Towards a review of the decapod crustacea from the remote oceanic archipelago of trindade and martin vaz, south atlantic ocean: new records and notes on ecology and zoogeography

ABSTRACT The remoteness of the Trindade and Martin Vaz young volcanic archipelago (TMV) raises questions about the source of its marine benthic fauna and levels of endemism. Addressing these questions requires a comprehensive knowledge of the taxonomic composition of the marine fauna of the islands. A five-year survey in the shallow marine waters (up to 30 m) and a literature review on the data published for TMV have been conducted to document the biodiversity of the benthic fauna. Here we report on ten new records of decapod crustaceans from TMV: Gnathophyllum americanum and Thor amboinensis are circumtropical in distribution, whereas Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri and Parribacus antarcticus are disjunct circumtropical species as their distribution in the Atlantic Ocean is limited eastwardly to TMV or Ascension Island (S. hispidus), therefore, do not extending into the eastern Atlantic. Gnathophyllum circellum and Thor manningi are western Atlantic species, with G. circellum previously known only from the Caribbean Sea. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta and Enoplometopus antillensis are amphi-Atlantic in distribution. Two of the above species are recorded from the southwestern Atlantic for the first time: Gnathophyllum circellum and Tuleariocaris neglecta. These new records corroborate that the marine benthic invertebrate fauna of the TMV archipelago is actually a mosaic of amphi-Atlantic, eastern Atlantic, central Atlantic (insular), endemic and circumtropical species, with a strong western Atlantic component.

RESUMO O grande isolamento geográfico do jovem arquipélago vulcânico Trindade e Martin Vaz (TMV) suscita questionamentos sobre a origem e os níveis de endemismo de sua fauna. Entretanto, a abordagem destas questões requer o conhecimento abrangente da composição taxonômica da fauna bentônica marinha de TMV. Com o intuito de documentar a biodiversidade em TMV foram efetuadas amostragens da fauna de invertebrados bentônicos durante cinco anos consecutivos do entre-marés até profundidades de 30 m. Nesta oportunidade apresentamos dez novos registros de crustáceos Decapoda para TMV, juntamente com comentários ecológicos e notas zoogeográficas. Gnathophyllum americanum e Thor amboinensis são espécies circumtropicais, enquanto que Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri e Parribacus antarcticus são espécies circumtropicais disjuntas na medida em que sua distribuição no oceano Atlântico encontra-se limitada à leste pelas ilhas TMV ou Ascensão (S. hispidus), consequentemente, não se estendendo ao Atlântico oriental. Gnathophyllum circellum e Thor manningi são espécies do Atlântico ocidental; G. circellum era conhecida previamente apenas do Mar do Caribe. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta e Enoplometopus antillensis são espécies anfi-Atlânticas. Estes novos registros para TMV corroboram a ideia de que a fauna marinha bentônica de TMV constitui-se em um mosaico de espécies atlântico-ocidentais, atlântico-orientais, centro-atlânticas (insulares), anfi-Atlânticas, endêmicas e circumtropicais. O componente atlântico ocidental tem forte influência na formação faunística de TMV.

TOWARDS A REVIEW OF THE DECAPOD CRUSTACEA FROM THE REMOTE OCEANIC ARCHIPELAGO OF TRINDADE AND MARTIN VAZ, SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN: NEW RECORDS AND NOTES ON ECOLOGY AND ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT The remoteness of the Trindade and Martin Vaz young volcanic archipelago (TMV) raises questions about the source of its marine benthic fauna and levels of endemism. Addressing these questions requires a comprehensive knowledge of the taxonomic composition of the marine fauna of the islands. A five-year survey in the shallow marine waters (up to 30 m) and a literature review on the data published for TMV have been conducted to document the biodiversity of the benthic fauna. Here we report on ten new records of decapod crustaceans from TMV: Gnathophyllum americanum and Thor amboinensis are circumtropical in distribution, whereas Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri and Parribacus antarcticus are disjunct circumtropical species as their distribution in the Atlantic Ocean is limited eastwardly to TMV or Ascension Island (S. hispidus), therefore, do not extending into the eastern Atlantic. Gnathophyllum circellum and Thor manningi are western Atlantic species, with G. circellum previously known only from the Caribbean Sea. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta and Enoplometopus antillensis are amphi-Atlantic in distribution. Two of the above species are recorded from the southwestern Atlantic for the first time: Gnathophyllum circellum and Tuleariocaris neglecta. These new records corroborate that the marine benthic invertebrate fauna of the TMV archipelago is actually a mosaic of amphi-Atlantic, eastern Atlantic, central Atlantic (insular), endemic and circumtropical species, with a strong western Atlantic component.

