Fire seasonality plays a limited role in the reproduction of Anacardium humile A. St.-Hil. in a tropical savanna.

Anthropogenic fires are an increasing threat to tropical savannas and their plant populations. In the Brazilian Cerrado, human-made fires at the end of the dry season are replacing natural fires at the beginning of the dry season. Critically, these late burns occur under more intense climate variables. Here, we aimed to understand the potential role of fire seasonality on individuals of Anacardium humile, a widespread Cerrado species of cultural and economic importance. We conducted two prescribed burnings, one at the beginning of the dry season (early burning) and one at the end of the dry season (late burning) when climate variables were remarkably different. We assessed the reproductive responses of A. humile individuals over 4 years and compared individuals from the fire treatments with those from an unburned area (control). The reproductive phenology of A. humile varied over time and was influenced by climate variables. The seasons of different burning had similar impacts on the reproductive phenology of A. humile, and this impact lasted for at least 4 years. While A. humile populations do not depend on fire for reproduction, they produced more flowers and fruits for up to 2 years with the fire treatments. We provide empirical evidence of the role of climate variables on the phenology of A. humile and demonstrate the importance of considering the role of time after fire events. The similar responses of A. humile to fire seasonality show that Cerrado fire management can be more complex than previously thought.

Extreme drought disrupts plant phenology: Insights from 35 years of cloud forest data in Venezuela.

The potential effects of climate change on plant reproductive phenology include asynchronies with pollinators and reductions in plant fitness, leading to extinction and loss of ecosystem function. In particular, plant phenology is sensitive to extreme weather events, which are occurring with increasing severity and frequency in recent decades and are linked to anthropogenic climate change and shifts in atmospheric circulation. For 15 plant species in a Venezuelan cloud forest, we documented dramatic changes in monthly flower and fruit community composition over a 35-year time series, from 1983 to 2017, and these changes were linked directly to higher temperatures, lower precipitation, and decreased soil water availability. The patterns documented here do not mirror trends in temperate zones but corroborate results from the Asian tropics. More intense droughts are predicted to occur in the region, which will cause dramatic changes in flower and fruit availability.

Demographic modelling helps track the rapid and recent divergence of a conifer species pair from Central Mexico.

Secondary contact of recently diverged species may have several outcomes, ranging from rampant hybridization to reinforced reproductive isolation. In plants, selfing tolerance and disjunct reproductive phenology may lead to reproductive isolation at contact zones. However, they may also evolve under both allopatric or parapatric frameworks and originate from adaptive and/or neutral forces. Inferring the historical demography of diverging taxa is thus a crucial step to identify factors that may have led to putative reproductive isolation. We explored various competing demographypotheses to account for the rapid divergence of a fir species complex (Abies flinckii-A. religiosa) distributed in "sky-islands" across central Mexico (i.e., along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt; TMVB). Despite co-occurring in two independent sympatric regions (west and centre), these taxa rarely interbreed because of disjunct reproductive phenologies. We genotyped 1147 single nucleotide polymorphisms, generated by GBS (genotyping by sequencing), across 23 populations, and compared multiple scenarios based on the geological history of the TMVB. The best-fitting model revealed one of the most rapid and complete speciation cases for a conifer species-pair, dating back to ~1.2 million years ago. Coupled with the lack of support for stepwise colonization, our coalescent inferences point to an early cessation of interspecific gene flow under parapatric speciation; ancestral gene flow during divergence was asymmetrical (mostly from western firs into A. religiosa) and exclusive to the most ancient (i.e., central) contact zone. Factors promoting rapid reproductive isolation should be explored in other slowly evolving species complexes as they may account for the large tropical and subtropical diversity.

Higher frequency of legitimate pollinators and fruit set of autotetraploid trees of Libidibia ferrea (Leguminosae) compared to diploids in a mixed tropical urban population.

