Adaptive potential of Melocactus violaceus Pfeiff (Cactaceae) to clay soils / Potencial adaptativo de Melocactus violaceus Pfeiff (Cactaceae) para solos argilosos

Climate changes have the potential to increase sea level and to destroy habitats from coast lines. This process increases the risk of local extinction to species that naturally occur only in white-sand soils of restinga and imposes urgency to understand whether they present plasticity to occupy different soils habitats. Melocactus violaceus Pfeiff (Cactaceae) is an endangered species from restinga with restricted occurrence to whitesand soils. In this paper, we measure the growth of seedlings of M. violaceus under whitesand soil, white-sand clay, and clay soils to evaluate the environmental plasticity of this species. Seedlings of M. violaceus grew best in sand soils. However, they present plasticity to adapt to clay soils. Our results have practical potential for the species conservation and add evidence that the Cactaceae family can be incorporated into the trade-off hypothesis of sand-white soils specialists.

Mudanças climáticas têm o potencial de aumentar o nível dos oceanos e destruir habitats das linhas costeiras. Esse processo aumenta o risco de extinção local das espécies que ocorrem exclusivamente nos solos arenosos da restinga e impõe urgência para entender se essas espécies especialistas apresentam plasticidade para ocupar diferentes condições de solo. Melocactus violaceus Pfeiff (Cactaceae) é uma espécie ameaçada de extinção da restinga com ocorrência restrita para solos arenosos. Neste estudo, foi medido o crescimento de plântulas de M. violaceus em solos arenosos, areno-argiloso e argiloso para avaliar sua plasticidade ambiental. Plântulas de M. violaceus cresceram melhor em solos arenosos. Mesmo assim, elas apresentaram plasticidade para se estabelecerem em solos argilosos. Os resultados possuem potenciais práticos para conservação da espécie e acrescentam evidências de que a família Cactaceae pode ser incorporada na hipótese do trade-off de crescimento de táxons especialistas de solos arenosos.

Evolutionary history of marginal habitats regulates the diversity of tree communities in the Atlantic Forest.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot is a complex mosaic of habitat types. However, the diversity of the rain forest at the core of this complex has received far more attention than that of its marginal habitats, such as cloud forest, semi-deciduous forest or restinga. Here, we investigate broad-scale angiosperm tree diversity patterns along elevation gradients in the south-east Atlantic Forest and test if the diversity of marginal habitats is shaped from the neighbouring rain forest, as commonly thought. METHODS: We calculated phylogenetic indices that capture basal [mean pairwise phylogenetic distance (MPD)] and terminal [mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD)] phylogenetic variation, phylogenetic endemism (PE) and taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity (BD and PBD) for 2074 angiosperm tree species distributed in 108 circular sites of 10 km diameter across four habitat types i.e. rain forest, cloud forest, semi-deciduous forest and coastal vegetation known as restinga. We then related these metrics to elevation and environmental variables. KEY RESULTS: Communities in wetter and colder forests show basal phylogenetic overdispersion and short phylogenetic distances towards the tips, respectively. In contrast, communities associated with water deficit and salinity show basal phylogenetic clustering and no phylogenetic structure toward the tips. Unexpectedly, rain forest shows low PE given its species richness, whereas cloud and semi-deciduous forests show unusually high PE. The BD and PBD between most habitat types are driven by the turnover of species and lineages, except for restinga. CONCLUSIONS: Our results contradict the idea that all marginal habitat types of the Atlantic Forest are sub-sets of the rain forest. We show that marginal habitat types have different evolutionary histories and may act as 'equilibrium zones for biodiversity' in the Atlantic Forest, generating new species or conserving others. Overall, our results add evolutionary insights that reinforce the urgency of encompassing all habitat types in the Atlantic Forest concept.

NEW DATA ON THE THREATENED Cerradomys goytaca (RODENTIA, CRICETIDAE) / Nuevos datos sobre el amenazado Cerradomys goytaca (RODENTIA, CRICETIDAE)

ABSTRACT Cerradomys goytaca is a cricetid rodent endemic to "Restinga" formations from southeastern Atlantic Forest. It is known from only five localities, and it is considered endangered of extinction. Herein, we furnish new data on C. goytaca from an additional locality in Rio de Janeiro state. The present record provides new data on habitat and represents the westernmost geographic limit of this poorly known species.

