Effect of methanolic extract of Dendrophthoe falcata leaves on acute hyperglycemic adult zebrafish

Background: Herbs used in medicinal practices by the indigenous healers are found to be of great importance in the management of diseases that are yet to have a cure by the available drugs. Practice of using herbs available in the vicinity by the locals as medication for ailments is a universal phenomenon. Dendropthoe falcata, an arboreal parasitic plant used in the indigenous medicine for the management of diabetes, is explored here for its acute hyperglycemic model adult zebrafishes. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the hypoglycemic effect of the methanolic extract of Dendrophthoe falcata leaves in alloxan-induced acute diabetic adult zebrafish. Materials and Methods: Adult zebrafishes were grouped into five groups with six fishes in each group exposing them to alloxan to induce acute hyperglycemia and then treating them with two test doses of 40 mg/dl and 60 mg/dl of the methanolic extract of the plant extract. Another group was treated with metformin with a dosage of 20 micro moles. Body mass index, blood glucose, and histopathological examination pre- and post-treatment for a period of 14 days were studied. Results: The effect of the herbal extract in both the doses was promising when compared with the standard drug metformin; however, the cytoprotective effect was very predominant with the both doses of the extract. Acute hypoglycemic was comparatively good when compared with the standard group treated with metformin. Conclusion: The antidiabetic effect of the arboreal parasitic plant has been established with a need for further exploration of this plant for a potential drug for diabetes mellitus.

Scorpion species of medical importance in the Brazilian Amazon: a review to identify knowledge gaps

Scorpionism is a relevant medical condition in Brazil. It is responsible for most accidents involving venomous animals in the country, which leads to severe symptoms that can evolve to death. In recent years, an increase of almost 50% in the incidence of scorpionism has been observed in the Northern Region, where the highest severity of envenoming has been notified since the beginning of the 21st century. This review aims to provide an in-depth assessment of public data and reports on symptoms and epidemiology of envenoming, ecological aspects of scorpions, and characterization of venoms and toxins to access the gaps that need to be filled in the knowledge of the scorpion species of medical importance from the Brazilian Amazon. A systematic search using the string words "Amazon" and "scorpion" was performed on 11 databases. No restriction on date, language or status of the publication was applied. Reports not related to the Brazilian Amazon were excluded. Therefore, 88 studies remained. It is shown that populations of scorpions of medical importance, even of the same species, may present significant toxic variations peculiar to some regions in the Brazilian Amazon, and commercial scorpion antivenoms were not able to shorten the intensity and duration of neurological manifestations in patients stung by T. silvestris, T. apiacas or T. obscurus. It is also highlighted that the toxins responsible for triggering these alterations have not been elucidated yet and this is a fruitful field for the development of more efficient antivenoms. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of scorpions of the genus Tityus in the Brazilian Amazon was revised and updated. The cumulative and detailed information provided in this review may help physicians and scientists interested in scorpionism in the Brazilian Amazon.(AU)

Influence of the amount of food resources in the foraging behavior of Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) / Influência da quantidade de madeira no comportamento de forrageamento de Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky)

Food scarcity or abundance are factors regulating termites' foraging behavior in general. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of four amounts of Eucalyptus grandis on foraging behavior events shown by worker and soldier of Nasutitermes corniger during laboratory tests. The tests were carried out with adult and active N. corniger colonies found in nests collected in the field, which were stored in glass cubes connected to the test arenas. Four different amounts of wood blocks were used in the tests and each amount concerned a treatment and defined a different experimental group: 1, 2, 3 and 4 blocks/arenas, with 5 repetitions. Each test lasted 60 minutes and consisted in observing, or not, the occurrence of behavioral events shown by foragers when they had contact with the treatment. The duration of each event was recorded, whenever it was observed. The number of recruited foragers and the number of workers consuming the blocks were recorded at the end of each test applied to each treatment. Nasutitermes corniger presented the three behavioral events in all treatments; however, there was not significant difference between treatments in the occurrence of the two first events, in the time taken from test start to the occurrence of a new event, in the number of recruited termites and in the number of gnawing workers. Only workers' mass recruiting was influenced by the amount of wood available. The occurrence of this event was significantly higher in treatments with greater amounts of wood. Thus, N. corniger adjusts its mass recruitment behavior in response to available food amount, which should be considered when developing baiting system for its control. (AU)

