Phenotypic characteristics and genetic diversity of new broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) varieties in China

Due to its high nutritional value, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) is one of the most popular vegetables worldwide. This study assessed 36 phenotypic characteristics of 111 broccoli varieties to understand the phenotypic diversity of new broccoli varieties and improve their breeding speed with advantages and characteristics in China, including 108 new varieties and three varieties of common knowledge. The genetic diversity, the principal component, and the cluster of phenotypic characteristics of broccoli varieties were further investigated. The results showed that the coefficients of variation of 36 characteristics ranged between 11.18 % and 94.99 %, with their diversity index between 0.26 and 1.82. The 111 broccoli varieties were further classified into eight groups, primarily attributed to the differences in phenotypic characteristics, including curd weight, main stem thickness, plant development degree, plant height, and anthocyanin coloration. The cumulative contribution rate of the first five principal components reached 81.186 %, corresponding to 12 representative phenotypic traits. The analysis indicated that the phenotypic characteristics of broccoli were rich in diversity, especially for several characteristics appreciated by the market, such as weight, curd firmness, and anthocyanin coloration. This study revealed the basic information on the genetic diversity of new broccoli varieties in China from 2017 to 2019 and provided potential breeding strategies for broccoli to meet diverse market demands.

Functional diversity: a review on freshwater fish research

Functional diversity is an emergent approach in ecology that has been applied globally to better understand the relationships between organisms and the environment. However, assessing the functional diversity of freshwater fish is a challenge for scientists. Aiming to summarize the evolution of scientific knowledge on fish functional diversity, we performed a systematic review of the literature published from 1945 to 2021 using the Web of Science. Based on the 101 articles reviewed, we found that publications about functional diversity of fishes have increased over time, mainly in Neotropical, Indomalayan and Palearctic regions. Most studies were conducted in lotic ecosystems, especially to assess environmental impacts such as biological invasions and land use. Functional diversity has been assessed mainly by morphological traits that reflect feeding and locomotion dimensions. Functional richness was the most common index used in the studies. Our findings suggest that political neglect and lack of investments may hamper the research development in several places. The missing information about the functional traits of many species may limit the use of the functional approach. We also highlight the need for the incorporation of functional diversity in conservation programs once functional diversity is a key facet of biodiversity to maintain freshwater ecosystem functioning.

A diversidade funcional tem sido avaliada principalmente através de traços funcionais morfológicos que refletem as dimensões da alimentação e locomoção. A Riqueza Funcional foi a métrica mais comumente usada nos estudos. Esses resultados sugerem que a negligência política e a falta de investimentos podem dificultar o desenvolvimento de pesquisas em diversas regiões. A falta de informações sobre os traços funcionais de muitas espécies limita o uso da abordagem funcional. Destaca-se também a necessidade de incorporar a diversidade funcional em programas de conservação, uma vez que a diversidade funcional é uma faceta chave da biodiversidade para manter o funcionamento dos ecossistemas de água doce.

Temporal variation in composition, abundance and biomass of the fish fauna after impact on subtropical transitional water

Transitional waters are characterized by large variations in salinity, temperature, turbidity, among other factors, such as tidal cycle, wind action and rainfall, that are constantly changing over time. The distribution of biota in these environments is regulated by these natural variations and also by human activities, such as pollution, overexploitation of resources, acceleration of urbanization, suppression of habitats and changes in hydrological dynamics. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal dynamics of the fish fauna of the Saco dos Limões Cove, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, after the construction of a highway. Fish community was evaluated over five years by annual and monthly variation in species richness, abundance and biomass. A total of 17,993 individuals were collected, distributed in 33 families, 59 genera and 79 species. The evaluated years were similar to each other in species composition. Community descriptors varied over time but did not show seasonal trends. In all years, abundance was higher than biomass, indicating both the disturbance and the ecosystem function as a nursery in the studied area. This was corroborated by the large number of juveniles of dominant species (Genidens genidens, Eucinostomus gula and Eucinostomus argenteus).(AU)

Diversity and conservation of fishes from karstic areas of the Jandaíra Formation in the Brazilian semiarid

