Understanding temporal variability across trophic levels and spatial scales in freshwater ecosystems.

A tenet of ecology is that temporal variability in ecological structure and processes tends to decrease with increasing spatial scales (from locales to regions) and levels of biological organization (from populations to communities). However, patterns in temporal variability across trophic levels and the mechanisms that produce them remain poorly understood. Here we analyzed the abundance time series of spatially structured communities (i.e., metacommunities) spanning basal resources to top predators from 355 freshwater sites across three continents. Specifically, we used a hierarchical partitioning method to disentangle the propagation of temporal variability in abundance across spatial scales and trophic levels. We then used structural equation modeling to determine if the strength and direction of relationships between temporal variability, synchrony, biodiversity, and environmental and spatial settings depended on trophic level and spatial scale. We found that temporal variability in abundance decreased from producers to tertiary consumers but did so mainly at the local scale. Species population synchrony within sites increased with trophic level, whereas synchrony among communities decreased. At the local scale, temporal variability in precipitation and species diversity were associated with population variability (linear partial coefficient, ß = 0.23) and population synchrony (ß = -0.39) similarly across trophic levels, respectively. At the regional scale, community synchrony was not related to climatic or spatial predictors, but the strength of relationships between metacommunity variability and community synchrony decreased systematically from top predators (ß = 0.73) to secondary consumers (ß = 0.54), to primary consumers (ß = 0.30) to producers (ß = 0). Our results suggest that mobile predators may often stabilize metacommunities by buffering variability that originates at the base of food webs. This finding illustrates that the trophic structure of metacommunities, which integrates variation in organismal body size and its correlates, should be considered when investigating ecological stability in natural systems. More broadly, our work advances the notion that temporal stability is an emergent property of ecosystems that may be threatened in complex ways by biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation.

Richness and composition of Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) in Brazilian rupestrian cerrados, with comments on distribution and taxonomy.

Several studies that involve a faunal survey of Cladocera in Brazil have been carried out in recent years; however, knowledge of the distribution and diversity of species of this group in semiterrestrial and aquatic bodies of rupestrian cerrado is still rare. The present study evaluated the richness and composition of cladoceran species in these environments in the central parts of the country. Samples were collected at nine sites of rupestrian cerrado from 2011 to 2012. In total, 47 cladocerans species were identified, belonging to six families, emphasizing the Chydoridae family with the greatest richness (32 species) and abundance. The species Bryospilus repens had its first record for the state of Goiás and the Brazilian Midwest. Other species were also recorded for the first time: Leberis davidi for the state of Minas Gerais, and Alona yara and Flavalona asymmetrica for the state of Bahia. This demonstrates that rupestrian cerrados are relevant for cladoceran diversity on a regional scale. Carrying out new inventories of cladocerans in similar phytophysiognomies could contribute significantly to the knowledge of the biodiversity of these animals in Brazil, in addition to providing updates on the geographic distribution of species already recorded in previous studies.

A new species of Macrothrix (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Macrothricidae) from the Neotropics with description of the marthae-group.

Publications of the last three decades demonstrated the existence of some compact species groups within the Macrothrix Baird genus (Cladocera: Macrothricidae). Many species were included in hirsuticornis-group, laticornis-group, rosea-triserialis-group and paulensis-group, but not in Macrothrix marthae group. It has a peculiar set of morphological traits not observed in any other species, so far. Studying material from Ribeira de Iguape River, Brazil, we found some individuals that resemble M. marthae, which represent a new species described herein. Macrothrix lourdesae sp. nov shares with M. marthae similar morphology of Inner Distal Lobe setae and the same modifications on the fourth and fifth limbs. The main difference between them is related to the number of setae in the exopodite of the third limb. Observing the high number of morphological traits shared, it is possible to indicate that M. lourdesae sp. nov and M. marthae form a separate species group within the genus.

Plastic pollution: A focus on freshwater biodiversity.

Plastics are dominant pollutants in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Scientific studies that investigated the interaction between plastics and freshwater biodiversity are incipient, especially if compared to the marine realm. In this review, we provide a brief overview of plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems around the world. We found evidence of plastic ingestion by 206 freshwater species, from invertebrates to mammals, in natural or semi-natural ecosystems. In addition, we reported other consequences of synthetic polymers in freshwater ecosystems-including, for instance, the entanglement of animals of different groups (e.g., birds). The problem of plastic pollution is complex and will need coordinated actions, such as recycling programs, correct disposal, stringent legislation, regular inspection, replacement of synthetic polymers with other materials, and ecological restoration. Current information indicates that the situation in freshwater ecosystems may be as detrimental as the pollution found in the ocean, although highly underappreciated.

