RCAAP Repository

Abstract Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes, 1837) is one of the most common fishes in tide pools in the estuary of Pará state, and has an omnivorous feeding habit. This study examined the diet of the species in Maiandeua Island, and aimed to: (i) describe the diet of B. soporator through indexes based on the occurrence and weight of consumed items; and (ii) evaluate if there is variation in diet composition between males and females. Frequency of Occurrence, frequency of weight and Alimentary Index were calculated for each item, and differences in the diet composition of males and females were observed through multivariate analyses (ANOSIM, NMDS and SIMPER). Bathygobius soporator presented carnivorous feeding habit, eating mainly crustaceans, and differences among males and females were observed, males consuming smaller amounts of crustaceans and including algae in their diet.

RESUMEN Se conoce poco sobre la biología y la ecología de la especie mirmecófaga Leprolochus birabeni Mello-Leitão, 1942 (Zodariidae), el único representante de este género en la Argentina. Esta especie es típica de ambientes áridos del norte del país, y su estudio en el Chaco Seco es relevante, por ser una ecorregión altamente perturbada con uno de los pocos bosques subtropicales secos del mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la demografía de la especie teniendo en cuenta su variación estacional en ambientes nativos, y sí la ganadería y la agricultura, dos de las actividades antropogénicas más comunes de la ecorregión Chaco Seco en la provincia de Salta (Argentina) producen cambios en sus poblaciones. Se consideraron tres tipos de ambientes: nativo (NA); afectados por el ganado vacuno y caprino (NP); y afectados por la agricultura (NC). Este último correspondió a parches de vegetación nativa en medio de una matriz agrícola. En cada tipo de ambiente se consideraron tres sitios de muestreo donde se realizaron muestreos estacionales utilizando trampas de caída durante el otoño, invierno y primavera de 2006 y el verano de 2007. Se recolectaron 549 ejemplares de L. birabeni , siendo la mayoría juveniles con el 64,12% de la abundancia total, seguidos por machos (26,41%) y hembras (9,47%). A nivel de paisaje, la primavera presentó el mayor número de individuos, llegando al 44,99% de la abundancia total; mientras que el otoño mostró el porcentaje más bajo (7,83%). El incremento de los juveniles durante el invierno podría indicar una adaptación de los estadios de desarrollo a las condiciones ambientales. El mismo patrón se observó en ambientes NA y NC, pero no en los NP. Estos últimos mostraron una disminución en la abundancia de adultos a lo largo del año; mientras que las poblaciones NC mostraron un incremento en la abundancia de los machos durante la primavera, con una fuerte reducción de las hembras y los juveniles durante todo el año. La abundancia de L. birabeni en ambientes NA fue mayor (41,06% de la abundancia total), siendo los valores mínimos registrados en NC (24,67%). Las dos actividades antropogénicas más comunes que afectan al Chaco Seco de la provincia de Salta modifican tanto los cambios estacionales como la representación de las diferentes etapas de desarrollo y sexos de las poblaciones nativas de L. birabeni , siendo la modificación de los ambientes nativos por la agricultura, el factor más perjudicial.

Abstract The frugivorous phyllostomid bat genera Artibeus , Carollia and Sturnira are important seed dispersers in the Neotropics, and exhibit supposed preferences for fruits of the genus Ficus , Piper and Solanum , respectively. We performed a quantified literature review to test the hypothesis that interactions with plants are consistent throughout the bats´ geographic ranges. Through an extensive literature review we obtained a total of 4,448 records of fruit consumption from 180 publications. To test which fruits were most frequently consumed across the Neotropical region and in each of its component countries these data were organized by bat species and country. In general, considering the 176 botanical genera eaten by these bats, the results showed a high consumption frequency of Ficus (24.0%) by Artibeus , Piper (38.7%) by Carollia and Solanum (31.0%) by Sturnira . Additionally, our findings support the hypothesis of diet consistency throughout the geographic range of these genera. We suggest that this consistency is related to the wide distribution of the study groups (both bats and plants), the phenology of the zoochoric species consumed, the spatial fidelity of bats and the foraging patterns of the different bat species.

