Phylomitogenomics of two Neotropical species of long-legged crickets Endecous Saussure, 1878 (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae).

Mitochondrial genomes have provided significant insights into the evolution of several insects. A typical mitogenome contains 37 genes, and variations in gene order can indicate evolutionary relationships between species. In this study, we have assembled the first complete mitogenomes of Endecous chape and E. onthophagus and analyzed the phylogenetic implications for the Gryllidea infraorder. We performed DNA extractions and genome sequencing for both Endecous species. Subsequently, we searched for raw data in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) in NCBI. Using the SRA data, we assembled the partial mitogenome of Dianemobius nigrofasciatus and annotated the protein-coding genes (PCGs) for nine species. Phylogenomic relationships were reconstructed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI), utilizing the PCGs from 49 Gryllidea species. The mitogenome lengths of E. chape and E. onthophagus are 16,266 bp and 16,023 bp, respectively, while D. nigrofasciatus has a length of 15,359 bp. Our results indicate that species within the infraorder exhibit four types of gene order arrangements that align with their phylogenetic relationships. Both phylogenomic trees displayed strong support, and the ML corroborated with the literature. Gryllidea species have significantly contributed to various fields, and studying their mitogenomes can provide valuable insights into this infraorder evolution.

Comparative cytogenetics in Tyrannidae (Aves, Passeriformes): High genetic diversity despite conserved karyotype organization.

Introduction Passeriformes has the greatest species diversity among Neoaves, and the Tyrannidae is the richest in this order with about 600 valid species. The diploid number of this family remains constant, ranging from 2n = 76 to 84, but the chromosomal morphology varies, indicating the occurrence of different chromosomal rearrangements. Cytogenetic studies of the Tyrannidae remain limited, with approximately 20 species having been karyotyped thus far. This study aimed to describe the karyotypes of two species from this family, Myiopagis viridicata and Sirystes sibilator. Methods Skin biopsies were taken from each individual to establish fibroblast cell cultures and to obtain chromosomal preparations using the standard methodology. The chromosomal distribution of constitutive heterochromatin was investigated by C-banding, while the location of simple repetitive sequences (SSRs), 18S rDNA, and telomeric sequences were found through fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results The karyotypes of both species are composed of 2n = 80. The 18S rDNA probes hybridized into two pairs of microchromosomes in M. viridicata, but only a single pair in S. sibilator. Only the telomeric portions of each chromosome in both species were hybridized by the telomere sequence probes. Most of the SSRs were found accumulated in the centromeric and telomeric regions of several macro- and microchromosomes in both species, which likely correspond to the heterochromatin-rich regions. Conclusion Although both species analyzed showed a conserved karyotype organization (2n = 80), our study revealed significant differences in their chromosomal architecture, rDNA distribution, and SSR accumulation. These findings were discussed in the context of the evolution of Tyrannidae karyotypes.

Understanding the chromosomal evolution in cuckoos (Aves, Cuculiformes): a journey through unusual rearrangements.

The Cuculiformes are a family of over 150 species that live in a range of habitats, such as forests, savannas, and deserts. Here, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) probes (75 from chicken and 14 from zebra finch macrochromosomes 1-10 +ZW and for microchromosomes 11-28 (except 16)) were used to investigate chromosome homologies between chicken and the squirrel cuckoo (Piaya cayana). In addition, repetitive DNA probes were applied to characterize the chromosome organization and to explore the role of these sequences in the karyotype evolution of P. cayana. We also applied BAC probes for chicken chromosome 17 and Z to the guira cuckoo (Guira guira) to test whether this species has an unusual Robertsonian translocation between a microchromosome and the Z chromosome, recently described in the smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani). Our results revealed extensive chromosome reorganization with inter- and intrachromosomal rearrangements in P. cayana, including a conspicuous chromosome size and heterochromatin polymorphism on chromosome pair 20. Furthermore, we confirmed that the Z-autosome Robertsonian translocation found in C. ani is also found in G. guira, not P. cayana. These findings suggest that this translocation occurred prior to the divergence between C. ani and G. guira, but after the divergence with P. cayana.