RESUMO O grande isolamento geográfico do jovem arquipélago vulcânico Trindade e Martin Vaz (TMV) suscita questionamentos sobre a origem e os níveis de endemismo de sua fauna. Entretanto, a abordagem destas questões requer o conhecimento abrangente da composição taxonômica da fauna bentônica marinha de TMV. Com o intuito de documentar a biodiversidade em TMV foram efetuadas amostragens da fauna de invertebrados bentônicos durante cinco anos consecutivos do entre-marés até profundidades de 30 m. Nesta oportunidade apresentamos dez novos registros de crustáceos Decapoda para TMV, juntamente com comentários ecológicos e notas zoogeográficas. Gnathophyllum americanum e Thor amboinensis são espécies circumtropicais, enquanto que Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri e Parribacus antarcticus são espécies circumtropicais disjuntas na medida em que sua distribuição no oceano Atlântico encontra-se limitada à leste pelas ilhas TMV ou Ascensão (S. hispidus), consequentemente, não se estendendo ao Atlântico oriental. Gnathophyllum circellum e Thor manningi são espécies do Atlântico ocidental; G. circellum era conhecida previamente apenas do Mar do Caribe. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta e Enoplometopus antillensis são espécies anfi-Atlânticas. Estes novos registros para TMV corroboram a ideia de que a fauna marinha bentônica de TMV constitui-se em um mosaico de espécies atlântico-ocidentais, atlântico-orientais, centro-atlânticas (insulares), anfi-Atlânticas, endêmicas e circumtropicais. O componente atlântico ocidental tem forte influência na formação faunística de TMV.

Towards a review of the decapod crustacea from the remote oceanic archipelago of Trindade and Martin Vaz, south Atlantic Ocean: new records and notes on ecology and zoogeography

The remoteness of the Trindade and Martin Vaz young volcanic archipelago (TMV) raises questions about the source of its marine benthic fauna and levels of endemism. Addressing these questions requires a comprehensive knowledge of the taxonomic composition of the marine fauna of the islands. A five-year survey in the shallow marine waters (up to 30 m) and a literature review on the data published for TMV have been conducted to document the biodiversity of the benthic fauna. Here we report on ten new records of decapod crustaceans from TMV: Gnathophyllum americanum and Thor amboinensis are circumtropical in distribution, whereas Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri and Parribacus antarcticus are disjunct circumtropical species as their distribution in the Atlantic Ocean is limited eastwardly to TMV or Ascension Island (S. hispidus), therefore, do not extending into the eastern Atlantic. Gnathophyllum circellum and Thor manningi are western Atlantic species, with G. circellum previously known only from the Caribbean Sea. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta and Enoplometopus antillensis are amphi-Atlantic in distribution. Two of the above species are recorded from the southwestern Atlantic for the first time: Gnathophyllum circellum and Tuleariocaris neglecta. These new records corroborate that the marine benthic invertebrate fauna of the TMV archipelago is actually a [...]

O grande isolamento geográfico do jovem arquipélago vulcânico Trindade e Martin Vaz (TMV) suscita questionamentos sobre a origem e os níveis de endemismo de sua fauna. Entretanto, a abordagem destas questões requer o conhecimento abrangente da composição taxonômica da fauna bentônica marinha de TMV. Com o intuito de documentar a biodiversidade em TMV foram efetuadas amostragens da fauna de invertebrados bentônicos durante cinco anos consecutivos do entre-marés até profundidades de 30 m. Nesta oportunidade apresentamos dez novos registros de crustáceos Decapoda para TMV, juntamente com comentários ecológicos e notas zoogeográficas. Gnathophyllum americanum e Thor amboinensis são espécies circumtropicais, enquanto que Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri e Parribacus antarcticus são espécies circumtropicais disjuntas na medida em que sua distribuição no oceano Atlântico encontra-se limitada à leste pelas ilhas TMV ou Ascensão (S. hispidus), consequentemente, não se estendendo ao Atlântico oriental. Gnathophyllum circellum e Thor manningi são espécies do Atlântico ocidental; G. circellum era conhecida previamente apenas do Mar do Caribe. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta e Enoplometopus antillensis são espécies anfi-Atlânticas. Estes novos registros para TMV corroboram a ideia de que a fauna marinha bentônica de TMV constitui-se em um mosaico de espécies atlântico-ocidentais, atlântico-orientais, centro-atlânticas (insulares), anfi-Atlânticas, endêmicas e circumtropicais. O componente atlântico ocidental tem forte influência na formação faunística de TMV.

Towards a review of the decapod crustacea from the remote oceanic archipelago of Trindade and Martin Vaz, south Atlantic Ocean: new records and notes on ecology and zoogeography

The remoteness of the Trindade and Martin Vaz young volcanic archipelago (TMV) raises questions about the source of its marine benthic fauna and levels of endemism. Addressing these questions requires a comprehensive knowledge of the taxonomic composition of the marine fauna of the islands. A five-year survey in the shallow marine waters (up to 30 m) and a literature review on the data published for TMV have been conducted to document the biodiversity of the benthic fauna. Here we report on ten new records of decapod crustaceans from TMV: Gnathophyllum americanum and Thor amboinensis are circumtropical in distribution, whereas Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri and Parribacus antarcticus are disjunct circumtropical species as their distribution in the Atlantic Ocean is limited eastwardly to TMV or Ascension Island (S. hispidus), therefore, do not extending into the eastern Atlantic. Gnathophyllum circellum and Thor manningi are western Atlantic species, with G. circellum previously known only from the Caribbean Sea. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta and Enoplometopus antillensis are amphi-Atlantic in distribution. Two of the above species are recorded from the southwestern Atlantic for the first time: Gnathophyllum circellum and Tuleariocaris neglecta. These new records corroborate that the marine benthic invertebrate fauna of the TMV archipelago is actually a [...](AU)

