Bell-trap effectiveness to capture Crypturellus obsoletusand Crypturellus tataupa(Aves: Tinamidae) in southern Brazil

Specific techniques for the efficient capture of forest tinamous in a short sampling time are yet poorly described in the literature. Here, we report the efficiency of the bell-trap in the capture of Brown Tinamou (Crypturellus obsoletus) and Tataupa Tinamou (Crypturellus tataupa), in southern Brazil. We used three bell-traps adapted with casting nets. In 80 hours of sampling effort, four adult individuals of C. obsoletus were captured, in a forest area in the Pampa Biome. This study area is located in the municipality of São Sepé, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Subsequently, in 16 hours of sampling effort in a forest area of the Atlantic Forest domain, one individual of C. obsoletus and one of C. tataupa were captured. This other study area is located in the municipality of Passo do Sobrado, RS. The bell-trap method has already been reported as efficient in capturing Yellow-legged Tinamous (Crypturellus noctivagus), in southern Brazil. However, since forest tinamous are cryptical birds, field adaptations are often necessary to achieve success in sampling activities. The use of this method proved efficient in the capture of forest tinamous, generating an important tool for the collection of bioecological data of this group of birds, which still represents a lack of studies.(AU)

Linking toxicity and predation in a venomous arthropod: the case of Tityus fuhrmanni (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a generalist predator scorpion

Abstract Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33 specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T. fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct strategies to subdue them.

Linking toxicity and predation in a venomous arthropod: the case of Tityus fuhrmanni (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a generalist predator scorpion

Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33 specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T. fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct strategies to subdue them.(AU)

Pinching or stinging? Comparing prey capture among scorpions with contrasting morphologies

Background: Scorpions can use their pincers and/or stingers to subdue and immobilize their prey. A scorpion can thus choose between strategies involving force or venom, or both, depending on what is required to subdue its prey. Scorpions vary greatly in the size and strength of their pincers, and in the efficacy of their venom. Whether this variability is driven by their defensive or prey incapacitation functionis unknown. In this study, we test if scorpion species with different pincer morphologies and venom efficacies use these weapons differently during prey subjugation. To that end, we observed Opisthacanthus elatus and Chactas sp. with large pincers and Centruroides edwardsii and Tityus sp. with slender pincers. Methods: The scorpion pinch force was measured, and behavioral experiments were performed with hard and soft prey (Blaptica dubia and Acheta domesticus). Stinger use, sting frequency and immobilization time were measured. Results: We found that scorpions with large pincers such as O. elatus produce more force and use the stinger less, mostly subjugating prey by crushing them with the pincers. In C. edwardsii and Tityus sp. we found they use their slender and relatively weak pincers for holding the prey, but seem to predominantly use the stinger to subjugate them. On the other hand, Chactas sp. uses both strategies although it has a high pinch force. Conclusions: Our results show that scorpionspecies with massive pincers and high pinch force as O. elatus use the stinger less for prey subjugation than scorpionspecies with slenderpincers.(AU)

Interspecific foraging association between the cryptic forest-falcon, Micrastur mintoni and primates in an Amazon rainforest in Brazil / Interação de forrageamento interespecífica entre o falcão-críptico, Micrastur mintoni e primatas em uma floresta amazônica no Brasil

Following behavior is a well-documented foraging specialization in Neotropical birds, which consists of individuals of solitary or mixed-flocking species following other moving animals to capture fleeing prey. Here, we report two observations of the cryptic forest-falcon, Micrastur mintoni following troops of primates during an ornithological inventory in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. During both observations, the falcon emitted a typical vocalization and captured fleeing insects dispersed by the primates moving through the forest while foraging. This is the first report of an apparently commensal association between a Micrastur forest falcon and two species of primates.(AU)

O comportamento de following é uma especialização de forrageamento bem documentada em aves neotropicais, que consiste em indivíduos de espécies solitárias ou em bandos mistos seguindo outros animais em movimento para capturar presas afugentadas. Aqui reportamos duas observações do falcão-críptico, Micrastur mintoni seguindo grupos de primatas, durante um inventário ornitológico na Amazônia oriental brasileira. Durante as duas observações, o falcão emitiu uma vocalização típica e capturou insetos afugentados pelos primatas em movimento pela floresta enquanto forrageavam. Esse é o primeiro relato de uma associação aparentemente comensal entre um falcão florestal do gênero Micrastur e duas espécies de primatas.(AU)

Comparative analysis of three bait types in deep-set pelagic longline gear in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean / Análise comparativa de três diferentes tipos de isca utilizados noespinhel pelágico de profundidade no Oceano Atlântico Equatorial

The choice of bait is one of the fisheries tactics used to increase selectivity for particular target species. The performance of three bait types (mackerel, sardine, squid) was evaluated with a commercial vessel operating in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean using the deep-set pelagic longline deployment method to target large yellowfin and bigeye tunas. The effect of different factors and covariates on the Capture per Effort Unit - CPUE was evaluated through Generalized Linear Models (GLM). In 121 experimental sets using three bait types, 2385 individuals of the two target species were captured, 1166 yellowfin tuna and 1219 bigeye tuna. The results suggest a preference between bait types for each target species, with the yellowfin tuna being mostly caught by the hooks using squid and bigeye tuna with fish bait mackerel. Stratifying the results for three depth ranges of the hooks, the combination of bait and depth for yellowfin tuna resulted in an increase of catch probability in the intermediary depth layer using mackerel. For bigeye tuna, using mackerel in the intermediary layer resulted in a reduction in the catch rate. Bycatch represented around 11.15% of total captures. These results will provide important information to choosing the most efficient bait for the pelagic longline fishing operation and will help future decisions of fisheries management.