Using the Integrative Approach to Update a Gap of One Century: Redescription and New Distribution Records of the South American Tarantulas Grammostola pulchra (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae).

Taxonomic researchers have used multiple sources of evidence to support species hypotheses and delimitations. Grammostola Simon (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) comprises 20 valid species endemic to South America, six occurring in Brazil. The classical morphological approach based mainly on genitalia may be misleading in recognizing species in this genus. Thus, we used morphology, geographical distribution, genetic distance, and phylogeny to support the redescription of Grammostola pulchra from southern Brazil, a species described a century ago. We also diagnosed and illustrated the species. Males have a developed apical keel at the apex of the embolus; for the first time, this type of structure has been reported in a species of Grammostola. The molecular analyses using the partial sequence of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I showed 7% of genetic distance (p-distance) between G. pulchra and Grammostola anthracina. Distance and tree-based methods (ASAP and bPTP, respectively) assigned G. pulchra as a valid species. The gene-tree under Bayesian and Maximum-Likelihood recovered a similar topology, placing G. pulchra as closely related to Grammostola burzaquensis and G. anthracina. Morphological characters which could be important in the taxonomy of the genus are further discussed.

Sperberacris, a new Neotropical genus of Gomphocerinae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Acrididae) from State of Alagoas, Brazil with chromosome complement.

Sperberacris, a new Neotropical genus of Amblytropidiini. Sperberacris muriciensis n. sp. (type species) from the municipality of Murici, State of Alagoas, Brazil is described. The new genus differs from other tribe congenera by the epiproct suboval, furculae divided into four long sclerotized lobes, cerci curved inward, apex truncated and sclerotized at the tip and convex bridge of the epiphallus with two large black sclerotized spots. The new species presents a diploid number of 2n = 23, X0♂/24, XX♀, and the karyotype is made up of telo/acrocentric chromosomes, with one dot-like B chromosome occurring in some nuclei. Morphological descriptions are provided along with illustrations emphasizing the most significant diagnostic features of external morphology and male genitalia. Information on type specimens, material examined, and distribution provided.

Amblytropidia paranaensis n. sp., a new species of grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae) from Paran State, Brazil, including new records, a distribution map and a key to the Brazilians species.

A new species of Amblytropidia Stl, 1873 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Gomphocerinae), named Amblytropidia paranaensis n. sp., is delineated from the Trs Barras do Paran municipality, Paran State, Brazil. Detailed morphological delineations, accompanied by illustrations highlighting key diagnostic traits of both male and female external genitalia, are provided. Amblytropidia paranaensis n. sp. is distinguished from its congeners by distinctive body coloration, particularly evident in the head and thorax regions, as well as larger-sized anchorae compared to anterior projections, and uniquely trilobated and sclerotized lophi. Moreover, this study offers insights into the species habitat preferences, documented occurrences, a distribution map, and an updated taxonomy key specific to Brazilian Amblytropidia species.

Mating behavior of the long-legged cricket Eidmanacris meridionalis Desutter-Grandcolas, 1995 (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae)

ABSTRACT Pair-formation, courtship, copulatory, and post-copulatory behaviors of Eidmanacris meridionalis Desutter-Grandcolas, 1995, were described under laboratory conditions and compared with congeneric species and other Phalangopsidae crickets whose mating behavior has been previously studied. Field observations for the species are also reported. Mating behaviors were observed in E. meridionalis couples: they first remained motionless, and then began walking through the arena screening the substrate. Mating behavior started with antennal contact, followed by males positioning themselves in front of females, that, when receptive, mounted on the males back and started feeding on metanotum secretions of the males. Copulation (female-above-male position) started with the engaging of copulatory structures and stopped with couple detachment. The end-to-end position was observed once, right after couple detachment. Males always remained with the spermatophore, which was eaten after removal or, alternatively, left in the substrate. The main differences in mating behavior of Eidmanacris species regard the mating position and the duration of the reproductive stages, suggesting that other reproductive repertoires can be observed in the genus since 27 species have not yet been studied in regards their reproductive behavior. We can also assume that the morphological, genetic, and chemical diversity found among the species of Phalangopsidae reflects in the behaviors of pair-formation, courtship, copulation, and post-copulation, leading to a diversity of copulation positions, duration of the stages, methods of attracting partners and parental investment. The description of Phalangopsidae mating patterns can provide important information for future evolutionary and phylogenetic studies, apart from useful for distinguishing cryptic species.

