DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e65001

Authors: Álvaro J.B. de Freitas, Carine A.M. Bezerra, Yuri C. Meneses, Marcia Cristina N. Justo, Diego C. Viana, Simone C. Cohen

Abstract: Three new species of Urocleidoides Mizelle & Price, 1964 are described from the gills of characiform fishes in the Tocantins River and its tributaries. Urocleidoides boulengerellae sp. nov. is described from Boulengerella cuvieri (Spix & Agassiz, 1829) and differs from all its congeners by the dorsal bar with a long posteromedial projection; male copulatory organ with 2–3 counterclockwise rings and a base with a flange; an accessory piece comprising a robust Y-shaped unit and a sheath-like unit; and a highly sclerotized vaginal canal. Urocleidoides paratriangulus sp. nov., described from Psectrogaster amazonica Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889, Cyphocharax gouldingi Vari, 1992, Caenotropus labyrinthicus (Kner, 1858) and Mylesinus paucisquamatus Jégu & Santos, 1988, is most similar to Urocleidoides triangulus (Suriano, 1981) Rossin & Timi, 2016 based on the shape of the anchors and bars but differs from U. triangulus in the morphology of the projection of the dorsal bar, the number of rings of male copulatory organ, and by the smaller size of members of hook pairs 1 and 5 compared with those of the remaining pairs. Urocleidoides tocantinensis sp. nov. is easily distinguished from all other species of the genus by the morphology of the vagina, which present a vaginal vestibule with a membranous cap. Urocleidoides triangulus is reported from its type host in the Guandu River, state of Rio de Janeiro. The present study increases the number of Urocleidoides species to 37 recognized species that fit all the generic characters.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e67845

Authors: Yuan-Gang Yang, Guo-Zhen Shang, Xue-Qin Wu, Hui-Qing Chen, Yan Wu, Yi-Fan Cao, Jiang-Hui Bian

Abstract: Growing evidence suggests that parasite-infected prey is more vulnerable to predation. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is obscure. In small mammals, analgesia induced by environmental stressors is a fundamental component of the defensive repertoire, promoting defensive responses. Thus, the reduced analgesia may impair the defensive ability of prey and increase their predation risk. This study aimed to determine whether coccidia infection increases the vulnerability to predation in root voles, Microtus oeconomus (Pallas, 1776), by decreased analgesia. Herein, a predator stimulus and parasitic infection were simulated in the laboratory via a two-level factorial experiment, then, the vole nociceptive responses to an aversive thermal stimulus were evaluated. Further, a field experiment was performed to determine the overwinter survival of voles with different nociceptive responses via repeated live trapping. The coccidia-infected voles demonstrated reduced predator-induced analgesia following exposure to predator odor. Meanwhile, pain-sensitive voles had lower overwinter survival than pain-inhibited voles in enclosed populations throughout the duration of the experiment. Our findings suggest that coccidia infection attenuates predator-induced analgesia, resulting in an increased vulnerability to predation.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e63231

Authors: Carlos A. Contreras-Díaz, Leroy Soria-Díaz, Yuriana Gómez-Ortiz, Rogelio Carrera-Treviño, Claudia C. Astudillo-Sánchez, Julio C. Chacón-Hernández, Luis F. Martínez-García

Abstract: Jaguars, Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758), and pumas, Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) are the largest felids in the neotropics. Both can overlap in niche axes (time, space and prey), and are therefore potentially competing species. Segregation mechanisms presented by a low overlap in one of these axes of niche can facilitate the coexistence. Our aim was to analyze jaguar and puma temporal and spatial overlap for understanding their segregation mechanisms. Between 2015 and 2017, twenty-six camera trap stations were located in five habitat types of El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (ECBR) in northeastern Mexico. Temporal activity was analyzed using circular statistics and time overlap analysis. Spatial overlap was calculated with the Pianka index and a selectivity habitat analysis. Our results showed that jaguars and pumas were nocturnal and that the temporal overlap was high (∆4 = 0.77). We found an intermediate spatial overlap (Pianka index = 0.61). Jaguars were more selective and preferred the deciduous forest. In comparison, pumas preferred oak-pine forest, but also used oak and deciduous forest. Our results indicate that spatial segregation best explains the coexistence of jaguars and pumas in our study area, probably due to both habitat diversity in the reserve and the generalist habits of the puma.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e60598

Authors: Wei Wang, Yongzhong Cui, Xiaoming Chen, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Hang Chen

Abstract: Plants and insects have co-existed for millions of years. Although research has been conducted on various insect species that induce galls on various plant tissues, information is particularly scarce when it comes to insects that form galls on the tough trunk of their host plants. This contribution describes the gall-inducing aphid Nipponaphis hubeiensis sp. nov. from the Zhushan County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province of China. This aphid induces enclosed galls with woody external layer on the trunk of Sycopsis sinensis (Saxifragales: Hamamelidaceae), an uncommon ecological niche in the aphid-plant interaction system. Morphological features for the identification of new species are provided. In addition, a partial sequence of the nuclear gene EF1α was amplified and sequenced to construct a cluster graph. Based on the clustering graph combined with morphology traits, the gall-forming aphid was classified into Nipponaphis. The unique ecological habits of this new aphid will bring innovative perspectives to the study of the evolution and diversity in aphid-host interaction.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e53004

Authors: Tailise M. Dias, Cynthia P.A. Prado, Rogério P. Bastos

Abstract: Anuran males and females adopt different reproductive and behavioral strategies in different contexts. We investigated the reproductive ecology and territorial behavior of the treefrog Boana goiana (B. Lutz, 1968) from the Brazilian Cerrado. We hypothesized that competitor density/proximity would increase the behavioral responses of B. goiana males, and that mating would be assortative. We also tested if the number of eggs correlates with female size and if there is a trade-off between clutch size and egg size. We conducted two territoriality experiments to test the effects of male size, competitor proximity and competitor density. Larger males called more in the presence of a second male. In the second experiment, the largest males emitted more calls and the distance to the nearest male increased as resident males called more. In both experiments, the number of calls was influenced by either male size or spacing between males. Some males behaved as satellites, probably to avoid fights. Our analyses indicate that females choose males with similar sizes to their own, corroborating our hypothesis of size-assortative mating. We found no relationships between female size and clutch size/volume, and between egg size and number of eggs per clutch. We also report multiple spawning for this species. The low incidence of physical combats and the spacing pattern indicate that this species relies almost solely on calls to resolve contests, which could be explained by low motivation, or simply because males avoid combats to decrease injury risks. Thus, acoustic or even multimodal communication seems crucial for social interactions of B. goiana.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e59332

Authors: Ahmad Fathi Norarfan, Siti Shazwani Azreena Mokti, Hussein Taha, Muhamad Amin, Muhamad Ali, Takaomi Arai

Abstract: The tropical anguillid eel, Anguilla bicolor McCelland, 1844, includes two subspecies, Anguilla bicolor bicolor McCelland, 1844 and Anguilla bicolor pacifica Schmidt, 1928, and is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region. Although A. bicolor is widely distributed and recognized as an important fish resource in the Indo-Pacific region, few studies have been conducted on its genetic variation and population structure. DNA barcoding of A. bicolor specimens collected in the Indo-Pacific region was carried out in this study using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I. Anguilla bicolor was found to diverge genetically, which supported its classification into two different subspecies. In addition, our study showed that A. bicolor bicolor had two genetically distinct populations/groups, and these different populations co-occur geographically in Indonesia and Malaysia in the eastern Indian Ocean. Our findings suggest that the eel larvae might be transported from at least two geographically different spawning grounds in the Indian Ocean, and then recruited to and settled in the same habitats in Indonesian and Malaysian waters. The molecular evidence calls for further research on the life history, stock assessment and protection of the populations of A. bicolor bicolor in Indonesia and Malaysia.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e56529

Authors: Maria I. Sotelo-Gonzalez, Manuel García-Ulloa, Andrés M. Góngora-Gómez, Luis A. Salcido-Guevara, Juan F. Arzola-González, Carlos H. Sepúlveda, Rebeca Sánchez-Cárdenas

Abstract: Larkinia grandis (Broderip & G.B. Sowerby I, 1829), an important fishing resource for Mexican communities, is an Arcidae clam. It is also considered a species with aquaculture potential. In this work we investigated the gonadal phases and sexuality in a population of L. grandis in the Gulf of California. Our findings support the hypothesis that there is one male per female in the population studied. It also documents that the shape, position and color of the gonads of L. grandis are consistent with observations in other Arcidae species. Additionally, five gonadal phases are differentiated and described in males and females (development, mature, spawning, post-spawning and resting), with a noticeable presence of brown cells during post-spawning and the onset of the resting phase, suggesting that those cells are involved in the reabsorption of remnants. Additionally, asynchronous gametogenesis in males, synchronic gametogenesis in females and batch spawning are defined. The results of this contribution can be used in the efforts to protect this bivalve.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e61968

Authors: Veronica Slobodian, Karla D.A. Soares, Rafaela L. Falaschi, Laura R. Prado, Priscila Camelier, Thaís B. Guedes, Laura C. Leal, Annie S. Hsiou, Glaucia Del-Rio, Eliza R. Costa, Karla R.C. Pereira, Annelise B. D’Angiolella, Shirliane de A. Sousa, Luisa M. Diele-Viegas

Abstract: The following letter, from a network of women zoologists, is a reply to the article of AlShebli et al. (2020), which suggests that female protégés reap more benefits when mentored by men and concludes that female mentors hinder the success of their female protégés and the quality of their impact. This contribution has two parts. First, we highlight the most relevant methodological flaws which, in our opinion, may have impacted the conclusions of AlShebli et al. (2020). Second, we discuss issues pertaining to women in science, bring a perspective of Women in Zoology and discuss how current diversity policies are positively changing our field.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e55283

Authors: Breno Rodrigo Araujo, Ângelo Parise Pinto

Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive checklist of Odonata species from the protected area of Mananciais da Serra. The survey was conducted in the endangered Atlantic Forest domain at the southern Serra do Mar mountain chain within a well-preserved area in the municipality of Piraquara, state of Paraná, Brazil. Adults and larvae were sampled between June 2017 and March 2020 using different techniques in numerous mesohabitats, including phytotelmata, pools, small streams, and large reservoirs. A total of 1,708 specimens from 9 families, 43 genera and 84 species were sampled resulting in 53 new records for the state of Paraná, almost doubling the known occurrence records for dragonflies and damselflies in that state. Furthermore, two hitherto undescribed females from the genera Planiplax and Heteragrion, four ultimate stadium larvae from Planiplax, Neocordulia, Heteragrion, and Acanthagrion, and five undescribed species were detected, one each from the genera Heteragrion, Progomphus, Brechmorhoga, Erythrodiplax, and Dasythemis. The estimated richness of odonates in this area is greater than 100 species, while the observed richness corresponding to almost 10% of all Odonata species in Brazil, the species-richest country in the world. These results reiterate the need to investigate undersampled areas to improve knowledge on diversity, taxonomy, and distribution of neotropical species. Finally, taxonomic notes for some species, including the rare corduliid Neocordulia mambucabensis Costa & T.C. Santos, 2000, are provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.38.e53756

Authors: Geysa Marinho de Souza, Cassiano Monteiro-Neto, Marcus Rodrigues da Costa, Ana Luiza Bastos, Raquel Rennó Mascarenhas Martins, Francyne Carolina dos Santos Vieira, Magda Fernandes de Andrade-Tubino, Rafael de Almeida Tubino

Abstract: The bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linneus 1766) is captured by industrial, artisanal, and recreational fisheries throughout its distribution range. The reproductive biology of P. saltatrix in the southwestern Atlantic was studied using 1,102 specimens captured by the Brazilian commercial fleet between March 2014 and December 2015. The recruitment period was identified from records of juveniles in experimental beach seine hauls carried out on sandy beaches in the external sector of Guanabara Bay for four years (2012–2015). Based on the reproductive indices and on the macro- and microscopic analyses of the gonads, spawning peaks were identified in autumn and spring. The size at first maturity was estimated at 35.5, 38.3, and 37.4 cm for females, males, and general, respectively. Ovary analyses and measurements of the oocyte diameters indicated that bluefish are multiple spawners with asynchronous oocyte development. The batch fecundity estimate was 202,752.5 eggs and ranged from 9,800.9 to 426,787.0 eggs. The species reproduces throughout the entire study area, but it is more active in the south of Arraial do Cabo. The young-of-the-year were recorded on shallow water in all seasons, with modal peaks in the summer months. The parameters estimated in this study expand and update information on this species, providing important data for the evaluation and fisheries management of the stock of P. saltatrix in the southwestern Atlantic.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e51043

Authors: Grace E. Okuthe, Bongile Bhomela

Abstract: This study described anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the mucosal layer of the digestive tract of Tilapia sparrmanii Smith, 1840, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic to Southern Africa. This species exhibited a short thick oesophagus with long deep longitudinal folds (466.68 ± 16.91 µm), and a thick (173.50 ± 10.92 µm) muscular layer that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa was lined with stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secreted neutral and acid mucins. The stomach was a sac-like structure with simple tubular glands surrounded by connective tissue. The mucosa was lined with simple columnar epithelium and the lamina propria exhibited a well-developed layer of gastric glands that occupied the entire length of the cardio-fundic region. The stomach mucosa consisted of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion which protects against gastric juice. Neck cells of gastric glands synthesized neutral and acid mucins. The intestine was highly coiled and presented a complex pattern of transversal folds internally (villi). Villi length decreased progressively from the anterior to the posterior intestine (p < 0.0001). Tunica muscularis of the mid-intestine had the thinnest thickness among all parts of the intestine (p < 0.0001). Goblet cells whose numbers increased towards the rectum secreted both acid and neutral mucins. The results indicate structural similarities of T. sparrmanii GIT with other tilapia species and will be useful for understanding the physiology of the digestive systems as well as functional components of the GIT.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e46441

Authors: Paulo Vitor Alves Ribeiro, Camilla Queiroz Baesse, Márcia Cristina Cury, Celine de Melo

Abstract: Changes in the amounts and proportions of leukocytes, known as leucocyte profiles, have been documented for several bird species and have been used to measure stress levels in these animals. The present work ascertained the biological and ecological attributes that influence the leukocyte profile of Antilophia galeata (Lichtenstein, 1823), the helmeted manakin. This species has been deemed useful in ecological studies because it responds to environmental changes. Blood samples drawn from 89 individuals of A. galeata captured in a Cerrado forest fragment were subjected to analysis under optical microscopy to identify and quantify leukocytes and micronuclei. The number of lymphocytes was greater for males, non-reproductive individuals and individuals infected with ticks. None of the leukocyte components differed in relation to age, molting or body condition index. The amount of micronuclei was correlated with values for total leukocytes, H/L ratio, heterophils, basophils and monocytes. The results suggest that reproduction may be an immunosuppressive factor for the species, producing sexual differences in lymphocyte availability. In addition, biomarkers of genotoxic damage (micronuclei) were related to the amount of leukocytes, indicating that individuals may be sensitive to environmental disturbances. Leukocyte profiles can be considered a useful tool for addressing ecological questions that are relevant to the conservation of species in degraded environments.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e49318