A escassez ou abundância de alimento são fatores que regulam o forrageamento do térmitas em geral. No presente estudo, avaliou-se a influência de quatro quantidades de madeira de Eucalyptus grandis em eventos comportamentais do forrageamento exibidos por operárias e soldados de Nasutitermes corniger em testes de laboratório. Os testes foram realizados com colônias maduras e ativas de N. cornigerpresentes em ninhos coletados a campo, os quais foram acondicionados em cubas de vidro conectadas a arenas testes. Blocos de madeira de mesma dimensão foram ofertados aos térmitas em quatro quantidades: 1, 2, 3 e 4 blocos/arena, com 5 repetições. Cada teste durou 60 minutos e consistiu na observação ou não da ocorrência de eventos comportamentais exibidos pelos forrageadores quando foi dado acesso a cada tratamento. Quando cada evento foi observado, o tempo de sua duração foi registrado. Ao final de cada teste registrou-se, em cada tratamento, o número de térmitas forrageadores recrutados e o número de operários consumindo os blocos. Observou-se que N. corniger exibiu os três eventos comportamentais em todos os tratamentos. Todavia, não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos com relação à ocorrência dos dois primeiros eventos, aos tempos transcorridos desde o início do teste até a ocorrência de cada evento, aos números de térmitas recrutados e ao número de operários em roedura. Apenas a ocorrência de recrutamento em massa dos operários foi influenciada pela quantidade de madeira ofertada, sendo que foi significativamente superior quando se ofertou os blocos de madeira na maior quantidade. Dessa forma, N. corniger ajusta seu comportamento de recrutamento em massa em resposta a quantidade de alimento disponível, o que deve ser considerado ao se desenvolver um sistema de isca para seu controle. (AU)

Rebrote arbóreo en la regeneración del bosque tropical de Calakmul, Campeche, México / Arboreal resprouting in the Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico tropical forest regeneration

Resumen Los estudios detallados para comprender como los bosques neotropicales se reestablecen en el tiempo, a través de la sucesión secundaria aún resultan necesarios. Entre los mecanismos de regeneración que actúan en los bosques tropicales, el rebrote de árboles predomina en especies leñosas, con la ventaja de reiniciar el crecimiento de raíces establecidas, que permiten restituir el dosel forestal. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y cuantificar las especies arbóreas con capacidad de rebrote en distintas etapas de la sucesión secundaria (barbecho) después del sistema agrícola tradicional de milpa, comparadas con las comunidades del bosque tropical predominante en la Reserva de la Biósfera de Calakmul, y cómo influyen estas especies en la recuperación de la composición de este ecosistema. Se calculó el porcentaje de especies con y sin rebrote para cada etapa sucesional. Se registraron 13 972 individuos (32 % con rebrote y 68 % sin rebrote) y 168 especies (79 % con rebrote y 21 % sin rebrote), el porcentaje de individuos con rebrote va disminuyendo conforme avanza la edad de la sucesión. El número de individuos con rebrote y la composición de especies fueron significativamente diferentes entre etapas. Se puede concluir que la mayoría de especies arbóreas del bosque en Calakmul, presentan la capacidad de rebrotar, lo cual tiene influencia en el rápido proceso sucesional del bosque después de la roza-tumba y quema, restituyendo la cobertura y estructura forestal, así como la composición de las especies originales.(AU)

Abstract Detailed studies to understand recovering of Neotropical forests over time, through secondary succession, are still necessaries. Between acting mechanisms of regeneration in the tropical forests, the arboreal resprout predominates in woody species, with the advantage of restart the growth from still rooting plants, allowing the restoring of forest canopy. The study aim was to identify and quantify the tree species with resprouting capacity in different stages of secondary succession (tree-fallow) after the traditional milpa agricultural system, compared with tropical forest communities in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and, enlightening how these species influences the recovery of the composition of this ecosystem. Was calculated the proportions of species with or without resprouting by successional stage. There were 13 972 individuals (32 % resprouting and 68 % not resprouting) and 168 species (79 % resprouting and 21 % not resprouting), the percentage of individuals regrowing decreases as the successional stage progresses. The number of individuals resprouting and species composition were significantly different between successional stages. In conclusion, mostly arboreal species in the region of Calakmul, can regrow, which influences the successional development of the forest after slash-and-burn, helping to restore the coverage, structure, as well as species composition original.(AU)

