Morphological and molecular evidence of the occurrence of Artibeus amplus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Brazil

Artibeus amplus Handley, 1987 is a little-known bat species endemic to northern South America. There are confirmed records of the species for Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. In this study, we report the occurrence of A. amplus in Brazil based on the collection of two specimens captured in the municipalities of Cantá and Caracaraí in the state of Roraima. We also found a museum specimen from the state of Amazonas. The specimens were identified based on morphology and mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene analysis. After this contribution, the number of bat species in Brazil is 182. Surveys in other areas in the north of the country, such as the state of Pará, in addition to a comprehensive review of museum specimens, is needed to investigate the distribution of the species in areas where it has not been found yet.

Occurrence of the mite Acanthonyssus proechimys (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) on a spiny rat in Brazil / Ocorrência do ácaro Acanthonyssus proechimys (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) em um echimídeo no Brasil

Macronyssid mites are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates. We slide-mounted and re-examined mite material collected in a 1987-1989 expedition to Maracá Ecological Station, Roraima State, Brazil. The specimens were identified as Acanthonyssus proechimys Yunker and Saunders (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae), which were collected parasitizing a South American spiny rat, Proechimys sp. This represents the first record of Acanthonyssus in Brazil.(AU)

Os ácaros macronissídeos são ectoparasitas de vertebrados terrestres. Nós montamos e reexaminamos material de ácaros coletado em uma expedição entre 1987-1989 à Estação Ecológica de Maracá, Estado de Roraima, Brasil. Os espécimes foram identificados como Acanthonyssus proechimys Yunker e Saunders (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae), que haviam sido coletados parasitando um echimídeo sul-americano, Proechimys sp. Este é o primeiro registro de Acanthonyssus no Brasil.(AU)

35 years behind the scenes: range extension of the rare Gros manticore, Morunasaurus groi (Squamata, Hoplocercidae), in Colombia

Abstract Morunasaurus is a genus of Neotropical iguanid lizards of the family Hoplocercidae, inhabiting Central and northwestern South America. Their phylogenetic relationships are not completely clear but being presumably paraphyletic. Its type species, M. groi, is very rare, known only from two single localities and a handful of specimens. Here I report a new occurrence of this species for Colombia, which constitutes the southeastern record to the date, extending the species range by about 175 km and 510 m altitudinally. Additionally, I discuss about the intraspecific differences in coloration between Panamanian and Colombian specimens.

35 years behind the scenes: range extension of the rare Gro's manticore, Morunasaurus groi (Squamata, Hoplocercidae), in Colombia

Abstract Morunasaurus is a genus of Neotropical iguanid lizards of the family Hoplocercidae, inhabiting Central and northwestern South America. Their phylogenetic relationships are not completely clear but being presumably paraphyletic. Its type species, M. groi, is very rare, known only from two single localities and a handful of specimens. Here I report a new occurrence of this species for Colombia, which constitutes the southeastern record to the date, extending the species range by about 175 km and 510 m altitudinally. Additionally, I discuss about the intraspecific differences in coloration between Panamanian and Colombian specimens.

35 years behind the scenes: range extension of the rare Gros manticore, Morunasaurus groi(Squamata, Hoplocercidae), in Colombia

Morunasaurus is a genus of Neotropical iguanid lizards of the family Hoplocercidae, inhabiting Central and northwestern South America. Their phylogenetic relationships are not completely clear but being presumably paraphyletic. Its type species, M. groi, is very rare, known only from two single localities and a handful of specimens. Here I report a new occurrence of this species for Colombia, which constitutes the southeastern record to the date, extending the species range by about 175 km and 510 m altitudinally. Additionally, I discuss about the intraspecific differences in coloration between Panamanian and Colombian specimens.(AU)

Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones) from the state of Acre, southwestern Brazilian Amazon / Escorpiones (Aracnida, Scorpiones) del estado de Acre, suroeste de la Amazonía brasileña

