three species from Gaesischia Michener, LaBerge &amp; Moure, 1955, are described.

It was compared body size (measured as intertegular span) variance of trapped-males of Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 sampled in dry (July, August and September) and wet (December, January and February) seasons of the years 1988/89 and 1994/95 in Viçosa (Minas Gerais, Brazil). It was also compared the body size variance between males and females sampled in three nests found in São Carlos (São Paulo, Brazil) and between these males and trapped ones. The smaller male (6.4 mm) was sampled in June and the bigger (8.9 mm) in July 1994, but the majority (32.3%) showed an intertegular span ranging from 7.8 to 8.0mm. The observed variance in body size was similar between males sampled in nests and trapped-males and the variance found inside a nest was similar between the sexes. However, males sampled in 1988/89 were bigger than 1994/95 males and males sampled in nests were smaller than trapped-males. The variance of the body size of males did differ between 1988/89 and 1994/95. In the first period differences between males sampled in dry or wet season was not observed, but in 1994/95 period the males sampled in dry season showed significantly greater variance in body size than males sampled in wet season. The body size variance did not differ between the wet seasons of 1988/89 and 1994/95. The body size variation, measured as the coefficient of variation in intertegular span, did not differ between males of E. nigrita (CV = 4.3%) and ground-nesting bees. These results show that the variation in body size of males of E. nigrita reflects that one found inside the nests of this bee, being similar among males and females. This variation is expected as result of ecological factors influences the nesting females. El Niño climatic events alone or in association with the lack of local food resources due to deforestation and presence of monocultures might play a role in observed body size variation. However this hypothesis is not sufficient to explain the observed body size variation inside a single nest. The absence of pressures of selection related to the females' advantages of produce large offspring perhaps contributes to the maintenance of the observed size variation. Studies regarding maternal allocation in E. nigrita may be useful to explain either the variation in body size or sex ratio found in this Neotropical bee.

This study evaluated the influence of the water and air temperatures, pluviosity and photoperiod on the breeding season of Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803), in Ubatuba littoral, southeastern Brazilian coast. Monthly collections were conducted out from January/95 to December/96 in an estuarine area from 23º29'10"-23º29'45"S to 45º09'10"-45º10'00"W. Water and air temperature variation showed the highest correlation coefficient with the frequency of ovigerous females, r² = 0.73 and 0.68, respectively. However, an analysis of the set of environmental variables, revealed the photoperiod as the factor of highest association with the ovigerous frequency (r² = 0.68). This degree of association allow us to suggest that the breeding season duration of G. cruentata might have some variations over different latitudes, and such results could be quite diverse in populations from different latitudes.

Stream ecosystems may be strongly influenced in different ways by land use. The effects of land-cover patterns on Odonata community were studied in eight streams and seven lakes-dams of northeastern São Paulo State. The pattern analyzed was monoculture (sugar cane) vs. nature reserve in terms of Odonata species richness and similarity. Eighty-five Odonata species were sampled. The species richness was higher in the monoculture (33 species) than nature reserve (30 species) and 22 species were common to both areas. There was not verified relationship between land use and physical or chemical characteristics of the streams or lakes-dams water. These results suggest that some Odonata species are benefited and other affected by anthropogenic actions, although more studies are necessary to evaluate this hypothesis. There were ten new records for São Paulo State (Neoneura sylvatica, Coryphaeschna adnexa, Erythemis haematogastra, E. mithroides, Micrathyria longifasciata, M. pseudeximia, Planiplax machadoi, Lauromacromia sp., Tibiagomphus sp. and Aeschnosoma sp.).

This study was carried out with the objective of evaluating if the size of forest fragments affects the diversity of bat species. In order to do that, seven fragments were studied in Londrina, Paraná: five small fragments, whose areas varied between 1 and 10 ha; a fragment which is considered medium-sized (Parque Municipal Arthur Thomas - 85,47 ha.); and a large fragment (Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy - 680 ha.). Thirty three species were collected. Ten species were common to all three types of fragments: Chrotopterus auritus (Peters, 1856), Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758), Artibeus fimbriatus Gray, 1838, Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818), Platyrrhinus lineatus (E. Geoffroy, 1810), Pygoderma bilabiatum (Wagner, 1843), Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810), Vampyressa pusilla (Wagner, 1843), Eptesicus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819), and Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821). Eight species were only found in the large fragment: Noctilio albiventris Desmarest, 1818, Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Uroderma bilobatum Peters, 1866, Diaemus youngi (Jentink,1893), Diphylla ecaudata Spix, 1823, Eptesicus furinalis (d'Orbigny, 1847), Histiotus velatus (I. Geoffroy, 1824) and Myotis levis (I. Geoffroy, 1824). Five were only found in the small fragments: Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus, 1758), Phyllostomus discolor Wagner, 1843, Chiroderma villosum Peters, 1860, Eptesicus sp. e Rogheessa tumida H. Allen, 1866. Chiroderma doriae, which is threatened by extinction, was captured in the large fragment and in one of the small fragments; M. ruber, also threatened by extinction, was captured in the medium-sized and large fragments. We believe that the major cause for the loss of organic diversity is not rational exploitation, but the destruction of habitats, a result of the expansion of irrational human activities.

