New records of chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) parasites of Brazilian Anhimidae, Threskiornithidae, and Aramidae (Aves)

We present records of chewing lice collected from bird skins of the families Anhimidae, Threskiornithidae, and Aramidae deposited at the Museum of Zoology of University of São Paulo (MZUSP). Twenty-one chewing lice species from the suborders Amblycera and Ischnocera were identified, seven of which are new records for Brazil. These species belong to the genera Ardeicola (1), Colpocephalum (3), Ibidoecus (1), and Plegadiphilus (2). Furthermore, ten species were recorded from new localities in Brazil, and Colpocephalum cayennensisPrice & Emerson, 1967 is for the first time recorded with precise locality in the country. Lastly, the bird host subspecies Phimosus infuscatus nudifrons (Spix, 1825) (Threskiornithidae) was for the first time found to harbor lice species.

A new species of Cerozodus and new records of Asilinae and Ommatiinae (Diptera: Asilidae) from Tocantins, Brazil / Nova espécie de Cerozodus e novos registros de Asilinae and Ommatiinae (Diptera: Asilidae) para o Estado do Tocantins, Brasil

This paper represents the first study on Asilidae for the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Here, we describe a new species of Cerozodus Bigot, 1857 and second record for the North Region of Brazil, as well as supply the first record of occurrence of five genera and 12 species of Asilinae and Ommatiinae in Tocantins. Additionally, we provide illustrations and comments for all new records of species and an updated list of Asilidae for the state.(AU)

Este artigo representa o primeiro estudo sobre Asilidae para o estado do Tocantins, Brasil. Nós descrevemos uma nova espécie de Cerozodus Bigot, 1857 e o segundo registro para a Região Norte do Brasil, bem como, fornecemos a primeira ocorrência de cinco gêneros e 12 espécies para o Tocantins. Adicionalmente, são apresentados comentários e ilustrações para todos os novos registros de espécies e uma lista atualizada de Asilidae para o estado.(AU)

On Eryphus Perty, 1832 (Dichophyiini), Eriphus Audinet-Serville, 1834 (Trachyderini, Trachyderina), and Eryphus Klug, 1829, with description of a new genus, and corrections on publication dates (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

The validity of two forgotten names, EryphusKlug, 1829 and E. rubricollisKlug, 1829, is discussed. The former is considered a nomen oblitum and synonymized with EriphusAudinet-Serville, 1834, a nomen protectum; the latter is revalidated and Eriphus purpuratus Chevrolat, 1862 is considered a junior synonym of Eriphus rubricollis (Klug, 1829). A lectotype is designated to Eryphus rubricollisKlug, 1829. The date of the work where EriphusAudinet-Serville, 1834 was described is corrected. A new genus is described in Dichophyiini Gistel, 1848 to include the species currently allocated in Eryphus sensuNapp & Martins (2002). The dates of publication of genera and species described by Fairmaire & Germain (Révision des Coléoptères du Chili (suite)) are corrected.(AU)

xButyagrus nabonnandii (Prosch) Vorster (Arecaceae): a sterile and rare palm with variable morphology? / xButyagrus nabonnandii (Arecaceae): uma palmeira rara e estéril com morfologia variável?

×Butyagrus nabonnandii (Prosch.) Vorster is known as mule palm due to sterility, but recently, its pollen has been successfully used in backcrosses. It was first described as an artificial cross between Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman and Butia odorata (Barb.Rodr.) Noblick in 1890. It has been considered rare in nature, and its morphology has been little studied. Thus, we aimed to verify if ×B. nabonnandii is sterile by studying its morphology and seed germination from different natural populations. The hybrid was sampled in four municipalities and is new to three of these. In one of the visited cities, 20 specimens were counted. The vegetative morphology showed less variation than the reproductive. However, part of the vegetative characters differed from previous descriptions relying solely on cultivated specimens. Contrary to previous reports, our data indicate that ×Butyagrus nabonnandii is neither rare nor infertile. Seed germination rates of ×B. nabonnandii are low due to seed predation by beetle larvae and seedless fruit production, which is also observed in the genera of the parental species. Furthermore, as in its parents, the morphology of the hybrid is complex, and future anatomical and molecular approaches are important for a better delimitation and understanding of the biology of ×B. nabonnandii.

