Modeling the impact of genetically modified male mosquitoes in the spatial population dynamics of Aedes aegypti.

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Improving control techniques requires a better understanding of the mosquito's life cycle, including spatial population dynamics in endemic regions. One of the most promising techniques consists of introducing genetically modified male mosquitoes. Several models proposed to describe this technique present mathematical issues or rely on numerous parameters, making their application challenging to real-world situations. We propose a model describing the spatial population dynamics of the Aedes aegypti in the presence of genetically modified males. This model presents some mathematical improvements compared to the literature allowing deeper mathematical analysis. Moreover, this model relies on few parameters, which we show how to obtain or estimate from the literature. Through numerical simulations, we investigate the impacts of environmental heterogeneity, the periodicity of genetically modified male releases, and released genetically modified males quantity on the population dynamics of Aedes aegypti. The main results point to that the successful application of this vector control technique relies on releasing more than a critical amount of modified males with a frequency exceeding a specific critical value.

Camouflaged Nests of Mischocyttarus mirificus (Hymenoptera, Vespidae).

Social wasps present various architectural patterns for their nests, which may differ in shape, size, color, and material used in construction. The distribution pattern of comb cells presented by Mischocyttarus mirificus (Zikán, 1935) is vertical with a single cell of width, resulting in a filiform shape that camouflages in the middle of the substrate. There are few studies regarding this architectural pattern for social wasps and their role in camouflage, and this study aims to detail the nesting habits of this species. In total, 40 colonies were analyzed in their natural habitat and six were dissected in the laboratory. Aspects about the construction of the nests and nesting environment have been described. A test was carried out with nest photographs, to quantify their camouflage percentage within the nesting substrate. The colonies were found mainly in riparian forests where there were elements in the environment that favored their camouflage. According to the nest photograph analysis, their camouflage levels can vary according to the position from which the photograph is taken. It is evident that M. mirificus founders select sites where they can camouflage their colonies, and this gives them advantages in exploring a new environment.

Hazardous elements in the soil of urban cemeteries; constructive solutions aimed at sustainability.

Urban cemeteries on a global scale raise concerns due to their potential to concentrate differing levels of hazardous pollutants in their native soils due to the unnatural concentration of burials in a limited space. It is paramount for sustainability that designers of future cemeteries take this into account in order to minimize the deposition and movement of these contaminants within the soil profile. The objective of this manuscript is to identify the levels of certain hazardous element contamination, specifically heavy metals, in the soil of horizontal urban cemeteries that do not utilize herbicides for weed control. In this, solutions were sought for the construction of future urban cemeteries capable of mitigating further contamination of the environment by the increase in interments. The soils of three urban cemeteries (A, B and C) in the Brazilian city of Carazinho, in Rio Grande do Sul State, were sampled with 5 monitoring points in the internal area and 5 points in the external area of the cemeteries. At each point, 3 replications were performed at two depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm), totaling 180 samples in all, to determine the concentration of the following metals: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) (g kg-1). In addition, online interviews with 15 architects who design cemeteries were conducted. Architectural design solutions to mitigate environmental contamination were modeled utilizing the Building Information Modeling system (BIM). The results showed an excess of Cu in the soil of cemeteries A, B and C, surpassing the standards allowed by Brazilian federal regulations. A total of 80% of the interviewed architects expressed their preference for the vertical cemetery, with gas and effluent treatment systems to mitigate environmental impacts.

Reflections on Potential Risk Factors of Callitrichidae Run Over in an Urban Area: A Case Report of Marmoset Deaths.

Interest in the well being of wild animals in their natural habitats is still lower than that of domesticated animals and captive wild animals. Urban development is one of the events that has the greatest impact on fauna, as it affects the survival and well being of wild species in many ways. This study aimed to record death by being run over of two Callithrix penicillata (black-tufted) marmosets in a fragmented environment by urbanization and to discuss how anthropic intervention modifies species behavior and influences their well being, and to suggest measures which can reduce the occurrence of incidents, thereby contributing to maintaining the fauna and their well being.

