An uncommon anatomic variation of the sartorius muscle in a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The sartorius muscle is located in the pelvic limb of the dog and is divided into a cranial and caudal part. There is no report describingof the three parts of the sartorius muscle. The aim of the present report was to describe the presence of a third part of the sartorius muscle in a dog. Although it does not represent a malformation, it is an important anatomical variation to consider fordidactic purposes of dissection and in surgeries of the pelvic limb, as in this case there is a need to move the muscles apart to maintain their integrity.Furthermore, this anatomical description is relevant for comparative purposes in this animal species.(AU)

Macro- and microscopic brain anatomy of the amazon lava lizard (Tropidurus torquatus) (WIED, 1820) / Anatomia macro- e microscópica do encéfalo do calango (Tropidurus torquatus) (WIED, 1820)

Reptiles have a key role in understanding amniotes' reproductive independence of water. Many adaptations arose, including in locomotor patterns and behaviours, and the nervous system adapted to those new habits.We have described the macroscopic anatomy and cytoarchitecture of the Amazon Lava Lizard brain (Tropidurus torquatus), an abundant lizard in South America. Fifteen specimens were captured, euthanized and their brains were dissected, eight of these were processed and stained in haematoxylineosin. Their main areas of the brain are the telencephalon and diencephalon, in the forebrain, tectum and tegmentum, in the midbrain and bulbota and cerebellum, in the hindbrain. The main and accessory olfactory bulbs are the most rostral structure of the brain and are composed of six layers. Brain hemispheres compose the telencephalon and are divided in pallium and subpallium. Medial, dorsomedial, lateral and dorsal cortices are part of the pallium. Striatum, pallidum and septum compose the subpallium. The diencephalon is composed of thalamus, epithalamus and hypothalamus. The midbrain has a ventral tegmentum, composed of torus semicircularis and a dorsal 14 layered optic tectum. Most part of the hindbrain is composed of the bulbo, and the cerebellum arises from it, forming a three-layered plate like structure. In general, the brain of Tropidurus torquatusresembles those of other lizards, with its own adaptations

Os répteis têm um papel fundamental para a compreensão da independência reprodutiva da água que surgiu nos amniotas. Várias adaptações ocorreram, inclusive em padrões e comportamentos locomotores, e o sistema nervoso se adaptou a esses novos hábitos. Descrevemos a anatomia macroscópica e a citoarquitetura do encéfalo do calango (Tropidurus torquatus), um lagarto abundante na América do Sul. Quinze espécimes foram capturados, eutanasiados e seus encéfalos dissecados, oito destes foram processados e corados em hematoxilina-eosina. As principais áreas do cérebro são o telencéfalo e o diencéfalo, na parte anterior do encéfalo, teto e tegmento, no mesencéfalo e bulbo e cerebelo, na parte posterior do encéfalo. Os bulbos olfatórios principais e acessórios são as estruturas mais rostrais do cérebro e são compostos por seis camadas. Os hemisférios cerebrais compõem o telencéfalo e são divididos em pálio e subpálio. Os córtices medial, dorsomedial, lateral e dorsal fazem parte do pálio. Estriado, pálido e septo compõem o subpálio. O diencéfalo é composto pelo tálamo, epitálamo e hipotálamo. O mesencéfalo possui um tegmento ventral, composto de torus semicircularis e um tecto óptico dorsal com 14 camadas. A maior parte da parte posterior do encéfalo é composta pelo bulbo, e o cerebelo surge como uma projeção dessa estrutura, em formato plano, com três camadas. Em geral, o encéfalo de Tropidurus torquatusse assemelha ao de outros lagartos, com suas próprias adaptações.

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883) / Ultrassonografia abdominal em peixe boi amazônico (Trichechus inunguis (Natterer, 1883)

Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.

