Atlantic flower-invertebrate interactions: A data set of occurrence and frequency of floral visits.

Encounters between flowers and invertebrates are key events for the functioning of tropical forests. Assessing the structure of networks composed of the interactions between those partners leads to a better understanding of ecosystem functioning and the effects of environmental factors on ecological processes. Gathering such data is, however, costly and time-consuming, especially in the highly diverse tropics. We aimed to provide a comprehensive repository of available flower-invertebrate interaction information for the Atlantic Forest, a South American tropical forest domain. Data were obtained from published works and "gray literature," such as theses and dissertations, as well as self-reports by co-authors. The data set has ~18,000 interaction records forming 482 networks, each containing between one and 1061 interaction links. Each network was sampled for about 200 h or less, with few exceptions. A total of 641 plant genera within 136 different families and 39 orders were reported, with the most abundant and rich families being Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae. Invertebrates interacting with these plants were all arthropods from 10 orders, 129 families, and 581 genera, comprising 2419 morphotypes (including 988 named species). Hymenoptera was the most abundant and diverse order, with at least six times more records than the second-ranked order (Lepidoptera). The complete data set shows Hymenoptera interacting with all plant orders and also shows Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera to be important nodes. Among plants, Asterales and Fabales had the highest number of interactions. The best sampled environment was forest (~8000 records), followed by pastures and crops. Savanna, grasslands, and urban environments (among others) were also reported, indicating a wide range of approaches dedicated to collecting flower-invertebrate interaction data in the Atlantic Forest domain. Nevertheless, most reported data were from forest understory or lower strata, indicating a knowledge gap about flower-invertebrate interactions at the canopy. Also, access to remote regions remains a limitation, generating sampling bias across the geographical range of the Atlantic Forest. Future studies in these continuous and hard-to-access forested areas will yield important new information regarding the interactions between flowers and invertebrates in the Atlantic Forest. There are no copyright restrictions on the data set. Please cite this data paper if the data are used in publications and teaching events.

Revision of Brazilian species of Aleochara Gravenhorst of the subgenus Xenochara Mulsant & Rey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae).

Aleochara species occur in fly-infested habitats. The larvae feed on the pupae of cyclorraphous Diptera. In Brazil, four subgenera and approximately 30 species have been found. This study provides a taxonomic revision of the Brazilian species of the subgenus Xenochara. Eight species are recognized: A. (X.) puberula Klug, 1833, A. (X.) verberans Erichson, 1839, A. (X.) simulatrix Sharp, 1883, A. (X.) taeniata Erichson, 1839, A. (X.) capitinigra sp. nov., A. (X.) repetita Sharp, 1887, A. (X.) lapidicola (Sahlberg, 1844) and A. (X.) leivasorum sp. nov. One species is revalidated: A. (X.) lapicola, a former junior synonym of A. (X.) taeniata. Two synonyms are proposed: A. opacula Bernhauer, 1901 as a junior synonym of A. (X.) repetita, and A. festiva Pace, 1990 as a junior synonym of A. (X.) lapidicola. Finally, a species key and a checklist with all synonyms are provided for the Brazilian species of Aleochara (Xenochara).

An update on Termitomorpha Wasman (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) including a new species, species redescriptions and geographic extension.

The diversity of Staphylinidae found in termite nests is remarkable. The subfamily Aleocharinae alone contains more than 650 termitophilous species, with termitophilous tribes such as the Corotocini, which includes the genus Termitomorpha Wasman. Here, a new Termitomorpha species from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon is described. Both Termitomorpha fissipennis (Casey) and T. manni (Seevers) are recorded for the first time in Brazil for the states of Pará and Paraíba. The Termitomorpha species identification key is updated. A distribution map for the species is also provided.

Revision of Pseudastenus Bernhauer, synonym with Xenasterides Newton and six new species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae).

The genus Xenasterides Newton, 2017 is considered here as a junior synonym of Pseudastenus Bernhauer, 1933, both monotypic and Neotropical genera of Paederinae (Staphylinidae). A thorough description of the genus is provided. The species Pseudastenus barretoi Bernhauer, 1933 and P. plaumanni (Bierig, 1939) are redescribed and illustrated, six new species are described, and a dichotomous key is available for species. These new species are: P. amazonicus, P. ferrugineus, P. latus, P. oculatus, P, ribeirocostae, and P. schubarti.

