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A new species of the genus Cryptolestes Ganglbauer (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Laemophloeidae) is described in this paper from specimens collected in Pederneiras, São Paulo state, Brazil. Cryptolestes pederneirensis sp. nov. is diagnosed, illustrated and compared to its most similar congeners with a modified antennal scape. Additional records are also given for four species of the genus, two of which, namely C. spectabilis Thomas and C. thomasi Hauth and Bremer, are recorded for the first time in Brazil. New morphological data is provided by describing the male genitalia of these two species, as well as the hitherto unknown female of C. spectabilis. The pre-existing key to species of Cryptolestes is modified at the first steps to include C. pederneirensis sp. nov., C. robinclarkei Thomas, and C. thomasi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ilha Grande Bay is considered an area of extreme biological importance for the conservation of Brazilian biodiversity. While monitoring the macroinvertebrate ascidian-dwellers around Ilha Grande Bay, an undescribed commensal species of the amphipod family Leucothoidae was discovered. In this paper, we describe the new species of Leucothoe, associated with the ascidiacean Phallusia nigra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity and natural history of Cassidinae s. str (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), popularly known as tortoise beetles, were recorded in a 335 ha remnant area of Atlantic Forest in Passa Quatro, south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is the first inventory with beetles conducted within this conservation unit. Tortoise beetles and their host plants were collected manually at weekly visits conducted between November 2015 and December 2017. Biological and behavioural characteristics of these organisms were obtained. Forty-six species of tortoise beetles were identified, belonging to 23 genera and five tribes. New records include 13 species of cassidines for the state of Minas Gerais, the first host plant 22 record for nine species of beetles, and 15 new host plants for ten species of cassidines. The most common tribes were Cassidini (n = 22) and Mesomphaliini (n = 20). Identification of host plants was possible, at least at the family level, for 40 of the 46 cassidine species collected. The dominant host plant families were Convolvulaceae (43%) and Asteraceae (19%). The biological and behavioural findings are discussed by relating them to the defensive mechanisms that have been described or hypothesised previously in the literature. The present paper is a novel contribution to the tortoise beetle diversity studies in Brazil, as well as their natural history and life cycle within the Atlantic Forest, a diverse and endangered Neotropical biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Antpipit is a terrestrial insectivore passerine that ranges in the undergrowth of semideciduous forests in central South America. Despite the historical interest on its disputed systematic position, no detailed study about its natural history is available. In this paper, we studied its territorial and breeding biology in southeastern Brazil. We studied colour-banded birds and closely monitored the nests found, estimating the home range using two distinct methods, the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and the Kernel Density Estimator (KDE). The nest (n = 4) is a dome, somewhat elliptical in shape and with a side entrance, placed on the forest litter. Its structural layer is built with unidentified vegetable fibres, leaf petioles and horsehair fungus, and the external decorative layer is built with dry leaves and mosses. No well-defined lining layer was observed. Two eggs are usually laid and incubation, done solely by the female, lasts for 17 days. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge when 14–15 days old. Our data, together with citizen science data, reveal that the breeding season extends from August to December, therefore from the end of the dry season to the middle of the wet season. A mean home range size of 1.08 ± 0.44 ha was estimated using the MCP and of 1.42 ± 0.47 ha using the KDE (n = 9). The home range is defended against conspecifics, thus characterising an all-purpose territory, which is hold throughout the year, possibly during the entire reproductive life of the male. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dry-forest Sabrewing Campylopterus calcirupicola is a recently described species of hummingbird endemic to the seasonally dry forests of eastern Brazil. In this paper, we describe for the first time the nest of the species based on seven breeding attempts recorded in the municipality of Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais. The nest is cup-shaped and built with plant down strengthened with arthropod silk, with abundant moss and some lichens on its exterior. The clutch size is of two white eggs. Nests are placed within limestone caves or arches, close to watercourses. We suggest that this unusual nest site is a possible adaptation to breed in the hot and seasonally dry habitat of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcophaginae is a large subfamily of sarcophagid flies (Diptera: Calyptratae: Oestroidea: Sarcophagidae) which have diverse habits, mainly sarcosaprophagous, and have forensic and sanitary importance. This is the first work that analyzes the fauna of Sarcophaginae exclusively in the Humid Chaco ecoregion where diversity of flies has scarcely been studied. This inventory was based on: a) samplings at different locations in the province of Chaco, Argentina, and in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; b) examination of entomological collections and c) bibliographic records. Sixty-two species of Sarcophaginae flies are included in this paper, of which 31 species are recorded for the first time in the Humid Chaco ecoregion. Ten species are new records for Argentina, two for Brazil and three for Paraguay. Lepidodexia (Neophytodes) lindneri Townsend, 1931, Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) adelina Mulieri, Schaefer, Duré and González, 2018, Lepidodexia (Pachygraphomima) lenti Lopes, 1980, Oxysarcodexia berthet Dufek and Mulieri, 2017, Oxysarcodexia ibera Dufek and Mulieri, 2017 and Retrocitomyia paraguayensis Lopes, 1985 are registered as endemic species of the Humid Chaco ecoregion. Species with forensically and sanitary importance are listed. Some comments on species distribution previously published in catalogues are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manakins (Pipridae) are a group of Neotropical birds well known for their spectacular lekking displays and non-monogamous mating system. Nevertheless, the two species of Antilophia have been traditionally considered monogamous and, therefore, an exception to this rule. In this paper, we studied the home range and