Embryonic development of the neotropical pit viper Bothrops atrox (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae), with emphasis on pit organ morphogenesis and its evolution in snakes.

BACKGROUND: Bothrops atrox is a pit viper with a loreal pit organ, and its embryological development remains undescribed. Here, we provide a comprehensive description of the embryology of B. atrox, focusing on the loreal pit organ and cephalic scales. RESULTS: We characterized 13 developmental stages of B. atrox based on external features consistent with the embryogenesis of previously described snake species. The loreal pit organ originates from the circumorbital region and migrates to its final position. In Crotalinae, the pit organ first becomes visible at stage 28, whereas in Pythonidae labial, pit organs appear at Stage 35. Pit organs evolved independently three times in Serpentes, encompassing Boidae, Pythonidae, and Crotalinae. Boidae lacks embryological information for pit organs. Furthermore, we observed that head scalation onset occurs at Stage 33 in B. atrox, with fusion of scales surrounding the loreal pit organ. CONCLUSIONS: The embryology of pit organs in Pythonidae and Boidae species remains poorly understood. Our detailed embryological descriptions are critical for proposing developmental scenarios for pit organs and guiding future research on these structures.

Geographic variation in shape and size of anuran tadpoles: Interpopulation comparisons in Scinax fuscovarius (Anura, Hylidae).

Among anuran species with biphasic life cycle, the occurrence of intraspecific larval morphotypes has been related to variations in developmental time, diet, geographical variation, or response to predators. Here, we evaluated the external morphological variation of larvae among three populations, located more than 270 km apart, of the anuran hylid Scinax fuscovarius by linear and geometric methods, to elucidate the presence of geographically different morphs. Comparisons targeted development, growth, and external morphology. Studied populations exhibited differences in reproductive seasonality, growth rate, timing of development, shape, and size. Shape and size comparisons revealed two well-differentiated morphs, one of them shared by the two closest populations. Morphological differences evidenced a smaller and depressed form of the entire body plan in the most distant population, which showed continuous reproduction throughout the rainy season and under more unpredictable conditions. We interpret the occurrence of the two different larval morphs in S. fuscovarius as a by-product of local geographical conditions, and discuss on possible associations with biotic and abiotic factors cues.

Morphological characterization and diversity of tadpoles (Amphibia: Anura) at Emas National Park and its surrounding, Goiás State, Brazil / Caracterização morfológica e diversidade de girinos (Amphibia: Anura) no Parque Nacional das Emas e seus arredores, estado de Goiás, Brasil

Abstract: Tadpoles are abundant in the environments in which they occur and remain in aquatic habitats for longer periods than adults, being relatively easier to collect. Despite the increase in tadpole research in the past decade, our understanding of its morphological diversity remains limited. Here, we provide morphological characterizations for larvae of 15 anuran species that occur at Emas National Park (ENP) and its surroundings, in Goiás, and compare them with descriptions available in the literature for other locations. We also present an update of the list of anuran species known to the ENP, based on tadpole sampling. We found tadpoles from 15 anuran species, of which five represent new records for the park. Many species showed variations in morphological characters when compared with descriptions available in the literature for other locations, reinforcing the importance of describing larvae from different populations. Through the exploration of morphological characters, it is possible to make inferences about the functional diversity of the larvae and questions related to the homology of characters, in addition to assisting in the identification and taxonomic distinction of species. Studies with tadpole communities can generate key information about the factors that drive the anurans' richness and distribution and can provide support for establishing more consistent conservation strategies and management plans.

Resumo: Os girinos são abundantes nos ambientes que ocorrem e permanecem nos habitats aquáticos por períodos de tempo mais longos que os adultos, sendo relativamente mais fáceis de coletar. Apesar do aumento da pesquisa com girinos na última década, nossa compreensão sobre sua diversidade morfológica ainda permanece limitada. Aqui, fornecemos caracterizações morfológicas para larvas de 15 espécies de anuros que ocorrem no Parque Nacional das Emas (PNE), Goiás, e comparamos com descrições disponíveis na literatura para outras localidades. Apresentamos também uma atualização da lista de espécies de anuros conhecidos para o PNE, com base na amostragem de girinos. Encontramos larvas de 15 espécies de anuros, das quais cinco representam novos registros para o parque. Muitas espécies apresentaram variações nos caracteres morfológicos quando comparamos com descrições disponíveis na literatura para outras localidades, reforçando a importância da descrição de larvas de diferentes populações. Através da exploração de caracteres morfológicos é possível realizar inferências sobre a diversidade funcional das larvas e questões relativas à homologia de caracteres, além de auxiliar na identificação e distinção taxonômica das espécies. Estudos com comunidades de girinos podem gerar informações importantes sobre os fatores que impulsionam a riqueza e a distribuição dos anuros e, podem fornecer suporte para o estabelecimento de estratégias de conservação e planos de manejo mais consistentes.