In mixed-ploidy populations, newly formed polyploids initially occur at low frequencies when compared to diploids. However, polyploidy may lead to morphological and phenological changes, which promote reproductive isolation and favor polyploid establishment and reproductive success. Additionally, previous studies have shown that polyploidy can confer some adaptive advantages to organisms in stressful environments. Here, we investigate variation in reproductive phenology, floral traits and reproductive success between diploid and autotetraploid trees of Libidibia ferrea (Mart. Ex Tul.) L.P. Queiroz (Leguminosae) in a mixed tropical urban population, a stressful environment. We assessed ploidy levels, flowering and fruiting phenology, flowering synchrony, floral and reproductive biology, pollination and fruit and seed set. We tested the hypothesis that autotetraploid individuals have a higher frequency of pollinators and higher fruit and seed set per inflorescence (as a proxy of reproductive success) than diploids in an urban green space. Libidibia ferrea is a good model to test our hypothesis because it is self-incompatible (i.e. relies on pollinators to set fruits). In the urban ecosystem studied, we found that diploids flowered for 6-7 months/year and autotetraploids for 3-5 months/year. Flowering synchrony was low between and within cytotypes and even though autotetraploids and diploids exhibited some overlap in flowering period, diploids flowered alone for 2-3 months. Autotetraploids had significantly more flowers per inflorescences, larger flowers and larger pollen grains (as expected for polyploids), but also a higher frequency of visits by legitimate pollinators including two exclusive ones, and higher fruit and seed set per inflorescence when compared to diploids, despite having a shorter flowering period. Our findings reveal some advantages for polyploids over their related diploids in a tropical urban green space. Also, our results highlight the need for more studies that seek to understand abiotic mechanisms affecting reproductive output of polyploids in urban ecosystems.

Reproduction in the pitviper Bothrops jararacussu: large females increase their reproductive output while small males increase their potential to mate

Reproductive traits vary widely within and among snake species, and are influenced by a range of factors. However, additional studies are needed on several species, especially on tropical snake faunas, to fully understand the patterns of reproductive variation in snakes. Here, we characterized the reproductive biology of B. jararacussu from southeastern and southern Brazil. We combined macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the reproductive system of museum specimens with observations of free-ranging snakes to characterize size at sexual maturity, sexual size dimorphism (SSD), reproductive output, and male and female reproductive cycles. We compared our data with published literature and discuss the factors that may play a role in shaping the reproductive patterns in the species and the genus. Bothrops jararacussu shares several characteristics with its congeners such as autumn mating season, obligatory sperm storage in the female reproductive tract, seasonal timing of parturition (summer-autumn), female-biased SSD, maturity at larger body sizes in females, and a positive relationship between body size and litter size. These characteristics seem phylogenetically conserved in Bothrops. On the other hand, B. jararacussu exhibits some unique characteristics such as a high degree of SSD (one of the highest values recorded in snakes), a large female body size, and a large litter and offspring size, which are among the largest recorded in the genus. Moreover, larger females reproduce more frequently than smaller conspecifics. These characteristics may be collectively interpreted as the result of a strong selection for increased fecundity. Other peculiarities of the species include an asynchrony between spermiogenesis (summer-autumn) and the peak of SSK hypertrophy (autumn to spring) and a prolonged production of SSK granules. Because SSK hypertrophy and mating are androgen-dependent in snakes, the prolonged SSK hypertrophy suggests that male B. jararacussu may prolong their potential to mate (compared with its congeners), which may increase their reproductive success. Our results and previous literature collectively suggest that, in Bothrops, the evolution of SSD is driven by fecundity selection, variation in reproductive output is influenced by variation in female body size, and the timing of spermiogenesis is influenced by other factors in addition to temperature. We also suggest that male Bothrops have undergone multiple evolutionary shifts in the timing of spermiogenesis.

Proposing the solar-wind energy flux hypothesis as a driver of inter-annual variation in tropical tree reproductive effort.

PREMISE: The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects tropical environmental conditions, potentially altering ecosystem function as El Niño events interact with longer-term climate change. Anomalously warm equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures affect rainfall and temperature throughout the tropics and coincide with altered leaf flush phenology and increased fruit production in wet tropical forests; however, the understanding of mechanisms underlying this pattern is limited. There is evidence that increases in tropical tree reproduction anticipate El Niño onset, motivating the continued search for a global driver of tropical angiosperm reproduction. We present the solar-wind energy flux hypothesis: that physical energy influx to the Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetosphere, generated by a positive anomaly in the solar wind preceding El Niño development, cues tropical trees to increase resource allocation to reproduction. METHODS: We test this hypothesis using 19 years of data from Luquillo, Puerto Rico, correlating them with measures of solar-wind energy. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2013, the solar-wind energy flux into Earth's magnetosphere (Ein ) was more strongly correlated with the number of species fruiting and flowering than the Niño 3.4 climate index, despite Niño 3.4 being previously identified as a driver of interannual increases in reproduction. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the global magnetosphere and thermosphere conditions from increased solar-wind energy affect global atmospheric pressure and circulation patterns, principally by weakening the Walker circulation. We discuss the idea that these changes cue interannual increases in tropical tree reproduction and act through an unidentified mechanism that anticipates and synchronizes the reproductive output of the tropical trees with El Niño.

Soil fertility and rainfall during specific phenological phases affect seed trait variation in a widely distributed Neotropical tree, Copaifera langsdorffii.