the mating system of a colour-ringed population of the Helmeted Manakin Antilophia galeata in southeastern Brazil. We propose that it is a non-monogamous species that ranges widely during the breeding season, presenting a lekking behaviour in the form of unspectacular but aggressive chasing courtship displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iphigenia brasiliensis (Lamarck, 1818) is a species of bivalve of the family Donacidae Fleming, 1828 which inhabits unconsolidated substrata and occurs in Brazil between 0°07ʹ04ʺS, 49°23ʹ17ʺW and 29º19ʹ46ʺS, 49º42ʹ39ʺW, and is also found in Florida (USA), Suriname and parts of the Caribbean sea. As an estuarine species it is subject to a wide range of environmental variables usually presenting considerable variation in morphological traits and genetic composition. In this paper, the presence and type of asymmetry in the species was inferred based on measures from left and right valves and genetic variation was assessed by means of allozymes electrophoresis. The assessment of levels of asymmetry and genetic variation was done in three different localities and two environments (Channel and Mangrove). The results indicate the generalized presence of asymmetry, which varied between directional (DA) and fluctuating (FA) depending on the environment. Associations between FA and genetic variation were statistically significant on the dependence of the measure assessed. Thus, we present information on the levels of asymmetry and genetic variation of natural populations of I. brasiliensis which may be useful to research and management of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper primarily aims to test a Pleistocene refuge-type scenario, as previously proposed for the gonyleptidGeraeocormobius sylvarum, a semi-deciduous forests dweller in subtropical Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Palaeodistributional models of this species were built using MaxEnt for two Last Glacial Maximum (LGM = 21,000 years ago) simulations – Community Climate System Model (CCSM) and Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC) – and for 6000 years ago (−6k = HCO, the Holocene climatic optimum). Both LGM models retrieved a fragmented pattern. For CCSM, range was split into multiple, scattered fragments. MIROC resulted in very few patches, with a decided range reduction because of a strong humidity drop. Models for −6k recovered a moderate range expansion. No past connection between the core area and the yungas was predicted. Analysis of variables importance showed that two precipitation predictors (bc18, precipitation warmest quarter; bc14, precipitation driest month) and two temperature predictors (bc7, temperature annual range; bc9, mean temperature driest quarter) scored as the most influencing overall. The Limiting Factor analysis recognized them as limiting too, in different parts of the species range. LGM palaeomodels ofG. sylvarumare compatible with the refuge hypothesis invoked in previous molecular analyses, to explain the high genetic diversity found in the core area. Additionally, the results reinforced the hypothesis of the recent anthropogenic origin of the yungas disjunct populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altogether,CoronatellaandHexalona-branches are considered the main lineages of Aloninae – a subfamily of common bottom-dwelling microcrustaceans in freshwater environments. Although the taxonomic features of Brazilian members of theHexalona-branch have been summarised for species from thecostata-group andaffinis-group, a revision of other widely distributed species in the world is still lacking in this country. The aim of this paper was to study the morphology of Brazilian populations from theguttata-group andintermedia-group, and to describe a new genus from theHexalona-branch. The parthenogenetic females ofAlonacf.guttatafrom Brazil have similar morphology when compared to data from the literature, but the armature of the terminal claw of its males seems to be different from those ofAlona guttatasensu stricto,Alona barbulataandAlona werestschagini. Theintermedia-group is formed byAlona elisaesp. nov., which seems to be endemic to the Cerrado of Brazil Central, andAlona isabellaesp. nov., which is widely distributed in Brazil; this species has a labral keel armed with 2–4 setulae, and postabdomen with setulae of lateral fascicles longer than the level of marginal denticles, morphological traits that differentiate it fromAlona elisaesp. nov. Another endemic species from theHexalona-branch isPrenda arvensisgen. nov. and sp. nov., which has two main head pores, a reduced seta on endite 1 of the first limb, sixth limb is a wide lobe. The potential of biodiversity from theHexalona-branch from Brazil is still underestimated, and a global revision of theguttata-group andintermedia-group is very important for the progress of Aloninae taxonomy and systematics. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0A2E4A30-0C9C-43E8-8E72-1DEDA6AFF3C3 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Callibaetis Eaton remains poorly known in South America. Some of the species in the genus are difficult to identify with confidence and most are known only at the adult stage. In this paper we increase the number of species known to occur in Brazil from 11 to 18; diagnoses of species are improved; five new species are described based on nymphs and reared adults of both genders (C. calloventer sp. nov.,C. cruentus sp. nov.,C. gelidus sp. nov.,C. itannae sp. nov., C. nigracyclus sp. nov.); first records of two species are reported from Brazil (C. gonzalezi and C. sellacki); descriptions of unknown stages are made (C. gonzalezi male imago and C. jocosus nymph); redescriptions of known stage are provided for male and female imago of C. jocosus. Based on these data, keys for nymph, male and female imago are proposed for Brazil.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:019D55A5-8979-4D9A-BB16-CB1451C8DF1B [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AmeroseiusBerlese is the most numerous genus of family Ameroseiidae Evans (in Hughes 1961). Species of this genus have been reported from many regions around the world. A few species of this genus are known from Brazil.Ameroseius mineiroNarita, Bernardi and Moraes, sp. nov. is described based on the morphology of adult females and males collected from guano in caves of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This is the secondAmeroseiusspecies described from Brazil. The holotypes ofAmeroseius plumosus(Oudemans) andAmeroseius plumigera(Oudemans) were examined, given their close similarity with the species described in this paper, and they are here redescribed. A key is provided to separate these and other most similar species.