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The Many-colored Rush Tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra) and Wren-like Rushbird (Phleocryptes melanops) are birds that inhabit the subtropical salt marshes of Brazil, a newly recognized ecosystem of tidal marshes. We studied the habitat selection of these species in the subtropical salt marshes, characterizing the vegetation types where the species did and did not occur in the same habitats. The species occurred in a total of four very simplified vegetation types, characterized by the dominance of one or two plant species, including Schoenoplectus californicus, Crinum americanum, Cladium jamaicense, and Typha domingensis. We found that the habitats selected by the birds have very specific phytophysiognomic characteristics related to vegetation height and density. Moreover, the lower altitudes of certain areas of occurrence implies longer and higher flooding during periods of high tides; thus, the greater height of the vegetation maintains an above-water-level foraging and protective area for the birds. The fact that subtropical salt marshes are a transitional ecosystem suggests the possibility of rapid changes in plant succession or an intensification of the tropicalization process with mangrove expansion, which could eliminate habitat characteristics that are crucial to the survival of these two bird species in the subtropical salt marshes of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three hundred seventy-seven specimens, distributed in 13 species of mosquitoes, were collected between June and November 2011 in a forest area in the Parque Natural do Vale do Rio do Peixe, Municipality of Joaçaba, Santa Catarina. The three most abundant species were: Aedes crinifer (62.3%), Psorophora ferox (23.6%) e Trichoprosopon pallidiventer (5.1%). Regarding to the abundance and richness of mosquitoes according to the month, it was found that October had the highest abundance of mosquitoes (33.34%), followed by August (23.34%) and November (20.42 %). Concerning to the richness, October had the highest number of species (11), followed by November (9) and August (6). It was also observed the abundance and richness of the collection schedules, and the time between 11 am and 12 am showed higher abundance and richness. In contrast, the time of lowest abundance and richness was from 8 am to 9 am. Three species of Culicidae were firstly reported to the Santa Catarina State (Mansonia indubitans, Sabethes whitmani and Wyeomyia sabethea). The possible medical and veterinary significance of the findings is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Subtropical Doradito ( Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) is a small tyrannid that breeds in shrubby marshlands of South America. Post-breeding migration occurs in both mountain and lowland populations, but little is known of the destination(s) of these birds. Subtropical Doraditos have recently been found during the southern winter, or non-breeding season, in several localities in southern Amazonian Brazil and the Pantanal, with four reports from coastal Brazil. Our observations and censuses in coastal marshes of southeast and southern Brazil have produced eight records of Subtropical Doradito in the states of Paraná and São Paulo. In light of comparison with other Brazilian records compiled for this study, we suggest that coastal winterers are likely latitudinal migrants from geographically restricted breeding grounds in the Pampas of Argentina. In addition, we discuss conservation problems for the Subtropical Doradito in coastal wintering areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Brazilian Parasitengona belonging to the genera Callidosoma Womersley, 1936 and Durenia Vercammen-Grandjean, 1955 are described from larvae associated with, respectively, Lepidoptera and Culicidae. Updated keys for larvae of both genera and Scanning Electron Microscopy pictures of Callidosoma selmae sp. nov. are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]