Pesquisas morfofisiológicas em espécies selvagens são fundamentais, e o diagnóstico por imagem é uma excelente técnica, já usada e com grande aplicação, não invasiva e que fornece informações em tempo real de cada órgão. Peixes-boi-amazônico encontram-se na lista de animais ameaçados de extinção classificados na categoria vulnerável e o conhecimento do padrão normal da anatomia ultrassonográfica de órgãos e tecidos é importante para a manutenção e bem-estar de espécimes em cativeiro contribuindo para ações de reintrodução. O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a técnica de exame e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do fígado, vesícula biliar, estômago, vesícula urinária e o tecido subcutâneo da região abdominal em Trichechus inunguis, de modo a contribuir com o conhecimento anátomo-sonográfico e auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças. O estudo utilizou 18 animais para descrever a anatomia ultrassonográfica normal na cavidade abdominal de peixe-boi amazônico. Durante a varredura abdominal foi possível visualizar as características dos órgãos obtendo resultados satisfatórios neste estudo, concluindo ser uma técnica eficiente para avaliação de determinados órgãos abdominais em peixe-boi amazônico. Entretanto, outras estruturas não foram identificadas principalmente pelo tempo reduzido, muita gordura e gases nos intestinos dos animais.

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883) / Ultrassonografia abdominal em peixe boi amazônico (Trichechus inunguis (Natterer, 1883)

Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.(AU)

Pesquisas morfofisiológicas em espécies selvagens são fundamentais, e o diagnóstico por imagem é uma excelente técnica, já usada e com grande aplicação, não invasiva e que fornece informações em tempo real de cada órgão. Peixes-boi-amazônico encontram-se na lista de animais ameaçados de extinção classificados na categoria vulnerável e o conhecimento do padrão normal da anatomia ultrassonográfica de órgãos e tecidos é importante para a manutenção e bem-estar de espécimes em cativeiro contribuindo para ações de reintrodução. O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a técnica de exame e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do fígado, vesícula biliar, estômago, vesícula urinária e o tecido subcutâneo da região abdominal em Trichechus inunguis, de modo a contribuir com o conhecimento anátomo-sonográfico e auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças. O estudo utilizou 18 animais para descrever a anatomia ultrassonográfica normal na cavidade abdominal de peixe-boi amazônico. Durante a varredura abdominal foi possível visualizar as características dos órgãos obtendo resultados satisfatórios neste estudo, concluindo ser uma técnica eficiente para avaliação de determinados órgãos abdominais em peixe-boi amazônico. Entretanto, outras estruturas não foram identificadas principalmente pelo tempo reduzido, muita gordura e gases nos intestinos dos animais.(AU)

Behavior and nest architecture of the bee Caenohalictus alexandrei (Hymenoptera, Halictinae)

In Colombia, few studies have focused on nest architecture, behavior or sociality of wild bees. This study provides ba-sic information on the nests of Caenohalictus alexandrei and presents behavioral observations outside the nests, derived from direct field observation of 40 nests and 39 male sleeping cavities in two localities of the Savanna of Bogota, Colombia. We rec-ognized four different behavioral activities carried out by adult females: foraging, guarding, opening and closing of the en-trance of the nest, with foraging being the most frequent of them. The observed activities were carried out more frequently from 9:00 h to 13:00 h. Males were observed performing two behavioral activities in the sleeping cavities: staying at the cavity entrance and cavity departure. A third male activity, corporal grooming, was carried out outside the sleeping cavity. Our field observations indicate that more than one adult female was active simultaneously performing the different tasks within a sin-gle nest. The nests presented different levels of complexity in their architecture, depending on the age of the nest and num-ber of adult females in them. Descriptions of the nesting sites and behavioral activities as well as illustrations of the nest ar-chitecture are provided.(AU)

Elevating Omophoita octoguttata elytralis Bechyné, 1956 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) to species

An updated morphological description for Omophoita elytralis (Bechyné, 1956), stat. nov., is presented, including the first account of the genitalia for this species. The separation Omophoita elytralis from O. octoguttata (Fabricius, 1775) is supported by differences found in the median lobe of males, elytral tegument uniform in color (not patterned), and their allopatric geographical distribution.

