Revealing the Odonatofauna of Northeastern Brazil: new Heteragrion Selys, 1862 (Odonata: Heteragrionidae) species from Bahia state.

Heteragrion roquei sp. nov. (Brazil, Bahia state, Municipality of Una, Fazenda Araruna, (-15.3146, -39.1621), 40 m, 19.ix.2019, M.E. Rodrigues leg., UESC) is described based on two males recently collected in Bahia state, Brazil. The new species is illustrated, diagnosed and compared with morphologically close congeners, being separated from them mainly by cercus characters, such as the medial portion and both ventrobasal / dorsobasal expansions.

Natural Areas of Cerrado Foster Wasp (Hymenoptera) Diversity in Human Modified Landscapes.

Land use changes from native vegetation to agriculture, livestock grazing, and urban development are among the main problems related to biodiversity loss worldwide. In this paper we evaluate how land use changes (eucalypt plantation and pasture) affect the richness and assemblage of wasps (Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Pompilidae, and Vespidae), in comparison with nearby areas with native vegetation in the Cerrado. Specimens were collected at six points, with two Malaise traps at each location. The collections were performed monthly for 10 d, for 12 mo. A total of 773 hymenopterans of the selected groups were collected, representing 253 species or morphospecies. Richness of the families Ichneumonidae and Pompilidae between the areas did not present significant differences. For the families Braconidae and Vespidae, the richness was greater in the eucalypt plantation and pasture areas compared to the native area. Species composition in the native habitat was different from either of the managed habitats in the studied environment. Furthermore, the composition of wasps in native areas varied less throughout the sampling campaigns when compared with the pasture and eucalyptus sites. In native areas, 85 exclusive morphospecies were found. Thus, changes in land use may cause changes in the composition of wasp species, since areas with native vegetation presented more heterogeneous and stable environments than the other land uses. The maintenance of native areas, even if close to planted forest and/or pasture areas, could be the best way to combine forest productivity with biodiversity conservation.

Description of the larva of Leptagrion dispar Selys, 1876 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) with notes on distribution and ecology of the specie.

The genus Leptagrion Selys, 1876 comprises 17 described species. Of these species, only eight have their immature stage described. In this work, we describe the last instar larva of Leptagrion dispar Selys, 1876. The specimens were collected in areas of Atlantic Forest in three municipalities of the southern region of Bahia, Brazil, in phytotelmata habitats of bromeliads. Larvae were described based on the characteristics of the preserved F-0 larvae and exuviae of the emerged specimens in the laboratory. We added information about the habitats where the specimens were found. We extended occurrence records to other regions of the state of Bahia and presented a comparative table with morphological characteristics of all Leptagrion larvae already described.

DNA barcoding of odonates from the Upper Plata basin: Database creation and genetic diversity estimation.

We present a DNA barcoding study of Neotropical odonates from the Upper Plata basin, Brazil. A total of 38 species were collected in a transition region of "Cerrado" and Atlantic Forest, both regarded as biological hotspots, and 130 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes were generated for the collected specimens. The distinct gap between intraspecific (0-2%) and interspecific variation (15% and above) in COI, and resulting separation of Barcode Index Numbers (BIN), allowed for successful identification of specimens in 94% of cases. The 6% fail rate was due to a shared BIN between two separate nominal species. DNA barcoding, based on COI, thus seems to be a reliable and efficient tool for identifying Neotropical odonate specimens down to the species level. These results underscore the utility of DNA barcoding to aid specimen identification in diverse biological hotspots, areas that require urgent action regarding taxonomic surveys and biodiversity conservation.

Odonates from Bodoquena Plateau: checklist and information about endangered species / Libélulas da Serra da Bodoquena: lista de espécies e informações sobre espécies ameaçadas

Abstract Here we provide an updated checklist of the odonates from Bodoquena Plateau, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. We registered 111 species from the region. The families with the highest number of species were Libellulidae (50 species), Coenagrionidae (43 species) and Gomphidae (12 species). 35 species are registered in the IUCN Red List species, four being Data Deficient, 29 of Least Concern and two species being in the threatened category. Phyllogomphoides suspectus Belle, 1994 (Odonata: Gomphidae) was registered for the first time in the state.

Resumo Nós apresentamos um inventário atualizado das espécies de libélulas ocorrentes na Serra da Bodoquena, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Nós registramos 111 espécies para a região. As famílias com o maior número de espécies foram Libellulidae (50 espécies), Coenagrionidae (43 espécies) e Gomphidae (12 espécies). 35 espécies são registradas na Lista Vermelha de espécies da IUCN e duas estão em categorias de ameaçadas. Phyllogomphoides suspectus Belle, 1994 (Odonata: Gomphidae) foi registrado pela primeira vez no estado.

Phylogenetic clustering among aggressive competitors: evidence from odonate assemblages along a riverine gradient.

Studies on phylogenetic community ecology usually infer habitat filtering when communities are phylogenetically clustered or competitive exclusion when communities are overdispersed. This logic is based on strong competition and niche similarity among closely related species-a less common phenomenon than previously expected. Dragonflies and damselflies are good models for testing predictions based on this logic because they behave aggressively towards related species due to mistaken identification of conspecifics. This behavior may drive communities toward phylogenetic overdispersion if closely related species frequently exclude each other. However, phylogenetically clustered communities could also be observed if habitat filtering and/or competitive asymmetry among distantly related species are major drivers of community assembling. We investigated the phylogenetic structure of odonate assemblages in central Brazil in a watershed characterized by variations in stream width, vegetation cover, aquatic vegetation, and luminosity. We observed general clustering in communities according to two indices of phylogenetic structure. Phylogenetic beta diversity coupled with Mantel tests and RLQ analysis evidenced a correlation between the riverine gradient and phylogenetic structure. Larger rivers with aquatic vegetation were characterized by anisopterans, while most zygopterans stayed in small and shaded streams. These results indicate niche conservatism in Odonata habitat occupancy, and that the environment is a major influence on the phylogenetic structure of these communities. We suggest that this is due to clade-specific ecophysiological requirements, and because closely related species may also have competitive advantages and dominate certain preferred habitats.

First record of acari Arrenurus Dugès, 1834 as a parasite of Odonata species in Brazil

Water mites are common and widespread parasites of some aquatic insects in freshwater habitats. This is the first record of acari Arrenurus Dugès, 1834, as a parasite of Odonata in Brazil. Water mites were sampled from Miathyria marcella (Selys, 1857) and Ischnura fluviatilis (Selys, 1876).

Ácaros aquáticos são parasitas comuns de alguns insetos aquáticos em habitats de água doce. Este é o primeiro registro do ácaro Arrenurus Dugès, 1834, como parasita de Odonata no Brasil. Ácaros aquáticos foram coletados em Miathyria marcella (Selys, 1857) e Ischnura fluviatilis (Selys, 1876).