Winged ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) presence in twigs on the leaf litter of Atlantic Forest / Colônias de formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) com alados em galhos na serapilheira de Floresta Atlântica

Abstract: In the leaf litter, ants have various nesting resources available, such as live or dead trunks, twigs, leaves, fruits and seeds. On the twigs, there are adults and immature individuals, but also the queen and winged. The production of wings requires time and energy from the colony. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of winged in ant colonies in twigs on the leaf litter. Our prediction is that the richness and abundance of winged in twigs are the greatest in rainy months. We collected all twigs with ants in 552 plots with 16 m2, totaling 8,832 m2 of leaf litter, in areas located in the Brazilian Atlantic Domain. We compared the species richness and the number of colonies with and without winged, as well as the number of winged over a year. In total, we collected 1,521 twigs with colonies belonging to 92 species of ants. The rate of twigs with winged was low, about 12%. In colonies with winged, the total number of twigs, species and amount of winged does not differ between the months considered dry and rainy. The majority of winged species are leaf litter dwellers, such as Linepithema neotropicum, recorded with the highest amount of winged irrespective of the period. Arboreal species colonized 15% of the twigs and, in 1/3 of these species, winged were recorded as part of the composition of the colony. Although winged represent a small percentage of the colony in twigs, our results indicate that this feature is important for the life cycle of 44% of the species that occupy twigs, considering that winged are fundamental for the dispersion of the colony.

Resumo: Na serapilheira as formigas têm disponíveis diversos recursos de nidificação, como troncos e galhos vivos ou mortos, folhas, frutos e sementes. Nos galhos são encontrados indivíduos adultos e imaturos, mas também rainha e alados. A produção de alados exige tempo e energia por parte da colônia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de alados em colônias de formigas em galhos na serapilheira. Nossa hipótese é que a riqueza e abundância de alados em galhos são maiores nos meses chuvosos. Nós coletamos todos os galhos com formigas em 552 parcelas de 16 m2, totalizando 8.832 m2 de serapilheira em áreas localizadas no Domínio Atlântico brasileiro. Comparamos a riqueza de espécies e o número de galhos com e sem alados, bem como o número de alados ao longo de um ano. No total coletamos 1.521 galhos com colônias, pertencentes a 92 espécies de formigas; a taxa de galhos com alados foi baixa, cerca de 12%. Nas colônias com alados, o número total de galhos, espécies e quantidade de alados não diferem entre os meses secos ou chuvosos. A maioria das espécies com alados é habitante da serapilheira, como Linepithema neotropicum, registrada com a maior quantidade de alados, independente do período. Espécies arborícolas colonizaram 15% dos galhos e, em 1/3 dessas espécies, alados foram registrados fazendo parte da composição da colônia. Apesar de os alados representarem uma pequena porcentagem da colônia em galhos, nossos resultados indicam que este recurso é importante para o ciclo de vida de 50% das espécies que os ocupam, considerando que alados são fundamentais para a dispersão da colônia.

ESTRUCTURA Y DIVERSIDAD FLORÍSTICA DE LA ZONA TERRESTRE DE UN HUMEDAL URBANO EN BOGOTÁ (COLOMBIA) / STRUCTURE FLORISTIC AND DIVERSITY OF THE TERRESTRIAL AREA OF A URBAN WETLAND IN BOGOTA (COLOMBIA)

En el humedal El Burro ubicado en la ciudad de Bogotá (Colombia), se describió la estructura y diversidad florística de la zona terrestre, para el establecimiento de estrategias de restauración ecológica. Utilizando un muestreo estratificado, se realizaron 15 parcelas de 200 m2 para plantas leñosas con DAP ≥ 1 cm y para herbáceas se siguió el método de cuadrante de 1 m2, con un total de 61 unidades de muestreo. Se identificaron las unidades de vegetación de pastizal y vegetación arbórea y arbustiva mixta, en las cuales se registraron 51 especies incluidas en 45 géneros y 30 familias. El pastizal se encuentra dominado por la especie introducida Pennisetum clandestinum, con presencia de individuos arbustivos y arbóreos de Baccharis bogotensis, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia decurrens y Salix humboldtiana, entre otras. La unidad de vegetación arbórea y arbustiva mixta se caracteriza por la presencia de las especies Caesalpinia spinosa, Cotoneaster pannosus, A. decurrens, A. melanoxylon y Pittosporum undulatum. La evaluación de las condiciones actuales del ecosistema permitió evidenciar que aun cuando en las dos unidades de vegetación se observa la presencia de especies vegetales nativas en estado de desarrollo juvenil, se deben implementar estrategias para superar la barrera que impone el pastizal con respecto al destino de las semillas y la sobrevivencia de plántulas, que permitan acelerar la regeneración de estos ecosistemas.