A new species of Paratelmatobius (Anura: Leptodactylidae: Paratelmatobiinae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil.

A new species of Paratelmatobius is described from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil. Adults, tadpoles, and vocalizations are described. Morphological traits and phylogenetic analysis place the new species within the P. cardosoi group. The new species can be readily distinguished from its congeners by its advertisement call being composed of two note types and comprised of a series of 2-4 notes. The new species is classified as an explosive breeder, having reproductive activity strongly associated with heavy rainfall. This discovery highlights the importance of intensifying survey efforts in the Atlantic Forest, a domain with high levels of species richness and endemism.

Geographic variation in morphology in the Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus Kennicott 1861) (Serpentes: Viperidae): implications for species boundaries.

The Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) is a highly venomous pitviper inhabiting the arid interior deserts, grasslands, and savannas of western North America. Currently two subspecies are recognized: the Northern Mohave Rattlesnake (C. s. scutulatus) ranging from southern California to the southern Central Mexican Plateau, and the Huamantla Rattlesnake (C. s. salvini) from the region of Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and Puebla in south-central Mexico. Although recent studies have demonstrated extensive geographic variation in venom composition and cryptic genetic diversity in this species, no modern studies have focused on geographic variation in morphology. Here we analyzed a series of qualitative, meristic, and morphometric traits from 347 specimens of C. scutulatus and show that this species is phenotypically cohesive without discrete subgroups, and that morphology follows a continuous cline in primarily color pattern and meristic traits across the major axis of its expansive distribution. Interpreted in the context of previously published molecular evidence, our morphological analyses suggest that multiple episodes of isolation and secondary contact among metapopulations during the Pleistocene were sufficient to produce distinctive genetic populations, which have since experienced gene flow to produce clinal variation in phenotypes without discrete or diagnosable distinctions among these original populations. For taxonomic purposes, we recommend that C. scutulatus be retained as a single species, although it is possible that C. s. salvini, which is morphologically the most distinctive population, could represent a peripheral isolate in the initial stages of speciation.

The natural history of Calyptraeaaurita (Reeve, 1859) from Southern Chile (Gastropoda, Calyptraeidae).

Hard bottom communities of the Reloncaví Estuary and adjacent areas, Region de los Lagos, Chile (42°S), were studied between 2008 and 2011. All hard substrates between the lower intertidal and 25 m depth were dominated by the calyptraeid gastropods, Crepipatelladilatata and C.fecunda. Epibenthic coverage of the hard bottoms markedly decreased further down with the exception of vertical cliffs. In a depth range between 26 to 48 m repeatedly dense patches of another calyptraeid species, Calyptraeaaurita (Reeve, 1859), were observed. Densities reached up to 1475 individuals m-2 and covered up to 50 % of the rock surfaces. In shallower depths C.aurita was not present. However, despite its huge abundance, C.aurita has not been documented for more than 150 years in the southeastern Pacific, being described superficially by Reeve, through only shell characteristics. Here, we redescribe and compare it with other members of the family Calyptraeidae through characteristics of shell, radula, and soft parts, including also details of the egg mass and intracapsular development of their embryos. Males were mobile and females sessile. Shell size ranged from 6.6 to 12.4 mm for immature individuals, from 10.6 to 24.9 mm for males, 15.1 to 25.9 mm for intersex individuals, and from 21.0 to 39.6 mm for females. Up to three individuals stacked together were found, always presenting a female at the base with up to a maximum of two male individuals above. Laboratory studies demonstrated that C.aurita has an indirect larval development, liberating planktotrophic larvae with a bilobed ciliated velum into the water column. A transplantation experiment demonstrated that survival, growth, and reproduction of C.aurita is also possible in depths shallower than its normal distribution. The geographic distribution of C.aurita, was previously only known as being from Valparaíso (33°S) and is now extended down to the Reloncaví Sound (41°S).

