Low fertilization optimizes the water use efficiency of an Amazonian canga grass for mineland rehabilitation / Baixa fertilização otimiza a eficiência do uso da água de uma gramínea nativa da canga amazônica para reabilitação de minas

The peculiar characteristics of mining waste substrates represent a significant challenge for environmental rehabilitation. Here, we evaluated the revegetation potential of Paspalum cinerascens on substrates from mining areas of Serra dos Carajás, a region harboring a large mine complex in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. Paspalum cinerascens is a native grass widely distributed in the canga ecosystem, a vegetation type covering iron ore reserves. Seeds of P. cinerascens harvested in canga were germinated in sterilized quartzite sand and the seedlings grown in controlled conditions for 90 days. The seedlings were then cultivated in canga topsoil (control, without fertilization) and mining waste substrate with half and complete fertilization currently applied at the beginning of mineland rehabilitation in Serra dos Carajás. Regardless of fertilization, plants grown in the mining waste substrate did not differ in carbon assimilation, tillering rate and root biomass, despite higher leaf nutrient content and lower root: shoot ratio when compared to plants in canga topsoil. Compared to the control, complete fertilization led to significantly taller plants, higher shoot biomass and reduced water use efficiency. Half fertilization led to higher phosphorus and water use efficiency and stomatal density. Our results confirmed that P. cinerascens has adaptive traits to grow and thrive in the harsh environmental conditions of post iron ore mining, and can be used in rehabilitation processes. Moreover, half fertilization led to plants with optimized water loss in exchange for carbon without significant costs to plant growth, an interesting trait for rehabilitation in areas experiencing water restrictions.(AU)

As características peculiares dos substratos de remanescentes da mineração (estéril de mina) representam um desafio para a recuperação ambiental. Neste estudo avaliamos o potencial de uso de Paspalum cinerascens para revegetação de estéril de mina na Serra dos Carajás, Pará (Brasil). Paspalum cinerascens é uma gramínea nativa amplamente distribuída nas cangas, vegetação típica dos campos rupestres que cobrem reservas de minério de ferro. As plantas de P. cinerascens foram cultivadas em topsoil de canga (controle) e em estéril de mina com meio e completo regime de fertilização atualmente empregado para revegetação das áreas mineradas na Serra dos Carajás. Foram utilizadas sementes coletadas nas cangas e as plantas foram cultivadas em condições controladas por 90 dias. Independentemente da fertilização, plantas cultivadas em estéril de mina não apresentaram diferenças significativas na assimilação de carbono, perfilhamento ou biomassa radicular, apesar de valores mais elevados de nutrientes foliares e menor razão raiz: parte aérea quando comparadas às plantas em topsoil de canga. A fertilização completa resultou em plantas mais altas, maior biomassa aérea e menor eficiência no uso da água. Metade da fertilização aumentou a densidade estomática, a eficiência de uso da água e de fósforo. Esses resultados confirmaram que P. cinerascens possui características adaptativas para crescer e prosperar em condições ambientais adversas remanescentes da mineração, sendo indicada para uso em processos de recuperação de áreas degradadas na Serra dos Carajás. Além disso, o uso de metade do regime de fertilização otimiza o uso da água pelas plantas sem perdas significativas de crescimento, uma característica desejável para recuperação de áreas com restrições hídricas.(AU)

Floristic-structural relationships between Canga ferruginous tree communities and adjacent vegetation types / Relações florístico-estruturais entre comunidades arbóreas de canga ferruginosa e tipos vegetacionais adjacentes

Our objective was to evaluate the floristic and structural relationships between Canga tree communities and other vegetation types inserted in the physiognomic units set, in order to test the hypothesis that these communities have unique characteristics due to their specific environmental conditions. For this, we compared the structural and floristic attributes of Canga vegetation with adjacent semideciduous seasonal forest, Savanna and ecotone areas, evaluating the similarity in its behavior. Our results demonstrate the existence of distinct relationships among vegetation types in relation to different perspectives, related to macro-scale environmental attributes and to the phytogeographic context. In general, Canga tree vegetation has its structure associated with open vegetation types, such as the Cerrado (Savanna) and its composition associated with forest vegetation types, constituted by a community with specific ecological characteristics. Our results suggest the presence of ferruginous soils as a factor that contributes to environmental and ecological heterogeneity in vegetation matrices.

Nosso objetivo foi avaliar as relações florísticas e estruturais entre comunidades arbóreas de Canga e outros tipos vegetacionais inseridos no conjunto de unidades fisionômicas para testar a hipótese de que estas comunidades apresentam características singulares devido às suas condições ambientais especificas. Para isso, comparamos atributos estruturais e florísticos deste tipo vegetacional com outras adjacentes tais como floresta estacional semidecídua, Cerrado e áreas ecotonais, avaliando a similaridade em seu comportamento. Nossos resultados demonstram a existência de relações distintas entres os tipos vegetacionais com relação às diferentes perspectivas, relacionadas à atributos ambientais de macro escala e ao contexto fitogeográfico. No geral, vegetação de canga tem sua estrutura associada a tipos vegetacionais de menor porte como Cerrado e sua composição associada a tipos vegetacionais florestais, consistindo em uma comunidade com características ecológicas específicas. Nossos resultados sugerem a presença de solos ferruginosos como um fator que contribui para a heterogeneidade ambiental e ecológica em matrizes vegetacionais.

Floristic-structural relationships between Canga ferruginous tree communities and adjacent vegetation types / Relações florístico-estruturais entre comunidades arbóreas de canga ferruginosa e tipos vegetacionais adjacentes

Our objective was to evaluate the floristic and structural relationships between Canga tree communities and other vegetation types inserted in the physiognomic units set, in order to test the hypothesis that these communities have unique characteristics due to their specific environmental conditions. For this, we compared the structural and floristic attributes of Canga vegetation with adjacent semideciduous seasonal forest, Savanna and ecotone areas, evaluating the similarity in its behavior. Our results demonstrate the existence of distinct relationships among vegetation types in relation to different perspectives, related to macro-scale environmental attributes and to the phytogeographic context. In general, Canga tree vegetation has its structure associated with open vegetation types, such as the Cerrado (Savanna) and its composition associated with forest vegetation types, constituted by a community with specific ecological characteristics. Our results suggest the presence of ferruginous soils as a factor that contributes to environmental and ecological heterogeneity in vegetation matrices.(AU)

Nosso objetivo foi avaliar as relações florísticas e estruturais entre comunidades arbóreas de Canga e outros tipos vegetacionais inseridos no conjunto de unidades fisionômicas para testar a hipótese de que estas comunidades apresentam características singulares devido às suas condições ambientais especificas. Para isso, comparamos atributos estruturais e florísticos deste tipo vegetacional com outras adjacentes tais como floresta estacional semidecídua, Cerrado e áreas ecotonais, avaliando a similaridade em seu comportamento. Nossos resultados demonstram a existência de relações distintas entres os tipos vegetacionais com relação às diferentes perspectivas, relacionadas à atributos ambientais de macro escala e ao contexto fitogeográfico. No geral, vegetação de canga tem sua estrutura associada a tipos vegetacionais de menor porte como Cerrado e sua composição associada a tipos vegetacionais florestais, consistindo em uma comunidade com características ecológicas específicas. Nossos resultados sugerem a presença de solos ferruginosos como um fator que contribui para a heterogeneidade ambiental e ecológica em matrizes vegetacionais.(AU)

Cryptosporidium spp. in Aratinga jandaia, Diopsittaca nobilis and Pionus menstruus in Brazil

Background: Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan in public health and veterinary medicine that often causes diarrhea in an array of hosts in developed/developing countries. Infection of the gastrointestinal system is the most common, but the respiratory system and other sites can also be affected, especially in birds and immunocompromised individuals. Transmission occurs through ingestion or inhalation of oocysts. The number of wild animals, including those in the class of birds, infected with this parasite has grown in recent years. This study aimed to report parasitism by Cryptosporidium spp. in captive-raised birds of family Psittacidae at the Rio City Zoo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-three pools of fecal samples of the species Amazona aestiva, Amazona amazonica, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Ara auricollis, Ara canga, Ara glaucogularis, Ara macao, Ara manilapa, Ara maracana, Ara rubrogenys, Aratinga erythrogenys, Aratinga cactorum, Aratinga auerea, Aratinga mitrata, Aratinga auricapilla, Aratinga jandaia, Aratinga wagleri, Aratinga leucophthalmus, Brotogeris acuticaudata, Cynoliseus patagonus, Caracopsis vasa, Diopsittaca nobilis, Graydidascalus brachyurus, Muopsitta monachus, Nangayus nenday, Pionites melancephala, Pionites leucogaster, Pionus menstruus, Pionus chalcopteus, Pionus maxiliani, Pyrrhura perlata, Pyrrhura leucotis, and Triclharia malachitacea, kept in separate enclosures, were analyzed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detection of parasitic antigens. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was conducted in order to identify the species Cryptosporidium in the positive samples targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA), followed by sequencing and analysis of the DNA amplicons.[...]

