RCAAP Repository

ABSTRACT: Urbanization causes environment changes that directly affect biotic diversity, and understanding the relationship between fauna and urban features is a key aspect of urban planning. Birds are particularly affected by urbanization. Noise levels, for instance, negatively affect birds’ behavior and social communication, while the presence of green areas promotes bird diversity. The effects of urbanization could differ according with the level of urbanization, and our goal was to understand how bird species assemblages are related to urban features in an intermediate stage of urbanization (a city in Brazil with 2,470 inhabitants/km²). We used canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and generalized linear models (GLM) analyses to assess how bird species assemblages are affected by urban features (e.g., noise level, abundance of buildings) as well as habitat features (e.g., vegetation cover). Despite we did not find a clear pattern of urbanization both the urban and habitat features had, even if weak, an effect on bird species distribution. Bird species distribution was spatially correlated, and we identified three groups: 1) grassland and wetland species; 2) forest species; 3) species tolerant to habitat degradation. Species richness was positively related to the proportion of trees, abundance of people and presence of buildings, and negatively affected by higher levels of noise. The abundance of species decreased as noise levels increased, but the proportion of green areas (open or forest vegetation) had a positive effect. Agreeing with previous research, our study shows that noise levels and vegetation cover seem to be the best predictors of diversity in urban areas. Nevertheless, the presence of particular habitats (wetlands, grasslands, woodlots), patchily distributed in the urban matrix, could buffer the effects of urbanization on birds. These habitats should thus be taken into account in urban planning.

ABSTRACT: The fish assemblage structure in a port area in São Marcos Bay (Amazonic coast) was evaluated based on the spatial and temporal distributions to identify potential changes in response to anthropic pressure increases associated with industrial and port activities in region. The samples were taken between March 2011 and November 2015. The ichthyofauna was represented by a total of 56 species, distributed in 15 orders and 29 families. Captures were dominated by Genyatremus luteus (Bloch, 1790), but Sciades proops (Valenciennes, 1840) was the most representative in terms of biomass. Seasonal distributions of fish assemblage did not reveal significant differences. However, there was a difference between catch sites, abundance, biomass and Shannon diversity index was higher in the Site 1 and evenness in Site 4. The analysis NMDS and the test ANOSIM between months and between sampling sites, based on species composition, revealed a seasonal differentiation associated with the rainy and drought months, as well as spatial differentiation, in function of a depth gradient and hydrodynamics, resulting from greater distance from mangrove areas. The low diversity recorded may be a reflection of port activities that historically occur in the area investigated. However, there was still a maintenance of regional diversity throughout the period under analysis. Thus, temporal and spatial scales become important for the detection and understanding of fish biodiversity in an Amazonian estuary, reflecting, the importance of mangroves for the maintenance of the ichthyofaunistic diversity in the area. In this context, the present study may subsidize possible conservation projects in the area since information of this nature is almost non-existent for estuarine fish from the Maranhão Amazon.

ABSTRACT: The ichthyofauna of the Taquari River, one of the main tributaries of the South Pantanal, has been studied since the 1970s; however, there is a gap on the studies about the ichthyofauna present on the small adventitious streams of this highly dendritic system. These streams are small tributaries that flow directly into large rivers (mainstem), at least three orders greater in magnitude. The aim of this study was to analyze the structure of the ichthyofauna of five adventitious streams of the Upper Taquari River, South Pantanal, evaluating its temporal variation (dry and wet season) and the relation to the habitat characteristics and the conservation of the streams. Thirty-seven species were collected, from which 14 are exclusive to the Paraguay River basin, one species [Apteronotus albifrons (Linnaeus, 1766)] could represent a new record for this basin, and six species need taxonomic confirmation. The analysis indicated only the existence of spatial variation in the ichthyofauna structure of the streams sampled, with the similarity patterns related to the distance between the streams and to their conditions of conservation. The stream with greater size and preserved riparian forest was the one with the highest values of fish diversity and evenness. On the other hand, the stream with the smallest percentage of riparian forest and highest proximity to urban area presented the lowest diversity. The small size of these adventitious systems should serve as protection against large predators, which have their access to those areas hampered by their own size. Otherwise, the mainstem may also act as source of dispersal of small-bodied schooling fishes to the adventitious streams, where the greater heterogeneity of habitats and the presence of riparian vegetation should offer shelter and food supply for small species.

