Hemotropic mycoplasmas in bats from forest fragments, state of Paraná, southern Brazil / Detecção e caracterização de micoplasmas hemotrópicos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais, Paraná, Sul do Brasil

The order Chiroptera is the second largest group of mammals with bats being identified as reservoir of several viral zoonoses, although, little is known about their role in other groups of pathogens, including hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. To date, hemoplasma species have been found infecting several species of bats with high genetic diversity between 16S rRNA gene sequences. On this study, we aimed to identify the occurrence and characterize 16S and 23S rRNA genes of hemoplasma species in four bats species (Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Sturnira lilium and Sturnira tildae) from forest fragments in Paraná State, southern Brazil, using PCR-based assays. Spleen tissue samples were collected, DNA extracted and further screened by a pan hemoplasma PCR assay. All samples consistently amplified the mammal endogenous gapdh gene. One out of 15 (6.66%; 95% CI: 0.2-31%) bats tested positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. by the PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene fragment from the hemoplasma-positive bat showed 99.14% identity with hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. detected in Sturnira parvidens from Belize. Sequencing of the 23S rRNA gene fragment from the hemoplasma-positive bat showed 86.17% identity with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemosphiggurus' detected in orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupines (Sphiggurus villosus) from Southern Brazil.(AU)

A ordem Chiroptera é considerada a segunda maior ordem de mamíferos do mundo, sendo os morcegos identificados como reservatórios de diversas zoonoses de origem viral, contudo, pouco se sabe sobre seu papel em outros grupos de patógenos, incluindo Mycoplasma spp. Até o momento, Mycoplasma sp., foi encontrado infectando várias espécies de morcegos ao redor do mundo, com alta diversidade genética entre sequências de genes 16S rRNA. O objetivo do presente estudo foi detectar a infecção por hemoplasmas em quinze morcegos insetívoros de quatro diferentes espécies (Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Sturnira lilium and Sturnira tildae) provenientes de fragmentos florestais dos municípios de Mandaguaçu, Maringá e Paiçandu, no Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil. Amostras de tecido foram coletadas e o DNA extraído, para posterior análise por PCR para detecção de hemoplasmas. Todas as amostras amplificaram o gene gapdh. Um morcego, do total de 15 (6.66%; 95% CI: 0.2-31%), foi positivo para Mycoplasma sp. na análise do gene16S rRNA. O sequenciamento deste fragmento genético mostrou 99,14% de identidade com Mycoplasma sp. detectado em Sturnira parvidens em Belize. O sequenciamento do fragmento do gene 23S rRNA do morcego positivo mostrou 86,17% de identidade com 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemosphiggurus' detectado em ouriço-cacheiro (Sphiggurus villosus) no sul do Brasil.(AU)

Litomosoides brasiliensis (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) infecting chiropterans in the Legal Amazon region, Brazil / Litomosoides brasiliensis (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) em morcegos na Amazônia Legal, Brasil

Chiropterans play an important role in the maintenance of the environmental balance, since they are pollinators, seed dispersers and predators. They contribute to transmission and spreading of microorganisms such as helminths, fungi, protozoa, bacteria and virus. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural filariid infection among bats in the Legal Amazon region, Brazil, by means of parasitological and molecular analyses. Blood samples were collected from 82 bats for blood smears and for DNA extraction via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Microfilariae were observed in blood smears from Carollia perspicillata (2), Artibeus lituratus (1), Artibeus fimbriatus (2), Dermanura gnoma (2) and Glossophaga soricina (1). Five positive samples were detected through the PCR assay and four of these were also positive in blood smears. From genome sequencing and comparative analysis with sequences deposited in GenBank, one sample showed 99.31% similarity to the species Litomosoides brasiliensis. The present study expands the geographical distribution of L. brasiliensis, to include the state of Maranhão as an area of occurrence of this species and includes D. gnoma and A. fimbriatus as hosts in Brazil.(AU)

Os quirópteros desempenham um papel importante na manutenção do equilíbrio ambiental, pois são polinizadores, dispersores de sementes e predadores. Contribuem para a transmissão e disseminação de microrganismos, como helmintos, fungos, protozoários, bactérias e vírus. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a infecção natural por filariídeos em morcegos na região da Amazônia Legal, Brasil, por meio de análises parasitológicas e moleculares. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 82 morcegos para confecção de esfregaços e para extração de DNA para a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Microfilárias foram observadas em esfregaços sanguíneos de Carollia perspicillata (2), Artibeus lituratus (1), Artibeus fimbriatus (2), Dermanura gnoma (2) e Glossophaga soricina (1). Cinco amostras positivas foram detectadas por meio do ensaio de PCR, e quatro destas também foram positivas em esfregaços de sangue. A partir do sequenciamento do genoma e análise comparativa com sequências depositadas no GenBank, uma amostra apresentou 99,31% de similaridade com a espécie Litomosoides brasiliensis. O presente estudo expande a distribuição geográfica de L. brasiliensis, abrangendo o estado do Maranhão como área de ocorrência desta espécie, e inclui D. gnoma e A. fimbriatus como hospedeiros no Brasil.(AU)