RESUMEN Cerradomys goytaca es un roedor cricetideo endémico de las formaciones de Restinga del sureste de la Selva Atlantica. Es conocido solo en cinco localidades, y se considera en peligro de extinción. Aquí, proporcionamos nuevos datos sobre C. goytaca de una localidad adicional en el estado de Río de Janeiro. El presente registro proporciona nuevos datos del hábitat y representa el límite geográfico más occidental de esta especie poco conocida.

Morpho-anatomical and molecular characterization of a native mycorrhizal Amanita species associated with Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) in the brazilian Atlantic Forest.

In this work, we characterize naturally occurring mycorrhizae formed by Amanita viscidolutea on Guapira opposita in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. We sequenced the rDNA ITS region from the mycorrhizae and basidiomata to identify both symbionts. Amanita viscidolutea mycorrhizae were up to 43 mm long, mostly simple, and unbranched to irregularly pinnate. The fungal mantle surface was velvety to slightly cottony and white to yellowish with silver patches. Hyphal strands were infrequently present. Although the fungal mantle consisted of clampless hyphae, emanating hyphae and hyphal strands had sparsely distributed clamp connections. A unique character of the mycorrhizae was the absence of a Hartig net.

A summary of reptile and anuran amphibian species from Brazilian sandy coastal plains: 31 years of sampling efforts of the "Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro" / Um resumo das espécies de répteis e anfíbios anuros das planícies costeiras arenosas brasileiras: 31 anos de esforços de amostragem do "Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro"

Abstract Although currently there is already a set of studies regarding ecological aspects of some particular reptile and amphibian species living in Brazilian sandy coastal plains (including the so-called "restinga" and "campo nativo" habitats), there is comparatively few information on the species composition usually associated to these environments. During 31 years (1988-2019) of herpetological studies carried out in sandy coastal plains environments by our research team of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Ecology (Department of Ecology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil) we have surveyed reptile and amphibian communities and performed different studies with similar methods in 70 sites from 10 different states along the Brazilian coast. Our surveys resulted in records of 87 species of reptile (five turtles, two crocodylians, six amphisbaenians, 36 lizards and 39 snakes) from 24 families, and 77 species of anuran amphibians from nine families. We have studied multiple natural history topics for anurans and reptiles which resulted in the publication of some specific ecological studies, especially regarding some species, encompassing population and community ecology, foraging and feeding habits, species activity, thermoregulation, reproduction, use of microhabitats, and parasitism by ecto and endoparasites. Our results along these three decades have also contributed for the description of four new lizard species (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis and G. itabaianensis). Our studies constitute an important contribution to the knowledge of the ecology of anuran amphibians and reptiles in these ecosystems, as well as to the conservation of sandy coastal plains environment. The checklist presented in this study, based on our records of sandy coastal plains herpetofauna, provides for many localities along the Brazilian coast, the needed knowledge on species occurrence, including the presence of endemic and/or endangered species, which can be of value for many conservation actions.