Vocal repertoire and group-specific signature in the Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga aniLinnaeus, 1758 (Cuculiformes, Aves)

Vocal plasticity reflects the ability of animals to vary vocalizations according to context (vocal repertoire) as well as to develop vocal convergence (vocal group signature) in the interaction of members in social groups. This feature has been largely reported for oscine, psittacine and trochilid birds, but little has been investigated in birds that present innate vocalization. The smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani) is a social bird that lives in groups between two and twenty individuals, and which presents innate vocalization. Here we analyzed the vocal repertoire of this species during group activities, and further investigated the existence of a vocal group signature. The study was conducted in the Southeast of Brazil between May 2017 and April 2018. Two groups of smooth-billed anis were followed, Guararema and Charqueada groups, and their vocalizations were recorded and contextualized as to the performed behavior. The vocal repertoire was analyzed for its composition, context and acoustic variables. The acoustic parameters maximum peak frequency, maximum fundamental frequency, minimum frequency, maximum frequency and duration were analyzed. To verify the vocal signature of the group, we tested whether there was variation in the acoustic parameters between the monitored groups. We recorded ten vocalizations that constituted the vocal repertoire of the Smooth-billed Ani, five of which (“Ahnee”, “Whine”, “Pre-flight”, “Flight” and “Vigil”) were issued by the two groups and five exclusive to the Charqueada group. There were significant differences in the acoustic parameters for “Flight” and “Vigil” vocalizations between the groups, suggesting vocal group signature for these sounds. We established that the Smooth-billed Ani has a diverse vocal repertoire, with variations also occurring between groups of the same population. Moreover, we found evidence of vocal group signature in vocalizations used in the context of cohesion, defense and territory maintenance.(AU)

Rhinergasilus unguilongus n. sp. (Copepoda: Ergasilidae): A Gill Parasite of the Freshwater Fish Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) (Actinopterygii: Prochilodontidae) from the Neotropical Region, Brazil.

PURPOSE: To describe, based on morphological features, a new copepod species of Rhinergasilus, Rhinergasilus unguilongus n. sp., collected from gills of the Streaked prochilod, Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837), sampled in the Veados and Paranapanema Rivers, two tributaries of the Jurumirim Reservoir (Upper Paranapanema River, Paraná River Basin), São Paulo State, Brazil. METHODS: Fish were collected using multi-panel gill nets. The gills of each fish were washed and examined for copepods using a stereo microscope. The copepods found were stored in 70% ethanol, cleared in lactic acid, and mounted in Hoyer's medium. Drawings were made with the aid of a microscope equipped with a drawing tube. RESULTS: The new copepod species can be distinguished from its two congeners, Rhinergasilus piranhus (type-species) Boeger et Thatcher, 1988 and Rhinergasilus digitus Narciso, Brandão, Perbiche-Neves et Silva, 2020, due to its extremely long antennary claw (etymology of the species), being longer than the other antennary segments; third leg lacking any interpodal plate; and third endopodal segment of third leg lacking a distal spine. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the morphological differences, we erected a new species of Rhinergasilus. The new copepod represents the second report of a Rhinergasilus species parasitizing a fish from the Jurumirim Reservoir. It also represents the first report of this genus in P. lineatus.

A variação da diversidade de microcrustáceos (Cladocera e Copepoda) a jusante de pequenos reservatórios é influenciada por táxons litorâneos / The variation of microcrustaceans diversity downstream of small reservoirs is influenced by litoranean taxa

Testaram-se as hipóteses de que, assim como em reservatórios de grande áreas de superfície, volumes e vazão, em reservatórios pequenos também ocorrem a diluição gradual e contínua da riqueza, da diversidade e abundância de microcrustáceos (Cladocera e Copepoda) a jusante dos mesmos, sem a recomposição da riqueza a jusante pela falta de rios tributários, lagoas marginais e até pelo pequeno porte do riacho, sem condições para o desenvolvimento do potamoplâncton próprio do sistema. Foram estudados dois pequenos reservatórios e seus trechos a jusante, com coletas diárias a cada seis horas em oito pontos de amostragem, sendo dois lênticos e seis lóticos a jusante de cada. Foram encontradas 19 espécies (11 de Cladocera e oito de Copepoda), com destaque para o maior número de espécies litorâneas do que pelágicas, e a maior abundância de cladóceros litorâneos nos pontos a jusante dos reservatórios. Não houve diferença entre os horários, indicando que a escala espacial foi mais importante que a temporal. Houve maiores valores dos atributos ecológicos nos ambientes lênticos, porém houve aumentos significativos de riqueza e diversidade nos últimos pontos dos trechos de riacho, enquanto que a abundância diminuiu gradativamente a jusante. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas da abundância dos táxons com nenhuma variável limnológica (temperatura, pH, oxigênio dissolvido, turbidez, sólidos totais dissolvidos e transparência), indicando pouco ou nenhum efeito destas variáveis. A análise de cluster com distância euclidiana separou dois grandes grupos, o primeiro formado pelo trecho a jusante do primeiro reservatório e o segundo com os demais pontos. Além da presença dos táxons litorâneos vindos dos reservatórios, houve incremento de táxons litorâneos residentes nos riachos. Pode-se concluir que houve uma diluição da abundância das espécies a jusante dos riachos, mas a riqueza e a diversidade permaneceram estáveis devido à contribuição de táxons litorâneos.(AU)