ABSTRACT Richness estimators (Jackknife 1, Bootstrap, Chao 1 and ACE) were used to relate zooplankton species richness with amount of water collected per sample and number of samples throughout the year for the limnetic region of Sapucai River compartment of Furnas reservoir, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Seven 100 L samples were collected in sequence using a motor pump, and seven 70 L samples were collected in sequence using a plankton net (68 μm mesh size) in vertical hauls, to totalize 450 L, in three stations of the reservoir. Twelve monthly samplings were carried out over a year. The assessment of richness was made by analyzing the asymptotic behavior of the estimator curves. The samplings reached the asymptote from 350 L of collection with trawls and 400 L using a suction motor pump and reached the plateau on the 8th collection, which included both dry and rainy seasons. Regardless of the type of sampling, the volume of 400 L and eight sessions throughout the year is enough to register 90% of the zooplankton richness in the environment.

Abstract Food flexibility and omnivory are important features pronounced in Neotropical freshwater fish species, particularly for Astyanax species. Traditionally most fish diet resources are known to be originated in the aquatic environment, however recent studies have pointed to the importance of allochthonous sources. Besides, the colonization of macrophytes, common at several tropical reservoirs, may enhance insectivory in fish diet expanding or concentrating the area of available resources for feeding. Here we employed stomach contents analysis of two sympatric Astyanax species to access the importance of habitat differentiations as spatial complexity in two tropical reservoirs with different environmental features. The NMDS analysis indicated separation in the diet of these species between reservoirs (Stress= 8.28%). Additionally, analysis of variance revealed a significative difference in the volume of food itens ingested between the reservoirs (Anova one-way F(1, 132)=4.4446; p= 0.037). This points out the importance of environmental conditions on the composition of the diet of fishes. This study highlighted the insectivorous feeding habit of Astyanax species and revealed different feeding strategies between sympatric fishes despite high niche overlap in both environments. Habitat heterogeneity increasing food resources availability plays an important role in the diet strategy of these Astyanax species and on their constant maintenance in the two different reservoirs.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the diet of the gecko Homonota fasciata (Duméril & Bibron, 1836) in a population from Monte of San Juan Province, Argentina, and to analyze possible temporal, sexual, and ontogenetic variations in feeding behavior. We determined the total volume, number, and occurrence frequency of each prey item and calculated the relative importance indexes. We also assessed trophic diversity and trophic equity. Homonota fasciata had a generalist and diverse diet based on arthropods, including insects and arachnids. Individuals adopted a passive 'sit and wait' foraging strategy. There were seasonal-, sex-, and age-related variations in the trophic spectra. The results of this study provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of the biology of this species, with implications for the establishment of management guidelines both for the species and its habitat.

RESUMEN El zorro andino Lycalopex culpaeus (Molina, 1782) ha sido incluido en la categoría de amenaza Vulnerable en Colombia, sin embargo, no se han realizado estudios que validen la inclusión de la especie en dicha categoría a nivel nacional. En el presente trabajo se delimitó el área de distribución potencial (DP) de la especie en Colombia y se discute su categoría de amenaza. Para ello se usó modelamiento de nicho ecológico en el algoritmo de Máxima Entropía (Maxent). Con procesamiento en Sistemas de Información Geográfico resaltamos las áreas donde la especie se encuentra protegida. Los resultados muestran que el zorro andino se podría encontrar desde los departamentos de Nariño hasta el Huila (8,877 km2), y el 19.6% (1,742 km2) del área de distribución potencial de la especie se encuentra dentro del Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas de Colombia. A pesar, que la especie es considerada Vulnerable en Colombia, se encontró que no cumple con los criterios para su asignación en dicha categoría debido a la ausencia de evidencias tangibles que sustenten una reducción poblacional, disminución del área de ocupación o la calidad del hábitat en la década previa a la asignación de la categoría de amenaza. Teniendo en cuenta los registros verificables e información sobre el área de distribución de la especie en Colombia, se propone una reasignación de la categoría de amenaza nacional a Casi Amenazada (NT).

