RCAAP Repository

This paper provides a catalogue of the type specimens of Rangomaramidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) held in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil (MZUSP). Label data and the condition of 26 type-specimens (three holotypes and 23 paratypes) of four Neotropical species are provided.

Decapod crustaceans have a wide variety of feeding habits, alternating among herbivory, predation, saprophagy, and filtration. The occupation of various trophic positions in the food web is a key feature in the evolution of the group. Thus, we analyzed the natural diet of the crab Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787), commonly known as the ghost crab and typically found on sandy beaches. The crabs were collected in the region of Ubatuba, between July 2016 and May 2017. The individuals were dissected in a laboratory, and each stomach was weighed and visually assessed in relation to the degree of repletion. After identification and classification, the items found were grouped for the analysis. In analyzing the stomach contents of Ocypode quadrata, 12 items were found: sand, Insecta, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Crustacea, and other unidentified Arthropoda. We also found poriferans, Actnopterygii bones, plant pieces, non-organic material (plastic), and other non-identified materials. In the statistical analyzes, we observed seasonal differences in the composition of the diet, mostly related to the frequency of items consumed between dry and rainy seasons; the rainy season provided a greater diversity of items. Due to the great trophic spectrum of this species and tendency to feed on a wide range of items, O. quadrata is considered a generalist species, adapting according to the availability of prey in the wild.

The mature larva and pupa of the Australian silvanid species, Macrohyliota militaris (Erichson) are described from laboratory reared material. This is the first description of immature stages of Silvanidae from Australia. The larva of M. militaris conforms to the general body shape and apparent morphological features of known Brontini and is very similar to the Asian M. sculptus Yoshida & Hirowatari. Larval and pupal features of M. militaris are compared with other known larvae and pupae of Brontini described in the literature.

Cascudinhos are a group of small benthic fishes included in the Hypoptopomatinae subfamily, inhabiting small to moderate streams and rivers within the Neotropical region, from Venezuela to Northern Argentina. Until now, Otothyropsis piribebuy originally described from the rio Paraguay basin, in Paraguay, is the only species of the genus not recorded in Brazil. Recent samples in the rio Tererê, rio Paraguay basin, Brazil, revealed a population of Otothyropsis with uncertain taxonomic identity. Therefore, the study aimed to unveil the distribution of Otothyropsis within Brazilian territory. External morphology, osteology, measurements, and counts (plates, teeth, and rays) of these specimens from rio Tererê were compared to data from the original description of O. piribebuy, and also with specimens of O. piribebuy sampled in Paraguayan territory. Observations indicated no differences among the analyzed specimens. Furthermore, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), carried out using log-transformed measures from Brazilian and Paraguayan specimens, showed no separation of these populations, also indicating that all analyzed specimens pertain to the same species. Based on this, a prediction map of distribution, using Maximum Entropy, was produced. The correct identification of spatial range of occurrence is an essential step to ensure the conservation of species, and the extended distribution of Otothyropsis piribebuy was confirmed, enhancing the list of neotropical fish from Brazil.

New records of the species Metharpinia dentiurosoma Alonso de Pina, 2003, M. grandirama Alonso de Pina, 2003, M. iado Alonso de Pina, 2003, Microphoxus cornutus (Schellenberg, 1931) and Mi. uroserratus Bustamante, 2002 are reported for Brazilian waters. A discussion about the Metharpinia-Microphoxus complex is presented based on literature review and new observations of sampled species. Emended diagnoses are presented for the recorded species of Metharpinia and identification keys to world species of Metharpinia and Microphoxus are provided.

Piauí, a Brazilian Northeast state, has been considered one of the most important regions for the presence of new taxa in ants globally, especially considering the ecosystems’ diversity formed by the transition of the three biomes in the state, the Cerrado, Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest. Despite the recent increase in studies of ant diversity in the Neotropical region, Piauí still represents a major knowledge gap regarding its ant fauna. Therefore, this study aimed to increase the knowledge about the ant fauna of the state by generating a list of species with data obtained from the literature, online repositories and collection expeditions to the Serra da Capivara and Serra das Confusões National Parks. A total of 152 species in 52 genera and nine subfamilies were registered from 24 localities in Piauí. Fifty-eight out the 152 species recorded represent new records for the state, eight are new records for the Brazilian Northeast Region, and one consists of a new record for the country. Eleven species are here recognized as new for science. Considering the field expeditions carried out here, this work represents the first standardized study for the ant fauna of Piauí. The species list presented considerably exceeds the current number of species registered for the state so far. From the present 48 records, the number of species for Piauí raises to more than 150 with a tendency to increase with the accomplishment of future field endeavors and advances in the study of the local ants.