Authors: Marcelo Reis, Will F. Figueira

Abstract: Bottom-dwelling elasmobranchs, such as guitarfishes, skates and stingrays are highly susceptible species to bycatch due to the overlap between their distribution and area of fishing operations. Catch data for this group is also often merged in generic categories preventing species-specific assessments. Along the east coast of Australia, the Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata (Muller & Henle, 1841), and the Sydney Skate, Dentiraja australis (Macleay, 1884), are common components of bycatch yet there is little information about their age, growth and reproductive timing, making impact assessment difficult. In this study the age and growth (from vertebral bands) as well as reproductive parameters of these two species are estimated and reported based on 171 specimens of Eastern Fiddler Rays (100 females and 71 males) and 81 Sydney Skates (47 females and 34 males). Based on von Bertalanffy growth curve fits, Eastern Fiddler Rays grew to larger sizes than Sydney Skate but did so more slowly (ray: L∞ = 109.61, t0 = 0.26 and K = 0.20; skate: L∞ = 51.95, t0 = -0.99 and K = 0.34 [both sexes combined]). Both species had higher liver weight ratios (HSI) during austral summer. Gonadal weight ratios (GSI) were higher in the austral winter for Eastern Fiddler and in the austral spring for Sydney Skates.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e58960

Authors: Jorge Luiz da Silva, Ricardo José da Silva, Izaias Médice Fernandes, Wesley Oliveira de Sousa, Fernando Zagury Vaz-de-Mello

Abstract: Although dung beetles are important members of ecological communities and indicators of ecosystem quality, species diversity, and how it varies over space and habitat types, remains poorly understood in the Brazilian Cerrado. We compared dung beetle communities among plant formations in the Serra Azul State Park (SASP) in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Sampling (by baited pitfall and flight-interception traps) was carried out in 2012 in the Park in four habitat types: two different savanna formations (typical and open) and two forest formations (seasonally deciduous and gallery). A total of 5,400 individuals collected comprised 57 species in 22 genera. Typical savanna had the greatest species richness and abundance, followed by open savanna and deciduous forest, while the gallery forest had the fewest species but high abundance. Tunnelers (one of three main nesting behavior guilds) showed the greatest richness and abundance (except in the gallery forest, where one dweller species was extremely abundant) in all plant formations. We found that species richness and abundance of the dung beetle community are influenced by differences among plant formations. Habitat heterogeneity in the different plant formations along with anthropic influences (fire, habitat fragmentation) are cited as important factors that explain guild and species richness and distribution patterns. These results emphasize the importance of protected areas, such as SASP, for the maintenance and conservation of species diversity in the Brazilian Cerrado.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e50834

Authors: Sergio N. Stampar, Edgar Gamero-Mora, Maximiliano M. Maronna, Juliano M. Fritscher, Bruno S. P. Oliveira, Cláudio L. S. Sampaio, André C. Morandini

Abstract: The massive occurrence of jellyfish in several areas of the world is reported annually, but most of the data come from the northern hemisphere and often refer to a restricted group of species that are not in the genus Cassiopea. This study records a massive, clonal and non-native population of Cassiopea and discusses the possible scenarios that resulted in the invasion of the Brazilian coast by these organisms. The results indicate that this jellyfish might have invaded the Brazilian coast multiple times.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e55615

Authors: Andrés Muñoz-Pedreros, Heraldo V. Norambuena, Claudia Gil, Jaime Rau

Abstract: Geranoaetus polyosoma (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) is a diurnal raptor widely distributed in South America. Although the trophic ecology of this bird has been more studied in the southern extreme of its range, little information is available on its dietary response to prey supply in desert environments. In the present study, we report on the trophic ecology of G. polyosoma in a sub-urban desert zone in northern Chile, with the following objectives: (1) to quantitatively describe its diet and (2) to determine its dietary selectivity in response to prey supply in the study area. The diet of G. polyosoma consisted mainly of rodents (97.2%). A greater preference (p < 0.05) was observed for the following large prey items (> 19.5 g): two native rodent species, Phyllotis xanthopygus (Waterhouse, 1837) and Eligmodontia puerulus (Philippi, 1896); and two introduced rodent species: Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1769) and R. norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769).

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e53734

Authors: Sinlapachai Senarat, Jes Kettratad, Gen Kaneko, Thatpon Kamnurdnin, Chanyut Sudtongkong

Abstract: The central nervous system (CNS) of Teleostei is a complex system of self-governance and its morphology is reflected in the physiological and reproductive behaviors. The Indo-Pacific seahorse, Hippocampus barbouri Jordan & Richardson, 1908, is a new candidate species for aquaculture in Thailand. In this study, we investigated the brain morphology of H. barbouri across various developmental windows. Light microscopic observations of adult brains revealed a large optic tectum in the mesencephalon, whereas the cerebral hemispheres and the cerebellum are of medium size. The detailed brain structures were generally similar to those of other teleosts; however, only five distinct layers were present in the optic tectum, including the stratum marginale, stratum opticum, stratum album central, stratum griseum central, and stratum periventriculae, versus six layers observed in other fish. One day after birth (1 DAB) the brain was a packed structure without any clear sub-structures. The number of capillaries in the optic tectum began to increase at 6 DAB, and at 14 DAB several features, including small blood vessels in the optic tectum and Purkinje cells, became noticeable. By 35 DAB, the optic tectum became highly vascularized and included five layers. Additionally, large Purkinje cells were developed in the cerebellum. Based on the brain development pattern, we speculate that the predatory ability of this fish starts to develop from 6 to 14 days after birth.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e47223

Authors: Rafael C. R. Souza, Paulo S. Pompeu

Abstract: The high diversity of freshwater fish species reflects a great morphological plasticity. Understanding the relationship between swimming capacity, morphology and habitat use may be important to predict the chances of finding a species at an anthropized environment. The swimming capacity and morphological aspects of two sympatric species of Characidium, and for which spatial segregation in different hydraulic habitats is known, were compared in this study. Twenty-one individuals of Characidium fasciatum Reinhardt, 1867 and 23 individuals of Characidium cf. zebra Eigenmann, 1909 were captured and used for the evaluation of the swimming capacity and ecomorphological attributes. The swimming capacity of each species was obtained by measuring critical and relative velocities. A total of 12 ecomorphological attributes correlated with habitat use and swimming characteristics were also compared. The Mann-Whitney mean test showed that the swimming capacity of C. fasciatum was greater than that of C. cf. zebra, and the standard length of the individuals explained 12.42% of the variation in their capacity to withstand water flow. Both species were morphologically distinct in the relative length of the caudal peduncle, ventral flattening index and the relative area of the pectoral fin. The relative area of the pectoral fin alone accounted for 16.71% of the differences in the ability to resist the water flow and which were not explained by body length. Our results showed that two species differed in the ecomorphological space and in their swimming capacity, supporting the hypothesis that the greater the hydrodynamism, the better a fish is able to withstand the water flow, and that this capacity is correlated with the morphological characteristics linked to the swimming activity of the fish.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e54148

Authors: Antonio Olimpio de Souza, Seixas Rezende Oliveira, Gardênia Proto Dias, Rogério Pereira Bastos, Alessandro Ribeiro de Morais

Abstract: Bioacoustics is an effective way of recording detailed data during population surveys and monitoring. In the present study, we used an automated digital recorder (ADR) to describe the temporal variation in the calling activity of Scinax fuscomarginatus (Lutz, 1925) in central Brazil. We also evaluated the role of climatic variables (air temperature and precipitation) on calling activity by using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM). We conducted the recordings at five ponds in the Cerrado savanna of Rio Verde Municipality, in Goiás state between November 2013 and October 2014. The analysis of the 43.2 hours of acoustic recording showed that S. fuscomarginatus has a prolonged breeding pattern. The ADR provides a fine-scale description of the nocturnal calling pattern, as well as the oscillations between the rainy and dry seasons. The results of the analytical model also indicate that calling patterns were related to minimum (but not maximum) air temperatures and precipitation, which may be related to their reproductive and thermoregulatory requirements. Based on these findings, we conclude that the ADR method has potentially valuable applications for the collection of data on the natural history of anuran species, as well as supplying important insights for conservation initiatives.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e54982

Authors: Gustavo H. S. Guedes, Fernando L. K. Salgado, Wagner Uehara, Débora L. de Pavia Ferreira, Francisco G. Araújo

Abstract: Leptopanchax opalescens (Myers, 1942) is a small seasonal killifish endemic to coastal drainages in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Leptopanchax opalescens was recaptured in temporary open vegetation pools (22°42.35’S, 43°41.59’W) in the hydrographic basin of the Guandu River, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after eight years without records. Information on habitat and population parameters (Capture per unit area (CPUA), size, sex ratio and length-weight relationship (LWR)) are given to provide subsidies for the conservation of this species. Specimens were captured during the rainy season (January-April 2020) in shallow pools (mean depth = 21 ± 12 s.d. cm), with relatively acidic pH (5.2 ± 0.8) and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (3.5 ± 1 mg/L). The estimated CPUA of the population was 0.89 fish/m2. The total length (TL) of males ranged from 21.1 to 28.8 cm, and females ranged from 17.0 to 31.2 mm. Males were significantly larger (t-test = 2.04, p < 0.05) than females, which were in greater proportion (2.83Female: 1Male, p < 0.001). A positive allometric coefficient (b = 3.19) was found through length-weight relationship curve, indicating that individuals of the species gain proportionally more increment in weight than in length. Leptopanchax opalescens is a critically endangered species, and the results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the distribution, population structure and conservation of the species and its natural habitats.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e52232

Authors: Xin Dai, Ling-Yu Zhou, Ting-Ting Xu, Qiu-Yue Wang, Bin Luo, Yan-Yu Li, Chen Gu, Shi-Ping Li, Ai-Qin Wang, Wan-Hong Wei, Sheng-Mei Yang

Abstract: Tannins are polyphenols that are present in various plants, and potentially contain antioxidant properties that promote reproduction in animals. This study investigated how tannic acid (TA) affects the reproductive parameters of male Brandt’s voles, Lasiopodomys brandtii (Radde, 1861). Specifically, the anti-oxidative level of serum, autophagy in the testis, and reproductive physiology were assessed in males treated with TA from the pubertal stage. Compared to the control, low dose TA enhanced relative testis and epididymis weight and sperm concentration in the epididymis, and significantly increased the level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). mRNA levels of autophagy related genes LC3 and Beclin1 decreased significantly with low dose TA compared to the control. However, compared to the control, high dose TA sharply reduced the levels of serum SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, serum testosterone (T), and mRNA level in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testis. Both sperm abnormality and mortality increased with high dose TA compared to the control and low dose TA. Collectively, this study demonstrated that TA treatment during puberty had a dose-dependent effect on the reproductive responses of male Brandt’s voles. TA might mediate autophagy in the testis, through both indirect and direct processes. TA mainly affected the reproductive function of male Brandt’s voles by regulating anti-oxidative levels. This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms by which tannins influence reproduction in herbivores.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e56795

Authors: Roberto Leonan M. Novaes, Fernanda M. Alves, Renan F. Souza, Rafael S. Laurindo, Ricardo Moratelli

Abstract: Amblyomma Koch, 1844 is distributed worldwide, with ca. 130 species currently recognized. These ticks are vectors of pathogens to animals and humans, including the causative agent of the New World Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Species of the Amblyomma parasitize a wide range of organisms, especially medium and large terrestrial mammals. Here we report for the first time the association of Myotis lavali Moratelli, Peracchi, Dias & Oliveira, 2011, Noctilio albiventris Desmarest, 1818 and Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus, 1758) as hosts for Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888. The ticks were originally identified as Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787), in 2011. However, a later taxonomic review indicated that the species of the A. cajennense complex occurring in the Caatinga is A. sculptum. We also discuss the ecoepidemiological implications of this association.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e38877

Authors: Natália Vagmaker, Juliane Pereira-Ribeiro, Átilla Colombo Ferreguetti, Alex Boazi, Rayanne Gama-Matos, Helena Godoy Bergallo, Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha

Abstract: Different spatial and temporal factors can influence the species richness and abundance of leaf anurans that are fundamental for the ecosystem functioning, as they act as predators and integrate the trophic chain as prey of other animals. There are relatively few studies that aimed to understand the spatio-temporal variation and the influence of environmental factors on leaf litter communities. We studied parameters of the anuran community living in the forest leaf litter in the Duas Bocas Biological Reserve (DBBR), Espírito Santo, Brazil. We sought to understand the extent to which richness, abundance, biomass and density varied between two locations with different stages of preservation (primary and secondary forest). In addition, we tested the effect of temperature and local humidity on abundance. We conducted the samplings monthly from October 2017 to September 2018, establishing 98 4 x 4 m plots (16 m2 each) demarcated on the DBBR forest leaf litter. We measured temperature (°C) and relative air humidity (%), and each plot was carefully surveyed by four observers. We tested for differences in anuran density between the two sampled locations and estimated the effects of environmental variables in the community. We recorded 102 individuals of anurans from 11 species belonging to eight families. The DBBR anuran community parameters significantly differed between the two studied locations, with the highest values of anuran richness and abundance occurring in the area covered by primary forest, probably due to differences in the preservation of each area. However, temperature and humidity did not affect the abundance of anurans in the sampled areas. Our results provide the first information about spatial variation and influence of environmental factors, directed to the community of leaf litter anurans in DBBR, and represents the second study on this group of anurans in the state of Espírito Santo.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e36514

Authors: Vinícius Cardoso Cláudio, Gedimar Pereira Barbosa, Fabrício Braga Rassy, Vlamir José Rocha, Ricardo Moratelli

Abstract: Carlos Botelho State Park (PECB) is a large remnant of Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil, with more than 37,000 ha. As its bat fauna is still unknown, we performed the first bat survey on PECB, to provide data on the distribution, natural history and taxonomy of the species. Fieldwork was conducted monthly, from October 2016 to September 2017. Captures were made using ground-level mist-nets (39600 m2.h), canopy mist-nets (2017.5 m2.h) and searches for roosts (42 hours).We captured 412 bats from 34 species of Phyllostomidae, Molossidae and Vespertilionidae. A total of 11 species were captured only in ground-level mist-nets, five in canopy mist-nets, and seven in roosts. Dermanura cinerea Gervais, 1856, Eptesicus taddeii Miranda, Bernardi & Passos, 2006, Glyphonycteris sylvestris Thomas, 1896 and Lampronycteris brachyotis (Dobson, 1879) are rare on surveys conducted in the Atlantic Forest of São Paulo and were captured in canopy mist-nets. Micronycteris schmidtorum Sanborn, 1935 and Molossus currentium Thomas, 1901 constitute the first record for the state of São Paulo, and were captured in canopy mist-nets and roosts, respectively. The species richness registered for PECB surpasses other surveys conducted in Atlantic Forest localities that use only ground-level mist-nets. Our results reinforce the importance of employing mixed capture methods, such as elevated mist-nets and searches for roosts.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e37716

Authors: Leonardo Fernandes França, Victória Helen Figueiredo-Paixão, Thales Afonso Duarte-Silva, Kamila Barbosa dos Santos

Abstract: Rainfall in tropical semi-arid areas may act as a reliable cue for timing bird reproduction, since it precedes future food supply. With this in mind, we set-up a study to test the reproductive response of insectivorous bird to arthropod abundance and rainfall patterns. Sampling occurred in a seasonally dry Neotropical forest, in north-eastern Brazil, between October, 2015 and October 2016, at 14-day intervals. We used brood patch to assess reproductive periodicity of insectivorous birds (eight species, 475 captures, 121 patch records). We sampled arthropods to quantify abundance, using biomass and number of individuals (1755 individuals, 15 Orders). Rainfall temporal distribution was analyzed using daily precipitation data. We used a cross-correlation function to test for correlation and time-lags between the covariates under study. Both the number of reproductively-active birds and arthropod abundance were higher in time periods close to the rainy season. Increase in arthropod biomass in the aerial stratum preceded the period of greatest rainfall by one (14 days, r = 0.44) to three sampling periods (0.47). In contrast, the highest proportion of individuals with brood patches occurred after the main rainfall peak, with the strongest relationship occurring after two (0.52) to four (0.50) time lags. Finally, the proportion of individuals with brood patches was positively correlated with aerial stratum arthropod biomass when five time lags were considered (0.55). Our results support the hypothesis of a temporal process involving rainfall, arthropods and reproduction of insectivorous birds in the wet/dry tropics. However, rainfall did not appear to act as a cue for the timing of reproduction, since records indicated higher arthropod biomass before the main rainfall peak. At least occasionally in the study area, insectivorous bird reproduction peaks after food abundance.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e49046