PREMISE: Knowledge of intra-specific variation in seed traits and its environmental determinants is important for predicting plant responses to environmental changes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that differences in soil fertility and rainfall during specific phenological phases drive variation in seed traits in a widely distributed tree, Copaifera langsdorffii. We also tested the hypothesis that climatic heterogeneity increases within-plant variation in seed traits. METHODS: Inter- and intra-population and within-plant variation in seed mass, number, and seed size/seed number were evaluated for 50 individuals from five populations distributed along a rainfall gradient and occurring on varying soil types. Using multivariate approaches, we tested the effects of soil fertility characteristics and rainfall in five reproductive phenological phases on seed traits. RESULTS: The seed traits varied greatly both among populations and within plants. Inter-population variation in seed mass was driven by total rainfall during fruit development, and variation in seed number was influenced by total rainfall during the dry season before the reproductive phase. Phosphorus levels and potential acidity of the soil also explained the variations in seed mass and seed mass/seed number, respectively. A positive association between intra-annual variation in rainfall and within-plant variation in seed mass and seed number was found. CONCLUSION: Both rainfall during specific reproductive phases and soil conditions shape the variation in the seed mass and number of C. langsdorffii. Environment-driven seed trait variation may contribute to this species' broad niche breadth, which in turn may determine the species' persistence under future climatic conditions.

Flowering and fruiting synchronization, pollen number, floral visitors and reproductive success of Paubrasilia echinata (brazilwood; Leguminosae) in tropical urban ecosystem in comparison to Atlantic forest remnant: A dataset description.

In this article, we supply raw data on the reproductive biology and frequency of pollinators of Paubrasilia echinata, a threatened tree, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest, which is largely used in Brazilian urban areas (e.g. avenues, parks and squares) due to its ornamental potential. Specifically, we share data on the reproductive phenology, pollen/flower, floral visitors and seed set of P. echinata in urban and natural ecosystems. This dataset article is related to the original research article "Reduced reproductive success of the endangered tree brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata, Leguminosae) in urban ecosystem compared to Atlantic forest remnant: lessons for tropical urban ecology" (Oliveira et al., 2019). As urbanization is thought to negatively impact the maintenance of plant communities by affecting ecological key interactions, such as pollination, we believe that data as the supplied here are relevant and could support the planning of urban green spaces to maintain viable communities of plants and animals. This is especially valid for tropical urban ecosystems since most of the studies on plant ecology have been developed in temperate regions and there are still several gaps on the knowledge of ecological functions and ecosystems services (e.g. pollination) in urban green areas in the tropics.

Pollination and reproductive system of synchronopatric species of Cactaceae (Cactoideae) subject to interspecific flow of pollen: an example of ecological adaptation in the Brazilian Chaco.

Three synchronopatric Cactaceae species, Echinopsis rhodotricha, Harrisia balansae and Praecereus saxicola, have mostly nocturnal anthesis and similar flowers, characteristics that motivated us to perform a comparative study of reproductive ecology. Reproductive phenology was sampled monthly from December 2014 to November 2015. We describe floral biology, breeding system via pollination treatments and evaluate floral visitors from focal and filming observations. Pollen grains found on moth proboscis were compared among cactus species under light microscopy. We used fluorescent dye particles to test intra- and interspecific pollen flow. These three species have extended flowering with greater intensity in the wet season, causing high overlap. They have white and hypocrateriformis flowers that open at twilight or nightfall and last about 15 h. H. balansae seems to be self-incompatible, while E. rhodotricha presented self-compatibility. P. saxicola presented self-fertility, but most of the population seems to be self-incompatible. We suggest sphingophily for the three species, but only P. saxicola was visited by Manduca rustica (Sphingidae). However, we observed pollen grains of all three species on the proboscis of moths, especially M. rustica and M. sexta. Prolonged anthesis allowed bees (herein considered as secondary pollinators) to visit flowers of E. rhodotricha and P. saxicola. It can be concluded that the studied species share nocturnal and diurnal pollinators, suggesting interspecific pollen flow, which, however, could not be detected with fluorescent dye particles. In view of the low frequency of primary pollinators, it appears that these three species have different reproductive strategies, ensuring the fruiting and production of viable seeds.

Anurans from preserved and disturbed areas of Atlantic Forest in the region of Etá Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, Brazil

We provide information on the diversity and natural history of anurans from preserved and disturbed habitats in the region of Eta Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The region is covered by rainforest and plantations of banana and peach palm. From April, 2013 to March, 2014 we sampled amphibians mainly with pitfall traps with drift fences and visual and auditory surveys. A total of 9813 individuals of 36 species of anurans from nine families were recorded in this study. A larger number of species was found in forests (29 species), followed by peach palm plantations (21 species), and banana plantations (17 species). The areas of peach palm plantation and forests showed the greatest similarity in species composition. The vegetation type with the highest number of exclusive species was the forest, whereas only four species were exclusive of the peach palm plantation, and none was exclusive of the banana plantation. Species accumulation curves indicated that our sampling effort was not enough to sample all the species that occur in the region. Our results reinforce the importance of forested habitats for the maintenance of anuran diversity in the Atlantic forest. The preservation of large fragments of forest in the region of Eta Farm is necessary to preserve the diverse amphibian fauna of this region.