In El Burro wetland, located in the city of Bogota (Colombia), the floristic structure and diversity of the terrestrial area were described for establishing ecological restoration strategies. Using a stratified sampling, fifteen 200 m2 plots for woody plants with DBH ≥ 1 cm and for herbaceous plants were made following the 1 m2 quadrant method with a total of 61 sample units. Vegetation grassland and tree and shrub vegetation mixed units were identified, from which 51 species included in 45 genera and 30 families were recorded. The pasture is dominated by the exotic Pennisetum clandestinum species, with the presence of shrubby and arboreal individuals of Baccharis bogotensis, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia decurrens and Salix humboldtiana, among others. The arboreal vegetation and mixed tree and shrub unit is characterized by the presence of Caesalpinia spinosa, Cotoneaster pannosus, A. decurrens, A. melanoxylon and Pittosporum undulatum. The assessment of current conditions of the ecosystem showed that, even though in the two units of vegetation the presence of native plant species in juvenile development is observed, strategies must be implemented to overcome barrier imposed by the pasture with respect to the destination of seeds and seedling survival which allow accelerating the regeneration of these ecosystems.

Reproductive phenology of epiphytes in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Phenology of plants, or the timing of life cycle events, is important for understanding plant ecology, forest dynamics, and plant-animal interactions. In tropical forests, studies that document epiphyte reproductive phenology are relatively few because of the challenges of tracking plants that live in the canopy. Phenological patterns for 279 individuals of 7 epiphyte species were examined across 12 months in a tropical montane forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Epiphytes were located in one of two common tree species, Ficus tuerckheimii (Moraceae) or Ocotea tonduzii (Lauraceae). Flowering and fruiting (i.e., when ripe or unripe fruit is present on the plant) of study plants was recorded on monthly intervals, and phenology was examined as a function of the season at the study site (i.e., wet, transition, or dry season), and pollinator syndrome (bird-, or insect-pollinated) and seed dispersal syndrome (bird-, bat-, or wind-dispersed) of each plant. Though some epiphyte species flowered and fruited throughout the year, the majority showed significant seasonality in phenological events. Based on circular statistics, the timing of mean flowering of different epiphyte species varied, however, timing of mean fruiting for most species tended to occur during the wet season. Insect- and bird-pollinated species had peak flowering during the dry season and late wet season, respectively. Bird-dispersed fruits were present each month of the year with peaks from February to October and again in December. Wind-dispersed fruits were observed eight months of the year with a peak in the early wet season. The timing of epiphyte flowering coincided with flowering of large trees in the area. Epiphyte fruiting, however, is distinct from large tree fruiting. Our results demonstrate the seasonal nature of flowering and fruiting in individual epiphyte species while also highlighted the asynchronous nature of phenological events amongst the epiphyte community.

La fenología de las plantas, o el cronograma de eventos en el ciclo de vida, es importante para la comprensión de la ecología vegetal, la dinámica de los bosques y de las interacciones planta-animal. En los bosques tropicales, los estudios que documentan la fenología de las epífitas son relativamente pocos debido a los desafíos que representa darles seguimiento a las plantas que viven en el dosel. Aquí se presenta un reporte de los patrones fenológicos de 279 individuos de 7 especies de epífitas que abarca 12 meses en un bosque montano tropical en Monteverde, Costa Rica. Las epífitas se encuentran en una de las dos especies de árboles comunes, Ficus tuerckheimii (Moraceae) u Ocotea tonduzii (Lauraceae). Se registró la floración y fructificación (i.e. cuando la fruta madura o inmadura está presente en la planta) de las plantas de estudio en intervalos mensuales y examinó la fenología a través de las estaciones en el sitio de estudio (i.e. estación húmeda, transición, o seca) y el síndrome de polinizadores (ave- , o insecto-polinización ) y el síndrome de dispersión de semillas (ave-, murciélago-, o viento- dispersión) de cada planta. Aunque la mayoría de las especies de epífitas tuvieron flores y frutos durante todo el año, la mayoría mostró estacionalidad significativa en los eventos fenoló-gicos. Con base en estadísticas circulares, el tiempo de floración promedio de las especies de epífitas es variado, sin embargo, el momento de la fructificación promedio para la mayoría de las especies tiende a ocurrir durante la estación húmeda. Especies de insectos y aves de polinización tenían pico de floración durante la estación seca y la estación lluviosa tarde, respectivamente. Frutas dispersadas por aves estaban presentes todos los meses del año con picos de febrero a octubre y de nuevo en diciembre. Frutas dispersadas por el viento se observaron ocho meses del año con un pico en la temporada de lluvias temprana. El momento de la floración de las epífitas coincidió con la floración de árboles de gran tamaño en la zona. La fructificación de las epífitas, sin embargo, fue diferente de la fructificación de los árboles de gran tamaño. Nuestros resultados ponen de manifiesto el carácter estacional de la floración y fructificación de las especies epífitas individuales, además de destacar el carácter asincrónico de los eventos fenológicos entre toda la comunidad de epífitas.

Deposition and nutritional quality of the litter of pure stands of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia mangium / Aporte e qualidade nutricional da serapilheira de plantios puros de Eucalyptus camaldulensis e Acacia mangium

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of pure stands of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia mangium for litter deposition and nutrient return in a pit of clay extraction in northern Rio de Janeiro (RJ). We conducted a randomized block design experiment with two treatments and three replications. For the evaluation of the annual deposition of litter and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), we used circular collectors during a year (from July 2006 to June 2007). The planting of Acacia mangium in clay extraction pits contributed with the largest annual deposition of litter and with a litter of better quality compared to Eucalyptus camaldulensis, with higher levels of P and N and lower C:N and polyphenol:N ratios. This fact possibly allows higher rates of decomposition by edaphic microorganisms and, hence, a faster release of these nutrients to the soil. In addition, the planting of legumes showed higher annual deposition of P and N.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a contribuição de plantios puros de Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Eucalipto) e Acacia mangium (Acácia) na deposição de serapilheira e retorno de nutrientes em uma cava de extração de argila na região norte fluminense (RJ). Realizou-se um experimento, cujo delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com dois tratamentos e três repetições. Para a avaliação do aporte anual de serapilheira e nutrientes (N, P, K, Ca e Mg), utilizaram-se coletores circulares, durante o período de um ano (julho de 2006 a junho de 2007). O plantio de Acacia mangium na cava de extração de argila contribuiu com o maior aporte anual de serapilheira total, bem como, uma serapilheira de melhor qualidade em relação ao Eucalyptus camaldulensis, apresentando maiores teores de P e N e menores relações C:N e Polifenol:N. Este fato possivelmente permite maiores taxas de decomposição pelos microrganismos edáficos, e consequente mais rápida liberação desses nutrientes para o solo. Além disso, o plantio da leguminosa apresentou maior aporte anual de P e N.

Composição florística e estrutural de um cerrado sentido restrito na área de proteção de Manancial Mestre D'Armas, Distrito Federal / Floristic composition and structural of the cerrado sensu stricto in Mestre D'armas watershed protection area, Distrito Federal, Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar o levantamento fitossociológico da comunidade arbustivo-arbórea em área de Cerrado sentido restrito na Área de Proteção de Manancial Mestre D'Armas, em Planaltina, Distrito Federal. Para isso foram instaladas 10 parcelas aleatórias de 1.000 m2 (20 x 50 m) e identificados e medidos todos os indivíduos lenhosos (Db30 cm) 5 cm. Os valores de riqueza (75 espécies/51 gêneros/34 famílias), de diversidade de Shannon (3,39) e de equabilidade (0,85) estão na faixa de variação encontrados em outros estudos realizados no Brasil Central e refletem alta diversidade na área estudada. Foram registrados 960 indivíduos/ha e uma área basal total de 8,61 m2/ha. As dez espécies mais importantes (Miconia burchellii, Qualea parviflora, Roupala montana, Kielmeyera coriaceae, Annona crassiflora, Miconia ferruginea, Vochysia thyrsoidea, Miconia albicans, Erythoxylum suberosum e Rapanea guianensis) corresponderam 59% da densidade total, 50% do IVI total e 61% da área basal da comunidade. Assim, essas são as espécies que representam a estrutura principal do Cerrado sentido restrito no presente trabalho. Miconia burchellii ocorreu com a maior densidade (180 ind.ha-1) já registrada para a espécie no Brasil Central. Os resultados contribuem para aumentar o conhecimento sobre a fisionomia Cerrado sentido restrito e indicam que o fragmento está em bom estado de conservação, de acordo com o índice de diversidade. Essa área é importante no contexto do Distrito Federal, uma vez que forma elos entre os fragmentos remanescentes, o Parque Nacional de Brasília e a Estação Ecológica de Águas Emendadas.

This study aimed to describe the floristic composition, diversity and community structure of woody community in Cerrado sensu stricto in the Área de Proteção de Manancial Mestre D'Armas, Distrito Federal, Brazil. Ten random plots (20 x 50 m) were installed and identified and measured all the individuals with diameter (Dh30 cm) 5 cm. The results showed richness (75 species/51 genus/34 family), Shannon diversity (3.39 nats. nats.ind-1) and evenness (0.85) reflect high diversity in the studied area and similar to the range of variation found in other studies in Central Brazil. In this study were registered 960 individuals/ha and 8.61 m2/ha of basal area. The ten most important species (Miconia burchellii, Qualea parviflora, Roupala montana, Kielmeyera coriaceae, Annona crassiflora, Miconia ferruginea, Vochysia thyrsoidea, Miconia albicans, Erythoxylum suberosum and Rapanea guianensis) accounted for 59% of the total density, 50% of the IVI and 61% of the basal area of the community. So, these are the species that represent the main structure of Cerrado stricto sensu in that area. Miconia burchellii occurred with the highest density (180 ind.ha-1) ever recorded for the species in Central Brazil. The results contribute to increase the knowledge about the physiognomy Cerrado stricto sensu and indicate that the fragment is in good condition, and it is important in the context of the Federal District, once that form links between the remaining fragments, the Parque Nacional de Brasília and the Estação Ecológica de Águas Emendadas.

Caste polymorphism of apterous line of the Neotropical termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) (Isoptera, Termitidae)

Termite societies are structured by individuals that can be grouped into castes and instars. The development of these instars in most species occurs in irregular patterns and sometimes is distinguished subcastes in physical systems that originate polymorphic soldiers and workers. In this study, we characterized the morphological diversity of castes of apterous in Nasutitermes corniger. We collected four colonies of N. corniger, one every three months between May 2011 and February 2012. Individuals of the nest were separated into groups: larval stages, workers and presoldiers and soldiers. A morphometric analysis was performed on individuals from each group based on head width, metatibia, antenna, and thorax length. The data were submitted to discriminant analysis to confirm different morphological types inside these groups. The apterous line of N. corniger is composed of one first larval instar and two second larval instar. The workers caste has two lines of development with four instars in a larger line and three instars in a lower line. Two morphological types were identified in presoldiers and soldiers. The pattern of castes was similar to other species of the genus, in which bifurcation into two lines of workers, one smaller and one larger occurs after the first molt.

Topographical Anatomy of the Blunthead Treesnake, Imantodes cenchoa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Colubridae: Xenodontinae) / Anatomía Topográfica de la Serpiente Bejucillo Cabezona, Imantodes cenchoa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Colubridae: Xenodontinae)

Imantodes cenchoa (Duméril, 1853) is an arboreal, nocturnal and oviparous xenodontine snake, which feeds on amphibians and lizards. It is found in Central and South America, including northern and central Brazil. In this work, we investigated the relationship between topographic anatomy and habitat in I. cenchoa. Twenty specimens (13 non pregnant females and 7 males) were examined. The topographic anatomy study was realized through observations of the internal anatomy, particularly the position and size of lung, heart, liver, left and right gonads and left and right kidneys. Results showed that all the organs are located in a posterior position in relation to the snout vent length (SVL). The centre of gravity is found at about 74% of SVL in both males and females. In males, no positive allometry was observed among the positions of the organs. Negative allometry in females was observed regarding the position of the anterior tip of the left kidney, the anterior and posterior tips of the right kidney and in both ovaries. In males, negative allometry is present in the position of all the organs. The distance between the last follicle and the cloaca was 8.78% of SVL. Our data corroborate the idea that the posterior position of all internal organs is linked to a habitat specialization of a snake, linking the arboreal species I. cenchoa with a relatively posterior internal topography.

Imantodes cenchoa (Duméril, 1853) es una serpiente xenodontinea, arbórea, noctura y ovípara, que se alimenta de anfibios y largartos. Se encuenta en América Central y del Sur, incluyendo las partes Norte y Central de Brasil. En este trabajo, investigamos la relaciones entre la Anatomía Topográfica y hábitat en I. cenchoa. Fueron examinados 20 especímenes (13 hembras no preñadas y 7 machos). El estudio de la Anatomía Topográfica fue realizada a través de observaciones de la anatomía interna, particularmente la posición y tamaño del pulmón, corazón, hígado, gónadas y riñones derechos e izquierdos. Los resultados mostraron que todos los órganos están localizados en una posición posterior, en relación a la entrada de la longitud del hocico(SVL). El centro de gravedad se encuentra a 74% de SVL en machos y hembras. En los machos, no fue observada alometría positiva entre la posición de los órganos. Fue observada alometría negativa en las hembras, considerando la posición del extremo anterior del riñón izquierdo, los extremos anterior y posterior del riñón derecho y ambos ovarios. En machos, se presentó alometría negativa en la posición de todos los órganos. La distancia entre el último folículo y la cloaca fue 8.78% de SVL. Nuestros datos corroboran la idea que la posición posterior de todos los órganos internos está marcada por una especialización al hábitat de una serpiente, marcando la especie arbórea I. cenchoa con una especial topografía interna posterior.

Estratificação e densidade de invertebrados em solo arenoso sob floresta primária e plantios arbóreos na amazônia central durante a estação seca

Density and vertical distribution of soil invertebrates were studied during September of 1990 and 1991 in three plots, namely one forest plot and two arboreal plantations (Dipteryx odorata =cumaru Leguminosae> and Simaruba amara =marupá Simarubaceae>) near Manaus (Brazil). Nineteen main fauna groups were found, and most of them had similar densities in the three plots. The most representative groups were Isoptera (40.1 %), Formicidae (25.2%), Araneae (6.7%), all together representing 62.4% of all soil fauna in the cumaru plot, 57.0% in marupa and 84.1 % in the forest plot. Density of soil fauna decreased from the top soil to 20 cm depth (excluding termites), with a subsequent increase until 30 cm depth. 45% of all fauna occurred in the top 0-5 cm, followed by 9.5% (5-10 cm), 9.1 % ( 10-15 cm), 2.7% (15-20 cm), 20.7% (20-25 cm) and 12.3% (25-30 cm). Isoptera, Diptera and other invertebrates did not present correlation with the pH and the humidity of the soil.

Densidade e distribuição vertical de invertebrados foram estudados durante o mês de setembro de 1990 e 1991, em solo de três tipos de cobertura vegetal: floresta primária, plantios de Dipteryx odorata(Leguminosae = cumaru) e Simaruba amara(Simarubaceae = marupá), nos arredores de Manaus, Brasil. Foram encontrados 19 grupos principais da fauna. A maioria desses grupos foram similares para os três tipos de cobertura, sendo Isoptera (40,1%), Formicidae (25,2%), Araneae (6,7%) os grupos mais abundantes que, juntos, representaram 62,4% da fauna de cumaru, 57,0% da fauna de marupá e 84,1% da fauna de floresta. Houve uma diminuição da densidade para todos os grupos (excluídos os cupins) até a profundidade de 20 cm, com subseqüente aumento até 30 cm de profundidade, principalmente pela presença de Isoptera. Cerca de 45% de toda a fauna ocorreu no estrato de 0-5 cm de profundidade, seguido de 9,5% (5-10 cm), 9,1% (10-15 cm), 2,7% (15-20 cm), 20,7% (20-25 cm) e 12,3% (25-30 cm) nos estratos subseqüentes. Isoptera, Diptera e outros invertebrados não apresentaram correlação com a umidade e o pH do solo.