O grande isolamento geográfico do jovem arquipélago vulcânico Trindade e Martin Vaz (TMV) suscita questionamentos sobre a origem e os níveis de endemismo de sua fauna. Entretanto, a abordagem destas questões requer o conhecimento abrangente da composição taxonômica da fauna bentônica marinha de TMV. Com o intuito de documentar a biodiversidade em TMV foram efetuadas amostragens da fauna de invertebrados bentônicos durante cinco anos consecutivos do entre-marés até profundidades de 30 m. Nesta oportunidade apresentamos dez novos registros de crustáceos Decapoda para TMV, juntamente com comentários ecológicos e notas zoogeográficas. Gnathophyllum americanum e Thor amboinensis são espécies circumtropicais, enquanto que Stenopus hispidus, Gnathophylloides mineri e Parribacus antarcticus são espécies circumtropicais disjuntas na medida em que sua distribuição no oceano Atlântico encontra-se limitada à leste pelas ilhas TMV ou Ascensão (S. hispidus), consequentemente, não se estendendo ao Atlântico oriental. Gnathophyllum circellum e Thor manningi são espécies do Atlântico ocidental; G. circellum era conhecida previamente apenas do Mar do Caribe. Pontonia manningi, Tuleariocaris neglecta e Enoplometopus antillensis são espécies anfi-Atlânticas. Estes novos registros para TMV corroboram a ideia de que a fauna marinha bentônica de TMV constitui-se em um mosaico de espécies atlântico-ocidentais, atlântico-orientais, centro-atlânticas (insulares), anfi-Atlânticas, endêmicas e circumtropicais. O componente atlântico ocidental tem forte influência na formação faunística de TMV.(AU)

Zoogeography of Elasmobranchs in the Colombian Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Para conocer los patrones zoogeográficos de los elasmobranquios marinos de Colombia, la riqueza de especies de Pacífico y Caribe y sus subáreas (Pacífico costero, Pacífico oceánico, Caribe costero y Caribe oceánico) fue analizada. Las áreas compartieron 10 familias, 10 géneros y 16 especies de tiburones y ocho familias, tres géneros y cuatro especies de batoideos. Carcharhinidae tuvo la mayor contribución a la riqueza de tiburones mientras que Rajidae y Urotrygonidae tuvieron la mayor contribución a la riqueza de batoideos en el Caribe y el Pacífico, respectivamente. La mayoría de los elasmobranquios estuvieron asociados con hábitats bénticos y costeros. El análisis de similitud permitió la identificación de cinco grupos de familias que caracterizan la riqueza de elasmobranquios en ambas áreas. La diversidad beta indicó que el mayor recambio de especies se produjo entre el Pacífico costero y las dos subáreas del Caribe. La diferencia en la riqueza y composición de especies entre las áreas puede ser debida a eventos vicariantes tales como el surgimiento del Istmo de Panamá. Es poco probable que la diversidad de elasmobranquios en Colombia se originara de un único evento de colonización. Eventos locales de diversificación/especiación, dispersión desde las regiones templadas de América, del Pacífico y del Atlántico son orígenes posibles que no se excluyen entre sí.(AU)

In order to investigate zoogeographical patterns of the marine elasmobranch species of Colombia, species richness of the Pacific and Caribbean and their subareas (Coastal Pacific, Oceanic Pacific, Coastal Caribbean, Oceanic Caribbean) was analyzed. The areas shared 10 families, 10 genera and 16 species of sharks, and eight families, three genera and four species of batoids. Carcharhinidae had the highest contribution to shark richness, whereas Rajidae and Urotrygonidae had the greatest contribution to batoid richness in the Caribbean and Pacific, respectively. Most elasmobranchs were associated with benthic and coastal habitats. The similarity analysis allowed the identification of five groups of families, which characterize the elasmobranch richness in both areas. Beta diversity indicated that most species turnover occurred between the Coastal Pacific and the two Caribbean subareas. The difference in species richness and composition between areas may be due to vicariant events such as the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama. It is unlikely that the Colombian elasmobranch diversity originated from a single colonization event. Local diversification/speciation, dispersal from the non-tropical regions of the Americas, a Pacific dispersion and an Atlantic dispersion are origin possibilities without any of them excluding the others.(AU)

Bats of Barbados

The chiropteran fauna of Barbados includes representatives of four families Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae, Vespertilionidae, and Molossidae including 1 piscivore (Noctilio leporinus), 1 omnivore (Brachyphylla cavernarum), 1 pollenivore/nectarivore (Monophyllus plethodon), 1 frugivore (Artibeus jamaicensis), and 2 insectivorous species (Myotis nyctor and Molossus molossus). Despite an early report, we believe that preponderance of the evidence available at this time is that E. fuscus is not part of the fauna of Barbados. The Barbadian chiropteran fauna of 6 species is much smaller than those on the four neighboring Lesser Antillean islands to the west and north. We believe that this is primarily the result of two factorsgeological age and geographic isolation. Our work indicates that populations of the 6 species of bats on Barbados are in good condition in all cases, but only for Artibeus jamaicensis and Molossus molossus are the populations large enough to not be of ongoing concern. The maintenance of the chiropteran fauna can best be served by three management actions preservation of caves and associated gullies, forests, and hydrological systems.