Authors: Jie Gong, Baohua Chen, Bijun Li, Zhixiong Zhou, Yue Shi, Qiaozhen Ke, Dianchang Zhang, Peng Xu

Abstract: The whole mitochondrial genome of Lateolabrax maculatus (Cuvier, 1828) was used to investigate the reasons for the observed patterns of genetic differentiation among 12 populations in northern and southern China. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of L. maculatus were 0.998 and 0.00169, respectively. Pairwise FST values between populations ranged from 0.001 to 0.429, correlating positively with geographic distance. Genetic structure analysis and haplotype network analysis indicated that these populations were split into two groups, in agreement with geographic segregation and environment. Tajima’s D values, Fu’s Fs tests and Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) indicated that a demographic expansion event may have occurred in the history of L. maculatus. Through selection pressure analysis, we found evidence of significant negative selection at the ATP6, ND3, Cytb, COX3, COX2 and COX1 genes. In our hypotheses, this study implied that demographic events and selection of local environmental conditions, including temperature, are responsible for population divergence. These findings are a step forward toward the understanding of the genetic basis of differentiation and adaptation, as well as conservation of L. maculatus.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e46661

Authors: Jaqueiuto S. Jorge, Raul F.D. Sales, Roberto L. Santos, Eliza M.X. Freire

Abstract: Bromeliads are important habitats for reptiles and amphibians, and are constantly used as shelter, refuge, foraging or thermoregulation sites due to their foliar architecture, which allows for constant maintenance of humidity and temperature. This study aimed to identify the herpetofauna inhabiting the non-phytotelmata rupicolous bromeliad Encholirium spectabile Mart. ex Schult. & Schult.f. and to analyze the microhabitat usage of these bromeliads by different species in the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil. From January 2011 to August 2012, we collected data by active search throughout three paralel transects in a rock outcrop in the municipality of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Norte. We recorded four species of anuran amphibians, six lizards, and seven snakes in the bromeliads. The average air temperature was lower and air humidity higher inside than outside the bromeliads, and bromeliads at the rock outcrop borders had lower temperatures and higher humidity than those at the center. We found a significant difference in the distribution of individuals throughout the rock outcrop, with most specimens found at the borders. We also found significant differences regarding the use of each microhabitat by the taxonomic groups, with lizards and snakes using green leaves and dry leaves evenly, along with fewer records in inflorescence stems, and anurans mainly using green leaves, with few records on dry leaves, and no records in the inflorescence stems. This study highlights rupicolous bromeliads as key elements in the conservation and maintenance of amphibians and reptiles in the rock outcrops of Brazilian semi-arid Caatinga.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e39468

Authors: Nur Dhabita Zan, Ain Sarbini, Hussein Taha, Iy Vonne Tan, Azie Azri, Rafhiah Kahar, Faizah Metali, Norhayati Ahmad, Takaomi Arai

Abstract: Tropical anguillid eels account for two-thirds of the 19 species in Anguilla Schrank, 1798. However, information on the species diversity, geographical distribution, and life histories of the tropical eels is very limited. Recent studies suggested that morphological species identification of the tropical anguillid eels should be validated by molecular analysis for accurate identification. After surveying for three years, two anguillid eels were found in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo Island. They were firstly identified as Anguilla marmorata Quoy & Gaimard, 1824 using morphological analysis and further gene analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) confirmed the species identification. This study is the first comprehensive description of A. marmorata in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo Island. Furthermore, it is also the first study to validate two anguillid eels collected from the tropical Bonin Islands of Japan as A. marmorata by means of morphological and COI analyses. The molecular phylogenetic tree and haplotype network analyses suggest that A. marmorata found in Brunei Darussalam would belong to the North Pacific population of the westernmost distribution.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e37658

Authors: Aline Nunes-Silva, Isabela de Lima-Keppe, Robson V. de Souza, Gilmar Perbiche-Neves

Abstract: Copepods have been successfully used in many countries for the biological control of larvae of mosquitoes that vector diseases. In Brazil, this line of research has been focused on the use of the copepod Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiébaud, 1914) for the biological control of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1792). The transportation of the copepods from the place where they are reared to where they will be used often involves long distances for extended periods of time. This study assesses the survivorship of M. longisetus during simulation of transport under different conditions. Different loading densities (20, 30, 40, 80, and 120 ind.L) and stirring times (30 minutes, one hour, two hours, and four hours) were tested. Survivorship was high, with 75% of the results equal or higher than 90% survival. Reduced mortality was observed when transportation time was up to 120 minutes and densities were up to 40 ind.L. In higher densities or longer transportation times, the mortality rate was significantly affected.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e37682

Authors: Fernando Carvalho, Daniela A.S. Bôlla, Viviane Mottin, Suelen Zonta Kiem, Jairo J. Zocche, Fernando C. Passos

Abstract: The greater round-eared bat, Tonatia bidens (Spix, 1823), is a medium-sized phyllostomid bat distributed in the north of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. The diet and foraging patterns of this species are poorly known. We analyzed the composition of the diet of a population of T. bidens and how the temperature influences the consumption of vertebrates and invertebrates. To describe diet composition, we conducted weekly collections of food scrap from two monospecific night-perches. Data of temperature for the study period were taken from the meteorological station installed 300 m from the collection perches. The influence of temperature was evaluated using generalized linear models (GLMs) with negative binomial distribution. Tonatia bidens consumed 28 taxons (204 records), being at least 17 Artropods and 11 Passeriformes birds. Temperature explained a greater proportion of vertebrate abundance (R2 = 0.23) than invertebrate (R2 = 0.16) or to both pooled (R2 = 0.11). The relation with temperature was positive with invertebrates and negative with the vertebrates. The diet of the population of T. bidens comprised mainly invertebrates, which were the most frequent and diverse taxa. Data suggests that T. bidens has a diverse diet, with proportion of the item’s consumption varying temporally. Environmental factors, such as the temperature presented on this work, seems to be good proxies for the dietary traits of this species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e36026

Authors: Mariellen C. Costa, César A.B. Medolago, Amanda Murcia, Mercival R. Francisco

Abstract: The Chestnut-capped Blackbird, Chrysomus ruficapilus (Vieillot, 1819), is a common bird species in flooded areas of South America. Data on its reproductive parameters have been reported mainly for rice paddies from Uruguay and southern Brazil, where reproductive phenology might have been influenced by the chronology of agricultural activities. Here we provide reproductive data for a population in a natural marshland from São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. A total of 45 active nests were monitored between December 2017 and April 2018. Clutch size was 2.8 ± 0.44. Incubation and nestling periods were respectively 11.8 ± 0.39, and 12.3 ± 0.75 days, and overall nesting success was 65%. The reproductive season lasted about five months, which is longer than that observed in rice paddies from southern Brazil. This suggests that the reproductive phenology has been underestimated before. Although clutch sizes were bigger in our study population than that from rice paddies from southern Brazil, nest survival was higher in the artificial habitat, suggesting that the Chestnut-capped Blackbird can obtain benefits from nesting in artificial habitats.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e36846

Authors: Atilla C. Ferreguetti, Amanda B. M. de Oliveira, Bruno C. Pereira, Ricardo T. Santori, Lena Geise, Helena G. Bergallo

Abstract: Alouatta guariba clamitans Cabrera, 1940 is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest that occurs from south Bahia, Brazil, extending south to the province of Misiones, Argentina. In Rio de Janeiro state, the species was classified as threatened, indicating that attention is needed for the conservation of this taxon. Additionally, an outbreak of yellow fever spread throughout the southeastern states of Brazil from January 2017 until March 2018 seriously threatening Rio de Janeiro populations of the species. Herein, we aimed to provide the first estimates of A. g. clamitans encounter rate, density, and population size in the Ilha Grande State Park (PEIG), which is part of the Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil. Data were collected in two different periods, the first between December 2003 and May 2005, and the second from August 2009 to May 2010, and information on encounter rates and behavior was collected to better understand aspects of species' ecology. The estimated encounter rate in the first period through the distance sampling method was 0.04 ± 0.01 individuals per kilometer. Nine groups were recorded in the second period of the study, with 47 individuals along 3 km. Our estimates of encounter rate, density and population size were low and reinforces the need to initiate species monitoring and assess the impact that yellow fever outbreaks may have on PEIG populations. The results presented here can be a starting point to support future strategic actions for the species, to measure impacts and to the management of the species, and for a conservation program.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e34587

Authors: Túlio Henrique Lemos, Valéria da Cunha Tavares, Ligiane Martins Moras

Abstract: Carollia has a complex taxonomic history and is widely distributed in the Neotropics. Species of Carollia appear to have differentiated recently in the late Cenozoic, and present overlapping morphological characters that may not be useful to distinguish among species. Carollia has recently been revised, but only a few specimens representing the Brazilian distribution of Carollia within Brazil were studied. We reviewed specimens of Carollia distributed in several localities of Brazil revisiting previously described morphological characters for species identification, and taxonomic problems within the genus. We found a large degree of overlap between characters previously used to distinguish among species of Carollia, and some of them constitute variation within a same species. We also report new records extending the known distribution of C. benkeithi to farther east of its previously known distribution (Parauapebas, southeastern Pará, and Vitória do Xingu, Pará, eastern Amazonian Brazil) and one record extending the distribution of C. brevicauda south to Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e38455

Authors: Germán Augusto Murrieta Morey, Mariana Vásquez Arimuya, Walter A. Boeger

Abstract: Biotodomella gen. nov. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) is proposed to accommodate Biotodomella mirospinata sp. nov., found on the gills of Biotodoma cupido (Heckel, 1840) (“cara bonita” or “green-streaked eartheater”), a freshwater cichlid from the Peruvian Amazon. The new genus and species differ from other Neotropical dactylogyrids in having the hooks of each hook pair well-differentiated from the remaining pairs, shafts varying in robustness, weakly sclerotized expansions at the proximal end of shaft, and a dorsal anchor with grooved shaft, bifid point. This study represents the first record of a monogenoid from a species of Biotodoma Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e31791

Authors: Mohd Y. Bhat, Ashok Channa, Bilal A. Paray, Mohammed K. Al-Sadoon, Irfan A. Rather

Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the macroscopic structure of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Schizothorax esocinus Heckel, 1838. The surface architecture of the buccopharynx, oesophagus and the entire intestinal tract of S. esocinus has been examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM) after fixing in 2.5% glutaraldehyde buffered with 0.1 M sodium cacodylate at pH 7.3 for 18–48 hours and post-fixation for two hours at room temperature in 1% osmium tetra oxide buffered at pH 7.3 with 0.1 M cacodylate. The mucosal surface of buccopharynx, esophagus, intestinal bulb, and intestine reveal prominent longitudinal major or primary mucosal folds which are further subdivided into the series of irregular and well-circumscribed folds called minor or secondary folds. However, in the intestinal bulb and intestine, the longitudinal major or primary folds themselves form wavy or zigzagging patterns along the mucosal surface. The fine structure of the surface epithelium further shows that the apical surfaces of the epithelial cells are ped with finger-print like microridges, arranged in various patterns and regularly spaced. The rectal mucosa, on the other hand, displays a highly irregular type of major mucosal folds. The separation can’t be seen between major mucosal folds. A thin film of mucous spread over the mucosal folds and the numerous pores through which mucous cells release their content has also been noted along the rectal mucosa. This investigation suggests the possible role of different digestive organs in relation to feeding, digestion, storage, absorption, and various other physiological processes, thereby providing a knowledge necessary to the understanding of pathological or physiological alterations in both aquaculture and natural environment.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e33805

Authors: Gabriel A.R. Melo, Luiz R.R. Faria, Leandro M. Santos

Abstract: We describe a new species of the bee genus Xenochlora Engel, Brooks & Yanega, 1997, X. meridionalis sp. nov., based on a single female collected in the coastal forests of southeastern Brazil, in the state of Espírito Santo. The disjunct distribution exhibited by Xenochlora, with species in northern South America and in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, is discussed in light of current knowledge about other taxa with similar distribution pattern.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e32771

Authors: Reinaldo T. Medeiros, Flávia G. Chaves, Maurício B. Vecchi, Denise M. Nogueira, Maria Alice S. Alves

Abstract: Variation in the morphometry of individuals in a population may result from natural or sexual selection. In the present study we investigated morphometric differences between males and females of a bird species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Hemitriccus nidipendulus (Wied, 1831), with no apparent sexual dimorphism. All individuals (n = 56) were sexed by PCR amplification of the intronic fragments of the CHDZ/CHDW alleles obtained from blood samples, and 12 morphometric measurements were recorded. The molecular configuration was similar to that described for other species of Passeriformes, with males presenting a single band of approximately 360 base pairs (bp), and females with two bands of 360 and 400 bp. Males had significantly larger tarsi and wings than the females, while the females had two larger beak measurements. This indicates that differential selection pressures may be modeling the morphometry of the Hangnest Tody-Tyrant. In the males, larger tarsi and wings may be beneficial for the exploration of the habitat or the acquisition of potential mates, while females with larger beaks may be able to exploit larger food items and forage more efficiently. However, these hypotheses need to be tested empirically in future studies.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e30610

Authors: Francisco G. Araújo, Aparecida A. Nascimento, Iracema D. Gomes, Armando Sales, Beatriz A. Chagas de Oliveira

Abstract: The gonadal development of the characin Astyanax aff. bimaculatus from Funil Reservoir, an impoundment in the middle reaches of the Paraiba do Sul River in southeastern Brazil was analysed through histological, histochemical and histometric techniques, and the spawning season was determined. Unbalanced sex ratio was found, with females outnumbering and reaching larger sizes than males. The following stages of oogenic cell development were identified for females: primary growth, pre-vitellogenic (cortical alveolar) and vitellogenic. In males, the following stages were determined: spermatogonia primary and secondary, spermatocyte primary and secondary, spermatid and spermatozoa. The spawning occurs most of the year, peaking in January-February, as indicated by the gonadosomatic index. In the peak of the spawning period, the condition factor and hepatosomatic indices decreased suggesting use of stored body energy reserves during the reproduction. Spawning in batches, small-sized oocytes and a long reproductive season suggest that Astyanax aff. bimaculatus fits to an opportunist strategy. Such strategy may facilitate the use of a wide range of lentic and lotic body waters in the Neotropical region.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e30437

Authors: Zhumagazy Kurzhykayev, Kuanysh Syzdykov, Ainur Assylbekova, Dinara Sabdinova, Viktor Fefelov

