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One of the most common environmental impacts that has caused irreversible effects on ecosystems is the introduction of exotic species. In addition to the ecological disasters that can be caused, such as the decline and extinction of native species, this phenomenon can generate significant economic losses and the possibility of the spread of parasites that are transmitted by these exotic species. These processes can be accentuated by climate change, which over time alters the global distribution pattern of the affected species, generating cases of niche overlap with species that share similar niches. In this sense, the knowledge about the areas with possible occurrence these species can direct the monitoring and control measures. In this study, we developed current and future prediction models to identify areas of suitability in the Neotropics for Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) and nine species of mollusks native to the American continent using the ecological niche modeling tool. In addition, we evaluated the ecological niche overlap between the invasive species and the native species of freshwater mollusks to verify whether the effects of climate change would alter the distribution of these organisms. The following methodological procedures were adopted to prepare the forecasting models: records of occurrence of the mollusks in different databases and search of environmental data for climate conditions in current and future scenarios in WorldClim 2.0 (SSP2-4.5 and SSP2-8.5). Besides, modeling procedures using seven packages of R software, evaluation of the models using the true skill statistic (TSS) metric, construction of maps and quantification and overlapping of ecological niche of the species included in the analysis. The results indicated that several areas of the Neotropics are suitable for the occurrence of M. tuberculata in the current scenarios. Moreover, the suitable areas for its occurrence will probably be expanded in both future scenarios. For native species, there were significant differences in relation to the areas of suitability, with a reduction for some species. Niche similarity tests indicated significant overlap only between M. tuberculata and the planorbid Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848). We discuss that the expansion of M. tuberculata can have negative consequences, including the reduction of native gastropod species and the spread of trematodes of medical and veterinary importance that this mollusk can transmit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new genera and two species of Desmiphorini are described from Mexico: Evrysoma cinereumgen. n., sp. n. from Querétaro and San Luis Potosí; Kuklimia balamgen. n., sp. n. from Chiapas. Diagnostic characters of the new species are discussed and photographs of the type material are provided. A key to Mexican genera of Desmiphorini is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Atractodes is a cosmopolitan genus of Darwin wasps, belonging to the subfamily Phygadeuontinae. We started the revision of the Neotropical species in previous studies, with the stablishment of four species-groups. Here we address the fourth group, the A. podocarpus species-group, with the description of 24 new species: A. antennator sp. nov. , A. areolator sp. nov. , A. brevibasalis sp. nov. , A. mesoamericanus sp. nov. and A. monteverdensis sp. nov. from Central America; A. cabecar sp. nov. , A. puntarenae sp. nov. , A. taciturnus sp. nov. and A. tapantiensis sp. nov. from Costa Rica; A. aureus sp. nov. from Colombia; A. cuscoensis sp. nov. and A. longitergum sp. nov. from Peru; A. ecuadorensis sp. nov. , A. flavescens sp. nov. , A. flagellator sp. nov. , A. longigena sp. nov. , A. napoensis sp. nov. , A. paramoensis sp. nov. , A. podocarpus sp. nov. and A. thyridiator sp. nov. from Ecuador; A. pubescens sp. nov. from Costa Rica and Ecuador; A. epomiae sp. nov. and A. longibasalis sp. nov. from Venezuela; and A. crassiflagellator sp. nov. from South America. Keys to the species-groups and the species of the A. podocarpus species-group, as well as distribution maps of all Neotropical species are provided. The record of A. altoandinus Bordera, Mazón & Sääksjärvi, 2016, described from "Chile, La Raya, 4300 m", is revised and attributed to La Raya pass, Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two recent fieldwork expeditions to Peru and Ecuador resulted in the finding of two Carex species (C. hypsipedos and C. sanctae-marthae) previously known from a single collection each, and of uncertain morphological and systematic affinities. We performed phylogenetic analyses using barcode molecular markers and a detailed morphological comparison among the new specimens and the original collections. A BLAST search was used to obtain the preliminary infrageneric affinities of problematic samples. Phylogenetic results confirmed the adscription of these species to two sectional Carex groups: Carex sect. Racemosae (subg. Carex) for C. hypsipedos and Carex sect. Junciformes (subg. Psyllophorae) for C. sanctae-marthae. Morphological revision revealed unique traits in C. hypsipedos, especially geocarpy, here strikingly reported for the first time for the genus Carex. On the other hand, the careful comparison of the new materials of C. sanctae-marthae revealed unequivocal affinities with the type, confirming its identity as this species. Our work illustrated that for the understanding of poorly known groups, such as these two Neotropical Carex, integrative approaches combining basic biosystematics tools are still very necessary: field and herbaria surveys and DNA barcode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Deforestation and land degradation resulting from intense land use activities pose a significant threat to neotropical forests. Ecological restoration (ER) as an alternative to mitigate the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services remains a global challenge and priority. Nucleation is a technique aimed at creating microhabitats that facilitate natural regeneration and expand interactions among organisms, promoting ecological succession. Although the formation of tree islands (applied nucleation) is frequently used due to its cost-effectiveness compared to other ER alternatives, the implementation of nucleation in neotropical forests faces challenges that range from defining precise objectives to scaling up in large areas. Our work provides a comprehensive overview of nucleation alternatives for restoring tropical forest areas, evaluating 1) their rationale, conditions and benefits; 2) theoretical and experimental studies, and 3) challenges for their application in different restoration scenarios. We