Anurans from preserved and disturbed areas of Atlantic Forest in the region of Etá Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, Brazil / Anuros de áreas preservadas e perturbadas de Mata Atlântica na região da Fazenda Etá, município de Sete Barras, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract: We provide information on the diversity and natural history of anurans from preserved and disturbed habitats in the region of Etá Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The region is covered by rainforest and plantations of banana and peach palm. From April, 2013 to March, 2014 we sampled amphibians mainly with pitfall traps with drift fences and visual and auditory surveys. A total of 9813 individuals of 36 species of anurans from nine families were recorded in this study. A larger number of species was found in forests (29 species), followed by peach palm plantations (21 species), and banana plantations (17 species). The areas of peach palm plantation and forests showed the greatest similarity in species composition. The vegetation type with the highest number of exclusive species was the forest, whereas only four species were exclusive of the peach palm plantation, and none was exclusive of the banana plantation. Species accumulation curves indicated that our sampling effort was not enough to sample all the species that occur in the region. Our results reinforce the importance of forested habitats for the maintenance of anuran diversity in the Atlantic forest. The preservation of large fragments of forest in the region of Etá Farm is necessary to preserve the diverse amphibian fauna of this region.

Resumo: Neste estudo são apresentadas informações sobre diversidade e história natural de anuros de área preservadas e perturbadas na região da Fezenda Etá, município de Sete Barras, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A região é coberta por florestas e plantações de pupunha e banana. De abril de 2013 a março de 2014 nós amostramos anuros principalmente com armadilhas de queda com cercas-guia e por meio de procura visual e auditiva. Um total de 9.813 indivíduos de 36 espécies de nove famílias foram registrados. Um número maior de espécies foi encontrado nas florestas (29 espécies), seguidas pelas plantações de pupunha (21 espécies) e de banana (17 espécies). As áreas de plantação de pupunha e as florestas tiveram a maior similaridade em composição de espécies. O tipo de vegetação com o maior número de espécies exclusivas foi a floresta, ao passo que somente quatro espécies foram encontradas exclusivamente na plantação de pupunha e nenhuma foi exclusiva de bananais. As curvas de acumulação de espécies indicaram que nosso esforço amostral não foi suficiente para amostrar todas as espécies que ocorrem na região. Nossos estudos reforçam a importância de ambientes florestados para a manutenção da diversidade de anfíbios na Mata Atlântica. A preservação de grandes fragmentos de floresta é imprescindível para a conservação da rica fauna de anfíbios da região da Fazenda Etá.

Post-fire reproduction of herbs at a savanna-gallery forest boundary in Distrito Federal, Brazil / Reprodução pós-fogo de espécies do estrato herbáceo em área de transição Cerrado-Mata de Galeria no Distrito Federal, Brasil

In Cerrado, studies of post-fire vegetation recovery show that some herbaceous species are able to flower shortly after fires. However, these were mainly short-term studies that focused on grasslands and savannas. Little is known about the effects of fire on ground layer of forests that border the savannas in Central Brazil. Thus, an accidental burning gave us the opportunity to describe the reproductive activity of the ground layer vegetation after a fire event along a savanna-forest boundary at the IBGE Ecological Reserve, Brasília, Brazil. During the 16-month of the inventory, we registered 170 herbaceous species flowering or fruiting, of which 52 species (31%) may have been influenced by fire that changed their times of reproduction. In the savanna plots reproduction peaked at the end of the rainy season. Of the total number of reproducing species, 90 species occurred only in the savanna and four in the forest. Five herbs were recorded in the forest, savanna and border environments. Late dry season fire probably lead the majority of herbaceous species to have their reproduction spread throughout the study time.(AU)