RESUMEN Se analizó la estructura del hábitat, el crecimiento relativo, la heteroquelia, la estructura poblacional, la madurez morfométrica y la fecundidad de Pachycheles laevidactylus Ortmann, 1892, durante Abril, Mayo y Junio del 2005, en sustratos naturales de Mar del Plata, Argentina (38°02'S, 57°31'W). La cobertura algal, la exposición al oleaje y el tiempo de inmersión varió de manera significativa entre estratos y entre meses. La morfometría de las quelas no manifestó diferencias entre sexos. Las hembras mostraron el abdomen más grande que los machos. Si bien existió la heteroquelia, no se detectó lateralidad. Las tallas (ancho de caparazón) estuvieron comprendidas entre 0.67 mm a 9.3 mm para los machos, y entre 1.07 mm a 10.65 mm, para las hembras. La densidad de organismos varió entre meses y entre los estratos. La estructura poblacional, para el periodo de estudio, se explicó en función de la estructura del hábitat. La madurez morfométrica de las hembras fue registrada a los 4.38 mm de ancho de caparazón. El número de huevos se correlacionó positivamente con la talla de las hembras ovígeras con un mínimo de 2 huevos y un máximo de 160, pero esa relación dependió del avance en el desarrollo de los embriones.

ABSTRACT Galls induced by thrips are simple structures when compared to those of other groups of arthropods, and little is known regarding many of their aspects. This study aimed to investigate aspects of the natural history of Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmermann, 1900 in galls of Ficus benjamina L., 1753 using seasonal sampling (summer and winter). Twenty trees were sampled and divided into quadrants. From each of them, five galls were collected, forming a total of 400 galls per collection. Thrips showed greater abundance at higher temperatures (25.7°C) and no precipitation. Sex ratio was biased towards females (0.022 males per female), pointing to an inbred mating structure. Arthropod fauna associated with galls was more abundant (N=798) in winter, and it included representatives of the orders Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Araneae, Coleoptera, Neuroptera, Psocoptera, Thysanoptera, Diptera and Blattodea.

ABSTRACT A weight-length relationship was established for Corydoras paleatus (Jenyns, 1842) (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) (n=596) from samples taken in November-December 2009 and March-April 2010, in Pinguela Lagoon (29°46'57"S; 50°11'16"W), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The species showed a polyphasic allometric growth pattern, each stanza described by an independent power equation controlled by a switch function: W = a1Lb1 ∙ (1 + eRsc ∙ (L-SCP))-1 + a2Lb2 ∙ [1 - (1 + eRsc ∙ (L-SCP))-1] ; where W is the expected weight for a specific length L, a1 and a2 are the proportionality coefficients for stanzas 1 and 2, b1 and b2 are the allometric coefficients for stanzas 1 and 2, Rsc is the stanza changing rate for the switch function and SCP is the stanza changing point for the switch function. The stanza changing point was estimated as 5.28 cm, corresponding with the length at first maturity for this species Lmat (5.29 cm). Our data suggest that a complex growth pattern can be in nature, and perhaps not often identified because trends are obscured by natural variability.