have found that nucleation is an adaptable restoration model suitable for scenarios with varying recovery potential and capable of achieving multiple objectives through different techniques. While current studies have primarily focused on short-term comparisons between applied nucleation and other strategies, issues such as species composition and selection, alternative configurations for combining techniques, and large-scale implementation have received little attention. We recommend that the implementation and monitoring of nucleation be guided by experimentation within projects and that future research should focus on incorporating alternative treatments for adaptive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An update on the diversity and distribution of Caponiidae from Peru is presented. New distributional records for Caponina cajabamba Platnick, 1994 are given and the male is described for the first time. Additionally, three new species of the genus Nyetnops Platnick & Lise, 2007 are described: Nyetnops alexanderi Villarreal & Martínez sp. nov. (♂♀), Nyetnops madre Villarreal & Martínez sp. nov. (♂♀) and Nyetnops josei Villarreal & Martínez sp. nov. (♂). The taxonomic key proposed by Sánchez-Ruiz et al. (2020) for Nyetnops is updated to include all the described species as well as the new ones proposed herein. Maps showing the distribution of the records of Caponiidae species in Peru, mainly focused on the genus Nyetnops is included.

Three new species of Neotropiella Handschin, 1942 are described from Southeastern Brazil. Remarks are made in respect to the diagnosis of the genus and some of the species described up to date. The species Neotropiella barbatae sp. nov. and N. macunaimae sp. nov. belong to a complex of species with serrated chaetae. The other new species, N. insularis sp. nov., is the second of the genus that has bi- or trilobed vesicles on the PAO. Observations on the chaetotaxy of Abd VI of the new species can bring new insights to the taxonomy of the genus. A comparative table including all the species described to date is provided.

Parasitoids are an important group of insects because their species number is among the highest. Multiple studies have addressed the relationships between forest successional age and insect diversity by focusing on herbivorous organisms, but changes in diversity of parasitoids are still poorly known. This work analyses the diversity of parasitoids in tropical forests representing three successional stages. A total of 30 traps were placed, ten in each forest successional stages. We estimated true diversity of Ichneumonidae species and guilds and explored the relationship between their diversity and the abundance of plant species using an Indicator Species Analysis; the relationship between parasitoid species and plant richness and abundance was tested using a Redundancy Analysis. A total of 1522 individuals and 168 morpho-species were captured in four months. Species richness showed no differences; however, parasitoid abundance was higher in young forest, while intermediate forest had the highest true diversity values (1 D) with 71.6 effective species. According to insect guilds, richness, abundance, and diversity were similar in the three vegetation successional stages. This finding may be explained based on the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, which postulates that moderate disturbance levels favor the highest diversity. In conclusion, successional age matters, i.e., diversity is the highest in intermediate stages, while the old forests harbors guilds unique to that successional stage, such as parasitoids of melitophagous larvae of bees. Other successional stages were characterized by a single species of parasitoid, belonging to the genera Eiphosoma and Anomalon, which may indicate altered and preserved forests, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the study of wild silkmoths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) has increased exponentially due to the intense sampling effort and the use of molecular evidence for species delimitation, which led to the description of numerous new taxa especially from the Neotropic. Given these rapid advances, the checklist of the Colombian Saturniidae needs to be updated to cover the taxonomy, distribution, and diversity of these moths in the country. After an extensive review of literature, data repositories, and collections, an updated and comprehensive list of Saturniidae from Colombia is presented, including their occurrence status in each Colombian department. The checklist includes 7 subfamilies, 55 genera, and 790 taxa (766 in species rank) of Saturniidae in Colombia. Current distribution data show that the genus Winbrechlinia, the subgenus Darylesia, 379 species, and 18 subspecies are endemic to Colombia. Moreover, a dichotomic key to the Colombian subfamilies is provided. A few taxonomic changes are proposed based on a thorough taxonomic revision of the Colombian taxa. This revision also addresses the issue of outdated species names reported in the first checklist of Colombian Saturniidae (Amarillo-Suárez 2000) and excludes old records of taxa that are considered dubious for Colombia based on new evidence. By presenting an updated list of Colombian species, including the newly described taxa, this study aims at eliminating confusion stemming from outdated names and provides a useful resource for researching and conservating Saturniidae in Colombia. We wish to offer a common reference for future studies on the biodiversity and biogeography of moths in the Neotropical realm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neotropicomus australis var. porulosus is characterized macroscopically by the small basidiomata, the dark reddish brown, slightly viscid and scrobiculate pileus with unchanging context, the greenish and unchanging hymenophore with small (≤0.5 mm in diam.) pores and the brownish stipe with unchanging context, creamy towards the base and fibrillose. Microscopically, the variety is characterized by pale to slightly dark yellowish basidiospores of 11.7–13.3(–13.8) × 4.1–5.1 µm, a pileipellis as epithelium consisting of erect to suberect then sometimes very slightly intertwined chains of aggregated globose, subglobose to ellipsoid cells, a phylloporoid tube trama, subparallel to barely divergent, and some caulocystidia with apex bearing an elongate cylindrical projection. The new taxon is described here from the Caatinga biome, in a 'brejo de altitude' forest in the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco. Thus, this is the first record of this genus from northeastern Brazil. We also propose here a modification of the genus to include small-pore specimens, and a new combination of Xerocumus