Selection of environmental temperature by the yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 (Scorpiones, Buthidae)

The preferred temperature of the yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus was investigated since its dispersion is a matter of concern. Adult T. serrulatus, weighing 1.24 + 0.20 g (mean + sd) and with a standard length of 59.3 + 2.5 mm, were used. A metallic corridor (120 cm long, 5 cm large and 10 cm high) with thermal gradient ranging from 0°C to 40°C was used. Tityus serrulatus chose and stayed in temperatures ranging from 14°C to 38°C when safe conditions were offered (dark and thigmotactic stimuli). The number of animals that remained in the 11°C-20°C, 21°C-30°C, and 31°C-40°C temperature zones were 8, 8, and 9, respectively. The chi-square test (degree of freedom = 2) showed that differences were not significant (p>0.05). Some animals moved to lower temperature areas (less than 8°C) when the corridor was completely illuminated and thigmotactic stimuli were absent, which led the animals to present a torpor state. It is concluded that T. serrulatus does not select a specific environmental temperature. Associated with the capacity of temporally surviving at low temperatures, this species seems to be highly adaptable to different thermal zones.

Bats of the Grenadine Islands, West Indies, and placement of Koopmans line / Bats of the Grenadine Islands, West Indies, and placement of Koopmans line

Almost nothing is known concerning the chiropteran fauna on the Grenadine Islands, a chain of islands between St. Vincent and Grenada located near the southern end of the Lesser Antilles. Previously, only a single speciesGlossophaga longirostrishad been reported from the Grenadines. Our research, conducted on 4 occasions over the period of 1980 to 2006, provided museum vouchers and genetic specimens for the addition of 4 other species to the known fauna of these islandsNoctilio leporinus, Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus schwartzi, and Molossus molossus. The Grenadines, being situated between St. Vincent and Grenada, occupy an important zoogeographic position. None of the 12 species of bats occurring on Grenada are Antillean endemics, whereas on St. Vincent, to the north of the Grenadines, 3 of the 12 species are Antillean endemics. The boundary of the West Indian Subregion of the Neotropical Region based on the distribution of mammals has been designated as Koopmans Line. One of the areas where placement of Koopmans Line was unresolved was among the Grenadine Islands because the chiropteran fauna of this area was essentially unknown. Based on data reported herein, we place Koopmans Line along the 14-km wide Bequia Channel that separates St. Vincent and the northern-most Grenadine island of Bequia.

Almost nothing is known concerning the chiropteran fauna on the Grenadine Islands, a chain of islands between St. Vincent and Grenada located near the southern end of the Lesser Antilles. Previously, only a single speciesGlossophaga longirostrishad been reported from the Grenadines. Our research, conducted on 4 occasions over the period of 1980 to 2006, provided museum vouchers and genetic specimens for the addition of 4 other species to the known fauna of these islandsNoctilio leporinus, Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus schwartzi, and Molossus molossus. The Grenadines, being situated between St. Vincent and Grenada, occupy an important zoogeographic position. None of the 12 species of bats occurring on Grenada are Antillean endemics, whereas on St. Vincent, to the north of the Grenadines, 3 of the 12 species are Antillean endemics. The boundary of the West Indian Subregion of the Neotropical Region based on the distribution of mammals has been designated as Koopmans Line. One of the areas where placement of Koopmans Line was unresolved was among the Grenadine Islands because the chiropteran fauna of this area was essentially unknown. Based on data reported herein, we place Koopmans Line along the 14-km wide Bequia Channel that separates St. Vincent and the northern-most Grenadine island of Bequia.

Taxonomia e distribuição de Actinocythereis brasiliensis sp. nov. (Podocopida, Trachyleberididae) na plataforma continental brasileira

A new species is described, Actinocythereis brasiliensis, from the southern Brazilian continental shelf. It is based on the analysis of 766 samples collected by oceanographical projects. The geographical distribution of this species has revealed its preference by the cold waters and terrigenous sediments and, has a bathymetric distribution between 22 and 164 m but, being concentrated in the shallower waters ( 60 m).

Taxonomia e distribuição de Actinocythereis brasiliensis sp. nov. (Podocopida, Trachyleberididae) na plataforma continental brasileira

A new species is described, Actinocythereis brasiliensis, from the southern Brazilian continental shelf. It is based on the analysis of 766 samples collected by oceanographical projects. The geographical distribution of this species has revealed its preference by the cold waters and terrigenous sediments and, has a bathymetric distribution between 22 and 164 m but, being concentrated in the shallower waters ( 60 m).