A escolha da isca é uma das estratégias utilizadas para aumentar a seletividade para espécies-alvo com espinhel pelágico. O desempenho de três tipos de isca (cavala, sardinha e lula) foi avaliado em um barco de pesca comercial, operando no Oceano Atlântico Equatorial usando o espinhel pelágico de profundidade para captura de tunídeos. O efeito de diferentes fatores e covariáveis sobre a Captura por Unidade de Esforço - CPUE das espécies-alvo foi avaliado por meio de Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLM). Em 121 lances de espinhel usando os três tipos de isca, foram capturados 2385 indivíduos das espécies-alvo de atum, 1166 albacora laje e 1219 albacora bandolim. Os resultados sugerem uma preferência entre os tipos de isca para cada espécie-alvo. Com a albacora laje sendo principalmente capturada pelos anzóis utilizando lula e a albacora bandolim pelos anzóis utilizando com isca de cavala e sardinhas. As capturas acidentais representaram em torno de 11,15%. A combinação de isca e profundidade para albacora laje resultou em um aumento de captura utilizando cavala em profundidade intermediária. No caso da albacora bandolim resultou em uma redução de captura utilizando cavala em profundidades intermediarias. Esses resultados fornecerão informações importantes para a escolha da isca mais eficiente para a operação de pesca com espinhel pelágico de profundidade e auxiliarão nas decisões futuras de gestão pesqueira.

Influence of rainfall regime in the Cerrado biome on the maintenance of traps built by Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Navás) (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) larvae and the morphology of adults / Influência do regime de chuvas do bioma Cerrado na manutenção das armadilhas de larvas e na morfologia dos adultos de Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Navás) (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)

Seasonality in the Cerrado biome of Brazil is characterized by a dry season and a rainy season, affecting the availability of water and generating nutritional limitations. Thus, plants and animals have developed adaptive mechanisms in order to survive in this environment. Insects known as antlions (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) occur in areas of the Cerrado and build traps in dry soil to capture prey items. In the rainy season, these insects are unable to forage due to the waterlogged soil. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the rainfall regime in the Cerrado on aspects of trap-building behavior, larval development and morphological characteristics of adult antlions. Larvae of the antlion Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Návas, 1914) were observed and collected in an area of the Cerrado biome in the municipality of Aquidauana (MS), Brazil. Observations were performed in the rainy and dry seasons to determine the abundance of traps built by M. brasiliensis larvae. In the laboratory, experiments were performed involving the manipulation of the frequency of simulated rain on the traps. The results revealed that variations in rainfall due to seasonality in the Cerrado affect M. brasiliensis larvae, with greater foraging observed in the dry season. The laboratory experiments demonstrated that differences in the frequency of rains affect the mortality of the larvae, larval development time and the size of the adults. Thus, variations in rainfall patterns can lead to variations in the characteristics of the population structure of M. brasiliensis in areas of the Cerrado biome in Brazil.

No bioma Cerrado a sazonalidade (caracterizada por uma estação seca e outra chuvosa) afeta a disponibilidade de água e produz limitações nutricionais, de maneira que várias plantas e animais desenvolveram mecanismos adaptativos elaborados para sobreviver nesse ambiente. Insetos conhecidos como formiga-leão ocorrem em áreas de Cerrado e constroem suas armadilhas de captura de presas no solo seco. No período chuvoso as larvas ficam impedidas de forragear, dado o encharcamento do solo. Este trabalho tem como objetivo compreender a influência do regime de chuvas do Cerrado em aspectos do comportamento de construção da armadilha, no desenvolvimento das larvas e nas características morfológicas dos adultos. Larvas de formiga-leão Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Návas, 1914) foram observadas e coletadas em uma área de Cerrado no município de Aquidauana (MS), Brasil. Para verificar a abundância das armadilhas das larvas de M. brasiliensis foram realizadas observações no período chuvoso e seco. No laboratório foram realizados experimentos de manipulação da frequência de chuva nas armadilhas de M. brasiliensis. Como resultado foi observado que variações na sazonalidade do Cerrado afetam as larvas de M. brasiliensis, as quais são observadas forrageando em maior abundância na estação seca. Os experimentos de laboratório demonstraram que variações na frequência da chuva podem afetar, a mortalidade das larvas, o tempo de desenvolvimento das mesmas, o tamanho das armadilhas e o tamanho dos adultos. Sendo assim, variações no padrão de incidência de chuvas podem levar a variações nas características da estrutura da população de M. brasiliensis em áreas de Cerrado.

