New geographic record in eastern Amazon Forest and potential distribution of Amphidecta calliomma (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

Amphidecta calliomma is a butterfly species that occurs in Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, and Brazil (in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, and Pará). Here, we present a new occurrence of A. calliomma in the Carajás National Forest (Pará, eastern Amazon), expanding the known distribution of the species. We also provide species distribution model comparing the contribution of the new occurrence to species area of occurrence projections, supporting future field research. The projections reveal an expansion of area of occurrence for A. calliomma located mainly in the southeast portion of Amazon Forest. Despite its wide distribution, the small number of records of A. calliomma may indicate that the species has a low detectability in surveys. This study provides support for new surveys and reduces the knowledge gap about A. calliomma, thus supporting its conservation.

Climate-induced distribution dynamics of Plebeia flavocincta, a stingless bee from Brazilian tropical dry forests.

AIM: The objective of this study is to estimate the current potential geographic distribution of Plebeia flavocincta and to evaluate the influence of climate on the dynamics of suitable habitat availability in the past and in the future. LOCATION: Northeast region of Brazil and dry forest areas. METHODS: The habitat suitability modeling was based on two algorithms, two global circulation models, and six different scenarios. We used this tool to estimate the areas of occurrence in the past (Last Interglacial and Last Glacial Maximum), in the present, and in the future (years 2050 and 2070). RESULTS: According to the models, P. flavocincta had great dynamics in the availability of suitable habitats with periods of retraction and expansion of these areas in the past. Our results suggest that this taxon may benefit in terms of climate suitability gain in Northeast Brazil in the future. In addition, we identified high-altitude areas and the eastern coast as climatically stable. CONCLUSION: The information provided can be used by decision makers to support actions toward protecting and sustainably managing this taxon. Protection measures for this taxon are particularly important because this insect contributes to the local flora and, although our results indicate that the climate may favor this taxon, other factors can negatively affect it, such as high levels of habitat loss due to anthropogenic activities.

The first cytogenetic characterization of the poisonous black widow spider Latrodectus gr. curacaviensis from Brazil, with chromosomal review of the family Theridiidae (Arachnida, Araneae).

In this paper we present, for the first time, cytogenetical data on Latrodectus gr. curacaviensis (Theridiidae) from Brazil, as well as the first data on meiosis and sex chromosome system of this genus. Testes were submitted to colchicine, hypotonic, and fixation treatment, and chromosomal preparations were stained with Giemsa solution. The analysis showed 2n=26 telo/acrocentric chromosomes in spermatogonial metaphases. Metaphase I exhibited 12 autosomal bivalents and two sex chromosome univalents (12II + X(1)X(2)). All bivalents revealed one terminal chiasma. Metaphases II confirmed the sex chromosome system, showing 12 autosomes or 12 autosomes plus two X chromosomes, respectively. Male karyotype prevailing in theridiids is formed by 2n=22 chromosomes, including sex chromosome system X(1)X(2) in all species. The Latrodectus species of the geometricus clade analyzed until now showed smaller diploid number (2nfemale symbol=16 and 2nfemale symbol=18) than the species of the mactans clade (2nfemale symbol=24 and 2nfemale symbol=26). Thus, according to the chromosome number, the examined Latrodectus species seems to be related to the mactans clade.

Prevalência da deficiência da glicose-6-fosfato desidrogenase em doadores de sangue de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte / Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in blood donors of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzymopathy. It affects as many as 330 million individuals worldwide. This deficiency may determine neonatal jaundice, chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia and acute hemolytic anemia induced by drugs, infections and broad bean ingestion. The efficacy of blood transfusion is decreased when the donor is G6PD deficient. In this study, we aimed at determining the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in blood donors of Mossoro, Brazil. Samples of 714 blood donors (576 men and 138 women; 343 white and 371 non-white) with ages ranging from 18 to 62 years and that accepted to participate in the study were analyzed. All participants answered a standard questionnaire. G6PD activity was analyzed by the methemoglobin reduction test with deficiency being confirmed by the semiquantitative test. The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency in blood donors was 3.8 percent, similar to the rate described for others regions of Brazil. There was no significant statistical difference in the frequency of G6PD deficiency between men and women, nor between white and non-white blood donors. This relatively high frequency of G6PD deficiency highlights a need to screen blood donors for this condition.