Diversidad de ninfas de Leptohyphidae (Ephemeroptera) en el río Quenane-Quenanito, piedemonte llanero colombiano / Diversity of Leptohyphidae (Ephemeroptera) nymphs in the Quenane-Quenanito river, Colombian plain foothills

Resumen Introducción: Varias presiones antrópicas sufren los ecosistemas acuáticos del piedemonte llanero en Colombia. La respuesta a estresores ambientales aún se desconoce en organismos bioindicadores como Leptohyphidae. Objetivo: Determinar la diversidad de ninfas de Leptohyphidae del río Quenane-Quenanito, en dos periodos hidrológicos contrastantes y su relación con algunas variables fisicoquímicas. Métodos: En diciembre (2014) y febrero (2015) se recolectaron organismos con red Surber en seis estaciones a lo largo del río. Se analizó la diversidad alfa y beta y se aplicó análisis de redundancia y modelos lineales generalizados con el fin de establecer la relación entre los taxones y las variables ambientales. Resultados: Se identificaron 369 organismos pertenecientes a cuatro géneros (Amanahyphes, Traverhyphes, Tricorythopsis y Tricorythodes), dos especies y ocho morfoespecies. Se reporta por primera vez para el departamento del Meta Amanahyphes saguassu. Se registró la mayor diversidad de ninfas en la transición a la sequía y la mayor abundancia en sequía. La diversidad beta señaló que la configuración del ensamblaje cambia a nivel espacial y temporal. Conclusiones: Los organismos de Leptohyphidae prefieren hábitats de corrientes, particularmente en el periodo de sequía, donde hallan alimento (hojarasca, detritos) y refugio para establecerse exitosamente; actividades antrópicas como la urbanización afectan notablemente la diversidad. La alta diversidad registrada en este pequeño río de piedemonte llanero refleja la necesidad de incrementar este tipo de trabajos y esfuerzos de recolección de material de estudio en la región.

Abstract Introduction: Various anthropic pressures affect the aquatic ecosystems of the foothills of Colombia. The response to environmental stressors is still unknown in bioindicator organisms such as Leptohyphidae. Objective: To determine the diversity of Leptohyphidae nymphs of the Quenane-Quenanito river, in two contrasting hydrological periods and its relationship with some physicochemical variables. Methods: In December (2014) and February (2015), organisms were collected with a Surber net at six stations along the current. Alpha and beta diversity was analyzed and redundancy analysis and generalized linear model were applied to establish the relationship between taxa and environmental variables. Results: Were identified 369 organisms belonging to four genera (Amanahyphes, Traverhyphes, Tricorythopsis, and Tricorythodes), two species, and eight morphospecies. Amanahyphes saguassu is reported for the first time for the Meta department. High diversity of Leptohyphidae nymphs was recorded in the transition to drought season and greater abundance in drought. Beta diversity indicated that the configuration of the assemblage changes spatially and temporally. Conclusions: Leptohyphidae organisms prefer fast habitats, particularly in the dry period where they find food (leaf litter, detritus) and shelter to establish themselves successfully; anthropic activities such as urbanization notably affect diversity. The high diversity recorded in this small river in the foothills of the plains reflects the need to increase this type of works and collection efforts of study material in the region.

Floristic survey of vascular plants of the Parque Estadual da Pedra Selada, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: The Atlantic Forest is one of the most diverse and threatened phytogeographical domains in the world. Despite that, it includes regions with poor floristic knowledge, even in protected areas. Although the importance of protected areas in conserving the Atlantic Forest hotspot is undisputed, it is necessary to recognise the floristic richness of these areas to propose effective conservation actions. In this sense, online databases have proved to be a promising tool for compiling species lists with relevant biodiversity information. This study is based on the list of vascular plants of the "Parque Estadual da Pedra Selada", published in the "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil". It summarises the species richness, endemism and conservation status of this protected area. New information: The published list of vascular plants was based on data obtained from herbarium collections available in online databases. A total of 303 species have been recorded for the "Parque Estadual da Pedra Selada," of which 297 are native to Brazil, 78 are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and seven are endemic to the State of Rio de Janeiro. More than 60% of the species are woody, and more than 40% are trees. Eight threatened species (Endangered - EN and Vulnerable - VU), of which five are endemic to the State of Rio de Janeiro, are housed in this protected area. One species was classified as Data Deficient (DD). Our results increase the knowledge of the Atlantic Forest flora in the State of Rio de Janeiro and support effective conservation planning for this protected area.