Invasão de Vespas assassinas? A verdadeira história das Vespas-gigantes-asiáticas / Invasion of murder hornet? The true story of the Asian giant hornets

Nativa da região Asiática, a Vespa mandarinia pode chegar a 50 mm de comprimento, sendo popularmente conhecida como ‘vespa assassina’ ou ‘vespa-gigante-asiática’. Devido ao seu comportamento de caça em grupo, a espécie traz grande preocupação aos apicultores, já que são capazes de exterminar uma colmeia de abelhas em poucas horas. No entanto, o risco aos seres humanos é baixo e pode ser comparado a qualquer outra espécie peçonhenta. Recém chegada ao continente americano, a grande preocupação trazida, sobretudo pela mídia, é de que a espécie se torne invasora e colonize outros países. No entanto, a expansão dessa espécie é limitada pelo clima, já que sua região de origem é de clima temperado. Visto isso, dificilmente a V. mandarinia se adaptaria e se estabeleceria em regiões de clima tropical como no Brasil. É importante a cautela diante da avalanche de informações divulgadas pela mídia e redes sociais sobre a invasão da V. mandarinia. Portanto, recomenda-se a busca por informações certificadas publicadas e divulgadas por especialistas, núcleos de pesquisa e jornais especializados.

Native to the Asian region, the Vespa mandarinia can reach 50 mm in length, being popularly known as ‘murder hornet’ or ‘asian-giant-hornet’. Due to their group hunting behavior, the species causes great concern to beekeepers, since they are able to exterminate a bee hive in a few hours. However, the risk to humans is low and can be compared to any other venomous species. Newly arrived in the American continent, a major concern raised, mainly by the media, is that the species becomes invasive and colonizes other countries. However, an expansion of this species is limited by the climate, since its region of origin is the temperate climate. In view of this, it is difficult for V. mandarinia to adapt and establish itself in tropical regions such as Brazil. It is important to be cautious in face of the avalanche of information disseminated by the media and social media regarding the invasion of V. mandarinia. It is recommended to search for certified information published and disseminated by specialists, research centers and specialized newspapers.

Invasão de Vespas assassinas? A verdadeira história das Vespas-gigantes-asiáticas / Invasion of murder hornet? The true story of the Asian giant hornets

Nativa da região Asiática, a Vespa mandarinia pode chegar a 50 mm de comprimento, sendo popularmente conhecida como ‘vespa assassina ou ‘vespa-gigante-asiática. Devido ao seu comportamento de caça em grupo, a espécie traz grande preocupação aos apicultores, já que são capazes de exterminar uma colmeia de abelhas em poucas horas. No entanto, o risco aos seres humanos é baixo e pode ser comparado a qualquer outra espécie peçonhenta. Recém chegada ao continente americano, a grande preocupação trazida, sobretudo pela mídia, é de que a espécie se torne invasora e colonize outros países. No entanto, a expansão dessa espécie é limitada pelo clima, já que sua região de origem é de clima temperado. Visto isso, dificilmente a V. mandarinia se adaptaria e se estabeleceria em regiões de clima tropical como no Brasil. É importante a cautela diante da avalanche de informações divulgadas pela mídia e redes sociais sobre a invasão da V. mandarinia. Portanto, recomenda-se a busca por informações certificadas publicadas e divulgadas por especialistas, núcleos de pesquisa e jornais especializados.(AU)

Native to the Asian region, the Vespa mandarinia can reach 50 mm in length, being popularly known as ‘murder hornet or ‘asian-giant-hornet. Due to their group hunting behavior, the species causes great concern to beekeepers, since they are able to exterminate a bee hive in a few hours. However, the risk to humans is low and can be compared to any other venomous species. Newly arrived in the American continent, a major concern raised, mainly by the media, is that the species becomes invasive and colonizes other countries. However, an expansion of this species is limited by the climate, since its region of origin is the temperate climate. In view of this, it is difficult for V. mandarinia to adapt and establish itself in tropical regions such as Brazil. It is important to be cautious in face of the avalanche of information disseminated by the media and social media regarding the invasion of V. mandarinia. It is recommended to search for certified information published and disseminated by specialists, research centers and specialized newspapers.(AU)