ResumenComunidades de fondos duros del estuario de Reloncaví y áreas adyacentes, Región de los Lagos, Chile (42 ° S), fueron estudiados entre el 2008­2011. Todos los fondos duros entre la profundidad intermareal inferior y 25 m fueron dominados por los gasterópodos caliptreidos, Crepipatelladilatata y C.fecunda. La cobertura epibentónica de los fondos duros disminuyó notablemente a mayor profundidad, con la excepción de los acantilados verticales. En un rango de profundidades entre 26 y 48 m fueron observados parches repetidamente densos de una tercera especie de Calyptraeidae, Calyptraeaaurita (Reeve, 1859). La densidad alcanzó hasta 1475 ind. m-2 y una cobertura de hasta un 50 % de la superficie de las rocas. En profundidades menores C.aurita no estuvo presente. A pesar de su gran abundancia, C.aurita no se ha documentado desde hace más de 150 años en el Pacífico Suroriental, siendo descrita superficialmente por Reeve, solamente a través de las características de la concha. En este trabajo, nosotros redescribimos y comparamos esta especie con otros miembros de la familia Calyptraeidae a través de características de la concha, rádula y partes blandas, incluyendo algunos detalles de la masa de huevos y desarrollo intracapsular de sus embriones. Los machos fueron móviles y las hembras sésiles. El tamaño de la concha varía entre 6,6 y 12,4 mm para los individuos inmaduros, 10,6 a 24,9 mm para los machos, 15,1 a 25,9 mm para los individuos intersexo y desde 21,0 a 39,6 mm para las hembras. Fueron encontrados hasta tres individuos apilados juntos, presentando siempre una hembra en la base y hasta un máximo de dos individuos machos sobre ella. Los estudios de laboratorio demostraron que C.aurita tiene un desarrollo larval indirecto liberando una larva planctotrófica con un velo ciliado bilobulado en la columna de agua. Un experimento de trasplante demostró que la supervivencia, el crecimiento y la reproducción de C.aurita es posible en profundidades menores que su distribución normal. La distribución geográfica de C.aurita, anteriormente sólo se conocía desde Valparaíso (33°S) extendiéndose hasta el Seno de Reloncaví.

The larval ontogeny of Coryphaeschna perrensi (McLachlan, 1887): Supporting monophyletic groups in Aeshnidae dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata: Anisoptera).

The development of the larval external morphology of Coryphaeschna perrensi is reported based primarily on a comparison of successive exuviae of reared specimens, with the second stadium larvae first described separately. Accentuated changes observable throughout successive moltings occur in some structures, such as the head capsule, labium, and anal appendages, allowing for the definition of characters with naturally ordered, polarized, and linear states (transformation series) by ontogenetic evidence. The terminal (less general) and nonterminal (more general) states of the described transformation series correspond by primary homology to the conditions found in larvae of other dragonfly species. Consequently, as the result of a parsimony analysis and subsequently ontogenetic rooting, the disposition of the states of 17 characters in a sample of final-stadium larvae of 23 species, representatives of the six Aeshnidae tribes (21) and Austropetaliidae (2), results in a hierarchical network comprising six distinct taxonomic levels of inclusion of C. perrensi. The levels correspond to Aeshnidae, Aeshninae, Aeshnini (part) + Gynacanthini, Coryphaeschna + Remartinia, Coryphaeschna, and Coryphaeschna except C. adnexa, which are groups previously recognized as monophyletic resulting from analyses considering adult morphology. Immature insect morphology coupled with ontogenetic observation presenting great potential to hypothesize phylogenetic relationships and investigate heterochronic events.

Taxonomic review of the rare Mexican snake genus Chersodromus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae), with the description of two new species.

