Intraspecific Morphological Variation in the Dragonfly Erythrodiplax Media (Odonata: Libellulidae) Among South American Grassland Physiognomies.

We assessed the intraspecific morphological variation in Erythrodiplax media Borror 1942 (Odonata, Libellulidae) among grassland physiognomies ("Coastal," "Highland," and "Steppic") in the South Brazilian Campos. We measured six morphological traits (total body length, thorax height, length, and width of the fore- and hindwings) from 90 specimens (60 males and 45 females). We tested the effect of the grassland type on the set of traits using one-way MANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA) (separately for each sex). Grassland physiognomy affected the morphology of males and females. In both sexes, the PCA mostly opposed the specimens of the Coastal from the Highland and Steppic grasslands. The first PCA axis separated specimens according to body lengths, thorax heights, and wing width, while the second PCA axis opposed specimens according to wing length and thorax height from specimens with broader wings and longer body lengths. Males from the Coastal had longer body lengths and shorter thorax heights than Highland and Steppic grasslands, while males from the Steppic had longer fore- and hindwings than specimens from the Coastal and Highland grasslands. Females from the Coastal had significantly shorter forewings than specimens from the Steppic grasslands and shorter hindwings than Highland grasslands. Our results are likely explained by the differences in climate and habitat complexity among grassland types and indicate that the processes driving odonate performance vary among grassland biotopes. This study potentially indicates that dragonflies are sensitive to changes in the vegetation structure in South American subtropical grasslands.

Effects of urbanization on the fauna of Odonata on the coast of southern Brazil / Efeitos da urbanização sobre a fauna de Odonata no litoral sul do Brasil

Abstract: Urbanization significantly increases the rates of environmental disturbance, being one of the main causes of habitat loss and biodiversity. The growing trend of converting the natural landscape into areas for real estate speculation in the coastal region of the southernmost part of Brazil is a current concern, as the region is home to unique ecosystems, such as dunes, wetlands and large brackish lagoons. As they are organisms sensitive to environmental changes, variations in the structure of Odonata communities are used as indicators of habitat quality reflecting the human impact on the environment. Here we assessed how the Odonata community is affected by the growing urbanization around natural ponds on the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, testing the hypothesis that the increase in the percentage of urbanization negatively influences the Odonata community, following the same pattern found for other groups of invertebrates. The collections took place in 28 coastal ponds, which were classified as urbanized and non-urbanized based on the surrounding ground cover. Anisoptera's richness, abundance and composition were influenced by urbanization, but the same was not found for Zygoptera. The analysis of indicator species specifies three species associated with non-urbanized areas: Erythrodiplax sp.1, Erythemis credula and Telebasis corallina. Our study highlights the importance of Odonata as organisms that indicate environmental integrity and reinforces the need for urban planning strategies that favor the conservation and maintenance of the environments affected by urbanization.

Resumo: A urbanização aumenta significativamente as taxas de perturbação ambiental, sendo está uma das principais causas da perda de habitat e biodiversidade. A tendência crescente de conversão da paisagem natural em áreas para especulação imobiliária na região costeira do extremo sul do Brasil é uma preocupação atual, pois a região abriga ecossistemas únicos, como dunas, áreas úmidas e grandes lagoas salobras. Como são organismos sensíveis às alterações ambientais, as variações na estrutura das comunidades de Odonata são utilizadas como indicadores de qualidade do habitat refletindo o impacto humano no ambiente. Nós avaliamos como a comunidade de Odonata é afetada pela crescente urbanização em torno de lagoas naturais no litoral do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, testando a hipótese de que o aumento do percentual de urbanização influencia negativamente a comunidade de Odonata, seguindo o mesmo padrão encontrado para outros grupos de invertebrados. As coletas ocorreram em 28 lagoas costeiras, que foram classificadas como urbanizadas e não urbanizadas com base na cobertura do solo no entorno. A riqueza, abundância e composição de Anisoptera foram influenciadas pela urbanização, mas o mesmo não foi encontrado para Zygoptera. A análise de espécies indicadoras especifica três espécies associadas a áreas não urbanizadas: Erythrodiplax sp.1, Erythemis credula e Telebasis corallina. Nosso estudo destaca a importância dos Odonata como organismos indicadores de integridade ambiental e reforça a necessidade de estratégias de planejamento urbano que favoreçam a conservação e manutenção dos ambientes afetados pela urbanização.