Analysis of diversity and an updated catalog of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Capivari-Monos Environmental Protection Area, São Paulo, Brazil.

The Capivari-Monos Environmental Protection Area (EPA) is located in the southern part of the São Paulo city Green Belt. Since the 1950s, this region has been affected by uncontrolled urban sprawl, resulting in a change in the ecological habits of some vector mosquitoes. Over the last two decades, cases of autochthonous bromeliad malaria associated with the presence of anopheline mosquitoes in the EPA have been recorded. Anopheles cruzii, the primary vector of plasmodia in the region, is abundant and found naturally infected with both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae. In light of this, the present study sought to update the catalog of mosquito fauna in this EPA, analyze mosquito diversity among sites with different degrees of conservation and compare species using different collection techniques. Field collections were carried out from March, 2015 to April, 2017. A total of 20,755 specimens were collected, distributed in 106 different taxa representing 16 genera. Analysis of the diversity among the sites based on the Shannon and Simpson indices showed that the most preserved of them had the lowest indices because of the dominance of An. cruzii. The results highlight the increase in the number of different taxa collected as different mosquito collection techniques were included, confirming the importance of using several strategies to ensure adequate sampling of a local mosquito fauna when exploring a greater number of ecotopes. Furthermore, the survey produced the most recent and complete list of mosquito species in the Capivari-Monos EPA, a refuge and shelter for native and introduced mosquito species where new biocenoses, including pathogens, vertebrate hosts, and vectors can form, allowing zoonotic outbreaks in the local human population to occur.

Diversity and seasonality of horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Amazon Forest fragments of Monte Negro, Rondônia, Western Amazon.

Tabanidae are considered a nuisance to humans, wild animals, and livestock due to their painful, annoying, and insistent biting. Tabanids transmit some pathogens and parasites biologically and mechanically. In humans, there are relatively few pathogens transmitted regularly. Still, tabanids serve as vectors of a number of disease agents of animals, including viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and nematodes. They are more abundant in tropical and humid regions, and their seasonal patterns are affected by habitat changes such as deforestation and fragmentation. Here, we analyze the tabanid fauna in Monte Negro, a central municipality of Rondônia, Brazil, comparing abundance, richness, and diversity in forest and pasture habitats. Traps were set for 5 days a month for 12 consecutive months. We also examined how abiotic factors (humidity, temperature, and rainfall) affected the abundance, diversity, and richness and the effectiveness of Malaise and Nzi traps as sample methods. The influence of climatic variables on the richness and abundance of the species was tested using generalized linear models, and we used non-parametric dimensional scaling (nMDS) for analysis of species composition and diversity in different traps and environments. We collect 1032 specimens of 25 species. The most abundant species were Tabanus antarcticus, Dichelacera tetradelta, Tabanus mucronatus, and Leucotabanus albovarius. Forest habitats had the highest number of tabanids, followed by pasture and the anthropized area, and there was no significant difference regarding the effectiveness of the Malaise and Nzi traps. The study provides new information on the distribution and ecology of tabanids in Brazil.

Opposite latitudinal gradients for species richness and phylogenetic diversity of endemic snakes in the Atlantic Forest.

The decrease in species richness toward higher latitudes is an expected biogeographical pattern. This pattern could be related to particular environmental constraints and the evolutionary history of clades. However, species richness does not fully represent the evolutionary history of the clades behind their distributions. Phylogenetic diversity better clarifies the role of historical factors in biogeographical patterns. We analyzed environmental and historical drivers related to latitudinal variation in species richness and phylogenetic diversity of Atlantic Forest endemic snakes. We implemented species distribution models, from voucher-based locality points, to map the snake ranges and diversity. We used generalized additive mixed models to evaluate the relationships among the diversity metrics and area, topographical roughness, and past climate change velocity since the Last Maximum Glacial in the Atlantic Forest latitudinal gradient. Contrary to the expected general pattern, species richness was higher toward higher latitudes, being positively related to past climatic stability. Species richness also increased with total area and higher topographical roughness. Phylogenetic diversity, on the other hand, showed opposite relationships related to the same factors. Phylogenetic diversity increased with lower climatic stability in lower latitudes. Thus, dimensions of diversity were affected in different ways by historical and environmental constraints in this unique and threatened biodiversity hotspot.