Ectoparasitic flies (Diptera: Streblidae) on bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from a Private Natural Heritage Reserve in southeastern Brazil

Abstract Due to the small number of records of Streblidae on bats, despite extensive study on these mammals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, a survey was carried out in an area of the Atlantic Forest. The present study was carried out at Bom Retiro Farm Natural Heritage Private Reserve. We captured 401 bats of 17 species, 13 genera, and four families; bat flies infested 221 bats of only four species. Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) has the highest fly diversity, with seven fly species: Trichobius joblingi (Wenzel, 1966) (n = 23), Megistopoda proxima (Séguy, 1926) (n = 15), Strebla guajiro (García & Casal, 1965) (n = 15), Aspidoptera falcata (Wenzel, 1976) (n = 6) Paratrichobius longicrus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907) (n = 8), Paraeuctenodes similis (Wenzel 1976) (n = 3), and Trichobius anducei (Guerrero, 1998) (n = 1). Two species infested Platyrrhinus lineatus (É. Geoffroy, 1810): Aspidoptera falcata (n = 1) and Anastrebla caudiferae (Wenzel, 1996) (n = 1). Paradyschiria parvula (Falcoz, 1931) (n = 11) infested Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. proxima (n = 12) and Trichobius uniformis (Curran, 1935) (n = 1) infested Sturnira lilium (É. Geoffroy, 1842). Sturnira lilium has the highest infestation rate, with ten out of 46 captured individuals parasitized, followed by Carollia perspicillata, with 33 out of 164 captured parasitized, and by P. lineatus with only two parasitized individuals out of ten. Among 97 streblid flies captured, M. proxima was the most abundant (27.83%), followed by T. joblingi (23.71%), and S. guajiro (15.46%). All remaining bat fly species represented 33%. Paradichyria parvula has the first record for Rio de Janeiro State.

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons (Feia and Vermelha lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third (Caraís lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the Caraís lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the Vermelha lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the Vermelha are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. Vermelha lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons ('Feia' and 'Vermelha' lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third ('Caraís' lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the 'Caraís' lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the 'Vermelha' lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the 'Vermelha' are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. 'Vermelha' lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.

Cytoarchitecture of the medial nucleus of trapezoid body of three neotropical species of bats (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus, and Carollia perspicillata) with different foraging behavior / Citoarquitetura do núcleo medial do corpo trapezoidal de três espécies neotropicais de morcegos (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus e Carollia perspicillata) com diferentes comportamentos de forrageamento

The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish-eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/ omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit-eating) and were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The results showed that the MNTB is well developed in all the bats in general and the mean length of the MNTB was 1160 ± 124 µm in N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm in P. hastatus and 320 ± 25µm in C. perspicillata. The body and brain weight do not reflect proportionately on the size of the MNTB in the present study. The hearing frequency spectrum did not covary with the size of the MNTB among the bats studied. The MNTB is clearly demarcated from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) only in P. hastatus. The MNTB comprised mainly three types of cells in all three bats: dense-staining multipolar cells (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter); light-staining multipolar cells measuring (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter) and light-staining round cells (5.0 µm diameter). The large sized MNTB was observed in N. leporinus, which suggests that it relies heavily on echolocation whereas P. hastatus and C. perspicillata use echolocation as well but also rely on hearing, smell and vision.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que o núcleo medial do corpo trapezoide (MNTB) de morcegos neotropicais ecolocativos com comportamento forrageiro diferente apresenta variações morfológicas no tamanho relativo, grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis morcegos machos adultos de cada espécie, Noctilio leporinus (comedor de peixe), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoro/onívoro) e Carollia perspicillata (comedor de frutas), e foram seccionados em série e seções seriais transversais duplas e coradas com cresil violeta. Os resultados mostraram que o MNTB é bem desenvolvido em todos os morcegos em geral e que o comprimento médio do MNTB foi de 1.160 ± 124 µm em N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm em P. hastatus e 320 ± 25 µm em C. perspicillata. O peso corporal e cerebral não reflete proporcionalmente o tamanho do MNTB no presente estudo. O espectro da frequência auditiva não covaria com o tamanho do MNTB entre os morcegos estudados. O MNTB é claramente demarcado do núcleo ventral do corpo trapezoidal (VNTB) apenas em P. hastatus. O MNTB compreendia principalmente três tipos de células nos três morcegos: células multipolares de coloração densa (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro), células multipolares de coloração clara (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro) e células redondas manchadas de luz (5,0 µm de diâmetro). O MNTB de grande porte foi observado em N. leporinus, o que sugere que ele depende muito da ecolocalização, enquanto P. hastatus e C. perspicillata também usam a ecolocalização, mas dependem da audição, olfato e visão.(AU)