The hypotheses tested were that, as well as in reservoirs of large surface areas, volumes and flow, in small reservoirs there is also a gradual and continuous dilution of the richness, diversity and abundance of microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) downstream reservoirs, without the recomposition of richness downstream due to the lack of tributary rivers, marginal lagoons and even the small size of the stream, with no conditions for the development of its own potamoplankton. Two small reservoirs were studied and in their downstream stretches, with daily collections every six hours at eight sampling points, two lentic and six lotic downstream from each. Nineteen species were found (11 from Cladocera and eight from Copepoda), with emphasis on the greater number of coastal species than pelagic ones, and the greater abundance of coastal cladocerans at the points downstream of the reservoirs. There was no difference between the times, indicating that the spatial scale was more important than the temporal scale. There were higher values of ecological attributes in lentic environments, but there were significant increases in richness and diversity in the last points of the stretches of the stream, while the abundance decreased gradually downstream. No significant correlations were found for the abundance of taxa with any physical and chemical variable (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids and transparency), indicating little or no effect of these variables. The cluster analysis with Euclidean distance separated two large groups, the first formed by the stretch downstream of the first reservoir and the second with the other points. In addition to the presence of litoranean taxa coming from reservoirs, there was an increase in litoranean taxa resident in streams. It can be concluded that there was a dilution of the abundance of species downstream of the streams, but the richness and diversity remained stable due to the contribution of litoranean taxa.(AU)

Vocal repertoire and group-specific signature in the Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani Linnaeus, 1758 (Cuculiformes, Aves)

Abstract Vocal plasticity reflects the ability of animals to vary vocalizations according to context (vocal repertoire) as well as to develop vocal convergence (vocal group signature) in the interaction of members in social groups. This feature has been largely reported for oscine, psittacine and trochilid birds, but little has been investigated in birds that present innate vocalization. The smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani) is a social bird that lives in groups between two and twenty individuals, and which presents innate vocalization. Here we analyzed the vocal repertoire of this species during group activities, and further investigated the existence of a vocal group signature. The study was conducted in the Southeast of Brazil between May 2017 and April 2018. Two groups of smooth-billed anis were followed, Guararema and Charqueada groups, and their vocalizations were recorded and contextualized as to the performed behavior. The vocal repertoire was analyzed for its composition, context and acoustic variables. The acoustic parameters maximum peak frequency, maximum fundamental frequency, minimum frequency, maximum frequency and duration were analyzed. To verify the vocal signature of the group, we tested whether there was variation in the acoustic parameters between the monitored groups. We recorded ten vocalizations that constituted the vocal repertoire of the Smooth-billed Ani, five of which (Ahnee, Whine, Pre-flight, Flight and Vigil) were issued by the two groups and five exclusive to the Charqueada group. There were significant differences in the acoustic parameters for Flight and Vigil vocalizations between the groups, suggesting vocal group signature for these sounds. We established that the Smooth-billed Ani has a diverse vocal repertoire, with variations also occurring between groups of the same population. Moreover, we found evidence of vocal group signature in vocalizations used in the context of cohesion, defense and territory maintenance.

A variação da diversidade de microcrustáceos (Cladocera e Copepoda) a jusante de pequenos reservatórios é influenciada por táxons litorâneos / The variation of microcrustaceans diversity downstream of small reservoirs is influenced by litoranean taxa

Testaram-se as hipóteses de que, assim como em reservatórios de grande áreas de superfície, volumes e vazão, em reservatórios pequenos também ocorrem a diluição gradual e contínua da riqueza, da diversidade e abundância de microcrustáceos (Cladocera e Copepoda) a jusante dos mesmos, sem a recomposição da riqueza a jusante pela falta de rios tributários, lagoas marginais e até pelo pequeno porte do riacho, sem condições para o desenvolvimento do potamoplâncton próprio do sistema. Foram estudados dois pequenos reservatórios e seus trechos a jusante, com coletas diárias a cada seis horas em oito pontos de amostragem, sendo dois lênticos e seis lóticos a jusante de cada. Foram encontradas 19 espécies (11 de Cladocera e oito de Copepoda), com destaque para o maior número de espécies litorâneas do que pelágicas, e a maior abundância de cladóceros litorâneos nos pontos a jusante dos reservatórios. Não houve diferença entre os horários, indicando que a escala espacial foi mais importante que a temporal. Houve maiores valores dos atributos ecológicos nos ambientes lênticos, porém houve aumentos significativos de riqueza e diversidade nos últimos pontos dos trechos de riacho, enquanto que a abundância diminuiu gradativamente a jusante. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas da abundância dos táxons com nenhuma variável limnológica (temperatura, pH, oxigênio dissolvido, turbidez, sólidos totais dissolvidos e transparência), indicando pouco ou nenhum efeito destas variáveis. A análise de cluster com distância euclidiana separou dois grandes grupos, o primeiro formado pelo trecho a jusante do primeiro reservatório e o segundo com os demais pontos. Além da presença dos táxons litorâneos vindos dos reservatórios, houve incremento de táxons litorâneos residentes nos riachos. Pode-se concluir que houve uma diluição da abundância das espécies a jusante dos riachos, mas a riqueza e a diversidade permaneceram estáveis devido à contribuição de táxons litorâneos.

The hypotheses tested were that, as well as in reservoirs of large surface areas, volumes and flow, in small reservoirs there is also a gradual and continuous dilution of the richness, diversity and abundance of microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) downstream reservoirs, without the recomposition of richness downstream due to the lack of tributary rivers, marginal lagoons and even the small size of the stream, with no conditions for the development of its own potamoplankton. Two small reservoirs were studied and in their downstream stretches, with daily collections every six hours at eight sampling points, two lentic and six lotic downstream from each. Nineteen species were found (11 from Cladocera and eight from Copepoda), with emphasis on the greater number of coastal species than pelagic ones, and the greater abundance of coastal cladocerans at the points downstream of the reservoirs. There was no difference between the times, indicating that the spatial scale was more important than the temporal scale. There were higher values of ecological attributes in lentic environments, but there were significant increases in richness and diversity in the last points of the stretches of the stream, while the abundance decreased gradually downstream. No significant correlations were found for the abundance of taxa with any physical and chemical variable (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids and transparency), indicating little or no effect of these variables. The cluster analysis with Euclidean distance separated two large groups, the first formed by the stretch downstream of the first reservoir and the second with the other points. In addition to the presence of litoranean taxa coming from reservoirs, there was an increase in litoranean taxa resident in streams. It can be concluded that there was a dilution of the abundance of species downstream of the streams, but the richness and diversity remained stable due to the contribution of litoranean taxa.

A variação da diversidade de microcrustáceos (Cladocera e Copepoda) a jusante de pequenos reservatórios é influenciada por táxons litorâneos

ABSTRACT The hypotheses tested were that, as well as in reservoirs of large surface areas, volumes and flow, in small reservoirs there is also a gradual and continuous dilution of the richness, diversity and abundance of microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) downstream reservoirs, without the recomposition of richness downstream due to the lack of tributary rivers, marginal lagoons and even the small size of the stream, with no conditions for the development of its own potamoplankton. Two small reservoirs were studied and in their downstream stretches, with daily collections every six hours at eight sampling points, two lentic and six lotic downstream from each. Nineteen species were found (11 from Cladocera and eight from Copepoda), with emphasis on the greater number of coastal species than pelagic ones, and the greater abundance of coastal cladocerans at the points downstream of the reservoirs. There was no difference between the times, indicating that the spatial scale was more important than the temporal scale. There were higher values of ecological attributes in lentic environments, but there were significant increases in richness and diversity in the last points of the stretches of the stream, while the abundance decreased gradually downstream. No significant correlations were found for the abundance of taxa with any physical and chemical variable (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids and transparency), indicating little or no effect of these variables. The cluster analysis with Euclidean distance separated two large groups, the first formed by the stretch downstream of the first reservoir and the second with the other points. In addition to the presence of litoranean taxa coming from reservoirs, there was an increase in litoranean taxa resident in streams. It can be concluded that there was a dilution of the abundance of species downstream of the streams, but the richness and diversity remained stable due to the contribution of litoranean taxa.