Rapid functional traits turnover in boreal dragonfly communities (Odonata).

All natural populations show fluctuations in space or time. This is fundamental for the maintenance of biodiversity, as it allows species to coexist. Long-term ecological studies are rare, mainly due to logistics, but studies like the one presented below recognize the dimensionality of temporal change and the ecological processes that lead to shifts in community composition over time. Here, we used three sampling occasions from a dataset spanning 20 years where dragonflies in central Sweden were monitored. Our aim was to investigate how the prevalence of ecological and biological species traits varied over time measured as Community-level Weighted Means of trait values (CWM). Most CWM values varied significantly between years. Most of the traits changed between the second and the last sampling occasion, but not between the two first ones. These changes could be linked to major changes in species abundance. Our work indicates that fundamental shifts in community structure can occur over a short time, providing environmental drivers act on species turnover. In our case, Climate change and pH levels in lakes are most likely the most important factors.

Odonate species occupancy frequency distribution and abundance-occupancy relationship patterns in temporal and permanent water bodies in a subtropical area.

This paper investigates species richness and species occupancy frequency distributions (SOFD) as well as patterns of abundance-occupancy relationship (SAOR) in Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) in a subtropical area. A total of 82 species and 1983 individuals were noted from 73 permanent and temporal water bodies (lakes and ponds) in the Pampa biome in southern Brazil. Odonate species occupancy ranged from 1 to 54. There were few widely distributed generalist species and several specialist species with a restricted distribution. About 70% of the species occurred in <10% of the water bodies, yielding a surprisingly high number of rare species, often making up the majority of the communities. No difference in species richness was found between temporal and permanent water bodies. Both temporal and permanent water bodies had odonate assemblages that fitted best with the unimodal satellite SOFD pattern. It seems that unimodal satellite SOFD pattern frequently occurred in the aquatic habitats. The SAOR pattern was positive and did not differ between permanent and temporal water bodies. Our results are consistent with a niche-based model rather than a metapopulation dynamic model.

Diversity of Odonata (Insecta) in Seasonal Deciduous Forest fragments in southern Brazil (state of Rio Grande do Sul), with a new record for the state and comments on the seasonal distribution of the species / Diversidade de Odonata (Insecta) em fragmentos de Floresta Estacional Decidual no Sul do Brasil (estado do Rio Grande do Sul), com um novo registro para o estado e comentários sobre a distribuição sazonal das espécies

Abstract: We present an Odonata (Insecta) check list of species occurring in a fragment of the Seasonal Deciduous Forest (Atlantic Forest biome) from the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil, along with a list of the odonate species recorded in this phytoecological region for the state. In addition, we provide comments on the seasonal distribution of the species occurring in the study area. Two streams and seven farm ponds located in the middle course of the Jacuí River basin were surveyed between December 2007 and February 2009. Overall, we recorded 49 species from 21 genera and six families. Argia serva Hagen in Selys, 1865 (Coenagrionidade) had its first occurrence record mentioned for the state, elevating to 183 the total number of Odonata species occurring in Rio Grande do Sul. The number of species recorded in the study area corresponds to ~26% of the known Odonata diversity in RS. Libellulidae was the most species-rich family (22 species, ~45% of the total), followed by Coenagrionidae (18 species, 37% of the total). The checklist for the Seasonal Deciduous Forest in RS indicated the occurrence of 83 species of Odonata in this phytoecological region (~45% of the known odonate species in the state). This elevated diversity could be related to the density of the vegetation structure. In the study area, 20 species were found in streams, and 45 in farm ponds. Species occurrence showed marked seasonal patterns in the study area, with 88% of the species recorded from summer to autumn, and no species detected in streams in the winter. Moreover, 70% of the species were recorded in either one or two seasons in farm ponds, while 65% occurred solely in one season in streams. This result indicates that the life cycle of Odonata in southern Brazil is strongly influenced by seasonal patterns in temperature.