Length structure analysis of the Atlantic thread herring (Opisthonema oglinum) captured in the Santa Cruz Channel (Pernambuco, Brazil), using generalized additive models for location, scale and shape / Análise da estrutura do comprimento da manjuba (Opisthonema oglinum) capturada no canal de Santa Cruz (Pernambuco, Brasil) com base nos modelos aditivos generalizados para locação, escala e forma

The Atlantic thread herring (Opisthonema oglinum) is the most common sardine in Santa Cruz Chan-nel landings, which is located on the Northern coast of Pernambuco state, in Brazil. The species spends part of its life cycle at sea and enters estuaries at strategic times. Its high exploitation and importance to the economy in the municipalities surrounding the channel led us to reflect on the need for investi-gations to promote sustainable fishing and a better understanding of its behavior in that place. In this study, the standard length of the specimens was estimated using generalized additive models for loca-tion, scale, and shape, and the factors that drive the length pattern along the estuary were discussed. It was identified the presence of larger individuals in the rainy season and greater concentration in the Center-South region of the channel. The smaller sardines were concentrated near the outflow of the Botafogo River, an area of secondary channels with greater mangrove coverage. Few adults enter the channel and the vast majority of specimens captured were young. Thus, it would be pertinent to explore specimens that have at least reached sexual maturity, since the capture of young individuals can cause an imbalance of species sustainability.(AU)

A manjuba (Opisthonema oglinum) é a sardinha mais frequente nos desembarques do Canal de Santa Cruz, localizado no litoral norte de Pernambuco, no Brasil. A espécie vive parte de seu ciclo de vida no mar e penetra nos estuários em períodos estratégicos. Sua elevada exploração e relevância para a economia dos municípios no entorno provocaram-nos reflexões acerca da necessidade de investiga-ções que promovam a pesca sustentável e que ampliem a compreensão a respeito da manjuba naquele local. A investigação foi realizada por meio de estimativas do comprimento padrão, com a utilização de modelos aditivos generalizados para locação, escala e forma, e os fatores que impulsionam o padrão de comprimento ao longo do estuário foram discutidos. Identificou-se a presença de indivíduos maio-res no período chuvoso e maior concentração na região centro-sul do canal. Já os de menor tamanho concentraram-se próximo à desembocadura do rio Botafogo, área de canais secundários e com maior cobertura de manguezal. Poucos adultos ingressam no canal, e a grande maioria dos exemplares cap-turados era jovem. Assim, seria pertinente a exploração de exemplares que já completaram ao menos a maturidade sexual, uma vez que a captura de indivíduos jovens pode provocar desequilíbrio na sustentabilidade da espécie.(AU)

Quantitative indicators of the reproductive biology of adult specimens of Centropomus undecimalis (Teleost: Centropomidae) obtained from commercial fishermen in the Parnaíba Delta Environmental Protection Area, north coast of Brazil / Indicadores quantitativos da biologia reprodutiva de espécimes adultos de Centropomus undecimalis (Teleósteo: Centropomidae) obtidos de pescadores comerciais na Área de Proteção Ambiental do Delta do Parnaíba, costa norte do Brasil

Centropomus undecimalis (popularly known as common snook) is a very important resource for commercial and recreational fishing. This study aimed to evaluate quantitative indicators of the reproductive biology of C. undecimalis in the Parnaíba Delta Environmental Protection Area (Brazil). The parameters were analyzed at the different stages of the reproductive cycle of 155 specimens, 135 (87.10%) males and 20 (12.90%) females. The results showed positive allometric growth for females and negative allometric growth for males. The sex ratio was 1:6.75 (females: males). The first estimated maturation (L50) was 57.21 cm for females and 54.55 cm for males. The species spawns multiple times, with oocytes maturing in batches, being released at intervals. According to the results of this study, it was possible to notice that reproductive peaks occurred in February, May, and November. Therefore, it is recommended that the capture of this species be avoided during these months.

Centropomus undecimalis (conhecido popularmente como robalo) é um recurso pesqueiro muito importante para a pesca comercial e recreativa. No presente estudo, objetivou-se avaliar indicadores quantitativos da biologia reprodutiva de C. undecimalis na Área de Proteção Ambiental do Delta do Parnaíba (Brasil). Os parâmetros foram analisados nos diferentes estágios do ciclo reprodutivo de 155 exemplares, sendo 135 (87,10%) machos e 20 (12,90%) fêmeas. Os resultados mostraram crescimento alométrico positivo para fêmeas e negativo para machos. A proporção sexual foi de 1:6,75 (fêmeas: machos). A primeira maturação (L50) estimada foi de 57,21 para fêmeas e 54,55 cm para machos. A desova da espécie é do tipo múltipla (ou parcelada), com ovócitos maturando em lotes, eliminados a intervalos. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, foi possível perceber que os picos reprodutivos ocorreram em fevereiro, maio e novembro. Portanto, recomenda-se que a captura desta espécie seja evitada durante os referidos meses.

