RESUMEN
Introduction: Associated fauna comprises most of the diversity of a coral reef and performs ecological functions essential to the reef's survival. Since Pocillopora corals harbor an important associated fauna, reef restoration efforts are underway in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, to preserve them. Objective: To describe changes in cryptofauna and fish communities associated with Pocillopora colonies to better understand the succession of associated fauna following transplantation. Methods: An experimental patch of 30 nursery-grown Pocillopora colonies and a control patch containing no colonies were monitored for 8 months following transplantation in Golfo Dulce. Cryptofauna within each colony and fish within each patch were observed using SCUBA to quantify temporal changes in the abundance, diversity, and community structure of the colonies. Results: The abundance and diversity of cryptofauna increased throughout the experiment. Obligate symbiont decapods were the most abundant. The composition of the community of cryptofauna differed between periods with fish in the genus Scarus as the main contributor to any differences. The increase in abundance and diversity of cryptofauna and fish may reflect coral growth and the corresponding availability of space and environmental complexity in the experimental patch. The composition of the cryptofauna communities was generally consistent with other studies. However, a high density of decapod symbionts could suggest that without other Pocillopora colonies to move to, they may crowd together despite their aggressive tendencies. Conclusions: Pocillopora colonies will experience an increase in symbionts that could positively contribute to the health and survival of the coral following transplantation.
Introducción: La fauna asociada comprende la mayor parte de la diversidad de un arrecife de coral y realiza funciones ecológicas esenciales para la supervivencia del arrecife. Dado que los corales Pocillopora albergan una importante fauna asociada, se están realizando esfuerzos de restauración de arrecifes en Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, para preservarlos. Objetivo: Describir los cambios en la comunidad de criptofauna y peces asociados a las colonias de Pocillopora para comprender mejor la sucesión de la fauna asociada después del trasplante. Métodos: Un parche experimental de 30 colonias de Pocillopora cultivadas en vivero y un parche de control que no contenía colonias fueron monitoreados durante 8 meses después del trasplante en Golfo Dulce. La criptofauna dentro de cada colonia y los peces dentro de cada parche se observaron usando SCUBA para cuantificar los cambios temporales en la abundancia, diversidad y estructura de la comunidad de las colonias. Resultados: La abundancia y diversidad de criptofauna aumentó a lo largo del experimento. Los decápodos simbiontes obligados fueron los más abundantes. La composición de la comunidad de criptofauna difirió entre períodos con peces del género Scarus como el principal contribuyente a cualquier diferencia. El aumento en la abundancia y diversidad de criptofauna y peces puede reflejar el crecimiento de coral y la correspondiente disponibilidad de espacio y complejidad ambiental en el parche experimental. La composición de las comunidades de criptofauna fue generalmente consistente con otros estudios. Sin embargo, una alta densidad de simbiontes decápodos podría sugerir que, sin otras colonias de Pocillopora a las que trasladarse, pueden amontonarse a pesar de sus tendencias agresivas. Conclusiones: Las colonias de Pocillopora experimentarán un aumento de simbiontes que podrían contribuir positivamente a la salud y supervivencia del coral después del trasplante.
RESUMEN
The effect of environment on development and survival of pupae of the necrophagous fly Ophyra albuquerquei Lopes (Diptera, Muscidae). Species of Ophyra Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 are found in decomposing bodies, usually in fresh, bloated and decay stages. Ophyra albuquerquei Lopes, for example, can be found in animal carcasses. The influence of environmental factors has not been evaluated in puparia of O. albuquerquei. Thus, the focus of this work was motivated by the need for models to predict the development of a necrophagous insect as a function of abiotic factors. Colonies of O. albuquerquei were maintained in the laboratory to obtain pupae. On the tenth day of each month 200 pupae, divided equally into 10 glass jars, were exposed to the environment and checked daily for adult emergence of each sample. We concluded that the high survival rate observed suggested that the diets used for rearing the larvae and maintaining the adults were appropriate. Also, the data adjusted to robust generalized linear models and there were no interruptions of O. albuquerquei pupae development within the limits of temperatures studied in southern Rio Grande do Sul, given the high survival presented.
Efeito de fatores ambientais sobre o desenvolvimento e sobrevivência de pupas de Ophyra albuquerquei Lopes (Diptera, Muscidae). Espécies de Ophyra Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 são encontradas em corpos em decomposição, usualmente nas fases fresca, inchamento e murcha. Entre estas espécies, Ophyra albuquerquei Lopes, 1985 pode ser encontrada em carcaças de ratos e coelhos. A influência de fatores ambientais sobre pupas de O. albuquerquei não tinha sido avaliada até o momento. Desta maneira, o foco deste trabalho foi motivado pela necessidade por modelos de previsão do desenvolvimento de insetos necrófagos em função de fatores abióticos. Colônias de O. albuquerquei foram mantidas em laboratório para a obtenção de pupas. Até o décimo dia de cada mês, 200 pupas distribuídas em 10 frascos de vidro foram expostas ao meio e foi verificada diariamente a emergência dos adultos de cada amostra. Os dados se ajustaram a modelos lineares generalizados robustos. Além disto, foi concluído que não existem limiares mínimos e máximos de temperatura para o desenvolvimento de pupas de O. albuquerquei no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, devido à alta sobrevivência apresentada.