Some trematodes including three new species from freshwater fishes of Venezuela.

The present paper comprises a systematic survey of trematodes found in 13 species of freshwater fishes in Venezuela collected in 1992, 1996 and 2001. The following 15 trematode species were recorded: Adults: Genarchella venezuelaensis sp. n., Thometrema dissimilis sp. n., Megacoelium spinicavum Thatcher et Varella, 1981, Doradamphistoma bacuense Thatcher, 1999, Crassicutis cichlasomae Manter, 1936, Parspina carapo Ostrowski de Núñez, Arredonto et Gil de Pertierra, 2011, Phyllodistomoides hoplerythrini sp. n. Larvae (metacercariae): Clinostomatopsis sorbens (Braun, 1899), Clinostomum marginatum (Rudolphi, 1819), C. detruncatum Braun, 1899, Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum (Diesing, 1850), Odhneriotrema microcephala (Travassos, 1922), Tylodelphys sp., Posthodiplostomum sp., Sphincterodiplostomum sp. All these parasites are reported from Venezuela for the first time and many of these findings represent new host records. The new species G. venezuelaensis sp. n., T. dissimilis sp. n. and P. hoplerythrini sp. n. were collected from the accessory respiratory organ of Loricariichthys brunneus (Hancock) (Loricariidae), from the stomach of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix et Agassiz) (Erythrinidae) and from the intestine of H. unitaeniatus, respectively. All parasites are briefly described and illustrated and problems concerning their morphology, taxonomy, hosts and geographical distribution are discussed. Megacoelium spinispecum Thatcher et Varella, 1981 is considered a junior synonym of M. spinicavum Thatcher et Varella, 1981, and Crassicutis opisthoseminis Bravo-Hollis et Arroyo, 1962 as a junior synonym of C. cichlasomae Manter, 1936.

Parasites (Monogenea) of tilapias Oreochromis niloticus and Coptodon rendalli (Cichlidae) in a river spring in Brazil.

In the present study, we examined 30 individuals of introduced African cichlids, Oreochromis niloticus and Coptodon rendalli, collected in a river spring of the Pardo River, Paranapanema River basin, southeastern Brazil. Based on morphological and molecular analyses of the partial LSU rDNA gene, we identified four species of monogeneans, Cichlidogyrus tilapiae, C. thurstonae, C. mbirizei, and Scutogyrus longicornis on the gills of O. niloticus, whereas individuals of C. rendalli were infested only with C. papernastrema. This is the first record of C. mbirizei and C. papernastrema in tilapias from Brazil. The ecological consequences of the introduction of exotic species of tilapia such as O. niloticus and C. rendalli along with their monogenean parasites in a wild environment represented by a river spring are discussed. Our new molecular data on Cichlidogyrus and Scutogyrus contribute to the investigation of the phylogenetic interrelationships of these widely distributed genera of monogeneans since their species composition is still unsettled.

Title: Parasites (Monogenea) des tilapias Oreochromis niloticus et Coptodon rendalli (Cichlidae) dans une source au Brésil. Abstract: Dans la présente étude, nous avons examiné 30 individus de cichlidés africains introduits, Oreochromis niloticus et Coptodon rendalli, collectés dans une source fluviale du fleuve Pardo, bassin du fleuve Paranapanema, dans le sud-est du Brésil. Sur la base d'analyses morphologiques et moléculaires du gène partiel de l'ADNr LSU, nous avons identifié quatre espèces de monogènes, Cichlidogyrus tilapiae, C. thurstonae, C. mbirizei et Scutogyrus longicornis sur les branchies d'O. niloticus, alors que les individus de C. rendalli étaient infestés uniquement par C. papernastrema. Il s'agit du premier signalement de C. mbirizei et C. papernastrema chez des tilapias du Brésil. Les conséquences écologiques de l'introduction d'espèces exotiques de tilapia telles que O. niloticus et C. rendalli ainsi que leurs monogènes parasites dans un environnement sauvage représenté par une source fluviale sont discutées. Nos nouvelles données moléculaires sur Cichlidogyrus et Scutogyrus contribuent à l'étude des interrelations phylogénétiques de ces genres de monogènes largement distribués puisque leur composition spécifique est encore incertaine.