Resumo: Uma checklist das espécies de Odonata (Insecta) de um fragmento de Floresta Estacional Decidual (Bioma Mata Atlântica) localizado na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) é apresentada neste estudo, bem como uma checklist das espécies para esta região fitoecológica para o estado. Além disso, também é discutida a distribuição temporal da ocorrência das espécies na área de estudo. Dois riachos e sete reservatórios localizados no trecho médio da bacia do rio Jacuí foram estudados entre dezembro de 2007 e fevereiro de 2009. Ao todo, 49 espécies de 21 gêneros e seis famílias foram registradas. Argia serva Hagen in Selys, 1865 (Coenagrionidade) teve seu primeiro registro mencionado para o estado, elevando para 183 o número total de espécies de Odonata ocorrentes no Rio Grande do Sul. O número de espécies registrado na área de estudo corresponde a cerca de 26% da diversidade de Odonata conhecida no RS. Libellulidae foi a família mais rica (22 espécies, ~45% do total), seguida por Coenagrionidae (18 espécies, 37% do total). A lista compilada de espécies para a Floresta Estacional Decidual no RS indicou a ocorrência de 83 espécies de Odonata nesta região fitoecológica (~45% da diversidade de Odonata conhecida do estado). Essa alta diversidade pode estar relacionada à densidade da estrutura da vegetação. Na área de estudo, 20 espécies foram encontradas em riachos e 45 em reservatórios. A distribuição temporal das espécies foi marcadamente sazonal na área de estudo, com 88% das espécies registradas do verão ao outono, e nenhuma espécie detectada em riachos no inverno. Além disso, 70% das espécies ocorreram em uma ou duas estações em reservatórios, enquanto 65% das espécies registradas em riachos foram detectadas somente em uma estação. Este resultado indica que o ciclo de vida das espécies de Odonata no extremo sul do Brasil é fortemente influenciado pelos padrões sazonais de temperatura.

How informative is the response of Ground Beetles' (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages to anthropogenic land use changes? Insights for ecological status assessments from a case study in the Neotropics.

Ground Beetles (Carabidae) have been suggested to be used as indicators of ecological status under the effects of anthropogenic land use and land cover changes in highly biodiverse regions such as the Neotropics. In this study Ground Beetles' assemblages from a region in the Brazilian Amazon were investigated for evaluating their applicability as disturbance indicators. Differences in assemblages between ecosystems, discriminated by complimentary methodologies, demonstrate a sensitive reaction from the most pristine forests to increasingly disturbed systems. Besides capturing the influence of different prevailing conditions between ecosystems, Ground Beetles are easy to communicate and to link with the other components of the system, being effortless and routinely measurable using standard methodologies. This study represents a step forward in using Ground Beetles for the purposes of planning, management and public reporting on the ecological status of Neotropical ecosystems. Additionally, the methods depicted could support projections for trends of relevant ecosystem attributes under realistic social-ecological change scenarios, which can be used to guide effective conservation planning.

Checklist of Odonata (Insecta) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil with seven new records / Lista de especies de Odonata (Insecta) no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil com sete novos registros

Abstract: The regional knowledge of species diversity and distribution is important to support conservation strategies for species and their habitats. The main goal of this work is to present a checklist of Odonata species in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as their known locations in the municipalities. The preparation of the list was based in data gathered from collections of Museu de Ciências da Universidade do Vale do Taquari (UNIVATES), Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução da Universidade do Vale do Taquari (UNIVATES), Museu de Ciências Naturais da Fundação Zoootânica, Museu de Zoologia da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS) plus data extracted from 65 publications and the sites SpeciesLink, All Odonata and Puget Sound University. A total of 182 Odonata species were recorded, spanning nine families and 57 genera. The most representative family was Libellulidae (80 species) followed by Coenagrionidae (41 species) and seven species are new records for Rio Grande do Sul. The list of species presented here is a significant advance compared to previous counts for Rio Grande do Sul, however, our list is by no means a final one. Some regions of the state remain poorly explored, such as the border to Uruguay also in the northernmost part of the state. Several families remain poorly sampled, especially those that inhabit small forested streams and probably there are many specimens which are not cataloged and identified yet in scientific collections, both in the state and in the country.