RESUMO Testaram-se as hipóteses de que, assim como em reservatórios de grande áreas de superfície, volumes e vazão, em reservatórios pequenos também ocorrem a diluição gradual e contínua da riqueza, da diversidade e abundância de microcrustáceos (Cladocera e Copepoda) a jusante dos mesmos, sem a recomposição da riqueza a jusante pela falta de rios tributários, lagoas marginais e até pelo pequeno porte do riacho, sem condições para o desenvolvimento do potamoplâncton próprio do sistema. Foram estudados dois pequenos reservatórios e seus trechos a jusante, com coletas diárias a cada seis horas em oito pontos de amostragem, sendo dois lênticos e seis lóticos a jusante de cada. Foram encontradas 19 espécies (11 de Cladocera e oito de Copepoda), com destaque para o maior número de espécies litorâneas do que pelágicas, e a maior abundância de cladóceros litorâneos nos pontos a jusante dos reservatórios. Não houve diferença entre os horários, indicando que a escala espacial foi mais importante que a temporal. Houve maiores valores dos atributos ecológicos nos ambientes lênticos, porém houve aumentos significativos de riqueza e diversidade nos últimos pontos dos trechos de riacho, enquanto que a abundância diminuiu gradativamente a jusante. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas da abundância dos táxons com nenhuma variável limnológica (temperatura, pH, oxigênio dissolvido, turbidez, sólidos totais dissolvidos e transparência), indicando pouco ou nenhum efeito destas variáveis. A análise de cluster com distância euclidiana separou dois grandes grupos, o primeiro formado pelo trecho a jusante do primeiro reservatório e o segundo com os demais pontos. Além da presença dos táxons litorâneos vindos dos reservatórios, houve incremento de táxons litorâneos residentes nos riachos. Pode-se concluir que houve uma diluição da abundância das espécies a jusante dos riachos, mas a riqueza e a diversidade permaneceram estáveis devido à contribuição de táxons litorâneos.

Vocal repertoire and group-specific signature in the Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani Linnaeus, 1758 (Cuculiformes, Aves)

Abstract Vocal plasticity reflects the ability of animals to vary vocalizations according to context (vocal repertoire) as well as to develop vocal convergence (vocal group signature) in the interaction of members in social groups. This feature has been largely reported for oscine, psittacine and trochilid birds, but little has been investigated in birds that present innate vocalization. The smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani) is a social bird that lives in groups between two and twenty individuals, and which presents innate vocalization. Here we analyzed the vocal repertoire of this species during group activities, and further investigated the existence of a vocal group signature. The study was conducted in the Southeast of Brazil between May 2017 and April 2018. Two groups of smooth-billed anis were followed, Guararema and Charqueada groups, and their vocalizations were recorded and contextualized as to the performed behavior. The vocal repertoire was analyzed for its composition, context and acoustic variables. The acoustic parameters maximum peak frequency, maximum fundamental frequency, minimum frequency, maximum frequency and duration were analyzed. To verify the vocal signature of the group, we tested whether there was variation in the acoustic parameters between the monitored groups. We recorded ten vocalizations that constituted the vocal repertoire of the Smooth-billed Ani, five of which ("Ahnee", "Whine", "Pre-flight", "Flight" and "Vigil") were issued by the two groups and five exclusive to the Charqueada group. There were significant differences in the acoustic parameters for "Flight" and "Vigil" vocalizations between the groups, suggesting vocal group signature for these sounds. We established that the Smooth-billed Ani has a diverse vocal repertoire, with variations also occurring between groups of the same population. Moreover, we found evidence of vocal group signature in vocalizations used in the context of cohesion, defense and territory maintenance.

Beta diversity along an elevational gradient at the Pico da Neblina (Brazil): is spider (Arachnida-Araneae) community composition congruent with the Guayana region elevational zonation?

Beta diversity is usually high along elevational gradients. We studied a spider community at the Pico da Neblina (Brazil), an Amazonian mountain which is one of the southern components of the Guayana region. We sampled six elevations and investigated if beta diversity patterns correspond to the elevational division proposed for the region, between lowlands (up to 500 m), uplands (500 m to 1500 m), and highlands (>1500 m). Patterns of dominance increased with elevation along the gradient, especially at the two highest elevations, indicating that changes in composition may be accompanied by changes in species abundance distribution. Beta diversity recorded was very high, but the pattern observed was not in accordance with the elevationaldivision proposed for the region. While the highlands indeed harbored different fauna, the three lowest elevationshad similar species compositions, indicating that the lowlands spider community extends into the uplands zone. Other measures of compositional change, such as similarity indices and species indicator analysis, also support this pattern. Our results, in addition to a revision of the literature, confirm the high diversity and endemism rates of montane spider communities, and we stress the importance of protecting those environments, especially considering the climate crisis.

Spider (Arachnida-Araneae) diversity in an amazonian altitudinal gradient: are the patterns congruent with mid-domain and rapoport effect predictions? / Diversidade de aranhas (arachnida-Araneae) em um gradiente altitudinal na Amazônia. seriam os padrões congruentes com o esperado pelo efeito do dominio central e pelo efeito rapoport?

The Mid-Domain Effect (MDE) and the Rapoport (RE) effect are two biogeographical theories that make predictions about biogeogaphic patterns. MDE predicts higher richness in the central portions of a gradient if it is within a bounded domain. RE predicts a positive relation between altitude and species range size along an altitudinal gradient. Our aim was to document the distribution of spider species richness along an altitudinal gradient in the Brazilian Amazon, and to test the influence of MDE and RE on the diversity patterns. Our study was conducted at the Pico da Neblina (Amazonas state, Brazil), and we sampled spiders at six different altitudes using two methods: nocturnal hand sampling and a beating tray. We obtained 3,140 adult spiders from 39 families, sorted to 529 species/morphospecies. Richness declined continuously with an altitude increase, but the fit with the MDE richness estimates was very weak and was not significant. Range size was not related to altitude, i. e., no RE. Finally, the abundance distribution within each species range varied more specifically, which prevented the occurrence of a RE at the community level. The influence of MDE was extremely low, a consequence of our community characteristics, formed mostly by small range size species. Short and medium range species were located at all altitudes, preventing a significant relation between range size and altitude. The distribution of abundance within a species range varied specifically and do not support a RE hypothesis.

O Efeito do Domínio Central (MDE) e o Efeito Rapoport (ER) são duas teorias biogeografias que fazem previsões sobre a distribuição da diversidade ao longo de gradientes. O MDE prevê maior riqueza nas porções centrais de um gradiente, se este estiver dentro de um domínio fechado. O ER prevê uma relação positiva entre altitude e tamanho da distribuição ao longo do gradiente altitudinal. Nosso objetivo foi o de registrar a distribuição de uma comunidade de aranhas ao longo de um gradiente altitudinal na Amazônia Brasileira, e testar se há uma influência do EDC e do ER sobre os padrões de diversidade da comunidade. Nosso estudo foi feito no Parque Nacional do Pico da Neblina (AM, Brasil), e nós amostramos aranhas em seis altitudes diferentes. Nós coletamos 3.140 exemplares adultos de 39 famílias, que foram divididos em 529 espécies/morfoespécies. A riqueza declinou com o aumento de altitude, mas o padrão não mostrou ajuste com as previsões feitas pelo EDC. O tamanho da distribuição altitudinal também não esteve relacionado ao previsto pelo ER. Por fim, a distribuição de abundância ao longo da distribuição altitudinal das espécies variou de maneira específica, o que impediu a ocorrência de um ER nos padrões da comunidade. A influência do EDC sobre os padrões observados foi baixíssima, uma consequência de características de nossa comunidade, já que esta é formada por espécies com pequena distribuição altitudinal. Espécies de distribuição altitudinal médias e grandes ocorreram em todas as partes do gradiente o que impediu a ocorrência de um ER. Por fim, o ER também não foi observado na distribuição de abundância das espécies ao longo do gradiente, já que essa variou de maneira específica.

Spider (Arachnida-Araneae) diversity in an amazonian altitudinal gradient: are the patterns congruent with mid-domain and rapoport effect predictions? / Diversidade de aranhas (arachnida-Araneae) em um gradiente altitudinal na amazônia. seriam os padrões congruentes com o esperado pelo efeito do dominio central e pelo efeito rapoport?

Abstract: The Mid-Domain Effect (MDE) and the Rapoport (RE) effect are two biogeographical theories that make predictions about biogeogaphic patterns. MDE predicts higher richness in the central portions of a gradient if it is within a bounded domain. RE predicts a positive relation between altitude and species range size along an altitudinal gradient. Our aim was to document the distribution of spider species richness along an altitudinal gradient in the Brazilian Amazon, and to test the influence of MDE and RE on the diversity patterns. Our study was conducted at the Pico da Neblina (Amazonas state, Brazil), and we sampled spiders at six different altitudes using two methods: nocturnal hand sampling and a beating tray. We obtained 3,140 adult spiders from 39 families, sorted to 529 species/morphospecies. Richness declined continuously with an altitude increase, but the fit with the MDE richness estimates was very weak and was not significant. Range size was not related to altitude, i. e., no RE. Finally, the abundance distribution within each species range varied more specifically, which prevented the occurrence of a RE at the community level. The influence of MDE was extremely low, a consequence of our community characteristics, formed mostly by small range size species. Short and medium range species were located at all altitudes, preventing a significant relation between range size and altitude. The distribution of abundance within a species range varied specifically and do not support a RE hypothesis.