ABSTRACT: Spatial distribution and egg production of squat lobsters is examined from specimens deposited in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brazil. A total of 1,346 specimens of squat lobsters were analyzed, out of which 169 were ovigerous females. Ovigerous females contained ten species of Munididae (n = 165) and three of Munidopsidae (n = 4). Eleven of the thirteen studied species were distributed along the Brazilian coast, while two of the remaining species in other marine regions. The analysis of bathymetric distribution revealed the presence of four species on the continental shelf (< 200 m depth: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), two on the first layer of the continental slope (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) and five distributed between 500 and 1,048 m (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). Overall, species belonging to Munididae produced a higher number of eggs (554 ± 619 eggs) but of minor size (0.48 ± 0.120 mm) than species of Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 eggs; 1.12 ± 0.337 mm, respectively). Such tendency is consistent with the phylogeny of both clades whose common origin is reflected in morphological similarities both in larval and adult forms, but not in terms of the reproductive strategy that clearly separates the species belonging to these families. Results also demonstrated that egg size in squat lobsters is strongly associated with depth, which suggests the strong influence of habitat on the duration of larval development of these species.

ABSTRACT The Atlantic Forest has been highly fragmented, with the Pernambuco Center of Endemism (PCE) one of the priority areas for conservation. The Mata do Cedro forest, located in Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil, is a forest fragment within the PCE surrounded by a matrix of sugarcane that acts as a refuge for several threatened bird species, some of which are endemic to the region. Here, we characterize the bird community in Mata do Cedro using measures of species abundance, frequency of occurrence, habitat use and sensitivity to human disturbance. The functional role of species was investigated with a functional dendrogram. We registered 111 species, most resident and forest dependent. The most representative trophic categories were insectivores followed by frugivores. Of the species found, 11 are highly sensitive to human disturbances and 11 are endemic to the PCE. The bird community of the fragment is highly diversified, with endemic taxa and balanced trophic categories typical of preserved tropical forests. This community structure together with the occurrence of threatened species reinforces the importance of Mata do Cedro for the maintenance of local biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

ABSTRACT We studied the feeding behavior and the activity period of three phyllostomid bat species on Musa paradisiaca inflorescences in an orchard located in southeastern Brazil. Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Anoura caudifer (É. Geoffroy, 1818), and Phyllostomus discolor (Wagner, 1843) were frequently observed, videotaped, and mist-netted visiting banana inflorescences. Three approaching strategies on banana inflorescences were performed by bats: hovering (glossophagine species), upside landing (G. soricina), and downside landing (P. discolor). A new feeding behavior that consisted in hovering and licking the nectar that dripped from the distal part of a closed bract was observed for glossophagines. Visits occurred throughout the night (from 18:00 h to 05:00 h). However, activity pattern of nectarivorous bat species was significantly different from the omnivorous bat species, with the formers presenting visiting peaks at 21:00 hs and 23:30 hs, and the second at 23:45 hs and 02:30 hs. Dietary specialization, body size, and foraging behavior are important features that are linked to kind of approaching strategies to flowers and activity period of bats. Although bat visits on M. paradisiaca inflorescences are not reproductively important to banana plant, its nectar is a frequent and abundant food source for bats from the family Phyllostomidae, at least in Southeastern Brazil.

ABSTRACT A new skipper butterfly, Phocides petroleum Siewert, Leviski, Mielke & Casagrande sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Caranavi, La Paz Department, Bolivia. The new species seems closely related to Phocides charon (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1859) but could be easily distinguished by a set of external characteristics. Lectotypes are designated for Erycides charon C. Felder & R. Felder, 1859 and Erycides scython Godman & Salvin, 1879.

ABSTRACT Changes in the landscape where watersheds are located may affect the stream biota in different ways. In order to explore this idea, we collected freshwater crabs of the genus Aegla Leach, 1820 in subtropical region of southern Brazil. We also measured a number of landscape features and physico-chemical variables in the collection streams and surroundings in order to ascertain which factors affect the occurrence of these crustaceans. A total of 167 individuals of Aegla were collected in 21 streams. The collection was comprised of three species: A. odebrechtii, A. platensis, and A. singularis. The occurrence of A. platensis was influenced by physico-chemical variables (total carbon and total organic carbon) and stream morphometry factors (level curves sum). The occurrence of A. singularis was influenced by land use (pasture and exposed soil and agriculture) and the stream morphometry (level curves sum). Only a small number of A. odebrechtii were collected and their occurrence was influenced by land use (pasture and exposed soil and agriculture). The topography of the area studied limits the types of land use and areas that are less favorable for agriculture (more hilly areas) are have more riparian vegetation (or less anthropic stress). As a result, these areas are less subject to changes in water quality, which is reflected in the distribution of Aegla species.

