Taxonomic and faunistic study of four almost unknown Brazilian Meloidae (Coleoptera)

ABSTRACT The Brazilian fauna of Meloidae is poorly studied, even though it includes more than 160 species. In this paper, we aimed at widening the knowledge on four species of blister beetles from this country. Specifically, we defined the uncertain range of Tetraonyx angulicollis, as extended in south-eastern Brazil rather than in Mexico, and implemented the description of the species with figures. We studied the taxonomy and distribution of three almost unknown species of Nemognatha from Brazil, São Paulo State, providing descriptions and figures of sexual characters and colour variability of N. beauregardi, to which is probably referable as a junior synonym of N. plaumanni, of N. rufoscutellaris and of N. cfr. gounellei. Moreover, we assigned these three species to the subgenus Pauronemognatha, recently recorded from South America.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d'água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d’água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan

Abstract Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Resumo Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d'água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Anthropometric Study of Correlation between the Stature and Selected Upper Limb Dimensions in Adult Bangladeshi Manipuri Females

Introduction: Limb anthropometry provides great contributionin personal identification of any individual by determining themorphological variation of different population which is done byanthropologists and forensic scientists as well as anatomists.Stature is considered as one of the important parameters alongwith other parameters like age, sex and race for personalidentification which helps in forensic investigation. TheManipuri community is one of the oldest ethnic communities inBangladesh.Objective: In this study our main goal is to find out thecorrelation between the stature and four selected linear upperlimb dimensions of left side; length of the arm, forearm, ulnaand hand.Materials and Methods: This anthropometric study wascarried out in 100 adult Bangladeshi Manipuri femalepopulation aged between 25 to 45 years. Direct measurementsof stature and four selected linear upper limb dimensions weretaken and statistical analysis was performed using SPSSsoftware (version 22.0).Results: The four selected upper limb dimensions showedsignificant positive correlations (p≤ 0.05) with the stature.Highest correlation of the stature with the dimensions studied,was found in the length of forearm (r=0.511).Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that therewas significant positive correlation between the stature and theselected four upper limb dimensions and thereby indicating thatstature could be predicted successfully using length of the arm,forearm, ulna and hand among Bangladeshi Manipuri femalepopulation.

Sexual dimorphism in the electric knifefish, Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni (Rhamphichthyidae: Gymnotiformes)

Sexual dimorfism refers to morphological differences between males and females of a species. It may be a result of different selection pressures acting on either or both sexes and may occur in any sexually-reproducing dioecious species, including fishes. We analyzed 63 females and 63 adult males of Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni (Gymnotiformes) collected by us or deposited in museum collections. Sex was identified through abdominal dissection. We measured length from snout to posterior end of anal-fin, anal-fin length, distance from anus to anal-fin origin, distance from genital papilla to anal-fin origin, body width at beginning of anal-fin, and head length. Morphometric data submitted to a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) grouped males and females according to variables related to body size (along the first component) and to head length and body height along the second and third components. Females were larger than males, whereas males had proportionally larger heads and higher bodies than females. The urogenital papilla of males and females showed differences in shape, size and relative position on the body. The female papilla was elongated horizontally, larger than that of males, and was located on a vertical line below the eye, while the papilla of the males was vertically elongated and located on a vertical line below the operculum. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of sexual dimorphism in a species of Rhamphichthyidae, a condition that is now known in all the currently recognized families of Gymnotiformes. (AU)

Morphological Variations of the Thyroid Gland in the North Indians: A Cadaveric Study with its Clinical Relevance

Introduction: The morphological variations of the thyroid gland are not an uncommon phenomenon and may due to embryological remnant or non-specific development of different parts of it. Prior anatomical knowledge of these variations is of immense importance to prevent catastrophies during or after thyroid surgeries. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of morphological variations of the thyroid glands in north Indian cadavers. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 formalin embalmed adult human cadavers aging between 40–65 years, of which 40 were males and 10 were females. Thyroid glands were dissected and examined properly for the presence of pyramidal lobe, levator glandulae thyroidae, accessory thyroid tissue and complete absence of isthmus. Results: The pyramidal lobe was present in 9 (18%) and frequently arising from the right side of the isthmus. LGT was found in 7 (14%) and almost in all cases it was extending from the apex of the pyramidal lobe to the hyoid bone. Only 2 (4%) cadavers did not show an isthmus while accessory thyroid tissue was found only in one case. Morphological variations were more common in females than in males and the difference was statistically significant (p value<0.05). The means of all measured parameters were higher in female than in male but these gender differences were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Morphological variation of the thyroid gland is a common phenomenon, particularly in female. Hence it requires proper detection and documentation prior to any thyroid surgery, so that iatrogenic catastrophies can be avoided