Aves do Jardim Botânico da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Birds of the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fragmentos urbanos têm se tornado verdadeiros refúgios para animais e plantas que buscam nessas áreas com recursos para a sua sobrevivência apresentando, sobretudo, uma grande importância para a conservação de aves que necessitam de um espaço mínimo para encontrar abrigo, alimento, locais propícios para nidificar e outros indivíduos da mesma espécie para reproduzir. Nesse sentido, o estudo teve como objetivo elaborar uma lista das espécies de aves registradas em um fragmento urbano da Zona da Mata Mineira, assim como avaliar a flutuação de aves aquáticas durante um período de obras no local. Em seis anos de coleta, que foram divididos entre antes, durante e após a obra, foram registradas 160 espécies de aves, com seis espécies novas para a região. Houve variação na riqueza de espécies de aves associadas a ambientes aquáticos durante o estudo e o desaparecimento de Coraciiformes. Os resultados confirmaram o potencial de fragmentos urbanos em abrigar espécies de aves ameaçadas e que vêm enfrentando dificuldades em manter suas populações.

Birds of the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Urban fragments have become true refuges for animals and plants that seek resource areas for their survival and, above all, are of great importance for conservation of birds that have minimal space to find shelter, food, breeding sites and others. In this sense, the present study aimed to draw up a list of bird species recorded in an urban fragment of Zona da Mata Mineira, as well as to evaluate the fluctuation of waterfowls during a period of construction on site. In six years of collection, which were divided between before, during and after the building, 160 species were recorded with six new species to the region. There was variation in bird species associated with aquatic environments during the study and in the disappearance of Coraciiformes. The results confirmed the potential of urban fragments to house endangered bird species that are facing difficulties in maintaining their populations.

Distância ótima para instalação de armadilhas atrativas para captura de vespas sociais neotropicais: uma projeção estatística / Optimum distance for installing attractive neotropical social wasp traps: a statistical projection

Tendo em vista a importância de inventários de fauna e a falta de estudos dedicados aos atributos espaciais das espécies de vespas sociais, ou ainda dos métodos utilizados para sua coleta, este estudo estima e analisa em escala local, a distância ótima para instalação de armadilhas atrativas para estudos de diversidade de vespas sociais. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no Jardim Botânico da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, onde foram instaladas 40 armadilhas atrativas a fim de avaliar distâncias de instalação entre 10 m e 390 m umas das outras. A partir dos resultados, é possível sugerir que, de acordo com o tamanho da área estudada, as armadilhas sejam instaladas a distâncias entre 10 m e 150 m umas das outras, possibilitando um menor número de armadilhas em campo e poupando tempo e custo.

Optimum distance for installing attractive neotropical social wasp traps: a statistical projection. Considering the value of fauna inventories and the lack of studies dedicated to the spatial aspects of social wasp species, or the methods used to collect them, this study estimates and analyzes, on a local scale, the ideal distance for the installation of attractive traps for studies social wasp diversity studies. The work was developed at the Botanic Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, in which 40 attractive traps were installed to evaluate the installation distances between 10 m and 390 m from each other. From the results, it is possible to suggest that, according to the size of the studied area, the traps are installed at distances between 10 m and 150 m from others, allowing fewer traps in the field and saving time and cost.

Distância ótima para instalação de armadilhas atrativas para captura de vespas sociais neotropicais: uma projeção estatística / Optimum distance for installing attractive neotropical social wasp traps: a statistical projection

Tendo em vista a importância de inventários de fauna e a falta de estudos dedicados aos atributos espaciais das espécies de vespas sociais, ou ainda dos métodos utilizados para sua coleta, este estudo estima e analisa em escala local, a distância ótima para instalação de armadilhas atrativas para estudos de diversidade de vespas sociais. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no Jardim Botânico da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, onde foram instaladas 40 armadilhas atrativas a fim de avaliar distâncias de instalação entre 10 m e 390 m umas das outras. A partir dos resultados, é possível sugerir que, de acordo com o tamanho da área estudada, as armadilhas sejam instaladas a distâncias entre 10 m e 150 m umas das outras, possibilitando um menor número de armadilhas em campo e poupando tempo e custo.(AU)