Bledius hyalinus sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae), of the forcipatus group, first recorded from coastal Brazil.

A new species group, forcipatus of Bledius, is reported from Coastal Brazil, extending its geographical range and increasing to seven the number of species. A new species, Bledius hyalinus Bortoluzzi Caron is described, and the key to identification of Brazilian coastal Bledius is updated.

Revision of Brazilian species of Aleochara Gravenhorst of the subgenus Aleochara (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae).

Adults and larvae of Aleochara are found in fly-infested habitats, where the larvae are ectoparasitoids of fly pupae. There are three subgenera recorded in Brazil. This study provides a taxonomic revision of Brazilian species of the subgenus Aleochara. As a result, we recognize seven species in Brazil, A. bonariensis Lynch, A. bugnioni Fauvel, A. lustrica Say, A. chrysorrhoa Erichson and three species described by Sharp: A. auricoma, A. mundana and A. prisca. Redescriptions and illustrations of the male and female genitalia are provided for all species. Nomenclatural changes: A. bugnioni is considered a new junior synonym of A. lateralis Erichson, and A. pseudochrysorrhoa Caron, Mise Klimaszewski is a new junior synonymy of A. bonariensis. In addition, the type of A. verecunda Sharp, was not studied and the name is considered as species inquirenda, while A. curtula (Goeze) is not confirmed in Brazil and its Neotropical records is discussed. Finally, a key to species is provided and an updated checklist of the Brazilian species of Aleochara (Aleochara), including synonyms, is compiled.

Two new species of obligatory termitophilous rove beetles from Brazil (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Termitomorpha Wasmann).

In recent surveys carried out in Brazil, we detected two new species of Termitomorpha Wasmann, a genus of Termitogastrina (Aleocharinae, Corotocini). This genus is easily recognizable in the subtribe by the evenly convex and smooth pronotum. The new species are: Termitomorpha sinuosa Caron, Bortoluzzi Rosa sp. nov., and Termitomorpha alata Caron Bortoluzzi, sp. nov. Both species are here described and illustrated, including scanning electron photographs. Their host termites were identified as species of Nasutitermes. The key to species of Termitomorpha is updated based on recent literature.

Revision and phylogeny of Hypotelus Erichson: a Neotropical genus of minute rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Piestinae).

The rove beetle genus Hypotelus Erichson, 1839 is one of seven extant genera of a subfamily with a historically misinterpreted concept, status and phylogenetic position. The genus comprises minute species that have been found under the bark of trees or in leaf litter mainly in Neotropical forests. The major aim of this study was to test the monophyly of this genus based on adult morphology and to review its species. Cladistic analyses were performed and Hypotelus is a monophyletic genus supported by 8 synapomorphies and includes five new species: H. brevitarsus sp. nov., H. castaneus sp. nov., H. corniculatus sp. nov., H. melanodelta sp. nov. and H. scheerpeltzi sp. nov. Additionally, all species are described/redescribed and illustrated, most of them for the first time. An identification key, geographical records and natural history data for each species are also provided.

New species and synonymies in Xenopygus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini).

Two species are described as new in Xenopygus, X. davidi sp. n. and X. pycnos sp. n. Dysanellus (Leptodiastemus) excellens Bernhauer is transferred to Xenopygus as X. excellens comb. n. and the subgenus Leptodiastemus syn.n. is placed in synonymy with Xenopygus. Xenopygus sancticamillus Caron and Castro syn. n. is shown to be a junior synonym of X. excellens. Gastrisus punctatus Sharp is transferred to Xenopygus as X. punctatus comb. n. Gastrisus cribrum Fauvel syn. n. and X. petilicolis Caron and Castro syn. n. are shown to be junior synonyms of X. punctatus. Two informal species groups are proposed to accommodate the existing species in Xenopygus and an updated key is provided for the identification of the species.

Two new species of Microlia Casey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) with comments on obligatory pollen-feeders and the first record from South America.