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:17A7D831-EC49-4D65-B06B-5E13EF52C696 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe the first species of the genus Cyta from Brazil, Cyta troglodyta sp. nov., with a key to the world species of the genus. New records of mites of the family Bdellidae are reported from caves in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life histories of four species of sympatric Brazilian Cerurinae (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), belonging to the recently erected genus Americerura St Laurent and Goldstein, are fully documented from egg to adult. During fieldwork targeting Cerurinae in Rio Grande do Sul, we were able to obtain eggs of the four species known to occur in the state. No immature stages of any of the four species had previously been reared or illustrated in the literature. One of the species, Americerura brasiliensis St Laurent, Carvalho, and Orlandin sp. n., is described as new and is a close relative of the North and Central American A. rarata (Walker). The other species reared herein are A. argynnis (Schaus), A. rivera (Schaus) and A. splendens (Jones), all endemics of South America. All four species feed on Salicaceae, as is typical of the subfamily. We document multiple colour forms and individual larval variation in all species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tettigoniidae is the most diverse family within Orthoptera; its species inhabit forests all over the world, with the tropical and subtropical forests hosting the greatest number of species. Brazil is the country with the largest remnants of preserved forests, and is the country with the most recorded species of katydids. Even so, only two faunistic inventories have been carried out, both in the Atlantic Forest. The main objective of this work was to provide a faunistic inventory of Tettigoniidae in the Guartelá State Park, Paraná State, Southern Brazil, a park that preserves both the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. In this contribution 57 species of Tettigoniidae were recorded, with Phaneropterinae being the most diverse subfamily, represented by 36 species; Conocephalinae was represented by 19 species, whereas Meconematinae and Pseudophyllinae had only one species each. Among these species, five are new and are herein described: Conocephalus (Anisoptera) guartela sp. nov. (Conocephalinae: Conocephalini), Anaulacomera (Cervicercora) melloi sp. nov., Anaulacomera (Anaulacomera) szinwelskii sp. nov. (Phaneropterinae: Phaneropterini), Anisophya hemanuelae sp. nov., and Xenicola nunoi sp. nov. (Phaneropterinae: Odonturini). The calling songs of three of the new species were also recorded and are herein described and discussed, as well as the sounds of all species of the subgenus Conocephalus (Anisoptera). The relationship of some katydid species to plants is also described and discussed, as well as the feeding habits and other aspects of natural history, and the presence of some species in the driest areas of the park, representing the Cerrado, the biome with the lowest number of tetigonids recorded so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great diversity of small fish species inhabiting shallow aquatic biotopes of the South American Atlantic Forest have been reported in recent years, but records of interstitial catfishes of the genus Listrura for the southern subtropical Brazilian region are still rare. During field inventories in this region, two new species were collected, which are herein described. The new species are distinguished from congeners by a combination of morphological characters, including caudal peduncle morphology, number of vertebrae, relative position of fins, and bone morphology. The findings here described indicate that the scarcity of records of Listrura for the subtropical Atlantic Forest is probably due to the absence of collecting efforts in specialised biotopes, since species of Listrura are leaf litter dwellers. Both new species are probably more closely related to L. depinnai than to other congeners as all three uniquely possess an expanded skin fold supporting the procurrent caudal-fin rays, making the caudal peduncle deeper than the body region anterior to the dorsal and anal fins. However, only one of the new species shares with L. depinnai the presence of a process on the dorsal surface of the autopalatine articular facet for the mesethmoid, a condition not occurring in any other congener. The two new species are easily distinguished from L. depinnai by the absence of a dorsal fin in the latter species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of feather mites (Acariformes: Astigmata: Analgoidea) are described from the yellow-rumped cacique, Cacicus cela (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Icteridae), in Brazil: Proctophyllodes truncatilobus sp. nov., Amerodectes gracilisimilis sp. nov., (Proctophyllodidae), Trouessartia cacica sp. nov. (Trouessartiidae), and Mesalgoides brasiliensis sp. nov. (Psoroptoididae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the diversity of Cerambycidae in three phytophysiognomies, one of Cerrado (cerradão) and two of Atlantic Forest (freshwater swamp forest and semideciduous seasonal forest) within the Municipal Botanical Garden of Bauru (central São Paulo State, Brazil), a relevant preservation area. Ceramybycidae, one of the most diverse beetle families, are important bioindicators due to their intimate relationship with their host plants. They have great ecological importance as one of the major groups of decomposers. Despite having a crucial role in forest ecosystems, detailed faunistic studies of the family are scarce. Sampling of adult Cerambycidae was conducted with malaise traps from October 2019 to September 2020. In total, we collected 69 species, mostly belonging to Cerambycinae and Lamiinae. Isomerida vittata (Pascoe, 1858) was the most abundant species. Species accumulation curves show sufficient sampling effort. We found higher abundances during the spring–summer period, indicating a seasonal distribution pattern. A comparison of species composition among the three areas showed that cerradão and semideciduous seasonal forest are more similar; a lower similarity was calculated between freshwater swamp forest and semideciduous seasonal forest. Diversity profiles show that the cerradão is the most diverse area and freshwater swamp forests have the highest evenness. Our study is one of the few survey studies of Cerambycidae in large remnant areas of the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest and provides primary data on this taxon which may help to develop future conservation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of the genus Cleantiodes are described from Tamandaré Bay, Pernambuco, Brazil. They were collected with light traps near a reef area of the Marine Protected Area 'Costa dos Corais'. Cleantioides garciachartoni sp. nov., C. pandemus sp. nov. and C. tamandarensis sp. nov. are distinguished from their congeners mainly by the shape of the pleotelson and the ornamentation of the pereopods. The genus Cleantioides is recorded for the first time from the south-western