Few studies have focused on non-troglomorphic fishes occurring in Brazilian caves, especially those in the Caatinga region. The present study is the first survey of fishes from karstic areas of the Jandaíra Formation in Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern Brazil. This region is characterized by a high concentration of caves and a rich subterranean biodiversity, especially of troglobitic invertebrates, but remains considered a gap on the knowledge of the subterranean ichthyofauna in Brazil. Four field expeditions were carried out covering two dry and two rainy seasons, in 2018 and 2019, in 23 localities in small river basins along the western part of the Jandaíra Formation. A total of 829 fish specimens, none of them troglomorphic, was captured and identified as belonging to 25 species of 12 families and five orders. Amongst them, four species are endemic of the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion, and two non-native species were recorded. Habitats were classified into three categories: superficial, associated to cave, and cave. Although no troglomorphic fish species was found in this study, we recorded 64.1% of the Apodi-Mossoró river ichthyofauna occurring in caves or associated to caves, corroborating the hypothesis that part of the ichthyofauna exploits these environments as a refuge during the dry season. In addition, we suggest conservation policies for the maintenance of subterranean and aquatic semiarid ecosystems in the Jandaira formation, which is currently under threat due to anthropogenic activities, such as mining and deforestation.(AU)

Avian biodiversity assessment studies in a Neotropical wetland - the combination of sampling methods makes the difference

In studies of avian diversity, many different methods have been applied. Since methodological approaches may affect research results, the choice of a given methodology must be consistent with the scientific objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate how different methodologies with their intrinsic limitations help detect and monitor birds to evaluate how they complement each other in the survey of species. Three different assessment methods, mist nets, point counts, and autonomous acoustic recordings were used to serve this purpose in a study of different Pantanal habitats, such as savannas and forests. The point counts detected more species (126 species) than the two other methods autonomous acoustic recordings (113 species) and mist nets (79 species). We observed significant differences in the number of species detected by mist nets and the other two methods. Each survey method identified exclusive species. When comparing habitats, all three methods showed significant differences in bird species composition. Savannas were richer in bird species than forests, and replacement was the main driver responsible for the differences in beta diversity between the habitats. The three methodologies, when applied together, proved to be complementary in avian species detection.

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: Threats and conservation strategies / Biodiversidade de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes capturadas por redes de arrasto de médio e fundo do Baluchistão e costas de Sindh do mar da Arábia no Paquistão: Ameaças e estratégias de conservação

Abstract This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information's regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline

Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H' = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H' = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Ecomorphology and functional diversity of generalist and specialist bird assemblages in Amazonian whitesand ecosystem habitat patches / Ecomorfologia e diversidade funcional de assembleias de aves generalistas e especialistas em manchas de habitat de ecossistema de areia branca na Amazônia

Birds that inhabit white-sand ecosystems (WSE) in the Amazon are adapted to habitats distributed as isolated patches. These environments occur in sandy soils that are extremely poor in nutrients, have low floristic diversity and support bird assemblages restricted to WSE. We investigated whether bird species specialized in WSE have morphological or ecological traits that distinguish them from generalist birds that share the same habitat but are not restricted to WSE. We collected morphological and ecological data from 22 specialist and 102 generalist bird species from WSE and described their ecomorphological diversity using multivariate analyses and measures of functional diversity. Understory insectivorous species that move alone or in pairs, were the group with the most species among specialist birds from WSE. In contrast, canopy frugivorous species that form mono- or heterospecific groups were more frequent among generalist species. Specialist and generalist birds overlapped extensively in ecomorphological space, with specialists occupying a narrower space compared to generalists. Functional diversity, however, was not different between specialist and generalist species when controlling for the number of species within the communities. Further studies comparing the ecomorphological diversity of bird assemblages of other environments in the Amazon may highlight the ecological pressures leading to the functional diversity of specialist species in WSE observed in this study.(AU)