Geographic variation of Moenkhausia bonita (Characiformes: Characidae) in the rio de la Plata basin, with distributional comments on M. intermedia

Moenkhausia bonita occurs in numerous additional localities from the Bermejo, Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay river basins. Given that this finding greatly expands the distributional range of M. bonita, we carried out an intraspecific comparison, using multivariate methods for 18 morphometric and eight meristic characters taken from a comprehensive sample of 536 specimens. All localities were distributed in four major geographic groups as follows: Bermejo, Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Results of the morphometric comparisons showed significant differences among the studied groups except between the Paraguay and Uruguay groups. Statistical differences in meristic values were found for most between-group comparisons, especially in those resulting from discriminant canonical analyses (DCA). Specimens from the Bermejo basin were the most distinct group in most morphological comparisons. However, the overall subtle differences found in body morphology likely reflect intraspecific variation within M. bonita and seem to be mainly influenced by spatial and environmental features of drainages. As M. bonita was previously identified as M. intermedia in the río de La Plata basin, distributional comments on the latter species in that basin are provided.(AU)

Moenkhausia bonita es registrada en numerosas localidades adicionales de las cuencas de los ríos Bermejo, Paraná, Paraguay, y Uruguay. Dado que estos hallazgos expanden ampliamente el rango distribucional de M. bonita, nosotros llevamos a cabo una comparación intraespecífica, usando métodos multivariados para 18 características morfométricas y 8 merísticas que fueron tomados en una muestra exhaustiva de 536 especímenes. Todas las localidades fueron repartidas en cuatro grupos principales como sigue: Bermejo, Paraná, Paraguay y Uruguay. Los resultados de las comparaciones morfométricas mostraron diferencias significativas a través de los grupos bajo estudio, excepto entre los grupos Paraguay y Uruguay. Diferencias estadísticas fueron encontrados en la mayoría de las comparaciones entre los grupos, especialmente en aquellas obtenidas de los análisis discriminantes canónicos (ADC). Los especímenes de la cuenca del Bermejo fueron encontrados como el grupo más divergente en la mayoría de las comparaciones morfológicas. No obstante, estas leves diferencias encontradas en la morfología del cuerpo son consideradas dentro de la variación intraespecífica de M. bonita y parecen estar influidas por características ambientales y espaciales de los drenajes. Dado que M. bonita fue previamente identificada como M. intermedia en la cuenca del río de La Plata, comentarios distribucionales sobre esta última especie en esta cuenca son presentados.(AU)

A revision of Dichotomius (Homocanthonides) Luederwaldt, 1929 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

ABSTRACT The monospecific subgenus Dichotomius (Homocanthonides) is revised and its single species, Dichotomius (H.) smaragdinus (Perty, 1830) is redescribed and distinguished from other Dichotomius species. Dichotomius (H.) smaragdinus is a polymorphic species and its distribution comprises the Brazilian Cerrado. For the first time, morphological variation and male genital organ are described and illustrated. We believe that this species might be endangered due to extensive deforestation of Brazilian Cerrado by agricultural and pasture expansion. Thus, we highlight the importance of preserving this very unusual Dichotomius species.