Resumo Embora atualmente exista um conjunto de estudos sobre aspectos ecológicos de algumas espécies de répteis e de anfíbios que ocorrem nas planícies costeiras arenosas brasileiras (incluindo os chamados habitats de "restinga" e de "campo nativo"), há relativamente poucas informações sobre a composição de espécies geralmente associada a esses ambientes. Durante 31 anos (1988-2019) de estudos herpetológicos realizados em restingas por nossa equipe de pesquisa do Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados (Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) nós estudamos comunidades de répteis e de anfíbios e realizamos diferentes estudos com métodos semelhantes em 70 localidades de dez diferentes Estados ao longo da costa brasileira. Nossas pesquisas resultaram em registros de 87 espécies de répteis (cinco tartarugas, dois crocodilianos, seis anfisbênios, 36 lagartos e 39 serpentes) de 24 famílias, e 77 espécies de anfíbios anuros de nove famílias. Estudamos vários tópicos de história natural sobre anuros e répteis, que resultaram na publicação de alguns estudos ecológicos específicos, especialmente em relação a algumas espécies, abrangendo ecologia populacional e de comunidades, forrageamento e dieta, horário de atividade de espécies, termorregulação, reprodução, uso do microhabitat e parasitismo por ecto e endoparasitas. Nossos resultados ao longo dessas três décadas também contribuíram para a descrição de quatro novas espécies de lagartos (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis e G. itabaianensis). Nossos estudos constituem uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da ecologia de répteis e de anfíbios anuros nesses ecossistemas, bem como para a conservação dos ecossistemas de restinga. A lista de espécies apresentada neste estudo, com base em nossos registros de herpetofauna das planícies costeiras arenosas, fornece para muitas localidades ao longo da costa brasileira o conhecimento necessário sobre a ocorrência de espécies, incluindo a presença de espécies endêmicas e/ ou ameaçadas de extinção, que podem ser úteis para muitas ações de conservação.

Structural and non-structural carbon reservoirs dynamics in trees of coastal ecosystems (mangrove and restinga / Dinâmica dos reservatórios de carbono estrutural e não estrutural em arbóreas de ecossistemas costeiros (manguezal e restinga) frente às oscilações temporais do clima

How plants will respond to climate change in carbon partition is still uncertain, particularly in trees of coastal ecosystems (mangrove and restinga) in southeastern Brazil where temperature and rainfall are expected to rise until the end of this century. The aim of this study was to provide an understanding of the dynamics of partitioning carbon reservoirs in frequent species of mangrove and restinga vegetation, in the seasons marked by climatic contrasting (dry and rainy season). For mangrove species, carbon partition was not influenced by seasonal climate variation. For restinga species, higher levels of NSC and cellulose occurred in the rainy season, suggesting possible accumulation of these carbon reservoirs in restinga vegetation in response to temperature and rainfall rise.

Como as plantas irão responder as mudanças climáticas na partição de carbono ainda é incerto, particularmente em arbóreas de ecossistemas costeiros do sudeste do Brasil onde são previstas elevação de temperatura e chuvas até o final deste século. O objetivo deste estudo foi proporcionar uma compreensão da dinâmica de partição dos reservatórios de carbono em espécies frequentes da vegetação de manguezal e de restinga, nas estações do ano marcadas por contrastantes climáticos (estação seca e chuvosa). Para as espécies de manguezal, a alocação do carbono não foi influenciada pela variação temporal do clima. Já para as espécies de restinga, maiores teores de CNE e de celulose ocorreram na estação chuvosa, sugerindo possível acúmulo destes reservatórios de carbono na vegetação de restinga em resposta à elevação de temperatura e chuvas.

Habitat filtering drives the local distribution of congeneric species in a Brazilian white-sand flooded tropical forest.

The investigation of ecological processes that maintain species coexistence is revealing in naturally disturbed environments such as the white-sand tropical forest, which is subject to periodic flooding that might pose strong habitat filtering to tree species. Congeneric species are a good model to investigate the relative importance of ecological processes that maintain high species diversity because they tend to exploit the same limiting resources and/or have similar tolerance limits to the same environmental conditions due to their close phylogenetic relationship. We aim to find evidence for the action and relative importance of different processes hypothesized to maintain species coexistence in a white-sand flooded forest in Brazil, taking advantage of data on the detailed spatial structure of populations of congeneric species. Individuals of three Myrcia species were tagged, mapped, and measured for diameter at soil height in a 1-ha plot. We also sampled seven environmental variables in the plot. We employed several spatial point process models to investigate the possible action of habitat filtering, interspecific competition, and dispersal limitation. Habitat filtering was the most important process driving the local distribution of the three Myrcia species, as they showed associations, albeit of different strength, to environmental variables related to flooding. We did not detect spatial patterns, such as spatial segregation and smaller size of nearby neighbors, that would be consistent with interspecific competition among the three congeneric species and other co-occurring species. Even though congeners were spatially independent, they responded to differences in the environment. Last, dispersal limitation only led to spatial associations of different size classes for one of the species. Given that white-sand flooded forests are highly threatened in Brazil, the preservation of their different habitats is of utmost importance to the maintenance of high species richness, as flooding drives the distribution of species in the community.