ABSTRACT One hundred twenty-two Chrysomus ruficapillus were examined in southern Brazil, in order to research the presence of nasal mites and the parasite-host relationships. Nasal mite infections were analyzed for: presence of Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae considering the total number of hosts examined; Sexual maturity of males (juveniles and adults); Periods of bird collection and presence of co-infections. Were identified five taxa, four belongs to Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) and one to Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Adult males were parasitized for one taxa more than juvenile males. Co-infections occurred in 22 hosts, between two, three and four taxa, belonging to Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae.The co-infections were more prevalent in austral autumn / winter. The host-parasite relations and co-infections by nasal mites in C. ruficapillus were reported for the first time, contributing to the knowledge about nasal mites in Brazil.

RESUMO Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) é um dos parasitoides mais utilizados em programas de controle biológico de tefritídeos no mundo. Contudo pouco se sabe sobre a capacidade de aprendizagem e memória deste braconídeo na busca pelo hospedeiro Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Neste estudo, avaliou-se o tempo de residência (TR) e o parasitismo de fêmeas de D. longicaudata oriundas de larvas de A. fraterculus criadas em dieta artificial, goiaba ou em manga e posteriormente, expostas aos odores destes frutos. Foi observada a aprendizagem de fêmeas de D. longicaudata condicionadas na fase adulta aos voláteis de óleo essencial de baunilha (OEB) e de laranja (OEL) e avaliadas, com os mesmos, em testes de quimiotaxia. Também registrou-se a memória deste parasitoide exposto ao OEB. Os insetos utilizados nos experimentos foram mantidos em câmaras climatizadas (25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% UR) na fotofase de 14 h (adultos) e na escotofase (imaturos). As respostas quimiotáxicas foram registradas com olfatômetro tipo “Y&#8221; e o parasitismo (condicionamento na fase imatura), em larvas mantidas em unidades com polpa de goiaba, manga ou sem polpa (controle). Fêmeas do parasitoide criadas em larvas mantidas em dieta artificial foram expostas a OEL ou OEB por 4 h e a aprendizagem e memória (OEB) avaliadas em olfatômetro, a cada 24 h e por até 72 h. Fêmeas inexperientes de D. longicaudata foram mais atraídas para os voláteis de manga e goiaba em relação ao controle. No entanto, as experientes apresentaram TR maior para os odores dos frutos nos quais se desenvolveram. Contudo, quando os odores destes frutos foram oferecidos simultaneamente, o TR foi maior para os voláteis de manga. O percentual de parasitismo de vespas inexperientes foi maior na presença das polpas e, das experientes, nas larvas que continham os odores aos quais haviam sido condicionadas. O TR de fêmeas inexperientes foi significativamente maior para a acetona do que para os odores dos óleos. Fêmeas experientes em OEB responderam mais a este odor em relação ao controle, entretanto, não houve diferença para os experientes em OEL. A memória ao odor de OEB foi mantida por até 48 h. Concluímos que fêmeas experientes reconhecem odores aos quais se desenvolvem e aos óleos aos quais receberam experiência, resultando em preferência a estes quanto ao tempo de residência. Entretanto, reconhecer fatores que interferem na comunicação entre hospedeiro-parasitoide pode possibilitar maior adequação e confiabilidade na utilização de D. longicaudata em programas de controle biológico.

ABSTRACT A new caeculid species Neocaeculus setecidades sp. nov. from the semiarid is described from the National Park Sete Cidades located in the state of Piauí, Brazil. The species is included in Neocaeculus Coineau, 1967 due the presence of different sized claws on leg I, absence of bothridia in the tarsi of anterior legs and the aspidosomal sclerite not overhanging the gnathosoma in lateral view. New data on distribution of Andocaeculus caioi Ott & Ott, 2014 is presented.