Abstract: In this article, the study and prediction of the state of fish resources in the Yesil River was carried out to determine the boundary reference points of the reserve and management decisions in case they are exceeded, to ensure sustainable fisheries and preserve biological diversity. Ichthyological studies, retrospective analyses and rankings of the effects of the water supply of the Yesil River on fish stocks have been carried out, critical values ​​of the biomass of fishing reserves have been determined, as criteria for biologically safe fishing values and targets for management of fish stocks at reaching the boundary values ​​of 24.03 tonnes have been established. According to the results of studies of basic biological indicators, it was determined that roach, bream, pike and perch populations each had an LC50 above LM50, which indicates their low utilization in the fishery industry. A strategy for management of fish stocks, recommendations for the conservation of fishery resources and their rational use has been developed as a result of these findings. The list and status of the monitored indicators for the careful management of fish stocks, as well as a list and indicators of the boundary indicators for the state of fish stocks, was established. These parameters included the fish size of 50% of the sampled fish and 50% of maturity achieved, where the LC50 was observed in the fish in question from 19 to 45.4 cm and LM50 from 12.3 to 41 cm, respectively. The minimum and maximum river levels that ranged from 111 up to 159 cm, as well as the critical value of the commercial reserve, corresponded to the boundary value of 24.03 tonnes. The results of this work will serve as the basis for making future managerial decisions, necessary for sustainable fisheries and conservation of the biological diversity of the Yesil River.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e33540

Authors: Hassan Al-Razi, Marjan Maria, Sabir Bin Muzaffar

Abstract: Primates are in imminent risk of extinction due to different types of anthropogenic activities. Mortality due to road accidents and electrocution from power lines are among the major direct anthropogenic threats to the survival of primates. We collected primate mortality data from 2015 to 2017 at Lawachara National Park and Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh. We recorded 27 fatalities in five species of primates caused by road accidents (n = 15) and electrocution (n = 12). Most mortality records were for Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) (n = 8) while the lowest recorded mortality was for Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) (n = 3). Ninety percent of primates in Bangladesh are threatened and populations are gradually declining. Our results suggest that roads and power supply lines are major sources of primate mortality that should be managed in these two forests. We strongly suggest avoiding construction of roads and power supply lines inside forests. Furthermore, control of the speed limit of vehicles inside the forests, use of insulated power lines, maintenance of natural canopy bridges and preparation of artificial canopy bridges are strongly recommended.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e32938

Authors: Clayton A. Sublett, Jerry L. Cook, John P. Janovec

Abstract: A clear low-elevation skewed unimodal richness pattern is presented for hawkmoths in Southeast Peru. Several hypotheses offer plausible explanations for such a distribution. The effects of water-energy dynamics are partially supported by a strong correlation between temperature and species richness at higher elevations. Further, hypotheses of plant diversity influences on hawkmoth ranges are supported by species richness peaking in transitional habitats. Sphingid subfamilies do not appear to be influenced by habitat type or elevational factors, such as temperature. This may make subfamily analysis a poor means of characterizing sphingid community composition unless study sites vary in the level of disturbance. This study documents 134 species in 23 genera of Sphingidae from five Southeastern Peru sites from the 7,545 specimens collected for the study.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e29814

Authors: Leonardo Lopes Costa, Phillipe Mota Machado, Ilana Rosental Zalmon

Abstract: The role of morphodynamic features such as grain size, swash climate and wave action on the macrofauna of beaches are well-known. However, few studies have investigated natural disturbances as potential drivers of temporal community variations. In southeastern Brazil, we sampled the intertidal macrofauna of two sandy beaches to test whether seasonal disturbances as the frequency of storm wave events (SWE) and rainfall have significant influence on their composition and abundance. The macrofauna assemblage differed significantly between the rainy and the dry seasons, but rainfall was not the main driver of community changes, although both beaches are in the vicinity of extensive river plumes. Actually, SWE explained most macrofauna richness overtime, with positive effects. Our results point to the importance of learning more about the effects of poorly studied disturbances on macrofaunal communities, and based on them we strongly recommend including these seasonal phenomena when monitoring sandy beaches.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e30475

Authors: Giulianne Sampaio Ferreira, Danilo Augusto Almeida dos Santos, Edson Varga Lopes

Abstract: The Amazon floodplains become periodically submerged as result of seasonal changes in the water levels throughout the year. These changes influence the availability of microhabitats and consequently the abundance of organisms in these ecosystems. In this study we investigated 1) how changes in the water level affect the richness and abundance of ardeid birds in the lowland floodplain lakes of the lower Amazon River, and 2) the microhabitats used by these birds throughout the seasonal cycle. Ten lakes were surveyed at each of the four phases of the seasonal cycle. In total, 3,280 individuals of 11 species were recorded. Of these, eight species occurred in the four phases, and three were observed in one or two phases. In the analysis including the entire family, there were more individuals in the phase with waters at lowest level and less in the phase that the water level was lowering. Many species were present throughout the seasonal cycle, suggesting that they might be resident species. However, their abundance varied throughut the cycle, suggesting that parts of their populations temporarily migrate elsewhere. The microhabitat that was most commonly used by most species at all phases of the seasonal cycle, with the excetions noted below, was “aquatic macrophytes", suggesting that ardeid birds have a strong preperence for this kind of habitat. Three species – Egretta caerulea (Linnaeus, 1758), Nycticorax nycticorax (Linnaeus, 1758) and Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus, 1758) – preferred other microhabitats at some phase of their seasonal cycle. The present study shows that the floodplain lakes of the lower Amazon River are richer in ardeid bird species than other areas of the Amazon biome and other biomes in Brazil. The fact that we found rare species in our study and that they depend on aquatic macrophytes demonstrates the importance of conserving the floodplain lakes of the lower Amazon River.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e29356

Authors: Pedro Brito, Cíntia P. Targueta, Walquíria Arruda, Fernanda Santos, Rogério Bastos

Abstract: The anuran skin characteristically has different types of glands, most of which are microscopic and are spread throughout the skin. Some species have specialized regions where glands agglomerate, forming macroglands. The description of the external morphology of Ololygon centralis (Pombal & Bastos, 1996) revealed the presence of an inguinal gland. Ololygon centralis is the only species of the genus that has a macrogland. The present study found these inguinal macroglands to be present only on male specimens, thus characterizing it as a sexually dimorphic skin gland. Microscopic analysis revealed that these glands are composed of many syncytial units involved by myoepithelial cells. The center of the syncytium is full of a proteinaceous secretion with a basic pH and the absence of sugar residues. Similar glands observed in other anuran species have been associated with pheromone production, suggesting that the inguinal glands described for O. centralis males may have a similar function.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e30445

Authors: Mirella B. Alonso, Débora R. de Carvalho, Carlos B. M. Alves, Marcelo Z. Moreira, Paulo S. Pompeu

Abstract: The trophic plasticity of most fish species of Astyanax Baird & Girard, 1854 in response to environmental changes and resource availability is high. This work evaluates the differences in the trophic characteristics of two congeneric species, Astyanax taeniatus (Jenyns, 1842) and Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875), in Rio das Velhas Basin, which is highly impacted by the discharge of sewage from the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH). Eight sites were sampled and grouped into three regions: upper course (two sites upstream of the MRBH); middle course (three sites located in the middle portion of the Rio das Velhas, region with greater influence of the MRBH), and lower course (three sites downstream of the MRBH). Samples of fish and food resources were collected from all sites to obtain the isotopic composition of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C), and the stomach contents of the two species was analized. The most common items in the stomach of A. lacustris and A. taeniatus, respectively, were from plants and insects, followed by algae/periphyton (especially at the low course of Rio das Velhas). In contrast, stable isotope analyses indicated that algae (in polluted sites) and periphyton (in least-disturbed sites) were best assimilated both species. Both analyses indicated that the trophic niches of the two species overlap more in more polluted sites relative to less polluted sites. Astyanax taeniatus and A. lacustris only presented different isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen in the upper course of the Rio das Velhas, probably in response to the greater diversity of food items consumed by each species. In the other regions, the species presented similar isotopic signatures, with δ15N and δ13C notably enriched in the most polluted regions (middle and low course). Our results suggest that pollution acts by increasing trophic niche overlap of these species, altering the type of resources most assimilated, and promoting a greater enrichment of δ15N in fish and resources.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e27645

Authors: Alfredo P. Santos-Jr, Danilo A. Almeida-Santos, Síria Ribeiro, Isla C.M. Carmargo, Ana Lúcia da Costa Prudente

Abstract: Phimophis guerini Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 is a Xenodontinae snake distributed in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. In Brazil, the species is broadly distributed, occurring mainly in open areas of the Cerrado, but also in the Amazon, Atlantic forest and Caatinga. We provide a new record for this species from the municipality of Santarém in the western portion of the state of Pará (Brazil). Five specimens were collected in a small area covered with Amazonian Savanna vegetation. We also provide the description of the morphological variation for the collected specimens. The new record extends the northern limit of the distribution by some 640 km (from Floresta Nacional de Carajás, Parauapebas municipality, eastern Pará). The record from Santarém provides a third locality for P. guerini within the Amazon biome and supports the hypothesis of a past ecological corridor linking the Cerrado and the open habitats within the Amazon.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e23539

Authors: Sandra Maria Hartz, Elise Amador Rocha, Fernanda Thiesen Brum, André Luís Luza, Taís de Fátima Ramos Guimarães, Fernando Gertum Becker

Abstract: In this study we investigated the influence of landscape variables on the alpha taxonomic and functional diversity of fish communities in coastal lakes. We built an analytical framework that included possible causal connections among variables, which we analyzed using path analysis. We obtained landscape metrics for the area, shape and connectivity (estuary connectivity and primary connectivity to neighboring lakes) of 37 coastal lakes in the Tramandaí River Basin. We collected fish data from 49 species using standardized sampling with gillnets and obtained a set of traits related to dispersal abilities and food acquisition. The model that best explained the taxonomic diversity and functional richness took into account the shape of the lakes. Functional richness was also explained by estuary connectivity. Functional evenness and dispersion were not predicted by area or connectivity, but they were influenced by the abundant freshwater species. This indicates that all lakes support most of the regional functional diversity. The results highlight the importance of the dispersal process in this lake system and allow the conclusion that considering multiple diversity dimensions can aid the conservation of local and regional fish communities.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e28714

Authors: José Eriberto De Assis, José Roberto B. de Souza, Manuela M. de Lima, Gislaine V. de Lima, Ralf T.S. Cordeiro, Carlos D. Pérez

Abstract: Polynoid scale-worms have been found living as commensals with deep-water antipatharians (commonly known as black corals) in the Potiguar Basin, off Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil. In this paper two polychaete species and four black corals species are redescribed. Benhamipolynoe cf. antipathicola and Parahololepidella cf. greeffi, and the black coral Stylopathes adinocrada Opresko, 2006 are recorded for the Southwestern Atlantic. Benhamipolynoe cf. antipathicola was first described from off New Zealand and the Malay Archipelago, as symbiont with the black coral Stylopathes tenuispina (Silberfeld, 1909). It was later reported for the North Atlantic, off Florida, associated with Stylopathes columnaris (Duchassaing, 1870). In our study, B. cf. antipathicola was found in association with the black coral S. adinocrada. Parahololepidella cf. greeffi was first described as a free-living from shallow waters off São Tomé and Cabo Verde Islands, West Africa, and later reported as symbiont with the black coral Tanacetipathes cf. spinescens in the same location. Our data expand both the geographical distribution and the host range of this species which is reported for the first time as symbiont with Tanacetipathes barbadensis (Brook, 1889), T. tanacetum (Pourtalès, 1880) and T. thamnea (Warner, 1981) in Brazil. The aim of this study is to discuss commensal associations between two species of scale-worm polynoids and black corals found in the Southwestern Atlantic, and also reporting their global distribution. Finally, we provided an updated list of the commensal polynoids and their black coral hosts.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e29774

Authors: Diego García-Ulloa, Victor Landa-Jaime, Andres Martín Góngora-Gómez, Manuel García-Ulloa, Jaun Antonio Hernández-Sepúlveda

Abstract: Symbiosis between decapods and mollusks provides a unique opportunity to examine some of the evolutionary strategies employed by marine invertebrates. We describe the sexual and reproductive traits of the pearl oyster shrimp, Pontonia margarita Verril, 1869, found symbiotically inhabiting the mantle cavity of the rugose pen shell, Pinna rugosa Sowerby, 1835. Solitary males and females (ovigerous and non-ovigerous) and heterosexual pairs (with ovigerous and non-ovigerous females) were found in a total of 47 rugose pen shells collected from a sandy area with seagrass meadows on the southeastern coast of the Gulf of California, Mexico. The body length (BL) of female P. margarita was correlated with the shell volume of their rugose pen shell host. The sex ratio was female-biased (0.85M:1F). Female P. margarita were larger than their male counterparts in terms of BL, cephalothorax length (CL), and the maximum chelae length of the second pereopod (MCL). The CL and MCL were more strongly correlated for males (r = 0.70, p = 0.01). The number and volume of eggs per ovigerous female varied from 95 to 1,571 and from 5.46 ± 0.48 to 8.85 ± 0.97 mm3, respectively. Our results indicate polygamous behavior and social monogamy among P. margarita, and a short-term pairing system for their association with P. rugosa.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e30845

Authors: Janaína P. Back, Adriane Suzin, Lucas M. Aguiar

Abstract: Constant changes in natural environments impose challenges to wild animal populations, especially those that depend on social life. We gathered data on the activity budget and social interactions of a capuchin monkey (Sapajus sp.) group of 17 individuals confined to an urban green area receiving human food supplementation. We observed the capuchins between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, three days a month, between January 2012 and June 2013 (total of 530 hours of direct observations). We collected 15,208 behavioral records through instantaneous scan sampling and 2,538 events of social interaction in an adapted version of the “all occurrences” method. Activity budget of capuchins was dominated by traveling (42%) and foraging (38%), followed by feeding (10%), social interactions (5%), resting (4%), and others (2%). Except for feeding, the time spent on other activities varied across sex-age classes. Social interactions of capuchins were dominated by affiliative interactions (80%), mainly social play, followed by agonistic (11%) and cooperative (10%) interactions. Sexual interactions were rare (0.4%) and often involved juveniles (45% of the events). Juveniles performed most of the social interactions, followed by the alpha male, and were the main receptors of grooming, food sharing, and agonism. On the other hand, they were the main group involved in allocarrying of infants. Grooming between females and from them to alpha male was infrequent. However, grooming of the alpha male towards the adult females was frequent. We interpreted the deviations in the activity budget and social interactions of the urban capuchins as effects of human food supplementation and restriction on dispersal, illustrating the behavioral ability of capuchin monkeys to adjust their activity in human-altered environments.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e25083

Authors: Flavia D.F. Sampaio, Helena C. Silva-de-Assis, Franciele L. Bettim, Luís F. Fávaro, Carolina A. Freire

Abstract: Pomacentridae is a common family in the aquarium fish trade. Most species are harvested from nature. Here we evaluate the following water parameters in the pomacentrid sergeant major, Abudefduf saxatilis (Linnaeus, 1758), to assess their stress level during a 24, 48, and 72 hours transport: dissolved oxygen (DO), total ammonia, and pH. In addition, we evaluated the following physiological parameters: plasma osmolality, muscle water content, blood glucose, and the enzyme activities of the branchial carbonic anhydrase (CA), the hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The mortality of fish measuring >6 cm total length was 22%, while no mortality was observed for fish measuring <6 cm. The pH of the water was significantly correlated with fish mortality, especially for the initial 24 hours of transport. Hypoxia after 24–48 hours also led to fish mortality, but build up ammonia was not a problem even after 72 hours. We suggest that a minimum water volume of 125 ml/g fish is necessary for safe and cost-effective transport of the sergeant major, preferably with <6 cm in total length.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e24191