Birds of Parque Estadual Ilha do Cardoso: ecology, conservation and natural history / Aves do Parque Estadual Ilha do Cardos: ecologia, conservação e história natural

Abstract: The Parque Estadual Ilha do Cardoso (PEIC), located on extreme South of São Paulo's cost, in Brazil, holds an important Atlantic Forest remnant which still in a good state of conservation, but lack a deepen study about the avian community that habits the island. This study aimed to elaborate a census of avian species that occur in the park approaching richness, occurrence frequency, occurrence status and the structure of trophic guilds. A total of 25 field expedictions occurred between September 2015 and September 2017 during five days each, the field work included different ecosystems as mangrove, restinga, forest, sandbank, beach and marine. The census was made combine three different techniques used in ornithological studies: visual identification, auditory identification and catch by mist-nets (with five fixed sites in mangrove, restinga and forest). Were recorded 335 avian species, with 28 of them endemic from Brazil and 33 being threatened with extinction. Seventy-three species were recorded in all sampled months (FO 100%), while 46 were recorded in just one month (FO = 4%). About occurrence status, 55% of species are residents, 20% occasional visitors, 13% unusual residents, 6% migratory and 6% visitors. According the recorded species were recognized 25 trophic guilds based on food items, corporal size and strata that commonly forage, which of most representative in the community, the guild of "of insectivorous of medium-strata" (N = 55), "canopy omnivorous" (N = 33), "aquatic invertebrates consummers" and "piscivorous" (N = 31). Finally, with the current study, we aimed through a significative field effort bring a better knowledge about avifauna of PEIC, which could be a good base when is necessary take actions that aim to park management and the Conservation Unities around it.

Resumo: O Parque Estadual Ilha do Cardoso (PEIC), localizado no estremo sul do litoral paulista, reúne um importante remanescente de Floresta Atlântica em bom estado de conservação, carecendo, porém, de um estudo aprofundado sobre a comunidade de aves que habita a ilha. Diante disso, o presente estudo visou a elaborar um inventário das espécies de aves do parque abordando a riqueza, frequência de ocorrência, status de ocorrência e divisão das espécies em guildas. Foram realizadas entre setembro de 2015 e setembro de 2017, 25 expedições de campo com cinco dias de duração cada, incluindo os ecossistemas de manguezal, restinga, floresta, baixio, praia e marinho. O inventário foi realizado combinando três técnicas para estudos ornitológicos: identificação visual, identificação auditiva e captura com redes-de-neblina (cinco pontos fixos no manguezal, restinga e floresta). Foram registradas 335 espécies de aves, sendo 28 espécies consideradas endêmicas para o Brasil e 33 com algum grau de risco de extinção. Setenta e três espécies foram registradas em todos os meses amostrados (FO = 100%), enquanto que 46 apresentaram registros em apenas um mês (FO = 4%). No que se refere ao status de ocorrência, 55% das espécies são residentes, 20% visitantes ocasionais, 13% residentes incomuns, 6% migratórias e 6% visitantes. As espécies registradas permitiram o reconhecimento de 25 guildas com base nos itens alimentares, tamanho corporal e estrato em que comumente forrageiam, sendo as mais representativas na comunidade, as guildas de "Insetívoros de estrato médio" (N = 55), "Onívoros de copa" (N = 33), "Consumidores de Invertebrados Aquáticos" e "Piscívoros" (N = 31). Por fim, com o presente estudo, buscamos através de um significativo esforço em campo trazer um melhor conhecimento no que diz respeito a avifauna do PEIC, que pode vir a servir de base na hora de traçar ações visando ao manejo do parque bem como das unidades de conservação que se distribuem no seu entorno.

A new species of Eriotheca (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) from coastal areas in northeastern Brazil.