×Butyagrus nabonnandii (Prosch.) Vorster é conhecida como palmeira-mula por ser considerada estéril, apesar de ter sido utilizada com sucesso em retrocruzamentos. O híbrido resulta do cruzamento entre Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman e Butia odorata (Barb.Rodr.) Noblick, é tido como raro e possui morfologia pouco estudada. Objetivou-se estudar a morfologia de ×B. nabonnandii e verificar sua esterilidade através da germinação de suas sementes a partir de diferentes populações naturais. O híbrido foi registrado em quatro municípios sendo, em três desses, de ocorrência inédita. Em um dos municípios visitados, foram contabilizados 20 espécimes. A morfologia vegetativa apresentou menor variação do que a reprodutiva. Entretanto, parte dos caracteres morfológicos vegetativos diferem do descrito na literatura para espécimes cultivados. Nossos dados indicam que além de não ser raro, o híbrido é fértil. As taxas de germinação das sementes de ×B. nabonnandii são baixas devido à predação das sementes por larvas de besouros, além da produção de frutos sem sementes, o que também ocorre nos gêneros das espécies progenitoras. Além disso, assim como em seus parentais, a morfologia do híbrido é complexa, sendo importantes futuros estudos anatômicos e moleculares para uma melhor delimitação e compreensão da biologia de ×B. nabonnandii.

New species of Polystomoides (Monogenoidea: Polystomatidae) parasitizing the urinary bladder of a freshwater turtle in Brazil / Nova espécie de Polystomoides (Monogenoidea: Polystomatidae) parasitando a bexiga urinária de uma tartaruga de água doce no Brasil

Trachemys dorbigni is the most abundant freshwater turtle species in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Chelonians are known to host a wide variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, hemoparasites and helminths. Among these, nine genera of polystomatid flatworms (Monogenoidea; Polystomatidae) infect freshwater turtles: Apaloneotrema, Aussietrema, Fornixtrema, Manotrema, Pleurodirotrema, Polystomoidella, Polystomoides, Uropolystomoides and Uteropolystomoides. However, little is known about the biology of these parasites in the Neotropical Realm. Through investigative cystoscopy, specimens of Polystomatidae were located inside the urinary bladder of the host T. dorbigni. Retrieved specimens were fixed and stained whole mounts prepared for taxonomic identification. In the present paper, a new species of Polystomoides (Monogenoidea: Polystomatidae) parasitizing the urinary bladder of a freshwater turtle of the species T. dorbigni in Brazil is described. Polystomoides santamariensis n. sp. differs from the congeneric species on the length of the genital spines, which are longer. Given the enormous diversity of freshwater turtles around the world, it is likely that a large number of chelonian polystomatids are still unknown.(AU)

Trachemys dorbigni é a espécie de tartaruga de água doce mais abundante do Rio Grande do Sul, no Sul do Brasil. Sabe-se que os quelônios são hospedeiros de uma grande variedade de patógenos, incluindo vírus, bactérias, hemoparasitos e helmintos. Dentre estes, oito gêneros de Polystomatidae (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea) infectam tartarugas de água doce: Apaloneotrema, Aussietrema, Fornixtrema, Manotrema, Pleurodirotrema, Polystomoidella, Polystomoides, Uropolystomoides e Uteropolystomoides. No entanto, pouco ainda se sabe sobre a biologia destes parasitos na Região Neotropical. Durante uma citoscopia investigativa, foram observados espécimes de Polystomatidae localizados no interior da bexiga urinária de T. dorbigni. Os espécimes coletados foram fixados e corados para identificação taxonômica. No presente artigo, uma nova espécie de Polystomoides (Monogenoidea: Polystomatidae) parasitando a bexiga urinária de tartaruga de água doce da espécie T. dorbigni no Brasil é descrita. Polystomoides santamariensis n. sp. difere das demais espécies no tamanho dos espinhos genitais, que são maiores. Devido a enorme diversidade de tartarugas de água doce ao redor do mundo, é provável que um grande número de polistomatídeos de quelônios ainda seja desconhecido.(AU)