A long-term prospecting study on giant viruses in terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes.

The discovery of mimivirus in 2003 prompted the search for novel giant viruses worldwide. Despite increasing interest, the diversity and distribution of giant viruses is barely known. Here, we present data from a 2012-2022 study aimed at prospecting for amoebal viruses in water, soil, mud, and sewage samples across Brazilian biomes, using Acanthamoeba castellanii for isolation. A total of 881 aliquots from 187 samples covering terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes were processed. Electron microscopy and PCR were used to identify the obtained isolates. Sixty-seven amoebal viruses were isolated, including mimiviruses, marseilleviruses, pandoraviruses, cedratviruses, and yaraviruses. Viruses were isolated from all tested sample types and almost all biomes. In comparison to other similar studies, our work isolated a substantial number of Marseillevirus and cedratvirus representatives. Taken together, our results used a combination of isolation techniques with microscopy, PCR, and sequencing and put highlight on richness of giant virus present in different terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes.

Chilean Darwin Wasps (Ichneumonidae): Biogeographic Relationships and Distribution Patterns.

Ichneumonidae, or Chilean Darwin wasps, are an important component of South American hymenopteran diversity, but the taxonomic and distributional knowledge on this insect is still deficient. Taking advantage of recently updated taxonomic knowledge, we assessed biogeographic relationships at the genus level and biodiversity spatial patterns along the latitudinal gradient. The results show the presence of 264 species in Chile, arranged in 102 genera and 22 subfamilies. Biogeographic relationships are based on six elements (cosmopolitan (n = 50; 36%), endemic (n = 29; 21%), Neotropical (n = 22; 16%), Holarctic-Oriental (n = 19; 14%), south-temperate (n = 16; 11%) and Australasian) and composed of just three genera: Anacis, Labena, and Meringops. Species and genera show a bimodal distribution along the latitudinal gradient: around 34° and 38° S. From an ecoregional perspective, richness is concentrated in the Valdivian temperate forests, but when assessed at a 0.5 × 0.5 cell scale, several outstanding cells are in the contact zone between the temperate forests and the Chilean Matorral. On the other hand, the Atacama Desert shows little or no presence of Darwin wasps. The results agree with Charles Porter, who identified a northern province composed of Neotropical and cosmopolitan genera with their own representatives in the far north (11 genera), a distributional gap in the core of the Atacama Desert, and around 128 genera in Porter's Neantarctic realm, covering all of Chile from 25° S to Cape Horn, including the Juan Fernandez islands. These results reinforce knowledge gaps and the need for more sampling and studies of available collections. Due to sampling gaps at this stage, identifying a continued increase or decrease in richness towards higher latitudes is not possible. More taxonomic and distributional information is also needed to assess potential threats to endemic genera and species.

Hydroids from a reef system under the influence of the Amazon River plume, Brazil.

The Amazon Reef System (ARS) is one of the most important shallow and mesophotic reef ecosystems in the South Atlantic Ocean. The ARS consists mainly of extensive beds of calcareous algae interspersed by assemblages of octocorals and sponges. The enormous freshwater discharge from the Amazon River forms a plume along the extensive Amazon continental shelf, for which the hydroid community is still largely unknown. The aim of this study is to document the diversity and distribution of hydroids from the ARS, as well as to infer the influence of the plume on species composition in the different zones. Samples were collected at ninety-six stations between 15 and 240 m deep on the Amazon shelf. A total of 37 species were recorded in the studied area. Hydroid assemblages are richer in zones under lower river plume influence, and species composition differs significantly between zones with and without plume influence (PERMANOVA, p = 0.0025). The dissolved oxygen and nitrate ranges were the environmental variables significantly correlated with the hydroid distribution. This study is the first surveying the hydroid species composition and richness in the ARS, highlighting the presence of a typical reef biota and that further faunal studies in underexplored areas of the Atlantic should reveal the distribution of many poorly known hydroids species.

