Multixenobiotic response of Collembola to soil contamination, the phisiological basis for bioindicative environmental monitoring.

Collembola are well-established models in ecotoxicological research, extensively employed to investigate the effects of various contaminants, including heavy metals. The Multixenobiotic Resistance Mechanism (MXR) is a physiological response based on transmembrane efflux proteins that play a pivotal role in pumping xenobiotics and conferring resistance. This mechanism is firmly established as a biomarker of aquatic contamination and has recently shown promise as a soil biomonitoring tool. In this study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of utilizing the MXR mechanism as a biomonitoring tool, specifically by investigating the response of two Collembola species exposed to soil contaminated in a real-life situation. Soil samples were obtained from the site of Brazil's largest mine disaster, a dam rupture in Brumadinho-MG. We explored MXR activity in the model species Folsomia candida and a tropical native species, Cyphoderus sp. Our findings reveal efflux activity in both species, confirmed by model MXR protein inhibitors. Moreover, we observed distinct MXR activity levels corresponding to the degree of heavy metal contamination in the soil samples. Consequently, our results underscore the potential of combining an established soil bioindicator, such as Collembola, with the physiological response of a molecular biomarker like MXR. This approach may represent a valuable strategy for biomonitoring terrestrial ecosystems.

Hotspot in ferruginous rock may have serious implications in Brazilian conservation policy.

A hotspot of subterranean Collembola in ferruginous rock caves and Mesovoid Shallow Substratum is revealed by the analysis of pseudocryptic diversity. The diversity is accessed by detailed description of chaetotaxy and slight variation in morphology of 11 new species of Trogolaphysa Mills, 1938 (Collembola, Paronellidae, Paronellinae) and the 50 previously recorded species of springtails from caves, using optical and electronic microscopy. When combined with recent subterranean surveys, our results show an important reservoir of cave diversity in the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum. Contrastingly the conservation policy for subterranean fauna in metallogenic areas in Brazil prioritizes the caves instead the cave species, which may be extremely detrimental to the fauna in the shallow subterranean habitats not accessible to humans.

First record of the boneti-group of Coecobrya Yosii, 1956 (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Thailand, with the description of three new cave species of the genus.

Thailand holds one of the most diverse faunas of the genus Coecobrya Yosii, 1956, with 22 species reported from the country so far. In this study three new species of Coecobrya are described from subterranean environments: C. satasookae sp. nov. from Chaiyaphum province, C. cavicola sp. nov. from Phrae province and C. chompon sp. nov. from Ratchaburi province. The first two species belong to the tenebricosa-group, as they lack eyes, while C. chompon sp. nov. has 1+1 eyes and fits the boneti-group. Coecobrya satasookae sp. nov. and C. cavicola sp. nov. can be distinguished from each other and its congeners by the combination of antennal length, clypeal, dorsal head and thoracic chaetotaxy, whereas C. chompon sp. nov. is most similar to C. boneti (Denis, 1948) from Vietnam. However, it differs from the latter taxa mostly by the proportion of the antennae, ventral and dorsal head, thoracic, fourth abdominal chaetotaxy, plus the shape of the tenent hairs. C. chompon sp. nov. is the first record and description of a Coecobrya species from the boneti-group in Thailand. We also discuss the ecological niches of troglomorphic Coecobrya species in Thailand and the status of the boneti-group.

Synthesis of the Brazilian Poduromorpha (Collembola: Hexapoda) with Special Emphasis on the Equatorial Oceanic Islands.

We present new species and records of Poduromorpha for the Brazilian oceanic islands and synthesis of this order in Brazil. Friesea noronhaensis sp. nov., Friesea rochedoensis sp. nov., Willemia insularum sp. nov. and Paraxenylla zeliae sp. nov. are described and a diagnosis of the morphospecies Acherontiella sp. Lima and Zeppelini 2015 is provided. We present comparative tables, distribution and taxonomic keys of the Friesea, Arlesia, Brachystomella, Acherontiella, Paraxenylla, Xenylla, and Willemia found in the Brazilian oceanic islands and their respective congeners recorded in Brazil.

Two New Cyphoderus Nicolet (Collembola: Paronellidae) of the "bidenticulati-group" with Dental Plurichaetosis from Brazil.

Two new species of Cyphoderus are described; full body chaetotaxy is given. Cyphoderus pataxo sp. nov. and Cyphoderus palaciosi sp. nov. were originally found in metalogenic areas covered with transitional vegetation of savanna and subtropical forest from Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. Both new species are part of the "bidenticulati-group," with mucronal formula 'Aa' and show remarkable plurichaetosis on posterior manubrium and dens.

First characterization of multixenobiotic activity in Collembola: An approach on cadmium-induced response.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux pumps mediate the activity of the Multixenobiotic Resistance (MXR) mechanism and have been proposed as a biomarker of environmental pollution mainly in aquatic invertebrates. MXR activity was never investigated in Collembola and represents a potential tool for soil biomonitoring. This study aimed to characterize for the first time the activity of ABC efflux pumps in the gut of collembolan species, and investigate its responsiveness to cadmium (Cd), a common stressor found in polluted soils. We performed in vitro rhodamine-B accumulation assays in the presence of model inhibitors of ABC efflux pumps: verapamil hydrochloride as P-gp (P-glycoprotein) inhibitor, and MK571, as MRPs (multidrug resistance-related proteins) inhibitor. We also performed rhodamine-B accumulation assays under Cd-exposure (209 µg/L;1 µM). Our results showed that all species presented basal (noninduced) level of MXR activity in their gut. Efflux pumps P-gp and/or MRPs activity were confirmed in Cyphoderus innominatus, Cyphoderus similis, and Folsomia candida, the standard species. The rhodamine-B accumulation assays performed with Cd, applied as soil pollutant, showed that the gut of non-standard species C. similis and Trogolaphysa sp. presented an increase of MXR activity for both P-gp and MRP transporters, indicating the potential of these species as test organisms for soil ecotoxicology studies in Neotropical region. Our findings suggest a functional role of ABC transporters in the collembolan gut and their cellular involvement in Cd defense response, corroborating that MXR phenotype in Collembola can be a promising tool for bioindication of soil contamination.

A new highly dimorphic genus of Sminthuridae (Collembola: Symphypleona) from Brazil.

A new genus and two new species of Sminthurinae are described. Keratosminthurus tapigu gen. nov. sp. nov. and K. calamitosus sp. nov. show a combination of features that redefines the subfamily Sminthurinae, such as a pair of sminthuroid chaetae, unguis without cavity, nine apical chaetae on tibiotarsus, 11 or more anterior dental chaetae, fourth antennal segment clearly subdivided into many (18 or more) subsegments, and asymmetric apex of mucro. The new genus also presents a striking sexual dimorphism, with modifications on male apical organ of antennal segment III, spines on the clypeus and special organs on the interocular area.

Review of Eyeless Pseudosinella Schäffer (Collembola, Entomobryidae, and Lepidocyrtinae) from Brazilian Caves.

Herein, eyeless Pseudosinella species from Brazilian caves are reviewed, including the description of 23 new species, new records plus additional notes on the descriptions of P. ambigua Zeppelini, Brito, and Lima and of P. guanhaensis Zeppelini, Brito, and Lima. We also provide an identification key to 27 eyeless species recorded from Brazil. To organize the 26 Brazilian eyeless taxa analyzed in this work, we organize them in apparently artificial groups: 11 species have one larger tooth on the unguiculus outer lamella (petterseni group); one presents unguiculus outer lamella smooth or serrated (never with a larger tooth), with 9 held prelabral chaetae undivided and the last 6 held prelabral chaetae bifurcated. The Brazilian species of eyeless Pseudosinella herein described present a remarkably conservate dorsal chaetotaxy; therefore, the main diagnostic characters are related to other features like prelabral, labral, and ventral head chaetotaxy and empodial complex morphology. In addition, our study suggests that Brazilian caves possibly shelter a great diversity of Pseudosinella taxa, several of them potentially cave dependent.

Insect (Hexapoda) diversity in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: updated taxonomic checklist and new records

ABSTRACT Hexapods, commonly known as insects, are a neglected taxonomic group in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, with unanswered questions about their species richness and the ecological processes in which they are involved (e.g., colonization, introduction, establishment, and extinction). Herein, we provide an updated Hexapod checklist with current nomenclatural combinations. The entomofauna of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is currently composed of 453 species in 21 orders. The orders, and their respective number of species, are: Blattaria (9), Coleoptera (118), Collembola (29), Dermaptera (3), Diplura (1), Diptera (134), Embioptera (1), Hemiptera (29), Hymenoptera (59), Isoptera (2), Lepidoptera (25), Mantodea (1), Neuroptera (3), Odonata (5), Orthoptera (11), Phasmatodea (1), Phthiraptera (6), Psocoptera (3), Siphonaptera (1), Thysanoptera (10), and Zygentoma (2). The archipelago has 263 new taxon records (family + genera + species). Thirty-eight species (3.39%) were described from local specimens and most of them are likely endemic species. This study more than doubles our knowledge (from the previous 190 records) of the entomofauna in this large Brazilian archipelago. This study also provides a baseline for studies on its conservation status and for implementing future environmental management programs.

A new species of Acherontides (Collembola: Hypogastruridae) from Brazil, with an identification key.

A second species of Acherontides from Brazil is described. Acherontides serrasapoensis sp. nov. has two ocular area chaetae, tenaculum with 3+3, two clavate tenent hairs, and anal spines about 1/3 the length of unguis III. A comparative table is presented and an identification key for the species of Acherontides.

Chemical analysis of Brasilimeria Stach, 1949 (Hexapoda, Collembola, Neanuridae) hemolymphatic secretion, and description of a new species.

Though Collembola is a widespread hexapod its use of chemical compounds for defense has been reported for only a few European species. Chemical composition analyses of the hemolymphatic secretion of Neotropical Collembola using Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) has been performed for the first time. The GC-MS analysis revealed 32 constituents, such as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, a phenol, an aldehyde and a ketone. Benzyl benzoate, the main component (at 46.98%), is a compound with known acaricide and insecticide properties. This is the first report on chemical constituents produced by Neotropical Pseudachorutinae, genus Brasilimeria, and will permit future secretion comparisons for Collembola. The taxonomic description of the species producing the secretion analyzed is provided; Brasilimeria assu sp. nov. (Collembola, Neanuridae, Pseudachorutinae) is the third known species of the genus; an updated diagnosis of the genus, an identification key, and further remarks on the species Brasilimeria Stach, 1949 are provided.

Brazilian Archisotoma Linnaniemi (Collembola, Isotomidae), with description of a new species from an oceanic atoll.

We summarize the distribution and habitat of Brazilian Archisotoma species, a taxonomic key for all species of the genus is given and a new species is described from intertidal sand of the Biologial Reserve Atol das Rocas, Brazil. Archisotoma jariani sp. nov. belongs to the besselsi group, recognized by small size, tibiotarsus III with stiff outer spur, maxillary head with thin simple capitulum, 3-2 pairs of trichobothria on abdominal segment VI. This is the first species of Collembola recorded from Atol das Rocas.

Three new species of Collembola (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) from Brazil.

Three new species of Collembola are described for Southeastern Brazil: Arrhopalites mendoncae sp. nov., Pararrhopalites queirozi sp. nov., and Coecobrya phoenix sp. nov. Although they were collected in caves and present characters such as absence of pigmentation, reduction or absence of eyes, and restriction to the local hypogean environment, none of them is troglobite. It is the first Coecobrya known from Brazil, the second species of the genus Arrhopalites with a trichobothrial complex angle superior to 160°, and the third species of the genus Pararrhopalites with three sensilla in the inter-antennal region. All species are named in honor of the Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, and our colembologist colleagues, who recently had an entire collection destroyed by a fire of great proportions.

Three new species of Collembola (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) from Central Brazilian shallow caves: side effects of long term application of environmental law on conservation.

Three new species of Collembola are described from small shallow caves in Southeastern Brazil: Arrhopalites glabrofasciatus sp. nov., Pseudosinella ambigua sp. nov. and Pseudosinella guanhaensis sp. nov. The species were found in surveys performed as part of the process to accomplish the permits for high impact enterprising. The change in the legislation is discussed and a suggestion is made to improve the process. The long term effects of the law resulted in the discovery of many new species and genera, most of them being (or to be) described.

Redefinition of Denisiella Folsom Mills, 1938 (Collembola: Sminthurididae) with description of three new species from Brazil.

A new diagnosis of Denisiella is provided, based on the revision of most descriptions, including three new species from Brazil. New Brazilian taxa share the presence of 6 + 6 eyes, 4 + 4 serrate spine-like on tibiotarsi III and the polycarinate setae on tibiotarsi II but differ from each other by the shape and size of the sensilla of the tibiotarsi I. Denisiella rhizophorae sp. nov. has the combination of sensilla on tibiotarsi I of rhagidial type and C2 blunt on antennal segment III. Only D. betschi sp. nov. has barbulate spines on head and D. caatingae sp. nov. is the only which males present nasal organ. They are illustrated with drawings and scanning electron microscope photographs. Three different shapes of sensilla in the tibiotarsi I were observed and were compared with other species.

Hexapod decomposers of Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil: an area with high potential for conservation of Caatinga biodiversity / Hexápodes decompositores da Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brasil: uma área com elevado potencial para a conservação da biodiversidade da caatinga

Abstract: In detritus-based trophic systems, springtails, dung beetles, saprophagous calyptrate flies and termites consume and fragment organic matter and control populations of decomposer microorganisms, exerting a strong influence on energy and nutrient fluxes. A faunal inventory of these four groups of hexapods was performed in Serra de Santa Catarina (SSC), an area of arboreal-shrub caatinga located in the state of Paraíba, with the purpose of characterizing the assemblages of these taxa, and highlighting their unique links to the local ecosystem. Samplings were performed in May, 2014, and April, 2015, both during the rainy season. Standard sampling protocols for biodiversity inventory of the various taxa were used, including both active and passive sampling methods. In general, 114 species of hexapods were captured, with 26 species of springtails, 20 dung beetles, 30 saprophagous calyptrate flies and 38 termites, with sampling sufficiency varying from 69.5 to 96.8% of total estimated richness. Species richness of the groups are among the highest recorded for a single area of Caatinga, with some taxa being recorded for the first time for the domain. Several morphospecies had indeterminate taxonomic status, especially springtails and termites, and are quite likely new species to science. The structure of the assemblages of springtails, dung beetles, saprophagous calyptrate flies and termites recorded in SSC, suggest that this conserved area is unique within the highly impacted landscape of Caatinga, and has great potential for the conservation of biodiversity of this domain in the Northeast Region of Brazil.

Resumo: No sistema trófico baseado em detritos, os colêmbolos, besouros escarabeíneos, moscas saprófagas e térmitas atuam no consumo e fragmentação da matéria orgânica e no controle das populações de microrganismos decompositores, exercendo forte influência nos fluxos de energia e nutrientes. Um inventário faunístico desses quatro grupos de hexápodes foi realizado na Serra de Santa Catarina (SSC), uma área de Caatinga arbóreo-arbustiva localizada no Estado da Paraiba, com intuito de caracterizar as taxocenoses desses táxons, salientando as suas peculiaridades ligadas ao ecossistema local. As coletas foram realizadas em maio/2014 e abril/2015, durante o período chuvoso na região. De acordo com o táxon, foram utilizados protocolos amostrais padronizados para inventários de biodiversidade, com métodos passivos e ativos de coleta. No geral, 114 espécies de hexápodes foram capturadas, sendo 26 de colêmbolos, 20 de besouros escarabeíneos, 30 de dípteros e 38 de térmitas, com suficiência amostral variando de 69,5 a 96.8% da total estimada. A riqueza de espécies por grupo está entre as maiores para uma única área de Caatinga, com alguns táxons sendo registrados pela primeira vez para o domínio. Especialmente para os colêmbolos e térmitas, várias morfoespécies tiveram seus status taxonômicos indeterminados, havendo elevada possibilidade de serem nova para a ciência. As estruturas e funcionalidades das taxocenoses de colêmbolos, besouros escarabeíneos, moscas saprófagas e térmitas registradas na SSC, sugerem que esse ecossistema é singular, dentro de um cenário generalizado de impacto antrópico presente na Caatinga, e possui um elevado potencial para a conservação da biodiversidade desse domínio no nordeste brasileiro.

Two new Cyphoderus (Collembola: Paronellidae) of "tridenticulati" and "bidenticulati" groups from Brazilian Amazon.

Two new species of Cyphoderus Nicolet are described from northern Brazil: C. mucrominimus sp. nov. from Curionópolis, Pará; and C. mucrostrimenus sp. nov. from Parauapebas, Pará. These species belong to tridenticulati and bidenticulati groups respectively. The chaetotaxy of head and whole body are described and an identification key for the species with recorded distribution in Brazil is provided.

Chaetotaxy of Neotropical Cyphoderus caetetus sp. nov. with comments on the taxonomic position of Cyphoderinae within Paronellidae (Collembola, Entomobryoidea).

The description of a new species, Cyphoderus caetetus sp. nov., led to comparisons among Paronellidae (Cyphoderinae and Paronellinae), which showed that the chaetotaxy of the first abdominal segment is very similar in Cyphoderus, Troglobius (Cyphoderinae) and Trogolaphysa (Paronellini), and much reduced in relation to that seen in Lepidonella (Paronellinae, Bromacanthini), Pseudosinella and Seira (Entomobryidae). This feature, along with the presence of pseudopores behind the posterior row of setae on the fourth abdominal segment as seen in Troglopedetes, Trogolaphysa and Cyphoderinae (absent in Lepidonella and Entomobryidae), suggests that Cyphoderinae is more closely related to tribe Paronellini than Paronellini is to Bromacanthini and Entomobryidae, and that the subfamily Paronellinae is paraphyletic if Cyphoderinae is excluded. We propose including Cyphoderini as the apical group in Paronellinae together with Paronellini (Trogolaphysa and Troglopedetes).