globuliger with Neotropicomus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This review explores the evolution of extant South American tropical biomes, focusing on when and why they developed. Tropical vegetation experienced a radical transformation from being dominated by non‐angiosperms at the onset of the Cretaceous to full angiosperm dominance nowadays. Cretaceous tropical biomes do not have extant equivalents; lowland forests, dominated mainly by gymnosperms and ferns, lacked a closed canopy. This condition was radically transformed following the massive extinction event at the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary. The extant lowland tropical rainforests first developed at the onset of the Cenozoic with a multistratified forest, an angiosperm‐dominated closed canopy, and the dominance of the main families of the tropics including legumes. Cenozoic rainforest diversity has increased during global warming and decreased during global cooling. Tropical dry forests emerged at least by the late Eocene, whereas other Neotropical biomes including tropical savannas, montane forests, páramo/puna, and xerophytic forest are much younger, greatly expanding during the late Neogene, probably at the onset of the Quaternary, at the expense of the rainforest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Intropica is the property of Revista Intropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Research on urban biodiversity has primarily addressed the effects of urbanization and human activity synergistically as it has been virtually impossible to dissociate their impact on city wildlife. However, the anthropause resulting from COVID–19 lockdowns provided an unprecedented scenario to study the relative role of human activity on avian communities. Here we provide evidence of the relationships between human activity and bird species richness in urban areas of Colombia during its strict and subsequent relaxed lockdowns. Once the strict lockdown was lifted and human activity increased, avian species richness decreased by 32 % in 46 % of our sampling sites. Although the strict lockdown lasted only six weeks, local assemblages (mainly from low–intensity urbanization peri–urban sites) swiftly became more diverse. Our findings highlight the importance of taking human activity into account when planning cities, with important focus on greenspaces, if our aim is to conserve and enhance urban biodiversity. Such plans will require not only the cooperation of local governments but also greater awareness among the local population regarding the importance of creating livable, healthy, biodiverse, and resilient cities.

A characterization of the trophic groups of the invertebrate communities in three streams and channels of the alluvial plains of the Colombian Orinoquia is presented. The sampling of the communities was carried out in three streams during July (2016), October (2016), and January (2017). Physicochemical [temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (mg l-1 O2), pH, conductivity (μS cm-1), ammonia (μg l-1 NH4+), and phosphates (μg l-1PO4-)] and hydrological (flow m3 s-1) variables were measured. In 50 m reaches of each sampling site, five samples of macroinvertebrates were taken in rocky substrates. Organisms were identified, and diversity was determined using the Shannon index. The comparison between sampling points was made using the Morisita-Horn index and the multivariate analysis between temporality, physicochemical variables, and organisms was performed with the Redundancy Analysis (RDA). The stomach contents of the collected individuals were identified for the more representative genera, and each genus was assigned to a specific trophic group according to their intestinal contents and mouthparts. The Collectors-Gatherers were the most abundant group in the three streams, and their high number was maintained during all the samplings. However, their abundance and richness reached their maximum peak during the dry season. The RDA indicated that water flow and temperature partially explain the temporal variation in the occurrence and abundance of the different trophic groups. In general, the findings show that organisms adapt their diet to the offer available in their environment, and therefore it is important to classify them trophically in the different ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Epanycles Butler (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Ctenuchina) has been considered as monotypical for 145 years, including only Epanycles imperialis (Walker). Herein, we propose a new combination: E. satania new. comb. based on external morphology, genital morphology of males and females, morphological phylogeny, DNA barcoding, and geographical distribution. Epanycles satania was originally described for the genus Episcepsis Butler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterosternus galindorumnew species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelini) from the state of Puebla, Mexico, is described and illustrated. Keys to identify males of Heterosternus Dupont with photographs, a comparative table of morphological characters, and a distribution map of the genus are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rhythm of biodiversity loss vastly surpasses the number of new species described per year, with several taxa going extinct without us even knowing about their existence. After more than 250 years of traditional taxonomy, it is clear that the rate of biodiversity description and discovery needs to be improved. Molecular data has greatly increased the speed of species discovery and accuracy of taxonomic delimitation. Phenotypic documentation, although relatively slower, is still crucial to identify species and communicate taxonomic discoveries to a broader audience. Here, we integrate these data sources to describe a relatively large number of new species of the spider genus Anyphaena and look into its internal phylogenetic relationships. Our findings support the existence of several species groups within Anyphaena (as currently defined), but failed to recover the monophyly of this genus, suggesting a more comprehensive revision of its species groups and closely related anyphaenid genera is necessary. The 21 new species described here are: Anyphaena adnani sp. nov., A. bifurcata sp. nov., A. dulceae sp. nov., A. epicardia sp. nov., A. fernandae sp. nov., A. franciscoi sp. nov., A. ibarrai sp. nov., A. jimenezi sp. nov., A. megamedia sp. nov., A. miniducta sp. nov., A. natachae sp. nov., A. noctua sp. nov., A. porta sp. nov., A. quadrata sp. nov., A. rebecae sp. nov., A. salgueiroi sp. nov., A. sofiae sp. nov., A. stigma sp. nov., A. tonoi sp. nov., A. triangularis sp. nov. and A. urieli sp. nov.