Contributions to the taxonomy of the Brazilian Leurus Townes, 1946 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Metopiinae)

Leurus Townes, 1946 is a small genus of Metopiinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), consisting of 13 described species distributed in the Neotropics and the Nearctic region. The present work aims to contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of Leurus in Brazil. A total of 109 specimens were identified and 15 literature records were analyzed. The genus geographical occurrence was evaluated according to data obtained from the literature and labels of analyzed specimens. Five species of Leurus were identified for the Brazilian fauna: L. angustignathus, L. caeruliventris, L. discus, L. gracius and L. nostrus. New municipality records of occurrence were made for L. angustignathus in the state of São Paulo, L. caeruliventris in the states of Bahia, Distrito Federal, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Piauí and Rondônia; for, L. discus in the state of Alagoas and São Paulo, and L. gracius in the state of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Females of L. angustignathus and L. gracius were described for the first time in the present study. The genitalia of males of L. caeruliventris, L. discus and L. gracius were described and illustrated for the first time.

The equine endometrium and its multiple connections, interrelationships and clinical effects in aged mares

Mares, which make up 90% of animals requiring reproductive assistance in commercial equine production systems, are subjected to strong breeding and reproductive efficiency pressure throughout their lives, but the effects of aging on overall and reproductive systems in particular; it often means that we are forcing the natural homeostasis mechanisms under pressure over time. The objective of this brief communication is to summarize some concepts related to the role and importance of equine endometrium, particularly in old mares, the most challenged category to achieve productive and efficiency goals established by humans. Endometritis is one of the most frequent and recurrent pathologies in equine gynecology and is responsible for enormous economic losses in the industry. Alterations of the microbiota, molecular signals and uterine endocrine microenvironment can lead to infertility, but degenerative phenomena associated with age and parity can lead to endometriosis altering maternal recognition of pregnancy and pregnancy maintenance. Maintaining horses in an adequate nutrition status and environment is essential to achieve pregnancy but also to obtain healthy offspring.(AU)

Macroanatomy of Cecum in German Mast Geese (Anser Anser) and Investigation with Scanning Electron Microscope (Sem)

Our study aimed to compare the cecum of German mast geese with other poultry species through macroanatomy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Adult German geese were used as research material, which were obtained from its breeders and died of various causes. In the study, after determining the macroanatomical features of the German mast goose cecum, it was examined with a scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM-5600LV) and the general structures were photographed. The craniodorsal of the rectum of German mast geese was shaped with two ceca, giving right and left arms to the cranial symmetrical to each other near the end of the ileum. The macroanatomy of the apex, corpus, and basis cecum parts was examined in the cecum divided into two. In the study, it was determined that villus extensions were sparse in the right and left apex ceci parts in the cecum SEM images of the German mast geese, while the number of the corpus and basis ceci parts was higher. As a result, the macroanatomy and scanning electron microscopic findings of German mast geese cecum were examined in detail and its differences from other poultry species were revealed.(AU)

Radiographic pelvimetry in the Tamandua tetradactyla / Pelvimetria radiográfica em Tamandua tetradactyla

The pelvis, formed by the ilium, ischium and pubis, forms the coxal, which is the largest of the flat bones of the skeleton, with an important role in the physiology of birth. Vastly studied in domestic animals, there is still much to be investigated regarding the anatomical classification in wild animals, mainly aiming to improve the understanding of the reproductive management of the species. Tamandua tetradactyla is one of these species in which morphological studies are still scarce, especially when it comes to reproductive aspects. In this context, we carried out the pelvimetry of T. tetradactyla using radiographic images to anatomically and obstetrically classify the pelvis of this species, classifying it as dolicopelvic, with evidence of homoscedasticity of the samples. Verification of the existence of a relationship between the variables studied by the statistical method of Pearson coefficients showed positive correlations of high intensity for the diameters studied (P < 0.01). Thus, we believed that our findings may support future reproductive studies in this species.

A pelve, constituída pelo ílio, ísquio e púbis, forma o coxal, sendo este o maior dos ossos planos constituintes do esqueleto, com importante papel na fisiologia do parto. Vastamente estudada em animais domésticos, ainda existe muito à se investigar quanto a classificação anatômica nos animais selvagens, visando principalmente melhorar a compreensão do manejo reprodutivo das espécies. Tamandua tetradactyla é uma dessas espécies em que estudos morfológicos ainda são escassos, principalmente quando se trata de aspectos reprodutivos. Neste contexto realizamos a pelvimetria do T. tetradactyla por meio de imagens radiográficas para classificar anato-obstetricamente a pelve desta espécie classificando-a como dolicopélvica, sendo evidenciada homoscedasticidade das amostras. A verificação da existência de relação entre as variáveis estudadas pelo método estatístico dos coeficientes de Pearson mostrou correlação positivas de alta intensidade para os diâmetros estudados (P< 0,01). Assim, acreditamos que nossos achados poderão subsidiar futuros estudos reprodutivos nesta espécie.