Aunque Brasil tiene una de las diversidades de escorpiones más altas del mundo, la fauna de escorpiones de la región amazónica sigue siendo relativamente poco descrita. En este estudio, actualizamos la lista de especies de escorpiones para el estado de Acre, en el suroeste de la Amazonía brasileña, en base a una revisión de los registros contenidos en colecciones de arácnidos brasileños y un estudio de la literatura relevante. Registramos la ocurrencia de siete especies de escorpiones pertenecientes a dos familias (Buthidae y Chactidae), entre las cuales informamos tres nuevos registros (Ananteris sp., Tityus (Tityus) gasci y Chactopsis cf. insignis) para Acre. Los resultados presentados aquí hacen una contribución importante al conocimiento acerca de la diversidad de escorpiones en los bosques amazónicos de Acre.(AU)

Although Brazil has one of the highest scorpion diversities worldwide, the scorpion fauna of the Amazon region remains relatively poorly described. In this study, we updated the list of scorpion species from the state of Acre, in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon, based on a revision of records contained in Brazilian arachnid collections and a survey of the relevant literature. We recorded the occurrence of seven scorpion species belonging to two families (Buthidae and Chactidae) among which we report three new records (Ananteris sp., Tityus (Tityus) gasci, and Chactopsis cf. insignis) for Acre. The results presented herein make an important contribution to the knowledge on scorpion diversity in the Amazonian forests of Acre.(AU)

Redescription and new records of Synopia ultramarina Dana (Amphipoda: Synopiidae) from off the northeastern Brazil, with comments on its morphological variations / Redescrição e novos registros de Synopia ultramarina Dana (Amphipoda: Synopiidae) do nordeste do Brasil, com comentários sobre suas variações morfológicas

Synopia ultramarina Dana, 1853 is considered a circumtropical species and was originally described based on material collected from two localities near halfway between the southwestern Africa and northeastern Brazil. The species is redescribed here with samples from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. The material examined was collected by SCUBA diving, from rhodolith beds, in Ressureta Channel, between Meio and Rata Islands. Additional material was collected from off Ceará state coast, during environmental consultancies, by Petrobras S. A., and off Pernambuco state coast, during the Project REVIZEE NE IV. Discussion on morphological variations of the species is presented, based on the studied material and previous descriptions in the literature.(AU)

Synopia ultramarina Dana, 1853 é considerada uma espécie circumtropical e foi originalmente descrita com material coletado em duas localidades, a meio caminho entre o sudoeste da África e o nordeste do Brasil. A espécie é redescrita aqui com amostras do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. O material estudado foi coletado por mergulho autônomo, em camas de rodolitos, no canal Ressureta, entre as ilhas do Meio e Rata. Material adicional foi coletado ao largo da costa do estado do Ceará, durante consultorias ambientais coordenadas pela Petrobras S. A., e ao largo da costa do estado de Pernambuco, durante o Projeto REVIZEE NE IV. É apresentada discussão sobre as variações morfológicas da espécie, baseada no material estudado e em descrições prévias na literatura.(AU)

Redescription and new records of Synopia ultramarina Dana (Amphipoda: Synopiidae) from off the northeastern Brazil, with comments on its morphological variations / Redescrição e novos registros de Synopia ultramarina Dana (Amphipoda: Synopiidae) do nordeste do Brasil, com comentários sobre suas variações morfológicas

Synopia ultramarina Dana, 1853 is considered a circumtropical species and was originally described based on material collected from two localities near halfway between the southwestern Africa and northeastern Brazil. The species is redescribed here with samples from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. The material examined was collected by SCUBA diving, from rhodolith beds, in Ressureta Channel, between Meio and Rata Islands. Additional material was collected from off Ceará state coast, during environmental consultancies, by Petrobras S. A., and off Pernambuco state coast, during the Project REVIZEE NE IV. Discussion on morphological variations of the species is presented, based on the studied material and previous descriptions in the literature.

Synopia ultramarina Dana, 1853 é considerada uma espécie circumtropical e foi originalmente descrita com material coletado em duas localidades, a meio caminho entre o sudoeste da África e o nordeste do Brasil. A espécie é redescrita aqui com amostras do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. O material estudado foi coletado por mergulho autônomo, em camas de rodolitos, no canal Ressureta, entre as ilhas do Meio e Rata. Material adicional foi coletado ao largo da costa do estado do Ceará, durante consultorias ambientais coordenadas pela Petrobras S. A., e ao largo da costa do estado de Pernambuco, durante o Projeto REVIZEE NE IV. É apresentada discussão sobre as variações morfológicas da espécie, baseada no material estudado e em descrições prévias na literatura.