Cryptosporidium spp. in Aratinga jandaia, Diopsittaca nobilis and Pionus menstruus in Brazil

Background: Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan in public health and veterinary medicine that often causes diarrhea in an array of hosts in developed/developing countries. Infection of the gastrointestinal system is the most common, but the respiratory system and other sites can also be affected, especially in birds and immunocompromised individuals. Transmission occurs through ingestion or inhalation of oocysts. The number of wild animals, including those in the class of birds, infected with this parasite has grown in recent years. This study aimed to report parasitism by Cryptosporidium spp. in captive-raised birds of family Psittacidae at the Rio City Zoo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-three pools of fecal samples of the species Amazona aestiva, Amazona amazonica, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Ara auricollis, Ara canga, Ara glaucogularis, Ara macao, Ara manilapa, Ara maracana, Ara rubrogenys, Aratinga erythrogenys, Aratinga cactorum, Aratinga auerea, Aratinga mitrata, Aratinga auricapilla, Aratinga jandaia, Aratinga wagleri, Aratinga leucophthalmus, Brotogeris acuticaudata, Cynoliseus patagonus, Caracopsis vasa, Diopsittaca nobilis, Graydidascalus brachyurus, Muopsitta monachus, Nangayus nenday, Pionites melancephala, Pionites leucogaster, Pionus menstruus, Pionus chalcopteus, Pionus maxiliani, Pyrrhura perlata, Pyrrhura leucotis, and Triclharia malachitacea, kept in separate enclosures, were analyzed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detection of parasitic antigens. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was conducted in order to identify the species Cryptosporidium in the positive samples targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA), followed by sequencing and analysis of the DNA amplicons.[...](AU)

Differencial efficiency of two sampling methods in capturing non-volant small mammals in an area in eastern Amazonia / Diferenças na eficiência entre dois métodos de amostragem para capturar pequenos mamíferos não-voadores em uma área na Amazônia oriental

This study was the first to evaluate the efficiency of trapping methods in the study of small mammals in the Carajás National Forest, southeastern Brazilian Amazon. It is an area with a unique vegetation type (metalofilic savannah or Canga). The aims of this study were to compare the efficiency of two trapping methods (i.e. live-traps and pitfalls), the bait types used, and evaluate if trapping success varied seasonally. We used four sampling grids, each with six parallel transects. The trap effort for live-traps and pitfalls was 51,840 trap*nights and 10,800 bucket*nights, respectively. We used three types of bait: a paste of peanut butter and sardines, bacon, and bananas. We placed one type of bait in each trap, alternating between points. We recorded 26 species of small mammals, 11 from the order Didelphimorphia and 15 from the order Rodentia. Pitfalls captured a higher number of species compared with live-traps. The capture rate, the mortality rate and the quantity of juveniles and adults did not differ significantly between methods. Capture rate for pitfalls differed significantly between seasons. The majority of species were captured by a single method. Species were equally attracted to the traps regardless of the type of bait used. Some of our results differed significantly from other studies in Amazonia and such variation should be taken into account when designing survey methods for Amazonian small mammals.(AU)

Este estudo foi o primeiro a avaliar a eficiência de métodos de captura de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores na Floresta Nacional de Carajás, sudeste da Amazônia brasileira. É uma área que apresenta características fitofisionômicas exclusivas (savana metalófila ou Canga) e sofre pressão da atividade mineradora. Os objetivos desse estudo foram comparar a eficiência de dois métodos de captura e de três tipos de iscas, bem como se a eficiência dos métodos variou sazonalmente. Nós usamos quatro grades de amostragem, cada uma com seis trilhas paralelas. Capturas com armadilhas de gaiola (live-traps) e armadilhas de caída (pitfall traps) foram realizadas durante três estações secas e três úmidas. O esforço total de captura foi de 51.840 armadilhas*noite e 10.800 baldes*noite para live-traps e pitfalls, respectivamente. Três tipos de isca (pasta de amendoim com sardinha, bacon e banana) foram usadas de forma alternada em todas as armadilhas. Nós registramos 26 espécies de pequenos mamíferos, 11 da ordem Didelphimorphia e 15 da ordem Rodentia. Pitfalls capturaram mais espécies que live-traps. As taxas de captura e de mortalidade e a proporção de jovens e adultos não diferiram entre os métodos. O sucesso de captura diferiu sazonalmente apenas para pitfalls. A maioria das espécies foi capturada preferencialmente ou exclusivamente por um dos dois métodos. As espécies foram igualmente atraídas por todos os tipos de iscas. Nossos resultados diferiram de outros obtidos na Amazônia, o que deve ser levado em consideração em desenhos amostrais para pequenos mamíferos na região.(AU)