ABSTRACT Habitat complexity influences species diversity and regulates trophic interactions, mostly by increasing resource partitioning within habitats and providing refuge for prey. The influence of habitat complexity on more than two trophic levels is not well understood, mainly because behavioral modifications of prey and predator may influence the outcome of trophic interactions. Thus, we conducted a two-factor experiment with a three-level trophic chain: a piscivorous fish [Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix & Agassiz 1829)], an invertivorous fish (Moenkhausia forestii Benine, Mariguela & C. de Oliveira, 2009) and an aquatic macroinvertebrate (Chironomidae larvae). We measured prey consumption in low, intermediate and high habitat complexity, provided by submerged macrophyte densities, in the presence and the absence of the piscivore, intending to test the hypothesis that higher habitat complexities decrease predators foraging success in different trophic levels. We calculated the percentage of consumed prey in all treatment combinations. There was no significant effect of habitat complexity on prey consumption for neither the piscivorous nor the invertivorous fish, but a positive correlation was found between the percentages of consumed prey by both the piscivore and the invertivore. Observed modifications in the foraging behavior of the piscivore may have resulted in similar prey consumptions in low and high macrophyte densities. Moreover, more active M. forestii could have suffered a higher predation pressure by H. unitaeniatus, resulting in the positive correlation found. We conclude that behavior patterns in different habitat complexities possibly influenced predation rates in the three experimental trophic levels.

ABSTRACT We investigated the fish fauna response to different environmental conditions of urban (three) and rural (seven) streams through biomass/abundance curves and W index of environmental stress. Negative values of W indicate some level of stress, while positive values suggest environments with lower stress. Dissolved oxygen, marginal erosion (both left and right margins), mesohabitat diversity, and percentage of canopy cover were measured to characterize the 10 streams analysed around Maringá city, Southern Brazil. Fish were sampled by electrofishing, then identified and weighed. Results showed negative values of W to the urban streams and positive to the rural. Urban streams showed a tendency to have assemblages of fish with lower biomass and greater abundance (r-strategists).

ABSTRACT Dams are considered an important source of modification upon the structure of aquatic communities and their reflexes are diverse on the fish fauna. Although there are several hydroelectric power plants in Brazil, the long-term effects on feeding activity of ichthyofauna are unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of an old reservoir (fifty years) on the trophic dynamics of fish fauna. The diet of 20 fish species was analyzed, identifying 37 food items belonging to six trophic categories, which enable to create six trophic groups. The results found here suggests that throughout the creation of a reservoir, the trophic structure of the fish assemblages tend to reach trophic homeostasis, in which the fish community will be capable of exploring the most available food resources being maintained primarily by the items placed in the categories organic matter and fragments of fish and vegetal.

ABSTRACT The genus Rhinocricus Karsch, 1881 currently includes more than 60 species described and registered from Brazil. In this paper, four new species from southern and southeastern Brazil are described and illustrated: Rhinocricus sooretama sp. nov., Rhinocricus bifurcatus sp. nov., Rhinocricus montenegrinus sp. nov., and Rhinocricus fortaleza sp. nov. All new species are based on both sexes.

ABSTRACT Considering that the anti-predation behaviour of prey fishes may vary with predator hunting strategy, we experimentally investigated the physiological responses of Astyanax bimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758) shoals to the presence of two piscivorous fish species with different hunting modes: sit-and-wait and active pursuit. In addition, we evaluated the influence of underwater visibility conditions on the interaction between predator and prey. We tested the hypotheses that: (i) prey plasma cortisol and glucose levels vary according to piscivore hunting strategy, and (ii) no reduction in plasma glucose and cortisol levels takes place in turbid environments due to the inability of prey to accurately recognise predators by non-visual signals. The results revealed that the presence of piscivorous fish increased plasma cortisol levels in prey, with no significant difference recorded between the two hunting strategy treatments. We also observed no significant change in plasma glucose levels in different water transparency conditions. Thus, we conclude that physiological changes in the selected prey fish do not vary with predator hunting mode, and it is therefore necessary to consider the ability of the prey to recognise and evaluate danger, regardless of piscivore hunting strategy.