Current understanding of an Emerging Coronavirus using in silico approach: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) / Compreensão atual de um coronavírus emergente usando abordagem in silico: síndrome respiratória aguda grave - coronavírus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Abstract Novel coronavirus (nCoV) namely "SARS-CoV-2" is being found responsible for current PANDEMIC commenced from Wuhan (China) since December 2019 and has been described with epidemiological linkage to China in about 221 countries and territories until now. In this study we have characterized the genetic lineage of SARS-CoV-2 and report the recombination within the genus and subgenus of coronaviruses. Phylogenetic relationship of thirty nine coronaviruses belonging to its four genera and five subgenera was analyzed by using the Neighbor-joining method using MEGA 6.0. Phylogenetic trees of full length genome, various proteins (spike, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid) nucleotide sequences were constructed separately. Putative recombination was probed via RDP4. Our analysis describes that the "SARS-CoV-2" although shows great similarity to Bat-SARS-CoVs sequences through whole genome (giving sequence similarity 89%), exhibits conflicting grouping with the Bat-SARS-like coronavirus sequences (MG772933 and MG772934). Furthermore, seven recombination events were observed in SARS-CoV-2 (NC_045512) by RDP4. But not a single recombination event fulfills the high level of certainty. Recombination mostly housed in spike protein genes than rest of the genome indicating breakpoint cluster arises beyond the 95% and 99% breakpoint density intervals. Genetic similarity levels observed among "SARS-CoV-2" and Bat-SARS-CoVs advocated that the latter did not exhibit the specific variant that cause outbreak in humans, proposing a suggestion that "SARS-CoV-2" has originated possibly from bats. These genomic features and their probable association with virus characteristics along with virulence in humans require further consideration.

Resumo O novo coronavírus (nCoV), nomeadamente "SARS-CoV-2", foi considerado responsável pela pandemia atual iniciada em Wuhan (China) desde dezembro de 2019 e foi descrito com ligação epidemiológica à China em cerca de 221 países e territórios até agora. Neste estudo, caracterizamos a linhagem genética do SARS-CoV-2 e relatamos a recombinação dentro do gênero e subgênero dos coronavírus. A relação filogenética de 39 coronavírus pertencentes a seus quatro gêneros e cinco subgêneros foi analisada usando o método de Neighbour-joining usando MEGA 6.0. Árvores filogenéticas do genoma de comprimento total, várias proteínas (espícula, envelope, membrana e nucleocapsídeo), sequências de nucleotídeos foram construídas separadamente. A recombinação putativa foi testada via RDP4. Nossa análise descreve que o "SARS-CoV-2", embora mostre grande semelhança com as sequências de Bat-SARS-CoVs em todo o genoma (dando semelhança de sequência de 89%), exibe agrupamento conflitante com as sequências de coronavírus do tipo Bat-SARS (MG772933 e MG772934) Além disso, sete eventos de recombinação foram observados em SARS-CoV-2 (NC045512) por RDP4. Mas nem um único evento de recombinação preenche o alto nível de certeza. A recombinação está alojada mais em genes de proteína de pico, principalmente, do que no resto do genoma, indicando que o cluster de ponto de interrupção surge além dos intervalos de densidade de ponto de interrupção de 95% e 99%. Os níveis de similaridade genética observados entre "SARS-CoV-2" e Bat-SARS-CoVs defendem que o último não exibe a variante específica que causa surto em humanos, sugerindo que "SARS-CoV-2" tenha se originado possivelmente de morcegos. Essas características genômicas e sua provável associação com as características do vírus, juntamente com a virulência em humanos, requerem uma consideração mais aprofundada.