Optimum distance for installing attractive neotropical social wasp traps: a statistical projection. Considering the value of fauna inventories and the lack of studies dedicated to the spatial aspects of social wasp species, or the methods used to collect them, this study estimates and analyzes, on a local scale, the ideal distance for the installation of attractive traps for studies social wasp diversity studies. The work was developed at the Botanic Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, in which 40 attractive traps were installed to evaluate the installation distances between 10 m and 390 m from each other. From the results, it is possible to suggest that, according to the size of the studied area, the traps are installed at distances between 10 m and 150 m from others, allowing fewer traps in the field and saving time and cost.(AU)

Aves do Jardim Botânico da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Birds of the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fragmentos urbanos têm se tornado verdadeiros refúgios para animais e plantas que buscam nessas áreas com recursos para a sua sobrevivência apresentando, sobretudo, uma grande importância para a conservação de aves que necessitam de um espaço mínimo para encontrar abrigo, alimento, locais propícios para nidificar e outros indivíduos da mesma espécie para reproduzir. Nesse sentido, o estudo teve como objetivo elaborar uma lista das espécies de aves registradas em um fragmento urbano da Zona da Mata Mineira, assim como avaliar a flutuação de aves aquáticas durante um período de obras no local. Em seis anos de coleta, que foram divididos entre antes, durante e após a obra, foram registradas 160 espécies de aves, com seis espécies novas para a região. Houve variação na riqueza de espécies de aves associadas a ambientes aquáticos durante o estudo e o desaparecimento de Coraciiformes. Os resultados confirmaram o potencial de fragmentos urbanos em abrigar espécies de aves ameaçadas e que vêm enfrentando dificuldades em manter suas populações.(AU)

Birds of the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Urban fragments have become true refuges for animals and plants that seek resource areas for their survival and, above all, are of great importance for conservation of birds that have minimal space to find shelter, food, breeding sites and others. In this sense, the present study aimed to draw up a list of bird species recorded in an urban fragment of Zona da Mata Mineira, as well as to evaluate the fluctuation of waterfowls during a period of construction on site. In six years of collection, which were divided between before, during and after the building, 160 species were recorded with six new species to the region. There was variation in bird species associated with aquatic environments during the study and in the disappearance of Coraciiformes. The results confirmed the potential of urban fragments to house endangered bird species that are facing difficulties in maintaining their populations.(AU)

Controle de formigas lava-pés: onde encontro informações? / Control of the fire ants: where do I find information?

As formigas lava-pés são facilmente encontradas em ambientes urbanos e, devido ao seu comportamento agressivo, ferroam suas vítimas, o que pode desencadear reações alérgicas graves ou até mesmo a morte do indivíduo. O controle dessas formigas ainda não é bem estabelecido, no entanto, é possível encontrar diversas alternativas de controle tanto na internet como na literatura. Sendo assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar um levantamento quantitativo acerca dos métodos de controle de lava-pés disponíveis nas diferentes mídias de divulgação. A pesquisa foi realizada nas plataformas do Google e YouTube para sites e vídeos, respectivamente, e Web of Science e Google Acadêmico para produções científicas, nos últimos 22 anos. Os termos utilizados na pesquisa foram “como controlar formigas lava-pés” em sites e vídeos e “fire ants, control, Brazil” para a busca bibliográfica. Os métodos sugeridos para o controle de formigas de fogo foram divididos em três categorias: caseiros, químicos e controle biológico. Um total de 38 publicações (18 sites, 12 vídeos e oito produções bibliográficas) que abordaram 18 métodos diferentes de controle foram registrados. Os métodos caseiros foram os mais citados (n = 39), seguido dos métodos químicos (n = 19) e controle biológico (n = 2). Dentre os sites encontrados, o uso de substâncias de origem vegetal (n = 7) foi o mais citado, já a maioria dos vídeos acessados sugeriram uma solução de vinagre com detergente (n = 5) e nas produções bibliográficas o uso de inseticidas (n = 4) foi mais recomendado. Houve participação de profissionais em 61% das publicações. Embora a internet seja um instrumento de pesquisa popular, é necessário atentar-se à confiabilidade das informações disponibilizadas, visto que o manuseio de determinados produtos pode ser nocivo à saúde e ao meio ambiente e em muitos casos ser totalmente ineficaz para o controle destas formigas.