A new species of Eriotheca (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) from coastal areas in the northeastern Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia is described and illustrated. Eriotheca alversonii inhabits Atlantic coastal forest and is found principally on sandy soils in restinga vegetation. It is most similar morphologically to E. parvifolia. Both species have 3-foliolate leaves and short petioles on fertile branches, but the new species has smaller flowers, truncate to crenulate calyces, and smaller globose to subglobose capsules. The affinities of E. alversonii to morphologically similar species and its phenology are discussed. A distribution map and preliminary assessment of its conservation status are provided.

Collembola Poduromorpha from two littoral areas of northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Knowledge on Poduromorpha fauna from the littoral of Rio de Janeiro mainly come from studies conducted in "restinga" areas of Itaipuaçu, Maricá, and Marambaia. In this study two "restinga" areas were sampled for the first time to increase the taxonomic knowledge of Poduromorpha in littoral areas of Rio de Janeiro: Costa do Sol State Park and Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, located respectively at Lake Region ("região dos lagos") and at northern Rio de Janeiro State. The analysis of the material showed the presence of six families, 14 genera and 20 species. All records are new for both areas; Neanuridae had the highest diversity, with seven genera and 10 species. One of them, Paleonura Cassagnau, 1982, was registered for the first time in the littoral of Rio de Janeiro. A key was proposed for the Poduromorpha genera found in the littoral of Rio de Janeiro.

Population Fluctuation, Influence of Abiotic Factors and the Height of Traps on the Abundance and Richness of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae.

Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae are relevant to environmental conservation, public health, and forensic entomology. Researches regarding the flight behavior and the influence of abiotic factors on these insects may assist the application of entomology sciences. This study aimed to analyze the population fluctuation of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae, verifying the influence of environmental factors, trap height, and the anthropic effect in the Itaipu-Piratininga lagoon complex, Niterói (RJ). The collections were carried out monthly from September 2015 to August 2016, with fish bait (sardines) exposed for 48 h, totaling six traps, installed in three physiognomies (mangrove, ombrophilous forest, and restinga) at 1.5 and 2.5 m from the ground. Nine thousand seven hundred seventy-three individuals were captured, comprising two families, five genera and 11 species. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was the predominant species and Mesembrinella bellardiana (Aldrich, 1922) (Diptera: Mesembrinellidae) the least representative, indicating the low preservation level of this ecosystem. There was a weak, positive correlation between abundance of Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. megacephala, Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) with the temperature, as well as between the abundance of C. idioidea and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) with precipitation; however, there was no correlation between abundance and relative humidity. No significant influence of the trap height was observed. We stated a high influence of anthropic effects on the restinga and mangrove physiognomies, while the forest physiognomy still retains its preserved characteristics, with the dominance of forestall species.

Are the glandular trichomes in Jacquinia armillaris (Theophrastoideae-Primulaceae) salt glands?

Salt stress is harmful to plants, especially for those that live under conditions of intense salt aport. For this reason, several species present alternatives to prevent or diminish the damages that high salt concentrations may cause to the cells. Salt glands are one of these alternatives once they are specialized structures that secrete salt. Here, we aimed to investigate if the glandular trichomes in the leaves of Jacquinia armillaris are salt glands. Anatomical and ultrastructural observations showed that the glandular trichomes in J. armillaris resemble the salt glands from other recretohalophytes Primulaceae, such as, their occurrence in sunken regions in the leaf epidermis, the presence of a large basal cell that acts as a collecting cell, the detachment of the cuticle from the outer periclinal walls forming a cuticular chamber, the thickness of the cuticle in the stalk portion of the trichome, and the presence of sodium and chloride ions in the secretion and in the xylem. Altogether, the gathered results support the hypothesis that the glandular trichomes in J. armillaris are adapted to salt secretion, thus characterizing as salt glands.