Authors: Moacyr Serafim-Júnior, Gilmar Perbiche-Neves, Fabio Lansac-Toha

Abstract: Zooplankton exhibit several trends of variation in space and time, and these trends can be more evident in natural environments without anthropic perturbations. Examples of anthropic factors are climate change, eutrophication and construction of reservoirs. This study evaluated the influence of three factors – seasonality, type of environment and the presence of aquatic macrophytes – on various ecological attributes of rotifers in a river-lake system located in the Paraná River floodplain. Monthly samplings were conducted during 1993 and 1994. The mean species richness per sample was 60 species. The seasonality and the type of environment influenced the ecological attributes of rotifer assemblages, while the presence or absence of aquatic macrophytes did not. Species richness was highest in the lake system and during the months when water levels were low. Multivariate analysis indicates a small group of species associated with the low water-level phase. In contrast, many species were associated with high water levels or increasing water levels. The seasonal variation of hydrological cycle and the type of environment are the most important factors for rotifer structure in natural conditions.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e27357

Authors: Nastaran Heidari

Abstract: Acanthodactylus micropholis Heidari, Rastegar-Pouyani, Rastegar-Pouyani & Rajabizadeh, 2013 and A. khamirensis Blanford, 1874 are genetically and morphologically distinct, but their ecological differentiation has not previously been evaluated. The ecological niche models of these two sister species Acanthodactylus were reconstructed using climate and geographical data. Species distribution modeling for A. micropholis and A. khamirensis was used to make predictions and showed that most parts of southern and southeastern Iran are suitable for the distribution of both species. Habitat suitability was mostly dependent upon minimum temperature of the coldest month and seasonal precipitation for A. micropholis and A. khamirensis, respectively. Niche similarity tests (niche overlap and identity tests) were performed to evaluate species differentiation based on the ecological species criterion. Our results indicate that both species have different ecological niches and are significantly separated from each other. Therefore, our study corroborates previous analyses based on molecular and morphological evidences that suggested that A. micropholis and A. khamirensis were valid species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e28027

Authors: Luane Maria Melo Azeredo, Monique Silva Ximenes, Kleytone Alves Pereira, Maria Paula Aguiar Fracasso, Luiz Carlos Serramo Lopez

Abstract: Body condition is an important measure to estimate the energy reserve of an organism. Scientists frequently use body condition indices (BCIs) with morphometric measures but direct measurements, such as blood glucose, seem to be more reliable. We observed oscillations in the body condition and glucose indexes of individuals of Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) during 13 nights in the field. We assume that if glucose levels are proportional to feeding state and body condition is a measure of energy reserve, blood glucose and BCI should be positively correlated and both are expected to increase during the night as the bats leave their diurnal roost to feed. To test this, we examined the relationship between blood glucose levels, BCI and reproductive phase of free flying male bats (n = 70) for 12 hours after sunset for 13 nights. Bats were captured in Reserva Biológica de Guaribas (Paraíba, Brazil) using mist nets. Blood glucose was analyzed with a portable glucometer. Supporting our assumptions, the number of hours after sunset and BCI presented significant positive correlations with glucose levels in A. planirostris. Reproductive phase did not present a significant correlation with any other variables. As we predicted, glucose level can be used as proxy for morphometric BCI and it can be measured with a simple portable glucometer. The increase both in glucose and BCI around the night can be explained by the efficient assimilation of nutrients present in fruits ingested by bats and the quick metabolism that increases the levels of glucose (an other nutrients) in blood, increasing the body mass.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e25717

Authors: Rodrigo Morais, Luiz Carlos Araújo, Gleidson Ramos Silva, Charles Duca

Abstract: This study describes aspects of the life history of the Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus (Vieillot, 1808), including the breeding period, clutch size, nestlings and a list of plants used for nesting. Nests were monitored in an area of Restinga (sand-coastal plain) habitat in a protected area in southeastern Brazil. The data from 181 nests during five breeding seasons (2010-2014) showed that the Tropical Mockingbird has a long breeding season (26.1 ± 2.6 weeks) with up to two peaks of active nests from August to March. The breeding pairs made up to four nesting attempts in the same breeding season. The mean (± SD) clutch size was 2.4 ± 0.6 eggs (n = 169). The mean (± SD) incubation period was 14 ± 0.6 days, and the nestling remained in the nest for 14.5 ± 2.2 days. The nests were built on thirty plant species, and Protium icicariba (DC.) Marchand. was the plant species most commonly used for nesting. The breeding parameters of the Tropical Mockingbird are similar to those of other Mimidae species. The knowledge gained from this study makes the Tropical Mockingbird a good choice for future studies, particularly for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses regarding life history attributes, habitat selection and parental investment.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.36.e27708

Authors: Wesley O. de Sousa, Lincey E. Sousa, Fátima R.J. da Silva, Wildio I. da Graça Santos, Rodrigo Aranda

Abstract: Due to the important ecological role of Nymphalidae as consumers of fermented fruits, excrement, exudates of decomposed plants and animals, as well as bioindicators of environmental quality that attract the interest of the general public, this study aimed to characterize the fauna of frugivorous butterflies at the Serra Azul State Park – PESA (Mato Grosso, Brazil) with regards to composition, taxonomic richness and spatial distribution. Collections were carried out in 2014 from six 250 m plots in a RAPELD module (5x5 km). We defined five sampling points in each plot and placed a Van Someren-Rydon trap (VSR), with a bait made from banana fermented in cane juice, positioned 1 m above the ground for 24 hours. We collected 204 specimens of Nymphalidae from five subfamilies, 22 genera, and 40 species. Satyrinae was the most abundant and species-rich subfamily. The community structure varied spatially, with the gallery forest presenting the greatest richness, diversity, and equitability, while ‘cerrado ralo’ presented higher abundance and less diversity and equitability. Therefore, according to the pattern of abundance in the PESA, species were best adapted to the log series model. Yphthimoides renata (Stoll, 1780) (Satyrinae), Hamadryas feronia (Linnaeus, 1758), and Callicore sorana (Godart, 1824) (Biblidinae) were the most abundant species, 19 species were singletons, and eight were doubletons. Richness estimators showed that 63% of all species were sampled. Our results indicate that the frugivorous butterfly community is structured according to phytophysiognomies, and the dominance of species that are tolerant to disturbances indicates landscape fragmentation within the PESA, which interferes with species substitution pattern and their abundances in different environments of the park.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e23133

Authors: Átilla Colombo Ferreguetti, Bruno C. Pereira, Helena G. Bergallo

Abstract: The spotted paca,Cuniculus paca (Linnaeus, 1766), is a Neotropical, opportunistic, frugivorous caviomorph rodent, that inhabits primarily broadleaf forests. We aimed to provide the first estimates of density of C. paca for the Ilha Grande, an island located in the Atlantic Rain Forest biome of Brazil. Density and population size were estimated using the total number of individuals observed along each trail through the program DISTANCE 7. Our estimates of density and population size reinforces the importance of the Ilha Grande as an important reservoir of the species. Therefore, the results presented herein can be a starting point to support future action plans for the species, making predictions regarding the ecosystem and management and conservation of the spotted paca. Furthermore, the results can be used as a surrogate for other regions in which the species occurs.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e24446

Authors: Mauricio Lang dos Santos, Valéria Marques Lemos, João P. Vieira

Abstract: We report on the interaction between common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) and cast net fishermen in southern coast of Brazil. The fishery was monitored in the mouth of the Tramandaí River Estuary to investigate the seasonality of catches and their relationships with a set of variables: presence/absence and number of bottlenose dolphins, fishing area, temperature, salinity, wind and water flow direction in the channel. The mullet, Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 is the target species and was the dominant fish in the catches (77% of total catch; 50% in frequency; 0.2 ind. x f-1). The use of GLM models helped to reveal that the number of the bottlenose dolphins, time of year (months) and spatial variation of fishing activity were the main factors explaining the presence and abundance of mullet in the fishermen’s catches. The presences of bottlenose dolphins in the fishing area raise the probability of fishermen catch larger number of mullets with smaller fishing effort. However, the size of the mullet is influenced basically by seasonality. The mullets are the “currency” of bottlenose dolphins and fishermen interaction. There are reasons for concern about the sustainability of the southern Brazilian M. liza stock, once the decrease of this fishing resource can lead this rare and traditional fishery to the extinction.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e23176

Authors: Rodrigo Silvestre Martins, Marcelo Juanicó

Abstract: The biology and ecology of southwestern Atlantic loliginid squids have been intensively researched in the last few decades, mostly off the Brazilian southern coast. However, information gathered by scientific research cruisers, either past or recent, is limited. Three species of loliginid squids – the warm-tempered Doryteuthis sanpaulensis (Brakoniecki, 1984), plus the tropical D. pleii (Blainville, 1823) and Lolliguncula brevis (Blainville, 1823) – were sampled along 16 degrees of latitude on the southwestern Atlantic (22–38°S). The samples were obtained mostly from oceanographic surveys, but also included squids caught by commercial fisheries, and a few specimens from museum collections. Squid response to abiotic variables, morphological variation and circadian behaviour were surveyed in detail. Doryteuthis sanpaulensis can be divided into at least six distinguishable geographical groups, which do not form a cline. In contrast, D. pleii can be divided into only two morphological groups that are very similar. Doryteuthis spp. were heterogeneously distributed on the shelf, whereas L. brevis was confined nearshore. Our data extended the southernmost distribution range of D. pleii by at least nine degrees of latitude, owing to specimens obtained at ~38°S (Mar del Plata, Argentina). Small, immature D. sanpaulensis were sampled inside the Patos Lagoon estuary (~32°S). The morphologically similar Doryteuthis spp. apparently avoid direct competition by concentrating at different depths, displaying different thermal preferences, and inverse circadian levels of activity. The information reported herein may be regarded as a “snapshot” of the ecology of sympatric squids in a marine environment that has not been deeply affected by climate change.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e20583

Authors: Carolina Scultori, Wesley R. Silva

Abstract: Neotropical bats are recognized as effective seed dispersers, especially of small-seeded pioneer plants during early stages of forest regeneration. There had been few reports on the ecology of the bat Pygoderma bilabiatum (Wagner, 1843), which appears to be mainly frugivorous and to undertake vertical migrations in Brazil. Our analyzes of fecal samples of P. bilabiatum specimens captured in mist nets and direct observations of their feeding behavior on Citharexylum solanaceum Cham. fruits in a mosaic of restored forests and forest fragments in southeastern Brazil constitute one of the few records of consumption of large-seeded fruits by P. bilabiatum, and indicate that it may be an important disperser for large-seeded plants. We found evidence that the temporal availability of those fruits may influence the movement ecology of those bats.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e21978

Authors: Tomás E. Isola, Martin A. Varisco, Néstor J. Cazzaniga

Abstract: This communication describes the first records of byssal hairs on the postlarvae shells of Mytilus edulis platensis d’Orbigny, 1842. The postlarvae used in this study were sampled on artificial collectors used for mussel culture in San Jorge Gulf, Sudoccidental Atlantic Ocean. A general description of the hairs is made as well as an exploratory analysis of their spatial distribution on the shell surface. The presence of these byssal hairs is suggested as a criterion to differentiate M. edulis platensis from other mytilids.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e23481

Authors: Xuan Huang, Xiaoyu Quan, Xia Wang, Yueli Yun, Yu Peng

Abstract: Spiders, as predators of insects and other invertebrates, are an important part of the natural enemies, and they are recognized as an important biological control agent. Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758), the diamondback moth (DBM), is a well-known and destructive insect pest of brassicaceous crops worldwide. Here, we analyzed the functional responses of four spiders (Araneae) – Ebrechtella tricuspidata (Fabricius, 1775) (Thomisidae), Pardosa laura (Karsch, 1879) (Lycosidae), Pardosa astrigera (Koch, 1878) (Lycosidae), and Pardosa pseudoannulata (Bösenberg & Strand, 1906) (Lycosidae) – on P. xylostella larvae. We also analyzed intraspecific disturbances in the predation reaction and the intensity of scrambling competition of the spiders to P. xylostella larvae. Our results demonstrated that the functional responses of four spiders of different genera were in line with the Holling II model. Two Lycosidae spiders (P. astrigera and P. pseudoannulata) had the potential to control P. xylostella, and female and male spiders that belonged to the same species had different functional responses to P. xylostella. The functional responses of female predation of P. astrigena, P. laura, and P. pseudoannulata was stronger than the males, but male E. tricuspidatus had stronger functional responses to predation than females. We used the Hassell model to describe the intraspecific disturbance experiments of four spiders. There were intraspecific disturbances in the predation reactions of spiders, indicating that the predation ratio of spiders decreased in relation to the increase of its density, and with the increase of spider density, the intensity of scrambling competition of the spider increased.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e22162

Authors: Dongmei Zhu, Kun Yang, Ning Sun, Weimin Wang, Xiaoyun Zhou

Abstract: The topmouth gudgeon, Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel, 1842), is a small cyprinid fish that inhabits the littoral zones of freshwater habitats throughout Asia and Europe. It is regarded as an invasive species in Europe, but in its native range, in China, as food and as an environmental bio-indicator. In this study, the embryonic and larval development of P. parva was investigated for the first time. The eggs of P. parva are transparent, adhesive and elliptical. The mean size of fertilized eggs was (1.63×1.31) ± 0.04 mm. From fertilization to hatching, embryonic development could be divided into eight stages and 34 phases, and the incubation period lasted for 109.25 hours at 24 ± 1 °C. Newly hatched larvae were 4.1 ± 3 mm in length, and the yolk absorption was completed within six days after hatching. The first and second swim bladders formed at the third and ninth day, respectively. The pectoral fin formed before the hatching stage, followed by the caudal, dorsal, anal and ventral fin formation after hatching. About 20 days after hatching, the morphology of the fry was similar to the adult fish. These findings provide a basis for determining the complete ontogeny of P. parva, as well as facilitate the management and utilization of this fish.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e15038

Authors: Fábio R. Lameiro, Mario V. Condini, Cintia P. Brito, João P. Vieira

Abstract: The Remo flounder, Oncopterus darwinii Steindachner, 1874 is a small Pleuronectidae (~ 250 mm TL) distributed in the warm-temperate zone from Santa Catarina (28°S – Brazil) to the Gulf of San Matías (42°S – Argentina). We studied the occurrence and diet of juveniles of this flatfish (85% < 100 mm TL) for one year (August 2009 to July 2010) in a southern Brazilian sandy beach. Individuals were much more common in spring and early summer than in the other seasons. Of the 758 individuals analyzed, only 69 (9.1%) were found with empty stomachs. The Remo flounder fed predominantly on small crustaceans (gammarid amphipods, mysids and the hipiidae Emerita brasiliensis Schmitt, 1935) and no seasonal differences were found in the composition of the diet of this flatfish. However, variations in the Index of Relative Importance (IRI) were found among seasons, which most likely can be explained by a decrease in the availability of favored food items throughout the year. The pattern of distribution of O. darwinii indicates that southern Brazilian sandy beaches are used as nursery ground for this species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e14664

Authors: Carla Gheler-Costa, Fabio Henrique Comin, Letícia C. Gilli, Luciano M. Verdade

Abstract: Although the concept of optimal foraging has been extensively discussed, foraging efficiency is difficult to assess in vertebrates. In this study, we determined the foraging efficiency of the Brazilian cormorant, Nannopterum brasilianus Gmelin, 1789, by the direct, ad libitum observation of a group of four to thirteen individuals in an artificial pond at the University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Although this study was carried out in a highly anthropic environment, we can still conclude that the Brazilian cormorant is a relatively efficient browser and short-term diver. In anthropic environments, foraging success depends on the amount of time these birds spend diving, and stealing food is less common. Stealing occurs at relatively low rates but tends to be an efficient way to get food.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e21351