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) is a species with great economic interest worldwide and is classified as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN. Deforestation and climate change are the main hazards to this species. Therefore, it is vital to describe possible changes in distribution patterns under current and future climatic conditions, as they are important for their monitoring, conservation, and use. In the current study, we predict, for the very first time, the potential distribution of Mahogany based on data that reflect the total distribution of the species, climatic and edaphic variables, and a consensus model that combines the results of three statistical techniques. The obtained model was projected to future climatic conditions considering two general circulation models (GCM), under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP245 and SSP585) for 2070. Predictions under current climatic conditions indicated wide adequate areas in Central American countries such as Mexico and demonstrated a coverage of up to 28.5% within the limits of the protected areas. Under future scenarios, drastic reductions were observed in different regions, particularly in Venezuela, Perú, and Ecuador, with losses of up to 56.0%. On the other hand, an increase in suitable areas for the species within protected areas was also detected. The results of this study are certainly useful for identifying currently unrecorded populations of Mahogany, as well as for identifying locations that are likely to be suitable both now and in the future for conservation management planning. The methodology proposed in this work is able to be used for other forest species in tropical zones as a tool for conducting dynamic conservation and restoration strategies that consider the effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licaria ramiroi, a species endemic to western Mexico, is described and illustrated. The ascription of the new species to Licaria is analysed. It is classified in the subgen. Licaria and is most closely related to L. triandra and L. siphonantha from which it differs by its glabrous vegetative and floral structures, stamens mainly with free anthers and the inner wall of the receptacle sericeous. According to the IUCN criteria, the species is classified as critically endangered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Neotropical aquatic beetles, Crenitulus namasus sp. n. from the Apurense plain and C. merida sp. n. from the Andes are described, both collected manually. Crenitulus namasus sp. n. is characterized by a minute body size, while C. merida sp. n. is characterized by its robustness. The main characteristic of the genus Crenitulus Winter, 1926 is evidenced in the body shape, which is wide in the humeral margin and attenuated towards the elytral apex, the antennae with nine antennomeres and the parameres pointed or attenuated towards the apex, in addition to presenting convexity in its outer margin. Based on a review of the species deposited in the Museum of Arthropods of the University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela, Crenitulus gamboa García, 2016 is synonymized with C. solstitialis Kirsch, 1873. Habitus, palps, antenna, mentum, prosternum, mesoventral process and genital sclerite are illustrated and a list with all recorded Crenitulus species is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Americabaetis Kluge, 1992 is described based on nymphs and subimagos from Itatiaia National Park, close to the border of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new species can be differentiated from the remaining species of the genus based on the following combination of characteristics: (1) frontal keel present, (2) right mandible with angle between incisors and mola obtuse, (3) paraglossa nearly twice longer than wide, (4) fore femur with 40--42 long, apically acute, simple setae in outer margin, (5) gills grayish with pigmented tracheation, (6) distinctive abdominal color pattern (two white posterolateral spots on abdominal terga IV and VII, white medial band running along abdominal terga, and lateral margins washed with brown), (7) posterior margin of abdominal terga with triangular spines, and (8) paraproct marginally with 12--14 spines. Given the development of the labial palp segment III, shape of the apex of the lingua, and robustness of the body, the new species is somewhat similar to A. labiosus and A. titthion. It can be readily distinguished from A. titthion by the absence of meso and metasternal projections and by the shape of spines on the posterior margin of abdominal terga (triangular on the new species, blunt on A. titthion). The main differences between the new species and A. labiosus are the paraglossa length/width ratio (2.3x in the new species, 2.5x in A. labiosus), the relative length of the maxillary palp (longer than galea-lacinia in the new species versus subequal in A. labiosus), as well as pigmentation of tracheae on gills (which is absent in A. labiosus). The abdominal color pattern of A. itatiaia sp. nov. is also very distinctive in relation to A. labiosus and A. titthion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Lilloa is the property of Fundacion Miguel Lillo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background In South and Central America, Plasmodium malariae/Plasmodium brasilianum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium simium, and Plasmodium falciparum has been reported in New World primates (NWP). Specifically in Costa Rica, the presence of monkeys positive to P. malariae/P brasilianum has been identified in both captivity and in the wild. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of P. brasilianum, P. falciparum, and P. vivax, and the potential distribution of these parasites-infecting NWP from Costa Rica. Methods The locations with PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) positive results and bioclimatic predictors were used to construct ecological niche models based on a modelling environment that uses the Maxent algorithm, named kuenm, capable to manage diverse settings to better estimate the potential distributions and uncertainty indices of the potential distribution. Results PCR analysis for the Plasmodium presence was conducted in 384 samples of four primates (Howler monkey [n = 130], White-face monkey [n = 132], Squirrel monkey [n = 50], and red spider monkey [n = 72]), from across Costa Rica. Three Plasmodium species were detected in all primate species (P. falciparum, P. malariae/P. brasilianum, and P. vivax). Overall, the infection prevalence was 8.9%, but each Plasmodium species ranged 2.1–3.4%. The niche model approach showed that the Pacific and the Atlantic coastal regions of Costa Rica presented suitable climatic conditions for parasite infections. However, the central pacific coast has a more trustable prediction for malaria in primates. Conclusions The results indicate that the regions with higher suitability for Plasmodium transmission in NWP coincide with regions where most human cases have been reported. These regions were also previously identified as areas with high suitability for vector species, suggesting that enzootic and epizootic cycles occur.