A new species of Leposoma (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) from the remnant Atlantic forests of the state of Bahia, Brazil

Leposoma puk, a new species of the scincoides group is described from the Atlantic forests of southern state of Bahia, Brazil. The new species is characterized by a single frontonasal; elongate dorsal and lanceolate ventral scales arranged in diagonal rows; weakly striated or smooth scales on top of head; a longer than wide interparietal, with almost straight lateral margins; 17-18 pores; third supraocular the largest one, wider than long and clearly rectangular in shape; a suture between frontal and frontoparietal scales coincident with the middle of the third supraocular; and, a black pigmentation in the venter or along venter margins in males. The discovery of this new species, sympatric with Leposoma annectans, L. nanodactylus, and L. scincoides ranks the Atlantic Rainforest region of Southern Bahia first in species diversity for the genus. Zoogeography and speciation of Leposoma of the scincoides group are discussed.

Leposoma puk, uma nova espécie do grupo scincoides é descrita para a região da mata Atlântica do sul da Bahia, Brasil. A nova espécie é caracterizada por apresentar: frontonasal simples; escamas dorsais alongadas e ventrais lanceoladas dispostas em fileiras diagonais; escamas do topo da cabeça lisas ou levemente estriadas; interparietal mais longa que larga, com margens laterais quase paralelas; 17-18 poros; terceira supraocular mais larga que longa e a maior da área supraocular; sutura entre a frontal e frontoparietal coincidente com a região mediana da terceira supraocular; e machos com pigmentação negra no ventre ou ao longo da região paraventral. A descoberta desta nova espécie, simpátrica com Leposoma annectans, L. nanodactylus, e L. scincoides torna a região da mata atlântica do sul da Bahia a área com a maior diversidade local de espécies do gênero. Discutem-se alguns aspectos sobre a zoogeografia e a especiação de Leposoma do grupo scincoides.

A new species of Leposoma (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) from the remnant Atlantic forests of the state of Bahia, Brazil

Leposoma puk, a new species of the scincoides group is described from the Atlantic forests of southern state of Bahia, Brazil. The new species is characterized by a single frontonasal; elongate dorsal and lanceolate ventral scales arranged in diagonal rows; weakly striated or smooth scales on top of head; a longer than wide interparietal, with almost straight lateral margins; 17-18 pores; third supraocular the largest one, wider than long and clearly rectangular in shape; a suture between frontal and frontoparietal scales coincident with the middle of the third supraocular; and, a black pigmentation in the venter or along venter margins in males. The discovery of this new species, sympatric with Leposoma annectans, L. nanodactylus, and L. scincoides ranks the Atlantic Rainforest region of Southern Bahia first in species diversity for the genus. Zoogeography and speciation of Leposoma of the scincoides group are discussed.

Leposoma puk, uma nova espécie do grupo scincoides é descrita para a região da mata Atlântica do sul da Bahia, Brasil. A nova espécie é caracterizada por apresentar: frontonasal simples; escamas dorsais alongadas e ventrais lanceoladas dispostas em fileiras diagonais; escamas do topo da cabeça lisas ou levemente estriadas; interparietal mais longa que larga, com margens laterais quase paralelas; 17-18 poros; terceira supraocular mais larga que longa e a maior da área supraocular; sutura entre a frontal e frontoparietal coincidente com a região mediana da terceira supraocular; e machos com pigmentação negra no ventre ou ao longo da região paraventral. A descoberta desta nova espécie, simpátrica com Leposoma annectans, L. nanodactylus, e L. scincoides torna a região da mata atlântica do sul da Bahia a área com a maior diversidade local de espécies do gênero. Discutem-se alguns aspectos sobre a zoogeografia e a especiação de Leposoma do grupo scincoides.

OCORRÊNCIA DE FORMIGAS CORTADEIRAS NA REGIÃO DA DEPRESSÃO CENTRAL DO ESTADO DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL

With the objective of to identifying the leaf-cutting ants that occur in the Depressão Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, to verify its predominance species and its geographical distribution, a survey was done in 51 counties. Forty ant samples were collected in each county in second semester of 1999. Ants identification and data interpretation were carried out in the Fitossanidade Department of "Eliseu Maciel" Agronomy Faculty of the Federal University of Pelotas. Ants from 2.058 samples were identified, being observed: Atta sexdens piriventris Santschi, 1919; Acromyrmex laticeps (Emery, 1905); Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909); Acromyrmex heyeri (Forel, 1899); Acromyrmex lundi (Guerin, 1838); Acromyrmex ambiguus (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863); Acromyrmex lobicornis (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) and Acromyrmex landolti balzani (Forel, 1884). The predominant species were Acromyrmex lundi, Atta sexdens piriventris, A. ambiguus, A. heyeri, A. striatus and A. laticeps, representing, respectively, 23.91%, 22.89%, 16.86%, 14.04%, 6.85% and 6.70% of total samples in this region, occurring in 84.31%, 60.78%, 70.59%, 84.31%, 78.43% and 88.24% of the counties, respectively. The others species (A. crassispinus, A. lobicornis, A. landolti balzani and A. coronatus) are less frequent, representing together 6.27% of total samples, being considered of rare occurrence in this region.