Camera trap surveys of Atlantic Forest mammals: A data set for analyses considering imperfect detection (2004-2020).

Camera traps became the main observational method of a myriad of species over large areas. Data sets from camera traps can be used to describe the patterns and monitor the occupancy, abundance, and richness of wildlife, essential information for conservation in times of rapid climate and land-cover changes. Habitat loss and poaching are responsible for historical population losses of mammals in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot, especially for medium to large-sized species. Here we present a data set from camera trap surveys of medium to large-sized native mammals (>1 kg) across the Atlantic Forest. We compiled data from 5380 ground-level camera trap deployments in 3046 locations, from 2004 to 2020, resulting in 43,068 records of 58 species. These data add to existing data sets of mammals in the Atlantic Forest by including dates of camera operation needed for analyses dealing with imperfect detection. We also included, when available, information on important predictors of detection, namely the camera brand and model, use of bait, and obstruction of camera viewshed that can be measured from example pictures at each camera location. Besides its application in studies on the patterns and mechanisms behind occupancy, relative abundance, richness, and detection, the data set presented here can be used to study species' daily activity patterns, activity levels, and spatiotemporal interactions between species. Moreover, data can be used combined with other data sources in the multiple and expanding uses of integrated population modeling. An R script is available to view summaries of the data set. We expect that this data set will be used to advance the knowledge of mammal assemblages and to inform evidence-based solutions for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest. The data are not copyright restricted; please cite this paper when using the data.

As armadilhas fotográficas tornaram­se o principal método de observação de muitas espécies em grandes áreas. Os dados obtidos com armadilhas fotográficas podem ser usados para descrever os padrões e monitorar a ocupação, abundância e riqueza da vida selvagem, informação essencial para a conservação em tempos de rápidas mudanças climáticas e de cobertura do solo. A perda de habitat e a caça furtiva são responsáveis pelas perdas populacionais históricas de mamíferos no hotspot de biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica, especialmente para espécies de médio e grande porte. Aqui apresentamos um conjunto de dados de levantamentos com armadilhas fotográficas de mamíferos de médio e grande porte (>1 kg) em toda a Mata Atlântica. Compilamos dados de 5.380 armadilhas fotográficas instaladas no nível do chão em 3.046 locais, de 2004 a 2020, resultando em 43.068 registros de 58 espécies. Esses dados acrescentam aos conjuntos de dados existentes de mamíferos na Mata Atlântica por incluir as datas de operação das câmeras, que são necessárias para análises que lidam com detecção imperfeita. Também incluímos, quando disponíveis, informações sobre importantes preditores de detecção, como marca e modelo da câmera, uso de isca e obstrução do visor da câmera que pode ser medido a partir de imagens de exemplo em cada local da câmera. Além de estudos sobre os padrões e mecanismos por trás da ocupação, abundância relativa, riqueza e detecção, o conjunto de dados aqui apresentado pode ser usado para estudar os padrões de atividade diária das espécies, nível de atividade e interações espaço­temporais entre as espécies. Além disso, os dados podem ser usados em combinação com outras fontes de dados em diversas análises com modelagem populacional integrada. Um script R está disponível para visualizar um resumo do conjunto de dados. Esperamos que este conjunto de dados seja usado para aumentar o conhecimento sobre as assembleias de mamíferos e usado para informar soluções baseadas em evidências para a conservação da Mata Atlântica. Os dados não são restritos por direitos autorais e, por favor, cite este documento ao usar os dados.

Diversity of an Odonata assemblage from a tropical dry forest in San Buenaventura, Jalisco, Mexico (Insecta, Odonata).