Chersodromus is an endemic Mexican genus of snakes characterized by fused prefrontals shield. Only two species were previously known within the genus, C. liebmanni and C. rubriventris. We describe two new congeners, one from the Sierra Madre Oriental of northern Puebla and another from the Atlantic lowlands of the Chimalapas region in southeastern Oaxaca. These new species can be clearly differentiated on the basis of their morphology. Diagnostic characters distinguishing congeners include the number of dorsal scale rows, supralabials, and infralabials contacting anterior chinshields; whether or not the mental contacts the first pair of chinshields; and the coloration of the belly. We provide hemipenal descriptions of three species for which males are known.

The larvae of two species of Bokermannohyla (Anura, Hylidae, Cophomantini) endemic to the highlands of central Brazil.

Bokermannohyla (tribe Cophomantini) is an endemic genus of Brazilian treefrogs containing 32 species arranged into four phenetic groups. The B. pseudopseudis group includes nine species, which are typically found in rupestrian ecosystems of disjunct Brazilian mountain ranges. Tadpoles have been shown to be important sources of information for the taxonomy of this genus, although careful analyses of character variation and descriptions of internal anatomy remain scarce. Since the first description of B. pseudopseudis tadpoles was based on a mixed series containing specimens of B. pseudopseudis and B. sapiranga, we describe the larvae of these two species from their type localities, including their external morphology, oral cavity, and skeletal system. Tadpoles of B. pseudopseudis are easily distinguished from those of B. sapiranga by aspects of their coloration and characters of their oral disc (more labial tooth rows, more numerous submarginal papillae and flaps with labial teeth). These morphological differences may be diagnostic for these two similar species, whereas their chondrocranium, hyobranchial apparatus, and oral cavity are alike, suggesting less variability in these character systems between closely related species. Finally, we provide the first comparison of data on the skeletal system of Bokermannohyla and other Cophomantini, highlighting characters of potential relevance to the systematics of the tribe.

A remarkable new species of coralsnake of the Micrurus hemprichii species group from the Brazilian Amazon

A new species of elapid snake of the genus Micrurus is described herein, from the states of Rondônia and Mato Grosso, in the western Brazilian Amazon. The new species has a single anal plate, a unique characteristic shared with members of the M. hemprichii species group. It can be distinguished from the other members of this group by having a parietal reddish band in juveniles (absent in adults) and the absence of brownish or orange-yellow dorsal body bands. In addition, this species is distinguished from M. hemprichii by its lower number of body triads, and from M. ortoni by its lower numbers of ventrals and subcaudals scales

A new species of Ninia (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from Chocó-Magdalena biogeographical province, western Colombia.

We describe a new species of the genus Ninia from the Chocó-Magdalena biogeographic province, which was previously reported as a distinct population of N. maculata or as N. atrata from the western slopes of the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia. The new species is similar to N. atrata, N. celata, N. espinali, N. franciscoi, and N. maculata. It shares the following characteristics with the species mentioned above: 19 dorsal scale rows without reductions; dorsal ground color black or dark brown; white or cream occipital nuchal collar. However, it is easily distinguished from all other congeners because it has a non-regular color pattern in the ventral surfaces of the head and body, subcaudal surface homogeneously black or dark brown, two nasal scales, and one lateral projection ornamented with a large basal hook-shaped spine that is larger than any other spine on the hemipenial body. The presence of a lateral projection on the hemipenial body makes the new species the only member of the genus from South America that shares this feature with its Central American congeners. This feature suggests a closer relationship with this linage. Finally, our results indicate that proper and careful revision of the Ninia atrata species complex will help to understand and clarify the taxonomic composition of the genus.

Morphological variation of Trilepida macrolepis (Peters 1857), with reappraisal of the taxonomic status of Rena affinis (Boulenger 1884) (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae: Epictinae).

We report on the morphological variation (meristic, morphometric, pholidosis, and color pattern characters) and sexual dimorphism of Trilepida macrolepis. We also took the opportunity to redescribe the holotype of Rena affinis in an effort to evaluate its taxonomic status. Based on the congruence of characters from external morphology, we transfer Stenostoma affine to the genus Trilepida. We also discuss the Andean specimens previously refereed to Trilepida affinis and Trilepida macrolepis and provide an identification key for the genus Trilepida.

When a general morphology allows many habitat uses.