Com o objetivo de identificar as espécies de formigas cortadeiras que existem na região da Depressão Central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, de verificar sua predominância e distribuição geográfica, realizou-se um levantamento em 51 municípios. Foram coletadas 40 amostras de formigas de cada município no segundo semestre de 1999. A identificação das formigas e a interpretação dos dados foi realizada no Departamento de Fitossanidade da Faculdade de Agronomia "Eliseu Maciel" da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Na análise das 2.058 amostras de formigas, constatou-se a presença de: Atta sexdens piriventris Santschi, 1919; Acromyrmex laticeps (Emery, 1905); Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909); Acromyrmex heyeri (Forel, 1899); Acromyrmex lundi (Guerin, 1838); Acromyrmex ambiguus (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863); Acromyrmex lobicornis (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) e Acromyrmex landolti balzani Emery, 1890. As espécies predominantes foram Acromyrmex lundi, Atta sexdens piriventris, A. ambiguus, A. heyeri, A. striatus e A. laticeps, representando, respectivamente, 23,91%, 22,89%, 16,86%, 14,04%, 6,85% e 6,70% do total amostrado, ocorrendo em 84,31%, 60,78%, 70,59%, 84,31%, 78,43% e 88,24% dos municípios, respectivamente. As demais espécies (A. crassispinus, A. lobicornis, A. landolti balzani e A. coronatus) foram pouco freqüentes, representando juntas 6,27% do total, sendo por isso, consideradas de ocorrência rara nesta região.

Ocorrência de formigas cortadeiras na região da depressão central do estado do rio grande do sul

With the objective of to identifying the leaf-cutting ants that occur in the Depressão Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, to verify its predominance species and its geographical distribution, a survey was done in 51 counties. Forty ant samples were collected in each county in second semester of 1999. Ants identification and data interpretation were carried out in the Fitossanidade Department of "Eliseu Maciel" Agronomy Faculty of the Federal University of Pelotas. Ants from 2.058 samples were identified, being observed: Atta sexdens piriventris Santschi, 1919; Acromyrmex laticeps (Emery, 1905); Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909); Acromyrmex heyeri (Forel, 1899); Acromyrmex lundi (Guerin, 1838); Acromyrmex ambiguus (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863); Acromyrmex lobicornis (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) and Acromyrmex landolti balzani (Forel, 1884). The predominant species were Acromyrmex lundi, Atta sexdens piriventris, A. ambiguus, A. heyeri, A. striatus and A. laticeps, representing, respectively, 23.91%, 22.89%, 16.86%, 14.04%, 6.85% and 6.70% of total samples in this region, occurring in 84.31%, 60.78%, 70.59%, 84.31%, 78.43% and 88.24% of the counties, respectively. The others species (A. crassispinus, A. lobicornis, A. landolti balzani and A. coronatus) are less frequent, representing together 6.27% of total samples, being considered of rare occurrence in this region.

Com o objetivo de identificar as espécies de formigas cortadeiras que existem na região da Depressão Central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, de verificar sua predominância e distribuição geográfica, realizou-se um levantamento em 51 municípios. Foram coletadas 40 amostras de formigas de cada município no segundo semestre de 1999. A identificação das formigas e a interpretação dos dados foi realizada no Departamento de Fitossanidade da Faculdade de Agronomia "Eliseu Maciel" da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Na análise das 2.058 amostras de formigas, constatou-se a presença de: Atta sexdens piriventris Santschi, 1919; Acromyrmex laticeps (Emery, 1905); Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909); Acromyrmex heyeri (Forel, 1899); Acromyrmex lundi (Guerin, 1838); Acromyrmex ambiguus (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863); Acromyrmex lobicornis (Emery, 1887); Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) e Acromyrmex landolti balzani Emery, 1890. As espécies predominantes foram Acromyrmex lundi, Atta sexdens piriventris, A. ambiguus, A. heyeri, A. striatus e A. laticeps, representando, respectivamente, 23,91%, 22,89%, 16,86%, 14,04%, 6,85% e 6,70% do total amostrado, ocorrendo em 84,31%, 60,78%, 70,59%, 84,31%, 78,43% e 88,24% dos municípios, respectivamente. As demais espécies (A. crassispinus, A. lobicornis, A. landolti balzani e A. coronatus) foram pouco freqüentes, representando juntas 6,27% do total, sendo por isso, consideradas de ocorrência rara nesta região.