Resumo: O Efeito do Domínio Central (MDE) e o Efeito Rapoport (ER) são duas teorias biogeografias que fazem previsões sobre a distribuição da diversidade ao longo de gradientes. O MDE prevê maior riqueza nas porções centrais de um gradiente, se este estiver dentro de um domínio fechado. O ER prevê uma relação positiva entre altitude e tamanho da distribuição ao longo do gradiente altitudinal. Nosso objetivo foi o de registrar a distribuição de uma comunidade de aranhas ao longo de um gradiente altitudinal na Amazônia Brasileira, e testar se há uma influência do EDC e do ER sobre os padrões de diversidade da comunidade. Nosso estudo foi feito no Parque Nacional do Pico da Neblina (AM, Brasil), e nós amostramos aranhas em seis altitudes diferentes. Nós coletamos 3.140 exemplares adultos de 39 famílias, que foram divididos em 529 espécies/morfoespécies. A riqueza declinou com o aumento de altitude, mas o padrão não mostrou ajuste com as previsões feitas pelo EDC. O tamanho da distribuição altitudinal também não esteve relacionado ao previsto pelo ER. Por fim, a distribuição de abundância ao longo da distribuição altitudinal das espécies variou de maneira específica, o que impediu a ocorrência de um ER nos padrões da comunidade. A influência do EDC sobre os padrões observados foi baixíssima, uma consequência de características de nossa comunidade, já que esta é formada por espécies com pequena distribuição altitudinal. Espécies de distribuição altitudinal médias e grandes ocorreram em todas as partes do gradiente o que impediu a ocorrência de um ER. Por fim, o ER também não foi observado na distribuição de abundância das espécies ao longo do gradiente, já que essa variou de maneira específica.

A new species of Pseudovaigamus Amado, Ho Rocha, 1984 (Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) from the teleost Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803.

A new species of the copepod genus Pseudovaigamus Amado, Ho Rocha, 1984 is described herein based on parasitic adult females found attached to the gills of the freshwater teleost Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803, sampled in two tributaries (Veados and Paranapananema Rivers) of the Jurumirim Reservoir, Upper Paranapanema River, São Paulo State, Brazil. The new copepod was identified as an undescribed species of Pseudovaigamus because it shares with the type-species, Pseudovaigamus spinicephalus (Thatcher Robertson, 1984), the combination of first leg with 2-segmented endopod, fourth leg with 3-segmented endopod and 2-segmented exopod, and cephalothorax armed with dorsolateral stylets (or retrostylets). However, the new copepod differs from its congener in having a trifid rostral spine, retrostylets with long spatulate process, 5-segmented antennule, and caudal rami simple or lacking any distal lobe. We erected a new species, Pseudovaigamus tridentatus n. sp.. It is the first report of a Pseudovaigamus found on a freshwater fish in Brazil.

Survival of the copepod Mesocyclops longisetus during simulations of transport from hatchery to target areas for biological control of mosquito larvae

Copepods have been successfully used in many countries for the biological control of larvae of mosquitoes that vector diseases. In Brazil, this line of research has been focused on the use of the copepod Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiébaud, 1914) for the biological control of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1792). The transportation of the copepods from the place where they are reared to where they will be used often involves long distances for extended periods of time. This study assesses the survivorship of M. longisetus during simulation of transport under different conditions. Different loading densities (20, 30, 40, 80, and 120 ind.L) and stirring times (30 minutes, one hour, two hours, and four hours) were tested. Survivorship was high, with 75% of the results equal or higher than 90% survival. Reduced mortality was observed when transportation time was up to 120 minutes and densities were up to 40 ind.L. In higher densities or longer transportation times, the mortality rate was significantly affected.(AU)

Survival of the copepod Mesocyclops longisetus during simulations of transport from hatchery to target areas for biological control of mosquito larvae

Copepods have been successfully used in many countries for the biological control of larvae of mosquitoes that vector diseases. In Brazil, this line of research has been focused on the use of the copepod Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiébaud, 1914) for the biological control of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1792). The transportation of the copepods from the place where they are reared to where they will be used often involves long distances for extended periods of time. This study assesses the survivorship of M. longisetus during simulation of transport under different conditions. Different loading densities (20, 30, 40, 80, and 120 ind.L) and stirring times (30 minutes, one hour, two hours, and four hours) were tested. Survivorship was high, with 75% of the results equal or higher than 90% survival. Reduced mortality was observed when transportation time was up to 120 minutes and densities were up to 40 ind.L. In higher densities or longer transportation times, the mortality rate was significantly affected.

A New Species of Rhinergasilus Boeger et Thatcher, 1988 (Copepoda: Ergasilidae) from Gills of Astyanax fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) (Actinopterygii: Characidae).