The fire ants are easily found in urban environments, and because of their aggressive behavior, they sting their victims, which can trigger serious allergic reactions or even death. The control of these ants is still not well established, however, it is possible to find several control alternatives both in the internet and in the literature. Therefore, the objective of this work was to perform a quantitative survey on the methods of control of fire ants available in the different media of disclosure. The survey was conducted on Google and YouTube platforms for websites and videos, respectively, and Web of Science and Google Scholar for scientific productions, in the past 22 years. The terms used in the research were "how to control fire ants” in websites and videos and "fire ants, control, Brazil" for the bibliography search. The methods found were divided into three categories: homemade, chemical and biological control. A total of 38 publications (18 sites, 12 videos and eight bibliographic productions) that addressed 18 different methods of control were recorded. The homemade methods were the most cited (n = 39), followed by chemical methods (n = 19) and biological control (n = 2). Among the sites found, the use of substances of vegetable origin (n = 7) was the most cited, and most of the videos accessed suggested a solution of vinegar with detergent (n = 5) and in the bibliographical productions the use of insecticides (n = 4) was more recommended. There was participation of professionals in 61% of the publications. Although the internet is a popular research instrument, it is necessary to take into account the reliability of the information provided, since the handling of certain products can be harmful to health and the environment and in many cases be totally ineffective for the control of these ants.

Controle de formigas lava-pés: onde encontro informações? / Control of the fire ants: where do I find information?

As formigas lava-pés são facilmente encontradas em ambientes urbanos e, devido ao seu comportamento agressivo, ferroam suas vítimas, o que pode desencadear reações alérgicas graves ou até mesmo a morte do indivíduo. O controle dessas formigas ainda não é bem estabelecido, no entanto, é possível encontrar diversas alternativas de controle tanto na internet como na literatura. Sendo assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar um levantamento quantitativo acerca dos métodos de controle de lava-pés disponíveis nas diferentes mídias de divulgação. A pesquisa foi realizada nas plataformas do Google e YouTube para sites e vídeos, respectivamente, e Web of Science e Google Acadêmico para produções científicas, nos últimos 22 anos. Os termos utilizados na pesquisa foram “como controlar formigas lava-pés” em sites e vídeos e “fire ants, control, Brazil” para a busca bibliográfica. Os métodos sugeridos para o controle de formigas de fogo foram divididos em três categorias: caseiros, químicos e controle biológico. Um total de 38 publicações (18 sites, 12 vídeos e oito produções bibliográficas) que abordaram 18 métodos diferentes de controle foram registrados. Os métodos caseiros foram os mais citados (n = 39), seguido dos métodos químicos (n = 19) e controle biológico (n = 2). Dentre os sites encontrados, o uso de substâncias de origem vegetal (n = 7) foi o mais citado, já a maioria dos vídeos acessados sugeriram uma solução de vinagre com detergente (n = 5) e nas produções bibliográficas o uso de inseticidas (n = 4) foi mais recomendado. Houve participação de profissionais em 61% das publicações. Embora a internet seja um instrumento de pesquisa popular, é necessário atentar-se à confiabilidade das informações disponibilizadas, visto que o manuseio de determinados produtos pode ser nocivo à saúde e ao meio ambiente e em muitos casos ser totalmente ineficaz para o controle destas formigas.(AU)

The fire ants are easily found in urban environments, and because of their aggressive behavior, they sting their victims, which can trigger serious allergic reactions or even death. The control of these ants is still not well established, however, it is possible to find several control alternatives both in the internet and in the literature. Therefore, the objective of this work was to perform a quantitative survey on the methods of control of fire ants available in the different media of disclosure. The survey was conducted on Google and YouTube platforms for websites and videos, respectively, and Web of Science and Google Scholar for scientific productions, in the past 22 years. The terms used in the research were "how to control fire ants” in websites and videos and "fire ants, control, Brazil" for the bibliography search. The methods found were divided into three categories: homemade, chemical and biological control. A total of 38 publications (18 sites, 12 videos and eight bibliographic productions) that addressed 18 different methods of control were recorded. The homemade methods were the most cited (n = 39), followed by chemical methods (n = 19) and biological control (n = 2). Among the sites found, the use of substances of vegetable origin (n = 7) was the most cited, and most of the videos accessed suggested a solution of vinegar with detergent (n = 5) and in the bibliographical productions the use of insecticides (n = 4) was more recommended. There was participation of professionals in 61% of the publications. Although the internet is a popular research instrument, it is necessary to take into account the reliability of the information provided, since the handling of certain products can be harmful to health and the environment and in many cases be totally ineffective for the control of these ants.(AU)

Pest Control Potential of Social Wasps in Small Farms and Urban Gardens.