Caracterização e avaliação morfológica da parte aérea de acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA) / Caracterización y evaluación morfológica de partes aéreas de accesiones de Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA) / Characterization and morphological evaluation of aerial parts of accessions of Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA)

Introduction: The species Psychotria ipecacuana (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, commonly known as ipeca, ipecacuanha or poaia, is under threat of genetic erosion and in danger of extinction. Objectives: Identify and evaluate the morphological characters of accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana and identify their descriptors. Methods: A study was conducted of 17 accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana preserved in vivo at EMBRAPA Eastern Amazonia for 19 morphological characters of the aerial parts of the plant, thirteen qualitative and six quantitative. Of this total, twelve were subjected to multivariant analysis. Principal component analysis was used to select the descriptors. Results: Accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana fluctuated for most characters, and seven were qualitative and nonvariable. Two characters were considered redundant and ten were selected as descriptors. Genetic dissimilarity ranged from 0.19 to 0.77 with a mean value of 0.55, and could be separated into two groups with various subgroups and six different groups by the UPGMA and Tocher methods, respectively. The characters plant height and first branch height were the main contributors to the discrepancy between the accessions. Conclusions: Accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana display great morphological variation in the aerial part of the plant, with ten characters selected as descriptors for the species. These data about the species had never been published before, and they constitute the basis for management at the germplasm bank when selecting characters of interest for improvement programs as well as to provide key information facilitating the identification of specimens from natural or planted ecosystems(AU)

Introducción: la especie Psychotria ipecacuana (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, popularmente conocida como ipeca, ipecacuanha o poaia, se ve amenazada por la erosión genética y en peligro de extinción. Objetivos: identificar y evaluar accesos del Banco Activo de Germoplasma de Psychotria ipecacuana por caracteres morfológicos, e identificar los descriptores. Métodos: se estudiaron 17 accesiones de Psychotria ipecacuana, conservado in vivo en Embrapa Amazonia Oriental, para 19 caracteres morfológicos de la parte aérea de la planta, siendo trece cualitativo y seis cuantitativo. De este total doce fueron sometidos a análisis multivariante. La selección de descriptores se llevó a cabo mediante el análisis de componentes principales. Resultados: los accesos de Psychotria ipecacuana fluctuaron para la mayoría de los caracteres, sendo siete variables cualitativas y no variables. Dos caracteres se consideraron redundante y diez seleccionados como descriptores. La disimilitud genética varió desde 0,19 hasta 0,77 con una media de 0,55 y se dejó separar en dos grupos con diversos subgrupos y seis grupos diferentes por métodos UPGMA y Tocher, respectivamente. Los caracteres altura de las plantas y altura de la primera rama fueron los principales contribuyentes a la discrepancia entre los accesos. Conclusiones: los accesos de Psychotria ipecacuana tienen una amplia variación morfológica de la parte aérea de la planta con diez caracteres fueran considerados descriptores para esta especie. Estos datos son inéditos para la especie y forman la base para la gestión de banco de germoplasma, en la selección de caracteres de interés para los programas de mejoramiento y para proporcionar información clave que facilitará la identificación de especímenes en los ecosistemas naturales o plantados(AU)

Introdução: a espécie Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, conhecida popularmente como ipeca, ipecacuanha ou poaia, encontra-se ameaçada de erosão genética e em vias de extinção. Objetivos: caracterizar e avaliar acessos do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Psychotria ipecacuanha por caracteres morfológicos, e identificar descritores. Métodos: foram estudados 17 acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha, conservados in vivo na Embrapa Amazônia Oriental para 19 caracteres morfológicos da parte aérea da planta, sendo treze qualitativos e seis quantitativos. Desse total doze foram submetidos às análises multivariadas. A seleção dos descritores foi realizada pela análise de componentes principais. Resultados: os acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha apresentaram variações para boa parte dos caracteres, sendo sete qualitativos não variáveis. Dois caracteres foram considerados redundantes e dez selecionados como descritores. As dissimilaridades genéticas variaram de 0,19 a 0,77 com média de 0,55 e permitiram separar os acessos em dois com vários subgrupos e seis grupos divergentes pelos métodos UPGMA e de Tocher, respectivamente. Os caracteres Altura da planta e Altura da primeira ramificação foram os que mais contribuíram para a divergência entre os acessos. Conclusões: os acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha possuem ampla variação morfológica para a parte aérea da planta com dez caracteres sendo considerados descritores para essa espécie. Estas informações são inéditas para a espécie e servirão de base para o manejo do banco de germoplasma, na seleção de indivíduos de interesse dos programas de melhoramento e para fornecer informações fundamentais que facilitarão a identificação de espécimes em ecossistemas nativos ou plantados(AU)