The feeding habits of the cougar have been scarcely studied in Colombia, despite its importance in the ecosystems it inhabits. In this study, we analysed the diet of the cougar using 53 feces samples collected from several sites in the Central Andes of Colombia’s Coffee Growing Region. To identify prey species, we examined and compared bone fragments and hairs found in each sample with descriptions published in relevant literature and with specimens from the Natural History Museum of the Universidad de Caldas, Colombia. We found that rabbits (Sylvilagus sp.) provided half of the relative biomass consumed by the cougar (50%). Other preys identified belong to representatives of medium and large mammals such as marsupials (Didelphis: 10%), sloths (Choloepus: 9%), rodents (Coendou: 10%, Cuniculus: 9%), and deer (Mazama: 9%). Of the preys, Coendou rufescens has not, to our knowledge, been previously included in cougar diet literature. The curve of accumulation of species indicated that the number of samples obtained in this work fully describe the diet of this feline. Neither domestic species were recorded in this work, nor were there any relationships between the dry or rainy seasons and the consumption of prey species. The comparison of the information reported in this study and others carried out in the Andes may indicate the general nature of this feline’s diet and its adaptability to the prey species found in each area, since these vary in each one of them. It is probable that the obtained trophic niche value (0.33) is due to the abundance of rabbits present in the study area. It is also probable that the cougar has not consumed domestic species since, although it is close to cattle ranches, it has enough of wild prey in the area to supply its needs. The results of this study may help to improve our understanding of the feeding habits of this predator and its interaction with other species in this important region of Colombia. This will, in turn, promote major comprehension of the role of cougars in the Colombian Cordilleras and lead actions for their conservation.

The genus Mytilus comprises a large number of bivalve mollusk species distributed throughout the world and many of these species are considered invasive. In South America, many introductions of species of this genus have already taken place, including reports of hybridization between them. Now, the occurrence of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is reported for the first time from the Brazilian coast. Several specimens of this mytilid were found in a shellfish growing areas in Florianópolis and Palhoça, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Morphological analysis of the shells and molecular analysis through sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) confirmed the taxonomic identification. The species is known for its great invasive potential and can become a major environmental problem for seafood business and coastal communities, as it can compete and even hybridize with local species.

Cleicosta, a new genus of Phengodidae containing two new species, C. equatoreana sp. nov., and C. monaguense sp. nov., are described. Additionally, a new combination for Cenophengus breviplumatus Wittmer, 1976 is included. Cleicosta gen. nov., is the thirty-eighth genus assigned to the beetle family Phengodidae in the new world and is also the most morphologically similar to Cenophengus LeConte, 1881. Both genera exhibit clearly separated tentorial pits, vertical frons and simple tarsomeres. In Cleicosta gen. nov., however, the antennal rami are 1.5 times longer than the corresponding antennomere, the pronotum is subquadrate and the elytra are short, reaching the first or second abdominal segment. In addition, it presents an aedeagus with lateral lobes slender, parallel exteriorly, narrowed medially to toothless apex.

Hovorestenia Santos-Silva, 2007 is a disteniid genus differentiated from other Neotropical Disteniini by the metatarsomeres II and V subequal in length, in contrast with the metatarsomere V distinctly longer than II in the other genera. So far, the genus is known only from male specimens. The discovery of new Hovorestenia species, represented by both sexes, shows that such current diagnostic character is sexually dimorphic, with metatarsomere V distinctly longer than II in female. The genus Hovorestenia is therefore reviewed and redescribed and two new species are described: H. cleideae, from Colombia and Ecuador, and H. espilota, from Colombia. It allowed to describe the hitherto unknown females and to appoint out sexually dimorphic characters for the first time in the genus. The genus is now composed of four species distributed from the central region of Colombia to Ecuador. Photographs of Hovorestenia species are included and a key to differentiate them is provided.