Three new species of Bruggmanniella Tavares, 1909 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) from Brazil with a key to species

Abstract Three new species, Bruggmanniella miconiae sp. nov., B. notatae sp. nov. and B. sideroxyli sp. nov., are described and illustrated. The new species are associated, respectively, with Miconia theaezans (Bonpl.) Cogn (Melastomataceae), Ocotea notata (Nees and Mart.) Mez (Lauraceae) and Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Roem. and Schult.) T. D. Penn. (Sapotaceae), respectively. The first one was collected in Dores do Indaiá city, Minas Gerais, Brazil; and the two others were collected in Mangaratiba city, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An illustrated key to the Bruggmanniella species is provided.

Flower perianth: first observations on a novel diet item for the ponerine ant Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille)

Abstract Ants are known to feed on a variety of plant resources. Nevertheless, there are very few reports in the literature on ants using flower parts. Here, we describe how two Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille) ants teared and removed a part of an inner tepal of a Neomarica candida (Hassl.) (Iridaceae) flower at the restinga sandy forest in the Cardoso Island State Park, Brazil. To determine which part of the perianth attracted these ants, we performed two independent two-choice field assays: tepals (inner and outer tepals) were cut in two parts (basal and apical), with contrasting colors, which were offered to ants leaving a colony. Our results show that ants significantly preferred to remove or lick the basal part of the inner tepal. Based on the knowledge of N. candida's floral anatomy, we hypothesize that ants were attracted by the nectar produced by trichomatic nectaries at the basal part of the inner tepals. These tepal parts containing nectar are likely to be used as an alternative food resource amid the scarcity of arthropods usually preyed or scavenged by O. chelifer, since the restinga forest is known as an arthropod-poor habitat.

A new species of Entimus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from southeastern Brazil.

Entimus serpafilhoi, a new species of the weevil genus Entimus from southeastern Brazil is described. It is distinguished from other species of the genus because it lacks the green, blue and gold iridescent scales typical of most other species. Superficially this species is similar to E. arrogans, which also lacks such scales, but the phylogenetic analysis shows it to be more closely related to E. excelsus and E. nobilis. The new species inhabits the 'restinga' forest, in contrast to other species from the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) that are found in the Atlantic forest further from the coast.

Phylogeography of the endangered sand dune whiptail lizard Glaucomastix abaetensis (Dias, Rocha amp; Vrcibradic, 2002) with the description of a new species.

Several species of Glaucomastix lizards have been described over the past decade, most of these inhabit inland Brazil. Glaucomastix abaetensis is a threatened whiptail endemic to Brazilian coastal "restinga" (sandy habitats) from Bahia State to Sergipe, with a distribution limited by riverine barriers. In order to investigate the differentiation and relationships in G. abaetensis, we integrated phylogeographic analysis, Bayesian species delimitation and morphological data to detect geographical patterns and historical events responsible for its present distribution. We recovered two highly divergent clades along its range, one of them unnamed. Glaucomastix itabaianensis sp. nov. has a a yellowish green tail, 13-16 scales in the lateral flank, 22-33 scales around tail, 28-35 femoral pores and usually four supraocular scales with the smaller one disposed posteriorly. Our results retrieved the monophyly of Glaucomastix, with G. venetacauda and G. cyanurus being sister species to a clade formed by G. littoralis and G. abaetensis. Divergence between Glaucomastix abaetensis and the new species occurred roughly 2.39 Myr ago; posterior shallow genetic divergences occurred mainly in Pleistocene. Finally, we present data on the conservation of this clade of whiptail lizards.

A sticky and heavily armed new species of Solanum (Solanumsubg.Leptostemonum, Solanaceae) from eastern Brazil.

We describe a new species of spiny Solanum (Solanumsubg.Leptostemonum), endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and associated with granitic outcrops (inselbergs or sugar loaf mountains). Solanumkollastrum Gouvêa & Giacomin, sp. nov. is morphologically similar to the poorly known S.sublentum Hiern, but is a heavily armed, much more robust plant with stellate-glandular indumentum. Together with S.sublentum, it is morphologically related to some species of Solanum such as S.hexandrum Vell., S.robustum H.Wendl., and S.stagnale Moric. that share strongly accrescent calyces, large leaves with the bases decurrent on to the petiole, pendent simple inflorescences and large, robust flowers. The new species is restricted to a few known populations in southern Bahia and north-eastern Minas Gerais states and conservation efforts are needed.