In environments undergoing constant transformation due to human action, such as deforestation and urbanization, the emergence of pests has become a challenge for agriculture and human welfare. In Brazil, over a thousand tonnes of pesticides are used annually, causing serious environmental damage such as the decline of insect populations. It is necessary to search for control alternatives in order to reduce the environmental impact caused by insecticides. This review aims to describe the use of social wasps as agents of biological control, focusing on the perspectives of their use in small farms and urban gardens, and to discuss the benefits of using this method. Studies have shown that 90-95% of the prey captured by wasps in small crops is made of leaf-eating caterpillars. In urban gardens, wasps diversify their prey, among which potential disease vectors, such as dipterans, stand out. We outline techniques for managing social wasp colonies in small farm and urban garden settings, including the use of artificial shelters. Among the advantages of using wasps as control agents, we highlight the practicality of the method, the low operational cost, the absence of prey resistance and the decrease of the use of insecticides.

Leucismo em Callithrix penicillata (É. Geoffroy, 1812) (Primates: Callitrichidae) em uma área urbana de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil / Leucism in Callithrix penicillata (É. Geoffroy, 1812) (Primates: Callitrichidae) in an urban area

O gênero Callithrix possui seis espécies, todas endêmicas do Brasil, com coloração variável dentro do grupo, os animais desse gênero caracterizam-se pela presença de tufos auriculares e uma mancha branca na testa, ausente apenas em Callithrix geoffroyi (É. Geoffroy, 1812). Neste estudo, foram registrados pela primeira vez em Minas Gerais durante os meses de dezembro de 2017, janeiro e fevereiro de 2018 indivíduos de Callithrix penicillata leucísticos. Os animais foram encontrados em uma área verde urbana na Zona da Mata Mineira, onde o isolamento geográfico e a endogamia propiciou o surgimento dessas alterações na coloração, o baixo número de predadores no ambiente urbano contribuiu para a sobrevivência desses primatas nesse local.

The genus Callithrix has six species all endemic to Brazil, the color within the group is variable, the animals of this genus are characterized by the presence of auricular tufts and a white spot on the forehead, absent in Callithrix geoffroyi (Geoffroy, 1812). In this study, individuals of Callithrix penicillata leucistic were registered for the first time in Minas Gerais during the months of December 2017, January and February of 2018. The groups were found in a green area in the Zona da Mata Mineira, where geographic isolation and endogamy led to changes in coloration. The low number of predators in the urban environment contributed to the survival of these primates.

Leucismo em Callithrix penicillata (É. Geoffroy, 1812) (Primates: Callitrichidae) em uma área urbana de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil / Leucism in Callithrix penicillata (É. Geoffroy, 1812) (Primates: Callitrichidae) in an urban area

O gênero Callithrix possui seis espécies, todas endêmicas do Brasil, com coloração variável dentro do grupo, os animais desse gênero caracterizam-se pela presença de tufos auriculares e uma mancha branca na testa, ausente apenas em Callithrix geoffroyi (É. Geoffroy, 1812). Neste estudo, foram registrados pela primeira vez em Minas Gerais durante os meses de dezembro de 2017, janeiro e fevereiro de 2018 indivíduos de Callithrix penicillata leucísticos. Os animais foram encontrados em uma área verde urbana na Zona da Mata Mineira, onde o isolamento geográfico e a endogamia propiciou o surgimento dessas alterações na coloração, o baixo número de predadores no ambiente urbano contribuiu para a sobrevivência desses primatas nesse local.(AU)

The genus Callithrix has six species all endemic to Brazil, the color within the group is variable, the animals of this genus are characterized by the presence of auricular tufts and a white spot on the forehead, absent in Callithrix geoffroyi (Geoffroy, 1812). In this study, individuals of Callithrix penicillata leucistic were registered for the first time in Minas Gerais during the months of December 2017, January and February of 2018. The groups were found in a green area in the Zona da Mata Mineira, where geographic isolation and endogamy led to changes in coloration. The low number of predators in the urban environment contributed to the survival of these primates.(AU)