Estado atual da sistemática dos peixes de água doce da América do Sul

Summary The fish fauna of the fresh waters of South America is relatively poorly known compared with those of the remainder of the world. Current progress in the economic growth of many areas of South America, forcing alteration of the habitat by deforestation, agriculture, and industrialization, makes it imperative that in many areas the fishes be sampled soon, before they are lost. The descriptive phase of the study of the freshwater fish fauna in South America has proceeded in three historical periods. The first period occurred from 1750 to about 1866 during which a moderate share of the larger market fishes were described by European zoologists. The second period took place from 1866 to about 1930 and was a period of rapid description of small and large species by ichthyologists both in Europe and North America. The third period, from 1930 to the present, has been in part a period of further description in North America, Europe and South America. It has also been a period in which the complexity of the problems facing systematic ichthyology in South America have been more fully understood. Although no real estimate can be made, perhaps as much as 30 to 40% of the freshwater fish fauna of South America remains to be described and our current descriptive or inventory knowledge of this fauna is similar to our knowledge of the freshwater fish fauna of the United States and Canada about 100 years ago. There are currently 2,500 to 3,000 known species in South America and the ultimate figure could rise to 5,000 species. Study of the phylogenetic relationships and zoogeography of South American freshwater fishes is in its infancy. The unavailability of old ichthyological literature, comparative museum specimens, and the lack of faunal reports for most areas are all factors making it difficult and often impossible for ichthyologists and fisheries biologists to effectively pursue their professions in South America. These same factors inhibit studies of South American fishes in countries outside South America. Many species of fishes, especially those larger food fishes described before 1870, need study and redescription so that literature suitable for simple identification may be provided to the fisheries biologist and others concerned with economically important fishes. However, in addition to this, most groups of South American freshwater fishes ate in need of modern taxonomic revision before successful research on these fishes can be performed in other disciplines

Resumo A fauna sul-americana de peixes de água doce, comparada com a do resto do mundo, é pouco conhecida. Há necessidade de coletas imediatas em muitas regiões, antes que os peixes se tornem raros ou se extingam. A fase descritiva da fauna de peixes de água doce da América do Sul desenvolveu-se em três períodos históricos. De 1750 até aproximadamente 1866, boa parte dos grandes exemplares de interesse comercial foi descrita por zoólogos europeus. De 1866 a 1930, caracterizou-se por descrições de espécies de grande e pequeno porte, por ictiólogos tanto europeus como norte-americanos. De 1930 ao presente, foi, em parte, um período em que surgiram descrições adicionais na América do Norte, Europa e América do Sul. De 30 a 40% da fauna de peixes de água doce da América do Sul estão por ser descritos. Em termos de descrição e inventariação, o conhecimento desta fauna é comparável ao da fauna de peixes de água doce dos Estados Unidos e Canadá há cerca de 100 anos. Existem atualmente 2.500 a 3.000 espécies conhecidas de peixes de água doce na América do Sul e o número final pode chegar a 5.000. A não disponibilidade de bibliografia antiga sobre peixes, de exemplares de museu para comparações adequadas, e a falta de trabalhos faunísticos para a maior parte das áreas, são fatores que dificultam e até mesmo impossibilitam ictiólogos e biólogos de pesca no desempenho satisfatório de suas profissões na América do Sul. Muitas espécies descritas antes de 1870, precisam ser estudadas e redescritas. A maior parte dos grupos de peixes de água doce sul-americanos necessita revisões taxonómicas modernas.

Estado atual da sistemática dos peixes de água doce da América do Sul

Summary The fish fauna of the fresh waters of South America is relatively poorly known compared with those of the remainder of the world. Current progress in the economic growth of many areas of South America, forcing alteration of the habitat by deforestation, agriculture, and industrialization, makes it imperative that in many areas the fishes be sampled soon, before they are lost. The descriptive phase of the study of the freshwater fish fauna in South America has proceeded in three historical periods. The first period occurred from 1750 to about 1866 during which a moderate share of the larger market fishes were described by European zoologists. The second period took place from 1866 to about 1930 and was a period of rapid description of small and large species by ichthyologists both in Europe and North America. The third period, from 1930 to the present, has been in part a period of further description in North America, Europe and South America. It has also been a period in which the complexity of the problems facing systematic ichthyology in South America have been more fully understood. Although no real estimate can be made, perhaps as much as 30 to 40% of the freshwater fish fauna of South America remains to be described and our current descriptive or inventory knowledge of this fauna is similar to our knowledge of the freshwater fish fauna of the United States and Canada about 100 years ago. There are currently 2,500 to 3,000 known species in South America and the ultimate figure could rise to 5,000 species. Study of the phylogenetic relationships and zoogeography of South American freshwater fishes is in its infancy. The unavailability of old ichthyological literature, comparative museum specimens, and the lack of faunal reports for most areas are all factors making it difficult and often impossible for ichthyologists and fisheries biologists to effectively pursue their professions in South America. These same factors inhibit studies of South American fishes in countries outside South America. Many species of fishes, especially those larger food fishes described before 1870, need study and redescription so that literature suitable for simple identification may be provided to the fisheries biologist and others concerned with economically important fishes. However, in addition to this, most groups of South American freshwater fishes ate in need of modern taxonomic revision before successful research on these fishes can be performed in other disciplines