Porcellana paivacarvalhoi Rodrigues da Costa, 1968, described from southeastern Brazil (São Sebastião, São Paulo), is morphologically similar to the eastern Atlantic P. platycheles (Pennant, 1777), and also to the west African P. africana Chace, 1956. The synonymy between P. paivacarvalhoi and P. platycheles was proposed by previous authors without examination of any specimens of P. platycheles, nor did they considered the morphological similarities between P. paivacarvalhoi and P. africana. This synonymy has been implicitly accepted without further analysis. The recent discovery of one male and two females syntypes of P. paivacarvalhoi has prompted new investigations into the status of P. paivacarvalhoi as a junior synonym either of P. platycheles or P. africana. Porcellana paivacarvalhoi is redescribed and illustrated based upon its lectotype herein designated. It is confirmed to be a junior synonym of P. platycheles; all evidence suggests that P. africana is a distinct, separate species. All previous records of P. platycheles from the Brazilian coast are reviewed. Its presence in southeastern Brazil in the late 1960’s most probably represents an historical case of human-mediated introduction by shipping activities. Porcellana platycheles did not manage to establish itself in São Sebastião, nor has it been recorded subsequently elsewhere in Brazil.

The lack of information on the occurrence of species in a region limits the understanding of the composition and structure of the local community and, consequently, restricts the proposition of effective measures for species conservation. In this study, we researched the reptiles in the Duas Bocas Biological Reserve (DBBR), Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the parameters of the local community, such as richness, composition, and abundance of species. We conducted samplings from August 2017 to January 2019, through active search. We performed the samplings in nine standard plots of 250 meters in length. All individuals located in the plots or occasionally on the trails were registered. To evaluate sample effort to characterize the reptile community, we performed an accumulation curve of species, and to update the DBBR reptile list, we used as secondary data specimens deposited in collections and previously published studies. Considering primary and secondary data, we recorded 38 species, one chelonia, 13 lizards, and 24 snakes. Our study showed a richness of 15 additional species to the previous list of reptiles, increasing by about 40% the known richness to the area. We concluded that the DBBR holds a high richness of reptile species, representing 12% of the richness of reptiles of the Atlantic Forest and with a considerable number of endemic species in this biome. This suggests that the DBBR is an important forest fragment constituting a reservoir of the biodiversity of the reptiles of the Atlantic Forest.

Ophryotrocha is the most speciose genus within Dorvilleidae, with species occurring in a great variety of environments around the globe. In Brazil, records of Ophryotrocha are scarce and no specific identification is provided for any of the records. Herein we describe a new species of Dorvilleidae, Ophryotrocha zitae sp. nov. Adult and larval specimens were found in the axis of a fragment of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa, sampled off São Paulo’s coast, at a depth of 245 m. Both forms are described and illustrated. This new species resembles O. puerilis, O. adherens and O. eutrophila, but can be distinguished based on differences in its mandible and on chaetae shape and arrangement.

Apion brevicorne Gerstaecker, 1854 (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Apioninae) is an ecologically and economically important weevil that feeds on seeds and tissues of trees in the genus Copaifera L. (Fabaceae). Although the genus Apion comprises 16 species restricted to the Paleartic region, the Neotropical species A. brevicorne is still considered as incertae sedis due to the absence of a systematic study about it. The first descriptions and illustrations of Apion brevicorne are provided here. Diagnostic characters of larva and pupa are included and compared with 13 species from other biogeographic regions. Details of immature Apioninae species associated with host plants from the Neotropical region are described for the first time.

Laselva cleidae sp. nov., the first species of Laselva Furth, 2007 found in Brazil is described and illustrated. Species of Laselva are compared with those of Deciplatus Linzmeier & Konstantinov, 2009 and Andersonaltica Linzmeier & Konstantinov, 2012. This is the first species of Laselva recorded to South America.

