Sperm characteristics of cryopreserved Prochilodus lineatus semen after adding cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin.

The experiment evaluated the effect of adding cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) to Prochilodus lineatus fish (Curimata) semen on post-thaw sperm quality. Twelve adult fish were used for sperm collection after induced spermiation with carp pituitary gland. The semen was diluted and treated with CLC in concentrations of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mg for 120 × 106 spermatozoa/ml, loaded in 0.5 ml straws, packaged and placed in dry vapor vessel cylinders for 24 h before being submerged in liquid nitrogen for storage. The samples were thawed in a water bath at 60 °C for 8 s, and the sperm parameters evaluated were motility, activation duration, longevity, plasma membrane integrity, and morphology. Data were tested for normal distribution and ANOVA, followed by Friedman test (P < 0.05). Spermatozoa treated with CLC displayed higher motility than the control (P < 0.05). The duration of sperm activation was longer in sperm treated with 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg of CLC than in control (P < 0.05). The membrane integrity was higher in sperm treated with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg of CLC than in control and four mg-treated samples (P < 0.05). The sperm longevity and morphology alterations did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Adding 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg of CLC in Prochilodus lineatus semen before cryopreservation improves sperm motility and membrane integrity.

Comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros Santa Inês alimentados com resíduo de cervejaria desidratado / Ingestive behavior of Santa Ines lambs fed rations containing dehydrated brewery residue

Objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros Santa Inês alimentados com resíduo de cervejaria desidratado (RCD). Foram utilizados 35 cordeiros, machos, não castrados, com peso médio inicial de 16,00±1,69kg e, aproximadamente, 70 dias de idade. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e sete repetições, consistindo os tratamentos em: 0; 20; 40; 60 e 80% de inclusão de RCD na porção concentrada da ração. A inclusão de RCD na ração não influenciou o tempo de alimentação (TAL; h/dia) e a eficiência de alimentação (gFDN/h; P>0,05). O TAL obtido neste estudo apresentou valor médio de 4,90h/dia. Observou-se efeito linear decrescente (P<0,05) com a inclusão do RCD, para as eficiências de alimentação (gMS/h) e ruminação (gMS/h e gFDN/h). Contudo, efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) foi constatado para tempo de ruminação e mastigação total, bem como para o número de mastigações merícicas por dia para os animais alimentados com o subproduto. A inclusão de resíduo de cervejaria desidratado influencia o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros Santa Inês, diminuindo a eficiência de alimentação, quando relacionada ao consumo de matéria seca por hora, e aumentando o tempo de ruminação, podendo ser adicionado em até 20% na porção concentrada da ração.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of Santa Ines lambs fed dehydrated brewer's residue (DBR). Thirty-five male lambs were used, with an initial mean weight of 16.00±1.69kg and, approximately, 70 days of age. A completely randomized design was used, with five treatments and seven replicates, the treatments being: 0; 20; 40; 60 and 80% of inclusion of DBR in the concentrated portion of the ration. The inclusion of DBR in the ration did not influence feeding time (FT; h/day) and feeding efficiency (gNDF/h; P> 0.05). The FT obtained in this study had an average value of 4.90h/day. There was a decreasing linear effect (P< 0.05) for feed efficiency (gDM/h) and rumination efficiency (gDM/h and gNDF/h). However, linear increasing effect (P< 0.05) was observed for rumination and total chewing time, as well as for the number of chews per day for animals fed with the byproduct. The inclusion of dehydrated brewer's residue in the concentrate can influence the ingestive behavior of Santa Ines lambs, reducing feed efficiency, when related to the dry matter intake per hour, and increasing the total rumination time in Santa Ines lambs, it can be added up to 20% in the concentrated portion of the ration.(AU)

Spodoptera marima: a New Synonym of Spodoptera ornithogalli (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), with Notes on Adult Morphology, Host Plant Use and Genetic Variation Along Its Geographic Range.

Spodoptera marima (Schaus, 1904) and Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenée, 1852) are noctuid moths recognized for their economic importance in the New World. Historically, they have been considered cryptic species, being supposedly differentiated from each other by the absence of sexual dimorphism in S. marima, subtle differences in coloration on the hindwings and scale tufts of the ovipositor and the shape of male valva. The species are allopatric: North and Central America for S. ornithogalli and South America for S. marima. Previous phylogenetic studies using multilocus DNA sequences including a few specimens of S. marima suggested these species merge into a single clade. Here, we performed a comparative analysis to elucidate further their taxonomic status, using specimens of S. marima from various localities in Brazil. These species were recovered in the phylogenetic analysis as consistently mixed with each other in a major well-supported clade within Spodoptera. The existence of a spatial pattern for genetic structure was not clearly supported when two biogeographic regions (Neotropics and Neartic) were taken in separation; however, an individual-level isolation by distance was significant. The morphological characters traditionally used to differentiate the species were also not consistent. Therefore, we now consider S. marima a new junior synonym of S. ornithogalli. Results on host plant use demonstrated that it is a polyphagous species using more than 200 plants, which may mediate phenotypic variation along its geographical range.

Sensing the Plant Surface Prior to Feeding and Oviposition: Differences in External Ultrastructure and Function Among Tarsi of Heliconius erato.

Adult foretarsi of Heliconius erato Linnaeus (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) are reduced in size and are not used for walking. Foretarsi of the female have specialized sensilla that are presumably used to identify the host plant, by drumming. The mid- and hind tarsi also bear sensilla in both sexes, but these have not been described in detail, nor has their chemosensory function been determined. We described and compared the tarsi of H. erato under light and scanning electron microscopy. Behavioral experiments showed that differences in the shape, number, and size of sensilla were related to feeding and oviposition behaviors. Two types of sensillum (chaeticum and trichodeum) were found in similar numbers and size on the mid- and hind tarsi of both sexes. Sensilla on the female foretarsi act in host-plant site selection, strongly affecting oviposition rates when isolated. Male foretarsi lack sensilla, which may have been selected against due to the absence of function and thus lost. Sensilla on the mid- and hind tarsi are involved in sugar detection in both sexes, responding to an effective dose of sucrose (ED50) near 0.01 M, and therefore might be used to identify food resources when the butterflies settle on flowers.

Ancestry analysis of locally adapted Crespa goats from southernmost Brazil.

Crespa goats are phenotypically similar to the Angora breed, and are traditionally reared in small, low-tech farms in southernmost Brazil. Whether they represent degenerated remnants of pure Angora goats or result from foreign breeds introduced during colonial times and recently mixed with commercial breeds is unknown. Since the degree of relatedness of Crespa in relation to other goats is completely unknown, we performed a comparative assessment of the genetic similarity between Crespa and foreign commercial breeds reared in the region (Angora, Alpine, Anglo-Nubian, Boer, and Saanen), particularly the Angora. We used 11 microsatellites to score alleles in 148 individuals and performed a Bayesian assignment test, which revealed six clusters (K = 6; Ln likelihood = -5047.6). In addition, a segment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was sequenced to investigate the relatedness of Crespa goats to Portuguese autochthonous breeds (Algarvia, Bravia, Charnequeira, Serpentina, and Serrana). The origin of the Crespa breed could not be ascertained from the mtDNA, but it does not only descend from the Angora. It is probably related to other introduced and autochthonous Portuguese breeds, in particular the Algarvia. Therefore, our results indicate that this distinctive source of genetic diversity is partly a remnant of animals that were introduced during the colonial period. By recognizing it as genetically distinct, we provide further support for the protection of this particular gene pool.

Lasiothyris luminosa (Razowski & Becker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): a New Grapevine Pest in Northeastern Brazil.

The little-known Neotropical tortricid moth Lasiothyris luminosa (Razowski & Becker) is reported for the first time as a grapevine pest in northeastern Brazil. A diagnosis based on morphological characters including the genitalia is provided for both sexes, together with a preliminary description of economic damage caused by the larval stage on flowers and fruits. In addition, we sequenced a partial region of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene from specimens from the region and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships using representative lineages of closely related tortricids as terminals.

Avaliação nutricional de fenos produzidos com Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina / Nutritional evaluation of hay produced with Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina

Neste estudo, foram utilizados fenos de Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina produzidos em diferentes idades de crescimento (56, 84, 112 e 140 dias) para ensaio de degradabilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DEIVMS), por meio da técnica in vitro semi-automática de produção de gases. Os dados de DEIVMS foram utilizados para confecção de equações que foram comparadas pelos testes de paralelismo e identidade de curvas. O teste de paralelismo não demonstrou diferença entre as equações e curvas, ou seja, as diferentes idades apresentaram o mesmo comportamento cinético de degradação. Contudo, pelo teste de identidade de curvas, observou-se que as equações e curvas dos fenos de A. gayanus colhidos com as plantas cortadas aos 56 e 84 dias são idênticas entre si, mas diferentes das demais, ou seja, apresentaram maior DEIVMS. Os fenos de A. gayanus nutricionalmente superiores são obtidos de plantas cortadas nos intervalos de 56 a 84 dias.

In this study Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina hay produced at different ages of growth (56, 84, 112 and 140 days) were used for degradability assay of in vitro dry matter using semi-automated in vitro gas production technique. The data of in vitro dry matter degradation was used for the fabrication of equations and used for parallelism and curve identification comparison tests. The comparison between the A. gayanus hays harvested at different ages of growth by parallelism test showed that degradability in vitro dry matter curves are parallel. The similar curves showed kinetic behavior for in vitro dry matter degradability. When compared, the A. gayanus hays harvested at different ages of growth through the curve identification test, showed that A. gayanus hays harvested between 56 and 84 days are similar and had higher in vitro dry matter degradability. Nutritionally superior A. gayanus hay cut plants are obtained at intervals of 56 to 84 days.

Identification of the e allele at the Extension locus (MC1R) in Brazilian Creole sheep and its role in wool color variation.

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene has been described as responsible for the black color in some breeds of sheep, but little is known about its function in many colored breeds, particularly those with a wide range of pigmentation phenotypes. The Brazilian Creole is a local breed of sheep from southern Brazil that has a wide variety of wool colors. We examined the MC1R gene (Extension locus) to search for the e allele and determine its role in controlling wool color variation in this breed. One hundred and twenty-five animals, covering the most common Creole sheep phenotypes (black, brown, dark gray, light gray, and white), were sequenced to detect the mutations p.M73K and p.D121N. Besides these two mutations, three other synonymous sites (429, 600, and 725) were found. The dominant allele (E(D): p.73K, and p.121N) was found only in colored animals, whereas the recessive allele (E⁺: p.73M, and p.121D) was homozygous only in white individuals. We concluded that MC1R is involved in the control of wool color in Brazilian Creole sheep, particularly the dark phenotypes, although a second gene may be involved in the expression of the white phenotype in this breed.

Cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro da forrageira Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em sistema silvipastoril / Kinetics of in vitro ruminal fermentation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in silvopastoral system

No bioma cerrado, nos anos de 2006 e 2007, estudou-se a influência do sistema silvipastoril composto pela arbórea bolsa-de-pastor (Zeyheria tuberculosa) sobre a cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro da gramínea Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. O sistema silvipastoril foi estabelecido em 1982, em latossolos vermelho-amarelo pela regeneração natural da espécie arbórea. No ensaio de cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro, usou-se o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas o sistema silvipastoril e o monocultivo de B. brachiaria, e as subparcelas os períodos de colheita durante o ano, com três repetições por tratamento. A cinética de fermentação ruminal foi equivalente entre os sistemas estudados. Na estação das chuvas, as forrageiras foram mais fermentáveis do que nos períodos de transição. As forrageiras colhidas no período seco apresentaram menor fermentabilidade.