The American Cherimoya Genome Reveals Insights into the Intra-Specific Divergence, the Evolution of Magnoliales, and a Putative Gene Cluster for Acetogenin Biosynthesis.

Annona cherimola (cherimoya) is a species renowned for its delectable fruit and medicinal properties. In this study, we developed a chromosome-level genome assembly for the cherimoya 'Booth' cultivar from the United States. The genome assembly has a size of 794 Mb with a N50 = 97.59 Mb. The seven longest scaffolds account for 87.6% of the total genome length, which corresponds to the seven pseudo-chromosomes. A total of 45,272 protein-coding genes (≥30 aa) were predicted with 92.9% gene content completeness. No recent whole genome duplications were identified by an intra-genome collinearity analysis. Phylogenetic analysis supports that eudicots and magnoliids are more closely related to each other than to monocots. Moreover, the Magnoliales was found to be more closely related to the Laurales than the Piperales. Genome comparison revealed that the 'Booth' cultivar has 200 Mb less repeats than the Spanish cultivar 'Fino de Jete', despite their highly similar (>99%) genome sequence identity and collinearity. These two cultivars were diverged during the early Pleistocene (1.93 Mya), which suggests a different origin and domestication of the cherimoya. Terpene/terpenoid metabolism functions were found to be enriched in Magnoliales, while TNL (Toll/Interleukin-1-NBS-LRR) disease resistance gene has been lost in Magnoliales during evolution. We have also identified a gene cluster that is potentially responsible for the biosynthesis of acetogenins, a class of natural products found exclusively in Annonaceae. The cherimoya genome provides an invaluable resource for supporting characterization, conservation, and utilization of Annona genetic resources.

Molecular Evidence Reveals Taxonomic Uncertainties and Cryptic Diversity in the Neotropical Catfish of the Genus Pimelodus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae).

Pimelodus is the most speciose genus of the family Pimelodidae, and is amply distributed in the Neotropical region. The species-level taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships within this genus are still poorly resolved, however. These taxonomic problems and the general lack of data have generated major uncertainties with regard to the identification of specimens from different localities. In the present study, we applied a single-locus species delimitation approach to identify the MOTUs found within the genus Pimelodus and provide sound evidence for the evaluation of the species richness of this genus in the different river basins of the Neotropical region. The study was based on the analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene of 13 nominal species, which resulted in the identification of 24 consensus MOTUs. Only six nominal species were recovered as well-defined molecular entities by both the traditional barcoding analysis and the molecular delimitation methods, while the other seven presented cryptic diversity or persistent taxonomic uncertainties. The lineages identified from the Parnaíba ecoregions, Amazonas Estuary and Coastal Drainages may represent a much greater diversity of Pimelodus species than that recognized currently, although a more detailed study of this diversity will be necessary to provide a more definitive classification of the genus.

An integrative taxonomy study reveals a rare new species of the genus Creptotrema (Trematoda: Allocreadiidae) in an endangered frog in South America.

During an ecological study with a near-endangered anuran in Brazil, the Schmidt's Spinythumb frog, Crossodactylus schmidti Gallardo, 1961, we were given a chance to analyze the gastrointestinal tract of a few individuals for parasites. In this paper, we describe a new species of an allocreadiid trematode of the genus Creptotrema Travassos, Artigas & Pereira, 1928, which possesses a unique trait among allocreadiids (i.e., a bivalve shell-like muscular structure at the opening of the ventral sucker); the new species represents the fourth species of allocreadiid trematode parasitizing amphibians. Besides, the new species is distinguished from other congeners by the combination of characters such as the body size, ventral sucker size, cirrus-sac size, and by having small eggs. DNA sequences through the 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA further corroborated the distinction of the new species. Phylogenetic analyses placed the newly generated sequences in a monophyletic clade together with all other sequenced species of Creptotrema. Genetic divergences between the new species and other Creptotrema spp. varied from 2.0 to 4.2% for 28S rDNA, and 15.1 to 16.8% for COI mtDNA, providing robust validation for the recognition of the new species. Even though allocreadiids are mainly parasites of freshwater fishes, our results confirm anurans as hosts of trematodes of this family. Additionally, we propose the reallocation of Auriculostoma ocloya Liquin, Gilardoni, Cremonte, Saravia, Cristóbal & Davies, 2022 to the genus Creptotrema. This study increases the known diversity of allocreadiids and contributes to our understanding of their evolutionary relationships, host-parasite relationships, and biogeographic history.