Study on morphological variations of cadaveric vermiform appendix and caecum in Narayan Medical College and Hospital

Vermiform appendix is one of the most variable organs inside the abdomen. Unusual positions pose diagnostic and surgical challenges. The present study was conducted on 38 cadavers in Narayan Medical College and Hospital to find the morphological variations of vermiform appendix and caecum. It was seen that the most common position of appendix was retrocaecal (61%) while second most common position was pelvic (21%). Mean length of appendix was found to be 5.98 ± 1.67 cm. Mean outer girth was 2.87 ± 0.36 cm. Mean distance of Vermiform Appendix from ileocaecal junction was found to be 2.58 ± 0.46 cm. Adult type is the most common shape (71%) followed by exaggerated one (18%). Mean length of caecum was 7.61 ± 0.80 cm. and mean width being 8.49 ± 0.88 cm. Knowledge about morphological pattern of appendix and caecum is helpful in proper clinical management.

Bilateral Morphological Variation of Abductor Pollicis Longus and Extensor Pollicis Brevis Tendons: A Cadaveric Case Report with Clinical Perspective

Concurrent morphological variations of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) are seldom reported in literature. Extra slips of APL and EPB are clinically significant as they are used to reconstruct the ruptured tendons in the hand. Herein, we report bilateral morphological variations of APB and EPB in a male cadaver. On each side of forearm, APL was divided into two tendinous slips within the first compartment of extensor retinaculum. One of these slips inserted on to the radial side of base of first metacarpal bone close to the insertion of EPB, and the other slip inserted on to both abductor pollicis brevis and opponens pollicis. EPB divided into two tendons slips deep to the extensor retinaculum. These slips were found to be inserted on to the dorsal surface of the base of proximal phalanx while the other inserted on to the radial aspect of the base of first metacarpal bone, close to the insertion of APL tendon. These additional slips are frequently associated with first carpo-metacarpal subluxation and de Quervain’s syndrome and may be responsible for the clinical manifestations of these diseases. In addition, knowledge of the morphological variations of APL and EPB can aid orthopaedic and plastic surgeons in performing successful tendon transplants.

Diet and ecomorphology of Leporinus reticulatus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the upper Rio Juruena, MT, Brazil: ontogenetic shifts related to the feeding ecology / Dieta e ecomorfologia de Leporinus reticulatus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) do alto Rio Juruena, MT, Brasil: alterações ontogenéticas relacionadas à ecologia alimentar

The conservation of diverse and well-distributed fish taxa, as the genus Leporinus, relies intrinsically on the knowledge of the ecological attributes of its representatives. Aiming to increase this knowledge, studies on diet and ecomorphology are ideal to provide important information about species ecology. Thus, this study aimed to analyze aspects of feeding ecology of L. reticulatus, from the upper Rio Juruena, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The diet of specimens in different ontogenetic stages was compared, as well as their teeth morphology and ecomorphological attributes. Leporinus reticulatus presented omnivorous diet, with higher consumption of invertebrates by smaller specimens (younger ones), and gradual introduction of plant items in larger specimens (older ones). The items consumed by the individuals and the ecomorphological attributes indicated that the species is generalist and opportunistic, besides its association with the river bottom, evidencing a benthic feeding behavior. This species presents a gradual ontogenetic modification in teeth shape and mouth positioning, ranging from a terminal mouth with tricuspid teeth, in smaller specimens, to an inferior mouth with spatula shaped teeth with no cusps, in larger specimens.The ecomorphological attributes indicate an increasing swimming efficiency, and ability for performing vertical displacements, along the ontogenetic development, which in addition to the morphological ontogenetic alterations in the buccal apparatus, contributes to a better ability to explore another niches.