Extra-pair paternity (EPP) is frequent in socially monogamous birds with biparental care. However, males should avoid providing care to unrelated offspring. In this study, we first analyzed the relationship between parental care and paternity loss, and secondly, we evaluated if males adjust parental care to a perceived threat of cuckoldry. Over three breeding seasons, we intensively studied a color-banded population of south temperate grass wrens Cistothorus platensis. We monitored nests attended by socially monogamous males, collected blood samples from adults and nestlings, and recorded male provisioning rates to the nestlings. Paternity was assigned genetically using SNP markers. We simulated territorial intrusions during the female fertile period (egg-laying) to manipulate males' perceived threat of cuckoldry. Neither the proportion of extra-pair offspring nor the presence/absence of extra-pair offspring in the nest affected male provisioning rates, suggesting that males did not adjust parental effort to actual paternity loss. Simulated territorial intrusions revealed that males were more likely to approach and attack a conspecific than a heterospecific stuffed decoy. However, experimental and control males provided food to their nestlings at similar rates. Retaliatory reduction of paternal care might not have evolved in grass wrens given the low frequency of extra-pair paternity (23%). Alternatively, males may rely predominately on precopulatory strategies (e.g., territoriality and mate guarding) to prevent females from obtaining extra-pair fertilizations. Significance statement: A central tenet in the study of extra-pair behavior in birds is that males should reduce their parental contribution when females engage in extra-pair copulations. Males are thought to use indirect clues (female absences, male intrusions) and direct clues (observation of copulations) to gauge paternity loss. We studied the relationship between extra-pair behavior and male contribution to feeding nestlings in a Neotropical population of grass wrens. We found that males did not adjust their contribution to paternal care based on actual paternity loss. Moreover, simulated male intrusions during the female fertile period, which influence a male's perceived threat of cuckoldry, did not affect paternal care. Our results suggest that male grass wrens do not indirectly retaliate against females who engage in extra-pair behavior by reducing parental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though the monophyly of the Ornithocephalus clade (Oncidiinae) is currently well defined, the systematic positioning of Centroglossa and Dunstervillea remains obscure in the clade due to the absence in previous phylogenetic studies. Centroglossa has a very similar habit and is indistinguishable from Zygostates, whereas Dunstervillea has as its main characteristic the calcarate labellum, also found in Centroglossa. We clarify the systematic and phylogenetic positioning of Centroglossa and Dunstervillea in the Ornithocephalus clade (OC) through analysis of maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and maximum parsimony from molecular data (nrITS and matK cpDNA) and morphology. Our results indicate that Dunstervillea is phylogenetically close to Eloyella; both genera have a psigmoid habit, single-sided and flattened leaves, floral perianth with the same coloring, petals with entire margins, and a short rostellum. Centroglossa appears as a subclade within Zygostates. In addition to several homoplastic features, these two genera have the dorsal position of viscidium as a synapomorphy. The calcarate labellum, common to Centroglossa and Dunstervillea, originated more than once in the OC. Based on the phylogenetic results, we propose the nomenclatural changes to include Dunstervillea in Eloyella and Centroglossa in Zygostates. New synonyms are indicated to Zygostates greeniana and Z. nunes-limae and lectotypes are indicated to Centroglossa macroceras and C. glaziovii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fistulinella distromatica sp. nov. is described based on morphological and molecular data. It is characterized by the following features: pileus surface that is subviscid with appressed, small brownish fribrillose-squamulose; subviscid, minutely subviscid, minutely punctate stipe that is yellow at the base; the relatively large inamyloid spores; hymenial cystidia up to 70 µm long; two-layered stipitipellis with a trichodermal suprastipitipellis and interwoven substipitipellis that is interwoven in a strongly gelatinized matrix. Fistulinella distromatica clusters phylogenetically with a sequence of F. campinaranae var. scrobiculata recorded from Bahia, and in a distinct branch from Colombian Amazon material. Since Bahian specimens are morphologically and molecularly different from Amazonian ones, a new species is described. Description, drawings, photographs, discussion with comparison to similar taxa are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on external morphological characters and the structure of the male genitalia, a new genus of Euchromiina from the Neotropical region, Apu gen. nov. is described. A new species is described, Apu mooreorum sp. nov. and the species Apu flavicornis (Druce) comb. nov. is redescribed. The genus occurs in the montane forests of the Andes. Diagnostic characters are provided for the genus and the two species which comprise it. Photographs of the adults of both species are provided, as well as the morphological characters of the male genitalia.