Atlantic, while the family Holognathidae is recorded for the first time from the Brazilian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nothotrioza is a small genus of jumping plant lice comprising three described species in Brazil and one in the USA (Florida) that induce galls on the leaves of their myrtaceous hosts. The galls of the Brazilian species are globoid and associated with Psidium spp.; those from Florida are pouch galls on Mosiera. Here we describe two new species from Brazil, Nothotrioza acuminata Burckhardt sp. nov. from Psidium laruotteanum and N. camptyla Burckhardt sp. nov. from P. rufum. Both species induce globoid galls similar to those of the other Brazilian species. The new taxa are diagnosed and illustrated, and identification keys for adults and the last-instar immatures are provided for all known species. The presence of mummies in the material of the new species suggests that they are as heavily parasitised as reported for the Brazilian species N. cattleiani Burckhardt and N. myrtoidis Burckhardt. Our data suggest that Nothotrioza species are monophagous with narrow geographical ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp.) are known to prey upon frogs, no study has attempted to document the frequency and seasonal patterns of such events. In this study, we compiled data on frog predation by black lion tamarins, Leontopithecus chrysopygus, in south-eastern Brazil between 2014 and 2020. We investigated the effects of seasonality on predation rate and described the behaviour of the lion tamarins. In 1972 observation hours, we recorded 49 frog predation events. Predation was more intense in the beginning (April and May) and the end (August and September) of the dry season, suggesting seasonal variation. The observed pattern may be related to a combination of increased fruit availability in the rainy season and decreased frog activity in the height of the dry season. Compared to Saguinus mystax, the only other tamarin species for which there is available data, predation rate of anurans by black lion tamarins is five times higher. We suggest that frogs are an important item in the diet of black lion tamarins and reinforce the idea that vertebrate predation in some primates is seasonal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt to analyse the taxonomy of the genus Solaropsis, aiming to allocate a new species collected in Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve, Laranjal do Jari, Amapá State, Brazil, revealed that a nebula of uncertainties surrounds the genus, from the family level to the validity of several species. An initial taxonomic treatment is given for some taxa herein, resulting in modifications such as S. pellisserpentis (Gmelin, 1791) as an objective synonym of S. undata ([Lightfoot], 1786); and S. cicatricata (Beck, 1853) as the oldest name of the depression-bearing species. This taxonomic treatment is intended only to allow the description of the new species. Solaropsis caperata is, thus, introduced, having as its main distinguishing features the globose shell, strongly depressed half a whorl before the peristome, slightly convex whorls, large aperture and umbilicus, and cream colour with brown spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the sharpshooter Cavichiana bromelicola Mejdalani et al., 2014 is herein investigated, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in order to describe changes that occur along the five nymphal stadia. We recorded various kinds of integumentary sensilla, including a sensillum coeloconicum located in the interommatidial spaces. Unfertilised or preoviposition eggs are also briefly described. Biological notes are provided based on observations carried out during the collecting work of nymphs and adults in the Bromeliad Collection of Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil. A list of known bromeliad host species of this sharpshooter is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here the taxonomic revision of Mecocephala Dallas, 1851 and Paramecocephala Benvegnú, 1968 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae), updating the genitalic terminology. A differential diagnosis of each genus and all of its members is provided, and a new species of Paramecocephala is described from a female: P. helenae sp. nov. from Brazil. Photographs of type specimens and genitalia, species occurrence maps with new records, and an updated key for species of both genera are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the diet of the Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis in Lagoa do Peixe lagoon, a contranuptial area. The diet was evaluated through the analyses of undigested structures present in 91 droppings collected in feeding sites around the lagoon. It was possible to identify 268 prey items that belonged to six taxa (Calanoida, Laeonereis acuta, Alitta succinea, Nereis sp., Diptera, and Ostracoda). The most frequent prey in the faeces samples of the Chilean Flamingo were Calanoida, Laeonereis acuta, Alitta succinea, and Nereis sp. Additionally, through the analyses of sediment and water samples, we characterised the potential prey available for the Chilean Flamingo in the lagoon. All available taxa that were confirmed as prey items in the faecal samples of the Chilean Flamingo were observed in high abundances during the spring, summer, and the beginning of autumn in the environmental samples. Despite the effectiveness of the microscopical faecal analysis, the method may underestimate soft-body prey and reduce the number of identified taxa in the faecal samples. Therefore, the use of complementary methodologies, such as stable isotope analysis and molecular techniques, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of invertebrates that are able to surpass the capture mechanisms of carnivorous pitcher plants are rare. This work records for the first time land snails living inside the pitchers of Nepenthes graciliflora, a pitcher plant endemic to the Philippines widely sold in Brazil. These gastropods were found adhered in the slippery zone of pitcher and were identified as Gastrocopta pellucida hordeacella, extending ca. 500 Km the southern limit of this species in Brazil. The possible mechanisms that allow this interaction and their implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lagoa do Peixe National Park in southern Brazil is an important contranuptial site for many bird species, including Chilean Flamingos that come from Andean highlands and the South Atlantic coast, mainly during the southern hemisphere winter, and is the only site where Chilean flamingos can be seen all year long. Despite that, the information about ecology and behaviour of the flamingos in the region is still scarce and incomplete. With that in mind, we aim to construct a behavioural repertoire of this population of wild Chilean Flamingos, which can be used in conservation and management actions, future research and for educational purposes. Between