A conservação de táxons de peixes de grande diversidade e amplamente distribuídos, como o gênero Leporinus, depende intrinsicamente do conhecimento de atributos ecológicos de seus representantes. Objetivando o aumento deste conhecimento, estudos que abordam a dieta e a ecomorfologia são ideais para prover informações importantes sobre a ecologia de espécies. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar aspectos da ecologia alimentar de L. reticulatus originários do alto Rio Juruena, estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil. Foi comparada a dieta de espécimes em diferentes estágios ontogenéticos, assim como a morfologia dos dentes e atributos ecomorfológicos. Leporinus reticulatus apresentou dieta onívora, com maior consumo de invertebrados pelos espécimes de menor porte (mais jovens), e introdução gradual de itens vegetais por espécimes de maior porte (mais velhos). Os itens consumidos pelos indivíduos e os atributos ecomorfológicos indicaram que esta espécie é generalista e oportunista, além de sua associação com o fundo do rio, evidenciando um comportamento alimentar bentônico. Esta espécie apresenta modificação ontogenética gradual no formato dos dentes e posição da boca, variando de uma boca terminal e dentes tricúspides, em espécimes menores, a uma boca inferior e dentes em forma de espátula sem cúspides, em espécimes maiores. Os atributos ecomorfológicos indicaram um crescente aumento na eficiência natatória, e na habilidade de realizar deslocamentos verticais, ao longo do desenvolvimento ontogenético, o que, em conjunto às alterações morfológicas ontogenéticas no aparato bucal, contribuem para uma melhor habilidade em explorar outros nichos.

Intracolonial variation in Siderastrea de Blainville, 1830 (Anthozoa, Scleractinia): taxonomy under challenging morphological constraints / Variação intracolonial em Siderastrea de Blainville (Anthozoa, Scleractinia): taxonomia sob limites morfológicos desafiadores

The morphology of sessile invertebrates, such as scleractinian corals, can be controlled by environmental and genetic mechanisms and, consequently, it is highly variable. Morphological variation has puzzled taxonomists by posing challenges to species classification within cryptic species complexes. The 'Atlantic Siderastrea Complex' is a suitable example. Because of overlapping diagnostic traits, the morphological interspecific limits of this group remain controversial and often resulted in doubtful synonyms. In addition, the recent identification of the Caribbean S. radians in the Southwestern Atlantic has revealed that intraspecific variation has been equivocally assessed. Traditionally, hierarchical categories of variation have been the criteria used to investigate the patterns of modular organisms as corals. However, despite its taxonomic and ecological implications, the category 'intracolonial' has been largely neglected. To evaluate the influences of intracolonial morphological variation in the identification of Atlantic siderastreids, colonies from Bahia State, northeastern Brazil, were collected and measured. Six characters were selected in S. radians and S. stellata, and the variation in these characters was analyzed with Discriminant Canonical Analysis. The columellar depth and diameter varied consistently within S. stellata and S. radians, but the septal number was the most important for differentiating the two species. The results of the study also represent the first report of S. radians on the northern coast of Bahia.

A morfologia de invertebrados sésseis, tais como corais escleractíneos, é controlada por mecanismos genéticos e ambientais e, por conseguinte, é muito variável. Entretanto, variação morfológica tem intrigado os taxonomistas principalmente por desafiar a identificação de complexos de espécies crípticas. O "Complexo Siderastrea do Atlântico" é um exemplo desta problemática. Por conta da sobreposição dos traços diagnósticos, os limites morfológicos interespecíficos deste grupo permanecem controversos e muitas vezes resultaram em sinonímias de interpretação duvidosa. Além disso, a recente identificação do S. radians para o Atlântico Sul revelou que a variação intra-específica tem sido avaliada equivocadamente. Tradicionalmente, categorias hierárquicas de variação são os critérios mais utilizados para investigar os padrões de organismos modulares como corais. No entanto, apesar de sua importância taxonômica e ecológica, a categoria "intracolonial" tem sido amplamente negligenciada. No sentido de elucidar a influencia de variação morfológica intracolonial na identificação do gênero Siderastrea, colônias do Estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil, foram coletadas e medidas. Seis características foram selecionadas em S. radians e S. stellata, e a variação destas características foi analisada através da Análise Discriminante Canônica. A profundidade e diâmetro columelar variaram de forma consistente dentro de S. stellata e S. radians, mas o número de septos foi o mais importante para diferenciar as duas espécies. Por fim, o estudo também provê o primeiro relato de S. radians no litoral norte da Bahia.