During the last decades the study of functional morphology received more attention incorporating more detailed data corresponding to the internal anatomy that together contribute for a better understanding of the functional basis in locomotion. Here we focus on 2 lizard families, Tropiduridae and Liolaemidae, and use information related to muscle-tendinous and external morphology traits of hind legs. We investigate whether the value of the traits analyzed tend to exhibit a reduced phenotypic variation produced by stabilizing selection, and whether species showing specialization in their habitat use will also exhibit special morphological features related to it. As a result, we identified that evolution of hind limb traits is mainly explained by the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model, suggesting stabilizing selection. Liolaemids and tropidurids show clear ecomorphological trends in the variables considered, with sand lizards presenting the most specialized morphological traits. Some ecomorphological trends differ between the 2 lineages, and traits of internal morphology tend to be more flexible than those of external morphology, restricting the ability to identify ecomorphs shared between these 2 lineages. Conservative traits of external morphology likely explain such restriction, as ecomorphs have been historically defined in other lizard clades based on variation of external morphology.

Uma nova espécie do gênero Temnomastax (Temnomastacinae, Eumastacidae, Orthoptera) da Amazônia / A new species of genus Temnomastax (Temnomastacinae, Eumastacidae, Orthoptera) of Amazon

The Temnomastax genus currently has seven species described, widely distributed at the Cerrado domain in South America. In this work an eighth species, Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov., is described from the Brazilian Amazon region. The diagnosis of this new species is based on the phallic complex characters and external morphological characteristics. Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov. resembles Temnomastax beni Rehn & Rehn, 1942, occurring in Bolivia, but can be differentiated by some external characters. The phallic complex of T. spielmanni sp. nov. presents characters not yet known in Temnomastacinae; this fact reinforces the need for a revision of this subfamily, which may clarify the existing phylogenetic relationships.(AU)

O gênero Temnomastax apresenta atualmente sete espécies, sendo amplamente distribuídas pelo domínio Cerrado, na América do Sul. Neste trabalho, uma oitava espécie, Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov., é descrita para a região Amazônica brasileira. A diagnose da nova espécie baseia-se em caracteres do complexo fálico e em características morfológicas externas. Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov. apresenta semelhança com Temnomastax beni Rehn & Rehn, 1942, que ocorre em território boliviano, mas pode ser diferenciada por alguns caracteres externos. O complexo fálico de T. spielmanni sp. nov. apresenta caracteres ainda não descritos em Temnomastacinae; tal fato reforça a necessidade da revisão taxonômica dessa subfamília, o que poderá esclarecer as relações filogenéticas existentes.(AU)

Avaliação morfológica de plantas jovens de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. desenvolvidas em diferentes temperaturas / Morphlogical evaluation of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. saplings grown in different temperatures

O principal objetivo da pesquisa foi a avaliação de aspectos da anatomia foliar, da morfologia dos órgãos vegetativos, bem como a produção de biomassa em plantas jovens de Copaifera langsdorffii desenvolvidas sob diferentes temperaturas. Foram coletadas sementes e colocadas para germinar em câmara BOD a 30ºC. Após trinta dias as plântulas, com o primeiro par de folhas completamente expandidas, foram transplantadas para copos contendo plantimax®, e aclimatizadas durante quinze dias em casa de vegetação, quando foram transferidas para BODs com temperaturas T1-15ºC, T2-25ºC, T3-35ºC, e a testemunha (T) que permaneceu em casa de vegetação (29ºC). O experimento foi conduzido por um período de 120 dias. Foram observadas diferenças significativas no tamanho e frequência dos estômatos, nas dimensões das cavidades secretoras de óleo, na espessura do mesofilo, nos aspectos morfológicos externos, e na produção de biomassa. A produção de mudas sob temperatura de 25ºC foi apropriada, sendo a condição onde as plantas tornaram-se mais vigorosas, com morfologia mais uniforme nos órgãos vegetativos e houve maior produção de biomassa seca.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate aspects of leaf anatomy, morphology of vegetative organs and biomass production in Copaifera langsdorffii saplings developed under heat shock treatment. Seeds were collected and germinated in BOD chamber at 30 ºC. After thirty days, the seedlings with the first pair of fully expanded leaves were transplanted into cups containing Plantimax®, acclimatized for two weeks in a greenhouse and transferred to growth chamber with the temperatures T1-15 ºC, T2-25 ºC, T3- 35 ºC, and the control (T) remained in a greenhouse (29 ºC). The experiment was conducted over a period of 120 days. Significant differences were observed in size and frequency of stomata, size of the oil secretory cavities, thickness of the mesophyll in the external morphology and biomass production. The production of seedlings at 25 ºC is suitable, a condition in which the plants become more vigorous with a more uniform morphology in the vegetative organs and higher production of biomass.