No Cerrado, estudos de recuperação da vegetação pós-fogo mostram que algumas espécies herbáceas são capazes de florescer logo após queimadas. No entanto, esses foram principalmente estudos de curto prazo, que se concentraram em áreas campestres e savânicas. Pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos do fogo no sub-bosque de matas que margeiam as savanas do Brasil Central. Assim, uma queima acidental nos deu a oportunidade de descrever a atividade reprodutiva pós-fogo do estrato herbáceo ao longo de ecótono cerrado-mata na Reserva Ecológica do IBGE, Brasília, Brasil. Durante os 16 meses do inventário, foram registrados 170 espécies herbáceas com flores ou frutos, das quais 52 espécies (31%) podem ter sido influenciadas pelo fogo, que alterou suas épocas reprodutivas. Nas parcelas de cerrado, a reprodução teve seu pico ao final da estação chuvosa. Do número total de espécies, 90 ocorreram exclusivamente no cerrado e quatro na floresta. Cinco espécies herbáceas foram registradas na floresta, cerrado e borda. O fogo ao final da estação seca pode ter levado a maioria das plantas a se reproduzir através do período de estudo.(AU)

Post-fire reproduction of herbs at a savanna-gallery forest boundary in Distrito Federal, Brazil / Reprodução pós-fogo de espécies do estrato herbáceo em área de transição Cerrado-Mata de Galeria no Distrito Federal, Brasil

Abstract In Cerrado, studies of post-fire vegetation recovery show that some herbaceous species are able to flower shortly after fires. However, these were mainly short-term studies that focused on grasslands and savannas. Little is known about the effects of fire on ground layer of forests that border the savannas in Central Brazil. Thus, an accidental burning gave us the opportunity to describe the reproductive activity of the ground layer vegetation after a fire event along a savanna-forest boundary at the IBGE Ecological Reserve, Brasília, Brazil. During the 16-month of the inventory, we registered 170 herbaceous species flowering or fruiting, of which 52 species (31%) may have been influenced by fire that changed their times of reproduction. In the savanna plots reproduction peaked at the end of the rainy season. Of the total number of reproducing species, 90 species occurred only in the savanna and four in the forest. Five herbs were recorded in the forest, savanna and border environments. Late dry season fire probably lead the majority of herbaceous species to have their reproduction spread throughout the study time.

Resumo No Cerrado, estudos de recuperação da vegetação pós-fogo mostram que algumas espécies herbáceas são capazes de florescer logo após queimadas. No entanto, esses foram principalmente estudos de curto prazo, que se concentraram em áreas campestres e savânicas. Pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos do fogo no sub-bosque de matas que margeiam as savanas do Brasil Central. Assim, uma queima acidental nos deu a oportunidade de descrever a atividade reprodutiva pós-fogo do estrato herbáceo ao longo de ecótono cerrado-mata na Reserva Ecológica do IBGE, Brasília, Brasil. Durante os 16 meses do inventário, foram registrados 170 espécies herbáceas com flores ou frutos, das quais 52 espécies (31%) podem ter sido influenciadas pelo fogo, que alterou suas épocas reprodutivas. Nas parcelas de cerrado, a reprodução teve seu pico ao final da estação chuvosa. Do número total de espécies, 90 ocorreram exclusivamente no cerrado e quatro na floresta. Cinco espécies herbáceas foram registradas na floresta, cerrado e borda. O fogo ao final da estação seca pode ter levado a maioria das plantas a se reproduzir através do período de estudo.

Discovery of a secular trend in Cayo Santiago macaque reproduction.

Reproductive synchrony and the consequent clustering of births are hypothesized to be regulated by seasonal changes in rainfall and food availability. Such climate-related seasonality is, however, questionable in tropical populations occupying temporally invariant habitats year round. Using the long-term data of the Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques from 1973 to 2013, this study distinguishes synchrony (a greater than chance clustering of births) from seasonality (a cluster of births during a period of the year when abiotic conditions are favorable) and shows that females are highly synchronized (>72% of births in a 3-month period) but the effects of environmental zeitgebers on reproduction are overridden by biological factors. Specifically, biotic and abiotic factors including (i) loss of immature offspring; (ii) population density; (iii) age at delivery; (iv) rainfall; and (v) changes in colony management were modeled in relation to the annual onset of births and the median birth date. Females experiencing loss of immature offspring had an interbirth interval of <365 days in average and the proportion of these females increased up to 48% due to changes in colony management overtime, although reproductive synchrony increased with increasing population density. A secular trend in both the onset of births and the median date of birth is documented and the model predicts that the median birth date will advance across all calendar-based seasons by 2050. The secular trend in reproduction appears to be triggered by changes in the age at delivery of females, the absence of physiological constraints from maternal investment due to offspring loss, shorter interbirth interval, and a higher degree of coordination due to increasing population density. This study challenges the reproductive phenology previously described for rhesus macaques highlighting the importance of long-term studies in addressing the ultimate causes of reproductive synchrony.