May and November 2019, we made focal observation of the individuals of the park, totalising 99.8 h. We observed 41 different behaviours divided in 5 major categories: Feeding, Locomotion, Maintenance, Agonistic Social and Non-Agonistic Social. Our records confirmed behavioural observations made by other studies in flamingo behaviour, but we also registered new behaviours for the first time in the area, like the occurrence of synchronised behaviours of flamingo flocks. We also recorded a variety of feeding and maintenance behaviours that indicate the influence of environmental and populational variables on the behaviours of the species. Our data demonstrate the differences among captive and wild population behaviours, reinforce the relevance of behavioural studies in contranuptial areas and the importance of these areas to the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a new species from Colombia A. (Lobidion) fedescobari sp. nov. is described based on a single male and two females. Additionally, the species Ateuchus (Lobidion) punctatissimus Génier (2010) is re-described based on new morphological characters. Among Ateuchus, Lobidion species share a unique character, namely the sixth ventrite bearing one or two posterior processes. Based on the above the subgenus Lobidion is re-described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lizards can display several defensive behaviours. Here, we describe defensive behaviours of Coleodactylus meridionalis (Meridian Gecko) in an Atlantic Forest fragment in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, using pitfall traps with drift fences and time-limited diurnal and nocturnal search method. We also tested if body size and sex predict the incidence of caudal autotomy. We recorded six antipredatory behaviours in 253 individuals. Hiding was the most common behaviour, followed by immobility, locomotory escape, caudal autotomy, cloacal discharge, and jumping escape. Of the 223 individuals collected for analysis of caudal autotomy, nearly half of them had autotomised tails. About 55% of individuals with autotomised tail were found with a regenerating tail. The tail had at least two points of autotomy: a distal one and a basal one. Regardless the sex of individuals, the probability of autotomy decreased as body size increases. Our results can guide future studies on behavioural ecology of this lizard species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated checklist of the Omorgus species from Brazil is presented. Seven species are recorded, one of which, Omorgus borrei, is a new record for the country. Geographic distribution and diagnoses for all these species are reviewed, and an identification key is presented. Photographs of the type specimens of the most valid names are included and lectotype is designated to O. borrei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous insects have their density limited by biotic and abiotic factors, which influence their survival. For subsocial tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) little is known about natural history and what factors affect their densities, although they are promising models for ecological and evolutionary studies. We described (1) the biology, behaviour and natural enemies of Omaspides (P.) brunneosignata Boheman 1854 (Cassidinae: Mesomphaliini); (2) its population density, and (3) the possible correlation between its density and climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) and host plant, Ipomoea syringifolia Meisn. 1869 (Convolvulaceae). The study was conducted in the Floresta Nacional de Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from: October/2010 to May/2011, to investigate the species life cycle and the population dynamics, correlating the density to the climatic variables and from October/2016 to January/2018, when population dynamics was monitored again, and the density was correlated to the climatic variables and phenology of the host plant. Parental care was observed only by the female of O. (P.) brunneosignata, which cares for the offspring for approximately 48 days, the total duration of immature development. Maternal care was fundamental in the egg stage, because in the absence of the female, all the egg masses were predated, mainly by ants. Immatures were predated and/or parasitised by Hymenoptera (ants, wasps) and Coccinellidae beetles. Omaspides (P.) brunneosignata is a bivoltine species, being abundant during the hot and rainy months and not being observed in the dry and cold season, a similar pattern to that of other cassidines of mountainous tropical areas in Brazil. The density did not correlate with the climatic variables or with the leaf density of the host plant. Other factors are discussed as possible causes for the population fluctuation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distinctive new species of the Neotropical stingless bee genus Paratrigona Schwarz from northeastern Brazil, previously considered as a variation within P. lineata by Camargo and Moure (1994), is described and illustrated. Paratrigona intermedia Oliveira, Madella-Auricchio & Freitas sp. nov. belongs to the lineata group. It is easily distinguished from its congeners by the pattern of body pubescence, especially by the absence of erect setae on the mesoscutum and disc of the mesoscutellum, and the presence of erect setae on the apical border of the mesoscutellum (dorsal and ventral surfaces) and sparse short erect setae on the upper 2/3 of the mesepisternum. The lectotype designation for Melipona lineata Lepeletier, 1836 is provided along with notes on its morphology and the concept of Paratrigona lineata is changed to differentiate it from the new species described here. Paratrigona lineata (Lepeletier, 1836), P. glabella Camargo & Moure, 1994 and P. incerta Camargo & Moure, 1994 are illustrated to facilitate comparisons with the new species. An updated key to the lineata species group, including the new species, is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus, Lasalleistichus, is described based on material from the Neotropical region (Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru). This new genus includes four species: L. albiclava, L. albifasciatus, L. fuscicoxa, L. longicaulis, all spp. n. and described here. The group is mainly female based, males are known only for L. albiclava. There is no biological information available for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are charismatic insects that have been fruitful model systems in biotechnology. However, lack of information about firefly taxonomy and ecology renders species identification a hard task, especially in the Neotropical region, where fireflies are most diverse. A major gap in the literature on Neotropical fireflies is the lack of knowledge on species' ecological niches and habitats, which are fundamental aspects for understanding their biology. Here, we provide an annotated checklist of the firefly fauna