Two new cave-dwelling genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions from Brazil (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae)

Two new genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions are described based on material from Brazilian iron ore and canga caves in the Carajás region, Pará, Brazil. Naderiore gen. nov. with a single species N. carajas sp. nov. and also monotypic Cangazomus gen. nov. (type species C. xikrin sp. nov.). The relationships of the two new genera with previously described genera are discussed. Naderiore most closely resembles Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008 and Calima Moreno-González & Villarreal, 2012, and can be distinguished from them by Dm3 modified as macrosetae in the male flagellum. Cangazomus most closely resembles Naderiore , Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, and Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008. It differs from all of them by the presence of two pairs of ramified spermathecal lobes, each composed of a differentiated stalk and distoterminal ramified bulbs, chitinized arch without anterior branch and notched lateral tip, pedipalps unarmed and not sexually dimorphic, and the male flagellar setae Dm3 as a microsetae.

Two new cave-dwelling genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions from Brazil (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae)

Two new genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions are described based on material from Brazilian iron ore and canga caves in the Carajás region, Pará, Brazil. Naderiore gen. nov. with a single species N. carajas sp. nov. and also monotypic Cangazomus gen. nov. (type species C. xikrin sp. nov.). The relationships of the two new genera with previously described genera are discussed. Naderiore most closely resembles Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008 and Calima Moreno-González & Villarreal, 2012, and can be distinguished from them by Dm3 modified as macrosetae in the male flagellum. Cangazomus most closely resembles Naderiore , Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, and Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008. It differs from all of them by the presence of two pairs of ramified spermathecal lobes, each composed of a differentiated stalk and distoterminal ramified bulbs, chitinized arch without anterior branch and notched lateral tip, pedipalps unarmed and not sexually dimorphic, and the male flagellar setae Dm3 as a microsetae.(AU)

A new species of Cryptocellus (Arachnida: Ricinulei) from Eastern Amazonia

Cryptocellus canga sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in several caves at Carajás National Forest, Pará, Brazil. The new species differs from other species of the genus by the morphology of copulatory apparatus of the male leg III.

A new species of Cryptocellus (Arachnida: Ricinulei) from Eastern Amazonia

Cryptocellus canga sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in several caves at Carajás National Forest, Pará, Brazil. The new species differs from other species of the genus by the morphology of copulatory apparatus of the male leg III.

A new species of Cryptocellus (Arachnida: Ricinulei) from Eastern Amazonia

Cryptocellus canga sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in several caves at Carajás National Forest, Pará, Brazil. The new species differs from other species of the genus by the morphology of copulatory apparatus of the male leg III.

Breeding biology and reproductive success of Polystictus superciliaris (Aves: Tyrannidae), an uncommon tyrant-flycatcher endemic to the highlands of eastern Brazil

Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831) is a small tyrant-flycatcher endemic to mountaintops in the highlands of eastern Brazil. In this paper we present the first description of the breeding biology of P. superciliaris and estimate its reproductive success from a population inhabiting rocky outcrops. This study was conducted during 2005 in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, municipality of Nova Lima (20°03'S, 44°00'W), state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Fourteen pairs of P. superciliaris were banded and monitored. The onset of the breeding season in 2005 was assumed to have been sometime before the 26th of July, while it was assumed to have ended on the 23rd of November based on the last observation of a successful brood. Clutch size was invariably two eggs (N = 21), the incubation period averaged 17.7 ± 1.3 days (N = 9), and the nestling period averaged 16.4 ± 1.3 days (N = 8). We estimated the probability of reproductive success for P. superciliaris to be 41.3%, during this particular breeding season. Of the 12 (57.1%) unsuccessful nests, eight (66.7%) had eggs and four (33.3%) had nestlings when they failed. In nine (42.8%) of these cases, the nests were lost to predation, two to parasitism by botflies, and one due to abandonment. This study suggests that the reproductive success of P. superciliaris is intermediate compared to the other species of Tyrannidae that have been studied and closer to the lower limit of the 40%-80% range which is characteristic of tyrant _ flycatcher species that breed in temperate regions.