Description of a new species of HippopsisLepeletier & Audinet-Serville and comments on the identity of H. quadrivittata Breuning (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Agapanthiini)

Hippopsis sexlineata, a new species from Ecuador is described. The identity of Hippopsis quadrivittata Breuning, 1940 sensu auctorum is discussed and considered to be Hippopsis fractilinea Bates, 1866.(AU)

Expanding knowledge of American Cerambycidae (Coleoptera): new species, new records, and morphological variations

Four new species are described: Xystochroma luteotarsis sp. nov. (Cerambycinae, Callichromatini), from Ecuador; Psyrassa tysoni sp. nov. (Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini), from Guatemala; Bisaltes (Bisaltes) lateralis sp. nov. (Lamiinae, Apomecynini), from Ecuador; and Nagma hovorei sp. nov. (Lamiinae, Calliini), from Ecuador. A key to species of Xystochroma Schmidt, 1924 is provided and Psyrassa tysoni sp. nov. is included in a previous key. Variation in the pubescent pattern of Rosalba strandi (Breuning, 1943) is reported and the species is newly recorded for Paraguay. Chromatic variation in Cyrtinus umbus Martins & Galileo, 2009 (Lamiinae, Cyrtinini) is provided and the species is redescribed based on a dark specimen; a new province record (Puntarenas, Costa Rica) and a new country record (Panama) are included. Chromatic variation and sexual dimorphism in Phaea quadrimaculata Wappes & Santos-Silva, 2021 (Lamiinae, Tetraopini) is reported, and a new Mexican state record (Oaxaca) is provided.

On Eryphus Perty, 1832 (Dichophyiini), Eriphus Audinet-Serville, 1834 (Trachyderini, Trachyderina), and Eryphus Klug, 1829, with description of a new genus, and corrections on publication dates (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

The validity of two forgotten names, EryphusKlug, 1829 and E. rubricollisKlug, 1829, is discussed. The former is considered a nomen oblitum and synonymized with EriphusAudinet-Serville, 1834, a nomen protectum; the latter is revalidated and Eriphus purpuratus Chevrolat, 1862 is considered a junior synonym of Eriphus rubricollis (Klug, 1829). A lectotype is designated to Eryphus rubricollisKlug, 1829. The date of the work where EriphusAudinet-Serville, 1834 was described is corrected. A new genus is described in Dichophyiini Gistel, 1848 to include the species currently allocated in Eryphus sensuNapp & Martins (2002). The dates of publication of genera and species described by Fairmaire & Germain (Révision des Coléoptères du Chili (suite)) are corrected.(AU)

The alien species Stenochrus portoricensis (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae): decreasing the Wallacean shortfall in the New World

The widely distributed species, Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922, is recorded for the first time from Costa Rica and Venezuela, and new occurrences from Brazil and Colombia are presented. Morphology of spermathecae from 14 localities is compared and illustrated. The need for studies to evaluate the potential status as an invasive species of S. portoricensis is commented on and a distribution map of the species in southern Central America and South America is given.(AU)

La especie exótica Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae): disminución del déficit de Wallace en el Nuevo Mundo. La especie de amplia distribución Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 se registra por primera vez en Costa Rica y Venezuela, y se presentan nuevas ocurrencias en Brasil y Colombia. Se compara e ilustra la morfología de las espermatecas de especímenes provenientes de 14 localidades. Se comenta la necesidad de realizar estudios para evaluar el estatus potencial de S. portoricensis como especie invasora y se presenta un mapa de distribución de la especie en el sur de Centroamérica y Sudamérica.(AU)

Evaluation of the use of Ancistrus brevipinnis (Loricariidae) as a bioindicator of water quality in the Ilha river, RS, Brazil