Redescription and new records of Synopia ultramarina Dana (Amphipoda: Synopiidae) from off the northeastern Brazil, with comments on its morphological variations

ABSTRACT Synopia ultramarina Dana, 1853 is considered a circumtropical species and was originally described based on material collected from two localities near halfway between the southwestern Africa and northeastern Brazil. The species is redescribed here with samples from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. The material examined was collected by SCUBA diving, from rhodolith beds, in Ressureta Channel, between Meio and Rata Islands. Additional material was collected from off Ceará state coast, during environmental consultancies, by Petrobras S. A., and off Pernambuco state coast, during the Project REVIZEE NE IV. Discussion on morphological variations of the species is presented, based on the studied material and previous descriptions in the literature.

RESUMO Synopia ultramarina Dana, 1853 é considerada uma espécie circumtropical e foi originalmente descrita com material coletado em duas localidades, a meio caminho entre o sudoeste da África e o nordeste do Brasil. A espécie é redescrita aqui com amostras do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. O material estudado foi coletado por mergulho autônomo, em camas de rodolitos, no canal Ressureta, entre as ilhas do Meio e Rata. Material adicional foi coletado ao largo da costa do estado do Ceará, durante consultorias ambientais coordenadas pela Petrobras S. A., e ao largo da costa do estado de Pernambuco, durante o Projeto REVIZEE NE IV. É apresentada discussão sobre as variações morfológicas da espécie, baseada no material estudado e em descrições prévias na literatura.

Taxonomic revision of Megalothoraca (Diptera: Richardiidae) with description of a new species, synonyms and new combination

A taxonomic revision of Megalothoracha Hendel, 1911 is provided, including a description of Megalothoraca rosalyae Wendt, sp. nov. from Colombia. The genus encompasses large species from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia (new record), and each species was described based either on males or females. These species can be diagnosed by long and slender mid and hind legs and wing longer than body, vein R2+3 with two strong curves on apical third, and short spurious vein medially. And males have costal vein conspicuously bowed anteriorly and thickened on medial portion. The following nomenclatural changes are made: Megalothoraca hendeli Enderlein, 1912, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of M. pterodontida Hendel, 1911; Batrachophthalmum teleopsis (Hennig, 1938) comb. nov. is transferred from Megalothoraca, and Batrachophthalmum quimbaya Carvalho, Wolff & Wendt, 2011, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of B. teleopsis. A key to species and illustrations of the female and male terminalia are provided.

Taxonomic revision of Megalothoraca (Diptera: Richardiidae) with description of a new species, synonyms and new combination

A taxonomic revision of Megalothoracha Hendel, 1911 is provided, including a description of Megalothoraca rosalyae Wendt, sp. nov. from Colombia. The genus encompasses large species from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia (new record), and each species was described based either on males or females. These species can be diagnosed by long and slender mid and hind legs and wing longer than body, vein R2+3 with two strong curves on apical third, and short spurious vein medially. And males have costal vein conspicuously bowed anteriorly and thickened on medial portion. The following nomenclatural changes are made: Megalothoraca hendeli Enderlein, 1912, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of M. pterodontida Hendel, 1911; Batrachophthalmum teleopsis (Hennig, 1938) comb. nov. is transferred from Megalothoraca, and Batrachophthalmum quimbaya Carvalho, Wolff & Wendt, 2011, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of B. teleopsis. A key to species and illustrations of the female and male terminalia are provided.(AU)

Record of the rare Caribbean mud eel, Pythonichthys sanguineus (Heterenchelyidae, Anguilliformes), in the region of the Amazon Reef / Registro da rara enguia de lama do Caribe, Pythonichthys sanguineus (Heterenchelyidae, Anguilliformes) na região dos Recifes da Amazônia

As they spend most of their time buried in the substrate and are not a fishery resource, heterenchelyids are seldom seen. These eels are characterized by their greatly reduced eyes, which are covered by semi-transparent skin, the absence of a pectoral fin or lateral line, and no pores on the head or body. Pythonichthys sanguineus is a particularly poorly-known species, with only eight scientific records from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. The present study is based on six adult specimens of P. sanguineus captured by vessels of the shrimp trawling fleet along the northern Brazilian coast, in the vicinity of the Amazon Reef. We provide meristic, morphometric and DNA barcoding data. These findings provide insights into the distribution of the species off the northern Brazilian coast and contribute to the discussion about the southern limit of the Greater Caribbean fauna. (AU)