Breeding biology and reproductive success of Polystictus superciliaris (Aves: Tyrannidae), an uncommon tyrant-flycatcher endemic to the highlands of eastern Brazil

Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831) is a small tyrant-flycatcher endemic to mountaintops in the highlands of eastern Brazil. In this paper we present the first description of the breeding biology of P. superciliaris and estimate its reproductive success from a population inhabiting rocky outcrops. This study was conducted during 2005 in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, municipality of Nova Lima (20°03'S, 44°00'W), state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Fourteen pairs of P. superciliaris were banded and monitored. The onset of the breeding season in 2005 was assumed to have been sometime before the 26th of July, while it was assumed to have ended on the 23rd of November based on the last observation of a successful brood. Clutch size was invariably two eggs (N = 21), the incubation period averaged 17.7 ± 1.3 days (N = 9), and the nestling period averaged 16.4 ± 1.3 days (N = 8). We estimated the probability of reproductive success for P. superciliaris to be 41.3%, during this particular breeding season. Of the 12 (57.1%) unsuccessful nests, eight (66.7%) had eggs and four (33.3%) had nestlings when they failed. In nine (42.8%) of these cases, the nests were lost to predation, two to parasitism by botflies, and one due to abandonment. This study suggests that the reproductive success of P. superciliaris is intermediate compared to the other species of Tyrannidae that have been studied and closer to the lower limit of the 40%-80% range which is characteristic of tyrant _ flycatcher species that breed in temperate regions.

Breeding biology and reproductive success of Polystictus superciliaris (Aves: Tyrannidae), an uncommon tyrant-flycatcher endemic to the highlands of eastern Brazil

Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831) is a small tyrant-flycatcher endemic to mountaintops in the highlands of eastern Brazil. In this paper we present the first description of the breeding biology of P. superciliaris and estimate its reproductive success from a population inhabiting rocky outcrops. This study was conducted during 2005 in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, municipality of Nova Lima (20°03'S, 44°00'W), state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Fourteen pairs of P. superciliaris were banded and monitored. The onset of the breeding season in 2005 was assumed to have been sometime before the 26th of July, while it was assumed to have ended on the 23rd of November based on the last observation of a successful brood. Clutch size was invariably two eggs (N = 21), the incubation period averaged 17.7 ± 1.3 days (N = 9), and the nestling period averaged 16.4 ± 1.3 days (N = 8). We estimated the probability of reproductive success for P. superciliaris to be 41.3%, during this particular breeding season. Of the 12 (57.1%) unsuccessful nests, eight (66.7%) had eggs and four (33.3%) had nestlings when they failed. In nine (42.8%) of these cases, the nests were lost to predation, two to parasitism by botflies, and one due to abandonment. This study suggests that the reproductive success of P. superciliaris is intermediate compared to the other species of Tyrannidae that have been studied and closer to the lower limit of the 40%-80% range which is characteristic of tyrant _ flycatcher species that breed in temperate regions.

Fructification phenology as an important tool in the recovery of iron mining areas in Minas Gerais, Brazil

"Canga" is a name given to the ferruginous rocky fields that can be found in the "Quadrilátero Ferrífero" of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The endemism and species richness make them areas of special biological importance, regarded as high-priority for conservation. Nevertheless, they are being threatened by intense mining activity. Aiming to understand more about this flora, this study was performed in order to determine the maturation or dispersal period of the fruits of four Canga species, Alibertia vaccinioides K.Schum. (Rubiaceae), Coccoloba acrostichoides Cham. (Polygonaceae), Miconia sellowiana Naudin (Melastomataceae), and one probable new species of Calyptranthes Sw. (Myrtaceae). Although fruit maturation or dispersal tended to occur at the end of the dry season, some asynchrony was observed in these species, with food sources being available during most of the year. This shows that these species have the potential to attract animals the whole year round, and planting them for the recovery of iron mining areas may increase the community's self-regeneration capacity, leading to a more successful restoration process.