of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range (Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil), with information on the natural history of each species. We assembled data in three ways: monthly sampling with Malaise traps and active search along an elevational transect from 130 to 2,170 m, over 2 years (2014–2016), extensive field observations, and extracted from historical species records for the Serra dos Órgãos from museum specimens in key collections in Brazil and Europe. We provide a taxonomic key to the genera recorded in the region, and a differential diagnosis for each species, highlighting key references for each taxon. We report 58 species representing 21 genera, making the Serra dos Órgãos one of the richest firefly hotspots on Earth. Most species are restricted to one or two habitat types and/or just one of the regional seasons (warm or cool), and many were only collected either by malaise traps or active search, underlining the importance of sampling different habitat types and seasons, and using different sampling methods when surveying fireflies. Out of the 51 species observed in the field, 49 were active either during the day or the night, although two species – Photuris elliptica and Pyrogaster nigrolineatus – were active in both periods, which is rare in fireflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is primarily directed to the most poorly known species of the genus Trichomycterus, comprising five nominal species (T. florensis, T. immaculatus, T. nigricans, T. paquequerensis and T. santaeritae) endemic to south-eastern Brazil. One of them, T. nigricans, is the type species of the genus, involved in taxonomic problems for over 150 years. A detailed historical review, accompanied by examination of type specimens and recent collections, revealed that the correct type locality of T. nigricans is in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, not Santa Catarina as commonly appears in the literature; specimens previously misidentified as T. nigricans from Santa Catarina belong to a possibly undescribed species of the genus Cambeva; T. paquequerensis is a synonym of T. immaculatus, and T. florensis is a synonym of T. santaeritae; and the hypothesis that T. santaeritae is closely related to the Amazon Sarcoglanidinae is refuted. The three valid species are redescribed. These species are members of a clade also including T. caipora that is highly supported by molecular data, diagnosed by a pronounced posterior maxillary process and caudal fin emarginate at least in larger specimens. A subclade comprising T. caipora, T. nigricans and T. santaeritae is diagnosed by a long maxilla and a bifid anterior extremity of hypobranchial 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic monitoring provides the opportunity to study ecological processes that are difficult to assess with traditional surveys. Elachistocleis matogrosso is an anuran species, described in 2010, for which limited biological information is available. This study investigated the calling activity of the species in the north-eastern portion of the Pantanal, Brazil, a wetland area with marked seasonality between the dry and wet seasons. The calling activity of E. matogrosso was monitored using automated digital recorders in combination with automated signal recognition software over two different annual cycles. The species was vocally active only during the wet season (October – April), with a peak in November-December during the 2013–2014 annual cycle and in February-March during the 2015–2016 annual cycle. The peak calling activity occurred at dusk. This species has nocturnal habits and an explosive breeding activity. The detection of the species was intermittent, which suggests that environmental predictors or site-specific conditions might play an important role in species detection. Moreover, this intermittent occupancy indicated that surveys that employ traditional field techniques would likely fail to detect this species. We describe an effective protocol for detecting E. matogrosso with acoustic monitoring, which requires recording during 20 days in February from 17:01 to 05:00. Our procedure would be easy to adapt to other anuran species, and it could be used for investigating new localities and assessing population changes over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Pseudopaludicola includes small-sized anurans, widely distributed throughout South America. Twenty-three out of the 25 species occur in Brazil. Although described more than a century ago, from mid-southern Mato Grosso state, central Brazil, Pseudopaludicola ameghini is poorly known. Here we describe the characteristics of reproductive site, amplexus, egg-laying behaviour, eggs and tadpoles of P. ameghini based on specimens and observations performed in the vicinities of the type locality. Pairs of P. ameghini reproduce in shallow and slow groundwater established on hydromorphic terrains, in open environments amidst the Brazilian Cerrado savanna. Reproductive activity occurred between 17:00 and 21:00 h at two sites studied from December 2013 to April 2014. Amplexus is axillary. Eggs are spherical, with a mean diameter of 5.1 mm (yolk plus jelly envelope). Oviposition occurs in shallow sites at a depth of nearly 2.0 cm. Females deposit their eggs one at a time, directly onto sediment at the bottom of waterbodies or attached to submerged vegetation. The tadpole body is oval in dorsal view and globular/depressed in lateral view; eyes are large and dorsally positioned. Nares are large, round, with a small apophysis on marginal rim, dorsally positioned, near the eyes. The spiracle is short, with posterodorsal opening. The oral disc is anteroventral, emarginated laterally, with one dorsal and two ventral gaps; the tooth row formula is 2(2)/2(1), and the upper jaw sheath is 'arc' shaped. Pseudopaludicola ameghini has a unique behaviour of oviposition among members of the genus. The differences in reproductive pattern and larval characteristics of P. mystacalis and P. ameghini reinforce the taxonomic validity of the latter, questioned until recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Limnoporeia is described. The material examined was collected on the scope of the Mini Biological Trawl Project, off southeastern Brazil's coast on the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, ranging from 34 to 72 metres depth. Limnoporeia infirmichelatasp. nov. is diagnosed by: head with short rostrum; gnathopods weakly chelate; gnathopod 1, propodus wider than long; gnathopod 2, basis posterodistal corner with a long plumose seta; telson with 1 stout seta on each lobe. This is the first record of the genus for the Atlantic Ocean. An identification key is provided for all world species of Limnoporeia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of bopyrid isopods of the Bopyrinae subfamily are recorded from new localities and hosts in northeastern Brazil. Parabopyrella lata (Nierstrasz and