Background: The patterns of richness, diversity, and abundance of an odonate assemblage from San Buenaventura, Jalisco are presented here. A total of 1087 specimens from seven families, 35 genera and 66 species were obtained through monthly samplings of five days each during a period of one year. Libellulidae was the most diverse family (28 species), followed by Coenagrionidae (21), Gomphidae (7), Aeshnidae (6), Calopterygidae (2), Lestidae (1) and Platystictidae (1). Argia was the most speciose genus. The highest species richness and Shannon diversity were found during August and September, whereas the highest abundance was observed in June and the highest Simpson diversity was recorded in September - all of which were associated with the rainy season. The highest values of phylogenetic diversity were found from June to October. The different diversity facets of this assemblage were positively correlated with precipitation and minimum temperature, whereas maximum temperature showed no influence. In addition, we found that this odonate diversity was higher than most Mexican localities with tropical dry forest (TDF) studied. New information: We continue our efforts to describe the patterns of richness, diversity and abundance of some insect groups associated with the tropical dry forest ecosystem in Mexico, following a latitudinal gradient of the distribution of this ecosystem in the country. Our emphasis here was to evaluate the spatial and temporal patterns of richness and diversity of an Odonata assemblage from Jalisco, Mexico.

Fish diversity of Colombian Andes-Amazon streams at the end of conflict is a reference for conservation before increased land use.

Reference conditions are difficult to find in the Anthropocene but essential for effective biodiversity conservation. Aquatic ecosystems in the Andes-Amazon transition zone of Colombia are now at high risk due to expanded human activities after peace agreements in 2016 ended armed conflict because lands formerly controlled by FARC and other armed groups are now prone to agricultural and urban expansion. Particularly, expanding human land use may reduce fish diversity across the altitudinal gradient, especially in the premontane streams (i.e., <500 m a.s.l.) because lands are more amenable to human use than at greater altitudes. We evaluated fish α-diversity (measured as species richness, total abundance, and effective species number) and ß-diversity (spatial and temporal) in 12 sites over 8 years bracketing the end of armed conflict. All α-diversity and ß-diversity analyses were evaluated relative to categorical altitude (< or >500 m) and continuous altitude. Strong differences in fish community structure among sites occurred as a function of altitude. Fish communities exhibit altitudinal biodiversity gradients that are consistent in space and time, and that need to be accounted for conservation and management considerations. Our results provide a reference to identify short- and long-term changes due to impending human land use at a critical moment for the conservation of tropical fish diversity. Similar studies in other areas of the upper Amazon Basin are needed to evaluate effects of subsequent human activities on diversity patterns and our study area to compare to reference conditions reported here.

How to fill the biodiversity data gap: Is it better to invest in fieldwork or curation?

Data gaps and biases are two important issues that affect the quality of biodiversity information and downstream results. Understanding how best to fill existing gaps and account for biases is necessary to improve our current information most effectively. Two current main approaches for obtaining and improving data include (1) curation of biological collections, and (2) fieldwork. However, the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in improving biodiversity data remains little explored. We used the Flora de Bogotá project to study the magnitude of change in species richness, spatial coverage, and sample coverage of plant records based on curation versus fieldwork. The process of curation resulted in a decrease in species richness (synonym and error removal), but it significantly increased the number of records per species. Fieldwork contributed to a slight increase in species richness, via accumulation of new records. Additionally, curation led to increases in spatial coverage, species observed by locality, the number of plant records by species, and localities by species compared to fieldwork. Overall, curation was more efficient in producing new information compared to fieldwork, mainly because of the large number of records available in herbaria. We recommend intensive curatorial work as the first step in increasing biodiversity data quality and quantity, to identify bias and gaps at the regional scale that can then be targeted with fieldwork. The stepwise strategy would enable fieldwork to be planned more cost-effectively given the limited resources for biodiversity exploration and characterization.

Rumen ciliates (Ciliophora, Trichostomatia) in Brazilian domestic cattle feeding on diets with crescent urea levels.

Since their discovery, rumen ciliates of domestic cattle have been reported from various geographic locations. However, until now there is only one taxonomic inventory of ciliates associated with Brazilian cattle. The present study aimed to assess the community composition, relative abundance, richness, and density of rumen ciliates in Brazilian cattle, whose feeding diets were supplemented with crescent urea levels. Across all treatments analyzed, one subclass, two orders, three families, 11 genera, and 31 species of ciliates were identified. The ciliate community composition and species richness varied among the four treatments used. However, the total ciliate density was not affected by the experimental diets. We described a new entodiniid morphotype, Entodinium caudatum m. orbonuclearis, and recorded Oligoisotricha bubali for the second time in Brazil.