Male genitalia morphology and dichotomous key of the Neotropical genera of Abracrini (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Ommatolampidinae) grasshoppers.

The comparative analysis of the internal and external male genitalia of the Abracrini grasshoppers was conducted, including representatives of the type species of the genera, specimens compared with the same or more representative specimens of the genus, and bibliography data. We include schematic illustrations that point to the morphological differences between the genitalia, based on subgenital plate, furculae, epiproct, cerci, ectophallic sheath, aedeagal valves, expansion of gonopore and epiphallus. A dichotomous key to the 21 Abracrini genera was presented.

New species of tree cricket Oecanthus Serville, 1831 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) from Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest, with bioacoustics.

Tree Crickets, Oecanthus Serville, 1831 have a worldwide distribution, and are known as Tree Crickets because they are common in the treetops, even though many species occur in different strata of forest, and also in open fields. In this work we describe a new species of Oecanthus from Southern Brazil, based on the most significant diagnostic structures in the ocanthine taxonomy, such as the phallic sclerites and metanotal gland morphology, as well as calling song. The new species herein described has a distinct faint red spot between the eyes, a metanotal gland with a triangular posterior median lobe with the apex curved up and forward, the median lophi of pseudepiphallus slightly elongate with an U-shaped invagination, and the ectophallic distal arc prolongation with the posterior apex U-bifurcated. The calling song stands out among the local stridulating crickets for alternate a regular and an irregular train of chirps. Illustrations of the external morphology, information about type specimens, material examined, measurements, and spectrogram of the calling and courtship songs is provided.

Study of four Neotropical species of tree crickets Oecanthus Serville, 1831 (Orthoptera, Gryllidae) using cytogenetic and molecular markers.

Karyotypes in the worldwide subfamily Oecanthinae show variations in diploid number, chromosome morphology, and sex-chromosome system. This study described the chromosome set and phylogenetic relationships of four Neotropical species, Oecanthus lineolatus, O. valensis, O. pallidus, and O. pictus. We used classical cytogenetics and Bayesian Inference for phylogenetic reconstruction, using the mitochondrial genes COI, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA; and analyzed the phylogenetic patterns of changes in chromosome numbers, using ChromEvol. We observed differences in chromosome number among species and two different sex-chromosome systems. Oecanthus pictus showed 2n = 21, X0♂/22, XX♀; O. lineolatus, 2n = 20, XY♂/XX♀; and O. valensis and O. pallidus, 2n = 18, XY♂/XX♀. The karyotype of Oecanthus was asymmetric, one group with large chromosomes and variation in heterochromatin distribution, and another with small acrocentric chromosomes. The phylogenetic tree recovered two main groups: one with the Palearctic species and another with species from different bioregions, but with low posterior probability. The Neotropical species grouped separately, O. valensis and O. pictus with Nearctic and Ethiopian species, and O. pallidus and O. lineolatus in another, well-supported clade. Together, the phylogenic and chromosome data suggest descending dysploidy events during the evolution of the group.

Singing crickets from Brazil (Orthoptera: Gryllidea), an illustrated checklist with access to the sounds produced.

The knowledge of bioacoustics of the Neotropical crickets (Orthoptera, Gryllidea) is incipient, despite the great species diversity in the region. There are few cricket song-files deposited in the major World Sound Libraries, compared to other groups such as birds and amphibians. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the bioacoustics of Brazilian crickets, we organize, analyze and make available at Fonoteca Neotropical Jacques Vielliard (FNJV) and Orthoptera Species File (OSF) our bank of cricket songs. We deposited 876 cricket's song files in the FNJV, belonging to 31 species and 47 sonotypes. The songs were field/lab recorded, and all individuals were collected to improve species/sonotypes taxonomic determination accuracy. We present photos (in vivo) of most recorded crickets, as well as calling song spectrograms to facilitate the species/sonotype recognition. Samples of the songs can be found online on the FNJV website, using the codes available in this work, as well as on the OSF, linked to the species name. As a result, we advance the knowledge of the songs of crickets and the current perspective of the Brazilian cricket bioacoustics. We encourage researchers to share with the public their collections of their cricket file songs both in the FNJV and the OSF.

Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae) from southern Brazil, including chromosome complement.

New species of Pseudoscopas (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae). Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. from São Francisco de Paula, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is described, and a key to the species of Pseudoscopas Hebard, 1931 is added. Morphological descriptions are provided together with illustrations emphasizing the most significant diagnostic features of external morphology and male genitalia. Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. differs from the other species known by epiproct with six protuberances in the median region, and extremities of the apical region of the epiproct sclerotized, as well as the lophi with sclerotization. Chromosome analyses were performed using standard staining procedures, showing diploid number of 2n = 23, X0♂/24, XX♀, and the karyotype made up of exclusively acrocentric chromosomes, including a medium-size megameric chromosome. Information is given about type specimens, material examined and geographic distribution.

Trends of karyotype evolution in the Neotropical long-legged crickets Phalangopsidae (Orthoptera, Grylloidea).

Phalangopsids are a diverse group of crickets found in all tropical and subtropical regions, and includes 1044 valid species. Up to now, only 22 species were studied cytologically, with the chromosome number ranging from 2n = 11 to 2n = 21. In this paper we studied the chromosomes of 12 phalangopsid species from different Brazilian biomes (eight of them reported for the first time), and we traced some trends on chromosomal derivation in this group, based on chromosome morphology and fundamental number. We found that in the phalangopsid species the karyotype concentrates a large amount of metacentric chromosomes, the result of successive centric fusions over evolutionary time. Moreover, pericentric inversions and translocations have been also important in the chromosomal derivation of these crickets.

Neopedies taimensis n. sp. of Brazilian Dichroplini (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Melanoplinae) from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Neopedies taimensis n. sp. is described as a new species of grasshopper from the genus Neopedies Hebard, 1931 collected in Taim Ecological Station, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This description is supported with photographs that detail the male and female external and internal morphological characteristics. The new species differs from the other species known by furculae developed and sclerotized, epiproct with two protuberances, cerci quadrangular indented and sclerotized, ancorae developed and lophi with posterior projections divergent. In addition, we present habitat notes, geographic distribution, key to the species of genus and chromosome complement. Chromosome analyses were performed using standard staining procedures, showing diploid number of 2n = 23, X0/24, XX and the karyotype made up of exclusively acrocentric chromosomes.

New troglobitic and troglophilic syntopic species of Endecous (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae) from a Brazilian cave: a case of sympatric speciation?

Crickets of the genus Endecous (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) are frequently found in caves, in some cases presenting strictly subterranean lifestyle. In addition to the morphological diagnostic characters of the group, bioacoustic and karyotype, also help on delimiting species. Here, we describe two new sympatric species of this genus, which occur in the largest cave of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, using the morphology of phallic complex, the courtship song and karyotype. Moreover, we discuss the criteria used, the troglomorphisms for this genus, as well as hypothesis on the speciation process involving these species.