ResumoNeste trabalho descrevemos uma nova espécie aculeada de Solanum (Solanumsubg.Leptostemonum) endêmica da Floresta Atlântica brasileira, associada a afloramentos graníticos (inselbergs ou pães de açúcar). Solanumkollastrum Gouvêa & Giacomin, sp. nov. é morfologicamente semelhante a S.sublentum Hiern, mas difere desta pelo hábito mais robusto e pelos ramos fortemente armados e recobertos por tricomas estrelados glandulares. Juntamente com S.sublentum, S.kollastrum é morfologicamente relacionada com algumas espécies sul-americanas que possuem cálices frutíferos fortemente acrescentes, folhas grandes com a base da lâmina decurrente no pecíolo, inflorescências pendentes simples e flores robustas, como S.hexandrum Vell., S.robustum H.Wendl. e S.stagnale Moric.. A espécie possui distribuição restrita ao sul da Bahia e nordeste de Minas Gerais, com poucas populações conhecidas, e necessita de esforços para conservação.

Ecological diversity of a snake assemblage from the Atlantic Forest at the south coast of Paraíba, northeast Brazil.

Despite an increase in studies focusing on snake ecology and composition in the northeastern Atlantic Forest, several poorly studied sites and environments remain. The aim of this study was to assess species richness and natural history attributes of the snakes of an assemblage in the Restinga, Tabuleiro and Forest environments of the Atlantic Forest of the south coast of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. A total of 151 individuals of 27 species, 23 genera, and six families of snakes were found. The most effective sampling methods were time-constrained searches and incidental encounters. Species sampled most frequently were the blindsnake Epictiaborapeliotes, the Boa Constrictor Boaconstrictor, the Brown Vinesnake Oxybelisaeneus, and the Brazilian False Coral Snake Oxyrhopustrigeminus. The snake fauna is characterized mainly by terrestrial species found in open-area environments of Restinga and Tabuleiro, and with most species feeding on amphibians and small mammals. The rarefaction curve did not reach the asymptote and new species should be recorded for south coast of Paraíba in future studies. Despite the richness and composition of snakes of the south coast being similar to other areas in the state, there is a lack of some species typically linked to forests, and this is probably because of the high level of deforestation that the south area of the state has suffered.

Long-term regeneration of a tropical plant community after sand mining.

Sandy coastal plant communities in tropical regions have been historically under strong anthropic pressure. In Brazil, these systems shelter communities with highly plastic plant species. However, the potential of these systems to regenerate without human assistance after disturbances has hardly been examined. We determined the natural regeneration of a coastal sandy plain vegetation (restinga) in Brazil, 16 years after the end of sand removal. We inventoried 38 plots: 20 within a sand-mined site and 18 in an adjacent undisturbed site. We expected lower diversity values in the sand-mined site compared to the undisturbed site, but similar species composition between the two sites due to the spatial proximity of the two sites and the high plasticity of restinga species. Species were ranked using abundance and importance value index in both sites, and comparisons were performed using Rényi entropy profiles, rarefaction curves, principal component analysis, and redundancy analysis. Species composition and dominant species differed markedly between the two sites. Bromeliads and Clusia hilariana, well-known nurse plants, dominated the undisturbed site but were almost absent in the regenerating site. Species richness did not differ between both sites, but diversity was higher in the undisturbed site. Within-site composition differences in the mined area were associated with field characteristics. Interestingly, species classified as subordinate or rare in the undisturbed site became dominants in the regenerating site. These newer dominants in the sand-mined site are not those known as nurse plants in other restingas, thus yielding strong implications for restoration.

Two new species of Neanuridae (Collembola: Poduromorpha) from littoral of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Samples collected in "restinga" areas of two conservation units in Rio de Janeiro state revealed the presence of two new species of Neanuridae family. The first, Pseudachorutes solaris sp. nov., from Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol and from Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba, differs from other species for having 34-50 vesicles in the postantennal organ, and the second, Friesea jurubatiba sp. nov. from Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba, differs from other species for having 8 clavate chaetae in the abdominal segment VI.