Authors: Ângelo Parise Pinto, Tom Kompier

Abstract: Two new Brazilian Protoneurinae damselflies, Forcepsioneura regua sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State, Cachoeiras de Macacu municipality, RPPN Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu) and Forcepsioneura serrabonita sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZRJ: Brazil, Bahia State, Camacan municipality, RPPNs Serra Bonita) , are described, illustrated and diagnosed based on males and females. The bluish and smaller F. regua sp. nov. has been confused with at least three previously described species, being very similar to the type species of Forcepsioneura, F. garrisoni Lencioni, 1999, but lacking a defined tubercle-like process on the posterolateral margin of the median lobe of the prothorax in both sexes, which allows it to be distinguished from all other known species. The shape of the cercus of the male of F. serrabonita sp. nov. is similar to that of F. grossiorum Machado, 2001 and F. lucia Machado, 2000, two species with very short ventrobasal process. However, it differs from them mainly by the mediobasal process of the cercus, which is rounded in dorsal view and almost not visible in lateral view. The taxonomic status of Forcepsioneura is discussed and a comparison with the other species of the genus is provided. Based on size, habitat and coloration, Forcepsioneura can be informally divided into two groups: (1) large, orange-black and montane species, including F. grossiorum, F. itatiaiae (Santos, 1970), F. lucia and F. serrabonita sp. nov.; (2) small, bluish and lowland species, including F. garrisoni, F. haerteli Machado, 2001, F. regua sp. nov. and F. sancta (Hagen in Selys, 1860). Our findings highlight the urgency in directing collecting efforts to unexplored areas, as well as the importance of private preserves that harbor the type localities as guardians of the threatened and diverse Atlantic Forest diversity. Together these two localities surveyed account for more than 210 species of odonates, representing almost 24% of the number of Brazilian species. Brazil has the greatest number of known species of odonates in the world. This study shows that further research is required in order to fully understand the diversity of Forcepsioneura.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e13465

Authors: Rosana Gentile, Thiago S. Cardoso, Sócrates F. Costa-Neto, Bernardo R. Teixeira, Paulo S. D'Andrea

Abstract: The Atlantic Forest is one of the most disturbed Brazilian biomes, with 183 out of 298 species of mammals occurring in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In this study, we aimed to characterize the diversity, community structure, and habitat use of small mammals in the FIOCRUZ Atlantic Forest Campus (CFMA), including areas of Pedra Branca State Park (PBSP, subunit Pau da Fome), state of Rio de Janeiro. We also compared species diversity and composition between two moments 15 years apart (2001 and 2012–2015) and analyzed the population dynamics of the marsupial Didelphis aurita (Wied-Neuwied, 1826). Small mammal captures were made in different habitats: sylvatic-urban interface areas near human dwellings, disturbed forest, and preserved forest areas. Five marsupial species and four rodent species were captured in both periods. There was a reduction in species richness and β diversity between the two periods, indicating that disturbances in the environment over the years may have affected the small mammal community structure. The most altered environment showed the greatest species richness and abundance, while the forest areas showed the smallest values, which may be explained by the loss of mammal species, mainly specialist species in forested areas. We identified three groups of species according to habitat preferences: one related to environments with a higher density of vegetation in upper strata – Marmosa paraguayana (Tate, 1931) and Monodelphis americana (Müller, 1776), another related to a higher density in lower forest strata – Akodon cursor (Winge, 1887), and another with no association with the investigated habitat variables – D. aurita and Oligoryzomys nigripes (Olfers, 1818). The small mammal community structure showed a low level of nestedness in both sampling periods. This study is the first report to evaluate the community structure of small mammals in the sylvatic-urban interface area of Pedra Branca State Park, the largest forest reserve within an urban area in Brazil. The surveys indicate that the small mammal diversity was low in both sampling periods and in both areas, and a species loss in the Pau da Fome locality was observed, despite it is a conservation unit. The greater species abundance and richness in the most disturbed areas suggest an increase of factors favoring the occurrence of synanthropic and opportunistic species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e14638

Authors: Armando César Rodrigues Casimiro, Diego Azevedo Zoccal Garcia, Ana Paula Vidotto-Magnoni, John Robert Britton, Angelo Antonio Agostinho, Fernanda Simões De Almeida, Mario Luis Orsi

Abstract: Non-native species are a major driver of biodiversity loss. Aquaculture activities play a key role in introductions, including the escape of fishes from fish farm facilities. Here, the impact of flooding due to El Niño rains in 2015/2016 in the Lower and Middle Paranapanema River basin, southern Brazil, was investigated by evaluating fish escapes from 12 fish farms. The flooding resulted in the escape of approximately 1.14 million fishes into the river, encompassing 21 species and three hybrids. Non-native species were the most abundant escapees, especially Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Coptodon rendalli (Boulenger, 1897) (96% of all fish). Only seven native fishes were in the escapee fauna, comprising 1% of all fish. Large floods, coupled with inadequate biosecurity, thus resulted in considerable inputs of non-native fish into this already invaded system.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e13653

Authors: Aila Soares Ferreira, Isabel Medeiros dos Santos Rocha, Bruno Cavalcante Bellini, Alexandre Vasconcellos

Abstract: The spatial distribution of abiotic resources and environmental conditions can vary at small scales within terrestrial ecosystems, influencing the composition of soil fauna. Epiedaphic springtails (Collembola) of a semiarid Caatinga ecosystem were studied to determine if factors related to vegetation structure, such as species richness, aerial biomass, litterfall, and soil characteristics (pH, granulometry and soil organic matter), influence species richness and abundance of this group. A total of 5,513 individuals were collected of 15 species distributed in 13 genera and 9 families. The most abundant species were Temeritas sp., with 2,086 (38% of the total abundance) individuals, and Neotropiella meridionalis (Arlé, 1939), with 1,911 (35% of the total abundance) individuals. None of the variables in the regression model were significantly related to Collembola species richness, but abundance was significantly related to plant species richness, aerial biomass and soil pH. Thus, even at a small spatial scale, habitat heterogeneity influences the epiedaphic Collembola in the Caatinga ecosystem, especially their abundance.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e14764

Authors: Lorhaine Santos Silva, Tamaris Gimenez Pinheiro, Marinêz Isaac Marques, Leandro Dênis Battirola

Abstract: Studies that address biodiversity and its supporting mechanisms in different ecosystems are fundamental to understanding the relationships between species and the prevailing environmental conditions within each habitat type. This study presents information on the phenology of Promestosoma boggianii (Silvestri, 1898) and its association with seasonal flood and dry events in a floodplain of Mato Grosso’s northern Pantanal region, Brazil. Sampling was carried out in three areas located between the Bento Gomes and Cuiabá rivers, on the Porto Cercado Road, Poconé-MT. Each sample area was composed of two treatments: (I) floodable habitats and (NI) non-floodable habitats. Three quadrats (10 x 10 m) were established within each treatment, with sampling carried out using pitfall traps and mini-Winkler extractors during the dry season, rising water, high water and receding water phases for the duration of two hydrological cycles within the Pantanal (2010/2011 and 2011/2012). A total of 295 P. boggianii individuals were sampled at different stages of development (except stages I and II), distributed between the rising water (209 ind., 70.8%), dry (76 ind., 25.8%) and receding water (10 ind., 3.4%) seasons. No specimens were sampled during the high water season. The higher abundances recorded between the dry and rising water seasons, primarily at early stages of development, indicate that P. boggianii is characterized as a univoltine species in these habitats. The data demonstrate that individuals of P. boggianii were more abundant in floodable habitats. In addition, the results show that the life cycle of this diplopod is sinchronized to the seasonal nature of this floodable environment, as a strategy to survive the extreme conditions of terrestrial and aquatic phases Brazil’s northern Pantanal region.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12947

Authors: Wanesssa Deliberalli, Rogerio L. Cansian, Albanin A. Mielniczki Pereira, Rafael Chaves Loureiro, Luiz Ubiratan Hepp, Rozane M. Restello

Abstract: Streams in urban areas are strongly impacted by the input of organic matter and metals, for instance copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). These metals are essential for the aquatic biota, but when absorbed in excess they are toxic. In Chironomidae larvae, the deleterious effects of heavy metals can be ascertained by analyzing the morphological deformities of the larval mentum, a structure of the oral cavity. In this study, we evaluated I) the bioavailability of Cu and Zn in urban stream sediments and II) the relationship between Cu and Zn concentrations and the incidence of deformities in the mentum of Chironomus larvae. Chironomid flies were collected from four locations in two streams at an urban area in southern Brazil. They were identified and the incidence of deformities in the mentum was quantified. Sediment samples were collected at the same locations where larvae were collected, to quantify the bioavailable fractions of Cu and Zn. The concentrations of Cu in the sediment were similar between the collection sites. However, Zn concentrations varied among sites, being greater in the stretch directly influenced by the input of the organic waste. In total, 2,895 Chironomid larvae were collected. The incidence of deformities in the mentum was above 30% and was correlated with the concentrations of Cu (r = 0.68) and Zn (r = 0.87). This correlation indicates that the municipal waste that is thrown into the city’s streams has influenced the occurrence of deformities.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e13255

Authors: Tailan Moretti Mattos, Dandhara Rossi Carvalho, Mateus Santos de Brito, Francisco Gerson Araújo

Abstract: Phoretic relationships often bring large advantages to epibionts. By attaching themselves to mobile hosts, epibionts are able to: expand their ranges without spending energy, reduce their risk of being predated, and increase their probability of finding food. We assessed the phoretic relationship between the siluriform fish Ancistrus multispinis (Regan, 1912) and the chironomid larva Ichthyocladius sp. in three streams of the Atlantic forest in southeastern Brazil. We evaluated changes in epibiont distribution throughout the body regions of the host and among three different aquatic systems. We had predicted that certain body regions are more prone to support epibiont attachment, and that epibiont prevalence increases with increased host size and quality of the aquatic system. Three streams (Santana, São Pedro and D’Ouro), tributaries of the Guandu River, were sampled during 2010 and 2011. A total of 102 specimens of A. multispinis were collected and analyzed. Epibionts were found in fourteen of fifteen body regions of the host. Observation from scanning electron microscopy revealed that Chironomidae larvae fix themselves to the spicules through the anal prolegs, not at the skin, as previously reported. The amount of epibionts (degree of infestation) was significantly correlated with fish size in the Santana Stream (r = 0.6, p < 0.01), and São Pedro Stream (r = 0.56, p < 0.01), but not in the D’Ouro Stream, the most altered of the three. The presence of epibionts on the body of the fish is directly correlated with the availability of spicules on the fish’s body, the largest numbers of infestations being found in structures associated with swimming (caudal and pectoral fins), since the swimming movement can create favorable conditions (e.g., suspension of organic particles, increasing oxygenation) for the epibiont.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12487

Authors: Noeli Zanella, Fernanda D'Agostini

Abstract: Knowledge of snake ecology is important to support conservation strategies. Atractus paraguayensis Werner, 1924 is a dipsadidae with semi fossorial habits distributed throughout southern Brazil. We analyzed the morphology, seasonality and reproductive biology of this species in a subtropical area in southern Brazil by combining material from scientific collections and field data. We found that females have a larger body size than males and that the reproductive cycle of females is seasonal, with vitellogenesis occurring in the warmer months of the year. Males exhibited no differences in testicle volume throughout the year; however, mating likely occurs in the spring when males are more active. Recruitment of newborns occurs in late summer. The number of individuals collected during the hottest months (September through February) was significantly higher than the number of individuals collected during the colder months. Our results, which reveal sexual dimorphism in the species and seasonal breeding restricted to warm months, contribute important information about this species’ biology.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e13886

Authors: Cristina de Oliveira Dias, Adriana Valente de Araujo, Sérgio Luiz Costa Bonecker

Abstract: The vertical distribution of copepod assemblages, ascertained from the surface down to 1,200 m, was investigated during two sampling periods (rainy and dry seasons), at four depths, in the oligotrophic waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Total density, diversity, and richness differed among sampling depths. Copepod density decreased with depth in the two sampling periods, with a maximum at 1 m and a slight decrease at 800 m. Higher diversities were observed at 250 m and 1,200 m during the rainy season and at 1 m and 1,200 m during the dry season. The maximum number of species was found at 1,200 m during the rainy season and at 1 m during the dry season. Various copepod assemblages were delimited in the water column in the two sampling periods. The deeper copepod assemblages occupied a wider range of depths. Salinity and temperature influenced the structure of copepod assemblages and reflected the hydrographic characteristics of the water masses in the region. Candacia pachydactyla (Dana, 1849), Scolecithrix danae (Lubbock, 1856), and Agetus limbatus (Brady, 1883) were the indicator species found at 1 m. The effects of different environmental factors on the copepod assemblages suggest that these consortia occupy distinct niches in the ocean.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12895

Authors: Milton P. Ávila, Rafaela Neves Carvalho, Lilian Casatti, Juliana Simião-Ferreira, Lorrane Faria de Morais, Fabrício B. Teresa

Abstract: The development of effective monitoring tools depends on finding sensitive metrics that are capable of detecting the most important environmental impacts at a given region. We assessed if metrics derived from stream fish assemblages reflect physical habitat degradation and changes in land cover. We sampled the ichthyofauna and environmental characteristics of 16 stream sites of first and second order in the Upper Tocantins River basin. The streams were classified according to their environmental characteristics into reference (n = 5), intermediate (n = 4), and impacted (n = 7). A total of 4,079 individuals in five orders, 12 families, and 30 species were collected. Of the 20 metrics tested, eight were non-collinear and were tested for their performance in discriminating among groups of streams. Three metrics were sensitive to the gradient of degradation: Berger-Parker dominance index, percentage of characiform fish, and percentage of rheophilic individuals. Some commonly used metrics did not reflect the disturbances and many others were redundant with those that did. These results indicate that the metrics derived from fish assemblages may be informative for identifying the conservation status of streams, with the potential to be used in biomonitoring.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12483

Authors: Leonardo de Oliveira Cardoso da Silva, Sonia Maria Lopes

Abstract: In this contribution six new species of Poeciloderrhis Stål, 1874 are described: P. aureolatus sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. mediansclerostylatus sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. diamantinensis sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Mato Grosso State), P. itatiaiensis sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. vanzolinii sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), and P. penduloides sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State). The genus is recorded for the first time from the state of Rondônia, Brazil based on P. diamantinensis sp. nov. A new combination is proposed for Poeciloderrhis bicolorata Rocha e Silva & Lopes, 1977 that is transferred to Epilampra Burmeister, 1838. For specific delimation, the tergal modification in the abdomen, the genital plates and their respective structures were analyzed. A key for males including all species of Poeciloderrhis is also given.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e14641

Authors: Adriana P. Rebolledo, Rachel Collin

Abstract: Although larval stages are often considered particularly vulnerable to stressors, for many marine invertebrates studies of thermal tolerance have focused on adults. Here we determined the upper thermal limit (LT50) of the zoea I of four Caribbean crab species (Macrocoeloma trispinosum, Aratus pisonii, Armases ricordi, and Minuca rapax) and compared their thermal tolerance over time and among species. The zoea from the subtidal species M. trispinosum and tree climbing mangrove species A. pisonii had a lower thermal tolerance, 35 and 38.5 °C respectively, than did the semiterrestrial A. ricordi and M. rapax. In all four species tested, the estimates of thermal tolerance depend on the duration of exposure to elevated temperatures. Longer exposures to thermal stress produce lower estimates of LT50, which decreased by ~1 °C from a two- to a six-hour exposure. Crab embryos develop on the abdomen of the mother until the larvae are ready to hatch. Therefore, the thermal tolerances of the embryos which need to coincide with the environmental conditions experienced by the adult stage, may carry over into the early zoea stage. Our results suggest that semiterrestrial species, in which embryos may need to withstand higher temperatures than embryos of subtidal species also produce larvae with higher thermal tolerances. Over the short term, the larvae of these tropical crab species can withstand significantly higher temperatures than those experienced in their marine habitat. Longer term rearing studies are necessary to determine the temperature at which chronic exposure has a negative impact on embryonic and larval survival.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12642