ABSTRACT The bat Eumops perotis (Schinz, 1821) is broadly distributed in the Americas. Studies on its biology are still scarce and the few studies available are relatively outdated. In the present study, we describe the biology of Eumops perotis in an artificial roost in the municipality of Pindorama, State of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, which was monitored for 12 months. We captured 50 individuals; 43 adults (34 males and 9 females) and seven juveniles (three males and four females). Nineteen adults were recaptured throughout the year (15 males and four females) during samplings. Males were ~33% heavier than females. Males remained in the roost throughout the year, while females were absent in June, July, and August. The presence of males with scrotal testes and pregnant females from July to November and the presence of pregnant females and pups from February to April suggest monoestry for this colony. Inside the roost, the behavior of E. perotis was similar to other molossid bats (e.g. contact posture, formation of groups, and presence of isolated males). During winter, the individuals of this colony consumed mostly coleopterans, but their diet also included orthopterans and lepidopterans, mainly in the summer. Therefore, this study contributes to increase the knowledge of the natural history of this species in the Neotropical region.

ABSTRACT Defining the appropriate scale is important when trying to understand distribution patterns in community studies. Fiddler crabs are among the most common organisms inhabiting estuarine environments, and despite having a wide latitudinal distribution, are limited by shifts in temperature, current and wind pattern. Thus, many co-occur at a local scale, where their distribution is influenced by variables such as mean sediment grain diameter, salinity and tidal level. Our goal was to test intra and interspecific segregation in two similar and commonly co-occurring fiddler crabs species (Leptuca leptodactyla and Leptuca uruguayensis) at a small scale (10 m²). Interspecific segregation was observed, with L. leptodactyla occurring mainly at the upper level in relation to the water line and L. uruguayensis, at the lower. However, this pattern was irrespective of sex and developmental stage, as no intraspecific segregation was seen. Possible impacts of tidal level, soil silt/clay content and competition on interspecific segregation are discussed. Although L. leptodactyla and L. uruguayensis overlap in their occurrence when intertidal zonation is disregarded, they segregate when tidal levels are individually sampled as habitats. This highlights the importance of small-scale studies to identify patterns unobserved at regional scales, even when no environmental gradient is readily apparent.

ABSTRACT Knickzones are originated from basaltic outcroppings, present runs, riffles and pools and are highly influenced by flood pulses, which maintain their natural dynamic. However, the construction of hydroelectric power plants alters or eliminate the dynamism of this area and can affect the resident fauna that may be dependent on it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the organization of a knickzone’s ichthyofauna considering the influence of seasonality and connectivity of habitats. The study was performed in a knickzone located in the Sapucaí-Mirim River, Southeast Brazil. We sampled four rocky pools connected to the river and three isolated pools, during rainy and dry conditions. The analysis of the two factors (connectivity and seasonality) and of their interaction showed a significant influence only for seasonality on ichthyofauna structure, with higher values of abundance in the rainy season. The species that most contributed to the high dissimilarity between seasons were Knodus moenkhausii (50% of contribution) and Astyanax bockmanni (21%). The former is the most abundant species in the rainy season and the later in the dry season. The alteration between low and high water level occurs frequently in knickzones, as it is a rocky shallow platform in the middle of a river, with floods occurring seasonally or in stochastic short-term periods. This hydrological seasonal dynamic, high limnological variability and complex interactions of different habitats (pools, runs and rapids) explain the particular ichthyofauna structure in such small area. Our results also indicate the potential importance of basaltic knickzones for regional fish diversity conservation, especially due to the imminent threat by intensive hydropower reservoir construction.

ABSTRACT Studies on the composition of fish diet and on how species exploit food resources are especially relevant in tropical freshwater systems, where dietary plasticity is a commonly used strategy. In this study, we analysed the food spectrum and the environmental, seasonal and ontogenetic variations in the diet of a characid species [Hemigrammus marginatus Ellis, 1911 (Characidae)] in the region of the Upper Contas River, in the Diamantina Plateau, Brazil. We verified an omnivorous/invertivorous and opportunistic food habit, with predominance of insects and microcrustaceans, followed by filamentous algae. Seasonality did not alter the food resources used by the species. However, differences were detected in the dominant categories when comparing the two sampled rivers, as well as in the food consumption throughout the development of the species. These data increase the knowledge about the biology of H. marginatus and allow understanding the influence of the characteristics of the rivers and their surroundings in the trophic ecology of the species, as our findings have shown that, although insects have been expressive in both studied localities, microcrustaceans exhibit a greater relative importance in the more lentic environment, which is probably related to the variation in the availability of these resources in the environment.