Ctenocephalides felis felis vs. Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): some issues in correctly identify these species / Ctenocephalides felis felis vs. Ctenocephalides canis: (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): algumas questões para identificar corretamente estas espécies

Ctenocephalides felis felis is one of the most important ectoparasites of dogs and cats throughout the world, because of its geographical distribution, dual parasitological action as an infesting agent and a vector of diseases, the economic losses and the acquired resistance against common insecticides. In Brazil, it surpasses Ctenocephalides canis in distribution, number of host species infested, prevalence and epidemiological importance. However, in some studies the species have been misidentified on the basis of their morphological characters included in taxonomic keys. The morphological variations of chaetotaxy, especially those on the dorsal margin of the hind tibia and lateral metanotal area (LMA), found in certain specimens, have sometimes been erroneously treated as hybrids, in spite of the nonexistence of the two species of Ctenocephalides in the same municipality or region. This review focuses on the characteristics used for interspecific diagnosis and intraspecific variations found between the species. Data on distribution, hosts, prevalence and parasitological action are also presented as an auxiliary means for recognizing the species.(AU)

Ctenocephalides felis felis é um dos mais importantes ectoparasitos de cães e gatos no mundo inteiro, em virtude de sua distribuição geográfica, dupla ação parasitológica como agente infestante e vetor de doenças, perdas econômicas e resistência adquirida contra inseticidas comuns. No Brasil, ela sobrepuja Ctenocephalides canis em distribuição, número de espécies de hospedeiros infestadas, prevalência e importância epidemiológica. Todavia, em alguns estudos, as espécies têm sido incorretamente identificadas pelos caracteres morfológicos incluídos em chaves taxonômicas. As variações morfológicas de quetotaxia, especialmente aquelas da margem dorsal da tibia posterior e área metanotal lateral (LMA) encontradas em certos exemplares, algumas vezes têm sido erroneamente consideradas como híbridas, a despeito da inexistência das duas espécies em um mesmo município ou região. Esta revisão aborda as características utilizadas para o diagnóstico interespecífico e variações intra-específicas encontradas entre as espécies. Dados sobre distribuição, hospedeiros, prevalência e atuação parasitológica são também apresentados como um meio auxiliar para o reconhecimento das espécies.(AU)

Variations in the gonostyle of Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva) (Diptera: Psychodidae)

This paper describes sand flies similar to Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva) with variations in the number of spines at the gonostyle and tests the hypothesis whether these specimens belong or not to N. intermedia species. Using Principal Component Analysis and Neighbour Joining, the measurements of 15 structures of the phlebotomine with variations in number of spines were compared with measurements of 30 sand flies of N. intermedia species. Both analyses didn't cluster the specimens with variation in spines number in one group and provided evidence to the hypothesis that those sand flies belong to N. intermedia.

Comentarios taxonómicos sobre Oxyporus flohri Sharp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) y primer registro de la especie para el Estado de Hidalgo, México / Taxonomical comments on Oxyporus flohri Sharp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and first record of the species from Hidalgo State, Mexico

Se registra por primera vez para el estado de Hidalgo a Oxyporus flohri Sharp. Se colectaron cuatro ejemplares (tres machos y una hembra) que permitieron describir y esquematizar por primera vez el edéago de esta especie. Se proporciona la distribución geográfica, la variación morfométrica general de los ejemplares de Hidalgo y la variación de color intraespecífica con base en los ejemplares recientemente colectados y la información de los trabajos antecedentes. Además se proporciona información biológica sobre esta especie.

Oxyporus flohri Sharp is recorded for the fi rst time from Hidalgo State, Mexico. The description and illustration of the aedeagus of this species based on four specimens (three males and one female) is provided for the first time. The geographic distribution, the general morphometric variation of the specimens from Hidalgo State and the intraspecific color variation based on the specimens recently collected, and the information of previous publications are included. Additionally, biological information over this species is included.