The influence of a silvopastoral system composed of Bolsa de Pastor (Zeyheria tuberculosa) on in vitro kinetics of ruminal fermentation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu was evaluated at Cerrado bioma, in the years 2006 and 2007. The silvopastoral was established in 1982, by natural regeneration of tree species in red-yellow oxisols. The trials on kinetics of ruminal fermentation were carried out in a split-plot design with three replicates. The silvopastoril system and the monoculture of Brachiaria were allocated as plots and the harvest periods as the split-plots. Kinetics of ruminal fermentation in the systems were similar. However, during the rainy season, the forage was highly fermentable in comparison to the transition season. The forage harvested during the dry season showed lower fermentability.

Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses reveal population differentiation in Brazilian Creole sheep.

Using ND5 sequences from mtDNA and 10 nuclear markers, we investigated the genetic differentiation of two South American Creole sheep phenotypes that historically have been bred in different biomes in southern Brazil. In total, 18 unique mtDNA haplotypes were detected, none of which was shared between the two phenotypes. Bayesian analysis also indicated two different groups (k = 2). Thus, these varieties are supported as being genotypically distinct. This situation could have resulted either from geographical isolation, associated with differences in the cultural habits of sheep farmers and in the way that flocks were managed, or more likely, from the introduction of different stocks four centuries ago.

Avaliação da Brachiaria brizantha cv. marandu em sistemas silvipastoris / Evaluation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. marandu in silvopastoral systems

Avaliou-se a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS) da Brachiaria brizantha cv. marandu colhida em dois sistemas silvipastoris compostos pelas arbóreas, ipê felpudo (Zeyheria tuberculosa) e aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva), localizados no bioma Cerrado, município de Lagoa Santa, MG. O período de coleta da forragem foi de dezembro de 2004 a abril de 2005. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, segundo esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas os tratamentos e as sub-parcelas os tempos de degradação. O sombreamento com as arbóreas não influenciou a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca da forrageira.

In situ degradability of dry matter of Brachiaria brizantha cv. marandu harvested in two silvopastoral systems was evaluated. One system was composed by Zeyheria tuberculosa tree and the other by Myracrodruon urundeuva, both located at Brazilian Savannah, Lagoa Santa, MG. A completely ramdomized block experimental design in a splitplot arrangement was used. The treatments were allocated in the plots and the times in the splitplot. No effect of shade was observed for in situ dry matter degradability.

Produtividade e valor nutritivo da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em um sistema silvipastoril / Productivity and nutritional value of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in a silvopastoral system

O experimento foi realizado em sistema silvipastoril (Ssp) localizado no bioma de Cerrado, no município de Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, no ano agrícola de 2004-2005. Avaliou-se a influência do Ssp composto pela arbórea bolsa-de-pastor (Zeyheria tuberculosa) sobre os parâmetros produção, atributos morfogênicos, composição bromatológica e valor nutritivo da gramínea Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, e os efeitos sobre as condições microclimáticas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco blocos (épocas de corte), dois tratamentos (T1 - B. brizantha cv. Marandu sombreada com a Z. tuberculosa e T2 - B. brizantha cv. Marandu, a pleno sol) e três repetições (parcelas). O sombreamento proporcionado pela Z. tuberculosa, apesar de reduzir a produção de matéria seca (MS) da gramínea, favoreceu o aumento do teor de proteina bruta (PB) e não alterou a produção de PB/ha e nem afetou a concentração de FDN. Os teores de FDA foram mais altos que os encontrados a pleno sol, o que provavelmente resultou em menor degradabilidade in vitro da MS e da matéria orgânica, não alterando a degradabilidade efetiva

The experiment was carried out in a Silvopastoral system (Sps) located in Brazilian Savannah, Lagoa Santa county, Minas Gerais State, during the agricultural year of 2004-2005. It was studied the influence of Sps formed by "Bolsa de Pastor" (Zeyheria tuberculosa) on the production, morphogenic attributes, bromatological composition and nutritional value of the graminaceous Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu as well as on the microclimatic aspects. The Sps was established in 1982, in a red-yellow latossol by the natural regeneration process. The experiment was based on a randomized block design, with 5 blocks (cutting times), 2 treatments (T1 - B. brizantha cv. Marandu shaded by Z. tuberculosa and T2 - B. brizantha cv. Marandu at open sky and three repetitions (plots). Although the DM production of the graminaceous in the Sps with Z. tuberculosa has reduced the level of crude protein (CP) has increased and the production of CP per ha and the Sps NDF concentration have remained unchanged. However, the levels of ADF were higher in the shaded area, which probably resulted in lower in vitro DM and organic matter degradability, but similar effective DM degradability