Ectoparasitic flies (Diptera: Streblidae) on bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from a Private Natural Heritage Reserve in southeastern Brazil

Due to the small number of records of Streblidae on bats, despite extensive study on these mammals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, a survey was carried out in an area of the Atlantic Forest. The present study was carried out at Bom Retiro Farm Natural Heritage Private Reserve. We captured 401 bats of 17 species, 13 genera, and four families; bat flies infested 221 bats of only four species. Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) has the highest fly diversity, with seven fly species: Trichobius joblingi (Wenzel, 1966) (n = 23), Megistopoda proxima (Séguy, 1926) (n = 15), Strebla guajiro (García & Casal, 1965) (n = 15), Aspidoptera falcata (Wenzel, 1976) (n = 6) Paratrichobius longicrus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907) (n = 8), Paraeuctenodes similis(Wenzel 1976) (n = 3), and Trichobius anducei (Guerrero, 1998) (n = 1). Two species infested Platyrrhinus lineatus (É. Geoffroy, 1810): Aspidoptera falcata (n = 1) and Anastrebla caudiferae (Wenzel, 1996) (n = 1). Paradyschiria parvula (Falcoz, 1931) (n = 11) infested Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. proxima (n = 12) and Trichobius uniformis (Curran, 1935) (n = 1) infested Sturnira lilium (É. Geoffroy, 1842). Sturnira lilium has the highest infestation rate, with ten out of 46 captured individuals parasitized, followed by Carollia perspicillata, with 33 out of 164 captured parasitized, and by P. lineatus with only two parasitized individuals out of ten. Among 97 streblid flies captured, M. proxima was the most abundant (27.83%), followed by T. joblingi (23.71%), and S. guajiro (15.46%). All remaining bat fly species represented 33%. Paradichyria parvula has the first record for Rio de Janeiro State.

Ectoparasitic flies (Diptera: Streblidae) on bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from a Private Natural Heritage Reserve in southeastern Brazil

Due to the small number of records of Streblidae on bats, despite extensive study on these mammals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, a survey was carried out in an area of the Atlantic Forest. The present study was carried out at Bom Retiro Farm Natural Heritage Private Reserve. We captured 401 bats of 17 species, 13 genera, and four families; bat flies infested 221 bats of only four species. Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) has the highest fly diversity, with seven fly species: Trichobius joblingi (Wenzel, 1966) (n = 23), Megistopoda proxima (Séguy, 1926) (n = 15), Strebla guajiro (García & Casal, 1965) (n = 15), Aspidoptera falcata (Wenzel, 1976) (n = 6) Paratrichobius longicrus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907) (n = 8), Paraeuctenodes similis(Wenzel 1976) (n = 3), and Trichobius anducei (Guerrero, 1998) (n = 1). Two species infested Platyrrhinus lineatus (É. Geoffroy, 1810): Aspidoptera falcata (n = 1) and Anastrebla caudiferae (Wenzel, 1996) (n = 1). Paradyschiria parvula (Falcoz, 1931) (n = 11) infested Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. proxima (n = 12) and Trichobius uniformis (Curran, 1935) (n = 1) infested Sturnira lilium (É. Geoffroy, 1842). Sturnira lilium has the highest infestation rate, with ten out of 46 captured individuals parasitized, followed by Carollia perspicillata, with 33 out of 164 captured parasitized, and by P. lineatus with only two parasitized individuals out of ten. Among 97 streblid flies captured, M. proxima was the most abundant (27.83%), followed by T. joblingi (23.71%), and S. guajiro (15.46%). All remaining bat fly species represented 33%. Paradichyria parvula has the first record for Rio de Janeiro State.(AU)

Frugivorous bat (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) community structure and trophic relations in Atlantic Forest fragments

We evaluated the structure of a community of frugivorous bats using composition and abundance patterns, niche amplitude and food overlap of these animals in four Atlantic Forest fragments, each one exposed to different conservation realities. For twelve months, we captured six bat species and found the seeds of 13 species of pioneering plants in 158 fecal samples. The most abundant bat species were Artibeus planirostris (25.4%), Artibeus lituratus (24.1%) and Carollia perspicillata(23.9%). Only one fragment (Fazenda Unida), the most conserved area, exhibited a significantly different composition and abundance of species. We found low trophic niche amplitude values (<0.60), associated to high food overlaps. Our results suggest that bats can adjust their foraging strategy to deal with food availability variations. By favoring pioneering plant species, the fragmentation process noted of the studied areas creates an attractive environment for bats more tolerant to this type of disturbance. The sampled areas represent important secondary forest remnants in southern Brazil that require attention to avoid an even greater loss of bat diversity.

Frugivorous bat (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) community structure and trophic relations in Atlantic Forest fragments

We evaluated the structure of a community of frugivorous bats using composition and abundance patterns, niche amplitude and food overlap of these animals in four Atlantic Forest fragments, each one exposed to different conservation realities. For twelve months, we captured six bat species and found the seeds of 13 species of pioneering plants in 158 fecal samples. The most abundant bat species were Artibeus planirostris (25.4%), Artibeus lituratus (24.1%) and Carollia perspicillata(23.9%). Only one fragment (Fazenda Unida), the most conserved area, exhibited a significantly different composition and abundance of species. We found low trophic niche amplitude values (<0.60), associated to high food overlaps. Our results suggest that bats can adjust their foraging strategy to deal with food availability variations. By favoring pioneering plant species, the fragmentation process noted of the studied areas creates an attractive environment for bats more tolerant to this type of disturbance. The sampled areas represent important secondary forest remnants in southern Brazil that require attention to avoid an even greater loss of bat diversity.(AU)

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons (‘Feia and ‘Vermelha lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third (‘Caraís lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the ‘Caraís lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the ‘Vermelha lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the ‘Vermelha are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. ‘Vermelha lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.(AU)

Character variation and taxonomy of short-tailed fruit bats from Carollia in Brazil

Carollia has a complex taxonomic history and is widely distributed in the Neotropics. Species of Carollia appear to have differentiated recently in the late Cenozoic, and present overlapping morphological characters that may not be useful to distinguish among species. Carollia has recently been revised, but only a few specimens representing the Brazilian distribution of Carollia within Brazil were studied. We reviewed specimens of Carollia distributed in several localities of Brazil revisiting previously described morphological characters for species identification, and taxonomic problems within the genus. We found a large degree of overlap between characters previously used to distinguish among species of Carollia, and some of them constitute variation within a same species. We also report new records extending the known distribution of C. benkeithi to farther east of its previously known distribution (Parauapebas, southeastern Pará, and Vitória do Xingu, Pará, eastern Amazonian Brazil) and one record extending the distribution of C. brevicauda south to Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Character variation and taxonomy of short-tailed fruit bats from Carollia in Brazil

Carollia has a complex taxonomic history and is widely distributed in the Neotropics. Species of Carollia appear to have differentiated recently in the late Cenozoic, and present overlapping morphological characters that may not be useful to distinguish among species. Carollia has recently been revised, but only a few specimens representing the Brazilian distribution of Carollia within Brazil were studied. We reviewed specimens of Carollia distributed in several localities of Brazil revisiting previously described morphological characters for species identification, and taxonomic problems within the genus. We found a large degree of overlap between characters previously used to distinguish among species of Carollia, and some of them constitute variation within a same species. We also report new records extending the known distribution of C. benkeithi to farther east of its previously known distribution (Parauapebas, southeastern Pará, and Vitória do Xingu, Pará, eastern Amazonian Brazil) and one record extending the distribution of C. brevicauda south to Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.(AU)

Cytoarchitecture of the medial nucleus of trapezoid body of three neotropical species of bats (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus, and Carollia perspicillata) with different foraging behavior

Abstract The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish-eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/ omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit-eating) and were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The results showed that the MNTB is well developed in all the bats in general and the mean length of the MNTB was 1160 ± 124 µm in N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm in P. hastatus and 320 ± 25µm in C. perspicillata. The body and brain weight do not reflect proportionately on the size of the MNTB in the present study. The hearing frequency spectrum did not covary with the size of the MNTB among the bats studied. The MNTB is clearly demarcated from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) only in P. hastatus. The MNTB comprised mainly three types of cells in all three bats: dense-staining multipolar cells (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter); light-staining multipolar cells measuring (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter) and light-staining round cells (5.0 µm diameter). The large sized MNTB was observed in N. leporinus, which suggests that it relies heavily on echolocation whereas P. hastatus and C. perspicillata use echolocation as well but also rely on hearing, smell and vision.