Morfologia externa comparada das três espécies do complexo Telchin licus (Drury) (Lepidoptera, Castniidae) com uma sinonímia / Comparative external morphology of the three species of the Telchin licus (Drury) complex (Lepidoptera, Castniidae) with a synonymy

É apresentado um estudo morfológico detalhado da cabeça, do tórax e do abdome de três espécies próximas de castníideos neotropicais. O posicionamento taxonômico dessas espécies é ainda bastante controverso. Antes do desenvolvimento do presente estudo, duas dessas espécies pertenciam ao gênero Telchin Hübner, 1825 e uma ao gênero monotípico Castniomera Houlbert, 1918 (espécie-tipo: Castnia atymnius Dalman, 1824). A hipótese de alguns autores de incluir as três espécies do complexo T. licus em um único gênero é aqui sustentada com base em evidências morfológicas de cabeça, tórax e abdome. Castniomera Houlbert torna-se sinônimo de Telchin Hübner compreendendo as seguintes espécies: Telchin licus (Drury, 1773), Telchin syphax (Fabricius, 1775) e Telchin atymnius (Dalman) combinação nova. As três espécies do complexo T. licus são ilustradas com desenhos e fotografias coloridas.

A detailed morphological study of head, thorax, and abdomen is provided for three closely related species of Neotropical sun-moths. The taxonomic position of these species is controversial. Prior to the present study two of these species belonged to the genus Telchin Hübner, 1825, and one to the monotypic genus Castniomera Houlbert, 1918 (type species: Castnia atymnius Dalman, 1824). The hypothesis of some authors of placing the three species in a single genus is here supported on morphological evidences from head, thorax, and abdomen. Castniomera Houlbert is treated as synonym of Telchin Hübner comprising the following species: Telchin licus (Drury, 1773), Telchin syphax (Fabricius, 1775), and Telchin atymnius (Dalman) new combination. The three species of the T. licus complex are illustrated with line drawings and color photographs.

Variación morfológica de la lagartija partenogenética Aspidoscelis rodecki (Squamata: Teiidae): implicaciones evolutivas y de conservación

Morphologic variation of the parthenogenetic lizard Aspidoscelis rodecki (Squamata: Teiidae): evolutionary and conservation implications. Post-formational divergence has been used for the recognition of new parthenogenetic species. Currently, the parthenogenetic lizard Aspidoscelis rodecki McCoy and Maslin 1962 is recognized as a single taxon that was derived from a single, parthenogenetically capable, hybrid. This lizard had been derived via hybridization between individuals of two gonochoristic species, Aspidoscelis angusticeps Cope 1878 and Aspidoscelis deppii Wiegmann 1834. The distribution of A. rodecki includes Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres and the adjacent mainland of Quintana Roo, México. Previous studies have found post-formational divergence in genetic, chromatic and life-history characteristics among a continental population (Puerto Juárez) and an insular population (Isla Contoy). A meristic analysis was carried out to evaluate the morphological divergence among both populations of A. rodecki. We used 38 individuals from Puerto Juárez and 23 individuals from Isla Contoy. Nine meristic characters with discrimination value among species of the genus Aspidoscelis were used in both univariate (t-Student) and multivariate analyses (principal components and canonical variate analysis). According to both analyses, Puerto Juárez is meristically distinguishable from Isla Contoy. Both populations differ in five meristic characters and were a high correct classification in the canonical variate analysis: 97% of Puerto Juárez and 100% of Isla Contoy. A small sample from Isla Mujeres and a single specimen from Punta Sam (mainland) may represent different morphological groups. Due to the patterns of phenotypic variation, A. rodecki is considered as a single variable parthenogenetic species with high priority to conservation. The populations of A. rodecki have been extremely affected by the tourism developers. If the habitat of the parthenogenetic lizard (beach grasses) is allowed to stay, the expansion by the developers will not affect the survivorship of these populations. Nevertheless, the first sign of development is the total destruction of natural grasses that occurs on the beach, leaving only sand. There is a last chance to save the parthenogenetic lizard A. rodecki, but any effort will be useless without the support from the environmental authority of Mexico and cooperation from the developers. We suggest that Puerto Juárez and Isla Contoy receive separate management because they have unique portions of phenotypic variation of A. rodecki. The two lizard populations can be considered separate "Evolutionary Significant Units" (ESU). Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 1871-1881. Epub 2008 December 12.