Microlia Casey, 1910 is a small genus that currently includes twelve species distributed in Australasian and New World regions. Here, two new species of Microlia-M. amici sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZUP: Brazil, Paraná State) and M. machadoi sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZUP: Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul State)-are described and illustrated. M. amici sp. nov. differs from M. meticola by abdominal segments darker, mesotarsus with 5 segments, tergum VII of male without tubercles, and tergum VIII of male emarginated in posterior margin. While, M. machadoi sp. nov. differs from M. pentamera and M. tetramera by curved spine-like in the posterior margin of tergum III. Additional comments on their pollen-feeders habits that are available from morphological and natural history data, and the distribution of the genus is extended in the New World, now including the first time record for South America.

Update on the Brazilian coastal species of Bledius Leach (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) with the description of two new species.

Based on the paratype of Bledius caribbeanus, its distribution is corrected, not occurring in Brazil, and its morphology is compared to B. hermani; two new Bledius species from the coast of Brazil are described; B. externus is redescribed and here for the first time recorded in Brazil and the key to identification of Brazilian coastal Bledius is updated.

Phylogeny and revision of a colorful Neotropical genus of rove beetles: Xenopygus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).

Xenopygus Bernhauer is one of the most colorful staphylinid beetles and widespread in the Neotropical region. The aim of this study was to test the monophyly of Xenopygus based on adult morphology and to review the current species. Cladistic analysis was performed with six ingroup species, including two new species. Xenopygus is a monophyletic group supported by: antennomere V as wide as long to slightly wider, antennomere VII two times wider than long and superior line of pronotal hypomere developed, continuous on the anterior angle of pronotum. Xenopygus is composed of six species, four previously described and two new species, with the following topology: ((X. analis+(X. bicolor+X. confusus))+(X. cordovensis+(X. sancticamillus, sp. nov.+ X. petilicolis, sp. nov.))). Xenopygus is the sister group to a clade formed by species of Dysanellus and Xanthopygus, corroborating previous phylogenetic studies. The genus, and all its species were redescribed, an identification key was produced and illustration diagnostic plates and distribution maps were also provided.

Rove beetles of medical importance in Brazil (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)

Rove beetles of medical importance in Brazil (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae). The rove beetles of the genus Paederus Fabricius, 1775 are the most important group within Coleoptera causing dermatitis around the world. The medical importance of Paederus depends on its toxic hemolymph released when these beetles are crushed on human skin. The effects are mainly dermatitis linearis and some sporadic cases of conjunctivitis. In Brazil seven species of Paederus are known to cause dermatitis: P. amazonicus Sharp, 1876, P. brasiliensis Erichson, 1840, P. columbinus Laporte, 1835, P. ferus Erichson, 1840, P. mutans Sharp, 1876, P. protensus Sharp, 1876 stat. rev., and Paederus rutilicornis Erichson, 1840. Paederus mutans and P. protensus are for the first time recorded as of medical importance, whereas the record of P. rutilicornis in Brazil is doubtful. All seven species are redescribed and a dichotomous key is provided. The geographic distributions of all species are documented. The results provided here include the most recent and relevant taxonomic revision of Paederus of the Neotropical region, the first identification key for Brazilian species and the increase of recorded species of medical importance in the world.

The unique Brazilian species of Polylobus Solier (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) with a checklist of all species of the genus.

Polylobus stigma (Erichson, 1839) is the only known species of the genus from Brazil. Here, this species is redescribed based on the type material, including illustrations of diagnostic characters. The species remains in Polylobus, but pending further revision of the genus and related genera as Tricolpochila Bernhauer, 1908 and Polylobinus Bernhauer, 1908. A commented checklist of all species in Polylobus is also provided.

Evaluating leaf litter beetle data sampled by Winkler extraction from Atlantic forest sites in southern Brazil