Recent collection of Gloeocantharellus corneri is discovered from Amazonia in the State of Pará, North Brazil. Description, discussion, drawings and photographs are provided.

Examination of Coccinellidae material recently collected from Napo Province in Ecuador revealed 38 species of ladybird beetles, of which six are new: Chnoodes yanayacu sp. nov., Cyrea mcclarini sp. nov., Eupalea borowieci sp. nov., Exoplectra misahualli sp. nov., Hyperaspis rutai sp. nov., Toxotoma gonzalezi sp. nov. Seven species are recorded for the first time from Ecuador: Cyrea noticollis (Mulsant, 1850), Eupalea formosa Mulsant, 1850, Epilachna transverselineata (Mader, 1858), Psyllobora marshalli Crotch, 1874, Toxotoma fuscopilosa (Weise, 1902), Toxotoma taeniola (Gordon, 1975), Zenoria linteolata Mulsant, 1850. For three species: Epilachna obtusiforma Gordon, 1975, Hinda ecuadorica Gordon & Canepari, 2013 and Siola atra González, 2015, supplementary notes on the original descriptions are provided. New name combinations are proposed for six species, which are transferred to the genus Toxotoma Weise, 1900: Toxotoma aequatorialis (Gordon, 1975), Toxotoma chigata (Gordon, 1975), Toxotoma flavocirculus (González, 2015), Toxotoma fuscopilosa, Toxotoma hybridula (Gordon, 1975), Toxotoma taeniola. The occurrence of Scymnus interruptus (Goeze, 1777) in Ecuador is also confirmed.

The Podocnemididae family is seriously affected by anthropogenic factors, which is why almost all of their family members are threatened, according to the IUCN red list. The biology and ecology of these species, as well as the hematological and serum chemistry reference intervals that allow clinical action and decision-making conservation programs, are poorly known. Based on this, the objective of this study was to establish the hematological and blood chemistry parameters of the Savannah side-necked turtle (Podocnemis vogli) and Yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) maintained in captivity at the Estación de Biología Tropical Roberto Franco (Villavicencio-Colombia). Forty-nine captive turtles of the species P. vogli (n = 28) and P. unifilis (n = 21) were sampled to determine hematological and serum chemistry parameters. Blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of both male and female turtles across both species. Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon tests were used to compare values between the parameters evaluated against genders and sizes. Reference intervals were calculated for the hematological and biochemical values of each species. Some assessed parameters demonstrated significant differences between the males and females of both species. Most of the analyzed parameters exhibited similar reference intervals in both species. In this study, we report values and propose the hematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for P. vogli and P. unifilis, which can be used in the clinical diagnosis of these reptiles and in future research.

In this study, we used retrospective dendroclimatological analyses to explore whether El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and local precipitation patterns have an influence on tree growth in Suriname, a country located on the Guiana Shield, as annual precipitation patterns on the Guiana Shield are related to ENSO. Discs were taken from 20 trees of Cedrela odorata, whose stem forms very distinct annual growth rings, for tree ring analyses. The trees grew in unmanaged tropical wet forests of Suriname. The tree-ring series of individual trees started between 1836 and 1931 and extended over a period of 84–180 years. The 20 dated series were utilized for constructing a tree-ring chronology. Unlike many other studies that used local anomalies such as flood pulse, precipitation, and drought events to describe the influence of El Niño on tree growth, we used monthly precipitation and ENSO indices as predictors of tree growth to calculate response and correlation functions. The study observed that tree ring growth of Cedrela odorata is influenced by precipitation in August and June of the current year and in August of the previous year, as well as by the ENSO indices SSTA, TSA, TNA, and NAO. Systematic increases in the strength of the El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection due to climate change could affect the growth of trees on the Guiana Shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on material collected in Brazilian caves, new records are presented for seven species of Gerromorpha (Insecta, Hemiptera, Heteroptera) belonging to the families Gerridae [Brachymetra albinervus (Amyot & Serville, 1843); Cylindrostethus palmaris Drake & Harris, 1934], and Veliidae [Microvelia ioana Drake & Hottes, 1952; Paravelia digitata Rodrigues & Moreira, 2016; Rhagovellia henryi Polhemus, 1997; R. robusta Gould, 1931; R. whitei (Breddin, 1898)]. Illustrations and notes on identification and habitat are presented for all species above.