RESUMEN La temperatura ambiental es un factor determinante en los procesos fisiológicos y comportamentales de los anfibios ya que son ectotérmos y consecuentemente dependen de una fuente de calor externa para alcanzar su temperatura corporal óptima. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la dependencia térmica de la salamandra endémica de Colombia Bolitoglossa ramosi Brame & Wake, 1972 con respecto a las temperaturas del aire y del sustrato. Para esto se realizaron diferentes muestreos en el municipio de Líbano, Tolima, Colombia, entre las 18:00 y las 24:00 horas, en Abril y Mayo de 2015. Allí se capturaron 34 individuos a los cuales se les registró directamente en campo: la temperatura corporal, la masa corporal y la longitud corporal. También, se midió la temperatura del sustrato y la temperatura del aire en el lugar donde fue encontrado el animal. La temperatura corporal de los individuos tuvo una media de 18.3±0.55°C, mostrando una relación positiva y significativa con la temperatura del sustrato y la temperatura del aire, lo que demuestra que la especie es termoconformadora. Además, la temperatura corporal mostró una dependencia térmica mayor con la temperatura del sustrato que con la del aire, indicando que B. ramosi presenta una regulación tigmotérmica. Finalmente, la temperatura corporal no se relacionó con la longitud corporal ni con la masa corporal. Esta información es importante para el conocimiento de la biología térmica de la especie y las posibles respuestas fisiológicas ante el incremento de las temperaturas ambientales.

ABSTRACT Omalonyx geayi Tillier, 1980 was originally described on the basis of specimens from Kaw swamp, French Guiana. This species distinguished from other of Omalonyx d'Orbigny, 1837: (i) by hermaphrodite duct twice as long and sacculate, without radial ducts but a funnel-shaped insertion on the ovariotestis, and (ii) by longitudinal wrinkled folds on the phallus inner wall. Two recent collections - from Trinidad and Carauari (Amazonas, Brazil) included specimens with ovariotestis and hermaphrodite duct morphologies similar to that originally described for O. geayi, but with phallus morphology not consistent with identification as O. geayi. A further eight lots, from Suriname, Ecuador, Brazil (Amazonas and Alagoas States), Bolivia and Cayenne-Kourou Road in French Guiana comprised specimens with phallus morphology analogous to O. geayi and ovariotestis and hermaphrodite duct similar to that of other Omalonyx species. Based on histological examination, and earlier phylogenetic analyses of morphological characters, we conclude that the ovariotestis and hermaphrodite duct conditions previously described for O. geayi were based on parasitized specimens. Accordingly, O. geayi is redescribed, and new information presented on the species' wide distribution in South America.

ABSTRACT Since temperature is a key condition in the initiation of cercarial emergence, the objective of the work reported here was to evaluate the effect of that variable on the shedding of two morphologic and taxonomic types of cercariae. Bioassays were accordingly performed with snails naturally infected with either monostome or pleurolophocercous cercariae because those two cercarial types were found to be the most prevalent in the environment under study. The snails were placed in 6-ml circular plastic dishes with soft plastic stoppers containing 3 ml of reconstituted water and then sequentially exposed for 24 h to a 14:10-h light:dark cycle at 20, 25, or 30 °C. The data were analyzed at a significance level of p <0.05 by means of the InfoStat program. The optimum temperature for cercarial emergence was typically in the range of 25 °C and decreased significantly at 30 °C. We observed no significant difference in the number of cercariae emerging between the two morphologic types.

ABSTRACT Many studies have demonstrated the ecological relevance and great biodiversity of bats in Brazil. However, mountainous areas have been disproportionately less sampled, mainly in the Southeast. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the richness and diversity of Phyllostomidae, the most diverse bat family, in different forest types in Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca, trying to understand the causes of possible differences. The Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca is inserted in the Serra da Mantiqueira's domain, in an Atlantic Forest region known as "Zona da Mata", state of Minas Gerais, with an altitudinal range between 1200-1784 meters. The study was conducted in two forest types, classified as "Nanofloresta Nebular" and "Floresta Nebular", whose respective data on richness and diversity were compared. The bats were captured with 8-10 mist nets for 14 months (April 2011 to May 2012) and four nights per month totaling 62,171.25 m2h of capture effort. A total of 392 captures (12 species) belonging to the Phyllostomidae family were obtained. The most abundant species were Sturnira lilium (59.9%), Platyrrhinus lineatus (11.3%), Artibeus lituratus (8.7%) and Carollia perspicillata (7.6%). The two sampled areas presented differences in bat richness, diversity and species composition, and this difference was predominantly influenced by S. lilium. It is likely that the observed difference in the assembly of bats between the two study sites depends on the variation in floristic composition. The records of A. lituratus and P. lineatus in a few months of the year and close to Ficus mexiae bearing ripe fruits suggests that at least these species move to the park for a few periods of the year in search of food resources, possibly moving through the altitudinal landscapes.