The use of fish as bioindicators of the effect of contaminants in the aquatic environment is usual. However, detritivorous species are less used for environmental monitoring. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Ancistrus brevipinnis as a potential bioindicator of water quality of the Ilha River, RS (southern Brazil) and compared to the result obtained for a routine species (Bryconamericus iheringii). For this purpose, the condition factor (CF), the presence of morphological changes in the gills and the quantification of metals in different tissues of the specimens collected in three sites of the Ilha River were evaluated. A homogeneity in the distribution of data was observed in the CF for the species B. iheringii, whereas the specimens of A. brevipinnis showed an oscillation in the distribution of data of the CF. Histological analysis showed greater sensitivity of B. iheringii in reproducing characteristics of the environment in its gill lamellae, which was not observed in A. brevipinnis. Conversely, Cr quantification was higher in the intestine samples of A. brevipinnis at all sites and in all collections due to its feeding behavior. The data reinforce the use of water column species as Bryconamericus iheringii for environmental monitoring, even if they do not reflect the whole aquatic ecosystem. Further studies evaluating other tissues and biomarkers, such as the gastrointestinal tract, may assist in describing the use of species more related to sediment.(AU)

The alien synanthropic Salticidae in Brazil (Araneae) / As aranhas Salticidae exóticas sinantrópicas no Brasil (Araneae)

Salticidae is the most diverse family of Araneae and in Brazil, there are 667 species. Among these species, five are synanthropic exotics: Plexippus paykulli (Audouin, 1826), Hasarius adansoni (Audouin, 1826), Menemerus bivittatus (Dufour, 1831), M. nigli Wesolowska & Freudenschuss, 2012 and Thyene coccineovittata (Simon, 1886). To understand the current distribution of these species in Brazil, seven collections of 643 lots were examined from seven Brazilian zoological collections. The synanthropic exotic species with the highest records were Plexippus paykulli, Menemerus bivittatus, and Hasarius adansoni, generally collected and associated with human dwellings and buildings. They are present in all regions (North, Northeast, Midwest, and South macro-regions), with the largest region, in all regions of the country in 22 states and 98 municipalities, followed by Hasarius adansoni in 17 states and 88 municipalities, Menemerus bivittatus in 19 states and 68 municipalities. Menemerus nigli and Thyene coccineovittata are from recent introductions that occurred in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

Salticidae é a família mais diversa de Araneae e no Brasil ocorrem 667 espécies, dentre elas cinco são exóticas sinantrópicas: Plexippus paykulli (Audouin, 1826), Menemerus bivittatus (Dufour, 1831), Hasarius adansoni (Audouin, 1826), Menemerus nigli Wesolowska & Freudenschuss, 2012 e Thyene coccineovittata (Simon, 1886). Foram examinados 643 lotes destas cinco espécies no Brasil, depositados em sete coleções zoológicas brasileiras. As espécies exóticas sinantrópicas com maior número de registros foram Plexippus paykulli, Hasarius adansoni e Menemerus bivittatus, na maioria dos casos coletadas associadas a habitações e edificações humanas. Elas estão presentes em todas as macrorregiões do país (Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Sul), sendo P. paykulli a que possui a maior distribuição, ocorrendo em 22 estados e 98 municípios, seguido de H. adansoni em 17 estados e 88 municípios e M. bivittatus em 19 estados e 68 municípios. Menemerus nigli e Thyene coccineovittata, são introduções recentes, ocorrendo apenas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.(AU)

Length-weight relationship, sex ratio, and diet of three fish species (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) in streams of the Pomba River basin, Paraíba do Sul river drainage, Southeastern Brazil

This study aimed to estimate the parameters of length-weight relationship, sex ratio, and diet of three freshwater fish species that inhabit streams in the Pomba River basin (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Fishes were sampled with seine nets (2.0 × 1.20 m, 2 mm mesh size) and dip nets (0.46 × 0.33 m, 2 mm mesh size) from October to December 2018. Measurements were taken for total length (TL - 0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW - 0.01 g precision). Growth model parameters were estimated. This study provides new length-weight relationship data for Deuterodon intermedius (Eigenmann, 1908), Australoheros paraibae Ottoni & Costa, 2008, and Hypostomus punctatus Valenciennes, 1840. All of them ingested a wide variety of food items, including plant material like algae, animal material such as terrestrial and aquatic insects, and undefined matter such as detritus or mud. The three species showed a higher number of females. Our study provides basic information for functional diversity studies, as well as for future investigations associated with the evaluation of anthropic impacts, either occasional or chronic, on the fish assemblage structure of the Pomba River basin.(AU)