In the present study five new species of Biza are presented: B. castanea sp. nov., B. ocellata sp. nov., B. maculata sp. nov., B. trimaculata (all from Brazil, Amazonas State) and B. similis sp. nov. (from Brazil, Mato Grosso State). The new species of Biza can be distinguished by the aspect of the male genitalia, mainly by the shape of the aedeagus, the presence or absence of process in the aedeagus and shape of pygofer.

Garapita Oman is redescribed and four new species are described, G. (G.) guajarensis sp. nov., G. (G.) sinopia sp. nov., G. (G.) computa sp. nov., from Brazil and G. (G.) paraguaiensis sp. nov. from Paraguay. A new combination is established, G. (G.) clitellaria (Osborn, 1923), comb. nov. and G. (G.) pulchripennis Linnavuori, 1959 is considered a new synonym. The male of G. (G.) clitellaria, up to now unknown, is described. G. (G.) garbosa Oman, 1936 is reported for the first time in Brazil; G. (Chlamydopita) aurea Linnavuori, 1959 is redescribed and illustrated.

New genus and new species of Cicadellini are proposed: Fingeriana dubia occurs at the citrus and coffee culture. The new genera is similar with Nielsonia Young, 1977 but, the shaft of the adeagus of the Fingeriana dubia is symmetrical with a basal unpaired process asymmetrical and plates narrowly triangular as long as pygofer.

Lironeca desterroensis sp. nov. (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) is described on the basis of 105 females and three males taken from the gill chambers of the marine fish, Cetengraulis edentulus (Cuvier,1829), obtained near Santa Catarina Island, Brazil. The new species resembles Lironeca redmanni Leach, 1818, in size and general appearance but differs from that species in a number of important respects. In the new species, the pleotelson is larger, the pleonites are laterally produced, the uropods have elongate and slender rami and the larval stage (Pullus II) has a prominent frontal projection.

A research of parasitefauna of 50 palm ruff Seriolella violacea Guichenot, 1816 from Ventanilla Fishmarket, Callao, Peru, between July and October 2001 and necropsied to study parasite infracommunities was conducted. Of the fishes collected, 21 were females and 29 males. Male showed a standard length between 21-95 cm (52.6 ± 24.9) and female between 18-96 cm (43.2 ± 21.1) and was not found differences between both sexes. 358 specimens of parasite were collected in total during all the survey, with a mean abundance of 7.2 ± 3.2 (2-18). The mean parasite species richness 1.2 (1-3) was not correlated with standard body length. All hosts were parasited. Forty-two hosts (84%) showed infection with 1 parasite species, and eight (16%) had 2 parasite species. Three parasite species: Paraeurysorchis sarmientoi (Tantaleán, 1974) (Monogenea) (Prevalence = 14%, mean Intensity = 1, mean abundance = 0.14), Neobothriocephalus aspinosus Mateo &amp; Bullock, 1966 (Cestoda) (Prevalence = 100%; mean Intensity = 7.02, mean abundance = 7.02) and Lernanthropus trachuri (Brian, 1903) (Copepoda) (Prevalence = 2%, mean Intensity = 1, mean abundance = 0.02) were found. Neobothriocephalus aspinosus had an overdispersed distribution and was the dominant species. An effect of sex and standard length with prevalence and mean abundance of infection of P. sarmientoi and N. aspinosus were not found. Paraeurysorchis sarmientoi showed the most prevalence of infection in the second gill-arch. Finally, we included a complete list of all metazoan parasites of S. violacea reported from Peru.

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) (Euphorbiaceae) is attacked by various species of phytophagous mites in Brazil. Studies conducted in the State of Mato Grosso showed the presence of Agistemus floridanus Gonzalez, 1965 (Stigmaeidae) on rubber trees, associated with the mite Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, 1945. The aim of this work was to study the biology of that predator in the laboratory, when fed with T. heveae as prey. The study was started with 22 eggs, which resulted in 15 females reaching adult hood. To determine the effect of mating on oviposition, 30 females were used; half of those were maintained isolated and the remaining were maintained then with males during the whole adult stage. The stage of egg was the longest, with a duration of more than 4.0 days. The total duration of the immature phase was 10.2 days. Each female oviposited an average of 38.4 eggs, with a daily oviposition rate of 2.3 eggs per female. The duration of each adult phase, the daily oviposition rate and the longevity were different between the mated females and non-mated females. All eggs produced by non-mated originated males, characterizing, in this way, the development through arrhenothokous parthenogenesis. The results showed that A. floridanus has an innate increase capacity of 13.2 times in each generation, that the average duration of one generation is 19.2 days, that the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) is about 0.16 female per female per day and that the number of females added daily to the population is 1.1.

Two species of Centris (Heterocentris) are described as new: Centris (Heterocentris) adunca from Venezuela (Amazonia) and Brazil (Acre) and Centris (Heterocentris) flavicans from Central Brazil (Goiás). The main character of C. (H.) adunca sp. nov. is a crooked tubercle implanted on the basis of clypeus with the apex truncate and slightly bifurcated and a unarmed labrum, and of C. (H.) flavicans sp. nov. the hairs on scutum and scutellum completely yellow. Centris labrosa Friese, 1899 is a new synonym for Centris terminata Smith, 1874.