Record and foraging behavior of ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in vertebrate carcasses / Registro de forrageio de formigas (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) em carcaças de vertebrados

Knowing the importance of participation by insects at cadaverous decomposition processes, and the limited use of the family Formicidae in criminal investigations, this study aims to record the foraging activity of four genera of ants in carcasses of birds and mammals. Observations occurred accidentally in two locations in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In total, seven species of ants foraging in eight vertebrate carcasses were recorded. In addition, the study reported for the first time the presence of Wasmannia in carcasses in Brazil.

Sabendo da importância da participação dos insetos em processos de decomposição cadavérica e do uso limitado da família Formicidae em investigações criminais, o objetivo do presente estudo foi registrar a atividade de forrageio de quatro gêneros de formigas em carcaças de aves e mamíferos. As observações ocorreram de forma acidental em duas localidades do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. No total, foram registradas sete espécies de formigas forrageando em oito carcaças de vertebrados. O trabalho registrou ainda pela primeira vez a presença do gênero Wasmannia em carcaças no Brasil.

Flower-Visiting Insects and Phenology of Lippia alba (Lamiales: Verbenaceae): Floral Color Changes and Environmental Conditions as Cues for Pollinators.

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson (Verbenaceae) is a herbal aromatic shrub with medicinal properties. Natural populations of this species are allogamous and self-incompatible. Therefore, this plant species relies on pollinators to outcross and maintain the genetic variability. Here, we investigated the floral phenology, pollen morphology, the floral visitor entomofauna, and the influence of climatic factors on the frequency of visits in L. alba flowers. The study was conducted at Federal University of Juiz de Fora Plant Experimental Area, southeast Brazil. The flowering of L. alba occurred throughout the whole year. The anthesis is diurnal and lasts 5 d. The nectar guide was visible from the onset of flowering until the third day. Pollen grains were classified as isopolar, oblate spheroidal, three-colporate (rare, four-colporate), surface tectate-perforate, and endoaperture lalongate, with median constriction. Insects from the order Hymenoptera were the most frequent visitors observed, followed by Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera-Heteroptera. The preference of insects for flowers with nectar guides shows that the color is likely to be an important visual trait to increase the frequency of visits. Moreover, the climate variables temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and light were important to define the composition of the most frequent floral visitors.

Record of foraging of ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in vertebrate carcasses / Registro de forrageio de formigas (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) em carcaças de vertebrados

Knowing the importance of participation by insects at cadaverous decomposition processes, and the limited use of the family Formicidae in criminal investigations, this study aims to record the foraging activity of four genera of ants in carcasses of birds and mammals. Observations occurred accidentally in two locations in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In total, seven species of ants foraging in eight vertebrate carcasses were recorded. In addition, the study reported for the first time the presence of Wasmannia in carcasses in Brazil.(AU)

Sabendo da importância da participação dos insetos em processos de decomposição cadavérica e do uso limitado da família Formicidae em investigações criminais, o objetivo do presente estudo foi registrar a atividade de forrageio de quatro gêneros de formigas em carcaças de aves e mamíferos. As observações ocorreram de forma acidental em duas localidades do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. No total, foram registradas sete espécies de formigas forrageando em oito carcaças de vertebrados. O trabalho registrou ainda pela primeira vez a presença do gênero Wasmannia em carcaças no Brasil.(AU)

Marine debris ingestion by sea turtles (Testudines) on the Brazilian coast: an underestimated threat?

Assessment of marine debris ingestion by sea turtles is important, especially to ensure their survival. From January to December 2011, 23 specimens of five species of sea turtles were found dead or dying after being rehabilitated, along the coast of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To detect the presence of marine debris in the digestive tract of these turtles, we conducted a postmortem examination from the esophagus until the distal portion of the large intestine for each specimen. Of the total number of turtles, 39% had ingested marine debris such as soft plastic, hard plastic, metal, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle caps, human hair, tampons, and latex condoms. Five of the seven sea turtles species are found along the Brazilian coast, where they feed and breed. A large number of animals are exposed to various kinds of threats, including debris ingestion.