Here we describe a new genus, Cleidella gen. nov., and two new species, C. picea sp. nov. and C. silveirai sp. nov., all from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The new genus is characterized by the interantennal distance subequal to scape length, antenna with 11 antennomeres, IV to X with two long symmetrical branches; mandibles long, projected and not crossed, pointed forward obliquely from head; maxillary palpi 4‑segmented, last segment digitiform; labial palpi 2‑segmented; posterior tentorial pit consisting of a single small fossa; elytron surpassing from the fourth to fifth abdominal segment, 3.3‑3.9× longer than wide; first tarsomere of protarsus with a ventral comb as long as the tarsomere length; wing with radial cell closed and transverse, vein r4 interrupted; aedeagus with paramere symmetrical, apex unevenly round, toothed inward, with short and scarce bristles. We provide a key to Mastinocerinae genera with 11 antennomeres, as well as illustrations for the diagnostic features for this new genus and a key to its species.

Study of recently collected larvae of two species of Ischyomius Chevrolat, 1871 from Napo and Pichincha, Ecuador, tentatively identified as I. denticollis Champion, 1916 and I. singularis Chevrolat, 1871 confirm the classification of the genus Ischyomius within the family Pythidae. Salient larval characters which solidify this placement are: 5 stemmata arranged into an anterior column of 3 and posterior column of 2, parabasal ridges along anterior margins of abdominal tergites, prominent urogomphi with inner urogomphal teeth and various dorsal tubercles, and transverse row of dentiform asperities along anterior margin of sternite 9. Important features of the larva are illustrated with photographs. A key to larvae of world genera of Pythidae is provided as well as natural history information on Ischyomius.

We assessed the current knowledge on non-avian reptile species composition in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), southeastern Brazil. We used published data in indexed journals and verified voucher specimens housed in two herpetological collections of the Museu Nacional (UFRJ), and the Laboratory of Reptiles (ZUFRJ). We also confirmed vouchers from Instituto Vital Brazil (IVB) and from the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ). We compiled a list containing 149 species of reptiles, distributed among Testudines (N = 15), Crocodylia (N = 1) and Squamata (N = 133; six amphisbaenians, 38 lizards and 89 snakes). Our results add 20 species to the previous list known for the state. Four species recorded are endemic to the state of Rio de Janeiro (Anolis neglectus, Glaucomastix littoralis, Leposternon scutigerum, and Liolaemus lutzae). We identified that 21 reptile species recorded in RJ state (nearly 15% of the total) are included in some threat category either in the IUCN, Brazilian (ICMBio) or state lists of endangered species. We also report that seven of the reptiles recorded are non-indigenous to the state: Cnemidophorus aff. lemniscatus (= Cnemidophorus cryptus), Anolis sagrei, Trachemys scripta, Trachemys dorbigni, Hemidactylus mabouia, Crotalus durissus terrificus, and Rhinoclemmys punctularia. The checklist presented here provides a comprehensive database for further research on the herpetofauna of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Austrolimnius cleidecostae sp. nov. is one of the smallest species of Elmidae from the Neotropical region. The new species is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens. This species represents the first record in Elmidae of mandibles with an articulated, sclerotized process on inner subapical edge. The specimens were collected from streams in the Atlantic rainforest of São Paulo and Santa Catarina, and habitat notes are given. An updated key for the Austrolimnius Carter & Zeck, 1929 of Brazil is provided. Austrolimnis browni Hinton, 1971 and A. musgravei Hinton, 1939 are recorded for the first time from Brazil.

Studies about the immature stages of Orphninae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) species are scarce. The subfamily includes 214 species, but only 5 have the immature stages described: Chaetonyx robustus liguricus Mariani, 1946, Hybalus benoiti Tournier, 1864, H. rotroui Petrovitz, 1964 and Triodontus nitidulus (Guérin, 1844) from Old World; and Aegidium cribratum Bates, 1887 from the New World. The Neotropical genus Paraegidium Vulcano, Pereira & Martinez, 1966 encompass five species, mainly recorded from Brazil. Herein, the immature stages of P. costalimai Vulcano, Pereira & Martinez, 1966 are described and illustrated, along with remarks on the presence of egg-buster in Scarabaeidae first-instar larvae. A key to the third-instar larvae of known Orphninae and a comparative study of chaetotaxy are also provided.