Efficiency of trap nests in attracting stingless bees in the central Brazilian Amazon / Eficiência de ninhos-isca na atração de abelhas sem ferrão na Amazônia central brasileira

Obtaining colonies of stingless bees in the wild for the formation or expansion of meliponaries and other purposes is permitted by law in Brazil using bait containers or trap nests, and other non-destructive methods. We tested the efficiency of trap nests made from plastic bottles for attraction and nesting of stingless bees in the central Brazilian Amazon. We used 2-L and 5-L bottles and three types of attractants (cerumen and geopropolis from Melipona seminigra, M. interrupta and a mix of the two). We used 216 trap nests distributed in three experimental areas during 13 months. Visitation by six species of stingless bees in 58 (26.9%) trap nests, and nesting by three species in 12 (5.6%) trap nests in two areas near meliponaries was recorded. There was no significant difference between trap-nest size, nor among attractants for visitation or nesting, suggesting that the availability of cavities or hollows is more important than odor for nesting. Monthly pooled visitation and nesting events were not correlated with monthly rainfall. Based on our results, we can conclude that, despite the low capture rate, the acquisition of swarms through nest traps is a viable alternative to obtain new colonies of stingless bees for meliponaries.(AU)

A obtenção de colônias de abelhas sem ferrão na natureza, para a formação ou ampliação de meliponários e outras finalidades, é permitida por lei no Brasil usando recipientes-isca ou ninho-isca, ou outros métodos não destrutivos. Nós testamos a eficiência do ninho-isca feito de garrafa plástica para atração e nidificação de abelhas sem ferrão na região da Amazônia central brasileira. Foram utilizadas garrafas de 2 L e 5 L e três tipos de atrativos (cerume e geoprópolis de Melipona seminigra, M. interrupta e uma mistura dos dois). Foram utilizados 216 ninhos-isca distribuídos em três áreas experimentais durante 13 meses. Foi registrada a visitação de seis espécies de abelhas sem ferrão em 58 (26,9%) dos ninhos-isca e a nidificação de três espécies em 12 (5,6%) dos ninhos-isca em duas áreas próximas a meliponários. Não houve diferença significativa entre o tamanho do ninho-isca, nem entre os atrativos na visitação ou nidificação, sugerindo que a disponibilidade de cavidades ou ocos é mais importante do que o odor para nidificação. Os dados mensais conjuntos de eventos de visitação e nidificação não foram correlacionados com a precipitação mensal. Baseados nos nossos resultados podemos concluir que, apesar da baixa taxa de captura, a aquisição de enxames por meio de ninho-isca é uma alternativa viável para obtenção de novas colônias de abelhas sem ferrão para meliponários.(AU)

Oropharyngeal morphological aspects of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) / Aspectos morfológicos orofaríngicos de Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)

The study of the functional anatomy of the digestive system of fish, in particular the oropharyngeal cavity, is of great importance because it allows inferences about the feeding habit, mechanisms of capture, selection, and processing of food carried out by different species. Thus, the aim of this stu-dy was to describe the anatomical adaptations of the oropharyngeal cavity of the pirarucu (Arapai-ma gigas Schinz, 1822) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The oropharyngeal cavity of six specimens of pirarucu was collected in juvenile phase, from Aquaculture Research Cen-ter at the Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), created for commercial purposes. The anato-mical pieces were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed for SEM analysis. Anatomically, the oropharyngeal cavity of the pirarucu is composed of five pairs of branchial arches, apical portion of the tongue, floor of the tongue, lower pharyngeal area, and upper pharyngeal plate. In SEM, we observed that the mucosa of the apex of the tongue and the upper pharyngeal roof have a smooth texture and are covered by squamous cells with numerous small openings scattered over the surfa-ce. The portions of the floor of the tongue and the lower pharyngeal area, on the other hand, have adaptations in the form of a projectile and numerous sensory papillae, giving a rough texture to the region. Thus, the oropharyngeal cavity of pirarucu is adapted for the capture, apprehension, and swallowing of its prey, with signs of carnivory.(AU)