A Five-Year Study on Infestation and Abundance of Bat Flies (Hippoboscoidea: Streblidae) Under Severe Dry Season Conditions in the Tropical Dry Forest of Yucatan, Mexico.

In Mexico, few studies have explored how environmental conditions in tropical dry forests (TDF) influence bat fly load even though, according to climate change scenarios, this ecosystem will experience a drier and warmer climate. Such an extension of the dry season in these ecosystems could have dramatic consequences for biodiversity, particularly in regions with plains where animals do not have elevational climate shifts. The present study therefore evaluates the effect of prevailing environmental conditions during 2015-2019, as well as host body conditions, on the infestation and abundance of bat-specific ectoparasites and the composition and bat fly load in the dry season of a TDF in Yucatan. Since Yucatan has an essentially flat and low-lying topography, organisms cannot escape from the predicted extreme conditions with elevational shifts. This region is therefore an excellent location for assessment of the potential effects of warming. We collected 270 bat flies from 12 species. Three streblid species (Nycterophilia parnelli Wenzel, Trichobius johnsonae Wenzel, and Trichobius sparsus Kessel) are new records for Yucatan. Our overview of the dry season bat ectoparasite loads reveals low values of richness and prevalence, but high aggregation. Our models detected significant differences in ectoparasite infestation and abundance over the years, but the environmental and body host condition variables were unrelated to these. We report that pregnant females are parasitized to a greater extent by bat flies during the dry season, which generally represents the season of most significant nutritional stress.

Pseudolycoriella hygida (Sauaia and Alves)-An Overview of a Model Organism in Genetics, with New Aspects in Morphology and Systematics.

Pseudolycoriella hygida (Sauaia & Alves, 1968) is a sciarid that has been continuously cultured in the laboratory for nearly 60 years. Studies on this species have contributed to the understanding of DNA puffs, which are characteristic of Sciaridae, and to the knowledge of more general aspects of insect biology, including cell death, nucleolar organization, and the role of the hormone ecdysone during molting. The genome of Psl. hygida has now been sequenced, and it is the third publicly available sciarid genome. The aim of this work is to expand the current knowledge on Psl. hygida. The morphology of the adults is revisited. The morphology of larvae and pupae is described, together with the behavior of immature stages under laboratory conditions. Cytogenetic maps of the salivary gland polytene chromosomes are presented, together with a comparative analysis of the mitotic chromosomes of six different sciarid species. Pseudolycoriella hygida was originally described as a species of Bradysia and recently moved to Pseudolycoriella. We examine here the systematic position of Psl. hygida in the latter genus. Our results extend the characterization of an unconventional model organism and constitute an important resource for those working on the cytogenetics, ecology, taxonomy, and phylogenetic systematics of sciarids.

Hidden Diversity in Eigenmannia (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) Populations from Upper Paraná and Paraguay Rivers.

Eigenmannia is a highly diverse genus within the Sternopygidae family, comprising 30 species. Due to its complex taxonomy, molecular analyses have been crucial for species delimitation within this group. Therefore, the present study presents a genetic analysis using sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) in specimens previously identified through alpha taxonomy as E. correntes (with unpublished data), E. virescens, and E. trilineata, originating from various locations within the Upper Paraná and Paraguay River basins in Brazil. The molecular data confirm the taxonomic complexity of the genus, as individuals morphologically identified as E. virescens and E. trilineata shared the same haplotype (H52). Furthermore, the results of the species delimitation tests suggest that specimens morphologically identified as E. virescens belong to the species E. trilineata. In addition, samples morphologically identified as E. correntes may correspond to more than one Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Furthermore, the intraspecific Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) distances within the different studied populations are significant. This study has contributed valuable information about genetic diversity in Eigenmannia, emphasizing the importance of using integrative analyses to resolve taxonomic conflicts within the group. It also supports biogeographical studies and assists in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Niche conservatism and convergence in birds of three cenocrons in the Mexican Transition Zone.