RESUMO Estudos sobre a variação espacial das espécies de apendiculárias e sua relação com as massas de água são raros, principalmente no Atlântico Sul. O atual estudo pretende preencher a lacuna de conhecimento sobre a abundância, composição específica e a função de bioindicadora das apendiculárias, em diferentes regiões (plataforma continental e talude) e massas de água, no Atlântico Sul Ocidental. As coletas foram realizadas no período chuvoso (de fevereiro a abril de 2009) e no período seco (de agosto a setembro de 2009) na camada subsuperficial. As massas de água encontradas na superfície na plataforma continental da área de estudo foram a Água Tropical (AT), que predominou no período chuvoso, e a Água Costeira (AC), que predominou no período seco. Em ambos os períodos de coleta não foram registradas a presença da Água Central do Atlântico Sul (ACAS) na superfície na plataforma continental. As apendiculárias foram mais abundantes na região de plataforma continental influenciada pela AC. Foi identificado um total de 12 espécies da Classe Appendicularia. Oikopleura longicauda Vogt, 1854 e O. fusiformis Fol, 1872 foram as espécies mais abundantes. Oikopleura dioica Fol, 1872 foi encontrada exclusivamente na plataforma continental na AC. Apesar não ser observado a presença de ACAS na superfície, altos valores da densidade de apendiculária em frente a Cabo Frio sugerem a influência de uma pós-ressurgência no local. Também foram observados valores elevados na abundância das apendiculárias em frente ao rio Paraíba do Sul, com influência da AC. Este fato sugere a alta capacidade de incremento de nutrientes desse aporte fluvial. A variação espacial e as diferentes massas de água influenciaram a abundância e a composição das apendiculárias. Dentre as espécies identificadas, somente O. longicauda foi considerada como bioindicadora da AC.

ABSTRACT Dental anomalies have been investigated and reported for most orders of mammals, including marsupials. Previous works in Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840 only described one kind of malformation or just a few observations from some collections, thus the type and presence of anomalies for this species was underestimated. The aim of this contribution is to describe and analyze several dental anomalies found in specimens of Didelphis albiventris from Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. Dental anomalies were classified in three categories: supernumerary or missing teeth, morphological anomalies in size and shape, and teeth in unusual positions. We found 32 individuals of D. albiventris with anomalies out of 393 analyzed specimens (8.14%), some specimens with more than one anomaly. A similar proportion of specimens from Argentina and Uruguay presented anomalies, while in specimens from Brazil anomalies were less common. Anomalies were more commonly found in the upper toothrow and in molars, being supernumerary teeth and molars with unusual crown-shape the most common ones. The percentage of specimens with anomalies found for D. albiventris is higher than previously reported for the species, and other Didelphimorphia. Inbreeding and limited gene flow do not appear as possible explanations for the elevated percentage of anomalies, especially due to the ecological characteristics of Didelphis albiventris. Developmental instability and fluctuating asymmetry could be some of the causes for the anomalies found in this species, mostly since the habitat used by D. albiventris tends to be unstable and disturbed. Dental anomalies were mostly found in areas of the toothrow where occlusion is relaxed or does not prevent teeth from interlocking during mastication, and consequently have no functional value.