Canga é um nome dado para os campos rupestres ferruginosos encontrados no Quadrilátero Ferrífero de Minas Gerais. O endemismo e riqueza de espécies os tornam uma área de importância biológica especial, considerada prioritária para conservação. Além disso, tem sido submetida à intensa atividade mineradora. Este estudo objetivou determinar as épocas de maturação/dispersão de frutos de quatro espécies de ocorrência na canga, Alibertia vaccinioides K. Schum. (Rubiaceae), Coccoloba acrostichoides Cham. (Polygonaceae), Miconia sellowiana Naudin (Melastomataceae) e de uma provável espécie nova de Calyptranthes Sw. (Myrtaceae). Apesar da maturação/dispersão dos frutos ter apresentado uma tendência de ocorrer no final da estação seca, foi constatada uma assincronia do evento entre essas espécies, com disponibilidade de alimento aos animais frugívoros ao longo de grande parte do ano. O plantio dessas espécies para recuperação de áreas ferruginosas similares degradadas pela mineração poderá atrair fauna durante todas as estações, aumentando o potencial de autorregeneração da comunidade e o consequente sucesso no processo de restauração.

Comportamento de forrageamento e dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Aves, Tyrannidae) no sudeste do Brasil

The present article describes the foraging behavior and diet of Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), a poorly known species restricted to eastern Brazilian mountains. The work was carried out from April to December 2005 in the Serra do Rola Moça State Park, Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). For each foraging bout we recorded the attack behavior, attack direction, substrate, height of foraging substrate, and habitat type where the attack occurred. The species diet was determined through direct field observations and by analyzing the stomach contents of 16 individuals. Polystictus superciliaris uses mainly "canga couraçada" (93.3%), and leaves (69.1%) of the most abundant plants of the area as substrate for the capture of preys. The species is generalist in relation to attack behavior. Analysis of stomach contents revealed the exclusive presence of arthropods. Field observations confirmed the exclusive insectivory of P. superciliaris, which was not observed consuming fruits or other vegetable matter.

O presente artigo descreve o comportamento de forrageamento e a dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), espécie pouco conhecida e de distribuição geográfica restrita às montanhas do leste do Brasil. Este trabalho foi realizado entre abril e dezembro de 2005 no Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, município de Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). Para cada observação de forrageamento foram registrados os comportamentos de ataque, a direção e o substrato do ataque, a altura do substrato de forrageamento e a fitofisionomia onde o ataque ocorreu. Para a determinação da dieta da espécie foram feitas observações diretas de campo, sendo também analisado o conteúdo estomacal de 16 indivíduos. Polystictus superciliaris usa preferencialmente a canga couraçada (93,3%), tendo como substrato principal as folhas (69,1%) das plantas mais abundantes na área. A espécie é generalista quanto ao comportamento de ataque. A análise de conteúdos estomacais revelou a presença exclusiva de artrópodes. As observações confirmaram o caráter insetívoro de P. superciliaris, que não foi observado consumindo frutos ou outro material de origem vegetal.

Comportamento de forrageamento e dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Aves, Tyrannidae) no sudeste do Brasil

The present article describes the foraging behavior and diet of Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), a poorly known species restricted to eastern Brazilian mountains. The work was carried out from April to December 2005 in the Serra do Rola Moça State Park, Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). For each foraging bout we recorded the attack behavior, attack direction, substrate, height of foraging substrate, and habitat type where the attack occurred. The species diet was determined through direct field observations and by analyzing the stomach contents of 16 individuals. Polystictus superciliaris uses mainly "canga couraçada" (93.3%), and leaves (69.1%) of the most abundant plants of the area as substrate for the capture of preys. The species is generalist in relation to attack behavior. Analysis of stomach contents revealed the exclusive presence of arthropods. Field observations confirmed the exclusive insectivory of P. superciliaris, which was not observed consuming fruits or other vegetable matter.

O presente artigo descreve o comportamento de forrageamento e a dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), espécie pouco conhecida e de distribuição geográfica restrita às montanhas do leste do Brasil. Este trabalho foi realizado entre abril e dezembro de 2005 no Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, município de Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). Para cada observação de forrageamento foram registrados os comportamentos de ataque, a direção e o substrato do ataque, a altura do substrato de forrageamento e a fitofisionomia onde o ataque ocorreu. Para a determinação da dieta da espécie foram feitas observações diretas de campo, sendo também analisado o conteúdo estomacal de 16 indivíduos. Polystictus superciliaris usa preferencialmente a canga couraçada (93,3%), tendo como substrato principal as folhas (69,1%) das plantas mais abundantes na área. A espécie é generalista quanto ao comportamento de ataque. A análise de conteúdos estomacais revelou a presença exclusiva de artrópodes. As observações confirmaram o caráter insetívoro de P. superciliaris, que não foi observado consumindo frutos ou outro material de origem vegetal.