Survey of nematodes associated with sugarcane in the state of Paraná, Brazil

Sugarcane-associated nematodes (Saccharum spp.) can reduce productivity up to 50%. Through the survey, it was possible to identify the main nematodes that occur in a certain region as a tool for designing the best management and control strategies. The aim of this study was to characterize the population of nematodes associated with sugarcane in the North Central, North Pioneiro and Northwest mesoregion of the state of Paraná, Brazil, quantify the nematode genera associated with the crop and identify the species of Pratylenchus and Meloidogyne. A total amount of 89 soil and root composite samples were collected in nine municipalities. Nematodes were extracted and counted in a Peters counting chamber under an optical light microscope. Morphological description followed identification keys. Pratylenchus spp. were identified by morphological characteristics; Meloidogyne spp. were identified by morphological characteristics and isoenzyme electrophoresis. Twelve genera of nematodes associated with sugarcane were identified: Pratylenchus, Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, Xiphinema, Mesocriconema, Trichodorus, Aphelenchus, Hoplolaimus, Tylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Ditylenchus, and Paratrichodorus. The genera Pratylenchus and Meloidogyne were found with the highest frequencies in the roots. Among the species of Pratylenchus, P. zeae and P. brachyurus were found, with P. zeae being the most frequent. Among the Meloidogyne species, only M. javanica was found. These results are essential to aid decision making in the management of phytonematodes, mainly in the development of new control strategies and in directing genetic breeding programs for development of sugarcane cultivars for the Paraná state.

Andanus tambopixunensis sp. nov., a new species of the remarkable leafhopper genus Andanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae), generic redescription and two new synonyms with new placements

A new species of the leafhopper genus Andanus Linnavuori, 1959 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Athysanini), A. tambopixunensis sp. nov., is described. Materials studied were intercepted using Malaise and light traps in the Tambopata National Reserve (Peru) and the Amazonian Forest (Brazil). The genera Perundanus Zanol, 1993 syn. nov. and Paralaca Lozada, 1998 syn. nov. are recognized as junior synonyms of Andanus based on morphological comparison. The type species of Perundanus and Paralaca, A. raunoi (Zanol, 1993) comb. nov. and A. sordidus (Lozada, 1998) comb. nov., respectively, are transferred to Andanus. A detailed redescription of the genus and illustrations of external and genital morphology are provided as well as a key to the known species. The new species differs from other species in having a pygofer without processes, subgenital plates divergent, and aedeagus with a pair of short dorsoapical and single ventroapical spine. Comparative notes on morphological similarities of Andanus to other Neotropical Athysanini genera are discussed.(AU)

Seasonality effect on ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) activity in an ecotonal environment in the state of Piauí, Brazil

This study aimed to compare the activity of ants during the rainy and dry seasons in a transitional environment (ecotone) at the interface of Cerrado and Caatinga biomes situated in the state of Piauí, where studies of local ant fauna are still incipient. The research was carried out at Floriano, state of Piauí, Brazil. Ants were sampled during the rainy season in December 2018 and during the dry season in June 2019. Three parallel transects were established at least 100 m apart. At each point, three sampling methods were used, with attractive baits placed on the trees and ground, and pitfall traps on the ground. Thirty-one ant species belonging to 14 genera and five subfamilies were collected, with 27 recorded in the rainy season and 17 in the dry season. The only species reported with the three collection methods and the two seasons was Camponotus crassus Mayr, 1862. Seven ant species sampled in this study are new reports for the state of Piauí. There was a significant difference in the average number of ants and the composition of the assemblages between the rainy and dry seasons. We demonstrate that the activity of ants is influenced by seasonality, corroborating our hypotheses. This is only the second study on ant diversity in the state of Piauí, and more studies are necessary to understand the processes and factors which regulate the activity patterns of ants in ecotonal

Seasonality effect on ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) activity in an ecotonal environment in the state of Piauí, Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to compare the activity of ants during the rainy and dry seasons in a transitional environment (ecotone) at the interface of Cerrado and Caatinga biomes situated in the state of Piauí, where studies of local ant fauna are still incipient. The research was carried out at Floriano, state of Piauí, Brazil. Ants were sampled during the rainy season in December 2018 and during the dry season in June 2019. Three parallel transects were established at least 100 m apart. At each point, three sampling methods were used, with attractive baits placed on the trees and ground, and pitfall traps on the ground. Thirty-one ant species belonging to 14 genera and five subfamilies were collected, with 27 recorded in the rainy season and 17 in the dry season. The only species reported with the three collection methods and the two seasons was Camponotus crassus Mayr, 1862. Seven ant species sampled in this study are new reports for the state of Piauí. There was a significant difference in the average number of ants and the composition of the assemblages between the rainy and dry seasons. We demonstrate that the activity of ants is influenced by seasonality, corroborating our hypotheses. This is only the second study on ant diversity in the state of Piauí, and more studies are necessary to understand the processes and factors which regulate the activity patterns of ants in ecotonal situations like those observed in this region.

Genetic and symbiotic characterization of rhizobia nodulating legumes in a mining area in southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT: Identification and selection of nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains for inoculation into native leguminous tree species can assist in the recovery of degraded areas. Additionally, native strains from these areas are genetic resources adapted to these conditions and are thus suitable for selection. The aim of this study was to symbiotically and genetically characterize 18 bacterial strains from the Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium genera isolated from Machaerium nyctitans, Platypodium elegans, and Ormosia arborea grown in a nursery in an iron mining area. Three experiments were conducted under axenic conditions in a greenhouse. The nodulation capacity of the strains was evaluated by the number (NN) and dry matter (NDM) of nodules. Symbiotic efficiency was evaluated based on the following parameters: SPAD index (SPAD), shoot dry matter (SDM), root dry matter (RDM), and total dry matter (TDM) of the plants, relative efficiency (RE), shoot nitrogen content (SNC), and total nitrogen content in the plant (TNC). The atpD and gyrB housekeeping genes and the nifH gene were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis, and the nodC and nodD symbiotic genes of the strains were amplified. Out of the 18 strains, 16 were authenticated by nodulation capacity in the species of origin. The SPAD variable allowed for the detection of differences between treatments before the SDM. Additionally, the SPAD index showed correlation with TNC, and the strain Bradyrhizobium sp., UFLA01-839, which may represent a new species, was outstanding in Machaerium nyctitans. The nifH, nodD, and nodC genes were detected in UFLA01-839.

The occurrence of rhizobacteria from Paspalum genotypes and their effects on plant growth

ABSTRACT This work aimed to isolate and characterize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from 10 Paspalum genotypes and evaluate the effect of their inoculation on P. regnellii, P. atratum, and P. malacophyllum genotypes. The bacterial population ranged from undetectable to 107 bacterial cells per gram of fresh matter in the Paspalum genotypes. Initially, we isolated 164 bacteria from rhizospheric soil and roots of the Paspalum genotypes using media N-free LG agar plate, semi-solid NFb, and LGI. The isolates were characterized genetically and physiologically. The sequencing of 16S rRNA showed the presence of many genera, and some are new in association with Paspalum. The most common was Bacillus followed by Rhizobium, Paraburkholderia, Enterobacter, Cupriavidus, Pseudomonas, Dyadobacter and Acinetobacter. Thirty-eight per cent of isolates produced siderophores, 25 % produced solubilized phosphate, and only 9 % produced indolic compounds. Three greenhouse experiments were performed in randomized blocks with six replicates using representative bacterial strains isolated from P. regnellii, P. malacophyllum and P. atratum cv. Pojuca. We also included strain Sp245 (Azospirillum baldaniorum), uninoculated control, and nitrogen control (150 kg N ha1). There was an increase of up to 53 % in shoot dry matter in P. regnellii inoculated with strain Sp245 and the shoots accumulated more N. In contrast, only small effects were observed for the other Paspalum genotypes inoculated with PGPR from the host genotypes. This study shows a high diversity of diazotrophic rhizosphere bacteria and suggests no strain specificity between the bacterial isolates and the Paspalum genotypes.

Toxinology in the proteomics era: a review on arachnid venom proteomics

Abstract The word venomics was coined to acknowledge the studies that use omics to investigate venom proteins and peptides. Venomics has evolved considerably over the last 20 years. The first works on scorpion or spider venomics were published in the early 2000s. Such studies relied on peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) to characterize venom complexity. After the introduction of new mass spectrometers with higher resolution, sensitivity and mass accuracy, and the next-generation nucleotide sequencing, the complexity of data reported in research on scorpion and spider venomics increased exponentially, which allowed more comprehensive studies. In the present review article, we covered key publications on scorpion venomics and spider venomics, presenting historical grounds and implemented technologies over the last years. The literature presented in this review was selected after searching the PubMed database using the terms (scorpion venom) AND (proteome) for scorpion venomics, and (spider venom) AND (proteome) for publications on spider venomics. We presented the key aspects related to proteomics in the covered papers including, but not restricted to, the employed proteomic strategy (i.e., PMF, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, shotgun/bottom-up and/or top-down/peptidome), and the type of mass spectrometer used. Some conclusions can be drawn from the present study. For example, the scorpion genus Tityus is the most studied concerning venomics, followed by Centruroides; whereas for spiders the studied genera were found more equally distributed. Another interesting conclusion is the lack of high throughput studies on post-translational modifications (PTMs) of scorpion and spider proteins. In our opinion, PTMs should be more studied as they can modulate the activity of scorpion and spider toxins.

A taxonomic review of the vampire catfish genus Paracanthopoma Giltay, 1935 (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), with descriptions of nine new species and a revised diagnosis of the genus

A taxonomic revision is presented of the genus Paracanthopoma, probably the least-known vandelliine genus at present. The work is based on most of the material available in museums worldwide and includes a major expansion in the knowledge about the genus. Paracanthopoma is circumscribed as a monophyletic group on the basis of nine putatively synapomorphic characters. Evidence is provided for Paracanthopoma and Paravandellia as sister groups and the two genera are comparatively diagnosed. A total of 13 species are recognized in Paracanthopoma, of which nine are new and one is transferred from Paravandellia: Pc. ahriman, new species, Pc. alleynei (Henschel et al., 2021), Pc. carrapata, new species, Pc. cangussu Henschel et al., 2021, Pc. capeta, new species, Pc. daemon, new species, Pc. irritans, new species, Pc. malevola,new species, Pc. parva Giltay, 1935, Pc. saci Dagosta & de Pinna, 2021, Pc. satanica, new species, Pc. truculenta, new species, and Pc. vampyra, new species. The holotype and paratype of Pc. alleynei are found to belong to two different species. The various taxa in Paracanthopoma display a high degree of phenotypic divergence and are diagnosed on the basis of traditional as well as new morphological characters of both external and internal anatomy. Geographical distributions are mapped for each species and an identification key is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests the existence of four main subclades within Paracanthopoma. The first one includes Pc. ahriman, Pc. cangussu, and Pc. irritans. A second subclade comprises Pc. carrapata, Pc. daemon, Pc. parva, and Pc. truculenta. A third clade includes Pc. malevola and Pc. satanica and a fourth comprises Pc. alleyneiand Pc. vampyra. The last clade lacks some putative synapomorphies of all other members of Paracanthopoma and seems to be the sister group to the rest of the genus. Relationships of Pc. capeta and Pc. saci are not as clear, but some evidence exists for the former being related to the first subclade and the latter to the second subclade.(AU)

New records and a voucher collection of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) inhabiting agroforestry systems in the colombian amazon basin

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) and copoazú (T. grandiflorum) agroecosystems represent a common source of income or many small-scale farmers in the Colombian Amazon basin. Most of these systems are set in low disturbance environments; they are considered biodiversity-friendly ecosystems inhabited by several groups of insects. In this study, we carried out a preliminary taxonomic inventory of the microhymenopteran parasitoids present in these agroforestry systems. Twenty-six localities of the Amazonian basin of Colombia were sampled using several insect collecting methods (Malaise trap, sweep net, pitfall, and rearing boxes). Collected specimens were curated and cataloged, establishing the first taxonomic voucher collection of parasitoids from the Colombian Amazon basin. We identified 767 specimens representing 64 species, 274 morphospecies, 143 genera and 20 families, 34 genera and 16 species of these being recorded for the first time in the country. The genus Gbelcia is reported for the first time from the Neotropical region. A new parasitoid-host relationship was found for Horismenus cupreus (Eulophidae) attacking larvae of Phyllocnistis sp. (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae), which feeds on Annona montana (Annonaceae) leaves.(AU)

Review of the inquilinous fauna associated with insect galls in Brazilian restingas

Abstract Several records of associated fauna, including parasitoids, inquilines, predators, and successors, have been reported by insect gall inventories in Brazilian restingas. Although most guilds are well established, inquilines have frequently been misinterpreted. In this paper, the inquilinous fauna of insect galls is revised based on five criteria: food habit; coexistence with the inducer; modification of gall tissues or production of new tissues; phylogenetic relationship with the inducer; and mobility. Gall inventories dated from 1988 to 2019 were examined, totaling 16 publications, eight of them with inquiline records. This guild was reported in 53 gall morphotypes in 44 plant species and four morphospecies distributed among 36 genera of 24 host families for a total of 65 records. Most inquilines were repositioned into the cecidophage guild and others into the kleptoparasite guild, resulting in a large reduction in the frequency of inquilines (from 65 to five records), and in first reports of cecidophages and kleptoparasites, with 46 and 13 records, respectively. Cecidophage was the most diverse guild with insects of five orders (Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Thysanoptera) while kleptoparasites were represented only by two orders (Diptera and Hymenoptera) and inquiline solely by Hymenoptera. Other results indicate that Leptothorax sp. (Formicidae) could be a successor and not an inquiline.

Resumo Vários registros de fauna associada, incluindo parasitoides, inquilinos, predadores e sucessores são encontrados em inventários de galhas de insetos em restingas brasileiras. Embora a maioria das guildas esteja bem estabelecida, os inquilinos são frequentemente interpretados de forma equivocada. Nesse trabalho, a fauna inquilina de galhas de insetos é revisada com base em cinco critérios: hábito alimentar, coexistência com o indutor, modificação dos tecidos da galha ou produção de novos tecidos, relação filogenética com o indutor e mobilidade. Inventários de galhas publicados entre 1988 e 2019 foram examinados, totalizando 16 artigos, oito deles com registro de inquilinos. Essa guilda foi assinalada em 53 morfotipos de galhas em 44 espécies de plantas e quatro morfoespécies distribuídas em 36 gêneros de 24 famílias vegetais, totalizando 65 registros. A maioria dos inquilinos foi reposicionada na guilda dos cecidófagos e outros na guilda dos cleptoparasitas, resultando em uma grande redução da frequência dos inquilinos (de 65 para cinco registros), e na primeira ocorrência de cecidófagos e cleptoparasitas, com 46 e 13 registros, respectivamente. A guilda dos cecidófagos foi a mais diversa, com insetos de cinco ordens (Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera e Thysanoptera), enquanto que os cleptoparasitas foram representados por apenas duas ordens (Diptera e Hymenoptera) e os inquilinos somente por Hymenoptera. Outros resultados indicam que Leptothorax sp. (Formicidae) pode ser um sucessor e não um inquilino.

Updated catalog of the Chilean wedge-shaped beetles (Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae) with the first records of Macrosiagon flavipennis (LeConte) in Chile

The biology and ecology of wedge-shaped beetles (Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae) are scarcely known in the Neotropical realm. Chilean species of this beetle family are currently represented by two genera: Macrosiagon Hentz, 1830 and Ripiphorus Bosc, 1791, and three species, only known from their type localities. Here, we present an updated catalog of Chilean Ripiphoridae, along with the new distributional and biology records. Also, Macrosiagon flavipennis LeConte, 1866 (Ripiphorinae: Macrosiagonini) has been reported for the first time in Chile. We discuss the reasons for the presence of M. flavipennis in urban areas, the state of knowledge of the endemic species presents in Chile in relation to their distribution and the opportunity to use opportunistic records to better understand their natural history.(AU)

New records for the poorly-known monotypic genera Exallostreptus and Guaporeptus, and a list of species from Mato Grosso state, Brazil (Diplopoda: Spirostreptida: Spirostreptidae)

New records for the species Exallostreptus vanzolinii Hoffman, 1988 and Guaporeptus paradisius Hoffman, 1988, known only from the state of Rondônia, are made from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Figures of gonopods, first and second leg-pair of males are provided. In addition, an updated list of 19 Spirostreptidae species from Mato Grosso is provided, with the species Plusioporus salvadorii, Trichogonostreptus (Oreastreptus) mattogrossensis, and Urostreptus tampiitauensis widely distributed in the state.(AU)

The occurrence of rhizobacteria from Paspalum genotypes and their effects on plant growth

This work aimed to isolate and characterize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from 10 Paspalum genotypes and evaluate the effect of their inoculation on P. regnellii, P. atratum, and P. malacophyllum genotypes. The bacterial population ranged from undetectable to 107 bacterial cells per gram of fresh matter in the Paspalum genotypes. Initially, we isolated 164 bacteria from rhizospheric soil and roots of the Paspalum genotypes using media N-free LG agar plate, semi-solid NFb, and LGI. The isolates were characterized genetically and physiologically. The sequencing of 16S rRNA showed the presence of many genera, and some are new in association with Paspalum. The most common was Bacillus followed by Rhizobium, Paraburkholderia, Enterobacter, Cupriavidus, Pseudomonas, Dyadobacter and Acinetobacter. Thirty-eight per cent of isolates produced siderophores, 25 % produced solubilized phosphate, and only 9 % produced indolic compounds. Three greenhouse experiments were performed in randomized blocks with six replicates using representative bacterial strains isolated from P. regnellii, P. malacophyllum and P. atratum cv. Pojuca. We also included strain Sp245 (Azospirillum baldaniorum), uninoculated control, and nitrogen control (150 kg N ha−1). There was an increase of up to 53 % in shoot dry matter in P. regnellii inoculated with strain Sp245 and the shoots accumulated more N. In contrast, only small effects were observed for the other Paspalum genotypes inoculated with PGPR from the host genotypes. This study shows a high diversity of diazotrophic rhizosphere bacteria and suggests no strain specificity between the bacterial isolates and the Paspalum genotypes.

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Parque Estadual São Camilo, an isolated Atlantic Forest remnant in western Paraná, Brazil

We provide a list for the ants collected in the leaf litter, soil and vegetation of the Parque Estadual São Camilo, an important conservation unit of Atlantic Forest in Paraná, Brazil, and one of the oldest in the state. We report 108 species, of which eight species and two genera represent new records for Southern Brazil. Seven species are reported for the first time in Paraná. Our work is the first ant list for the western limit of the state, and reveals a surprisingly high number of species considering the extension of the study area. We highlight the importance of integrating different sampling techniques to explore ant diversity, and to conduct baseline studies in protected areas to document biodiversity.(AU)