O estudo da anatomia funcional do aparelho digestivo dos peixes, em particular da cavidade orofa-ríngea, é de grande importância, pois permite inferências sobre o hábito alimentar, mecanismos de captura, seleção e processamento de alimentos realizados por diferentes espécies. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi descrever as adaptações anatômicas da cavidade orofaríngea do pirarucu (Arapaima gigas Schinz, 1822) por meio de técnicas de microscopia de varredura eletrônica (MEV). A cavidade orofaríngea de seis espécimes de pirarucu foi coletada na fase juvenil, no Centro de Pesquisa em Aquicultura da Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), criado para fins comerciais. As peças anatômicas foram fixadas em formalina tamponada a 10% e processadas para análise em MEV. Ana-tomicamente, a cavidade orofaríngea do pirarucu é composta por cinco pares de arcos branquiais, porção apical da língua, assoalho da língua, região faríngea inferior e placa faríngea superior. Na MEV, a pesquisa observou que a mucosa do ápice da língua e o teto faríngeo superior possuem textura lisa e são recobertos por células escamosas com numerosas pequenas aberturas espalha-das pela superfície. As porções do assoalho da língua e da região faríngea inferior, por outro lado, apresentam adaptações em forma de projétil e numerosas papilas sensoriais, conferindo textura áspera à região. Assim, a cavidade orofaríngea do pirarucu é adaptada para a captura, a apreensão e a deglutição de sua presa, com sinais de carnivoria.(AU)

Marine artificial reef (MAR) interference in artisanalfisheries in Brazil: use of traditional knowledge / Interferência do recife artificial marinho (RAM) na pescaartesanal do Brasil: uso de conhecimentos tradicionais

The aim of this study was to describe the traditional knowledge from artisanal fishermen related to marine artificial reef (MAR) ship Victory 8B and to identify possible changes in the fishery area after its installation. We performed single ethnographic interviews (n = 80) through a semistructured questionnaire, using participant observation, visual ethnography, and field diary recordings. All the interviewees were men from 27 to 77 years old, with low education levels and up to 60 years of experience in the fishery artisanal. Most of the interviewees (n = 71; 88.7%) recognize the presence of this MAR in the region and its role as a shelter for marine fauna and an attractor for species with commercial value. Even with fishery prohibition in the vicinity of MAR Victory 8B, most of the interviewees (n = 75; 93.7%) reported the practice in that area. According to the fishermen, the ship installation did not alter area the fishery, but the structure positively changed the activity by attracting more fish, increasing capture and profits. With that, from the perspective of the fishermen perception, MAR Vi-tory 8B fulfilled its role in the enrichment of the fish stock and the conservation of marine biodiversity in the region.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os conhecimentos tradicionais dos pescadores artesanais relacionados ao recife artificial marinho (RAM) navio Victory 8B e identificar possíveis alterações na área de pesca após a sua instalação. Foram realizadas entrevistas etnográficas (n = 80) por meio de ques-tionário semi-estruturado, sendo aplicado o método de observação participante e uso do diário de campo. Todos os entrevistados eram homens com idades entre 27 e 77 anos, com baixa escolaridade e até 60 anos de experiência na pesca artesanal. A maioria dos entrevistados (n = 71; 88,7%) reconhece a presença deste RAM na região, seu papel como abrigo para a fauna marinha e como atrator de espécies com valor comercial. Mesmo com a proibição da pesca nas proximidades do RAM Victory 8B, a maioria dos entrevistados (n = 75; 93,7%) relatou a prática naquela área. Segundo os pescadores, a instalação do navio não alterou a área de pesca, mas a estrutura mudou positivamente a atividade, atraindo mais peixes, aumentando a captura e os lucros. Com isso, na percepção dos pescadores, o RAM Victory 8B cumpriu seu papel no enriquecimento do estoque pesqueiro e na conservação da biodiversidade marinha da região.

Sexual maturity of Callinectes danae and C. ornatusfrom Paraguaçu river estuary, Bahia state, Brazil / Maturidade sexual de Callinectes danaee C. ornatusno estuário do rio Paraguaçu, Bahia, Brasil

Callinectes danae and C. ornatus are economically important species in several countries, including Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the L50 of these species using morphological, morphometric, and physiological data. The estimated values were statically compared and results from previous studies were analyzed to verify latitudinal variations among the sizes of sexual maturity at different latitudes of the Brazilian coast. Individuals were monthly collected in the Paraguaçu River estuary from August 2013 to July 2014, using cage traps. L50 estimates for C. danae were morphological=55.80 mm, morphometric=59.04, mm, and physiological=60.41 mm for males and morphological=54.63 mm, morphometric=55.33 mm, and physiological=57.29 mm for females. Considering C. ornatus, estimates were morphological=42.63 mm, morphometric=50.81 mm, and physiological=43.95 mm for males and morphological=42.33 mm, mor-phometric=42.75 mm, and physiological=40.43 mm for females. Our results indicated that the minimum catch sizes should be equal to 61.00 mm for C. danae and 51.00 for C. ornatus and that the mesh of traps used by fishermen must be adjusted to prevent the capture of immature animals.

Callinectes danae e C. ornatus são siris economicamente importantes em vários países, incluindo o Brasil. O presente estudo objetivou determinar o L50 dessas espécies com base em dados morfológicos, morfométricos e fisiológicos. Os valores estimados foram comparados estatisticamente e os resultados de estudos anteriores no Brasil foram analisados para verificar variações latitudinais nos tamanhos de maturidade sexual em diferentes regiões da costa brasileira. Os exemplares foram coletados mensalmente, de agosto de 2013 a julho de 2014, por meio de armadilhas do tipo gaiola. As estimativas de L50 em C. danae foram morfológica=55,80 mm, morfométrica=59,04 mm e fisiológica=60,41 mm para machos e morfológica=54,63 mm, morfométrica=55,33 mm e fisiológica=57,29 mm para fêmeas. Considerando C. ornatus, as estimativas foram: morfológica=42,63 mm, morfométrica=50,81 mm e fisiológica=43,95 mm para machos e morfológica=42,33 mm, morfométrica=42,75 mm e fisiológica=40,43 mm para fêmeas. Nossos resultados indicaram que os tamanhos mínimos de captura deveriam ser iguais a 61,00 mm para C. danae e 51,00 mm para C. ornatus e a malha das armadilhas usadas pelos pescadores ajustada para impedir a captura de animais imaturos.

Aspects of the population dynamics of Anomalocardia brasiliana: subsidies for sustainable fishing in the west coast of Ceará, Brazil / Aspectos da dinâmica populacional de Anomalocardia brasiliana: subsídios para a pesca sustentável no Litoral Oeste do Ceará, Brasil

Shellfish gathering is an artisanal activity and a means of family subsistence for several coastal communities along the Brazilian coast and Anomalocardia brasiliana is one of the main exploited mollusk species. This paper aimed to obtain information about the temporal distribution, growth, yield, and gonadosomatic index of the bivalve mollusk A. brasiliana in a natural stock to provide subsidies for the sustainable extraction of this resource. The study was carried out in an area of the Acaraú River estuary, on Volta do Rio Beach, municipality of Acaraú, Ceará, Brazil. Samples were collected monthly for one year at spring low tide, using the random squares method. Water and sediment temperature and salinity were measured in situ. Sediment samples were collected for granulometric analysis. The specimens were individually quantified, measured, and weighed. A total of 8,507 A. brasiliana specimens were sampled, and the highest density recorded was 2,534 individuals/m2, whose longest shell length reached between 21 and 25 mm, while the mean meat yield was 12.42%. The means of biometric variables of individuals showed significant differences during the sample period. Frequency histograms evidenced the presence of adult and juvenile individuals, showing a continuous reproductive cycle in the studied natural stock. These results can assist the sustainable shellfish gathering activity on Volta do Rio Beach. We recommend that A. brasiliana is above 20 mm in length to be captured and the reduction in the capture effort from April to September, when the highest density of juveniles was observed, to guarantee the sustainability of this stock.

A mariscagem é uma atividade artesanal e meio de subsistência familiar de diversas comunidades litorâneas ao longo da costa brasileira, sendo Anomalocardia brasiliana uma das principais espécies de molusco exploradas. Esse trabalho objetivou obter informações sobre a distribuição temporal, crescimento, rendimento e o índice gonadossomático do molusco bivalve A. brasiliana em um estoque natural a fim de fornecer subsídios para a extração sustentável deste recurso. O estudo foi realizado em uma área do estuário do rio Acaraú, na Praia Volta do Rio, município de Acaraú, Ceará, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente durante um ano na maré baixa de sizígia, utilizando o método dos quadrados aleatórios. A temperatura da água, do sedimento e a salinidade foram aferidas in situ. Foram coletadas amostras de sedimento para análise granulométrica. Os espécimes foram quantificados, mensurados e pesados individualmente. Foram amostrados um total de 8.507 exemplares de A. brasiliana, a maior densidade registrada teve 2.534 indivíduos/m2, aqueles com maior comprimento de concha tinham entre 21 e 25 mm, o rendimento da carne apresentou um valor médio de 12,42%. As médias das variáveis biométricas dos indivíduos apresentaram diferenças significativas durante o período amostral. Os histogramas de frequência evidenciaram a presença de indivíduos adultos e juvenis, indicando um ciclo reprodutivo contínuo no estoque natural estudado. Estes resultados auxiliarão no exercício da mariscagem sustentável na praia da Volta do Rio. Recomenda-se a captura de A. brasiliana com comprimento acima de 20 mm e a redução do esforço de captura nos meses de abril a setembro, período em que foi observada a maior densidade de juvenis, a fim de garantir a sustentabilidade desse estoque.

Brazilian Theraphosidae: a toxicological point of view

Abstract The Theraphosidae family includes the largest number of species of the Mygalomorphae infraorder, with hundreds of species currently catalogued. However, there is a huge lack on physiologic and even ecologic information available, especially in Brazil, which is the most biodiverse country in the world. Over the years, spiders have been presented as a source of multiple biologically active compounds with basic roles, such as primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms or modulation of metabolic pathways and as specialized hunters. Spider venoms also evolved in order to enable the capture of prey by interaction with a diversity of molecular targets of interest, raising their pharmaceutical potential for the development of new drugs. Among the activities found in compounds isolated from venoms and hemocytes of Brazilian Theraphosidae there are antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antitumoral, as well as properties related to proteinase action and neuromuscular blockage modulated by ionic voltage-gated channel interaction. These characteristics are present in different species from multiple genera, which is strong evidence of the important role in spider survival. The present review aims to compile the main results of studies from the last decades on Brazilian Theraphosidae with special focus on results obtained with the crude venom or compounds isolated from both venom and hemocytes, and their physiological and chemical characterization.