New data on cistern catfish, Phreatobius cisternarum, from subterranean waters at the mouth of the Amazon River (Siluriformes, Incertae Sedis)

Data on new specimens of the rare subterranean catfish Phreatobius cisternarum are reported. Specimens were collected from hand-dug wells in the region of the mouth of the Amazon river, Brazil. A revised diagnosis of Phreatobius is proposed, and P. cisternarum is redescribed on the basis of new and previously available material. Included are data on coloration, both in life and preserved, SEM observations of external morphology, morphometric and meristic data. One juvenile specimen, the first known of the species, is reported and illustrated. The new and previously available material reveal considerable intraspecific variation in several morphological traits of P. cisternarum. Despite its rarity in collections, P. cisternarum seems to be common in wells in the vicinity of the city of Belém and on Marajó Island, where many locals know of them. They occur in the superficial phreatic layer, and turn up in hand-dug wells usually from 4 to 13 meters deep. Individual fish hide in orifices of canga rocks at the bottom of wells. Some specimens were maintained in captivity for one-and-a-half year, during which some behavioral observations were recorded. In aquarium conditions, P. cisternarum is an oportunistic predator that feeds vigorously on earthworms and other live invertebrates.

São apresentados dados sobre novos exemplares do raro bagre subterrâneo Phreatobius cisternarum. Os espécimes foram coletados em poços na região da foz do Rio Amazonas, Brasil. Uma diagnose revisada é proposta para o gênero Phreatobius. P. cisternarum é redescrita com base em material novo e previamente disponível. São incluídos dados sobre coloração, tanto em vida quanto em preservação, observações de microscopia eletrônica de varredura da morfologia externa, dados morfométricos e merísticos. Um exemplar juvenil, o primeiro conhecido da espécie, é comparativamente descrito e ilustrado. O material novo e aquele previamente disponível revelam considerável variação intraespecífica em várias características morfológicas de P. cisternarum. A despeito de sua raridade em coleções, P. cisternarum parece ser bastante comum em poços na periferia da cidade de Belém e na Ilha de Marajó, onde muitos habitantes os conhecem. Os peixes ocorrem na camada freática superficial, e aparecem em poços manuais normalmente de 4 a 13 metros de profundidade. Os indivíduos da espécie se escondem em orifícios nas rochas de canga no fundo dos poços. Alguns exemplares foram mantidos por aproximadamente um ano e meio em cativeiro, ocasião em que foram registradas algumas observações comportamentais. Em condições de aquário, P. cisternarum é um predador oportunista que se alimenta vigorosamente de minhocas terrestres e outros invertebrados.

New data on cistern catfish, Phreatobius cisternarum, from subterranean waters at the mouth of the Amazon River (Siluriformes, Incertae Sedis)

Data on new specimens of the rare subterranean catfish Phreatobius cisternarum are reported. Specimens were collected from hand-dug wells in the region of the mouth of the Amazon river, Brazil. A revised diagnosis of Phreatobius is proposed, and P. cisternarum is redescribed on the basis of new and previously available material. Included are data on coloration, both in life and preserved, SEM observations of external morphology, morphometric and meristic data. One juvenile specimen, the first known of the species, is reported and illustrated. The new and previously available material reveal considerable intraspecific variation in several morphological traits of P. cisternarum. Despite its rarity in collections, P. cisternarum seems to be common in wells in the vicinity of the city of Belém and on Marajó Island, where many locals know of them. They occur in the superficial phreatic layer, and turn up in hand-dug wells usually from 4 to 13 meters deep. Individual fish hide in orifices of canga rocks at the bottom of wells. Some specimens were maintained in captivity for one-and-a-half year, during which some behavioral observations were recorded. In aquarium conditions, P. cisternarum is an oportunistic predator that feeds vigorously on earthworms and other live invertebrates.