Authors: Marcela Osorio-Beristain, Angeles Rodríguez, Cristina Martínez-Garza, Raúl Ernesto Alcalá

Abstract: Flight initiation distance (FID), defined as the distance at which an individual flees from an approaching predator, might depend on how the individual perceives the risk of being predated. Using a standardized walking approach method on focal bird individuals, we investigated whether different levels of vegetation cover (habitat) influence the perception of predation risk. To do this, we worked in an area of tropical dry forest in central Mexico that is currently part of a restoration ecology experiment. We hypothesized that restoration decreases individual’s predation risk perception by increasing the complexity of the vegetation cover. The escape responses of three tropical birds with different diets and foraging strategies were also contrasted. There was no effect of habitat on FID, suggesting that birds in both habitats perceived predation risk in a similar manner. There was, however, a difference in FID among species: the Golden-cheeked Woodpecker tolerated closer human presence before flight than the Inca Dove and Streak-backed Oriole. This difference is likely due to the use of an alternative avoidance strategy of this species, which uses trunks for hiding. To decrease birds’ perceived predation risk, restoration intervention plans should include a mosaic of larger excluded plots located near relatively well-conserved sites to increase the area covered by vegetation.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e24569

Authors: Hermes Daros, William Barbosa Dutra, Charles Duca

Abstract: Existing knowledge of the breeding success and life history characteristics of most Neotropical bird species is scarce. Here, we help fill this gap by analyzing aspects of the breeding biology of the Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus (Vieillot, 1819), which is a good model for this kind of study as it is a common species occurring in various environments, including urban areas, but little is known about its life history. We provide results concerning the breeding period, clutch size, incubation and nestling periods, description of nests, eggs and nestlings, and the plants used for nest sites by this species. Fifty-four nests were monitored over two seasons (2012–2014) in a protected area in southeastern Brazil. Nesting began at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. The frequency of active nests varied according to variations in rainfall for each breeding season analyzed. The means and standard deviations of the incubation period (14.2 ± 1.9 days), nestling period (15.1 ± 0.8 days) and clutch size (2.5 ± 0.7 eggs) were similar to values reported for other Neotropical passerines. Twenty-one plant species used as nest trees and for the construction of the nests were identified. The results show that T. melancholicus is not highly selective when choosing plant species used for nest construction.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12898

Authors: Cynthia Diniz Souza, Vandick S. Batista, Nidia Noemi Fabré

Abstract: Seasonal ecological effects caused by temperature and photoperiod are typically considered minimal in the tropics. Nevertheless, annual climate cycles may still influence the distribution and abundance of tropical species. Here, we investigate whether seasonal patterns of precipitation and wind speed influence the structure of coastal fish assemblages and fishing yields in northeast Brazil. Research trips were conducted during the rainy and dry seasons using commercial boats and gear to sample the fish community. Diversity was analyzed using abundance Whittaker curves, diversity profiles and the Shannon index. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to analyze associations between the abundance of species and various environmental variables related to seasonality. A total of 2,373 fish were collected, representing 73 species from 34 families – 20 of which were classified as both frequent and abundant. Species richness was greater and more equitable during the rainy season than the dry season – driven by changes in the precipitation rather than to wind speed. Species diversity profiles were slightly greater during the rainy season than the dry season, but this difference was not statistically significant. Using PCA was identified three groups of species: the first associated with wind speed, the second with precipitation, and the third with a wide range of sampling environments. This latter group was the largest and most ecologically heterogeneous. We conclude that tropical coastal fish assemblages are largely influenced by local variables, and seasonally mediated by annual changes related to precipitation intensity and wind speed, which in turn influences fishery yields.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e24575

Authors: Thiago Maia-Carneiro, Gisele R. Winck, Mariana Rodrigues Pereira, Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha

Abstract: We investigated the daily activity and thermoregulatory body orientation of Mabuya macrorhyncha (Hoge, 1947), a lizard species that occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We conducted this investigation in a sandy coastal dune remnant (“restinga” ecosystem) in Grussaí, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the summer. The daily activity cycle of the lizards started around 6:00 am and ended before 7:00 pm. This is longer than observed in other populations of M. macrorhyncha (approximately 7:00 am to 5:00 pm). The activity cycle of the lizards was bimodal, with the first peak between 6:00 and 11:00 am and the second from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. This contrasts with observations on other populations of this species, which revealed an unimodal pattern. The mean body temperature of M. macrorhyncha in Grussaí was 34.2 ± 1.5 °C, which was comparatively higher than observed in other populations of the species. The differences in the daily activity and of body temperature of these lizards between our study and previous studies on this species may reflect environmental thermal conditions. The mean air and mean substrate temperatures when individuals were active were 27.8 and 30.5 °C respectively. Lizard orientation was significantly correlated with the direction of the solar incidence, suggesting that solar radiation, and particularly behavioral adjustments that maximize exposure to the sun, are important for the thermoregulation of M. macrorhyncha. Circular structures at the site, such as bromeliads, offer microhabitats with different orientations to the sunlight, favoring lizard thermoregulatory behaviors.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e24574

Authors: Nathalia Rocha Matias, Laura Verrastro

Abstract: Studies on the thermal biology of fossorial reptiles that examine the relationship between the body temperature and thermal environment are needed to determine the extent of their thermoregulation abilities. This study assessed the thermal biology of Amphisbaena munoai Klappenbach, 1969 in the rocky fields of the Rio Grande do Sul and in the laboratory. The body temperature of most individuals was between 24 and 30 °C, both in the field (n = 81) and laboratory (n = 19). More individuals were caught in winter (n = 55) and spring (n = 60) than in summer (n = 25) and fall (n = 45), and in spring, individuals showed similar nocturnal and diurnal activities. In the laboratory, we found individuals with body temperatures up to 5 °C higher than the ambient temperature (n = 4), suggesting that some physiological mechanisms participate in the thermoregulation of these animals. Amphisbaena munoai is a thigmothermic species that is capable of actively regulating its temperature by selecting microhabitats such that its various activities occur within an ideal temperature range. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of seasonality and diurnal and nocturnal variations on the thermoregulation of an amphisbaenid.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e24572

Authors: Ana Paula Fabio-Braga, Wilfried Klein

Abstract: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) represents the lowest level of metabolic activity capable to sustain homeostasis in an endotherm and is an important tool to compare metabolic rates of different species. Echimyidae is the most specious family within caviomorph rodents, however, little is known about the biology of its species, such as Trinomys setosus (Desmarest, 1817) and Clyomys bishopi (Ávila-Pires & Wutke, 1981), a ground and an underground dwelling echimyid, respectively. The ambient temperature and circadian effects on metabolic rate were evaluated through closed-system respirometry for these two species, as well as the circadian effects on CO2 production and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Trinomys setosus and C. bishopi showed the lowest metabolic rates (0.56 ± 0.02 mLO2.h-1.g-1 and 0.53 ± 0.03 mLO2.h-1.g-1, respectively) at 32 °C and during the light phase. Under laboratory conditions, T. setosus showed metabolic rate variation compatible with nocturnal activity, whereas C. bishopi activity cycle remains unclear. Both species showed BMR lower than expected by allometric regressions for rodents.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12906

Authors: Anita Studer, Marcelo Cardoso de Sousa, Begoña Barcena Goyena

Abstract: We present the results of a 26-year study on the breeding biology of the Short-tailed Antthrush, Chamaeza campanisona (Lichtenstein, 1823) in an Atlantic rainforest remnant of northeastern Brazil (Alagoas/Pernambuco). We followed the fate of 38 nests, of which 19 failed, 11 succeeded and 8 had an unknown fate. The presence of most nests coincided with the beginning of the rainy season in March/April but nests with eggs and/or chicks were found throughout the year, with no records only in January. Nests were placed inside natural tree cavities that result from broken branches and trunks. Both parents were engaged in feeding the chicks, their diet consisted mainly of insects, spiders, and some unidentified berries. All nests had a clutch size of two eggs. Incubation took 19 days and the mean nestling period was 20.75 days. Mayfield (1975) showed a survival rate of 31.87% and MARK 24.09%. Hotelling’s T2 revealed no differences in nest characteristics between successful and failed nests (p-value > 0.05). Linear models showed that the size of the entrance of the cavity and its height from ground are the main nest characteristics influencing the nesting success of C. campanisona.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e12975

Authors: Luciano Lazzarini Wolff, Norma Segatti Hahn

Abstract: Habitat conditions at multiple scales are one of the major factors structuring ichthyofauna. Thus, we analyzed the fish habitat associations along the headwater-mouth gradient of a coastal Atlantic stream. We categorized the sampling sites into habitat units, so that in the middle reach these categories were statistically differentiated into riffles, runs and pools. Samplings were carried out quarterly from May 2009 to February 2010 using electrofishing. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated an environmental gradient from higher water velocity and rocky bottom to deeper and sandy areas in the headwater-mouth direction. A total of 1,495 individuals belonging to 27 species were captured, being 13, 18 and 22 from headwater, middle and mouth reaches, respectively. Shannon diversity was slightly higher in the middle reach, while beta diversity showed higher rates of addition than turnover in species along the longitudinal gradient. Fish structure, evaluated by DCA (detrended correspondence analysis) scores, showed significant differences between upper reaches and mouth reach, but the middle riffles did not differ from headwater habitats. In the middle reach, mesohabitat analysis distinguished riffles, with higher abundance of fast-water crenuchids, from pools, with a higher abundance of lentic-water characids. These results suggest that environmental differences along the stream determine the wider structural patterns. However, the middle reach amassed species from upper areas and lowlands in structured fish mesohabitat associations, possibly implying distinct local ecological interactions. These findings contribute to the assessment of stream conservation status and to recognize eventual direct impacts on fish structures along longitudinal gradients.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e12277

Authors: César Valverde Castro, Eliana Buenaventura, Juan David Sánchez-Rodríguez, Marta Wolff

Abstract: Sarcophaginae is the most diverse subfamily of Sarcophagidae with 51 genera and more than 1,800 species and it is widely distributed in the Neotropical Region. Sarcophaginae flies of forest, rural, and urban habitats of the seven departments comprising the Colombian Guajira biogeographic province were surveyed. Van Someren Rydon traps baited with fermented fruit, decomposing fish, and human feces were active for 72 hours with samples collected every 12 hours (day/night) between 2010 and 2014. A total of 14,223 sarcophagines (78% females and 22% males) were collected, which belong to 28 species of nine genera. Oxyvinia excisa (Lopes, 1950) is a new record for Colombia. The richest genera were Oxysarcodexia Townsend, 1917 and Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, with eleven and nine species, respectively. Some of the species with the highest affinity to urban habitats were Oxysarcodexia bakeri (Aldrich, 1916), Oxysarcodexia aurata (Macquart, 1851), and Oxysarcodexia timida (Aldrich, 1916); to rural habitats were Oxysarcodexia diana (Lopes, 1933), Ravinia columbiana (Lopes, 1962), and Ravinia effrenata (Walker, 1861); and to forest habitats were Helicobia rapax (Walker, 1849), Oxysarcodexia avuncula (Lopes, 1933), and Oxysarcodexia major Lopes, 1946. We also discuss diet, habitat, and activity periods of the species. Species composition of Sarcophaginae in the Guajira province was very homogenous across the habitats, with the forest as the richest habitat. Scavenger habits of Sarcophaginae are confirmed, as well as their strong association with anthropic environments.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20785

Authors: Agustin M. Abba, Veronica V. Benitez, Santiago R. Doyle

Abstract: The aim of this work was to obtain the first estimates of survival rates (S), capture probability (p) and life expectancy for armadillos in South America by analyzing capture-mark-recapture data obtained from a population of Chaetophractus vellerosus (Gray, 1865) located in Magdalena, Buenos Aires, Argentina. From June 2006 to June 2011, we conducted 16 field surveys that resulted in 365 capture events of 152 adult C. vellerosus. For the survival analysis we used a Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) modelling framework. Interannual variation in S made an important contribution to overall variation in the survival rate of C. vellerosus. The average life expectancy for females and males after attaining sexual maturity was estimated at 1.70 and 1.65 years respectively. The period of lowest survival probability was associated with dry seasons that might have affected the availability of food. This study provides the first estimates of demographic parameters for xenarthrans in South America.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20782

Authors: Marcio Frazão Chaves, Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura, Fernanda das C.M.A. Tenório, Josemberg da S. Baptista, Clovis J.C. Lapa Neto, Valeria W. Texeira, Álvaro A.C. Texeira

Abstract: In the semi-arid environment, the reproductive success of anurans depends on adaptations in their life cycle, which synchronizes with ideal environmental conditions to maximize the number of offspring. In this study changes in the histological and morphometric aspects of the testes of Leptodactylus macrosternum Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926 are characterized, to evaluate the influence of rainfall and temperature on them. Specimens were collected at Horto Florestal Olho d’Água da Bica – HFOB (06°49’20”S, 36°15’85”W) area, municipality of Cuité, state of Paraíba, Brazil. Search for specimens was active, happened at night, and amounted to 15 days from January to December 2013. The densities of spermatids (primary and secondary), sperm and area of the seminiferous locules of the testes were registered. The influence of climate variables (rainfall and temperature) on the density of primary and secondary spermatids, sperm and locular area were verified using Simple Linear Regression. Primary spermatids had the lowest density in July (57.90 ± 51.54 mm2), with a peak in November (300.32 ± 117.35 mm2); secondary spermatids had the lowest density in December (287.87 ± 79.05 mm2), with a peak in May (135,727.00 ± 301.13 mm2); sperm was in the lowest density in July (237.37 ± 121.10 mm2), with a peak in June (2,270.45 ± 602.62 mm2) and the locular area had the lowest density in December (40,292.9 ± 8,174.20 µm2) and highest density in June (338,875.01 ± 2,262.10 µm2). A notable decrease in sperm density was evident between June and July. That, associated with the observation of a larger locular area in June, allowed us to identify as June as the peak of spermatogenesis and the following month as the most potentially reproductive. The density of secondary spermatids(r = 0.02), sperm (r = 0.21) and locular area (r = 0.01) showed dependency on rainfall whereas only sperm (r = 0.09) showed dependency on temperature. Therefore, we can state that the reproductive cycle of L. macrosternum is potentially continuous, with a reproductive peak in July.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20783

Authors: Luciane R. da Silva Mohr, Eduardo Périco, Vanda S. da Silva Fonseca, Alexsandro R. Mohr

Abstract: The Saffron-cowled Blackbird, Xanthopsar flavus (Gmelin, 1788), is a globally vulnerable icterid endemic to grasslands and open areas, and a priority species for research and conservation programs. This contribution provides information on the population size, habitat, behavior, breeding biology and nest success of X. flavus in two conservation units (CUs) in Viamão, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: the Environmental Protection Area Banhado Grande, and the Wildlife Refuge Banhado dos Pachecos, classified as an “Important Bird Area”. Searches for X. flavus were carried out mainly in open areas, the type of habitat favored by the species. Outside the breeding season individual behavior was recorded by the ad libitum method; during the breeding season, selected X. flavus pairs were observed following the sequence sampling method. The research areas were visited once a month, totaling approximately 530 hours of observations (September 2014 to June 2016) over 84 days, which included two breeding seasons. The species was observed across all months (not necessarily within the same year) and several X. flavus flocks were encountered, some with more than one hundred individuals (range = 2-137). Additionally, the behavior and feeding aspects, habitat use and breeding information on X. flavus were recorded. Two breeding colonies were found, and eleven nests were monitored. The estimated nesting success was 10% in Colony 1, but zero in Colony 2, where all eggs and nestlings were predated. Saffron-cowled Blackbirds were recorded in mixed flocks, mostly with Pseudoleistes guirahuro (Vieillot, 1819), P. virescens (Vieillot, 1819) and Xolmis dominicanus (Vieillot, 1823), the last also a globally endangered species. The collected information highlights the importance of CUs for the maintenance of X. flavus populations in the region. Maintenance of proper areas for feeding and breeding is necessary and urgent. Information from current research is being employed in the management plan of the Wildlife Refuge Banhado dos Pachecos in which X. flavus is one of the conservation target-species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20475