Influence of wing bands and behavior of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) by the presence of Megafreya sutrix (Araneae: Salticidae).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of wing bands and the behavior of Anastrepha fraterculus in the presence of Megafreya sutrix. The first experiment used specimens of M. sutrix (n = 40), 20 males and 20 females of A. fraterculus and Musca domestica. The second experiment used 20 individuals of M. sutrix (10 males and 10 females) and 120 of A. fraterculus (20 males and 20 females) for each treatment. Marks were made on the wings of the flies: a group with painted wing bands (n = 40) with their wings fully painted; another with highlighted wing bands (n = 40) and normal bands (n = 40). Recordings were made for 15 min or until the fly was preyed upon. The analyses were performed through observation of the recordings and Chi-square test with Yates correction for continuity. The values found for predation of A. fraterculus were significant when compared to M. domestica when evaluating the predation factor, showing that, A. fraterculus is less predated than M. domestica. It was found that the wing patterns did not influence the predatory behavior of M. sutrix.

Mating behavior and acoustic communication of the long-legged cricket Endecous (Notendecous) onthophagus (Berg, 1891) from Southern Brazil (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae).

The courtship, copulation and post-copulatory behavior, as well as acoustic communication of the Neotropical cricket Endecous (Notendecous) onthophagus is described under laboratory conditions and compared with other phalangopsids whose mating system was studied so far. We found that E. onthophagus present predictable mating sequences including seven events: (1) prolonged courtship; (2) male spermatophore extrusion during courtship; (3) female-above copulatory position; (4) prolonged copulation; (5) male forewings flipped over his head, exposing metanotal region along copulation; (6) copulation without spermatophore transfer; and (7) absence of guarding behavior. We suggest these events (1 to 7) as a behavioral line shared by phalangopsids, and we highlight variations that reflect the behavioral diversity of these crickets. The males of E. onthophagus produce the calling song (chirps) to attract females to mate, and also stridulates intermittently during the entire courtship period with distinct acoustic parameters during the stages of pre- and post-spermatophore extrusion.

The complex communication signals in the mating behavior of the tropical cricket Cranistus colliurides Stål, 1861 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea; Trigonidiidae: Phylloscyrtini).

Cricket mating behavior reflects different strategies developed by sexual selection throughout evolutionary time. To our knowledge, only one species of the Neotropical cricket Trigonidiinae had its mating behavior studied so far. Here we expand this knowledge by describing the mating behavior of Cranistus colliurides Stål, 1861, a cricket commonly found in bushes and grasses along open fields or the forest edge. Adult crickets were collected in the municipality of Capão do Leão, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Trials were carried out in laboratory to characterize the mating sequence. We quantified elapsed time of each behavioral sequence and discussed its implications in the observed mating behavior. The males of C. colliurides attracted females by means of a continuous trill, and receptive female triggers the beginning of the courtship through antennation. During courtship, copulation and post-copulatory actions, males showed a complex communication system based on information send to female by substrate vibration and an elaborated repertoire composed by calling, courtship and post-copulatory song. The mating behavior here described reveals divergence between related species hitherto studied which give us clues to understand how the sexual selection shaped the complex behaviors exhibited by Trigonidiinae crickets presently.

New species of grasshopper genus Aptoceras Bruner, 1908 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Ommatolampidinae, Ommtolampidiini) from Iguaçu National Park (Southern Brazil), including a taxonomic key and distribution data.

A new species of the Neotropical grasshopper genus Aptoceras Bruner, 1908 is described from individuals collected in the Iguaçu National Park, Paraná State, Brazil. Aptoceras iguassuensis n. sp. inhabits in shrubs in the Atlantic Forest. The species belongs to the genus group Nicarchae Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893. Descriptions, photographs, and illustrations of the male and female, as well as photographs of the male phallic sclerites are presented. An identification key for the five species of Aptoceras from Brazil and a distribution map are also given.

Two new species of crickets Adelosgryllus Mesa Zefa, 2004 (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae) from the Araripe-Apodi National Forest, State of Ceará, Brazil.

In this paper we describe two new sympatric species of phalangopsid crickets Adelosgryllus from the Araripe-Apodi National Forest, State of Ceará, Brazil, highlighting morphological characters, mainly from male genitalia, tegmina and copulatory papilla. We also present a geographical map for the valid species of the genus, as well as photographs of holotypes and paratypes. The type-material is deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP).