Population level genetic divergence and phylogenetic placement of Mexican shortfin mollies (Mollienesia: Poecilia: Poeciliidae)

Mexico is a megadiverse region with a complex geological history, but it remains unclear to what extent the distribution of freshwater fish has been influenced by geographic barriers. This study examines the population level genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships of species in the shortfin group of the subgenus Mollienesia (genus Poecilia), a group of live-bearing fishes that are widely distributed across Mexico, with sampling at a small geographic scale. Samples from over 50 locations were analyzed for six species by using phylogenetic and haplotype network approaches to assess genetic diversity across geographic ranges and to refine the distributions of species in this group. The results indicate that Mexican species have diversified following multiple, independent invasions from Middle America. Two species found north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) and one transversal species exhibited weak phylogenetic structure, likely due to the lack of physiographic barriers, recent colonization, and high dispersal rates among regions. In contrast, three species found south of the TMVB exhibited strong phylogenetic structure, reflecting a longer presence in the area and multiple physiographic barriers that isolated populations. This study identified mechanisms driving divergence and speciation, expanded the known range of several species, and resolved taxonomic uncertainties of populations.(AU)

México es una región megadiversa con una historia geológica compleja, pero se desconoce el nivel de influencia de las barreras geográficas sobre las distribuciones de los peces dulceacuícolas. Este estudio examina las relaciones filogenéticas, a escala geográfica pequeña, de las especies del grupo de aletas cortas del subgénero Mollienesia (género Poecilia), un grupo de peces vivíparos ampliamente distribuidos en México. Se analizaron muestras de seis especies en más de 50 localidades, utilizando métodos filogenéticos y de redes de haplotipos, para evaluar la diversidad genética y precisar las distribuciones de especies en este grupo. Los resultados indican que las especies mexicanas se han diversificado a partir de múltiples invasiones independientes desde Mesoamérica. Se detectó estructura filogenética débil en dos especies distribuidas al norte del Eje Neovolcánico y una especie que atraviesa el Eje Neovolcánico, posiblemente debido a la ausencia de barreras fisiográficas, colonización reciente y altas tasas de dispersión entre regiones. En contraste, se detectaron niveles altos de estructura filogenética en tres especies distribuidas del Eje Neovolcánico, lo que refleja una presencia más prolongada en el área y la existencia de múltiples barreras fisiográficas que aislaron a las poblaciones. Este estudio identificó mecanismos que promueven la divergencia y la especiación, expandió el rango conocido de varias especies y resolvió incertidumbres taxonómicas de algunas poblaciones.(AU)

Multiple colors in anteaters: review and description of chromatic disorders in Tamandua (Xenarthra: Pilosa) with reports of new and rare coat colorations

Tamandua Gray, 1825 contains two species of anteaters: Tamandua mexicana (Saussure, 1860), which occurs in southern Mexico, throughout Central America and south to the west of the Andes in South America, and Tamandua tetradactyla (Linnaeus, 1758), widely distributed in South America, from Venezuela to northern Argentina, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. Historically, different coloration patterns have been attributed to the coat of Tamandua, with T. mexicana typically showing a partial or complete dark "vest" on the dorsal portion of the body, whereas T. tetradactyla can show a complete, partial, or absent vest and a coat varying from golden, pale yellow and pale gray to brown or black. These different coat colors are sometimes treated as inherent characteristics of subspecies of Tamandua. Here, we review color variation in Tamandua and describe six chromatic disorders for the genus: albinism, leucism, "brown" variation, melanism (partial and total), xanthochromism (partial and total) and, for the first time for anteaters, erythrism. In addition, we detail the morphological expression and geographic distribution of these anomalies in populations of Tamandua from Central and South America.(AU)

The influence of landscape at multiple spatial scales of the river basins at the Eastern Amazon fish assemblage

The Amazon River basins present distinct natural and anthropogenic characteristics that influence the structure of stream habitats and their associated biota. The influence of these characteristics can be evaluated through different spatial scales. We aimed to assess the influence (with and without the effect of spatial-geographical factors) of local, macroscale, and land-use variables in the structure of stream fish assemblages of Amazonian catchments with different deforestation levels. A partial redundancy analysis and a reduced metrics model were used to assess these influences. With geographic-spatial effects, we verified that the macroscale and local variables explained the variation in fish composition, and, without the effects, land use also explained the variation in this composition. In the forested catchments, the biota was associated with streams with natural characteristics (e.g., leaf banks). In the deforested catchments, it was associated with land use, sandy catchments with higher soil density (higher capacity of degradation), and less complex streams (fewer leaf banks, more sand). The associated fish have life features linked to these characteristics (e.g., Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni associated with sand). This configuration seems to be a result of both the impact of land use in the catchment (i.e., increased erosion, increased sedimentation) and the naturally sandy constitution of the catchment as well, reflecting the sandy substrate.

A Amazônia apresenta bacias hidrográficas com características naturais e antrópicas que estão presentes em distintas escalas espaciais da paisagem e que influenciam a estrutura do habitat de riachos e sua biota associada. Nosso objetivo foi verificar a influência (com e sem o efeito de fatores espaciais e geográficos) de variáveis locais, de macroescala e uso da terra na estrutura de assembleias de peixes de riachos de microbacias amazônicas com diferentes níveis de desmatamento. A análise de redundância parcial e modelo reduzido de métricas foram realizadas para verificar essas influências. Com os efeitos geográfico-espaciais, verificou-se que as variáveis de macroescala e locais explicavam a variação da composição dos peixes, e sem os efeitos, os usos da terra também explicaram. Nas microbacias florestadas, a biota foi associada a riachos com características naturais (e.g., bancos de folhas). Nas microbacias desmatadas, foi associada a usos da terra, a microbacias arenosas com maior densidade do solo (maior capacidade de degradação) e a riachos menos complexos (menos bancos de folhas e mais areia). Os peixes associados a essas microbacias desmatadas possuem aspectos de vida atrelados a essas características (e.g., Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni associado a areia). Essa configuração parece ser um reflexo tanto do impacto do uso da terra na microbacia (i.e., maior erosão, maior sedimentação) quanto da própria constituição natural arenosa da microbacia, refletindo o substrato arenoso.

The role of topographic-derived hydrological variables in explaining plant species distributions in Amazonia / O papel de variáveis hidrológicas derivadas da topografia em explicar a distribuição de espécies de plantas na Amazônia

In Amazonian terra-firme non inundated forests, local floristic composition and species occurrence are explained by water availability as determined by topographic conditions. Topographic complexity can render these conditions quite variable across the landscape and the effects on plant ecological responses are difficult to document. We used a set of topographically defined hydrological metrics to evaluate community composition and single-species responses of four plant groups [pteridophytes (ferns and lycophytes), Melastomataceae, palms (Arecaceae) and Zingiberales] to topographic conditions in the middle Juruá River region, in western Brazilian Amazonia. The area spans two geological formations (Içá and Solimões) with contrasting topography. River terraces are also found along the main rivers in the area. Local topographic conditions were approximated by height above the nearest drainage (HAND), slope, and Strahler´s drainage order, all obtained from a SRTM digital elevation model (DEM). Data were analyzed using linear and generalized linear mixed models and regression trees. HAND was most successful in explaining floristic composition for all plant groups, except for Melastomataceae, and was more important in the hilly Içá formation than in the Solimões. Individual occurrences of 57% species were predicted by at least one of the topographic variables, suggesting a marked habitat specialization along topographic gradients. For these species, response models using SRTM-DEM-derived variables gave similar results than models using field-measured topography only. Our results suggest that topographical variables estimated from remote sensing can be used to predict local variation in the structure of plant communities in tropical forests.(AU)

Nas florestas de terra firme não inundáveis da Amazônia, a composição florística e a ocorrência de espécies podem ser explicadas pela disponibilidade hídrica relacionada com a topografia. Dada a complexidade topográfica, a disponibilidade de água pode ser bastante variável e seus efeitos na resposta das plantas, difícil de documentar. Neste estudo avaliamos as respostas individuais de espécie de quatro grupos de plantas [pteridófitas (samambaias e licófitas), Melastomataceae, palmeiras (Arecaceae) e Zingiberales] às condições topográficas na região do médio Rio Juruá, no oeste da Amazônia brasileira. A área abrange duas formações geológicas (Içá e Solimões) com topografias contrastantes. Terraços fluviais também são encontrados ao longo dos rios principais. As condições topográficas foram medidas usando a altura acima da drenagem mais próxima (HAND), declividade e ordem de drenagem de Strahler, todas obtidas a partir de um modelo digital de elevação SRTM-DEM. Os dados foram analisados usando modelos lineares generalizados mistos e árvores de regressão. HAND foi a principal variável explicativa da composição florística para todos os grupos de plantas, exceto Melastomataceae, tendo maior efeito na formação Içá do que na Solimões. Ocorrências individuais de 57% das espécies foram explicadas por pelo menos uma das variáveis, sugerindo uma especialização marcada de habitat ao longo de gradientes topográficos. Para essas espécies, modelos usando variáveis derivadas do SRTM-DEM deram resultados semelhantes aos modelos usando apenas a topografia medida em campo, o que indicam que variáveis topográficas derivadas do SRTM-DEM podem ser usadas para prever variações locais na estrutura de comunidades de plantas em florestas tropicais.(AU)

Core collection of common bean formed from traditional Brazilian germplasm / Coleção nuclear de feijão comum formada por germoplasma tradicional de coletas brasileiras

The aim of this study was to select traditional accessions, compose a core collection of common bean, and assess the representativeness of the collection in relation to the base collection accommodated in the BAG of Embrapa using analysis strategies for multivariate models. We used data characterizing 2903 accessions from collections representing all geographic areas of Brazil regarding three morphologic descriptors (seed color, growth habit type, and seed size) and four ecogeographic descriptors (geographical areas, states, altitudes, and soil classes). A set of 400 accessions were selected using multivariate models applied to the data transformed in multibinary values. The accessions sampled had maximum similarity (100%) to the traditional collection, phenotypic diversity, and representative heterogeneity in relation to the traditional collection. In the core collection, the accessions represented 9.5% of the traditional accessions and were equivalent to 3% of the accessions of the base collection. Thus, it is possible to form a core collection that is representative of the base collection regarding genetic diversity and the conservation of rare alleles.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar acessos tradicionais, compor uma coleção nuclear de feijoeiro comum e avaliar sua representatividade em relação à coleção base de coletas hospedadas no BAG da Embrapa. Utilizando dados de caracterização de 2903 acessos de coletas representando todas as regiões geográficas do Brasil quanto a três descritores morfológicos (cor de semente, tipos de crescimento e tamanho de semente) e quatro descritores ecogeográficos (regiões geográficas, unidades federativas, altitudes e classes de solos), foram selecionados 400 acessos utilizando modelos multivariados aplicados aos dados transformados em valores multibinários. Os acessos amostrados apresentaram similaridade máxima (100%) com a coleção tradicional, diversidade fenotípica e heterogeneidade representativa em relação à coleção tradicional. Na coleção nuclear, os acessos representaram 9,5% dos acessos tradicionais e equivalem a 3% dos acessos da coleção base. Com isso conclui-se que é possível formar uma coleção nuclear representativa da coleção base, no que diz respeito à diversidade genética e a conservação de alelos raros.

Characterization and genetic diversity in Paspalum notatum Flügge accessions: Morphological and geographical distance

The objective of this work was to describe morphology and grouping of Paspalum notatum accessions, based on multicategorical data which discards the redundant variables for quantification of genetic diversity. We also tested the hypothesis that geographical distance was correlated with morphological divergence. In our study, multivariate analyzes successfully demonstrated the geographic and morphological variability of the P. notatum accessions characterized. Many of these evaluated accessions can be included in future genetic improvement programs. Based on two methodologies for discarding variables, it was possible to identify the potentially important morphological characteristics from genetic diversity studies and characterize new accessions aimed at improving forage and seed production. The methodologies used to discard variables are biometric tools that can be used successfully in future plant breeding programs, especially when a large number of traits and accessions are being evaluated. Although significant, geographic distance had a low association with morphological traits. This indicated the need to use other characteristics, such as forage and seed yield, in addition to molecular analysis. Our analyzes showed genetic variability in P. notatum for all the characteristics studied.(AU)

Molecular diversity and ecogeographic distribution of Algerian wild olives (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris)

Olive is one of the most important crops in the Mediterranean Basin, because of the olive oil economic value and its role in characterization of the rural landscape. The strong influence of climatic changes on the modern agriculture and the availability of a large source of genetic variability pose as crucial future challenges. Therefore, safeguarding olive genetic resources becomes fundamental, not only in cultivated forms in ex situ collections, but also in terms of wild trees in their natural habitat. In this study, 174 samples of oleaster collected in different parts of Algeria were analyzed by 16 nuclear Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs). The analysis showed a huge genetic variability in the oleaster, and the STRUCTURE and Principal Coordinate Analyses (PCoA) highlighted clusterization of genotypes according to their geographic origin and bioclimatic conditions. Genotypes adapted to harsh climatic conditions were identified, which could be useful to enrich the panel of olive genotypes for breeding purposes and preserve genetic diversity of this species from erosion risks.(AU)

Analysis of the genetic diversity of Dragon fruit based on ISSR markers in Colombia / Análise da diversidade genética da fruta do dragão com base em marcadores ISSR na Colômbia

Selenicereus megalanthus H. is a tropical fruit belonging to the family Cactaceae, is rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants and bioactive components. It presents wide variability in different characteristics and a great demand in the market; however, genetic studies in Colombia are scarce. The main of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of 76 yellow pitahaya genotypes with eight ISSR markers. Genetic parameters expected average heterozygosity (He), percentage of polymorphic loci, genetic distances and Fst were estimated with TFPGA. The analysis of the population genetic structure was carried out with the STRUCTURE 2.3.4. As a result, 225 alleles were generated and the number of polymorphic loci ranged 85 (CT, AG) to 90 (GT). High genetic diversity was found, with an average value of heterozygosity was 0.34 with a genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) of 0.26, indicating that there was a great genetic diversity, similar values than those reported in other studies of pitahaya genetic diversity in Colombia. The 76 genotypes were grouped into K=3 according to geographic location, however, in some groups a mixture of individuals from different origins was observed. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed higher variation (75%) within groups than among groups (25%). These results provide information that can be used to develop conservation strategies for dragon fruit and breeding programs to obtain more productive pitahaya genotypes with superior quality, high yield and with resistance to biotic and abiotic factors.

Selenicereus megalanthus H. é uma fruta tropical pertencente à família Cactaceae, rica em nutrientes essenciais, antioxidantes e componentes bioativos. Apresenta grande variabilidade em diferentes características e uma grande demanda no mercado; no entanto, os estudos genéticos na Colômbia são escassos. O principal deste estudo foi caracterizar a diversidade genética de 76 genótipos de pitahaya amarela com oito marcadores ISSR. Parâmetros genéticos esperados de heterozigosidade média (He), porcentagem de locos polimórficos, distâncias genéticas e Fst foram estimados com TFPGA. A análise da estrutura genética da população foi realizada com a ESTRUTURA 2.3.4. Como resultado, 225 alelos foram gerados e o número de loci polimórficos variou de 85 (CT, AG) a 90 (GT). Foi encontrada alta diversidade genética, com um valor médio de heterozigosidade de 0,34 com coeficiente de diferenciação genética (Fst) de 0,26, indicando que havia uma grande diversidade genética, valores semelhantes aos relatados em outros estudos de diversidade genética de pitahaya na Colômbia. Os 76 genótipos foram agrupados em K = 3 de acordo com a localização geográfica, porém, em alguns grupos foi observada uma mistura de indivíduos de diferentes origens. A análise de variância molecular (AMOVA) mostrou maior variação (75%) dentro dos grupos do que entre os grupos (25%). Esses resultados fornecem informações que podem ser utilizadas para desenvolver estratégias de conservação da fruta do dragão e programas de melhoramento para a obtenção de genótipos de pitahaya mais produtivos, com qualidade superior, alto rendimento e com resistência a fatores bióticos e abióticos.

Analysis of the genetic diversity of Dragon fruit based on ISSR markers in Colombia

Abstract Selenicereus megalanthus H. is a tropical fruit belonging to the family Cactaceae, is rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants and bioactive components. It presents wide variability in different characteristics and a great demand in the market; however, genetic studies in Colombia are scarce. The main of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of 76 yellow pitahaya genotypes with eight ISSR markers. Genetic parameters expected average heterozygosity (He), percentage of polymorphic loci, genetic distances and Fst were estimated with TFPGA. The analysis of the population genetic structure was carried out with the STRUCTURE 2.3.4. As a result, 225 alleles were generated and the number of polymorphic loci ranged 85 (CT, AG) to 90 (GT). High genetic diversity was found, with an average value of heterozygosity was 0.34 with a genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) of 0.26, indicating that there was a great genetic diversity, similar values than those reported in other studies of pitahaya genetic diversity in Colombia. The 76 genotypes were grouped into K=3 according to geographic location, however, in some groups a mixture of individuals from different origins was observed. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed higher variation (75%) within groups than among groups (25%). These results provide information that can be used to develop conservation strategies for dragon fruit and breeding programs to obtain more productive pitahaya genotypes with superior quality, high yield and with resistance to biotic and abiotic factors.

Resumo Selenicereus megalanthus H. é uma fruta tropical pertencente à família Cactaceae, rica em nutrientes essenciais, antioxidantes e componentes bioativos. Apresenta grande variabilidade em diferentes características e uma grande demanda no mercado; no entanto, os estudos genéticos na Colômbia são escassos. O principal deste estudo foi caracterizar a diversidade genética de 76 genótipos de pitahaya amarela com oito marcadores ISSR. Parâmetros genéticos esperados de heterozigosidade média (He), porcentagem de locos polimórficos, distâncias genéticas e Fst foram estimados com TFPGA. A análise da estrutura genética da população foi realizada com a ESTRUTURA 2.3.4. Como resultado, 225 alelos foram gerados e o número de loci polimórficos variou de 85 (CT, AG) a 90 (GT). Foi encontrada alta diversidade genética, com um valor médio de heterozigosidade de 0,34 com coeficiente de diferenciação genética (Fst) de 0,26, indicando que havia uma grande diversidade genética, valores semelhantes aos relatados em outros estudos de diversidade genética de pitahaya na Colômbia. Os 76 genótipos foram agrupados em K = 3 de acordo com a localização geográfica, porém, em alguns grupos foi observada uma mistura de indivíduos de diferentes origens. A análise de variância molecular (AMOVA) mostrou maior variação (75%) dentro dos grupos do que entre os grupos (25%). Esses resultados fornecem informações que podem ser utilizadas para desenvolver estratégias de conservação da fruta do dragão e programas de melhoramento para a obtenção de genótipos de pitahaya mais produtivos, com qualidade superior, alto rendimento e com resistência a fatores bióticos e abióticos.

Testing spatial and environmental factors to explain body shape variation in the widespread Central American Blackbelt cichlid Vieja maculicauda (Teleostei: Cichlidae)

Body-shape variability may respond to the interaction between history and environment, particularly in species whose range includes known biogeographical barriers. Central America has traditionally been regarded to have functioned as a complete land-bridge connecting two continents since the Plio-Pleistocene and as an incomplete one since much earlier. This history has helped shape species diversification and distributions. Vieja maculicauda is a widely distributed cichlid, found throughout most of the Atlantic slope of Central America, across three of the four geological blocks that make up this region and whose borders are known dispersal barriers. We asked whether there is an effect of geologic blocks on body shape of V. maculicauda as determined by geometric morphometric assessment of 151 individuals from across its range. We asked how much variance in body shape is explained by environmental variables. We used a CVA and a MANCOVA to determine whether a relationship between body shape and geologic blocks exists. For testing body shape correlation against geographic and environmental variables, we used a Mantel test. Our results suggest that body shape in V. maculicauda can be segregated by geologic blocks, while the correlation results showed no strong correlation between our sets of variables.(AU)

La variabilidad en forma de cuerpo puede responder a la interacción entre historia y medio ambiente, particularmente en especies de amplia distribución cuyo rango incluya barreras biogeográficas conocidas. Tradicionalmente se ha considerado que Centroamérica ha funcionado como un puente terrestre conectando dos masas continentales desde alrededor del Plio-Pleistoceno y como un puente incompleto desde mucho antes. Esta historia ha ayudado a moldear la diversificación y distribución de especies. Vieja maculicauda es un cíclido de amplia distribución, encontrado a través de la mayor parte de la vertiente Atlántica de Centroamérica, en tres de los cuatro bloques que componen la región y cuyas fronteras son bien conocidas como barreras de dispersión. Nos preguntamos si hay un efecto del bloque geológico en la forma de cuerpo de V. maculicauda, determinado a través de una evaluación de morfometría geométrica de 151 especímenes a lo largo de su distribución. También nos preguntamos cuánta varianza en la forma de cuerpo es explicada por variables ambientales. Utilizamos un AVC y un MANCOVA para determinar si existe una relación entre forma de cuerpo y bloque geológico. Para probar las correlaciones de la forma de cuerpo con variables geográficas y medioambientales utilizamos una prueba de Mantel. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la forma de cuerpo en Vieja maculicauda puede ser segregada por bloque geológico, mientras que los resultados de la correlación no mostraron una correlación fuerte entre nuestros sets de variables.(AU)

Venom composition of Trimeresurus albolabris, T. insularis, T. puniceus and T. purpureomaculatus from Indonesia

Background: Several studies have been published on the characterization of Trimeresurus venoms. However, there is still limited information concerning the venom composition of Trimeresurus species distributed throughout Indonesia, which contributes to significant snakebite envenomation cases. The present study describes a comparative on the composition of T. albolabris, T. insularis, T. puniceus, and T. purpureomaculatus venoms originated from Indonesia. Methods: Protein content in the venom of four Trimeresurus species was determined using Bradford assay, and the venom proteome was elucidated using one-dimension SDS PAGE nano-ESI- LCMS/MS shotgun proteomics. Results: The venom of T. albolabris contained the highest protein content of 11.1 mg/mL, followed by T. puniceus, T. insularis and T. purpureomaculatus venom with 10.7 mg/mL, 8.9 mg/mL and 5.54 mg/mL protein, respectively. In total, our venomic analysis identified 65 proteins belonging to 16 protein families in T. purpureomaculatus; 64 proteins belonging to 18 protein families in T. albolabris; 58 different proteins belonging to 14 protein families in T. puniceus; and 48 different proteins belonging to 14 protein familiesin T. insularis. Four major proteins identified in all venoms belonged to snake venom metalloproteinase, C-type lectin, snake venom serine protease, and phospholipase A2. There were 11 common proteins in all venoms, and T. puniceus venom has the highest number of unique proteins compared to the other three venoms. Cluster analysis of the proteins and venoms showed that T. puniceus venom has the most distinct venom composition. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlighted venom compositional variation of four Trimeresurus spp. from Indonesia. The venoms appear to be highly similar, comprising at least four protein families that correlate with venom's toxin properties and function. This study adds more information on venom variability among Trimeresurus species within the close geographic origin and may contribute to the development of optimum heterologous antivenom.(AU)

How can global climate change influence the geographic distribution of the eucalyptus yellow beetle? Modeling and prediction for Brazil / Como mudanças climáticas globais podem influenciar na distribuição geográfica do besouro amarelo do eucalipto? Modelagem e predição para o Brasil

Popularly known as the yellow eucalyptus beetle, Costalimaita ferruginea (Fabricius, 1801) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in the adult phase it feeds on the leaves of the myrtaceae, leaving them laced, a fact that impairs the productivity of plantations. Therefore, this work aims to model the potential distribution of the beetle in climate change scenarios for Brazil. The biotic data were collected through a review of the literature and entomological collections, totaling 88 georeferenced points of occurrence of the insect in the country. The abiotic data (19 biovariables, precipitation and minimum, average and maximum temperature) in the Wordcllim database, represent the periods: current (1970-2000), middle (2041-2060), and final (2061-2080) of the century, with representation in two projections of climatic anomalies (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). To determine the most important variables for the models, the Jackknife test was performed in the Maxent software, which resulted in five biovariables, namely: annual precipitation (35.2%), temperature seasonality (15.2%), annual temperature variation (13.7%), seasonality of precipitation (8.7%) and an average temperature of the coldest quarter (7.4%). Subsequently, the Openmodeller software was used and five algorithms were tested to determine which model represents the prediction of areas of suitability for the occurrence of the insect. The algorithm that best represented the appropriate areas was the Envelope Score (AUC = 0.808), corroborating the occurrence data collected. The prediction shows that the Pampa biome, in the RCP8.5 scenario for the period between 2061-2080, will become fully suitable for the occurrence of this defoliator beetle, unlike the Amazon, which presents retraction in areas suitable for the occurrence of the beetle for the same period. In this sense, commercial eucalyptus plantations implemented in climatologically suitable areas for the occurrence of this insect must be monitored periodically.

Conhecido popularmente como, o besouro-amarelo do eucalipto, Costalimaita ferrugínea (Fabricius, 1801) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), na fase adulta alimenta-se das folhas da mirtácea deixando-as rendilhadas, fato este que prejudica a produtividade dos plantios. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo modelar a distribuição potencial do besouro em cenários de mudanças climáticas para o Brasil. Os dados bióticos foram levantados através de revisão de literatura e de coleções entomológicas, totalizando 88 pontos georreferenciados de ocorrência do inseto no país. Os dados abióticos (19 biovariáveis, precipitação e temperatura mínima, média e máxima) no banco de dados Wordlclim, representando os períodos: atual (1970-2000), meio (2041-2060) e final (2061-2080) do século, com representação em duas projeções de anomalias climáticas (RCP 4.5 e RCP 8.5). De modo a determinar as variáveis mais importantes para os modelos, foi realizado o teste Jackknife no software Maxent, o qual resultou em cinco biovariáveis, sendo elas: precipitação anual (35.2%), sazonalidade da temperatura (15.2%), variação anual de temperatura (13.7%), sazonalidade de precipitação (8.7%) e temperatura média do trimestre mais frio (7.4%). Posteriormente, utilizou-se o software Openmodeller e testados cinco algoritmos, para determinar qual modelo representa a predição de áreas de adequabilidade para a ocorrência do inseto. O algoritmo que melhor representou as áreas adequadas foi o Envelope Score (AUC = 0.808), corroborando com os dados de ocorrência levantados. A predição mostra que o bioma Pampa, no cenário RCP8.5 para o período entre 2061-2080 se tornará totalmente adequado à ocorrência desse besouro desfolhador, ao contrário da Amazônia, que apresenta retração nas áreas adequadas à ocorrência do besouro para o mesmo período. Nesse sentido, plantios comerciais de eucalipto implementados em áreas climatologicamente adequadas à ocorrência desse inseto devem ser monitoradas periodicamente.

Geographic range, distribution patterns and interactions of Monogenea Van Beneden 1858, with species of native host freshwater fishes from Brazil / Distribuição geográfica, padrões de distribuição e interações de Monogenea Van Beneden 1858, com espécies de peixes hospedeiros nativos de água doce do Brasil

Abstract This paper investigated information on monogenean species using 312 scientific papers, to search for infection and geographic distribution patterns in native freshwater fish from Brazil. We used 1,698 samples of 296 fish species of 28 families distributed into Characiformes, Siluriformes, Cichliformes, Gymnotiformes, Perciformes, Mugiliformes, Osteoglossiformes and Clupeiformes, in addition to four hybrid fish. Among the hosts of the different orders and families, the greatest numbers of parasite-host associations were found for species of the families Serrasalmidae, Characidae, Loricariidae, Curimatidae and Anostomidae. The 578 species of monogeneans used in parasite-host interactions were distributed in 86 genera of six five families (Dactylogyridae, Gyrodactylidae, Diplectanidae, Microcotylidae, Ancylodiscoididae and Ancyrocephalidae), but with great predominance of Dactylogyridae species. There was variation in prevalence, intensity and abundance levels of monogeneans species among host fish species, as well as in infection sites that occurred predominantly in external organs. Positive correlations of prevalence, intensity and abundance with body length of hosts were observed. There was geographic distribution pattern of monogeneans limited mostly to two hydrographic basins those being the Amazon River and Paraná River. Just approximately 6% of potential monogeneans have been explored thus far, showing a clear need for further studies on this interesting group of parasites.

Resumo Este estudo investigou informações sobre espécies de monogenéticos, usando 312 artigos científicos para buscar padrões de infecção e distribuição geográfica em peixes nativos de água doce do Brasil. Foram utilizadas 1.698 amostras de 296 espécies de peixes de 28 famílias, distribuídas em Characiformes, Siluriformes, Cichliformes, Gymnotiformes, Perciformes, Mugiliformes, Osteoglossiformes e Clupeiformes, além de quatro peixes híbridos. Entre os hospedeiros das diferentes ordens e famílias, os maiores números de associações parasito-hospedeiro foram encontrados para espécies das famílias Serrasalmidae, Characidae, Loricariidae, Curimatidae e Anostomidae. As 578 espécies de monogenéticos, utilizadas nas interações parasito-hospedeiro, foram distribuídas em 86 gêneros de seis famílias (Dactylogyridae, Gyrodactylidae, Diplectanidae, Microcotylidae, Ancylodiscoididae e Ancyrocephalidae), mas com grande predominância de espécie de Dactylogyridae. Houve variação nos níveis de prevalência, intensidade e abundância das espécies de monogenéticos entre as espécies de peixes hospedeiros, bem como nos locais de infecção que ocorreram predominantemente em órgãos externos. Correlações positivas de prevalência, intensidade e abundância com o comprimento corporal dos hospedeiros foram observadas. Houve padrão de distribuição geográfica dos monogenéticos limitados principalmente a duas bacias hidrográficas, sendo elas o Rio Amazonas e Rio Paraná. Apenas aproximadamente 6% dos potenciais monogenéticos são conhecidos até agora, mostrando uma clara necessidade de mais estudos sobre esse interessante grupo de parasitos.

Uncertainties and risks in delimiting species of Cambeva (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) with single-locus methods and geographically restricted data

Cambeva contains species with complex taxonomy or poorly delimitated in terms of morphology and geopraphic distribution. We conducted an extensive review of Cambeva populations from coastal drainages of Southern to Southeastern Brazil to evaluate species geographic limits with an integrative analysis including morphological and molecular data (COI). We test if two single-locus methods, Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP) and Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), are efficient to delimit species boundaries in Cambeva by the comparison with the diagnosable morphological units. Using GMYC, we also evaluated the combination of tree and molecular clock priors to reconstruct the input phylogeny and assessed how well the implemented model fitted our empirical data. Eleven species were identified using a morphological diagnosability criterion: Cambeva balios, C. barbosae, C. botuvera, C. cubataonis, C. davisi, C. guaraquessaba, C. iheringi, C. tupinamba, and C. zonata and two treated as undescribed species. In contrast with previous knowledge, many of them have wider distribution and high intraspecific variation. Species delimitation based on single-locus demonstrated incongruences between the methods and strongly differed from the morphological delimitation. These disagreements and the violation of the GMYC model suggest that a single-locus data is insufficient to delimit Cambeva species and the failure may be attributable to events of mitochondrial introgression and incomplete lineage sorting.(AU)

Cambeva contém espécies com taxonomia complexa ou mal delimitadas em termos morfológicos e de distribuição geográfica. Realizamos uma extensa revisão de populações de Cambeva das drenagens costeiras do Sul ao Sudeste do Brasil para avaliar os limites das espécies com uma análise integrativa incluindo dados morfológicos e moleculares (COI). Testamos se dois métodos de locus único, Implementação Bayesiana dos Processos da Árvore de Poisson (bPTP) e Coalescente de Yule Misto Generalizado (GMYC), são eficientes para delimitar os limites das espécies em Cambeva pela comparação com as unidades morfológicas diagnosticáveis. Usando o GMYC, também avaliamos a combinação de árvores e relógios moleculares para reconstruir a filogenia e avaliamos o quão bem o modelo implementado se ajustava aos nossos dados empíricos. Foram identificadas 11 espécies usando o critério morfológico: Cambeva balios, C. barbosae, C. botuvera, C. cubataonis, C. davisi, C. guaraquessaba, C. iheringi, C. tupinamba e C. zonata e duas tratadas como espécies não-descritas. Em contraste com o conhecimento prévio, muitas delas têm distribuição mais ampla e alta variação intraespecífica. A delimitação das espécies baseada em locus único demonstrou incongruências entre os métodos e diferiu fortemente da delimitação morfológica. Essas discordâncias e a violação do modelo GMYC sugerem que os dados de locus único são insuficientes para delimitar as espécies de Cambeva e a falha pode ser atribuída a eventos de introgressão mitocondrial e sorteio incompleto da linhagem.(AU)

First record of Scinax centralis (Anura, Hylidae) in the Triângulo Mineiro region, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, with further data on its vocalization

Abstract Scinax comprises more than 120 species which are split in two clades, the S. ruber and the S. catharinae clades. A few species within the S. catharinae clade occur in gallery forests of the Brazilian Cerrado. We here extend the distribution of S. centralis southwards based on new populations sampled in the banks of the Rio Paranaíba, in the borders of Minas Gerais (MG) and Goiás (GO) states, southeastern Brazil. We also provide further data on the species vocalization. Variation was seen among our population and topotypes regarding SVL and call dominant frequency, both likely representing a clinal variation. Our new population of S. centralis represents the first record of the species for the state of Minas Gerais.

First record of Scinax centralis (Anura, Hylidae) in the Triângulo Mineiro region, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, with further data on its vocalization

Abstract Scinax comprises more than 120 species which are split in two clades, the S. ruber and the S. catharinae clades. A few species within the S. catharinae clade occur in gallery forests of the Brazilian Cerrado. We here extend the distribution of S. centralis southwards based on new populations sampled in the banks of the Rio Paranaíba, in the borders of Minas Gerais (MG) and Goiás (GO) states, southeastern Brazil. We also provide further data on the species vocalization. Variation was seen among our population and topotypes regarding SVL and call dominant frequency, both likely representing a clinal variation. Our new population of S. centralis represents the first record of the species for the state of Minas Gerais.

Phyllostomid bats distribution and richness gradient in a subtropical Brazilian state

Abstract Phyllostomid bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) are key elements for the maintenance of New World forests, but little information on their distribution is available in some regions of Brazil. Here we use occurrence records and bioclimatic variables to model the distribution of phyllostomid bats in Santa Catarina, a subtropical Brazilian state. Estimates of geographic variation in species richness were then obtained by stacking the generated maps. Lastly, we tested how associated species richness is to ecoregions and Protected Areas. Our results suggest that the phyllostomid bats species richness is closely linked to the regions climate gradient. Most species are restricted to the Serra do Mar ecoregion, where the temperature is high and varies less throughout the year. In contrast, the colder areas seem to house extremely simple communities, composed of a subset of the species present in the warmer areas. We found significant evidence that Protected Areas in Santa Catarina play an important role in the conservation of species, although there are still several places where species richness is high, but no Protected Area is available. The creation of new Protected Areas in these places can boost the species conservation, and, consequently, the ecological services provided by phyllostomid bats.

Phyllostomid bats distribution and richness gradient in a subtropical Brazilian state

Abstract Phyllostomid bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) are key elements for the maintenance of New World forests, but little information on their distribution is available in some regions of Brazil. Here we use occurrence records and bioclimatic variables to model the distribution of phyllostomid bats in Santa Catarina, a subtropical Brazilian state. Estimates of geographic variation in species richness were then obtained by stacking the generated maps. Lastly, we tested how associated species richness is to ecoregions and Protected Areas. Our results suggest that the phyllostomid bats species richness is closely linked to the region's climate gradient. Most species are restricted to the Serra do Mar ecoregion, where the temperature is high and varies less throughout the year. In contrast, the colder areas seem to house extremely simple communities, composed of a subset of the species present in the warmer areas. We found significant evidence that Protected Areas in Santa Catarina play an important role in the conservation of species, although there are still several places where species richness is high, but no Protected Area is available. The creation of new Protected Areas in these places can boost the species conservation, and, consequently, the ecological services provided by phyllostomid bats.

Diet of a bromeligenous species of treefrog in the Brazilian semiarid / Dieta de uma espécie bromelígena de anuro do semiárido brasileiro

Phyllodytes tuberculosus is a bromeligenous anuran species whose geographic distribution is restricted to areas of the Caatinga and to transition zones between Caatinga and Atlantic Forest in the central-south of the state of Bahia. Its existence in close relationship with bromeliads and its occurrence in dry and highly seasonal environments drove us to the supposition that species is opportunistic/generalist regard to diet. We collected the items present in the stomach of 43 P. tuberculosus individuals with stomach-flushing method. Of these, 18 stomach contents were obtained during the dry period (April­October), and 25 during the rainy period (November­March). We recorded nine classes of prey, finding the greatest relative importance for the categories Formicidae and Coleoptera in dry season and Blattodea (Termites), Formicidae and Coleoptera in the rainy season. Phyllodytes tuberculosus presented a varied, possibly opportunistic diet in semiarid environments. Additionally, we report an apparent temporal differentiation related to the typical Caatinga seasonality. This study adds to the data on the natural history of an anuran species adapted to a semiarid environment with a narrow geographic distribution.

Phyllodytes tuberculosus é uma espécie de anuro bromelígena cuja distribuição geográfica está restrita a áreas de Caatinga e zonas de transição entre Caatinga e Mata Atlântica no centro-sul do estado da Bahia. Sua relação próxima com bromélias e sua ocorrência em ambientes secos e fortemente sazonais nos levou a supor que a espécie apresenta uma dieta generalista/oportunista. Por meio de lavagem estomacal, coletamos os itens alimentares presentes no estômago de 43 indivíduos de P. tuberculosus. Destes, 18 estômagos foram obtidos durante a estação seca (Abril-Outubro) e 25 durante a estação chuvosa (Novembro­Março). Nós registramos nove classes de presas, sendo que as maiores importâncias relativas foram observadas para os itens Formicidae e Coleoptera na estação seca e Blattodea (Termites), Formicidae e Coleoptera no conteúdo recuperado na estação chuvosa. Phyllodytes tuberculosus apresentou uma dieta variada, possivelmente oportunista, condizente com a vida em ambientes semiáridos. Ademais, também observamos uma aparente diferenciação temporal relacionada a sazonalidade típica da Caatinga. Este estudo adiciona dados a respeito da história natural de uma espécie de anuro adaptada a ambientes semiáridos e com distribuição geográfica restrita.

Proteomics, toxicity and antivenom neutralization of Sri Lankan and Indian Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) venoms

The western Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) is widely distributed in South Asia, and geographical venom variation is anticipated among distant populations. Antivenoms used for Russell's viper envenomation are, however, raised typically against snakes from Southern India. The present study investigated and compared the venom proteomes of D. russelii from Sri Lanka (DrSL) and India (DrI), the immunorecognition of Indian VINS Polyvalent Antivenom (VPAV) and its efficacy in neutralizing the venom toxicity. Methods: The venoms of DrSL and DrI were decomplexed with C18 high-performance liquid chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions. The proteins fractionated were identified through nano-ESI-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The immunological studies were conducted with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The neutralization of the venom procoagulant effect was evaluated in citrated human plasma. The neutralization of the venom lethality was assessed in vivo in mice adopting the WHO protocol. Results: DrSL and DrI venom proteomes showed comparable major protein families, with phospholipases A2 (PLA2) being the most abundant (> 60% of total venom proteins) and diverse (six protein forms identified). Both venoms were highly procoagulant and lethal (intravenous median lethal dose in mice, LD50 = 0.24 and 0.32 µg/g, for DrSL and DrI, respectively), while lacking hemorrhagic and anticoagulant activities. VPAV was immunoreactive toward DrSL and DrI venoms, indicating conserved protein antigenicity in the venoms. The high molecular weight venom proteins were, however, more effectively immunorecognized than small ones. VPAV was able to neutralize the coagulopathic and lethal effects of the venoms moderately. Conclusion: Considering that a large amount of venom can be injected by Russell's viper during envenomation, the potency of antivenom can be further improved for optimal neutralization and effective treatment. Region-specific venoms and key toxins may be incorporated into the immunization procedure during antivenom production.(AU)