Nesting and reproduction of Pachycondyla striata (Formicidae: Ponerinae) in urban areas: an ant that offers risk of accidents / Nidificação e reprodução de Pachycondyla striata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em áreas urbanas: uma espécie de formiga que oferece risco de acidentes

It was conducted a research, in urban areas, on the nesting habits and reproductive period of Pachycondyla striata, a species of ant that stings painfully. The study was motivated by the frequent reports of accidents in the city of São Paulo. The reports are more common during the reproductive seasons of the species, when the winged females sting the population, since they enter the houses of the people attracted to light. Although anaphylaxis for P. striata has not been reported yet, other close species may cause anaphylaxis, which makes important to understand their biology in order to take management and control measures. Fourteen green areas in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were monitored in the search for the species and their nests that were found in 64.3% of the areas. The nests are located around the trunk base of the trees, between the roots that protrude from the ground, under the rocks and through the cracks and crevices on the sidewalks. The spatial distribution of the nests is random. The reproductive period of P. striata was monitored from April 2012 to November 2013, through passive collection and laboratory colony. The nuptial flights occur during the cooler and drier months of the year, between July and September.

Foi realizada uma pesquisa sobre a nidificação e o período reprodutivo em área urbana de Pachycondyla striata, uma espécie de formiga que ferroa dolorosamente. O estudo foi motivado pelos frequentes relatos de acidentes com essa espécie de formiga na cidade de São Paulo. Os relatos são mais comuns nas épocas reprodutivas da espécie, quando fêmeas aladas entram no domicílio, atraídas pela luz. Apesar de não haver registros de choque anafilático com P. striata, há com outras espécies poneromorfas, de maneira que se faz necessário conhecer sua biologia para que se tomem medidas de manejo e controle. Quatorze áreas verdes na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, foram investigadas em busca de ninhos, tendo sido encontrados em 64,3% delas. Os ninhos são distribuídos aleatoriamente e localizam-se em torno da base do tronco de árvores, entre raízes que projetam do solo, sob rochas, bem como em falhas e rachaduras de calçadas. O período reprodutivo foi monitorado de abril de 2012 a novembro de 2013, por meio de coleta passiva e em ninho artificial. Os voos nupciais ocorrem nos meses mais frios e secos do ano, entre julho e setembro.

Nesting and reproduction of Pachycondyla striata (Formicidae: Ponerinae) in urban areas: an ant that offers risk of accidents / Nidificação e reprodução de Pachycondyla striata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em áreas urbanas: uma espécie de formiga que oferece risco de acidentes

It was conducted a research, in urban areas, on the nesting habits and reproductive period of Pachycondyla striata, a species of ant that stings painfully. The study was motivated by the frequent reports of accidents in the city of São Paulo. The reports are more common during the reproductive seasons of the species, when the winged females sting the population, since they enter the houses of the people attracted to light. Although anaphylaxis for P. striata has not been reported yet, other close species may cause anaphylaxis, which makes important to understand their biology in order to take management and control measures. Fourteen green areas in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were monitored in the search for the species and their nests that were found in 64.3% of the areas. The nests are located around the trunk base of the trees, between the roots that protrude from the ground, under the rocks and through the cracks and crevices on the sidewalks. The spatial distribution of the nests is random. The reproductive period of P. striata was monitored from April 2012 to November 2013, through passive collection and laboratory colony. The nuptial flights occur during the cooler and drier months of the year, between July and September.(AU)

Foi realizada uma pesquisa sobre a nidificação e o período reprodutivo em área urbana de Pachycondyla striata, uma espécie de formiga que ferroa dolorosamente. O estudo foi motivado pelos frequentes relatos de acidentes com essa espécie de formiga na cidade de São Paulo. Os relatos são mais comuns nas épocas reprodutivas da espécie, quando fêmeas aladas entram no domicílio, atraídas pela luz. Apesar de não haver registros de choque anafilático com P. striata, há com outras espécies poneromorfas, de maneira que se faz necessário conhecer sua biologia para que se tomem medidas de manejo e controle. Quatorze áreas verdes na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, foram investigadas em busca de ninhos, tendo sido encontrados em 64,3% delas. Os ninhos são distribuídos aleatoriamente e localizam-se em torno da base do tronco de árvores, entre raízes que projetam do solo, sob rochas, bem como em falhas e rachaduras de calçadas. O período reprodutivo foi monitorado de abril de 2012 a novembro de 2013, por meio de coleta passiva e em ninho artificial. Os voos nupciais ocorrem nos meses mais frios e secos do ano, entre julho e setembro.(AU)

Intra annual seed production and availability of two morphotypes of Brosimum rubescens taubert in forests of the Colombian Amazon / Producción y disponibilidad intra anual de semillas de dos morfotipos de Brosimum rubescens Taubert en bosques de la amazonía colombiana