Heterenchelídeos passam a maior parte do tempo enterrados no substrato e raramente são vistos, não representando recursos pesqueiros importantes. Essas enguias são caracterizadas por seus olhos muito reduzidos e cobertos por pele semi-transparente, ausência de nadadeiras peitorais ou linha lateral, e ausência de poros na cabeça ou no corpo. Pythonichthys sanguineus é uma espécie particularmente pouco conhecida, com apenas oito registros em coleção zoológica para Cuba, Porto Rico, Colômbia, Venezuela, Guiana e Suriname. O presente estudo é baseado em seis espécimes adultos de P. sanguineus capturados pela frota industrial de arrasto de camarão-rosa na costa norte do Brasil, ao largo dos Recifes da Amazônia. Apresentamos dados merísticos, morfométricos e de DNA barcoding dos exemplares examinados. O registro fornece informações importantes sobre a distribuição da espécie na costa norte do Brasil, e contribui para a discussão sobre o limite sul da fauna do Grande Caribe.(AU)

Record of the rare Caribbean mud eel, Pythonichthys sanguineus (Heterenchelyidae, Anguilliformes), in the region of the Amazon Reef / Registro da rara enguia de lama do Caribe, Pythonichthys sanguineus (Heterenchelyidae, Anguilliformes) na região dos Recifes da Amazônia

As they spend most of their time buried in the substrate and are not a fishery resource, heterenchelyids are seldom seen. These eels are characterized by their greatly reduced eyes, which are covered by semi-transparent skin, the absence of a pectoral fin or lateral line, and no pores on the head or body. Pythonichthys sanguineus is a particularly poorly-known species, with only eight scientific records from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. The present study is based on six adult specimens of P. sanguineus captured by vessels of the shrimp trawling fleet along the northern Brazilian coast, in the vicinity of the Amazon Reef. We provide meristic, morphometric and DNA barcoding data. These findings provide insights into the distribution of the species off the northern Brazilian coast and contribute to the discussion about the southern limit of the Greater Caribbean fauna.(AU)

Heterenchelídeos passam a maior parte do tempo enterrados no substrato e raramente são vistos, não representando recursos pesqueiros importantes. Essas enguias são caracterizadas por seus olhos muito reduzidos e cobertos por pele semi-transparente, ausência de nadadeiras peitorais ou linha lateral, e ausência de poros na cabeça ou no corpo. Pythonichthys sanguineus é uma espécie particularmente pouco conhecida, com apenas oito registros em coleção zoológica para Cuba, Porto Rico, Colômbia, Venezuela, Guiana e Suriname. O presente estudo é baseado em seis espécimes adultos de P. sanguineus capturados pela frota industrial de arrasto de camarão-rosa na costa norte do Brasil, ao largo dos Recifes da Amazônia. Apresentamos dados merísticos, morfométricos e de DNA barcoding dos exemplares examinados. O registro fornece informações importantes sobre a distribuição da espécie na costa norte do Brasil, e contribui para a discussão sobre o limite sul da fauna do Grande Caribe.(AU)

Range extension to Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province and revised distribution of Platyrrhinus chocoensis (Phyllostomidae: Chiroptera) in western Ecuador

We report the first record of the Choco broad-nosed bat (Plathyrrhinus chocoensis Alberico & Velazco, 1991) in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province in northwestern Ecuador. This voucher specimen represents the southernmost record of the species and expands its distribution ca. 120 km south. The animal was caught at a farm, specifically in a live fence consisting of several tree species. Preservation of bat species occurring in agricultural landscapes requires local policies and environmental education.