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que o núcleo medial do corpo trapezoide (MNTB) de morcegos neotropicais ecolocativos com comportamento forrageiro diferente apresenta variações morfológicas no tamanho relativo, grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis morcegos machos adultos de cada espécie, Noctilio leporinus (comedor de peixe), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoro/onívoro) e Carollia perspicillata (comedor de frutas), e foram seccionados em série e seções seriais transversais duplas e coradas com cresil violeta. Os resultados mostraram que o MNTB é bem desenvolvido em todos os morcegos em geral e que o comprimento médio do MNTB foi de 1.160 ± 124 µm em N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm em P. hastatus e 320 ± 25 µm em C. perspicillata. O peso corporal e cerebral não reflete proporcionalmente o tamanho do MNTB no presente estudo. O espectro da frequência auditiva não covaria com o tamanho do MNTB entre os morcegos estudados. O MNTB é claramente demarcado do núcleo ventral do corpo trapezoidal (VNTB) apenas em P. hastatus. O MNTB compreendia principalmente três tipos de células nos três morcegos: células multipolares de coloração densa (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro), células multipolares de coloração clara (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro) e células redondas manchadas de luz (5,0 µm de diâmetro). O MNTB de grande porte foi observado em N. leporinus, o que sugere que ele depende muito da ecolocalização, enquanto P. hastatus e C. perspicillata também usam a ecolocalização, mas dependem da audição, olfato e visão.

Cytoarchitecture of the superior olivary complex of three neotropical species of bats (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus and Carollia perspicillata) with different foraging behavior / Citoarquitetura do complexo olivar superior de três espécies neotropicais de morcegos (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus e Carollia perspicillata) com diferentes comportamentos de forrageamento

The understanding of the echolocation by studying different auditory nuclei of echolocating bats can be an important link in elucidating questions arising in relation to their foraging behavior. The superior olivary complex (SOC) is the primary center for processing the binaural cues used in sound localization since echo locating bats rely on acoustic cues to navigate and capture prey while in flight. The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the SOC of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit eating). They were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The SOC measured as 640 ± 70 µm in the N. leporinus bat, 480 ± 50 µm in the P. hastatus and 240 ± 30 µm in the C. perspicillata bat. The principal nuclei of the SOC of in all three bats were the LSO, MSO and MNTB. The MSO and LSO were very well developed in N. leporinus bats. The MSO of N. leporinus bat subdivided into DMSO and VMSO. The main cell type of cells present in MSO and LSO are dark staining multipolar cells in all the bats studied. The well-developed MSO and LSO of N. leporinus bats indicate that these bats are highly sensitive to low frequency sounds and interaural intensity differences, which help these bats to forage over water by using various types of echolocation signals. The average size of SOC in P. hastatus and C. perspicillata bats can be attributed to the fact that these bats use vision and smell along with echolocation to forage the food.(AU)

O entendimento da ecolocalização pelo estudo de diferentes núcleos auditivos de morcegos pode ser um elo importante na elucidação das inúmeras questões que surgem em relação ao seu comportamento de forrageamento. O complexo olivar superior (SOC) é o principal centro de processamento das pistas binaurais usadas na localização do som, já que os morcegos ecolocalizadores contam com sinais acústicos para navegar e capturar as presas durante o vôo. O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que morcegos que usam a ecolocalização para diferentes comportamentos de forrageamento irão variar na estrutura, tamanhos relativos e grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial do grupo SOC. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis machos adultos de morcego de cada espécie: Noctilio leporinus (piscívoro), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoros/onívoros) e Carollia perspicillata (frugívoro). Eles foram seccionados em série e transversalmente, cortados e corados com coloração rápida cresil-violeta. tolet. O grupo SOC foi medido como 640 ± 70 µm no morcego N. leporinus, 480 ± 50 µm no P. hastatus e 240 ± 30 µm no morcego C. perspicillata. Os principais núcleos do grupo SOC dos três morcegos foram o LSO e o MSO e o MNTB. O MSO e o LSO foram muito bem desenvolvidos em morcegos N. leporinus. A MSO de N. leporinus foi subdividida em DMSO e VMSO. O principal tipo de células presentes na MSO e LSO são as células multipolares de coloração escura em todos os morcegos. Os MSO bem desenvolvidos e LSO de morcegos N. leporinus indicam que estes morcegos são altamente sensíveis a sons de baixa frequência e diferenças de intensidade interaural, que ajudaram estes morcegos a se alimentarem na superfície da água usando vários tipos de sinais de ecolocalização. O tamanho médio de SOC em morcegos de P. hastatus e C. perspicillata pode ser atribuído ao fato destes morcegos usarem visão e olfato junto com a ecolocalização para forragear.(AU)