Background: The niche conservatism hypothesis postulates that physiological and phylogenetic factors constrain species distributions, creating richness hotspots with older lineages in ancestral climatic conditions. Conversely, niche convergence occurs when species successfully disperse to novel environments, diversifying and resulting in areas with high phylogenetic clustering and endemism, low diversity, and lower clade age. The Mexican Transition Zone exhibits both patterns as its biotic assembly resulted from successive dispersal events of different biotic elements called cenocrons. We test the hypothesis that biogeographic transitionallity in the area is a product of niche conservatism in the Nearctic and Typical Neotropical cenocrons and niche convergence in the Mountain Mesoamerican cenocron. Methods: We split the avifauna into three species sets representing cenocrons (sets of taxa that share the same biogeographic history, constituting an identifiable subset within a biota by their common biotic origin and evolutionary history). Then, we correlated richness, endemism, phylogenetic diversity, number of nodes, and crowning age with environmental and topographic variables. These correlations were then compared with the predictions of niche conservatism versus niche convergence. We also detected areas of higher species density in environmental space and interpreted them as an environmental transition zone where birds' niches converge. Results: Our findings support the expected predictions on how niches evolved. Nearctic and Typical Neotropical species behaved as predicted by niche conservatism, whereas Mountain Mesoamerican species and the total of species correlations indicated niche convergence. We also detected distinct ecological and evolutionary characteristics of the cenocrons on a macroecological scale and the environmental conditions where the three cenocrons overlap in the Mesoamerican region.

The distribution and conservation of areas with microendemic species in a biodiversity hotspot: a multi-taxa approach.

Background: Microendemic species are species with very small geographic distributions (ranges). Their presence delimitates areas with microendemic species (AMs), denoting a spatial unit comprising at least one population of at least one microendemic species. AMs are assumed to be distributed distinctively and associated with specific ecological, historical, and anthropogenic attributes. However, the level of influence of these factors remains unclear. Thus, we studied the distribution patterns of microendemic species within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to (a) identify the region's AMs; (b) evaluate whether ecological (latitude, altitude, distance from the coastline), historical (climate stability), and anthropogenic (ecological integrity) attributes distinguish AMs from non-AMs; and (c) assess the conservation status of the Atlantic Forest's AMs. Methods: We mapped the ranges of 1,362 microendemic species of angiosperms, freshwater fishes, and terrestrial vertebrates (snakes, passerine birds, and small mammals) to identify the region's AMs. Further, spatial autoregressive logit regression models were used to evaluate whether latitude, altitude, distance from the coastline, Climate Stability Index, and ecological integrity can be used to discern AMs from non-AMs. Moreover, the AMs' conservation status was assessed by evaluating the region's ecological integrity and conservation efforts (measured as the proportion of AMs in protected areas). Results: We identified 261 AMs for angiosperm, 205 AMs for freshwater fishes, and 102 AMs for terrestrial vertebrates in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, totaling 474 AMs covering 23.8% of the region. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a large and complex biogeographic mosaic where AMs represent islands or archipelagoes surrounded by transition areas with no microendemic species. All local attributes help to distinguish AMs from non-AMs, but their impacts vary across taxonomic groups. Around 69% of AMs have low ecological integrity and poor conservation efforts, indicating that most microendemic species are under threat. This study provides insights into the biogeography of one of the most important global biodiversity hotspots, creating a foundation for comparative studies using other tropical forest regions.

Taxonomic revision of the jumping spider genus Tullgrenella Mello-Leitão, 1941 (Araneae: Salticidae: Freyina)

This paper presents a taxonomic revision of the genus Tullgrenella Mello-Leitão, 1941. Four new species are described: Tullgrenella aisenbergae Marta, sp. nov. (Brazil) (♂♀), T. legalissima Marta & Hagopián sp. nov. (Uruguay) (♀), T. galianoae Marta, sp. nov. (Brazil) (♂♀) and T. sciosciae Marta & Bustamante sp. nov. (Brazil) (♂♀). The males of T. corrugata Galiano, 1981 and T. peniaflorensis Galiano, 1970, and the female of T. selenita Galiano, 1970 are described for the first time. An updated diagnosis for the genus is provided based on the detailed comparative morphological studies. In addition, we present a proposal and discussion about the species groups of Tullgrenella based on the putative synapomorphies as well as the updated distribution of the genus in South America.