Brender à Brandis, 1929) was recorded from the state of Ceará, found for the first time parasitising the caridean shrimp Alpheus packardii Kingsley, 1880. In addition, Probopyrus cf. pandalicola (Packard, 1879) is recorded from the state of Bahia, parasitising the palaemonid shrimp Palaemon northropi (Rankin, 1898). Taxonomic comments are provided for each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thraupis is a genus of the American endemic Thraupidae (subfamily Thraupinae), comprising seven species that inhabit tropical forests to urban centres. The Sayaca Tanager (Thraupis sayaca) is a disturbance-tolerant species of high representativeness in plant-frugivore networks, but information on its breeding biology is scarce and often restricted to non-systematic surveys. We studied the breeding biology of the T. sayaca, following 39 active nests in a periurban area of southeast Brazil during two breeding seasons (2017/2018, 2018/2019). The breeding season ranged from early September to middle December, and the nests were placed in native and exotic plants and human buildings (nest height above ground: 3.35 ± 1.73 m, mean ± SD). Only females incubated and brooded, but both adults built the nests, fed the nestlings, and removed their faecal sacs. Clutch size was 2.86 ± 0.38 eggs and nest attentiveness was 71.2%. The incubation and nestling periods were, respectively, 13.4 and 17.4 days. Males and females did not differ on nestling provisioning and nest sanitation rates. Nestling provisioning (13.35 ± 6.25 trips/hour) increased with nestling age, while mean brooding time was 37.2% and decreased with nestling age. Apparent nest success was 38.7%, and nest survival according to the Mayfield method was 27.2%. Five nests (20.8%) were parasitised by the Shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis), and we recorded five events of nest-site reuse. We concluded that the most remarkable breeding traits of T. sayaca in comparison with close-related tanagers are the use of anthropogenic nest sites, the higher clutch size and number of feeding trips, and the longer nestling period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichomycterid catfishes of the Sarcoglanidinae, which includes small-sized species living in sandy river substratum, have been poorly represented in collections. We herein describe two new species of the sarcoglanidine genus Microcambeva, endemic to river basins draining the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The presence of a distal widening on the posterior process of the autopalatine and a rudimentary anterior autopalatine ossification shared by the two new species, M. mucuriensis sp. nov. from the Rio Mucuri and M. jucuensis sp. nov. from the Rio Jucu basin, and M. draco from the Rio Jucuruçu basin indicates that these three species are more closely related to each other than to other congeners. Microcambeva mucuriensis seems to be more closely related to M. draco than to M. jucuensis in that the first two species share the presence of a well-developed anterior process of the interopercle. The two new species are also distinguished from congeners by the number of opercular odontodes and premaxillary teeth, and the relative size of the sesamoid supraorbital. Available evidence taken from this study and previous reports indicates that different sarcoglanidine lineages have adapted to live in distinct riverine habitats, with species of Atlantic Forest Microcambeva inhabiting clearwater streams and Amazonian sarcoglanidines found in tea-stained acidic-water streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus of the tribe Deltochilini, Atlantemolanumnew genus, endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, is proposed here to include two species formerly described in the genus Deltochilum based on the unique morphologic characters shared by Deltochilum riehli = Atlantemolanum riehli (Harold 1868) new combination and Deltochilum costalimai = Atlantemolanum costalimai (Pereira and D'Andretta 1955) new combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lectotype for Pogonocherus setosus Audinet-Serville (currently Cosmotomidius setosus) is designated. Cosmotomidius Melzer is transferred from Pogonocherini Mulsant to Acanthoderini Thomson, and the retention of the former tribe is questioned and discussed. The differences between Cosmotomidius and Zikanita Lane are discussed. A new genus and species of Acanthoderini are described from Brazil (Espírito Santo), and a new species of Zikanita is described from Brazil (São Paulo). The differences between the male and female of Zikanita perpulchra are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gray-headed tody-flycatcher Todirostrum poliocephalum is a passerine endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. We describe the nest and nesting behaviour of this species and investigate geographical variation in breeding traits in the genus using data from the literature, museum collections, and citizen science projects. We located 21 nests of the gray-headed tody-flycatcher, 13 of which we monitored. Nest height above the ground averaged 3.3 ± 3.4 m (n = 21). Nests were built over a 16.8 ± 5.6-day period (n = 6) by both adults. Clutch sizes ranged from two to three eggs, with a mean of 2.9 ± 0.3 eggs (n = 10). Eggs measured 16.6 ± 0.5 × 12.0 ± 0.5 mm (n = 23) and weighed 1.1 ± 0.1 g (n = 19). Mean incubation period was 17 days (n = 3) and mean nestling period was 15.5 days (n = 2). Apparent reproductive success was 30.8%, with predation being the primary cause of nest failure (46.1%). Mayfield's reproductive success was 25.9%, and daily survival rates for eggs and nestlings were 0.957 and 0.971, respectively. Clutch sizes increased with latitude, but temperature and precipitation seasonality had very low importance in explaining clutch size variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neosophia Guimarães is a monotypic genus with Neotropical distribution that belongs to the tribe Sophiini. Neosophia guimaraesi sp. nov. from Amazonas, Brazil, and Neosophia bispinosa sp. nov. from Costa Rica are new species described for this genus. The female of Neoeuantha sabroskyi Guimarães, 1982 is described for the first time. First-instar larvae and illustrations of the female terminalia are described and illustrated for both new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pale-bellied Tyrant-manakin (Neopelma pallescens) inhabits semi-deciduous and riparian forests in central-north South America. Contrary to most manakins, there is no evident sexual dichromatism in the species and little is known about its breeding biology. We studied the breeding biology of a colour-banded population of the species from August to December 2016 and from August to October 2017 in the Campus Florestal of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, south-eastern Brazil. The breeding season extended from early September to late November. The species is promiscuous, with males