Seasonal influence on testicular morphophysiological parameters of bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil / Influência sazonal sobre os parâmetros morfofisiológicos testiculares de Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em fragmentos florestais de Mata Atlântica, Nordeste do Brasil

Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, family Phyllostomidae, and present a wide diversity of reproductive strategies. However, information on the reproductive biology of male bats is scarce, mainly in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Thus, this study evaluated the seasonal testicular histomorphometry of the bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in Pernambuco state. To this end, adult males were collected, euthanized for removal of the testicles, and later submitted to a routine histological technique. Histomorphometric analysis included assessment of the areas of tubular and intertubular compartment occupation, as well as quantification of spermatocytes, rounded spermatids, elongated spermatids, and Sertoli and Leydig cells. Results indicated that this bat species presents reproductive seasonality, because significantly higher averages of the testicular parameters were observed in the rainy season, which is a period of greater availability of food resources. Such inferences indicate that there is a synchrony between peak spermatogenesis and hormonal inversion in the months of high precipitation; furthermore, a higher carrying capacity of the Sertoli cells is noted. C. perspicillata males possibly present greater sperm and androgenic activity in the rainy season, associated with increased tubular area and number of spermatogenic cells, as well as with the intertubular area and number of Leydig cells, respectively.(AU)

Os morcegos pertencem a ordem Chiroptera, família Phyllostomidae, e apresentam ampla diversidade de estratégias reprodutivas. Entretanto, as informações relacionadas à biologia reprodutiva dos machos são escassas, principalmente no Nordeste do Brasil. Dessa forma, o trabalho avaliou a histomorfometria sazonal testicular de Carollia perspicillata em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco. Para tanto, os machos adultos foram coletados, eutanasiados para a remoção dos testículos, e posteriormente submetidos à técnica histológica de rotina. As análises histomorfométricas avaliaram as áreas de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, assim como a quantificação dos espermatócitos, espermátides arredondadas, espermátides alongadas, células de Sertoli e de Leydig. Os resultados indicaram que a espécie apresenta sazonalidade reprodutiva, visto que maiores médias significativas dos parâmetros testiculares foram encontradas na estação chuvosa, que é um período de maior disponibilidade de recursos alimentares. Tais inferências indicam que existe uma sincronia entre o pico de espermatogênese e investimento hormonal nos meses de alta precipitação, atrelado a isso, nota-se ainda, uma maior capacidade de suporte das células de Sertoli. Os machos de C. perspicillata possivelmente apresentam uma maior atividade espermática e androgênica na estação chuvosa, associadas ao aumento da área tubular e do número de células espermatogênicas, assim como da área intertubular e do número das células de Leydig, respectivamente.(AU)

Seasonal influence on testicular morphophysiological parameters of bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil / Influência sazonal sobre os parâmetros morfofisiológicos testiculares de Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em fragmentos florestais de Mata Atlântica, Nordeste do Brasil

Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, family Phyllostomidae, and present a wide diversity of reproductive strategies. However, information on the reproductive biology of male bats is scarce, mainly in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Thus, this study evaluated the seasonal testicular histomorphometry of the bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in Pernambuco state. To this end, adult males were collected, euthanized for removal of the testicles, and later submitted to a routine histological technique. Histomorphometric analysis included assessment of the areas of tubular and intertubular compartment occupation, as well as quantification of spermatocytes, rounded spermatids, elongated spermatids, and Sertoli and Leydig cells. Results indicated that this bat species presents reproductive seasonality, because significantly higher averages of the testicular parameters were observed in the rainy season, which is a period of greater availability of food resources. Such inferences indicate that there is a synchrony between peak spermatogenesis and hormonal inversion in the months of high precipitation; furthermore, a higher carrying capacity of the Sertoli cells is noted. C. perspicillata males possibly present greater sperm and androgenic activity in the rainy season, associated with increased tubular area and number of spermatogenic cells, as well as with the intertubular area and number of Leydig cells, respectively.(AU)