An update on the huntsman spider genus Uaiuara Rheims, 2013 (Araneae, Sparassidae, Sparianthinae)

The genus Uaiuara rheims is revisited. A new species is described, based on females from Iquitos, Peru and new distribution records for Uaiuara amazonica (Simon, 1880) and U. quyguaba rheims, 2013 are provided. In addition, an identification key and updated distribution maps are provided for all species.

Invertebrate dispersal by waterbird species in neotropical wetlands / A dispersão de invertebrados por aves aquáticas na região neotropical

Abstract Endozoochory by waterbirds is particularly relevant to the dispersal of non-flying aquatic invertebrates. This ecological function exercised by birds has been demonstrated in different biogeographical regions, but there are no studies for the neotropical region. In this work, we identified propagules of invertebrates in faeces of 14 syntopic South American waterbird species representing six families, and hatched additional invertebrates from cultured faeces. We tested whether propagule abundance, species richness and composition varied among bird species, and between the cold and warm seasons. We found 164 invertebrate propagules in faecal samples from seven different waterbirds species, including eggs of the Temnocephalida and Notonectidae, statoblasts of bryozoans (Plumatella sp.) and ephippia of Cladocera. Ciliates (including Paramecium sp. and Litostomatea), nematodes and rotifers (Adineta sp. and Nottomatidae) hatched from cultured samples. Potential for endozoochory was confirmed for 12 of 14 waterbird species. Our statistical models suggest that richness and abundance of propagules are associated with bird species and not affected by seasonality. Dispersal by endozoochory is potentially important to a broad variety of invertebrates, being promoted by waterbirds with different ecological and morphological traits, which are likely to drive the dispersal of invertebrates in neotropical wetlands.

Resumo A endozoocoria promovida por aves aquáticas é particularmente relevante para a dispersão de invertebrados aquáticos não-voadores. Essa função ecológica exercida pelas aves tem sido demonstrada para diferentes regiões biogeográficas, porém, não existem estudos para a região neotropical. Neste trabalho nós identificamos propágulos de invertebrados encontrados em fezes de 14 espécies sintópicas de aves aquáticas da América do Sul, representando seis famílias de aves, e também invertebrados emergidos de amostras fecais cultivadas em laboratório. Testamos se a abundância, riqueza de espécies e composição de propágulos de invertebrados variavam entre as espécies de aves e entre estações. Nós encontramos 164 propágulos de invertebrados em amostras fecais de sete espécies de aves, incluindo ovos de Temnocephalida e Notonectidae, estatoblastos de briozoários (Plumatella sp.) e efípios de Cladocera. Ciliados (incluindo Paramecium sp. e Litostomatea), nematóides e rotíferos (Adineta sp. e Nottomatidae) eclodiram de amostras cultivadas. O potencial para endozoocoria foi confirmado para 12 das 14 espécies de aves aquáticas investigadas. Nossos modelos estatísticos sugerem que a riqueza e abundância de propágulos estão associadas às espécies de aves e não são afetadas pela sazonalidade. A dispersão por endozoocoria é importante para uma ampla variedade de invertebrados, sendo promovida por aves aquáticas com diferentes características ecológicas e morfológicas as quais provavelmente regulam a dispersão de invertebrados entre áreas úmidas neotropicais.

New records of Coronatella (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Chydoridae) from Colombia with the first report of Coronatella undata and of the male of Coronatella monacantha / Novos registros de Coronatella (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Chydoridae) na Colômbia com o primeiro relato de Coronatella undata e o macho de Coronatella monacantha

Biological samples obtained from a small temporary pond of northern Colombia yielded the first record Coronatella undata Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro and Santos, 2015 and of the male of C. monacantha (Sars, 1901) for Colombia. In this study, the morphology of female of Coronatella undata and female and male of C. monacantha was described and compared to other species within the genus. C. undata was originally described from Brazil and, among the species of the Coronatella monacantha complex, seems to be closely related to C. acuticostata (Sars, 1903). C. undata shows some similarities with C. monacantha, but it can be identified by important diagnostic characters such as: 1) posterior-ventral corner of valve with two denticles, 2) seta on exopodite of trunk limb II rudimentary, 3) filter comb of trunk limb II with six setae, 4) ODL seta of trunk limb I shorter than longest seta of IDL. C. monacantha is the most reported species in the Neotropical region and the male most resemble C. paulinae Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 in relation to (i), length/wide of postabdomen ratio (ii) basal spine almost straight and (iii)) long basal spine reaching the mid-length of basal spine. However, they can be separated by (i) number of lateral seta on the antennule, (ii) postanal angle, (iii) position of gonopore (iv) presence of a denticle on posterior-ventral corner of valve.

