Atlantic flower-invertebrate interactions: A data set of occurrence and frequency of floral visits.

Encounters between flowers and invertebrates are key events for the functioning of tropical forests. Assessing the structure of networks composed of the interactions between those partners leads to a better understanding of ecosystem functioning and the effects of environmental factors on ecological processes. Gathering such data is, however, costly and time-consuming, especially in the highly diverse tropics. We aimed to provide a comprehensive repository of available flower-invertebrate interaction information for the Atlantic Forest, a South American tropical forest domain. Data were obtained from published works and "gray literature," such as theses and dissertations, as well as self-reports by co-authors. The data set has ~18,000 interaction records forming 482 networks, each containing between one and 1061 interaction links. Each network was sampled for about 200 h or less, with few exceptions. A total of 641 plant genera within 136 different families and 39 orders were reported, with the most abundant and rich families being Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae. Invertebrates interacting with these plants were all arthropods from 10 orders, 129 families, and 581 genera, comprising 2419 morphotypes (including 988 named species). Hymenoptera was the most abundant and diverse order, with at least six times more records than the second-ranked order (Lepidoptera). The complete data set shows Hymenoptera interacting with all plant orders and also shows Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera to be important nodes. Among plants, Asterales and Fabales had the highest number of interactions. The best sampled environment was forest (~8000 records), followed by pastures and crops. Savanna, grasslands, and urban environments (among others) were also reported, indicating a wide range of approaches dedicated to collecting flower-invertebrate interaction data in the Atlantic Forest domain. Nevertheless, most reported data were from forest understory or lower strata, indicating a knowledge gap about flower-invertebrate interactions at the canopy. Also, access to remote regions remains a limitation, generating sampling bias across the geographical range of the Atlantic Forest. Future studies in these continuous and hard-to-access forested areas will yield important new information regarding the interactions between flowers and invertebrates in the Atlantic Forest. There are no copyright restrictions on the data set. Please cite this data paper if the data are used in publications and teaching events.

Physiological selectivity and tolerance of social wasps exposed to Malathion.

Insect pest infestations are a worldwide problem as a result of human actions. Among them, Aedes aegypti stands out as vector of several diseases. Like other pests, A. aegypti has become resistant to the insecticide used for its control, thus harming the local fauna of non-target insects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the physiological selectivity of social wasps exposed to Malathion, as well as to investigate possible resistance to this insecticide. Adults of the swarming species Polybia platycephala and Protopolybia sedula and the independent species Polistes versicolor were exposed to four Malathion concentrations. Overall, Malathion was more selective to P. versicolor and more toxic to P. platycephala, and despite the decrease in the concentration of the product recommended by the manufacturer, which in theory would be sublethal doses, social wasps still exhibited high mortality rates. In comparing the mortalities of species collected in an area where there is no application of the insecticide with an area where there is regular application, the data showed an indication that populations of non-target insects are also becoming resistant to insecticides, especially in urban environments.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

Tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 por Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) em área urbana no Brasil / Opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Muridae) by Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in urban areas in Brazil

A fim de contribuir para o aumento de informações sobre os padrões alimentares e comportamentais de Tropidurus hispidus o presente estudo relata e discute uma tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus em uma área urbana da cidade de Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

In order to contribute to the increase of information on the diet and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus the present study reports and discusses an opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus in an urban area of the city of Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 por Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) em área urbana no Brasil / Opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Muridae) by Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in urban areas in Brazil

A fim de contribuir para o aumento de informações sobre os padrões alimentares e comportamentais de Tropidurus hispidus o presente estudo relata e discute uma tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus em uma área urbana da cidade de Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.(AU)

In order to contribute to the increase of information on the diet and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus the present study reports and discusses an opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus in an urban area of the city of Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.(AU)

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)

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.