La divergencia post-formación se ha utilizado para el reconocimiento de nuevas especies partenogenéticas. Actualmente, la lagartija partenogenética Aspidoscelis rodecki McCoy y Maslin 1962 es reconocida como una sola especie, que se originó de un híbrido partenogenético. Estudios previos han encontrado divergencia genética, en coloración y en características de historia de vida entre una población continental (Puerto Juárez) y una insular (Isla Contoy) en Quintana Roo, México. Se llevó a cabo un análisis merístico para evaluar la divergencia entre ambas poblaciones de A. rodecki. Se utilizaron 38 individuos de Puerto Juárez y 23 individuos de Isla Contoy. Se usaron nueve características merísticas y se realizaron análisis univariados (t de Student) y multivariados (análisis de componentes principales y análisis de variación canónica). De acuerdo a ambos análisis, Puerto Juárez es merísticamente distinguible de Isla Contoy. Ambas poblaciones difieren en cinco características merísticas y presentaron un alto porcentaje de clasificación en el análisis de variación canónica: 97% para Puerto Juárez y 100% para Isla Contoy. Una pequeña muestra de Isla Mujeres y un solo individuo de Punta Sam (continente) pueden representar otros grupos morfológicos. Con base en los patrones de variación fenotípica, A. rodecki es considerada como una sola especie partenogenética variable y prioritaria para la conservación. Debido a que cada población contiene una porción única de la variación de A. rodecki, Puerto Juárez e Isla Contoy merecen un manejo separado y se sugiere que cada una constituya una "Unidad Evolutiva Significativa" (ESU).

Skeletal variability of the coral Favia gravida (Verrill, 1868) from Brazil / Variabilidade esquelética do coral Favia gravida (Verrill, 1868) do Brasil

The skeletal variability of the coral Favia gravida, a species endemic to Brazil, was quantitatively described including populations from three locations: Tamandaré (state of Pernambuco), Abrolhos (state of Bahia), and Santa Cruz (state of Espírito Santo). Ten colonies were collected from each population and fourteen morphological characters were measured from ten corallites per colony. The results of univariate (among 14 skeletal characters, 7 showed p < 0.05) analysis provide evidence to suggest that F. gravida has considerable morphological plasticity, which may explain its ability to adapt to different ecological conditions. The species also displays polymorphism within and between colonies of each population. Intercolony variation within populations was relevant for most of the variables measured. Canonical discriminant analysis (r = 0.8648) showed that the population farthest offshore (Abrolhos) was distinct from the other two (Tamandaré and Santa Cruz), which have been affected by terrigenous sediments carried from the coast. Specimens from Santa Cruz displayed the highest degree of meandrinization.

A variação do esqueleto do coral Favia gravida, uma espécie endêmica do Brasil, foi descrita quantativamente a partir de populações de três localidades, incluindo Tamandaré (Estado de Pernambuco), Abrolhos (Estado da Bahia) e Santa Cruz (Estado do Espírito Santo). Dez colônias foram coletadas de cada população e quatorze caracteres morfológicos foram medidos de dez coralitos por colônia. Os resultados da análise univariada (dentre os 14 caracteres esqueléticos, sete apresentaram p < 0,05) fornecem evidências que sugerem que F. gravida tem uma plasticidade morfológica considerável, o que pode explicar sua habilidade para se adaptar às condições ecológicas diferentes. A espécie demonstra, também, polimorfismo dentro e entre as colônias de cada população. A variação intercolonial dentro de populações foi, também, marcante para a maioria das variáveis medidas. A análise discriminante canônica (r = 0,8648) mostrou que a população mais distante da costa (Abrolhos) foi distinta das outras duas (Tamandaré e Santa Cruz), as quais estão sendo afetadas por sedimentos terrígenos provenientes da costa. Os espécimes de Santa Cruz demonstraram o mais alto grau de meandrinização.