Amostras biológicas obtidas de uma pequena lagoa temporária do norte da Colômbia proporcionaram o primeiro registro de Coronatella undata Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro e Santos, 2015 e do macho de Coronatella monacantha (Sars, 1901) na Colômbia. Neste estudo, foi descrita a morfologia de fêmeas de C. undata e de fêmeas e machos de C. monacantha, comparando-a com outras espécies do gênero. Coronatella undata foi descrita originalmente no Brasil e, entre as espécies do complexo C. monacantha, parece estar intimamente relacionada com Coronatella acuticostata (Sars, 1903). Coronatella undata apresenta algumas semelhanças com C. monacantha, mas pode ser identificada por seus principais caracteres, tais como: 1) ângulo posterior ventral da valva com dois dentículos; 2) cerda rudimentar no exopodito do ramo do tronco II; 3) filtro da gnatobase do apêndice torácico II com seis cerdas; 4) cerda ODL do membro do tronco I mais curta que a cerda mais longa do IDL. Coronatella monacantha é a espécie mais relatada na região neotropical, e o macho se assemelha mais a Coronatella paulinae Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos em relação à/ao: (i) razão comprimento / largura do pós-abdômen, (ii) espinho basal quase reto e (iii) espinho basal longo com a metade do comprimento do espinho basal. No entanto, eles podem ser separados pelo/pela: (i) número de cerdas laterais na antênula, (ii) ângulo postanal, (iii) posição do gonóporo e (iv) presença de dentículo no canto ventral posterior da valva.

Invertebrate dispersal by waterbird species in neotropical wetlands

Abstract Endozoochory by waterbirds is particularly relevant to the dispersal of non-flying aquatic invertebrates. This ecological function exercised by birds has been demonstrated in different biogeographical regions, but there are no studies for the neotropical region. In this work, we identified propagules of invertebrates in faeces of 14 syntopic South American waterbird species representing six families, and hatched additional invertebrates from cultured faeces. We tested whether propagule abundance, species richness and composition varied among bird species, and between the cold and warm seasons. We found 164 invertebrate propagules in faecal samples from seven different waterbirds species, including eggs of the Temnocephalida and Notonectidae, statoblasts of bryozoans (Plumatella sp.) and ephippia of Cladocera. Ciliates (including Paramecium sp. and Litostomatea), nematodes and rotifers (Adineta sp. and Nottomatidae) hatched from cultured samples. Potential for endozoochory was confirmed for 12 of 14 waterbird species. Our statistical models suggest that richness and abundance of propagules are associated with bird species and not affected by seasonality. Dispersal by endozoochory is potentially important to a broad variety of invertebrates, being promoted by waterbirds with different ecological and morphological traits, which are likely to drive the dispersal of invertebrates in neotropical wetlands.

Resumo A endozoocoria promovida por aves aquáticas é particularmente relevante para a dispersão de invertebrados aquáticos não-voadores. Essa função ecológica exercida pelas aves tem sido demonstrada para diferentes regiões biogeográficas, porém, não existem estudos para a região neotropical. Neste trabalho nós identificamos propágulos de invertebrados encontrados em fezes de 14 espécies sintópicas de aves aquáticas da América do Sul, representando seis famílias de aves, e também invertebrados emergidos de amostras fecais cultivadas em laboratório. Testamos se a abundância, riqueza de espécies e composição de propágulos de invertebrados variavam entre as espécies de aves e entre estações. Nós encontramos 164 propágulos de invertebrados em amostras fecais de sete espécies de aves, incluindo ovos de Temnocephalida e Notonectidae, estatoblastos de briozoários (Plumatella sp.) e efípios de Cladocera. Ciliados (incluindo Paramecium sp. e Litostomatea), nematóides e rotíferos (Adineta sp. e Nottomatidae) eclodiram de amostras cultivadas. O potencial para endozoocoria foi confirmado para 12 das 14 espécies de aves aquáticas investigadas. Nossos modelos estatísticos sugerem que a riqueza e abundância de propágulos estão associadas às espécies de aves e não são afetadas pela sazonalidade. A dispersão por endozoocoria é importante para uma ampla variedade de invertebrados, sendo promovida por aves aquáticas com diferentes características ecológicas e morfológicas as quais provavelmente regulam a dispersão de invertebrados entre áreas úmidas neotropicais.