Resumo A fauna sul-americana de peixes de água doce, comparada com a do resto do mundo, é pouco conhecida. Há necessidade de coletas imediatas em muitas regiões, antes que os peixes se tornem raros ou se extingam. A fase descritiva da fauna de peixes de água doce da América do Sul desenvolveu-se em três períodos históricos. De 1750 até aproximadamente 1866, boa parte dos grandes exemplares de interesse comercial foi descrita por zoólogos europeus. De 1866 a 1930, caracterizou-se por descrições de espécies de grande e pequeno porte, por ictiólogos tanto europeus como norte-americanos. De 1930 ao presente, foi, em parte, um período em que surgiram descrições adicionais na América do Norte, Europa e América do Sul. De 30 a 40% da fauna de peixes de água doce da América do Sul estão por ser descritos. Em termos de descrição e inventariação, o conhecimento desta fauna é comparável ao da fauna de peixes de água doce dos Estados Unidos e Canadá há cerca de 100 anos. Existem atualmente 2.500 a 3.000 espécies conhecidas de peixes de água doce na América do Sul e o número final pode chegar a 5.000. A não disponibilidade de bibliografia antiga sobre peixes, de exemplares de museu para comparações adequadas, e a falta de trabalhos faunísticos para a maior parte das áreas, são fatores que dificultam e até mesmo impossibilitam ictiólogos e biólogos de pesca no desempenho satisfatório de suas profissões na América do Sul. Muitas espécies descritas antes de 1870, precisam ser estudadas e redescritas. A maior parte dos grupos de peixes de água doce sul-americanos necessita revisões taxonómicas modernas.

Bats of Barbados

The chiropteran fauna of Barbados includes representatives of four families Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae, Vespertilionidae, and Molossidae including 1 piscivore (Noctilio leporinus), 1 omnivore (Brachyphylla cavernarum), 1 pollenivore/nectarivore (Monophyllus plethodon), 1 frugivore (Artibeus jamaicensis), and 2 insectivorous species (Myotis nyctor and Molossus molossus). Despite an early report, we believe that preponderance of the evidence available at this time is that E. fuscus is not part of the fauna of Barbados. The Barbadian chiropteran fauna of 6 species is much smaller than those on the four neighboring Lesser Antillean islands to the west and north. We believe that this is primarily the result of two factorsgeological age and geographic isolation. Our work indicates that populations of the 6 species of bats on Barbados are in good condition in all cases, but only for Artibeus jamaicensis and Molossus molossus are the populations large enough to not be of ongoing concern. The maintenance of the chiropteran fauna can best be served by three management actions preservation of caves and associated gullies, forests, and hydrological systems.

Bats of the Grenadine Islands, West Indies, and placement of Koopmans line / Bats of the Grenadine Islands, West Indies, and placement of Koopmans line

Almost nothing is known concerning the chiropteran fauna on the Grenadine Islands, a chain of islands between St. Vincent and Grenada located near the southern end of the Lesser Antilles. Previously, only a single speciesGlossophaga longirostrishad been reported from the Grenadines. Our research, conducted on 4 occasions over the period of 1980 to 2006, provided museum vouchers and genetic specimens for the addition of 4 other species to the known fauna of these islandsNoctilio leporinus, Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus schwartzi, and Molossus molossus. The Grenadines, being situated between St. Vincent and Grenada, occupy an important zoogeographic position. None of the 12 species of bats occurring on Grenada are Antillean endemics, whereas on St. Vincent, to the north of the Grenadines, 3 of the 12 species are Antillean endemics. The boundary of the West Indian Subregion of the Neotropical Region based on the distribution of mammals has been designated as Koopmans Line. One of the areas where placement of Koopmans Line was unresolved was among the Grenadine Islands because the chiropteran fauna of this area was essentially unknown. Based on data reported herein, we place Koopmans Line along the 14-km wide Bequia Channel that separates St. Vincent and the northern-most Grenadine island of Bequia.

Almost nothing is known concerning the chiropteran fauna on the Grenadine Islands, a chain of islands between St. Vincent and Grenada located near the southern end of the Lesser Antilles. Previously, only a single speciesGlossophaga longirostrishad been reported from the Grenadines. Our research, conducted on 4 occasions over the period of 1980 to 2006, provided museum vouchers and genetic specimens for the addition of 4 other species to the known fauna of these islandsNoctilio leporinus, Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus schwartzi, and Molossus molossus. The Grenadines, being situated between St. Vincent and Grenada, occupy an important zoogeographic position. None of the 12 species of bats occurring on Grenada are Antillean endemics, whereas on St. Vincent, to the north of the Grenadines, 3 of the 12 species are Antillean endemics. The boundary of the West Indian Subregion of the Neotropical Region based on the distribution of mammals has been designated as Koopmans Line. One of the areas where placement of Koopmans Line was unresolved was among the Grenadine Islands because the chiropteran fauna of this area was essentially unknown. Based on data reported herein, we place Koopmans Line along the 14-km wide Bequia Channel that separates St. Vincent and the northern-most Grenadine island of Bequia.