Uma nova espécie do gênero Temnomastax (Temnomastacinae, Eumastacidae, Orthoptera) da Amazônia / A new species of genus Temnomastax (Temnomastacinae, Eumastacidae, Orthoptera) of Amazon

The Temnomastax genus currently has seven species described, widely distributed at the Cerrado domain in South America. In this work an eighth species, Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov., is described from the Brazilian Amazon region. The diagnosis of this new species is based on the phallic complex characters and external morphological characteristics. Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov. resembles Temnomastax beni Rehn & Rehn, 1942, occurring in Bolivia, but can be differentiated by some external characters. The phallic complex of T. spielmanni sp. nov. presents characters not yet known in Temnomastacinae; this fact reinforces the need for a revision of this subfamily, which may clarify the existing phylogenetic relationships.

O gênero Temnomastax apresenta atualmente sete espécies, sendo amplamente distribuídas pelo domínio Cerrado, na América do Sul. Neste trabalho, uma oitava espécie, Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov., é descrita para a região Amazônica brasileira. A diagnose da nova espécie baseia-se em caracteres do complexo fálico e em características morfológicas externas. Temnomastax spielmanni sp. nov. apresenta semelhança com Temnomastax beni Rehn & Rehn, 1942, que ocorre em território boliviano, mas pode ser diferenciada por alguns caracteres externos. O complexo fálico de T. spielmanni sp. nov. apresenta caracteres ainda não descritos em Temnomastacinae; tal fato reforça a necessidade da revisão taxonômica dessa subfamília, o que poderá esclarecer as relações filogenéticas existentes.

Larva de último instar y pupa de Melipotis cellaris (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / Last instar larva and pupa of Melipotis cellaris (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The last instar larva and pupa of Melipotis cellaris (Guenée) are described and illustrated, based on specimens collected in northern Chile, associated with Acacia macracantha (Fabaceae).

Descrição de ovos e estádios ninfais de Triatoma carcavalloi (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) por meio de microscopia óptica

Triatoma carcavalloi Jurberg, Rocha & Lent, 1998 in its original description was related to T. rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) and T. circummaculata (Stäl, 1859). Here eggs and nymphs of T. carcavalloi are described using optical microscopy to provide new parameters to be used in Triatominae's taxonomy. Eggs showed the operculum and surface with pentagonal and hexagonal cells, with small fractures and punctuations randomly distributed and are similar to T. rubrovaria, T. circummaculata and T. infestans Klug, 1834. Nymphs are different from all species related to T. carcavalloi primordially in color and size. Morphological differences were found in the five nymphal stages, but following the same pattern of color in head, thorax, legs and abdomen.

Triatoma carcavalloi Jurberg, Rocha & Lent 1998, foi descrita como espécie afim de T. rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) e T. circummaculata (Stäl, 1859) São descritos os ovos e ninfas de T. carcavalloi por meio de microscopia óptica para fornecer novos parâmetros a serem utilizados na taxonomia dos Triatomímeos. Os ovos apresentam semelhanças com T. rubrovaria, T. circummaculata e T. infestans Klug, 1834, com ornamentações tanto na superfície como no opérculo, com células pentagonais e hexagonais, com pequenas fraturas e pontuações distribuídas de forma aleatória. As ninfas se diferenciam de todas as espécies a ela relacionadas, principalmente pela coloração e tamanho. Cada um dos cinco estádios ninfais apresenta diferenças morfológicas, no entanto, o padrão de coloração da cabeça, tórax, pernas e abdômen se mantêm, em todos os estádios.