Chocó-Darien is an important biogeographic realm, as it is a terrestrial biodiversity hotspot and the southern limit of the Caribbean reefs. However, to date there are no compiled data on the reef fish assemblage of this region. We provide an updated checklist of marine fishes from the Chocó-Darien reef system (Colombia), with comments on their geographic distribution and conservation status. Peer-reviewed studies, unpublished data and in situ visual censuses were surveyed to compose this checklist. A total of 212 reef fish species across 57 families were compiled, eight of which had no previously published records, one of which (Trachinotus falcatus) is recorded for the first time. The most speciose families were Labridae (n = 21), Gobiidae (n = 18) and Serranidae (n = 17). Fourteen threatened species were recorded, including one critically endangered (Epinephelus striatus) and two endangered (Balistes vetula and Scarus coelestinus). This study contributes to fill the knowledge gaps on the reef fish diversity of the Caribbean southern limit and raises concern on the spread of the lionfish invasion into the Chocó-Darién reef system.

A brief note is presented on a first case of parasitism by Notocyphus aff. tyrannicus Smith, 1855 on Avicularia purpurea Kirk, 1990 in the Amazon region of Ecuador; being a second case of parasitism on Aviculariinae by one Pompilid wasp. Some considerations about predation and behavior are mentioned in discussions.

Panstrongylus is a Neotropical taxa of 16 species, some more widespread than others, that act as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (CD). This group is associated with mammalian reservoir niches. There are few studies of the biogeography and niche suitability of these triatomines. Using zoo-epidemiological occurrence databases, the distribution of Panstrongylus was determined based on bioclimatic modelling (DIVA GIS), parsimonious niche distribution (MAXENT), and parsimony analysis of endemic species (PAE). Through 517 records, a wide presence of P. geniculatus, P. rufotuberculatus, P. lignarius, and P. megistus was determined and recorded as frequent vectors of T. cruzi in rainforest habitats of 24–30 °C. These distributions were modeled with AUC >0.80 and Panstrongylus—1036 records—showed widely dispersed lines for frequent vectors P. geniculatus, P. lignarius, P. rufotuberculatus, and P. megistus. Other occasional vectors showed more restricted dispersal, such as P. howardi, P. humeralis, P. lenti, P. lutzi, P. tupynambai, P. noireaiui, and P. chinai. Areas of defined environmental variation, geological change, and trans domain fluid fauna, such as the American Transition Zone and the Pacific Domain of Morrone, had the highest Panstrongylus diversity. Pan-biogeographic nodes appear to be areas of the greatest species diversity that act as corridors connecting biotopes and allowing fauna migration. Vicariance events in the geologic history of the continent need to be investigated. The geographical distribution of Panstrongylus overlapped with CD cases and Didelphis marsupialis/Dasypus novemcinctus presence, two important reservoirs in Central and South America. The information derived from the distribution of Panstrongylus provides knowledge for surveillance and vector control programs. It would increase information on the most and less relevant vector species of this zoonotic agent, for monitoring their population behavior.

Mangroves are under immense anthropogenic pressures globally which are further exacerbated by their accessibility to humans. To minimize human access hence pressures to the ecosystem, establishment of protected areas is often employed. However, the ecological effectiveness of protected areas, which influences their legal durability, is rarely assessed beyond curbing deforestation. Furthermore, little is known about whether protection could still provide a positive ecological impact if the sites are easily accessible, i.e., adjacent to urban areas, near roads, small in area and/or fragmented. To improve our understanding thereon, this study compares anthropogenic disturbance severity, forest structures and ecosystem carbon (C) stocks of protected and unprotected mangroves near Barranquilla, Colombia's largest coastal city. The outcomes suggest that accessible, yet protected mangrove has a mean disturbance index of 5.3, lower than unprotected mangrove (mean 11). Protected mangrove also has higher mean (± SD) tree basal area (26.5 ± 15.6 m2 ha−1), mean densities of tree, sapling and seedling (899 ± 398, 5155 ± 7860, and 68,837 ± 73,899 individual ha−1, respectively) and biomass C stock (mean 89.5 ± 39 Mg ha−1) than those of accessible unprotected mangrove (mean basal area 19.3 ± 5 m2 ha−1; mean tree, sapling and seedling densities 823 ± 215, 749 ± 94, and 33,727 ± 44,882 individual ha−1, respectively; mean biomass C stock 60.2 ± 14.5 Mg ha−1). Results suggest that the current sediment C stocks, that is higher in unprotected than protected mangroves (396.8 ± 552.6 and 142.4 ± 205.7 Mg ha−1, respectively), are not primarily driven by conservation status, but by long-term processes that likely pre-date the protected status designation. Mangrove protection, however, could help maintain carbon stocks in soils and biomass and the potential for further soil carbon sequestration, and thus are pivotal in determining future trajectories of mangrove climate mitigation potential. This study shows that even imperfect protection offers ecological benefits to highly accessible ecosystems. Hence, focus should be placed on optimizing these benefits and minimizing their vulnerability to downgrading, downsizing and degazettement. • influence of protection on mangroves is assessed beyond curbing deforestation. • protection effectively limit anthropogenic disturbance on mangroves. • protection promotes mangrove biomass C and regeneration potential. • mangrove sediment C stocks is largely influenced by sediment properties. • mangrove protection is ecologically beneficial even for highly accessible systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Atlantic Forest (AF) domain is one of the Earth’s biodiversity hotspots, known for its high levels of species