Authors: Lygia C. Ruas, André M. Vaz-dos-Santos

Abstract: The rough scad, Trachurus lathami Nichols, 1920, is a small pelagic species distributed along the West Atlantic coast. It is most abundant in the Southern Brazil (28°30’–34°S) and in the Southeastern Brazilian Bight (SEBB, 22°–28°30’S). The rough scad is fished by purse seines, which main target is the Brazilian sardine, Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879). Age and growth are vital to understand the life cycle of a species, to fishery management and ecosystem modeling. This study aimed to assess the age and growth of T. lathami, to identify its age structure in the SEBB, and to evaluate what causes the wide differences among Trachurus species in terms of body size and growth parameters. Data available on T. lathami was attained between 2008 and 2010 from surveys at SEBB. A total of 278 whole otoliths of T. lathami, total length between 27 mm and 208 mm, were analyzed and compared with the only other source of otolith data, from 1975. Three blind readings were performed and assessed using traditional methods to study fish age and growth. Zero up to eight rings were found, each ring corresponding to one year in the life of an individual of this species. The von Bertalanffy growth model parameters were L∞ = 211.90 mm and K = 0.319 year-1. The results of the analyses have shown similarities between 1975 and 2008-2010, indicating that the otolith development, the growth pattern and the age structure remained stable. T. lathami is the smallest species of Trachurus and it has the highest growth rates among them. This is probably related to the different temperatures where larvae/juvenile and adult grow, to the absence of a strong fishing pressure and to decadal population variability.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20173

Authors: Carolina Arruda Freire, Leonardo de P. Rios, Eloísa P. Giareta, Giovanna C. Castellano

Abstract: Palaemonid shrimps occur in the tropical and temperate regions of South America and the Indo-Pacific, in brackish/freshwater habitats, and marine coastal areas. They form a clade that recently (i.e., ~30 mya) invaded freshwater, and one included genus, Macrobrachium Bate, 1868, is especially successful in limnic habitats. Adult Macrobrachium acanthurus (Wiegmann, 1836) dwell in coastal freshwaters, have diadromous habit, and need brackish water to develop. Thus, they are widely recognized as euryhaline. Here we test how this species responds to a short-term exposure to increased salinity. We hypothesized that abrupt exposure to high salinity would result in reduced gill ventilation/perfusion and decreased oxygen consumption. Shrimps were subjected to control (0 psu) and experimental salinities (10, 20, 30 psu), for four and eight hours (n = 8 in each group). The water in the experimental containers was saturated with oxygen before the beginning of the experiment; aeration was interrupted before placing the shrimp in the experimental container. Dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia concentration, and pH were measured from the aquaria water, at the start and end of each experiment. After exposure, the shrimp’s hemolymph was sampled for lactate and osmolality assays. Muscle tissue was sampled for hydration content (Muscle Water Content, MWC). Oxygen consumption was not reduced and hemolymph lactate did not increase with increased salinity. The pH of the water decreased with time, under all conditions. Ammonia excretion decreased with increased salinity. Hemolymph osmolality and MWC remained stable at 10 and 20 psu, but osmolality increased (~50%) and MWC decreased (~4%) at 30 psu. The expected reduction in oxygen consumption was not observed. This shrimp is able to tolerate significant changes in water salt concentrations for a few hours by keeping its metabolism in aerobic mode, and putatively shutting down branchial salt uptake to avoid massive salt load, thus remaining strongly hyposmotic. Aerobic metabolism may be involved in the maintainance of cell volume, concomitant with reduced protein/aminoacid catabolism upon increase in salinity. More studies should be conducted to broaden our knowledge on palaemonid hyporegulation.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20477

Authors: Laura Gomez-Mesa, Juliane Pereira-Ribeiro, Átilla Colombo Ferreguetti, Marlon Almeida-Santos, Helena G. Bergallo, Carlos Frederico D. Rocha

Abstract: Presented is the first information on the ecological and reproductive aspects of the treefrog, Aparasphenodon brunoi Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920, living in ombrophilous forest areas of the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil. We recorded the species’ daily activity and over the course of a year, population density during the year, microhabitat usage, diet, and some reproductive features (quantity, diameter and mean mass of oocytes, mean reproductive effort of female). Field sampling was conducted monthly from June 2015 to July 2016. Searches for treefrogs were systematic, using visual encounter surveys along 14 plots RAPELD long term research modules established in the forest. For each captured individual, we recorded the hour, microhabitat used, and perch height. The diet of the population was ascertained based on 15 individuals collected outside the study plot areas. Treefrogs used seven different types of microhabitats in the forest but the preferred microhabitats were tree-trunks and lianas. The amount of accumulated rainfall and air temperature interacted to explain the number of A. brunoi individuals active throughout the year. The reproductive strategy for females of this comparatively large arboreal frog in the ombrophilous forest is to produce clutches with a large number (900.8 ± 358.1) of relatively small-sized eggs. We conclude that in the ombrophious forest of the Vale Natural Reserve, A. brunoi is a nocturnal arboreal treefrog active throughout the year but activity increases during the wet season as a result of increased precipitation. In the forest, treefrogs tend to perch mainly on tree-trunks and lianas about 1 m above ground, where it feeds preferably on relatively large bodied arthropod prey. When living in the ombrophilous forest of the Atlantic rainforest, A. brunoi may change some features of its ecology (e.g. marked difference in the use of bromeliads) compared to when living in restinga habitats.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e19985

Authors: Thiago S. Marques, Elizângela S. Brito, Neliton R.F. Lara, Luciana M. Beloto, Rafael M. Valadão, Plínio B. de Camargo, Luciano M. Verdade

Abstract: Ecological niche is the multidimensional space comprising the resources used by an organism. Intraspecific variation in resource exploitation is common in reptile populations to maximize coexistence of individuals. The use of stable isotope analysis is an effective tool when there are variations in resource exploitation, since it can provide quantitative information about food consumption and habitat use. Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Bour, 1973) is a medium-sized turtle with a limited distribution in south central Brazil and Paraguay. In spite of that, little is known about its ecology. In this study we used stable isotope analysis to understand the intraspecific trophic niche variation in M. vanderhaegei at Serra das Araras Ecological Station, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The isotopic ratios of δ15N and δ13C were determined in claw samples collected from 14 males and 14 females. Isotopic niche width values were not statistically different between the sexes, there was a high degree of overlap between sexual niches and there were no relationships between isotopic compositions and body size. These results suggest that individuals of both sexes and throughout their ontogenetic development exploit food resources with the same isotopic baseline.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e19989

Authors: Daniel Fernandes Perrella, Paulo V. Davanço, Leonardo S. Oliveira, Livia M.S. Sousa, Mercival R. Francisco

Abstract: Despite the fact that E. chlorotica (Linnaeus, 1766) is common and widely distributed in South America, the reproductive aspects of the species are poorly documented. Here we present data on 18 active nests found from August to February, between 2007 and 2012. Nests were globular with a lateral entrance, and measured 97.9 ± 14.4 mm in outside height, 110.6 ± 11.6 mm in outside diameter, and were 4.88 ± 2.09 m above ground. They were often supported from bellow and were composed mainly of tiny dry leafs and leaflets, fine petioles, and plumed seeds, all compacted with spider web silk. Eggs were laid on consecutive days or with one day interval, and clutch size varied from 1–3 eggs (2.1 ± 0.6, n = 9 nests). Only females incubated the eggs, but both sexes were involved in nest construction and nestling attendance at similar rates. Incubation and nestling periods were 14 and 21 days, respectively, and overall nest survival probability was 5%. A vespiary used for nesting was not occupied by wasps and nest material was deposited only to form the incubatory chamber. Although nesting near wasps or bees is a widespread strategy among birds in general, nesting inside the nests of social insects is a poorly documented behavior.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e19987

Authors: Carina Argañaraz, Raquel M. Gleiser

Abstract: Urbanization has a great impact on the diversity of living organisms. Spiders, for example, have been shown to respond negatively (some orb weaving species) and positively (ground dwelling species) to urbanization. The effects of urbanization on crab spiders (Thomisidae) (sit-and-wait predators that generally ambush their prey on flowers and leaves) are not sufficiently known. This paper describes the Thomisidae community that inhabits green patches in a temperate Neotropical city, Cordoba, Argentina, and its surroundings, and ascertains whether there are differences in species richness, abundance and composition between urban and exurban sites. Samples were collected from 30 sites during the summer and spring of 2013 and 2014, using the garden-vacuum method. We compared the abundance, richness and composition of Thomisidae among three habitat categories (urban, suburban and external). Seven species in three genera, Misumenops, Wechselia and Tmarus, were detected. Misumenops was the most abundant genus in Córdoba, and Tmarus elongates Mello-Leitão, 1929 was collected in Argentina for the first time. The abundance, richness and composition of thomisid spiders did not differ between habitat categories, indicating that urbanization does not have a negative effect on the communities of these spiders in open green spaces. Site variability, on the other hand, does, suggesting that local factors may be more relevant than broad-scale factors to explain community patterns in this family.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e19988

Authors: Guilherme Liberato da Silva, Maicon H. Metzelthin, Tairis Da-Costa, Matheus Rocha, Darliane E. Silva, Noeli J. Ferla, Onilda S. da Silva

Abstract: Many studies have revealed that water mite communities can be affected by the physical and chemical parameters of the water. The similarity between the water ‘mite assemblages in local water bodies and in irrigated rice areas can be a way to measure the water conditions, enabling an assessment of the anthropic impact in the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of water mites in lakes and irrigated rice fields in south Brazil. To accomplish that we characterized the distinctive environments using physical and chemical variables such as pH, turbidity (NTU), water temperature (°C) and dissolved oxygen (mg/L), in order to verify the influence of these abiotic factors on the species composition of water mite communities; and to compare water mite abundance, richness and composition among different habitats. We assessed three native lakes and four sites with irrigated rice cultivation. Our results showed, for the first time in Brazil, strong correlations between the water mite fauna and turbidity. In addition, native lakes were richer and had greater mite abundance when compared with the irrigated rice areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e14882

Authors: Kei K. Suzuki, Tomoya Yoshida, Yutaka Yamane, Tatsuki Shimamoto, Ryuji G. Furukawa, Hisashi Yanagawa

Abstract: Describing the interactions among cavity breeders is key to understanding their breeding ecology. In this study the temporal difference in cavity use between the great tit, Parus major (Linnaeus, 1758) and the small Japanese field mice, Apodemus argenteus (Temminck, 1845) is investigated, as a first step for clarifying the interaction between bird and mammal cavity breeders. Forty-seven nest boxes were installed on tree trunks in two urban forests of Hokkaido Island, Japan, and the breeding nests of tits and mice were found in 34 and 11 boxes, respectively. The tits used the nest boxes throughout the breeding season, from May to July. In contrast, mice breeding nests were found in the last half of the breeding season, from July to October. Our results showed that field mice rarely used boxes during the tits’ breeding season. This study provides important information, such as temporal differences in breeding site use between tits and mice.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e13731

Authors: Renata C. Lima-Gomes, Jô de Farias Lima, Célio Magalhães

Abstract: The morphology of stomach ossicles of decapod crustaceans provides valuable information on their phylogeny and biology. We herein described ten new ossicles in the foreguts of two trichodactylid crabs, Sylviocarcinus pictus (H. Milne-Edwards, 1853) and Valdivia serrata White, 1847, in addition to previously described 38 ossicles, which are also recognized and listed. Five specimens each of S. pictus and V. serrata were selected for morphological analysis of gastric ossicles. The stomachs were obtained after removing the carapace, and they were fixed in 10% formalin for 24 hours. After this procedure, the stomachs were immersed in a solution of 10% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) and heated to 100 °C during 60 minutes for tissue maceration. At this point, the clean skeletons were colored by adding 1% Alizarin Red to the KOH solution in order to facilitate visualization of the internal structures such as the setae and ossicles. The ten new ossicles are: dorsomedial cardiac plate; dorsolateral cardiac plate; suprapectineal lateral ossicle; inferior cardiac valve; lateral mesopyloric ossicle; ampullary roof-medium portion ossicle; process of the ampullary roof-upper portion; lateral-inferior post-ampullary plate; pleuro-pyloric valve’s ossicle; and lateral pleuro-pyloric plate. Some ossicles are thin plates that together with the main ossicles assist in the structure and support of the stomach, which are similar in the two species studied herein. The current knowledge on gastric ossicles will be useful in establishing taxonomic characters, which can evaluate phylogenetic relationships among brachyuran crabs.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e13728

Authors: Vinicius R. Tonetti, Marco A. Rego, André C. De Luca, Pedro F. Develey, Fábio Schunck, Luís F. Silveira

Abstract: Stretching for more than 10,000 ha in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, Serra da Cantareira comprises the largest native urban rainforest in the World, harboring a rich and diverse Atlantic Forest avifauna. Despite its closeness to major urban areas, few bird surveys have been conducted there. In this article we present an updated compilation of all bird species recorded for Serra da Cantareira, including personal records from the authors. A total of 326 species have been recorded for Serra da Cantareira since 1901; of these, nine have not been sighted there for the last two decades. The number of bird species endemic to the Atlantic Forest is high (80), and seven of its species are globally threatened. According to multivariate analyses the species diversity at Serra da Cantareira is similar to other regions of the Atlantic Forest, such as Carlos Botelho and Intervales state parks, where the vegetation is also ombrophilous dense forest. We discuss local changes in the avifaunal composition over the last decades and suggest the incorporation of large forest remnants to the Cantareira State Park to mitigate the impact of the northern section of Rodoanel Mário Covas, a highway (SP-21) that will soon be operational and will negatively impact the biodiversity of Serra da Cantareira.

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DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e13732

Authors: Camila G. Torquetti, Marcos Xavier Silva, Sônia A. Talamoni

Abstract: Since bats shelter in roosts during their period of diurnal inactivity, the quality and availability of roosts are important aspects of their ecology. Karst areas have great potential for the availability of day roosts, since they form caves, which serve as bat shelters. Here we characterize the caves used by bats in a preserved karst area of Southeastern Brazil. Using logistic regression analysis we identified the cave characteristics that influence bat occupation. Sixty-six caves were characterized based on measurements of internal height and width, height and width of the entrance(s) of the cave, number of entrances, maximum horizontal development of cave, and internal temperature and humidity. In nineteen months we found 14 species in 32 caves. Most species were eventually recorded in multiple caves, with the exception of D. rotundus, G. soricina and A. planirostris, which were always found in the same caves. Desmodus rotundus showed maternity roost fidelity. We found no differences in microclimate between the caves that are occupied and those that are not. In other words, the microclimate of the caves studied herein can be characterized as stable over the years. The only predictor affecting the presence of bats in the study area was the cave’s maximum horizontal development: the caves that are occupied have greater horizontal development. Based on our results, we conclude that bats occupy many of the caves and that some species are more frequent in certain caves than in others, including some roosts that are used as maternity roosts. These findings indicate that these caves are important resources for the bats in the karst environment studied, and should be preserved.

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