As aves que habitam os ecossistemas de areia branca (EAB) na Amazônia estão adaptadas a habitats distribuídos em manchas isoladas. Esses ambientes ocorrem em solos arenosos extremamente pobres em nutrientes, possuem baixa diversidade florística e suportam assembleias de aves restritas a EAB. Investigamos se espécies de aves especializadas em EAB possuem características morfológicas ou ecológicas que as distinguem de aves generalistas que compartilham o mesmo habitat, mas não estão restritas a EAB. Coletamos dados morfológicos e ecológicos de 22 espécies de aves especialistas e 102 generalistas de EAB, e descrevemos sua diversidade ecomorfológica usando análises multivariadas e medidas de diversidade funcional. Espécies insetívoras do sub-bosque que se movem solitárias ou em pares foram o grupo com maior número de espécies dentro das aves especialistas da EAB. Em contraste, espécies frugívoras de dossel que formam grupos mono ou heteroespecíficos foram mais frequentes entre as espécies generalistas. Aves especialistas e generalistas sobrepuseram-se extensivamente no espaço ecomorfológico, com especialistas ocupando um espaço mais estreito em comparação com generalistas. A diversidade funcional, no entanto, não foi diferente entre espécies especialistas e generalistas ao controlar o número de espécies dentro das comunidades. Estudos futuros comparando a diversidade ecomorfológica de assembleias de aves de outros ambientes na Amazônia podem destacar as pressões ecológicas que levam à diversidade funcional de espécies especialistas em EAB observadas neste estudo.(AU)

Genetic divergence of cassava genotypes from Petrolina

This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes to identify the ones with the best nutritional values for ruminant diets. Nine genotypes were used: Amansa Burro (BGM 549), Aramaris (BGM 116), Brasília, Cambadinha (BRS Guaíra), Curvelinha, Engana Ladrão (BGM 1269), Trouxinha (BGM 1468), BRS Gema de Ovo, and BRS Dourada. A completely randomized block experimental design with nine treatments (genotypes) and three blocks (replicates) were employed. The roots were analyzed for dry matter production (DMP) in tonnes per hectare, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), starch, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The multivariate analysis was carried out using Ward's hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on Mahalanobis distance. The groups formed were evaluated by Scott-Knott test. The group formed by genotype Engana Ladrão was chosen as the best one for having the highest DMP t ha-1 and IVDMD values and the lowest NDF and ADF contents.(AU)

Molecular characterization of Astyanax species (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper Paraguaçu River basin, a hydrographic system with high endemism

Molecular tools have been employed to improve the knowledge about freshwater Neotropical fishes. Such approaches supporting studies of groups including species complexes such as Astyanax, one of the most diversified and taxonomically complex genus of the family Characidae. Here, we employed species delimitation analyses in four Astyanax species described for the upper Paraguaçu River basin, a drainage within Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion with high endemism. We implemented single and multilocus approaches based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear markers. Cytochrome c Oxidase I sequences previously available for Astyanax species were also added to our dataset. The single locus analyses showed A. epiagos, A. rupestris, and A. aff. rupestris as different Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs), while A. brucutu and A. lorien were grouped. However, the multilocus approach distinguished these two species and showed congruence for the remaining single locus results. Astyanax aff. rupestris was separated into two MOTUs using both approaches, highlighting the need for an integrative taxonomic revision including A. aff. rupestris. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the diversity of this fish group in the upper Paraguaçu, identifying hidden diversity and reinforcing the relevance of this hydrographic system as a notable hotspot for ichthyofauna biodiversity endemism.(AU)

Ferramentas moleculares têm sido empregadas para melhorar o conhecimento sobre os peixes Neotropicais. Tais abordagens apoiam estudos de grupos que incluem complexos de espécies, como Astyanax, um dos gêneros mais diversificados e taxonomicamente complexos dentro da família Characidae. Neste estudo, nós empregamos análises de delimitação de espécies em quatro espécies de Astyanax recentemente descritas da bacia do alto rio Paraguaçu, uma drenagem dentro da ecorregião Mata Atlântica Nordeste que apresenta alto endemismo. Nós realizamos abordagens de loco único e multilocos baseadas em dois marcadores mitocondriais e um nuclear. Sequências de Citocromo c Oxidase I anteriormente disponíveis para espécies de Astyanax foram adicionadas ao nosso conjunto de dados. As análises de loco único mostraram A. epiagos, A. rupestris e A. aff. rupestris como diferentes Unidades Taxonômicas Operacionais Moleculares (MOTUs), enquanto A. brucutu e A. lorien foram agrupadas. Entretanto, a abordagem multilocos distinguiu estas duas espécies e mostrou congruência com os demais resultados das análises de loco único. Astyanax aff. rupestris foi separada em duas MOTUs usando ambas as abordagens, sugerindo a necessidade de uma revisão taxonômica integrativa incluindo A. rupestris e ambas A. aff. rupestris. Esses achados contribuem para uma melhor compreensão da diversidade desse grupo de peixes na bacia do rio Paraguaçu, identificando diversidade oculta e reforçando a relevância desse sistema hidrográfico como um notável hotspot de endemismo da biodiversidade da ictiofauna.(AU)

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Diversity of avian species, their ecosystems and climate conditions in two zones of High Atlas (central Morocco) for ecotouristic purposes

The analysis of avian diversity and their natural ecosystems at a regional scale is the first step to understanding and classifying a specific region's ecological importance and, therefore, adopting sustainable economic activities and implementing suitable conservation measures. This study investigated the avian richness and natural ecosystems in Eastern and central High Atlas between 2015 and 2021. Transects and point-count methods were used to identify and estimate populations of birds and to delimit the nature of ecosystems. A total of 175 bird species among resident-breeders, migrantbreeders, migrant-winterers, and accidental-visitors were documented. These birds belong to 19 orders and are grouped into 51 families. Among recorded birds, 20 species were categorized as species of ectouristic interest due to their roles in birdwatching, hunting, racing sports, and trade activities. These species were observed in natural and human-made ecosystems, with the majority in wetlands. The abundance of a wide range of ecosystems and various bioclimatic stages is suggested to be behind the avian richness of these mountainous areas. Finally, these natural landscapes and their avian richness could be used for ecotouristic purposes. Visitors could profit from the view of landscapes and observation of the most iconic and rare animal species, which is suggested to increase the income for local populations and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.(AU)

Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.(AU)

Biobanks, offspring fitness and the influence of developmental plasticity in conservation biology

Mitigation of the widely known threats to the world's biodiversity is difficult, despite the strategies and actions proposed by international agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Nevertheless, many scientists devote their time and effort to finding and implementing various solutions to the problem. One potential way forward that is gaining popularity involves the establishment of biobank programs aimed at preserving and storing germplasm from threatened species, and then using it to support the future viability and health of threatened populations. This involves developing and using assisted reproductive technologies to achieve their goals. Despite considerable advances in the effectiveness of reproductive technologies, differences between the reproductive behavior and physiology of widely differing taxonomic groups mean that this approach cannot be applied with equal success to many species. Moreover, evidence that epigenetic influences and developmental plasticity, whereby it is now understood that embryonic development, and subsequent health in later life, can be affected by peri-conceptional environmental conditions, is raising the possibility that cryopreservation methods themselves may have to be reviewed and revised when planning the biobanks. Here, I describe the benefits and problems associated with germplasm biobanking across various species, but also offer some realistic assessments of current progress and applications.(AU)

First records of Pantophthalmidae (Insecta: Diptera) for the state of Tocantins, Brazil

Pantophthalmidae (Diptera) are recorded exclusively in the Neotropical Region. Despite the large size of adults, their species are often rare and poorly represented in entomological collections. Only two genera and 20 species are known, of which 12 are recorded in the five regions of Brazil. In the North region, the family is reported from all states, except in Tocantins. The present work provides the first records of the family for Tocantins, expanding the distribution of two species, Pantophthalmus kerteszianus (Enderlein, 1914) and P. tabaninus Thunberg, 1819. Both species are recorded for the first time in the Cerrado bi-ome. In addition, we provide photographs of the species and a distribution map.(AU)

Morphological and molecular evidence of the occurrence of Artibeus amplus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Brazil

Artibeus amplus Handley, 1987 is a little-known bat species endemic to northern South America. There are confirmed records of the species for Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. In this study, we report the occurrence of A. amplus in Brazil based on the collection of two specimens captured in the municipalities of Cantá and Caracaraí in the state of Roraima. We also found a museum specimen from the state of Amazonas. The specimens were identified based on morphology and mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene analysis. After this contribution, the number of bat species in Brazil is 182. Surveys in other areas in the north of the country, such as the state of Pará, in addition to a comprehensive review of museum specimens, is needed to investigate the distribution of the species in areas where it has not been found yet.