Performance consequences of food mixing in two passion vine leaf-footed bugs, Holymenia clavigera (Herbst, 1784) and Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas, 1852) (Hemiptera; Coreidae).

Holymenia clavigera (Herbst) and Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae: Anisoscelini) are distributed in southern Brazil and use various passion vine species (Passifloraceae) as host-plants. Preliminary observations indicate a high coexistence of these species in terms of host-plant use; in addition, there is a strong similarity regarding egg and nymph morphology. In this study, the most suitable feeding sites for nymph performance on wild (Passiflora suberosa Linnaeus and Passiflora misera Humbold, Bonpland et Kunth) and cultivated (Passiflora edulis Sims) hosts were determined by rearing them on each host and on the combination of hosts. Performance was determined by evaluating nymph development and survivorship, and adult size at emergence. Plant parts used were also recorded. For both species, P. suberosa was the most suitable host plant. First instar nymphs of both species fed on terminal buds more frequently when compared to other plant parts. Second instar nymphs switched to green fruits, whose behavior was more pronounced for H. clavigera. Thus, H. clavigera and A. foliacea marginella immatures are extremely similar in terms of host-plant use and consequences for performance, in addition to their morphological similarity. We suggest that these coreids may have evolved through several processes, including parsimony between the immature stages after speciation, evolutionary convergence, mimicry or genetic drift.

Performance consequences of food mixing in two passion vine leaf-footed bugs, Holymenia clavigera (Herbst, 1784) and Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas, 1852) (Hemiptera; Coreidae)

Holymenia clavigera (Herbst) and Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae: Anisoscelini) are distributed in southern Brazil and use various passion vine species (Passifloraceae) as host-plants. Preliminary observations indicate a high coexistence of these species in terms of host-plant use; in addition, there is a strong similarity regarding egg and nymph morphology. In this study, the most suitable feeding sites for nymph performance on wild (Passiflora suberosa Linnaeus and Passiflora misera Humbold, Bonpland et Kunth) and cultivated (Passiflora edulis Sims) hosts were determined by rearing them on each host and on the combination of hosts. Performance was determined by evaluating nymph development and survivorship, and adult size at emergence. Plant parts used were also recorded. For both species, P. suberosa was the most suitable host plant. First instar nymphs of both species fed on terminal buds more frequently when compared to other plant parts. Second instar nymphs switched to green fruits, whose behavior was more pronounced for H. clavigera. Thus, H. clavigera and A. foliacea marginella immatures are extremely similar in terms of host-plant use and consequences for performance, in addition to their morphological similarity. We suggest that these coreids may have evolved through several processes, including parsimony between the immature stages after speciation, evolutionary convergence, mimicry or genetic drift.

Holymenia clavigera (Herbst) e Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae: Anisoscelini) ocorrem no sul do Brasil e são hóspedes de diversas espécies de Passifloraceae. Observações preliminares indicam uma alta coexistência destas espécies em termos de uso da planta hospedeira; em adição, ovos e ninfas são extremamente semelhantes. Neste estudo comparou-se a performance das ninfas das duas espécies em passifloráceas nativas silvestres (Passiflora suberosa Linnaeus e Passiflora misera Humbold, Bonpland et Kunth) e cultivadas (Passiflora edulis Sims), oferecidas em separado e conjuntamente. Foram determinadas as taxas de desenvolvimento e mortalidade ninfal, bem como o tamanho do adulto à emergência. As partes das hospedeiras mais utilizadas para alimentação foram registradas. Para ambos os coreídeos, P. suberosa conferiu melhor performance. Ninfas de primeiro instar de ambas as espécies alimentaram-se com maior intensidade da região apical dos ramos quando comparado com as demais partes das plantas. Ambas as espécies mudaram para os frutos verdes no segundo instar, sendo este comportamento mais pronunciado em H. clavigera. Deste modo, além da semelhança morfológica, os imaturos de H. clavigera and A. foliacea marginella são extremamente similares no tangente à interação com suas plantas hospedeiras. Sugere-se que estes coreídeos possam ter evoluído através de vários processos, entre os quais parcimônia entre as fases imaturas após especiação, convergência evolutiva, mimetismo ou deriva genética.