Efficiency of biological control for fall armyworm resistant to the protein Cry1F / Eficiência do controle biológico da lagarta-do-cartucho resistente à proteína Cry1F

Understanding the ecological and toxicological relationship between genetically modified cultivars (GM) and biological control agents is of great importance for discussions related to the compatability of GM cultivars and integrated management strategies for pest resistance. The present study evaluated the search behavior and predatory capacity of Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) on eggs and caterpillars of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistant or not to the protein Cry1F expressed in Bt corn. To determine the search time, a stopwatch was run until the capture of the first prey, predation capacity was evaluated by counting the prey remaining after 24 hours of infestation. The injuries of S. frugiperda in genetically modified and conventional corn in the presence and absence of predators was also evaluated. The predators were not able to distinguish between resistant and susceptible prey (eggs or caterpillars), given the predatory behaviour observed. There was no difference in searching time or predatory capacity between the predators for eggs and caterpillars of either resistant or susceptible S. frugiperda. In the presence of predators, the injury scores for resistant S. frugiperda on the Bt corn plants were lower. It was concluded that O. insidiosus and D. luteipes did not notice the presence of the protein Cry1F in the prey S. frugiperda, which may facilitate the combined use of GM corn and biological control in integrated management programs and for management of pest resistance.(AU)

O entendimento de relações ecológicas e toxicológicas envolvendo culturas geneticamente modificadas (GM) e agentes de controle biológico é de grande importância para discussões relativas à compatibilidade de culturas GM com estratégias de manejo integrado e manejo de resistência de pragas. Este trabalho avaliou o comportamento de busca e a capacidade predatória de Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) e Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) sobre ovos e lagartas de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistente ou não à proteína Cry1F expressa em milho Bt. Para determinar o tempo de busca foi utilizado um cronômetro que foi disparado até a captura da primeira presa; a capacidade de predação foi avaliada através da contagem das presas remanescentes 24 h após infestação. Também foram avaliadas as injúrias de S. frugiperda em milho transgênico e milho convencional na presença ou ausência dos predadores. Os predadores não foram capazes de distinguir entre presas (ovos ou lagartas) resistentes e suscetíveis, considerando os comportamentos predatórios avaliados. Não houve diferença no tempo de busca e capacidade predatória sobre ovos e lagartas de S. frugiperda resistente ou suscetível entre os predadores. Na presença dos predadores, as notas de injúria de S. frugiperda resistente nas plantas de milho Bt foram menores. Conclui-se que O. insidiosus e D. luteipes não percebem a presença da proteína Cry1F na presa S. frugiperda, o que pode contribuir para o uso integrado de milho GM e controle biológico em programas de manejo integrado e manejo de resistência de pragas.(AU)

Brazilian Theraphosidae: a toxicological point of view

The Theraphosidae family includes the largest number of species of the Mygalomorphae infraorder, with hundreds of species currently catalogued. However, there is a huge lack on physiologic and even ecologic information available, especially in Brazil, which is the most biodiverse country in the world. Over the years, spiders have been presented as a source of multiple biologically active compounds with basic roles, such as primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms or modulation of metabolic pathways and as specialized hunters. Spider venoms also evolved in order to enable the capture of prey by interaction with a diversity of molecular targets of interest, raising their pharmaceutical potential for the development of new drugs. Among the activities found in compounds isolated from venoms and hemocytes of Brazilian Theraphosidae there are antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antitumoral, as well as properties related to proteinase action and neuromuscular blockage modulated by ionic voltage-gated channel interaction. These characteristics are present in different species from multiple genera, which is strong evidence of the important role in spider survival. The present review aims to compile the main results of studies from the last decades on Brazilian Theraphosidae with special focus on results obtained with the crude venom or compounds isolated from both venom and hemocytes, and their physiological and chemical characterization.(AU)

Neuroactive venom compounds obtained from Phlogiellus bundokalbo as potential leads for neurodegenerative diseases: insights on their acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase inhibitory activities in vitro

Spider venom is a rich cocktail of neuroactive compounds designed to prey capture and defense against predators that act on neuronal membrane proteins, in particular, acetylcholinesterases (AChE) that regulate synaptic transmission through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis - an excitatory neurotransmitter - and beta-secretases (BACE) that primarily cleave amyloid precursor proteins (APP), which are, in turn, relevant in the structural integrity of neurons. The present study provides preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of Phlogiellus bundokalbo venom against neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Spider venom was extracted by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Neuroactivity of the whole venom was observed by a neurobehavioral response from Terebrio molitor larvae in vivo and fractions were screened for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE in vitro. Results The whole venom from P. bundokalbo demonstrated neuroactivity by inducing excitatory movements from T. molitor for 15 min. Sixteen fractions collected produced diverse mass fragments from MALDI-TOF-MS ranging from 900-4500 Da. Eleven of sixteen fractions demonstrated AChE inhibitory activities with 14.34% (± 2.60e-4) to 62.05% (± 6.40e-5) compared with donepezil which has 86.34% (± 3.90e-5) inhibition (p > 0.05), while none of the fractions were observed to exhibit BACE inhibition. Furthermore, three potent fractions against AChE, F1, F3, and F16 displayed competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions compared to donepezil as the positive control. Conclusion The venom of P. bundokalbo contains compounds that demonstrate neuroactivity and anti-AChE activities in vitro, which could comprise possible therapeutic leads for the development of cholinergic compounds against neurological diseases.(AU)

Neuroactive venom compounds obtained from Phlogiellus bundokalbo as potential leads for neurodegenerative diseases: insights on their acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase inhibitory activities in vitro

Spider venom is a rich cocktail of neuroactive compounds designed to prey capture and defense against predators that act on neuronal membrane proteins, in particular, acetylcholinesterases (AChE) that regulate synaptic transmission through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis - an excitatory neurotransmitter - and beta-secretases (BACE) that primarily cleave amyloid precursor proteins (APP), which are, in turn, relevant in the structural integrity of neurons. The present study provides preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of Phlogiellus bundokalbo venom against neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Spider venom was extracted by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Neuroactivity of the whole venom was observed by a neurobehavioral response from Terebrio molitor larvae in vivo and fractions were screened for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE in vitro. Results The whole venom from P. bundokalbo demonstrated neuroactivity by inducing excitatory movements from T. molitor for 15 min. Sixteen fractions collected produced diverse mass fragments from MALDI-TOF-MS ranging from 900-4500 Da. Eleven of sixteen fractions demonstrated AChE inhibitory activities with 14.34% (± 2.60e-4) to 62.05% (± 6.40e-5) compared with donepezil which has 86.34% (± 3.90e-5) inhibition (p > 0.05), while none of the fractions were observed to exhibit BACE inhibition. Furthermore, three potent fractions against AChE, F1, F3, and F16 displayed competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions compared to donepezil as the positive control. Conclusion The venom of P. bundokalbo contains compounds that demonstrate neuroactivity and anti-AChE activities in vitro, which could comprise possible therapeutic leads for the development of cholinergic compounds against neurological diseases.(AU)

Efficiency of biological control for fall armyworm resistant to the protein Cry1F

Abstract Understanding the ecological and toxicological relationship between genetically modified cultivars (GM) and biological control agents is of great importance for discussions related to the compatability of GM cultivars and integrated management strategies for pest resistance. The present study evaluated the search behavior and predatory capacity of Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) on eggs and caterpillars of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistant or not to the protein Cry1F expressed in Bt corn. To determine the search time, a stopwatch was run until the capture of the first prey, predation capacity was evaluated by counting the prey remaining after 24 hours of infestation. The injuries of S. frugiperda in genetically modified and conventional corn in the presence and absence of predators was also evaluated. The predators were not able to distinguish between resistant and susceptible prey (eggs or caterpillars), given the predatory behaviour observed. There was no difference in searching time or predatory capacity between the predators for eggs and caterpillars of either resistant or susceptible S. frugiperda. In the presence of predators, the injury scores for resistant S. frugiperda on the Bt corn plants were lower. It was concluded that O. insidiosus and D. luteipes did not notice the presence of the protein Cry1F in the prey S. frugiperda, which may facilitate the combined use of GM corn and biological control in integrated management programs and for management of pest resistance.

Resumo O entendimento de relações ecológicas e toxicológicas envolvendo culturas geneticamente modificadas (GM) e agentes de controle biológico é de grande importância para discussões relativas à compatibilidade de culturas GM com estratégias de manejo integrado e manejo de resistência de pragas. Este trabalho avaliou o comportamento de busca e a capacidade predatória de Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) e Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) sobre ovos e lagartas de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistente ou não à proteína Cry1F expressa em milho Bt. Para determinar o tempo de busca foi utilizado um cronômetro que foi disparado até a captura da primeira presa; a capacidade de predação foi avaliada através da contagem das presas remanescentes 24 h após infestação. Também foram avaliadas as injúrias de S. frugiperda em milho transgênico e milho convencional na presença ou ausência dos predadores. Os predadores não foram capazes de distinguir entre presas (ovos ou lagartas) resistentes e suscetíveis, considerando os comportamentos predatórios avaliados. Não houve diferença no tempo de busca e capacidade predatória sobre ovos e lagartas de S. frugiperda resistente ou suscetível entre os predadores. Na presença dos predadores, as notas de injúria de S. frugiperda resistente nas plantas de milho Bt foram menores. Conclui-se que O. insidiosus e D. luteipes não percebem a presença da proteína Cry1F na presa S. frugiperda, o que pode contribuir para o uso integrado de milho GM e controle biológico em programas de manejo integrado e manejo de resistência de pragas.