Taxonomic re-evaluation of New World Eptesicus and Histiotus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), with the description of a new genus

Eptesicus Rafinesque, 1820 is widely distributed in the Old and New World (26 species), and Histiotus Gervais, 1856 is a South American endemic (11 species). Molecular phylogenies have recovered Eptesicus (sensu lato) as polyphyletic, with New World Eptesicus and the sister genus Histiotus in a paraphyletic American clade sister to Old World Eptesicus. Based on these phylogenetic reconstructions, authors have treated Histiotus as either a subgenus of Eptesicus or restricted Eptesicus to the New World species, treating Histiotus as a full genus, and using the name Cnephaeus Kaup, 1829 at the generic rank to comprise Old World Eptesicus. Based on recently published molecular studies, and on novel qualitative and quantitative morphological comparisons of representatives of Histiotus and New and Old World Eptesicus, we provide evidence for restricting the name Eptesicus to the species E. fuscus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1796) and E. guadeloupensis Genoways & Baker, 1975, allocating the remaining New World species under a new genus, keeping Histiotus as a full genus, and raising Cnephaeus to generic rank to comprise all Old World taxa currently under Eptesicus. This arrangement resolves the paraphyly of New World Eptesicus, and promotes taxonomic stability for Histiotus, which is a well-established genus of easily recognizable Neotropical bats and treated separate from Eptesicus by most authorities.

New records of chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) parasites of Brazilian Anhimidae, Threskiornithidae, and Aramidae (Aves)

We present records of chewing lice collected from bird skins of the families Anhimidae, Threskiornithidae, and Aramidae deposited at the Museum of Zoology of University of São Paulo (MZUSP). Twenty-one chewing lice species from the suborders Amblycera and Ischnocera were identified, seven of which are new records for Brazil. These species belong to the genera Ardeicola (1), Colpocephalum (3), Ibidoecus (1), and Plegadiphilus (2). Furthermore, ten species were recorded from new localities in Brazil, and Colpocephalum cayennensisPrice & Emerson, 1967 is for the first time recorded with precise locality in the country. Lastly, the bird host subspecies Phimosus infuscatus nudifrons (Spix, 1825) (Threskiornithidae) was for the first time found to harbor lice species.

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.

A catalog of Pipunculidae of Chile (Diptera)

An updated catalog of the Pipunculidae from Chile is provided. We present all valid names and synonyms for the 21 species belonging to six genera and three subfamilies distributed in the country. Information is given on name, author, year of publication, page number, type species, type depository, type locality, Chilean localities, and references. Tomosvaryella Aczél and Eudorylas Aczél are the richest genera in Chile, with eight species each, followed by Protonephrocerus Collin with two species, and Chalarus Walker, Neocephalosphaera De Meyer and Elmohardyia Rafael with one species each. The geographical distribution of the species was compiled from the literature and the retrieval of distributional data from collections.

Synopsis of the parasitic wasps Bephrata (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea, Eurytomidae) in Brazil / Sinopse das vespas parasitoides Bephrata (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea, Eurytomidae) no Brasil

This study is focused on the parasitic wasps Bephrata Cameron, 1884 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), a small and poorly represented genus in entomological collections. Herein we report new geographical records to Bephrata bahiae (Ashmead, 1904), B. bouceki Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. cultriformis (Ashmead, 1894), B. leptogaster Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. lorraineae Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. ruficollis Cameron 1884 and B. ticos Gates & Hanson, 2009. Except for B. bahiae, B. chica Gates & Hanson, 2009 and B. christeri Gates & Hanson, 2009, all other studied species were recorded for the first time to Brazil. Additionally, we provide maps with the geographical distribution of the studied species based on the new records and literature data, and an identification key for the species recorded in Brazil. With these new records there are currently nine species of Bephrata known in Brazil.

O presente estudo tem foco nos Bephrata Cameron, 1884 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), um pequeno gênero de vespas parasitoides pouco representado em coleções entomológicas. Aqui relatamos novos registros geográficos para Bephrata bahiae (Ashmead, 1904), B. bouceki Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. cultriformis (Ashmead, 1894), B. leptogaster Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. lorraineae Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. ruficollis Cameron 1884 and B. ticos Gates & Hanson, 2009. À exceção de B. bahiae, B. chica Gates & Hanson, 2009 e B. christeri Gates & Hanson, 2009, as demais espécies estudadas foram registradas pela primeira vez para o Brasil. Adicionalmente fornecemos mapas com a distribuição geográfica das espécies estudadas baseados em novos registros e dados da literatura e uma chave de identificação para espécies conhecidas para o Brasil. Com esses novos registros há, na atualidade, nove espécies de Bephrata conhecidas no Brasil.