New records of Coronatella (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Chydoridae) from Colombia with the first report of Coronatella undata and of the male of Coronatella monacantha

Abstract Biological samples obtained from a small temporary pond of northern Colombia yielded the first record Coronatella undata Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro and Santos, 2015 and of the male of C. monacantha (Sars, 1901) for Colombia. In this study, the morphology of female of Coronatella undata and female and male of C. monacantha was described and compared to other species within the genus. C. undata was originally described from Brazil and, among the species of the Coronatella monacantha complex, seems to be closely related to C. acuticostata (Sars, 1903). C. undata shows some similarities with C. monacantha, but it can be identified by important diagnostic characters such as: 1) posterior-ventral corner of valve with two denticles, 2) seta on exopodite of trunk limb II rudimentary, 3) filter comb of trunk limb II with six setae, 4) ODL seta of trunk limb I shorter than longest seta of IDL. C. monacantha is the most reported species in the Neotropical region and the male most resemble C. paulinae Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 in relation to (i), length/wide of postabdomen ratio (ii) basal spine almost straight and (iii)) long basal spine reaching the mid-length of basal spine. However, they can be separated by (i) number of lateral seta on the antennule, (ii) postanal angle, (iii) position of gonopore (iv) presence of a denticle on posterior-ventral corner of valve

Resumo Amostras biológicas obtidas de uma pequena lagoa temporária do norte da Colômbia proporcionaram o primeiro registro de Coronatella undata Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro e Santos, 2015 e do macho de Coronatella monacantha (Sars, 1901) na Colômbia. Neste estudo, foi descrita a morfologia de fêmeas de C. undata e de fêmeas e machos de C. monacantha, comparando-a com outras espécies do gênero. Coronatella undata foi descrita originalmente no Brasil e, entre as espécies do complexo C. monacantha, parece estar intimamente relacionada com Coronatella acuticostata (Sars, 1903). Coronatella undata apresenta algumas semelhanças com C. monacantha, mas pode ser identificada por seus principais caracteres, tais como: 1) ângulo posterior ventral da valva com dois dentículos; 2) cerda rudimentar no exopodito do ramo do tronco II; 3) filtro da gnatobase do apêndice torácico II com seis cerdas; 4) cerda ODL do membro do tronco I mais curta que a cerda mais longa do IDL. Coronatella monacantha é a espécie mais relatada na região neotropical, e o macho se assemelha mais a Coronatella paulinae Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos em relação à/ao: (i) razão comprimento / largura do pós-abdômen, (ii) espinho basal quase reto e (iii) espinho basal longo com a metade do comprimento do espinho basal. No entanto, eles podem ser separados pelo/pela: (i) número de cerdas laterais na antênula, (ii) ângulo postanal, (iii) posição do gonóporo e (iv) presença de dentículo no canto ventral posterior da valva.