PURPOSE: To describe a new species of a parasitic copepod, Rhinergasilus digitus n. sp. (Cyclopoida, Ergasilidae), collected from the gills of the red-tailed lambari Astyanax fasciatus (Characiformes, Characidae) in two tributaries of the Jurumirim Reservoir (Upper Paranapanema River), São Paulo State, Brazil: Ribeirão dos Veados and Paranapanema River. METHODS: Fish were collected using multi-panel gills nets. The gill of each fish was washed and examined in a stereo microscope for copepods. The copepods found were stored in 70% ethanol, cleared in lactic acid, and mounted in Hoyer's medium. Drawings were made with the aid of a Leica microscope DMLS equipped with a drawing tube. RESULTS: The new species differs from its congeneric species, Rhinergasilus piranhus (type-species), in having comparatively biggest body size (body length: 535-598 µm in the new species vs. 237-282 µm in R. piranhus); second antennary segment armed with a minute sensillum near middle of inner margin and a row of spinules on outer margin; third exopodal segment of leg 1 with digitiform process; interpodal plates two and three both ornamented with spinules along posterior margin; leg 5 reduced and represented by two unequal setae. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the morphological differences described above, we erected a new species of Rhinergasilus. Rhinergasilus digitus n. sp. is the second ergasilid described from A. fasciatus, as well as it represents the first report of this genus in a characid fish.

Water diversion in Brazil threatens biodiversity.

Construction of water diversions is a common response to the increasing demands for freshwater, often resulting in benefits to communities but with the risk of multiple environmental, economic, and social impacts. Water-diversion projects can favor massive introductions and accelerate biotic homogenization. This study provides empirical evidence on the consequences of a proposed law intended to divert water from two large and historically isolated river basins in Brazil: Tocantins to São Francisco. Compositional similarity (CS) and ß-diversity were quantified encompassing aquatic organisms: mollusks, zooplankton, crustaceans, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and plants. For CS we (i) considered only native species, and (ii) simulated the introduction of non-natives and assumed the extinction of threatened species due to this water-diversion project. We highlight the environmental risks of such large-scale projects, which are expected to cause impacts on biodiversity linked to bioinvasion and homogenization, and we recommend alternatives in order to solve water-demand conflicts.

Baixa riqueza zooplanctônica indicando condições adversas de seca e eutrofização em um reservatório no Nordeste do Brasil / Low zooplankton richness indicating adverse drought and eutrophication conditions in a reservoir in northeastern Brazil

This work characterized the zooplankton and the environmental variables of the Canoas reservoir (Assaré, Ceará, Brazil) through eight consecutive monthly collections during a period of intense drought. Zooplankton samples were collected by vertical plots of 50 µm plankton net at three longitudinally distributed points. Five species were found: Brachionus calicyflorus Pallas, 1938 (Brachionidae: Rotifera), Diaphanosoma spinulosum Herbst, 1967 (Sididae: Cladocera), Thermocyclops decipiens Kiefer, 1929 and T. inversus Kiefer, 1936 (Cyclopoida: Copepoda), and Notodiaptomus cearensis Wright, 1936 (Calanoida: Copepoda). Thermocyclops decipiens had the highest relative abundance, followed by N. cearensis and B. calicyflorus. The spatial and temporal variation of the zooplankton community can be explained by most of the environmental variables associated with N. cearensis and B. calicyflorus, while T. decipiens was not associated with any of them. The low species richness and dominance of T. decipiens and B. calicyflorus may be a reflection of the high trophic condition of the reservoir during severe drought, and N. cearensis is also associated with these more adverse conditions.(AU)

Esse trabalho caracterizou o zooplâncton e as variáveis ambientais do reservatório Canoas (Assaré, Ceará, Brasil) através de oito coletas consecutivas mensais, durante um período de estiagem intensa. Amostras de zooplâncton foram coletadas com arrastos verticais de rede de plâncton de 50 µm em três pontos distribuídos longitudinalmente. Foram encontradas cinco espécies: Brachionus calicyflorus Pallas, 1938 (Brachionidae: Rotifera), Diaphanosoma spinulosum Herbst, 1967 (Sididae: Cladocera), Thermocyclops decipiens Kiefer, 1929 e T. inversus Kiefer, 1936 (Cyclopoida: Copepoda), e Notodiaptomus cearensis Wright, 1936 (Calanoida: Copepoda). Thermocyclops decipiens apresentou a maior abundância relativa, seguido de N. cearensis e B. calicyflorus. A variação espacial e temporal da comunidade zooplanctônica pode ser explicada pela maioria das variáveis ambientais associadas a N. cearensis e B. calicyflorus, enquanto T. decipiens não se associou a nenhuma delas. A baixa riqueza de espécies e a dominância de T. decipiens e B. calicyflorus podem ser reflexos da elevada condição trófica do reservatório, em período de estiagem intensa, e N. cearensis está associado também com essas condições mais adversas.(AU)