Evaluating leaf litter beetle data sampled by Winkler extraction from Atlantic forest sites in southern Brazil. To evaluate the reliability of data obtained by Winkler extraction in Atlantic forest sites in southern Brazil, we studied litter beetle assemblages in secondary forests (5 to 55 years after abandonment) and old-growth forests at two seasonally different points in time. For all regeneration stages, species density and abundance were lower in April compared to August; but, assemblage composition of the corresponding forest stages was similar in both months. We suggest that sampling of small litter inhabiting beetles at different points in time using the Winkler technique reveals identical ecological patterns, which are more likely to be influenced by sample incompleteness than by differences in their assemblage composition. A strong relationship between litter quantity and beetle occurrences indicates the importance of this variable for the temporal species density pattern. Additionally, the sampled beetle material was compared with beetle data obtained with pitfall traps in one old-growth forest. Over 60 percent of the focal species captured with pitfall traps were also sampled by Winkler extraction in different forest stages. Few beetles with a body size too large to be sampled by Winkler extraction were only sampled with pitfall traps. This indicates that the local litter beetle fauna is dominated by small species. Hence, being aware of the exclusion of large beetles and beetle species occurring during the wet season, the Winkler method reveals a reliable picture of the local leaf litter beetle community.

Avaliação dos besouros da liteira amostrados por extração Winkler na Floresta Atlântica do Sul do Brasil. Para avaliar a confiabilidade dos dados obtidos pela extração Winkler em coletas na Floresta Atlântica do Sul do Brasil, nós estudamos as assembléias de besouros da liteira em florestas secundárias (5 a 55 anos após abandono) e no estágio avançado em dois pontos no tempo sazonalmente diferentes. Para todos os estágios de renegeração, a densidade e abundância das espécies foram menores em abril comparado a agosto; porém, a composição das assembléias dos estágios florestais correspondentes foi similar em ambos os meses. Nós sugerimos que amostragens de pequenos besouros habitantes de liteira em diferentes pontos no tempo usando o método Winkler revelam padrões ecológicos idênticos. Um forte relacionamento entre a quantidade da liteira e a ocorrência de besouros indica a importância dessa variável no padrão temporal de densidade das espécies. Adicionalmente, o material amostrado foi comparado com dados de besouros obtidos utilizando armadilhas do tipo pitfall em um estágio avançado de regeneração. Cerca de 60 por cento das espécies de interesse capturadas em pitfall foram também amostradas pela extração Winkler. Poucos besouros com tamanho corporal grande para ser amostrado pela extração Winkler foram capturados com a armadilha pitfall. Isso indica que a fauna local de besouros da liteira é dominada por espécies pequenas. Portanto, sabendo da exclusão das espécies grandes e das espécies que ocorrem durante a estação chuvosa, o método Winkler revela um cenário confiável da comunidade local de besouros da literia.

First record of the genus Myllaena Erichson from Brazil, description of a new species and annotated catalog of Myllaena species from the Neotropical region (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) / Primeiro registro do gênero Myllaena Erichson no Brasil, descrição de uma nova espécie e catálogo comentado das espécies de Myllaena da região Neotropical (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae)

The genus Myllaena Erichson, 1837, of the tribe Myllaenini Ganglbauer, 1895, is recorded from Brazil for the first time. A new species, Myllaena brasiliensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated; it is closely related to the insomnis species group, described from the Nearctic region. A short diagnosis of the genus and an annotated catalog of Myllaena species from the Neotropical region are also provided.

O gênero Myllaena Erichson, 1837, da tribo Myllaenini Ganglbauer, 1895, é registrado pela primeira vez no Brasil. Uma nova espécie, Myllaena brasiliensis sp. nov., é descrita e ilustrada; esta espécie é proximamente relacionada ao grupo de espécies insomnis, descritas da região Neártica. Uma breve diagnose do gênero e um catálogo comentado das espécies de Myllaena da região Neotropical são também fornecidos.

Bledius Leach from southern Brazil (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Oxytelinae)

Three species of Bledius Leach, 1819 are recognized from southern Brazil. A new species is described, B. hermani n. sp., from Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul States and B. fernandezi Bernhauer, 1939 is redescribed. The geographical distribution of B. bonariensis Bernhauer, 1912 and B. fernandezi are extended. A key to identification of Bledius from southern Brazil is also provided.

Três espécies de Bledius Leach, 1819 são reconhecidas do sul do Brasil. Uma nova espécie é descrita, B. hermani sp. nov., proveniente dos estados do Paraná e Rio Grande do Sul e B. fernandezi Bernhauer, 1939 é redescrita. A distribuição geográfica de B. bonariensis Bernhauer, 1912 e B. fernandezi são estendidas. Uma chave para identificação de Bledius do sul do Brasil também é apresentada.