Os morcegos pertencem a ordem Chiroptera, família Phyllostomidae, e apresentam ampla diversidade de estratégias reprodutivas. Entretanto, as informações relacionadas à biologia reprodutiva dos machos são escassas, principalmente no Nordeste do Brasil. Dessa forma, o trabalho avaliou a histomorfometria sazonal testicular de Carollia perspicillata em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco. Para tanto, os machos adultos foram coletados, eutanasiados para a remoção dos testículos, e posteriormente submetidos à técnica histológica de rotina. As análises histomorfométricas avaliaram as áreas de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, assim como a quantificação dos espermatócitos, espermátides arredondadas, espermátides alongadas, células de Sertoli e de Leydig. Os resultados indicaram que a espécie apresenta sazonalidade reprodutiva, visto que maiores médias significativas dos parâmetros testiculares foram encontradas na estação chuvosa, que é um período de maior disponibilidade de recursos alimentares. Tais inferências indicam que existe uma sincronia entre o pico de espermatogênese e investimento hormonal nos meses de alta precipitação, atrelado a isso, nota-se ainda, uma maior capacidade de suporte das células de Sertoli. Os machos de C. perspicillata possivelmente apresentam uma maior atividade espermática e androgênica na estação chuvosa, associadas ao aumento da área tubular e do número de células espermatogênicas, assim como da área intertubular e do número das células de Leydig, respectivamente.(AU)

Cytoarchitecture of the superior olivary complex of three neotropical species of bats (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus and Carollia perspicillata) with different foraging behavior

Abstract The understanding of the echolocation by studying different auditory nuclei of echolocating bats can be an important link in elucidating questions arising in relation to their foraging behavior. The superior olivary complex (SOC) is the primary center for processing the binaural cues used in sound localization since echo locating bats rely on acoustic cues to navigate and capture prey while in flight. The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the SOC of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit eating). They were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The SOC measured as 640 ± 70 µm in the N. leporinus bat, 480 ± 50 µm in the P. hastatus and 240 ± 30 µm in the C. perspicillata bat. The principal nuclei of the SOC of in all three bats were the LSO, MSO and MNTB. The MSO and LSO were very well developed in N. leporinus bats. The MSO of N. leporinus bat subdivided into DMSO and VMSO. The main cell type of cells present in MSO and LSO are dark staining multipolar cells in all the bats studied. The well-developed MSO and LSO of N. leporinus bats indicate that these bats are highly sensitive to low frequency sounds and interaural intensity differences, which help these bats to forage over water by using various types of echolocation signals. The average size of SOC in P. hastatus and C. perspicillata bats can be attributed to the fact that these bats use vision and smell along with echolocation to forage the food.

Resumo O entendimento da ecolocalização pelo estudo de diferentes núcleos auditivos de morcegos pode ser um elo importante na elucidação das inúmeras questões que surgem em relação ao seu comportamento de forrageamento. O complexo olivar superior (SOC) é o principal centro de processamento das pistas binaurais usadas na localização do som, já que os morcegos ecolocalizadores contam com sinais acústicos para navegar e capturar as presas durante o vôo. O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que morcegos que usam a ecolocalização para diferentes comportamentos de forrageamento irão variar na estrutura, tamanhos relativos e grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial do grupo SOC. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis machos adultos de morcego de cada espécie: Noctilio leporinus (piscívoro), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoros/onívoros) e Carollia perspicillata (frugívoro). Eles foram seccionados em série e transversalmente, cortados e corados com coloração rápida cresil-violeta. tolet. O grupo SOC foi medido como 640 ± 70 µm no morcego N. leporinus, 480 ± 50 µm no P. hastatus e 240 ± 30 µm no morcego C. perspicillata. Os principais núcleos do grupo SOC dos três morcegos foram o LSO e o MSO e o MNTB. O MSO e o LSO foram muito bem desenvolvidos em morcegos N. leporinus. A MSO de N. leporinus foi subdividida em DMSO e VMSO. O principal tipo de células presentes na MSO e LSO são as células multipolares de coloração escura em todos os morcegos. Os MSO bem desenvolvidos e LSO de morcegos N. leporinus indicam que estes morcegos são altamente sensíveis a sons de baixa frequência e diferenças de intensidade interaural, que ajudaram estes morcegos a se alimentarem na superfície da água usando vários tipos de sinais de ecolocalização. O tamanho médio de SOC em morcegos de P. hastatus e C. perspicillata pode ser atribuído ao fato destes morcegos usarem visão e olfato junto com a ecolocalização para forragear.

Moscas ectoparasitas (Diptera, Streblidae) de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) em um remanescente periurbano de Cerrado: composição da comunidade, prevalência, intensidade de infestação e especificidade

ABSTRACT Streblidae flies are found exclusively on bats and are distributed throughout the world, with a high richness of flies and host in Brazil. However, knowledge about the ecological aspects of these relationships is limited to descriptions of the associations. The aim of this work was to characterize the community of ectoparasites flies and their possible association patterns in a peri-urban area of Cerrado. Bats were captured between February and July 2011, with a sample effort of 9 504 h.m2. Ectoparasites were collected and identified. The parasite-host relationship was determined using index such as prevalence, average infestation intensity, and specificity. We captured 161 bats of seven species, with 29.81% (n = 48) that were infested. We found 83 flies of six species of Streblidae, with two accidental associations and eight non-accidental associations. The highest prevalence and intensity of infestation were found for the association between Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) and Trichobius joblingi Wenzel, 1966. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) also presented high prevalence rates, while Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) and Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810) had low infestation prevalence. Four species of Streblidae were considered monoxenic and two oligoxenic, which is indicated by the analysis of specificity, which demonstrates the predominance of monoxenic species already reported in other works.