Resumo: O conhecimento regional da diversidade e da distribuição das espécies é importante para subsidiar estratégias de conservação tanto para as espécies e seus respectivos habitats. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma lista de espécies de Odonata que ocorrem no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como suas localizações conhecidas nos municípios. Para a elaboração da lista, foram utilizados dados das coleções do Museu de Ciências da UNIVATES, do Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução da Universidade do Vale do Taquari (UNIVATES), do Museu de Ciências Naturais da Fundação Zoo-Botânica e do Museu de Zoologia da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS) somados à dados extraídos de 65 publicações e dos sites SpeciesLink, All Odonata e Puget Sound University. Um total de 182 espécies de Odonata foram registradas, abrangendo nove famílias e 57 gêneros. A família mais representativa foi Libellulidae (80 espécies) seguida por Coenagrionidae (41 espécies). Além do mais, sete espécies são novos registros para o Rio Grande do Sul. A lista de espécies aqui apresentada demonstra um avanço significativo em relação às contagens anteriores para o Rio Grande do Sul, no entanto, nossa lista não é de forma alguma final. Algumas regiões do estado continuam pouco exploradas, como aquelas que fazem fronteira com o Uruguai ou estão mais ao norte do Estado. Várias famílias permanecem mal amostradas, especialmente aquelas que habitam pequenos córregos em florestas e, provavelmente, existem muitos exemplares que ainda não estão catalogados e identificados em coleções científicas, tanto no estado quanto no país.

Implementation of the sludge biotic index in a petrochemical WWTP in Brazil: improving operational control with traditional methods.

Microbiological analysis of activated sludge is an important tool for monitoring wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The utilization of the sludge biotic index (SBI) provides helpful information in examining the quality of biological treatment process and has been tested for several different systems. Although its utilization has been increasing, it is still not widespread, especially in Brazil. Also, its applicability has been considered limited for some particular systems. Thus, it becomes important to evaluate the relations among operational and biological parameters of each WWTP in order to characterize the system and its variations. In this work, microscopic analysis were performed once a week for 1 year (n = 54) and the results were compared to the physicochemical, operational parameters and efficiency of the plant along the period. The four seasons were comprised and analyzed, as we cannot neglect the influence of environmental changes in this subtropical region. Not only had we found a strong influence of the evaluated parameters on the structure of the biological community but there is also a good correspondence of SBI with the performance of the WWTP. More importantly, including microscopic analysis in the operational routine made it possible to notice even the slightest changes in the biological community that were not enough to diminish the SBI classification of the sludge, but were satisfactorily informative to show in advance to operators when to take corrective actions about an increase of COD and BOD in the influent and when it was necessary to discard the exceeding sludge.

Diversity and distribution of aquatic insects in Southern Brazil wetlands: implications for biodiversity conservation in a Neotropical region.

The selection of priority areas is an enormous challenge for biodiversity conservation. Some biogeographic methods have been used to identify the priority areas to conservation, and panbiogeography is one of them. This study aimed at the utilization of panbiogeographic tools, to identify the distribution patterns of aquatic insect genera, in wetland systems of an extensive area in the Neotropical region (approximately 280 000km2), and to compare the distribution of the biogeographic units identified by the aquatic insects, with the conservation units of Southern Brazil. We analyzed the distribution pattern of 82 genera distributed in four orders of aquatic insects (Diptera, Odonata, Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera) in Southern Brazil wetlands. Therefore, 32 biogeographic nodes corresponded to the priority areas for conservation of the aquatic insect diversity. Among this total, 13 were located in the Atlantic Rainforest, 16 in the Pampa and three amongst both biomes. The distribution of nodes showed that only 15% of the dispersion centers of insects were inserted in conservation units. The four priority areas pointed by node cluster criterion must be considered in further inclusions of areas for biodiversity conservation in Southern Brazil wetlands, since such areas present species from different ancestral biota. The inclusion of such areas into the conservation units would be a strong way to conserve the aquatic biodiversity in this region.

Diversity of Odonata (Insecta) in lotic systems from Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

Diversity of Odonata (Insecta) in lotic systems from Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. A systematic survey was carried out in four lotic systems from Serra da Bodoquena, the largest natural forests of the State, from August 2007 to November 2008. 548 specimens belonging to 33 species, distributed in 5 families were sampled. Libellulidae was dominant, with 13 species, followed by Gomphidae, Coenagrionidae, Protoneuridae and Calopterygidae.

Diversidade de Odonata (Insecta) em sistemas lóticos da Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Um estudo sistemático foi realizado em quatro sistemas lóticos da Serra da Bodoquena, maior extensão de florestas naturais do estado, de Agosto de 2007 a Novembro de 2008. Foram coletados 548 espécimes pertencentes a 33 espécies, distribuídas em 5 famílias. Libellulidae foi dominante, com 13 espécies, seguida por Gomphidae, Coenagrionidae, Protoneuridae e Calopterygidae.