Phenotypic plasticity in Passiflora suberosa L.(Passifloraceae): induction and reversion of two morphs by variation in light intensity.

Leaf morphology may vary considerably even within a branch of Passiflora suberosa plants. Leaves are of a typical green type in shaded areas, but in open fields turn into violet, and apparently have greater thickness and trichome density. The proximate causes and the adaptive meaning, if any, for the existence of the violet morph are still unknown. By cultivating P. suberosa clones under two light regimes (total and partial exposure to sunlight), we consecutively induced (first year) and then reversed (second year) the appearance of the violet morph. We evaluated the corresponding changes in morpho-anatomic and chemical leaf characteristics. Plants that were grown under partial sunlight had a greater size and did not alter their green color, but those grown under total sunlight changed into violet, were smaller in size and their leaves were tougher, thicker, and had a greater number of trichomes. The violet morph had increased anthocyanins and phenolic derivatives. It also showed cellular hypertrophy, a greater number of cell layers in the mesophyll, and a lignified pericycle. Since these morphs are interchangeable by changing light conditions, we inferred that they are not determined by genotypic diversity, but are mainly a result of a physiological response to light stress, and thus part of P. suberosa phenotypic plasticity.

Phenotypic plasticity in Passiflora suberosa L.(Passifloraceae): induction and reversion of two morphs by variation in light intensity / Plasticidade fenotípica em Passiflora suberosa L. (Passifloraceae): indução e reversão de duas formas pela variação na intensidade luminosa

Leaf morphology may vary considerably even within a branch of Passiflora suberosa plants. Leaves are of a typical green type in shaded areas, but in open fields turn into violet, and apparently have greater thickness and trichome density. The proximate causes and the adaptive meaning, if any, for the existence of the violet morph are still unknown. By cultivating P. suberosa clones under two light regimes (total and partial exposure to sunlight), we consecutively induced (first year) and then reversed (second year) the appearance of the violet morph. We evaluated the corresponding changes in morpho-anatomic and chemical leaf characteristics. Plants that were grown under partial sunlight had a greater size and did not alter their green color, but those grown under total sunlight changed into violet, were smaller in size and their leaves were tougher, thicker, and had a greater number of trichomes. The violet morph had increased anthocyanins and phenolic derivatives. It also showed cellular hypertrophy, a greater number of cell layers in the mesophyll, and a lignified pericycle. Since these morphs are interchangeable by changing light conditions, we inferred that they are not determined by genotypic diversity, but are mainly a result of a physiological response to light stress, and thus part of P. suberosa phenotypic plasticity.

A morfologia das folhas de Passiflora suberosa pode variar consideravelmente mesmo dentro dos ramos de um dado espécime. P. suberosa ocorre tipicamente em áreas sombreadas e as folhas são verdes. Porém, em áreas abertas, onde há maior incidência de luz solar, as folhas são de coloração roxa, aparentemente mais duras e com grande densidade de tricomas. As possíveis causas e o significado adaptativo da manifestação destas características ainda são desconhecidas. Com base no cultivo de clones de P. suberosa sob dois regimes de luz solar (incidência total e parcial), nós consecutivamente induzimos (primeiro ano) e então revertemos (segundo ano) o aparecimento da forma roxa. As mudanças nas características morfológicas e químicas das formas verde e roxa foram avaliadas. As plantas que foram cultivadas sob incidência parcial de luz solar apresentaram maior tamanho dos ramos e não alteraram a cor verde das folhas. As plantas que foram cultivadas sob incidência total dos raios solares apresentaram coloração roxa, maior dureza, espessura e pilosidade. A forma roxa apresentou alto teor de antocianinas e derivados fenólicos. As plantas exibiram hipertrofia celular, maior número de camadas celulares no mesofilo e lignificação do periciclo. Considerando que as formas são intercambiáveis perante a mudança na intensidade luminosa, nós inferimos que elas não resultam da diversidade genotípica, mas sim de uma resposta fisiológica ao estresse luminoso e, dessa forma, parte da plasticidade fenotípica de P. suberosa.