Taxonomic status of Tamarinus imperator subgrisescens (Lönnberg, 1940) (Cebidae, Callitrichinae)

The emperor tamarin, Tamarinus imperator, is composed of two subspecies, the nominal type, T. i. imperator, distribut-ed between the Acre and Purus Rivers, whose range is limited between the Brazilian state of Acre and Peru are unbounded, and T. i. subgrisescens, occurring in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, in the Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas. Morphologically, both taxa are easily identifiable by the pelage pattern (chromogenetic fields), and even being easily distinguishable, both lineages are con-sidered subspecies according to the criterion based on the Biological Concept of Species from the 1970s, even without presenting some necessary criteria, such as the intergradation zone. Here we analyzed pelage traits, cranial morphometry, Cytochrome-b di-vergence, and distributional pattern data applying the premises of integrative taxonomy to elucidate the taxonomic status of both lineages. We hypothesize that both lineages are considered full species through a series of criteria for species recognition, such as distinguishability, level of phenotypical divergences of several morphological complexes with congruence among them, and some genetic divergence. The hybridization is unknown and the low or the lack of sampling in target areas does not allow us to determine whether a hybridization or even contact zone between the two lineages exists indeed. All character sets analyzed were congruent with each other and reinforced the high level of divergences between the two subspecies including several pelage differences, mor-phometry (descriptive statistics, PCA, and MANOVA), and mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome-b divergence. Most of the distribution in both lineages are allopatric, and the levels of intra-lineage phenotypical variation are much lower than between the lineages.(AU)

Multiple colors in anteaters: review and description of chromatic disorders in Tamandua (Xenarthra: Pilosa) with reports of new and rare coat colorations

Tamandua Gray, 1825 contains two species of anteaters: Tamandua mexicana (Saussure, 1860), which occurs in southern Mexico, throughout Central America and south to the west of the Andes in South America, and Tamandua tetradactyla (Linnaeus, 1758), widely distributed in South America, from Venezuela to northern Argentina, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. Historically, different coloration patterns have been attributed to the coat of Tamandua, with T. mexicana typically showing a partial or complete dark "vest" on the dorsal portion of the body, whereas T. tetradactyla can show a complete, partial, or absent vest and a coat varying from golden, pale yellow and pale gray to brown or black. These different coat colors are sometimes treated as inherent characteristics of subspecies of Tamandua. Here, we review color variation in Tamandua and describe six chromatic disorders for the genus: albinism, leucism, "brown" variation, melanism (partial and total), xanthochromism (partial and total) and, for the first time for anteaters, erythrism. In addition, we detail the morphological expression and geographic distribution of these anomalies in populations of Tamandua from Central and South America.(AU)

Scorpions trapped in amber: a remarkable window on their evolution over time from the Mesozoic period to present days

This synoptic review aims to bring some general information on fossil scorpions, namely those trapped in amber - fossilized resin - ranging from Lower Cretaceous through the Palaeocene and up to the Miocene. The question to be addressed is how the study of these fossils can be connected with possible present scorpionism problems. A precise knowledge of these ancient lineages provides information about the evolution of extant lineages, including the buthoids, which contain most known noxious species. Among the Arthropods found trapped in amber, scorpions are considered rare. A limited number of elements have been described from the Late Tertiary Dominican and Mexican amber, while the most ancient Tertiary amber from the Baltic region produced more consistent results in the last 30 years, primarily focusing on a single limited lineage. Contrarily, the Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, also called Burmite, has yielded and continues to yield a significant number of results represented by several distinct lineages, which attest to the considerable degree of diversity that existed in the Burmese amber-producing forests. As in my previous similar contributions to this journal, the content of this note is primarily addressed to non-specialists whose research embraces scorpions in various fields such as venom toxins and public health. An overview knowledge of at least some fossil lineages can eventually help to clarify why some extant elements associated with the buthoids represent dangerous species while others are not noxious.(AU)