Descrição de ovos e estádios ninfais de Triatoma carcavalloi (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) por meio de microscopia óptica

Triatoma carcavalloi Jurberg, Rocha & Lent, 1998 in its original description was related to T. rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) and T. circummaculata (Stäl, 1859). Here eggs and nymphs of T. carcavalloi are described using optical microscopy to provide new parameters to be used in Triatominae's taxonomy. Eggs showed the operculum and surface with pentagonal and hexagonal cells, with small fractures and punctuations randomly distributed and are similar to T. rubrovaria, T. circummaculata and T. infestans Klug, 1834. Nymphs are different from all species related to T. carcavalloi primordially in color and size. Morphological differences were found in the five nymphal stages, but following the same pattern of color in head, thorax, legs and abdomen.

Triatoma carcavalloi Jurberg, Rocha & Lent 1998, foi descrita como espécie afim de T. rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) e T. circummaculata (Stäl, 1859) São descritos os ovos e ninfas de T. carcavalloi por meio de microscopia óptica para fornecer novos parâmetros a serem utilizados na taxonomia dos Triatomímeos. Os ovos apresentam semelhanças com T. rubrovaria, T. circummaculata e T. infestans Klug, 1834, com ornamentações tanto na superfície como no opérculo, com células pentagonais e hexagonais, com pequenas fraturas e pontuações distribuídas de forma aleatória. As ninfas se diferenciam de todas as espécies a ela relacionadas, principalmente pela coloração e tamanho. Cada um dos cinco estádios ninfais apresenta diferenças morfológicas, no entanto, o padrão de coloração da cabeça, tórax, pernas e abdômen se mantêm, em todos os estádios.

Descrição dos estágios imaturos e biologia de Chinavia pengue (Rolston) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) / Description of the immature stages and biology of Chinavia pengue (Rolston) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)

Adultos de Chinavia pengue (Rolston, 1983) foram coletados em Garopaba, SC, e criados em laboratório sob condições controladas (24 ± 1°C; UR 70 ± 10 por cento; 12hL:12hE). Como alimento, adultos e ninfas receberam vagens verdes de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Os ovos de C. pengue seguem o padrão de coloração e esculturação do cório e coloração e forma dos processos aero-micropilares descrito para as espécies neotropicais de Chinavia. Ninfas de 1° instar possuem uma mancha ovalada no dorso da cabeça e tórax, característica das espécies de Chinavia. Em C. pengue, essa mancha tem coloração laranja-avermelhada, e as manchas abdominais (4+4 manchas laterais e uma mediana) são brancas. Características exclusivas das ninfas de 2° a 5° ínstares de C. pengue são a coloração laranja-avermelhada das manchas do pro- e mesotórax e das manchas circulares no centro das placas abdominais laterais. Não se observou sobreposição nas medidas da largura da cabeça entre os cinco ínstares. Cada fêmea depositou 15,9 ± 4,18 posturas e 218,8 ± 48,60 ovos, sendo 14 ovos/postura o arranjo mais freqüente. A fertilidade foi de 70,0 por cento ± 19,01; a mortalidade no 2° ao 5° estádio foi de 1,6 por cento ± 4,49. A razão sexual obtida foi de 1 macho: 1 fêmea. A duração da fase imatura (ovo a adulto) foi de 45,7 ± 2,99 dias.

Adults of Chinavia pengue (Rolston, 1983) were collected in Garopaba county, SC, and used to establish a laboratory culture under controlled conditions (24 ± 1°C; 70 ± 10 percent RH; 12hL:12hD). Adults and nymphs were fed with green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Eggs of C. pengue follow the pattern of coloration, chorion sculpture, color and shape of the aero-micropylar processes described to other neotropical Chinavia species. The first instar has the dorsal macula of the head and thorax characteristic of Chinavia species. In C. pengue, this macula is orange-red, and the abdominal maculae (4+4 lateral maculae and one median) are white. From second to fifth instars diagnostic characteristics are orange-red maculae at pro and mesothorax, and at middle of abdominal lateral plates. There was no overlapping of the head-capsule measurements between the five instars of C. pengue. Each female laid an average of 15.9 ± 4.18 egg masses and 218.8 ± 48.60 eggs; there was a marked peak at 14 eggs per egg mass. Mean egg fertility was 70.0 percent ± 19.01; mortality in the second to fifth stadium was 1.6 percent ± 4.49. Sex ratio was 1 male: 1 female. The mean duration of the immature stage (egg to adult) was 45.7 ± 2.99 days.