We assessed the reproductive phenology, production, and availability of seeds for two morphotypes of Brosimum rubescens Taub. (Moraceae), locally known as black palosangre (BP) and white palosangre (WP) during an annual cycle in a 20-ha mega plot located in a primary forest at the El Zafire Biological Station, in the Colombian Amazon. We found that 87% and 41% of potentially reproductive individuals of BP and WP respectively, was fertile and the production of reproductive structures was variable within and between morphotypes. The phenological pattern was seasonal in both morphotypes, characterized by flowering at the end of the dry season and fruiting at the start of the rainy season. BP produced and aborted large amounts of infructescences (approximately 21743), possibly as a response to satiate predators. Relative predation in terms of pre-dispersion of seeds was similar in both morphotypes, with a greater damage generated by a Scolytidae Curculionidae (Coleoptera) and to a lesser degree by frugivorous vertebrates. The number of mature fruits, total seeds, and removed seeds was similar for both morphotypes. Differences in the amount of reproductive structures and in the timing of phenophases between morphotypes decreased the competition and contributed to their coexistence. It seems that in undisturbed forests seed limitation could be more conditioning for WP, while other limitations after fruit and seed production could occur in BP.

Se evaluó la fenología reproductiva, producción y disponibilidad de semillas de dos morfotipos de Brosimum rubescens Taub. (Moraceae), conocidos localmente como palosangre negro (PN) y palosangre blanco (PB), durante un ciclo anual en una megaparcela de 20 ha localizada en bosques primarios de la Estación Biológica El Zafire, Amazonía colombiana. Se encontró que estuvieron fértiles el 87% y 41% de los individuos potencialmente reproductivos de PN y PB, respectivamente. La producción de estructuras reproductivas fue variable dentro y entre morfotipos. El patrón fenológico fue estacional en ambos: florecieron al final de la época seca y fructificaron al inició de la lluviosa. Aunque en PB aparentemente ocurre limitación en la polinización, la maduración de los óvulos fecundados es más eficiente que en PN. Este último produjo y abortó abundante cantidad de infrutescencias, posiblemente para saciar depredadores. En ambos morfotipos la depredación relativa pre-dispersión de las semillas fue similar, siendo mayor el daão generado por un Curculionidae Scolytidae (Coleóptera) y menor por frugívoros vertebrados. El número de frutos maduros, semillas totales y semillas removidas también fue similar entre morfotipos. Diferencias en la cantidad de estructuras reproductivas y en el tiempo de manifestación de las fenofases entre morfotipos, disminuyen la competencia y contribuyen a su coexistencia. Aparentemente, en bosques no disturbados la limitación de semillas podría ser más condicionante para PB, pero otras limitaciones posteriores a la producción de frutos y semillas podrían presentarse en PN.

Tree size and its relationship with flowering phenology and reproductive output in Wild Nutmeg trees.

Reproductive strategies, sexual selection, and their relationship with the phenotype of individuals are topics widely studied in animals, but this information is less abundant for plants. Variability in flowering phenology among individuals has direct impact on their fitness, but how reproductive phenology is affected by the size of the individuals needs further study. We quantified the flowering intensity, length, and reproductive synchronization of two sympatric dioecious Wild Nutmeg tree species (Virola, Myristicaceae) in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, and analyzed its relationships with tree size. Two distinct strategies in flowering timing and intensity were found between species (annual versus biennial flowering), and among individuals in the annual flowering species (extended versus peak flowering). Only for the annual flowering species the reproductive output is related to tree size and large trees present proportionally higher flower coverage, and lower synchronization than smaller ones. Flowering is massive and highly synchronized in the biennial species. Sex ratios are not different from 1:1 in the two species, and in the two segregated reproductive subgroups in the biennial flowering species. The biennial flowering at individual level is a novelty among reproductive patterns in plants, separating the population in two reproductive subgroups. A proportional increase in the reproductive output with size exists only for the annual flowering species. A biennial flowering can allow resource storage favouring massive flowering for all the individuals diluting their relationship with size.

Flowering phenology and its implications for management of big-leaf mahogany Swietenia macrophylla in Brazilian Amazonia.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Flowering phenology is a crucial determinant of reproductive success and offspring genetic diversity in plants. We measure the flowering phenology of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla, Meliaceae), a widely distributed neotropical tree, and explore how disturbance from logging impacts its reproductive biology. METHODS: We use a crown scoring system to estimate the timing and duration of population-level flowering at three forest sites in the Brazilian Amazon over a five-year period. We combine this information with data on population structure and spatial distribution to consider the implications of logging for population flowering patterns and reproductive success. KEY RESULTS: Mahogany trees as small as 14 cm diam flowered, but only trees > 30 cm diam flowered annually or supra-annually. Mean observed flowering periods by focal trees ranged from 18-34 d, and trees flowered sequentially during 3-4 mo beginning in the dry season. Focal trees demonstrated significant interannual correlation in flowering order. Estimated population-level flowering schedules resembled that of the focal trees, with temporal isolation between early and late flowering trees. At the principal study site, conventional logging practices eliminated 87% of mahogany trees > 30 cm diam and an estimated 94% of annual pre-logging floral effort. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent interannual patterns of sequential flowering among trees create incompletely isolated subpopulations, constraining pollen flow. After harvests, surviving subcommercial trees will have fewer, more distant, and smaller potential partners, with probable consequences for post-logging regeneration. These results have important implications for the sustainability of harvesting systems for tropical timber species.

Fenologia e síndromes de polinização e dispersão de espécies de sub-bosque em um remanescente florestal urbano no Brasil central / Phenology and pollination and dispersal syndromes of understory species in an urban forest remnant in central Brazil

O objetivo foi avaliar a fenologia reprodutiva e as síndromes de polinização e dispersão de um subbosque de Mata Seca Semidecídua. O estudo foi realizado na cidade de Catalão-GO, de maio de 2010 a maio de 2011, no Parque Municipal do Setor Santa Cruz, um fragmento de 29 hectares. A coleta dos dados fenológicos foi semanal utilizando um transecto de 1000 m. Para as síndromes, foi observado à morfologia de flores e frutos, e estes dados foram relacionados aos de fenologia. A floração teve maior índice (43,13%) em dezembro de 2010 (chuva) e a frutificação manteve índices de 25 a 30% na maior parte do ano. Acanthaceae apresentou o maior índice de floração em maio de 2010 e fevereiro de 2011; Piperaceae em outubro de 2010 e Rubiaceae em dezembro 2010. A frutificação em Acanthaceae ocorreu durante a seca e inicio das chuvas, com maior índice em outubro de 2010, Piperaceae na estação das chuvas e inicio da seca, com pico em maio de 2011, e em Rubiaceae ocorreu durante 11 meses, com pico em março de 2011. Duas espécies de Acanthaceae e uma de Piperaceae não apresentaram frutificação, já a fenofase de floração foi observada nessas espécies. Foram identificadas três síndromes de polinização, sendo estas melitofilia (pico de intensidade em outubro de 2010), psicofilia (janeiro de 2011) e ornitofilia (maio de 2010). As síndromes de dispersão foram ornitocoria (dois picos, um em julho de 2010 e outro em maio de 2011) e anemocoria (pico em outubro de 2010). A presença de espécies em floração e/ou frutificação ao longo do ano pode contribuir para a dinâmica e permanência da comunidade estudada, pois essas espécies auxiliam na manutenção de abelhas e aves no fragmento, importantes vetores de polinização e dispersão. Levando em consideração que o Cerrado vem sofrendo um intenso impacto ambiental e a área de estudo ser um fragmento localizado dentro de um perímetro urbano, a sua conservação torna-se de grande importância, apesar de sua pequena área, devido os importantes processos ecológicos que ali existem.

The objective was to identify the reproductive phenology and the pollination and dispersal syndromes of understory species of Semi-deciduous Dry Forest. The work was carried out from May 2010 to May 2011 in a forest fragment, about 29 hectares, localized in Catalão city, Goiás State, Brazil. The phenological phases were observed weekly along a transect at 1000m. Pollination and dispersion syndromes were determined through literature data, and theses data were linked to phenology. The flowering proportion reached the peak (43,13%) in December 2010 (rainy) and fruiting (30%) in September 2010 (dry). Acanthaceae flowering peak in May 2010 and February 2011; Piperaceae peaked in October 2010 and Rubiaceae in December 2010. Fruiting in the Acanthaceae occurred during the dry period and the beginning of the rainy season, with the highest incidence in October 2010, Piperaceae reached their peak in May 2011, while in the Rubiaceae, it went on for 11 months, with the highest incidence being in March 2011. Two Acanthaceae and one Piperaceae species not fruited, but all species presented flowering. Pollination syndromes found were Ornithophily, peaking in May 2010, Melittophily, in October 2010, and Psycophily, in January 2011. Dispersal syndromes found were Anemochoric, with a higher incidence in October 2010, and Ornithocoric with two peaks, one in July 2010 and other in May 2011. The year-long presence of flowering and/or fruiting species contributes to the survival and dynamics of the community studied, because these species play an important role maintaining bees and birds in the fragment, which are important vectors of pollination and dispersal, respectively. Considering the rapid loss of the Cerrado vegetation in recent times and the study site to be a fragment localized inside the urban environment, the conservation of the green area becomes important, regardless of its small size, due to the important ecological processes that lie therein, as portrayed in this study.