Range extension to Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province and revised distribution of Platyrrhinus chocoensis (Phyllostomidae: Chiroptera) in western Ecuador

We report the first record of the Choco broad-nosed bat (Plathyrrhinus chocoensis Alberico & Velazco, 1991) in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province in northwestern Ecuador. This voucher specimen represents the southernmost record of the species and expands its distribution ca. 120 km south. The animal was caught at a farm, specifically in a live fence consisting of several tree species. Preservation of bat species occurring in agricultural landscapes requires local policies and environmental education.(AU)

A new host for Philornis torquans (Diptera, Muscidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

Philornis larvae and pupae were collected in nestlings of Neothraupis fasciata (Lichtenstein), the White-banded Tanager (Passeriformes, Thraupidae), in three breeding seasons, between October and November 2003-2005 in a reserve in central Brazil. Here, we present biological data, diagnosis to the recognition of the species and a key to the segregation of species occurring in the Cerrado. The larvae were intradermic in the nestlings and the pupae were collected in the nests after the birds have abandoned them. The immatures collected were taken to the laboratory and reared under laboratory conditions, until emergence. The species identified as Philornis torquans (Nielsen), is here firstly recorded from the Brazilian Cerrado, and firstly recorded its association with N. fasciata. With this record, the number of Philornis species occurring in the Cerrado rises to three.

A new host for Philornis torquans (Diptera, Muscidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

Philornis larvae and pupae were collected in nestlings of Neothraupis fasciata (Lichtenstein), the White-banded Tanager (Passeriformes, Thraupidae), in three breeding seasons, between October and November 2003-2005 in a reserve in central Brazil. Here, we present biological data, diagnosis to the recognition of the species and a key to the segregation of species occurring in the Cerrado. The larvae were intradermic in the nestlings and the pupae were collected in the nests after the birds have abandoned them. The immatures collected were taken to the laboratory and reared under laboratory conditions, until emergence. The species identified as Philornis torquans (Nielsen), is here firstly recorded from the Brazilian Cerrado, and firstly recorded its association with N. fasciata. With this record, the number of Philornis species occurring in the Cerrado rises to three.(AU)

Generic additions to the Rapateaceae of Rondônia, Brazil / Novos registros genéricos de Rapateaceae para Rondônia, Brasil

Rapateaceae is a monocot family centered in the Guiana Shield region of South America. This article reports four generic additions to the Rapateaceae of Rondônia, a state in northern Brazil. Cephalostemon gracilis (Poepp. & Endl.) R.H.Schomb., Duckea cyperaceoidea (Ducke) Maguire, Monotrema xyridoides Gleason, and Schoenocephalium cucullatum Maguire were recorded in lowland savannas and open white-sand ecosystems in the state. These findings extend significantly the known diversity of the Rapateaceae taxa occurring in Rondônia, and represent an extension of their geographical distribution to a Brazilian state with no part of its territory in the Guiana Shield.(AU)

Rapateaceae é uma família de monocotiledôneas centrada na região do Escudo das Guianas da América do Sul. Este artigo relata o registro de quatro gêneros de Rapateaceae para o estado de Rondônia, norte do Brasil. Cephalostemon gracilis (Poepp. & Endl.) R.H.Schomb., Duckea cyperaceoidea (Ducke) Maguire, Monotrema xyridoides Gleason e Schoenocephalium cucullatum Maguire são registrados em áreas de baixa altitude, ocorrendo em savanas e ecossistemas de campinas e campinaras no estado. Estas descobertas aumentam significativamente a diversidade conhecida de táxons de Rapateaceae para Rondônia, bem como representam uma extensão de sua distribuição geográfica para um estado que não tem nenhuma parte de seu território incluído no Escudo das Guianas.(AU)

A new species of Sulcana (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Sulcana cunicula sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on four specimens from municipality of São José dos Pinhais, state of Paraná, Brazil. This species can be distinguished from others in the genus by the following characters: (1) head produced, slightly shorter than median length of pronotum; (2) aedeagus bearing a pair of acute ventral processes at mid-length of shaft and extended dorsally. A new record to Sulcana brevis DeLong & Freytag and a key to the three species of the genus are also presented.

A new species of Sulcana (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Sulcana cunicula sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on four specimens from municipality of São José dos Pinhais, state of Paraná, Brazil. This species can be distinguished from others in the genus by the following characters: (1) head produced, slightly shorter than median length of pronotum; (2) aedeagus bearing a pair of acute ventral processes at mid-length of shaft and extended dorsally. A new record to Sulcana brevis DeLong & Freytag and a key to the three species of the genus are also presented.(AU)