Integrative taxonomy of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Wild boars (Sus scrofa) may cause substantial damage to crops and can spread zoonotic parasites to domestic animals, posing a risk to health and animal production. Metastrongylus spp. can negatively affect the wild boar population, increasing piglet mortality. In addition to that, studies with Metastrongylus genetic characterization are still scarce in Brazil. The present study aims to characterize Metastrongylus spp. from wild boars hunted in the states of São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using traditional morphological description and DNA sequences in an integrative taxonomic approach. METHODS: After nematode collection from 58 wild boars, the parasites were morphologically identified and genetically characterized by the amplification of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), 28S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and cox-1 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Descriptors of infection were determined and Pearson's Chi-square test was applied to compare the prevalence of infections among the identified parasite species, host age group (juveniles and adults), and sex. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the mean intensity between the age groups and sex. RESULTS: Metastrongylus salmi, Metastrongylus apri, and Metastrongylus pudendotectus were identified in 77.6% (45/58) of the necropsied wild boars. Metastrongylus salmi was the most prevalent and abundant species (70.7%, 11.1), followed by M. pudendotectus (18.9%, 4.3) and M. apri (17.2%, 2.2). Metastrongylus pudendotectus showed the highest mean intensity and range (25.2, 1-93), followed by M. salmi (15.7, 1-58) and M. apri (12.6, 3-27). We found a significantly higher prevalence of Metastrongylus spp. and M. salmi in adult wild boars, probably associated with a more prolonged time of exposure to intermediate host species. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that ITS2 region and cox-1 mtDNA are the most suitable genetic markers for Metastrongylus species characterization. Genetic variability between M. apri and M. salmi isolates was verified. CONCLUSIONS: We expand the knowledge about the Metastrongylus community in the non-captive wild boar population from Brazil as well as the importance of this exotic species in the maintenance of Metastrongylus spp. in its areas of occurrence. The novel genetic sequences obtained may help further studies to understand the genetic diversity in other nematode populations from Brazil and other countries.

Two New Species of Cryptolestes Ganglbauer (Coleoptera, Cucujoidea, Laemophloeidae) from the Philippines and Brazil.

Two new species of Cryptolestes Ganglbauer (Coleoptera, Cucujoidea, Laemophloeidae) are described and illustrated in this paper. Cryptolestes cervus sp. nov. from the Philippines and C. subcalabozus sp. nov. from Brazil are compared to their most similar congeners, from which they are distinguished based on the morphology of the male antennal scape. In addition, Cryptolestes beccarii (Grouvelle) is here redescribed based on the newly designated lectotype, with commentaries on the variation of the male antennal scape.

Brakemyia, a New Neotropical Jackal Fly Genus of Milichiidae (Insecta: Diptera) Associated with Carton Ant Nest.

Brakemyia metallica gen. et sp. nov. (Diptera, Milichiidae) is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens reared from carton nests of the ant Azteca aff. chartifex Forel (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). The new genus is widely distributed in the Brazilian Amazon, and it can be readily distinguished from the other Neotropical genera by the broadened lunule, which extends well posterior of the antennae, and the hypandrial complex parallel to epandrium.

Two new species of Curvianchoratus (Monogenoidea, Dactylogyridae) parasitizing Psectrogasteramazonica (Characiformes, Curimatidae) and a new record for Curvianchoratussingularis in the Tocantins River, Maranhão, Brazil.

Several studies have demonstrated parasitism by monogenoids in characiform fish in the Neotropics. During studies on the helminth fauna of curimatids from the Tocantins River, specimens of Psectrogasteramazonica Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889 were examined and species of Curvianchoratus Hanek, Molnar & Fernando, 1974 were found. Species of the genus are characterized mainly by the complex shape of haptoral anchors with a modified dorsal anchor, composed by two subunits, dorsal-median and dorsal. To date, two species of Curvianchoratus are known to parasitize curimatid fishes: the type species Curvianchoratushexacleidus Hanek, Molnar & Fernando, 1974 and Curvianchoratussingularis (Suriano, 1980). During examination of specimens of P.amazonica collected in the Tocantins River, Embiral, Imperatriz, Maranhão State, Brazil, two new species of Curvianchoratus were found and are described herein. Curvianchoratuspsectrogasterisp. nov. and Curvianchoratusdominguesisp. nov. are characterized by possessing the male copulatory organ formed by a long cirrus and a claw-shaped accessory piece, connected to the base of the male copulatory organ by a ligament. The new species differs from the two known congeneric species mainly by the morphology of the dorsal-median and dorsal subunits of the dorsal anchor. Curvianchoratuspsectrogasterisp. nov. also differs from other species of the genus by the absence of the ventral bar and Curvianchoratusdominguesisp. nov. by the size and shape of the ventral bar. An amendment to the diagnosis of Curvianchoratus is provided to accommodate the new species. The present study increases the number of Curvianchoratus species to four and extends the occurrence of the genus to the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin.