The Vertical Metabolic Activity and Community Structure of Prokaryotes along Different Water Depths in the Kermadec and Diamantina Trenches.

Prokaryotes play a key role in particulate organic matter's decomposition and remineralization processes in the vertical scale of seawater, and prokaryotes contribute to more than 70% of the estimated remineralization. However, little is known about the microbial community and metabolic activity of the vertical distribution in the trenches. The composition and distribution of prokaryotes in the water columns and benthic boundary layers of the Kermadec Trench and the Diamantina Trench were investigated using high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR, together with the Biolog EcoplateTM microplates culture to analyze the microbial metabolic activity. Microbial communities in both trenches were dominated by Nitrososphaera and Halobacteria in archaea, and by Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria in bacteria, and the microbial community structure was significantly different between the water column and the benthic boundary layer. At the surface water, amino acids and polymers were used preferentially; at the benthic boundary layers, amino acids and amines were used preferentially. Cooperative relationships among different microbial groups and their carbon utilization capabilities could help to make better use of various carbon sources along the water depths, reflected by the predominantly positive relationships based on the co-occurrence network analysis. In addition, the distinct microbial metabolic activity detected at 800 m, which was the lower boundary of the twilight zone, had the lowest salinity and might have had higher proportions of refractory carbon sources than the shallower water depths and benthic boundary layers. This study reflected the initial preference of the carbon source by the natural microbes in the vertical scale of different trenches and should be complemented with stable isotopic tracing experiments in future studies to enhance the understanding of the complex carbon utilization pathways along the vertical scale by prokaryotes among different trenches.

Leptodactylus vastos (LEPTODACTYLIDAE) PREDATION ON AN ENDEMIC FROG, AND A COMPILATION OF ITS DIET / Depredación de Leptodactylus vastus (Leptodactylidae) en una rana endémica y una recopilación de su dieta

RESUMEN La composición de la dieta constituye información básica sobre la historia natural de la especie. A pesar de la cantidad de datos adquiridos en los últimos años, aún queda mucho por conocer, especialmente para especies geográficamente extendidas. Aquí compilamos los elementos dietéticos disponibles de Leptodactylus vastus y reportamos el primer evento de depredación de Rupirana cardosoi por un juvenil de L. vastus. El hecho de que estas especies sean sintópicas en la región probablemente resultó en este nuevo evento de depredación. A diferencia de las observaciones previas de depredación de L. vastus, los especímenes que observamos no presentan una diferencia notable en el tamaño corporal, pero L. vastus fue capaz de casi tragar R. cardosoi, en coherencia con los hallazgos de que el tamaño de la boca está relacionado con la selección de presas en los anuros. Además, nuestra revisión de la literatura mostró que L. vastus es un depredador generalista y oportunista, que se alimenta de pequeños vertebrados (Amphibia, Squamata y Mammalia).

ABSTRACT Diet composition constitutes basic information on the natural history of the species. Despite the amount of data acquired in the last years, much remains to be known specially for geographically widespread species. Here we compiled the available dietary items of Leptodactylus vastus and report the first predation event upon Rupirana cardosoi by a juvenile L. vastus. The fact these species are syntopic in the region probably resulted in this novel predation event. Different from previous L. vastus predation observations, the specimens we observed do not present a striking difference in body size, but L. vastus was able to almost swallow L. cardosoi, coherent with findings that mouth size is related to prey selection in anurans. Also, our literature review showed that L. vastus is a generalist and opportunistic predator, that prey upon small vertebrates (Amphibia, Squamata, and Mammalia).

Eco-epidemiological Aspects of Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Municipality of Diamantina, Jequitinhonha Valley (Minas Gerais State, Brazil).

Background: The present study was carried out in the rural and urban area of Diamantina/Minas Gerais (MG), an endemic municipality for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil. Methods: Patient notification records, canine prevalence, and phlebotomine fauna were evaluated. Results: In the period from 2016 to 2018, eight human cases were confirmed, with three deaths, predominantly in males. In the same period, a total of 1,388 dogs resided in the rural and urban area of the municipality were submitted to the DPP® and ELISA, with a percentage of confirmed canine cases of 29.9% and 29.4%, respectively. The entomological study conducted in the municipality revealed the presence of 10 species of sand flies, with a predominance of Lutzomyia longipalpis (55.75%), mainly in the rural area. Conclusions: Unlike what is happening in urban centers, the results of this study suggest that the VL in Diamantina is in the process of urbanization, given the high percentage of confirmed canine cases and the high density of Lu. longipalpis in the rural area of the municipality. These risk factors warn about the need for continuous surveillance and the need to control actions of VL in this area.

Uncovering assets in Brazilian national parks.

Protected areas (PAs) are the cornerstone of global conservation policy and have expanded dramatically over the last century. Though unequivocally beneficial for biodiversity, gazetting land for protecting nature can also be seen as an 'opportunity cost' that some politicians are unwilling to pay. One of the most effective strategies to increase the political resilience of PAs in the face of such threats is to demonstrate their broader value to society. This is one of the objectives of the recently proposed 'PA asset framework'. The framework conceptualizes PAs as being composed of suites of biophysical, human, infrastructure, institutional and cultural assets that interact with individuals and institutions to generate different forms of tangible and intangible value. Here, we test the utility of the framework by conducting an asset-based analysis of Brazilian National Parks (NPs) at two different scales (NP system and NP unit). Assets were identified at the system level through a systematic review of 49 Management Plans (MPs) using a typology of PA asset classes as a tool for characterising the presence and state of assets in or associated with NPs. At the NP unit level, assets were identified through semi-structured interviews with local managers of the Chapada Diamantina National Park. Biophysical and infrastructure assets were the most represented asset classes at both scales. Our analysis successfully revealed: (i) which assets can be managed to generate wider forms of values at local scale (e.g. natural spectacles, iconic species, park volunteers) (ii) relational values between assets (e.g. trails and outdoor recreational features), and (iii) value generating practices (VGPs) to capture values from the interaction between different assets (i.e. restoration of degraded areas through voluntary programmes, etc.). We conclude by discussing how the PA asset framework can be operatively integrated into NP management to improve the future allocation of limited financial resources.

Phylogenetic Position of Trichomycterus payaya and Examination of Osteological Characters Diagnosing the Neotropical Catfish Genus Ituglanis (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae).

The Trichomycterinae is among the most diverse catfish groups in the world, with interesting ecological specializations; however, the taxonomy of Trichomycterinae is still problematic, mainly due to unclear limits and diagnoses of the eight included genera. Herein we infer the phylogenetic position and generic placement of Trichomycterus payaya, a recently described species from north-eastern Brazil, with unique morphological features among congeners. A multigene analysis including fragments of two nuclear and two mitochondrial genes (total of 2974 bp) for 53 trichomycterine taxa and three outgroups clearly supports inclusion of T. payaya in Ituglanis, a trichomycterine genus containing 29 valid species, which is corroborated by osteological characters. An examination of osteological characters used to diagnose Ituglanis in its original description indicates that a rudimentary or absent posterior cranial fontanel is synapomorphic for Ituglanis, but this is reversed in I. payaya; an anteriorly directed antero-lateral extremity of the sphenotic-prootic-pterosphenoid complex and a narrow and long lateral process of the parurohyal are synapomorphic for Ituglanis, but homoplastically occurring in other trichomycterids; and the presence of a deep medial concavity on the autopalatine is ambiguous to diagnose Ituglanis by occurring in other closely related trichomycterine taxa. Ituglanis is also distinguishable from other trichomycterines by a unique shape of the metapterygoid and by a reduced number of ribs. The analysis supports a clade, comprising I. payaya and I. paraguassuensis, that is endemic to the Chapada Diamantina, in the semiarid Caatinga of north-eastern Brazil, reinforcing the importance of this region for trichomycterid diversification. By integrating molecular analysis and comparative morphology, the present study provides a more solid basis for delimiting Ituglanis, creating a better taxonomical resolution of the Trichomycterinae, although much more research is necessary to reach a consistent generic classification for the entire subfamily.

Performance, Effectiveness, and Efficiency of Honeybees as Pollinators of Coffea arabica (Gentianales, Rubiaceae).

Studies in crop plants analyzing floral biology in conjunction with effectiveness and efficiency of pollinators on pollen transfer and fruit formation are not common, although they are essential to provide better management actions. On this base, we selected a farm in Bahia, Brazil, to study pollination on coffee plants (Coffea arabica L.). Specifically, we want to analyze if nectar traits influence visitor's performance throughout flower lifetime and if honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier, 1836) are effective and efficient for coffee pollination comparing fertilization and fructification among four experimental treatments: open (OP), wind (WP), cross (HCP), and single-visit bee pollination (SVBP). We found that honeybees collect both nectar and pollen from coffee flowers and transfer pollen on stigmas even after one visit. No differences were found among treatments regarding the number of pollen grains transferred on the stigmas (effectiveness). OP flowers showed a comparative lower efficiency (pollen tubes and fruit set) probably due to pollination failure as those flowers have a higher variability on the number of deposited pollen grains. Two of the treatments (HCP and SVBP) showed higher fertilization (measuring tubes until the end of the style). Pollen loads seem to be limited by a peak of pollen transference by pollinators, followed by the stabilization in the number of pollen grains deposited per stigma. Thus, reproduction of the coffee can be limited by the quality of pollen grains moved by pollinators instead of quantity. Management strategies should focus on monitoring bee density on plants for increasing pollen quality transfer on flowers trough maintaining the adequate proportions of seminatural habitats and/or the number of hives on agricultural fields according to the flowering of the crop.

Maintaining genetic integrity with high promiscuity: Frequent hybridization with low introgression in multiple hybrid zones of Melocactus (Cactaceae).

Hybridization and introgression between species in contact/hybrid zones provide important insight into the genetic and ecological mechanisms of speciation. Cactaceae represents the most important radiation of true succulent angiosperms in the New World. This diversification continues to date, with species experiencing few intrinsic barriers to gene flow and the frequent occurrence of natural hybridization. Here, we used RAD-Seq single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data to investigate the genetic architecture of hybridization in four hybrid zones hosting Melocactus concinnus and four congeneric species (M. ernestii, M. glaucescens, M. paucispinus, and M. zehntneri). Our results revealed that M. concinnus is highly promiscuous in sympatric areas and hybridizes with various species distributed in Morro do Chapéu (Diamantina Plateau, Bahia), eastern Brazil. However, the contemporary genomic introgression among the investigated species is very low (c. 2-5%), confirming that even in the face of hybridization, Melocactus species maintain their genetic integrity. The genomic cline approach showed a large fraction of loci deviating from a model of neutral introgression, where most of the loci are consistent with selection favoring parental genotypes. Our results suggest the occurrence of weak premating but strong postmating reproductive isolation in the analyzed cactus species. Furthermore, as most of the Melocactus species are restricted in distribution, hybridization might negatively affect their integrity if hybrids replace the parental species.

Atopsyche Banks (Trichoptera, Hydrobiosidae): New species, redescription, and new records.

Atopsyche is the largest genus of hydrobiosids, comprising 139 species in three subgenera (Atopsyche, Atopsaura, and Dolochorema), distributed from southwestern United States to northeastern Uruguay. Atopsyche (Atopsaura) is the most diverse subgenus with 65 species, Atopsyche (Atopsyche) with 51, and Atopsyche (Dolochorema) with three. This paper provides a taxonomic study of Atopsyche, including descriptions of A. (Atopsyche) bravoi n. sp. from Ecuador, A. (Atopsaura) beckeri n. sp. from Cuba, A. (Atopsaura) japi n. sp. from Brazil, and the redescription of A. (Atopsaura) usingeri. Additionally, the morphological variations of A. (Atopsaura) antisuya and A. (Atopsaura) diamantina are presented, as well new records. These results contribute to taxonomical knowledge of Atopsyche and increase the number of described species to 142.

Mapeamento dos aspectos hidrogeoquímicos de águas subterrâneas a partir de estatística multivariada e redes neurais artificiais / Mapping of groundwater hydrogeochemistry aspects through multivariate statistics and artificial neural networks

RESUMO O objetivo central deste trabalho foi realizar o mapeamento dos aspectos hidrogeoquímicos de águas subterrâneas usando a estatística multivariada e redes neurais artificiais como subsídio para identificação de padrões espaciais. Para tal, foi executado um estudo de caso em aquíferos no município de Lençóis, Bahia, na região da Chapada Diamantina, nordeste do Brasil. Foram realizadas campanhas de campo para coleta de coordenadas geodésicas e amostras de águas subterrâneas. Após análise laboratorial e determinação de dados analíticos, foi feita a interpretação dos processos ambientais com o uso da análise de agrupamentos e mapas auto-organizáveis, além de classificação das águas pela Resolução do Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente nº 396/2008. Para fins de mapeamento dos dados analisados, foram usadas técnicas de geoprocessamento no Sistema de Informação Geográfica. Os principais constituintes físicos e químicos analisados em dois períodos climáticos foram mapeados e divididos em sete agrupamentos. Foram identificadas quatro zonas no município, que apresentam diferentes contextos hidrogeoquímicos. As zonas dos setores leste/sudeste, sul (área urbana) e extremo sul apresentam as mais significativas alterações na hidrogeoquímica e qualidade das águas. O mapeamento, subsidiado pela estatística multivariada e redes neurais artificiais, se apresentou potencialmente útil em contribuir com as ações de gestão dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos, como delimitação de áreas prioritárias, monitoramento de zonas de riscos de contaminação, além de intervenções de engenharia que eventualmente busquem o saneamento ambiental das águas subterrâneas.

ABSTRACT The main objective this paper was to map the hydrogeochemistry aspects of groundwater using multivariate statistics and artificial neural networks as a subsidy to identify spatial patterns. For this, a case study was carried out in aquifers in the municipality of Lençóis (BA), in the region of Chapada Diamantina, Northeastern Brazil. Field campaigns were carried out to collect geodetic coordinates and groundwater samples. After laboratorial analysis and determination of analytical data, the environmental processes were interpreted by cluster analysis and self-organizing maps, as well as the waters classification through CONAMA Resolution no. 396/2008. For the purpose of mapping the analyzed data, geoprocessing techniques were used in GIS. The main physical and chemical constituents analyzed in two climatic periods were mapped and divided into seven clusters. Four zones that present different hydrogeochemical contexts were identified in the municipality. The zones of the east/southeastern, south (urban area) and south end sectors present the most significant changes in hydrogeochemistry and water quality. The mapping, supported by multivariate statistics and artificial neural networks, was potentially useful in contributing to the management actions of groundwater resources as delimitation of priority areas, monitoring of contamination risk zones and engineering interventions that eventually seek environmental groundwater sanitation.

Intestinal parasites in paper money circulating in the city of Diamantina (Minas Gerais, Brazil).

BACKGROUND: Banknotes are objects of great turnover and diffusion among the population, and can be efficient mechanisms in the dissemination of several intestinal parasites. This study investigated the presence of biological forms of intestinal parasites present in circulating cash banknotes in the city of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil, aiming to propose interventions aimed at improving local public health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February and April 2017, samples of banknotes collected in five commercial establishments of the city were analyzed, namely: 1) gas station, 2) supermarket, 3) butchery, 4) pharmacy and 5) free fair. Ten circulating banknotes of each value (R$2.00, R$5.00, R$10.00, R$20.00, R$50.00 and R$100.00) were exchanged for new banknotes, washed with Tween 80 and, after spontaneous sedimentation, analyzed under an optical microscope with a magnification of 10× and 40×. RESULTS: Cysts of Entamoeba coli (74.60%), cysts of Endolimax nana (16.94%), Giardia lam-blia cysts (4.44%), unidentified nematode larvae (2.02%), Hymenolepis sp. (0.81%), Taenia sp. (0.81%) and Ancylostomidae larvae (0.40%) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed the need for improvements in basic sanitation, health and education activities that emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene.

Natural and anthropic processes controlling groundwater hydrogeochemistry in a tourist destination in northeastern Brazil.

The objective of this study was to analyze spatial-seasonal changes to identify the natural and anthropic processes that control groundwater hydrogeochemistry in urban aquifers in municipality of Lençóis (Bahia). Tourism is the main activity of this municipality, which is an important tourist destination in northeastern Brazil and which maintains its tourism infrastructure by using groundwater. Two field campaigns were conducted (dry and rainy seasons) in order to collect groundwater samples extracted from 15 tubular wells distributed over the urban area of the municipality. The Piper diagram, multivariate statistical analyses, and artificial neural networks indicated that there are two types of water (Na-Cl and Na-[Formula: see text]-), which were divided into five different clusters. Seasonal variation was observed to significantly alter groundwater hydrogeochemistry. According to the Gibbs diagram, groundwater within the urban area of Lençóis belonged to the rainfall dominance, demonstrating low water-rock interaction. Hydrogeochemical modeling results suggested hydrolysis as the main natural factors controlling process. However, mineral dissolution also occurred in one of the clusters. Human-originated trace contamination by nitrate, chloride, and sulfate occurred in a zone of the urban area. This contamination was observed regardless of climate seasonality, indicating that the main controlling process for groundwater hydrochemistry in this region is wastewater mobilization (indirect artificial recharge).

A new species of Anheteromeyenia (Porifera, Demospongiae) with an emended diagnosis of the genus.

Anheteromeyenia Schröder, 1927 (Spongillidae) was erected to comprise species of Heteromeyenia Potts, 1881 without microscleres. Until now, only four species of Anheteromeyenia are known, three from the Neotropical Region (A. cheguevarai, A. ornata and A. vitrea) and A. argyrosperma from the Nearctic Region. In the present study, we describe a new species of Anheteromeyenia from the Neotropical Region, which differs from other congeners in having only one category of megascleres, exclusively smooth oxeas. An identification key to species of Anheteromeyenia and an emended diagnosis of the genus are provided.

A new species of Copionodon lacking a free orbital rim (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

A new species of the copionodontine genus Copionodon is described from the upper reaches of a tributary to the rio Paraguaçu in the Diamantina Plateau, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. This species represents the northernmost occurrence of the subfamily yet known. The new species can be readily recognized by its large eye without a free orbital rim. Other characters such as the entirely cartilaginous second hypobranchial, and the uniformly broad irregular midlateral dark band further diagnose the new taxon. Its particular combination of characters is superficially intermediate between Copionodon and Glaphyropoma. Detailed analysis, however, indicates that it forms a monophyletic group with species of Copionodon and therefore it should be included in that genus.(AU)

Uma nova espécie do gênero Copionodon, subfamília Copionodontinae, é descrita para o trecho superior de um tributário do Rio Paraguaçu na Chapada Diamantina, Estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil. Este registro representa a ocorrência mais ao norte de Copionodontinae até agora conhecido. A nova espécie pode ser facilmente reconhecida por ter olho grande sem margem orbital livre. Outras características como o segundo hipo-branquial inteiramente cartilaginoso e uma faixa escura lateral irregular de largura uniforme também servem para diagnosticar o táxon. A combinação particular de caracteres do novo táxon é superficialmente intermediária entre Copionodon e Glaphyropoma. Entretanto, uma análise mais detalhada indica que forma um grupo monofilético com Copionodon e portanto deve ser incluída neste gênero.(AU)

A new species of Copionodon representing a relictual occurrence of the Copionodontinae (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), with a CT-scan imaging survey of key subfamilial features

A new species of the Copionodontinae genus Copionodon is described from the riacho do Mosquito, tributary to rio Santo Antônio, rio Paraguaçu basin in the Diamantina Plateau, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. This species represents the northernmost occurrence of the subfamily yet known and is a relictual population, apparently restricted to an underground sector of the stream and its immediate downstream exit. The new species can be readily recognized by the combination of the presence of opercular odontodes, the mostly uniform coloration of the body, and the lack of a free orbital rim. Despite several troglomorphic traits shared between the new species and Glaphyropoma spinosum, the two species are not closest relatives and all such similarities are convergent adaptations to the subterranean habitat. A CT-Scan study of the holotype of the new species is presented and allows a view into the details of copionodontine anatomy with unprecedented clarity.(AU)

Uma nova espécie de Copionodon (Copionodontinae) é descrita do riacho do Mosquito, tributário do rio Santo Antônio, bacia do rio Paraguaçu, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil. Essa espécie representa a ocorrência mais ao norte da subfamília até então conhecida como uma população relictual, aparentemente restrita a um setor subterrâneo do riacho e sua saída à jusante. A nova espécie pode ser reconhecida pela combinação de odontódeos presentes no opérculo, coloração uniforme do corpo e ausência de margem orbital livre. Apesar de alguns caracteres troglomórficos compartilhados entre a nova espécie e Glaphyropoma spinosum, as duas espécies não são proximamente relacionadas e todas essas similaridades são interpretadas como adaptações convergentes ao ambiente subterrâneo. É apresentado um estudo de tomografia computadorizada do holótipo da nova espécie que permite a visualização de detalhes da anatomia interna de copionodontinae com clareza sem precedentes.(AU)

Intestinal parasites in public transport buses from the city of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasites' eggs, larvae, or cysts can be carried in public transport buses, and contribute to the increased incidence of diseases. This study aimed to detect biological forms of intestinal parasites in samples from public buses in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, in order to know the local situation and propose interventions to improve public health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In November 2014, six samples were obtained in buses of the two stations by using Graham method, in duplicate, by affixing a 6×5 cm clear tape, six times on each collection site of the bus, in an area of ~30 cm2. Then, each tape was positioned longitudinally on a slide microscope, and the identification of the biological forms of the parasites was performed with the aid of a 40× objective optical microscope. RESULTS: A total of 216 slides were analyzed, of which 86 (39.8%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Cysts of Entamoeba coli were the most frequently found in this study (52.1%), followed by Endolimax nana cysts (30.7%), Iodamoeba butschlii (6.5%), helminth larvae (4.7%), Giardia lamblia cysts (3.6%), Hymenolepis nana eggs (1.2%), Enterobius vermicularis eggs (0.6%), and Entamoeba histolytica cysts (0.6%). Top right handrails and right stanchions had the highest occurrence of biological forms, with 18.3% and 14.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicated the need for better cleaning of the buses and better personal hygiene by users, since pathogenic and non-pathogenic intestinal parasites were found, suggesting fecal contamination of these sites, representing a risk to public health.

Seven new species of Selaginellasubg.Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaceae) from Brazil and new synonyms for the genus.

We describe seven new species of Selaginellasubg.Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaalstonii, Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucronata, Selaginellamucugensis, Selaginellasaltuicola, and Selaginellasematophylla) from Brazil and discuss their possible affinities and conservation status. Scanning electron micrographs of stem sections, leaves, and spores are provided to illustrate the new taxa. In Selaginellaalstonii and Selaginellasaltuicola vegetative growth from strobilus tips is reported and discussed. Four of the new species are from the Espinhaço Mountain Range associated with Campos Rupestres (montane savannah/rocky fields) vegetation. Three of these (i.e., Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, and Selaginellamucugensis) were collected in the northern part of the range in Chapada Diamantina, state of Bahia, while Selaginellaalstonii is from the southern part of the range in the state of Minas Gerais. Selaginellamucronata is found in Atlantic Rainforest vegetation in the state of Espírito Santo, whereas Selaginellasaltuicola inhabits Cerrado (tropical savannah) vegetation in the state of Mato Grosso. Selaginellasematophylla is the most widely distributed of the new species and was collected in Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro states in Campos Rupestres and Atlantic Rainforest vegetation. Selaginellaalstonii occurs in rocky caves, Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucugensis, and Selaginellasematophylla seem adapted to seasonally dry places, living on sandy or humid soils, Selaginellamucronata occupies humid, forest understory, and Selaginellasaltuicola is adapted to wet places associated with rocks or logs in waterfalls. Of the seven new species, six are considered local endemics (except for Selaginellasematophylla) because of their restricted currently known distributions to one or two localities within a single state in Brazil. Additionally, we propose new synonymy for Selaginellapalmiformis (syn. = Selaginellabahiensissubsp.manausensis, ≡ Selaginellamanausensis) and Selaginellavestiens (syn. = Selaginellafragillima); the last species is endemic to Brazil, recorded in the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais. Finally, based on literature discussed and this study, we conclude that the number of well-documented Brazilian Selaginella species is 61, of which 58 are native and three introduced and naturalized. These statistics are likely to change with further work on Selaginella from Brazil.

ResumenDescribimos siete nuevas especies de Selaginellasubg.Stachygynandrum (Selaginellaalstonii, Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucronata, Selaginellamucugensis, Selaginellasaltuicola y Selaginellasematophylla) de Brasil y discutimos sus posibles afinidades y estado de conservación. Micrografias electrónicas de barrido de secciones de los tallos, hojas y esporas se proveen para ilustrar los nuevos taxa. Igualmente, se describe y discute el crecimiento vegetativo a partir del ápice de los estróbilos en Selaginellaalstonii y Selaginellasaltuicola. Cuatro de las especies nuevas proceden de la Cadena del Espinhaço asociadas a vegetación de Campos Rupestres (sabana montana). Tres de éstas (i.e., Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita y Selaginellamucugensis) fueron recolectadas en la parte norteña de la Cadena del Espinhaço en la Chapada Diamantina, estado de Bahia, mientras que Selaginellaalstonii se registra para la parte sureña en el estado de Minas Gerais. Selaginellamucronata se encuentra en vegetación de Bosques Lluviosos del Atlántico en el estado de Espírito Santo, mientras que Selaginellasaltuicola habita vegetación de Cerrado (sabana tropical) en el estado de Mato Grosso. De las nuevas especies, Selaginellasematophylla es la más ampliamente distribuida y se ha recolectada en los estados de Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais y Río de Janeiro en vegetación de Campos Rupestres y Bosques Lluviosos del Atlántico. Selaginellaalstonii crece sobre rocas en cuevas, mientras que Selaginellablepharodella, Selaginellacrinita, Selaginellamucugensis y Selaginellasematophylla parecen estar adaptadas a lugares estacionalmente secos, creciendo sobre suelos arenosos o húmedos; a su vez, Selaginellamucronata crece en el sotobosque de bosques húmedos y Selaginellasaltuicola está adaptada a vivir en lugares húmedos asociada a rocas o troncos en cascadas. De las siete nuevas especies, seis son consideradas tentativamente endémicas locales (con la excepción de Selaginellasematophylla) debido a su distribución restringida a una o dos localidades dentro de un sólo estado de Brasil. Adicionalmente, proponemos nuevos sinónimos para Selaginellapalmiformis (syn. = Selaginellabahiensissubsp.manausensis, ≡ Selaginellamanausensis) y Selaginellavestiens (syn. = Selaginellafragillima), la cual se confirma como endémica de Brasil donde se registra para los estados de Goiás y Minas Gerais. Finalmente, de acuerdo con este estudio y la literatura discutida, estimamos que el número de especies brasileñas de Selaginella debidamente documentadas es de 61, de las cuales 58 son nativas y tres introducidas y naturalizadas. Esta estadística muy probablemente cambiará conforme se realicen estudios adicionales sobre Selaginella en Brasil.

A new species of Scolopocryptops Newport: a troglobitic scolopocryptopine centipede from a remarkable siliciclastic area of eastern Brazil (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae, Scolopocryptopinae).

We describe Scolopocryptopstroglocaudatus sp. n., a new troglobitic scolopocryptopine centipede species. The species was found in a remarkable siliciclastic karst area of Eastern Brazil, in three caves of the Chapada da Diamantina, in the state of Bahia. Scolopocryptopstroglocaudatus sp. n. is close to Scolopocryptopsmiersii Newport, 1845 and Scolopocryptopsferrugineusmacrodon (Kraepelin, 1903) but differs from them by troglomorphic features, such as depigmentation, long appendages and a thin cuticle. This new species is the second troglobitic scolopocryptopine described and is the first discovered in Brazil.

A new species of Margaromantis Piza, 1982 (Insecta: Mantodea) from Brazil.

A second species of the Neotropical mantid genus Margaromantis Piza, 1982, Margaromantisnigrolineata sp. n. is described from Bahia, Brazil. This new species can be recognized by the presence of a transverse black strip between compound eyes in the vertex; fore femora exhibiting black calluses on the inner face; lacking yellowish strips over the transverse veins on the metathoracic wings; left dorsal phallomere with rectangular ventral lamina, elongated and grooved lateral process, and a flattened, but not twisted apical process that is upwardly recurved.

A new species of the armored catfish genus Pareiorhaphis Miranda Ribeiro (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Paraguaçu, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil

A new armored catfish species of the genus Pareiorhaphis is described from the middle and upper portions of rio Paraguaçu basin, coastal drainage of Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. The new species is readily distinguished from all its congeners by having two putative autapomorphies: (1) skin fold just posterior to each emergent tooth series of dentary formed by a single enlarged, flattened papilla, and (2) the midline of lower lip immediately behind the dentaries with small patch of distinct papillae arranged in a short median bump. In addition, the shallow caudal peduncle and comparatively lower number of teeth in each dentary also distinguishes the new species from all congeners. The new species is also compared to Pareiorhaphis bahianus, the geographically closest congener. Uma espécie nova de cascudo do gênero Pareiorhaphis é descrita da porção média e superior da bacia do rio Paraguaçu, drenagem costeira do estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil. A espécie nova é facilmente diagnosticada das demais congêneres por apresentar duas possíveis autapomorfias: (1) uma prega de pele atrás de cada série emergente de dentes do dentário formada por uma única papila larga e achatada e (2) um conjunto de papilas distintas arranjadas em uma elevação curta localizada na linha média do lábio inferior. Além disso, a menor altura do pedúnculo caudal e o baixo número de dentes em cada dentário também distinguem a espécie nova de todas as congêneres. A espécie nova é ainda comparada com Pareiorhaphis bahianus, congênere geograficamente mais próximo.

Diversidade florística de Rubiaceae na Serra da Fumaça – complexo de Serras da Jacobina, Bahia, Brasil / Floristic diversity of Rubiaceae on the Serra da Fumaca - Mountains complex of Jacobina, Bahia, Brazil

Este trabalho consiste no levantamento das espécies de Rubiaceae encontradas na Serra da Fumaça - complexo de Serras da Jacobina, Bahia. No período de junho de 2011 a agosto de 2012 foram realizadas coletas mensais de material botânico ao longo de trilhas e no interior da floresta contemplando todas as fitofisionomias existentes na área. Foram registradas 36 espécies distribuídas em 20 gêneros. Os gêneros mais representativos em número de espécies foram Borreria G.Mey. (5 spp.), Diodella Small, Mitracarpus Zucc. ex Schult. & Schult.f. e Psychotria L. (3 spp. cada), seguidas por Coccocypselum P.Browne, Declieuxia Kunth, Palicourea Aubl., Perama Aubl., Richardia L. e Staelia Cham. & Schltdl. (2 spp. cada). Os demais gêneros foram representandos por apenas uma espécie cada: Cordiera elliptica (Cham.) Kuntze, Coutarea hexandra (Jacq.) K.Schum., Emmeorhiza umbellata (Spreng.) K.Schum., Genipa americana L., Guettarda sericea Müll. Arg., Malanea macrophylla Bartl. ex Griseb., Manettia cordifolia Mart., Posoqueria latifolia (Rudge) Roem. & Schult., Sabicea grisea Cham. & Schltdl., Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) K.Schum. Foram registradas duas espécies endêmicas, uma da Chapada Diamantina (Perama harleyi J.H.Kirkbr. & Steyerm.) e outra da caatinga (Guettarda sericea Müll.Arg.). Psychotria jambosioides Schltdl. e P. mapourioides DC. foram registradas pela primeira vez para a Cadeia do Espinhaço, ambas conhecidas apenas da Mata Atlântica litorânea. Chave de identificação para as espécies, descrições, ilustrações e informações sobre a distribuição geográfica das espécies e dados fenológicos são apresentados.

This paper is a survey of Rubiaceae species found in the Serra da Fumaça - Mountains Complex of Jacobina, Bahia. In the period of Juny/2011 until August/2012 were taken monthly from botanical material along trails and in the forest contemplating all vegetation types in the area. We recorded 36 species in 20 genera. The most representative in number of species were Borreria G.Mey. (5 spp.), Diodella Small, Mitracarpus Zucc. ex Schult. & Schult.f. and Psychotria L. (3 spp. each), followed by Coccocypselum P.Browne, Declieuxia Kunth, Palicourea Aubl., Perama Aubl., Richardia L. and Staelia Cham. & Schltdl. (2 spp. each). The other genera were represented only by one species: Cordiera elliptica (Cham.) Kuntze, Coutarea hexandra (Jacq.) K.Schum., Emmeorhiza umbellata (Spreng.) K.Schum., Genipa americana L. Guettarda sericea Müll.Arg., Malanea macrophylla Bartl. ex Griseb., Manettia cordifolia Mart., Posoqueria latifolia (Rudge) Roem. & Schult., Sabicea grisea Cham. & Schltdl. and Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) K.Schum.). Two endemic species were recorded, one of the Chapada Diamantina (Perama harleyi J.H.Kirkbr. & Steyerm.) and one of caatinga (Guettarda sericea Müll Arg.). Psychotria jambosioides Schltdl. and P. mapourioides DC. were recorded for the first time to the Espinhaço Range, both known only from the Atlantic coast. Identification key to the species, descriptions, illustrations and information on the geographical distribution of species and phenological data are displayed.