exhibiting simple courtship displays (exploded leks) in individual arenas. The nest (n = 13) is a cup attached by its top lip between forked branches and is very simple, with a structural layer made with dry grass stems and heads, attached to the branch with spider silk. The outer and lining layers are absent. The mean clutch size was 1.8 eggs (n = 11), which are oval and pale coloured, covered with spots of different shades of brown, often concentrated in the larger pole. Mean egg length and width (± SD) were 21.0 ± 0.9 × 15.8 ± 0.7 mm (n = 14) and the mean weight was 2.8 ± 0.4 g (n = 10). The incubation period could not be estimated, but the nestling period was 15 days (n = 2). The simple percentage of successful nests was 15.4%, with 76.9% of the nests depredated and 7.7% abandoned. This is the first detailed study about the breeding biology of any Neopelma species, providing relevant data for the study of the evolution of life history strategies not only for the genus, but for the whole family Pipridae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedychridiumis recorded for the first time for Brazil. A new species from southeastern Brazil,Hedychridium periotoisp. nov., is described and illustrated. So far, the single species known to South America has beenHedychridium argentinumBuysson, which is restricted to the western and southern parts of Argentina. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C0D66A84-3168-478D-9AC5-5EC3B4EB32FC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adults of the tree-climbing crabAratus pisoniioccur in estuarine regions with a range of salinity of 0–35. However, the larvae cannot complete the development in a wide range of salinities. A study about the effect of salinity on the larval development was conducted in order to infer about adult dispersion and occurrence in a wide range of salinity. Two experiments were conducted: (1) from zoae I to megalopae stage and (2) from megalopa to juvenile stage. Larvae from eight females from Paranaguá Bay, Paraná, Brazil were obtained. After eclosion, for the first experiment, 100 zoea larvae from five females were acclimated, individualized and transferred to small aquariums with five distinct salinity treatments (S0, S5, S15, S25 and S35). For the second experiment, 50 megalopae from three females were individualized in aquariums in the same salinity treatments. Both experiments were conducted in incubator BOD with a constant temperature of 25°C and photoperiod of 12 hours (light/dark). Larvae were fed daily with eggs and naupli newly hatched ofArtemiasp. The salinity affected the survival rate during the development in both experiments. Higher survival from zoea I to megalopa stage occurred in salinities 25 and 35 PSU, while from megalopa to juvenile stage in salinities 15 and 25 PSU. In both experiments the larvae did not tolerate low salinities as adults, with total mortality in S0 and S5. Our results suggest that the species have a larval export strategy of zoae larvae to oceanic regions (higher salinities) and megalopae needed to return to estuarine areas with intermediate salinities to complete the development. The occurrence of adults in estuarine areas with low (< 5 PSU) or high (> 25 PSU) salinities most likely occur after the metamorphosis to the juvenile stage by terrestrial dispersion or at the stage of megalopa (marine dispersion) during favourable weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that Brazil is the most-studied country regarding helminths of amphibians, only around 8% of Brazilian anurans have had at least one study made of their helminth fauna. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the helminth community of nine species of Atlantic Rainforest anurans of two different families, eight of them with no previous study, and six of which are endemic to Brazil. The analysed hosts for their parasites were:Dendropsophus minutus(n = 48),Scinax auratus(n = 36),D. branneri(n = 33),D. elegans(n = 26),Hypsiboas albomarginatus(n = 22),Pithecopus nordestinus(n = 19),D. decipiens(n = 12),D. haddadi(n = 11) andS. x-signatus(n = 11). A total of 781 helminths were collected from 106 (48.6%) of 218 analysed hosts, 656Centrorhyncussp. cystacanths and 125 nematodes: 76 adults (25Cosmocercasp.; three Cosmocerceidae gen. sp.; 20Cosmocerca parva, 20Cosmocercella phyllomedusae, fiveAplectanasp., twoOswaldocruziasp. and oneRhabdiassp.), 43 encysted larvae (ninePorrocaecumsp. and 34Brevimulticaecumsp.) and sixPhysalopterasp. larvae. Anurans may display many roles within the helminth life cycles, as they act as both predator and prey to a wide variety of animals. Consequently, we have found helminths that use anurans as definitive, intermediate and paratenic hosts. Opposing other surveys in which nematodes are the most prevalent and abundant parasites, acanthocephalans were the most prevalent taxa. These findings highlight the lack of knowledge regarding the helminth fauna of anurans and reveal many gaps with respect to their infection patterns in amphibians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lined Seedeater (Sporophila lineola) is a migratory species that inhabits a variety of open habitats in South America. We studied the breeding biology and territorial behaviour of a colour-banded population of the species in the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Campus Florestal (1–19,8808ºS, –44,4136ºW), during two breeding seasons (2014/2015 and 2015/2016), which spans from December to April. We monitored 74 nests of this species. The nest is a low cup supported between a fork. Nests are mainly built with grass stems and rootlets, with spider-web used to hold the material together and to bind the nest to its supporting plant. Females are solely responsible for nest building and incubation, which is synchronic, and also for feeding nestlings to a large extent. Males are responsible for defending the territory, which corresponds to a small portion of the home range restricted to the nest environs, and also feed the nestlings. Mean clutch size is two eggs (78% of nests monitored), with clutches of three (20.3%) and four (1.7%) eggs also observed. Eggs are whitish, covered with dark brown blotches and spots to a variable extent. Mean incubation period, considered as the period between the onset of incubation and hatching of the first egg, is 11 days. Nestling period, considered as the period between hatching of the first egg and fledging of the last young, is 10 days. During the first breeding season, the simple percentage of successful nests was 34.1%, while the Mayfield success was 29.8%, with slightly higher values observed during the second breeding season, with 39.4% and 35.7%, respectively. We recorded, for the first time, three cases of polygamy in the species. We also recorded breeding site fidelity for the first time in the species, with males returning to the same territory owned in a previous breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]