São apresentados dados sobre novos exemplares do raro bagre subterrâneo Phreatobius cisternarum. Os espécimes foram coletados em poços na região da foz do Rio Amazonas, Brasil. Uma diagnose revisada é proposta para o gênero Phreatobius. P. cisternarum é redescrita com base em material novo e previamente disponível. São incluídos dados sobre coloração, tanto em vida quanto em preservação, observações de microscopia eletrônica de varredura da morfologia externa, dados morfométricos e merísticos. Um exemplar juvenil, o primeiro conhecido da espécie, é comparativamente descrito e ilustrado. O material novo e aquele previamente disponível revelam considerável variação intraespecífica em várias características morfológicas de P. cisternarum. A despeito de sua raridade em coleções, P. cisternarum parece ser bastante comum em poços na periferia da cidade de Belém e na Ilha de Marajó, onde muitos habitantes os conhecem. Os peixes ocorrem na camada freática superficial, e aparecem em poços manuais normalmente de 4 a 13 metros de profundidade. Os indivíduos da espécie se escondem em orifícios nas rochas de canga no fundo dos poços. Alguns exemplares foram mantidos por aproximadamente um ano e meio em cativeiro, ocasião em que foram registradas algumas observações comportamentais. Em condições de aquário, P. cisternarum é um predador oportunista que se alimenta vigorosamente de minhocas terrestres e outros invertebrados.

Estefanofilariose e dermatite nodular ulcerativa em cão: relato de caso / Estefanofilariosis y dermatitis nodular ulcerativa en perros: relato de caso / Stephanofilariasis and nodular ulcerative dermatitis in dog: case report

Objetivo: Descrever a ocorrência da estefanofilariose em cão, provocando dermatite nodular ulcerativa na região abdominal. Descrição: Cão mestiço, com aproximadamente dez anos de idade, apresentou dermatite nodular ulcerativa na região abdominal. Suspeitou-se que a etiologia poderiam ser larvas da Stephanofilaria spp. Após remoção cirúrgica da lesão, foi feita a impressão do material em lâmina, fixado com etanol e corado com giensa I :20 e solução de vermelho congo saturada. A visualização dos parasitas (formas larvais e adultas) foi feita em microscópio óptico (200x). Resultados: O método empregado permitiu a visualização do parasita, confirmando a presença deestefanofilariose no cão. Conclusões: Foi observado que a Stephanofilaria spp também afeta cães. As lesões provocadas por esse parasita não são do tipo comumente encontrado. Não têm cura com a medicação normal e é necessário um tratantento especial baseado em ivermectinas com aplicação tópica ou sistêmica.

Objetivo: En este trabajo se describe la ocurrencia de la Stephanofilaria en perros, provocando dermaritis nodular ulcerativa en la región abdominal. Descripción: Un perro mestizo con aproximadamente 10 años de edad, mostródermatitis nodular ulcerativa en la región abdominal. Se sospechó que la etiologia podrían ser larvas de Stephanofilariaspp. Después de retirar quirúrgicamente la lesión en la región abdominal, se realizó impresión del material en láminas, fijado con etanol y coloreado con solución de giensa 1:20, además de solución saturada de rojo canga. La visualización del parásito (larvas y formas adultas) se realizó en microscopia óptico (200 x). Resultados: El método utilizado permitió observar claramente los parásitos, confirmando asi la presencia de la Stephanofilaria en perras. Conclusiones: Se comprobó que la Stephanofilaria spp puede también afectar a perros. Las heridas provocadas por estas parásitos no son del tipo más común y no se curan con la medicación tradicional, debiendo el tratamiento ser prioritariamente con ivennectinas, aplicadas tanto en la forma tópica como sistémica.

Objective: To report on the occurrence of stephanofilariasis in a dog, causing nodular ulcerative dermatitis in the abdominal area. Description: Dog patient, mixed breed, approximately 10 years old, presenting with nodular ulcerative dermatitis in the abdominal area. Suspected etiology was Stephanofilaria spp. AfieI' surgical excision of the lesion, anim print was performed, followed by fixation with ethanol and staining with 1:20 Giensa and saturated Congo resolution. The parasites (larval and adult forms) were identified under optical microscope (200 x). Results: The method employed allowed for visualization of the parasite, thus confirming the occurrence of stephanofilariasis in dogs. Conclusions: [t was demonstrated that Stephanofilaria spp can also affect dogs. The lesions caused by this parasiteare not of a common type. They do not respond to normal medication and a special treatment based on topical O'systemic ivermectin is required.