ABSTRACT Three new species of Leptohyphes Eaton, 1882 (Ephemerotera: Leptohyphidae) are described, diagnosed and illustrated from nymphs collected in Colombia. Geographical ranges and ecological notes relating important environmental variables are given for each species. Leptohyphes andina sp. nov. is characterized by: forefemur length / maximum width 1.8-1.9, fore and hind margin of middle and hind femora with strong spine-like setae on elevated sockets, femoral surface covered by small pale spots, apex of femora with anterior margin roundly projected distally, tarsal claw only with 3-4 marginal denticles, pronotum with triangular lateral projection, hind wing pads present in female, gill formula 3/5/5/5/2, gill V with ventral extension on dorsal lamella. Leptohyphes quimbaya sp. nov. presents the following characters: body covered by hair-like setae, with paired short and blunt tubercles on abdominal terga V-IX, femora wide (forefemur length/ maximum width 1.6), fore and hind margin of femora with tiny spine-like setae, tarsal claws with 2-3 marginal denticles, pronotum with triangular (but apically blunt) lateral projection, hind wing pads present in females, gill formula 3/7/7/5/2, gill V without ventral extension on dorsal lamella. Leptohyphes calarca sp. nov. is distinguished by: pilose body, slender femora (forefemur length / maximum width 2.3), foremargin of middle and hind femora without setae, tarsal claws with 5 marginal denticles and 1 submarginal subapical denticle, pronotum strongly projected laterally, fore wingbuds blackish, hind wing pads present in females, gill formula 3/4/4/3/1, gill V with ventral extension on dorsal lamella.

ABSTRACT The family Convolvulaceae is widely distributed in tropical regions, mainly in open areas. Convolvulaceae flowers are characterized mainly by being beautiful and ephemeral, attracting many flower visitors that belong to different taxonomic groups. This work aimed to investigate the interactions between insects and flowers of Jacquemontia bracteosa (Convolvulaceae), focusing on the pollination efficiency, in an area in the Brazilian semiarid. From November 2011 to October 2012, floral biology of J. bracteosa was investigated as well as the flower visit frequency, behavior, and morphology of floral visitors. The flowers of J. bracteosa are white, showy and open early in the morning, lasting less than 12 hours, with fruiting occurring both by selfing and outcrossing fecundation. A total of 337 specimens insects were collected on J. bracteosa flowers during the field observations. The Neotropical bee, Ancyloscelis apiformis, was considered the most efficient pollinator of J. bracteosa. This bee showed appropriate behavior, high frequency (64% of the total sample), and was constant on the flowers. Furthermore, they arrived soon when the flowers began to open and presented 90% of efficiency in tests of flower pollination of J. bracteosa. Other native bee species also visited the flowers of J. bracteosa and may be considered potential pollinators because they presented behavior and morphology compatible with the flowers. This study suggests that maintenance of weeds or ruderal plants, especially those that also have ornamental potential in anthropic area, may be an option for the preservation of local native pollinators, which are threatened by environmental degradation.

RESÚMEN Este trabajo se realizó bajo la hipótesis de que existe una pérdida creciente de diversidad en las comunidades de tardígrados, desde las áreas rurales hacia las urbanas, incrementando la homogenización de sus comunidades producto de la urbanización. Para la ciudad de Salta, se tomaron muestras en áreas con tránsito vehicular alto y muestras en áreas rurales circundantes. Se identificaron en total ocho especies/morfoespecies. El inventario tuvo una completitud mayor al 94%. La comunidad rural fue más diversa y estructuralmente más uniforme que la comunidad urbana. Macrobiotus hufelandi Schultze, 1834 resultó especie indicadora y Milnesium sp. como detectora para el hábitat urbano, mientras que Paramacrobiotus areolatus Murray, 1907 resultó indicadora para el hábitat rural.

ABSTRACT One leafhopper species of the genus Portanus Ball, 1932 is synonymized: P. spinosus is considered junior synonym of P. hasemani. In this paper, we offer the redescription of P. hasemani as well as description of two new species of Portanus, based on specimens from the type series of Scaphoideus punctulatus Osborn, 1923 (= P. hasemani): P. bifurcus sp. nov. and P. delsara sp. nov. The descriptions are based on features from the external morphology and male genital structures. Comparisons of the two new taxa with the remaining Portanus species are provided.