diversity and endemism. Factors related to palaeoenvironmental dynamics, such as the establishment of vegetational refugia and river basins, have different impacts on biological communities and biodiversity patterns in this domain. Here, we sample genome-wide RADseq data from a widespread treefrog (Dendropsophus elegans), inhabiting natural and human-impacted ecosystems at the Brazilian AF to test the impact of riverine boundaries and climatic refugia on population structure and diversification. We estimate divergence times and migration rate across identified genetic breaks related to the rivers Doce, Paraíba do Sul, Ribeira de Iguape, and Paraguaçu, known to represent barriers to gene flow for other AF endemic species, and test the role of climatic refugia. Finally, we investigate the impact of spatio-temporal population history on morphological variation in this species. We recovered a phylogeographic history supporting three distinct clades separated into two geographically structured populations, corresponding to the north and south of AF. In addition, we identified an admixture zone between north and south populations in the latitude close to the Doce River. Our findings support a pattern of isolation-by-distance and the existence of a secondary contact zone between populations, which might have been promoted by gene flow during population expansion. Further, we found support for models considering migration parameters for all the tested rivers with different population divergence times. Based on the species history and the AF palaeoenvironmental dynamics, we corroborate the role of forest refugia impacting population structure for this species through recent range expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The Doce and Paraíba do Sul Rivers coincide with the main genetic breaks, suggesting they might also have played a role in the diversification processes. Finally, despite finding subtle correlations for phenotypic data among different populations, variation is not strongly detectable and does not seem associated with speciation-level processes that could warrant taxonomic changes. Such results can be explained by phenotypic plasticity of the evaluated traits and by recent divergence times, where there has been insufficient time and weak selective pressures to accumulate enough phenotypic differences.

Background: In South and Central America, Plasmodium malariae/Plasmodium brasilianum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium simium, and Plasmodium falciparum has been reported in New World primates (NWP). Specifically in Costa Rica, the presence of monkeys positive to P. malariae/P brasilianum has been identified in both captivity and in the wild. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of P. brasilianum, P. falciparum, and P. vivax, and the potential distribution of these parasites-infecting NWP from Costa Rica. Methods: The locations with PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) positive results and bioclimatic predictors were used to construct ecological niche models based on a modelling environment that uses the Maxent algorithm, named kuenm, capable to manage diverse settings to better estimate the potential distributions and uncertainty indices of the potential distribution. Results: PCR analysis for the Plasmodium presence was conducted in 384 samples of four primates (Howler monkey [n = 130], White-face monkey [n = 132], Squirrel monkey [n = 50], and red spider monkey [n = 72]), from across Costa Rica. Three Plasmodium species were detected in all primate species (P. falciparum, P. malariae/P. brasilianum, and P. vivax). Overall, the infection prevalence was 8.9%, but each Plasmodium species ranged 2.1–3.4%. The niche model approach showed that the Pacific and the Atlantic coastal regions of Costa Rica presented suitable climatic conditions for parasite infections. However, the central pacific coast has a more trustable prediction for malaria in primates. Conclusions: The results indicate that the regions with higher suitability for Plasmodium transmission in NWP coincide with regions where most human cases have been reported. These regions were also previously identified as areas with high suitability for vector species, suggesting that enzootic and epizootic cycles occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletin SAO is the property of Sociedad Antioquena de Ornitologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Biológico Agropecuaria Tuxpan is the property of Revista Biologico Agropecuaria Tuxpan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Entoloma (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is a species-rich genus with approximately 2000 species known worldwide. In Central America, however, information about the species of this genus is sparse, despite the generally high biodiversity in this region. Recently, 124 specimens of Entoloma were collected in Panama, Chiriquí Province. In the present publication, the morphology of 20 species represented by more than one specimen is described and depicted with photographs, line drawings, and scanning electron micrographs. Molecular phylograms based on ITS or concatenated ITS and partial nc LSU rDNA sequences are provided. The taxonomic status of these species is evaluated and 17 species of Entoloma are described as new to science. Only one species could be assigned to an already known species, viz. Entoloma belouvense. Nolanea albertinae, described from Brazil, appeared similar and is combined in E. belouvense on varietal level. The identifications of two further species are uncertain. At least 30 other species, including potentially new species, cannot formally be described due to insufficient material. A preliminary key to the species of the genus Entoloma in Panama is provided. The spatial shape of the polyhedroid basidiospores of Entoloma spp. is discussed based on literature and the micrographs generated for the present study. Our re-evaluations indicate that the type of polyhedroid basidiospore and the structure of its base are not reliable as diagnostic characters for the delimitation of subgenera in Entoloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]