RESUMO Moscas Streblidae ocorrem exclusivamente em morcegos e estão mundialmente distribuídas, com uma alta riqueza de moscas e hospedeiros no Brasil. Entretanto, o conhecimento dos aspectos ecológicos dessa relação é limitado à descrição das associações. O objetivo nesse trabalho foi caracterizar a comunidade de moscas ectoparasitas e de seus possíveis padrões de associação em uma área periurbana de Cerrado. Os morcegos foram capturados entre fevereiro e julho de 2011, com um esforço amostral de 9.504 h.m2. Os ectoparasitas foram coletados e identificados. A relação parasito-hospedeiro foi determinada usando índices como prevalência, intensidade média de infestação e especificidade. Capturamos 161 morcegos de sete espécies, dos quais 29,81% (n = 48) apresentaram-se infestados. Encontramos 83 moscas de seis espécies de Streblidae, com duas associações acidentais e oito associações não acidentais. A maior prevalência e intensidade de infestação foram verificadas na associação entre Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) e Trichobius joblingi Wenzel, 1966. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) também apresentou elevadas taxas de prevalência, enquanto Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) e Sturnira lilium (E, Geoffroy, 1810) revelaram baixas prevalências de infestação. Quatro espécies de Streblidae foram consideradas monoxênicas e duas oligoxênicas, o que é indicado pela análise de especificidade, o que demonstra o predomínio de espécies monoxênicas já relatado em outros trabalhos.

Moscas ectoparasitas (Diptera, Streblidae) de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) em um remanescente periurbano de Cerrado: composição da comunidade, prevalência, intensidade de infestação e especificidade / Ectoparasitic flies (Diptera, Streblidae) of bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in a periurban remnant of Cerrado: community composition, prevalence, infestation intensity and specificity

Streblidae flies are found exclusively on bats and are distributed throughout the world, with a high richness of flies and host in Brazil. However, knowledge about the ecological aspects of these relationships is limited to descriptions of the associations. The aim of this work was to characterize the community of ectoparasites flies and their possible association patterns in a peri-urban area of Cerrado. Bats were captured between February and July 2011, with a sample effort of 9 504 h.m2. Ectoparasites were collected and identified. The parasite-host relationship was determined using index such as prevalence, average infestation intensity, and specificity. We captured 161 bats of seven species, with 29.81% (n = 48) that were infested. We found 83 flies of six species of Streblidae, with two accidental associations and eight non-accidental associations. The highest prevalence and intensity of infestation were found for the association between Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) and Trichobius joblingi Wenzel, 1966. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) also presented high prevalence rates, while Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) and Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810) had low infestation prevalence. Four species of Streblidae were considered monoxenic and two oligoxenic, which is indicated by the analysis of specificity, which demonstrates the predominance of monoxenic species already reported in other works.(AU)

Moscas Streblidae ocorrem exclusivamente em morcegos e estão mundialmente distribuídas, com uma alta riqueza de moscas e hospedeiros no Brasil. Entretanto, o conhecimento dos aspectos ecológicos dessa relação é limitado à descrição das associações. O objetivo nesse trabalho foi caracterizar a comunidade de moscas ectoparasitas e de seus possíveis padrões de associação em uma área periurbana de Cerrado. Os morcegos foram capturados entre fevereiro e julho de 2011, com um esforço amostral de 9.504 h.m2. Os ectoparasitas foram coletados e identificados. A relação parasito-hospedeiro foi determinada usando índices como prevalência, intensidade média de infestação e especificidade. Capturamos 161 morcegos de sete espécies, dos quais 29,81% (n = 48) apresentaram-se infestados. Encontramos 83 moscas de seis espécies de Streblidae, com duas associações acidentais e oito associações não acidentais. A maior prevalência e intensidade de infestação foram verificadas na associação entre Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) e Trichobius joblingi Wenzel, 1966. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) também apresentou elevadas taxas de prevalência, enquanto Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) e Sturnira lilium (E, Geoffroy, 1810) revelaram baixas prevalências de infestação. Quatro espécies de Streblidae foram consideradas monoxênicas e duas oligoxênicas, o que é indicado pela análise de especificidade, o que demonstra o predomínio de espécies monoxênicas já relatado em outros trabalhos.(AU)