Geographical variation in larval host-plant use by Heliconius erato (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) and consequences for adult life history.

Adult body size, one of the most important life-history components, varies strongly within and between Heliconius erato phyllis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) populations. This study determines if this variation is caused by geographical changes in host-plant used by the larval stage, whose reproductive parameters are influenced by female body size, with estimates of the corresponding heritability. The variation in adult body size was determined together with a survey of passion vine species (Passifloraceae) used by the larvae in seven localities in Rio Grande do Sul State: three located in the urban area of Porto Alegre and Triunfo Counties, two within Eucalyptus plantations (Barba Negra Forest, Barra do Ribeiro County, and Aguas Belas Experimental Station-Viamão County), one in a Myrtaceae Forest (Itapuã State Park-Itapuã County) and one in the Atlantic Rain Forest (Maquiné Experimental Station-Maquiné County). Effects of female body size on fecundity, egg size and egg viability were determined in an outdoor insectary. Size heritability was estimated by rearing in the laboratory offspring of individuals maintained in an insectary. The data showed that adults from populations where larvae feed only upon Passiflora suberosa are smaller than those that feed on Passiflora misera. The larvae prefer P. misera even when the dominant passion vine in a given place is P. suberosa. Fecundity increases linearly with the increase in size of females, but there is no size effect on egg size or viability. Size heritability is null for the adult size range occurring in the field. Thus, the geographical variation of H. erato phyllis adult size is primarily determined by the type, corresponding availability and quality of host-plants used by the larval stage. Within the natural size range of H. erato phyllis, the variation related to this character is not genetically based, thus being part of H. erato phyllis phenotypic plasticity.

Geographical variation in larval host-plant use by Heliconius erato (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) and consequences for adult life history

Adult body size, one of the most important life-history components, varies strongly within and between Heliconius erato phyllis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) populations. This study determines if this variation is caused by geographical changes in host-plant used by the larval stage, whose reproductive parameters are influenced by female body size, with estimates of the corresponding heritability. The variation in adult body size was determined together with a survey of passion vine species (Passifloraceae) used by the larvae in seven localities in Rio Grande do Sul State: three located in the urban area of Porto Alegre and Triunfo Counties, two within Eucalyptus plantations (Barba Negra Forest, Barra do Ribeiro County, and Aguas Belas Experimental Station -- Viamäo County), one in a Myrtaceae Forest (Itapuä State Park -- Itapuä County) and one in the Atlantic Rain Forest (Maquiné Experimental Station -- Maquiné County). Effects of female body size on fecundity, egg size and egg viability were determined in an outdoor insectary. Size heritability was estimated by rearing in the laboratory offspring of individuals maintained in an insectary. The data showed that adults from populations where larvae feed only upon Passiflora suberosa are smaller than those that feed on Passiflora misera. The larvae prefer P. misera even when the dominant passion vine in a given place is P. suberosa. Fecundity increases linearly with the increase in size of females, but there is no size effect on egg size or viability. Size heritability is null for the adult size range occurring in the field. Thus, the geographical variation of H. erato phyllis adult size is primarily determined by the type, corresponding availability and quality of host-plants used by the larval stage. Within the natural size range of H. erato phyllis, the variation related to this caracter is not genetically based, thus being part of H. erato phyllis phenotypic plasticity