Upstream cascade reservoirs drive temporal beta diversity increases through species loss in a dammed river.

Changes in the biodiversity of aquatic environments over time and space due to human activities are a topic of theoretical and conservational interest in ecology. Thus, variation in taxonomic beta diversity of the planktonic ciliates community was investigated along a temporal and spatial gradient in two subsystems of a Neotropical floodplain, one impacted by dams (Paraná) and the other free of them along its course (Ivinhema). For the spatial analysis, the Paraná subsystem did not show a significant decrease in beta diversity, presenting a pattern like that observed for the Ivinhema subsystem. Therefore, biotic homogenization was not observed for the ciliate's community downstream of the dams. It was noted that there was a fluctuation in the relevance of the components of beta diversity, regardless of the subsystem analyzed. For the temporal analysis there was a significant change in species composition from the first to the last year investigated, essentially for the subsystem impacted by dams, and that this was determined mainly by species loss. Although spatial beta diversity remained high without a clear process of biotic homogenization, dams promoted remarkable changes in ciliate species composition over the years mainly by continuous loss of species.

Changes in bacterial communities induced by integrated production systems and the phenological stages of soybean.

Plant development and productivity depend on interactions with soil microorganisms for nutrient availability, promotion of growth and protection against phytopathogens. Although the influence of the phenological stages of soybean crops and their environmental conditions on the soil bacterial communities have already been reported, no studies have focused on the influence of integrated agrosilvopastoral systems on bacterial consortia. In this study, we evaluated the influence of the phenological stages of soybean cultivated under conventional full sunlight (CFS) and integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems on bacterial communities in the rhizosphere and in bulk soil using high-throughput sequencing techniques. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Acidobacteriota were the most abundant phyla in both the rhizosphere and the bulk soil at all growth stages. The results support our hypotheses that the richness and diversity of soil bacterial communities are influenced by different cultivation systems, and that the structure of the bacterial communities in the rhizosphere and the bulk soil are modulated by the phenological stages of the soybean crop.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan / Predição do banco de sementes do solo do piemonte e ambientes aluviais de Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis ​​apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Insects associated to ephemeral pools in Huentelauquén (29ºS Coquimbo Region, Chile) / Insetos associados a lagoas temporárias em Huentelauquén (29ºS Região de Coquimbo, Chile)

Abstract In northern central Chile, ephemeral pools constitute shallow isolated water bodies with a favourable habitat for fauna adapted to seasonal changes. Based on the limited knowledge about the fauna—particularly insects—associated to these ecosystems, the objective of this study was to characterize the richness, composition, structure and similarity of the insect communities associated with ephemeral pools in Huentelauquén (29º S, Coquimbo Region, Chile). By using pitfall traps, 10,762 individuals were captured, represented by 7 orders, 27 families, and 51 species. Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were the best represented orders, with Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Plecoptera being poorly represented groups. The non-parametric estimators evaluated showed wealth values above those observed for all the studied pools, and their accumulation curves suggest the existence of an incomplete species inventory in the studied community. Additionally, the hierarchical and ordering analysis showed groupings of pools located in the northwest and southeast of Huentelauquén. Preliminarily we found a negative correlation between the area of the pools and the richness (species) and abundance of insects. Additional studies (on other arthropod groups and other seasons of the year) could provide a better understanding of the local processes of extinction and colonization of the species inhabiting these fragile coastal environments.

Resumo No norte central do Chile, lagoas efêmeras constituem corpos de água isolados e pouco profundos, com um habitat favorável para a fauna adaptada as mudanças sazonais que as zonas úmidas estão sujeitas. Com relação a estes ecossistemas, sabe-se pouco sobre sua fauna, principalmente a de insetos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a riqueza, composição, estrutura e similaridade das comunidades de insetos que habitam as lagoas temporárias de Huentelauquén (29º S, Região de Coquimbo, Chile). Usando armadilhas de interceptação, se capturou um total de 10.762 indivíduos, pertencentes a 7 ordens, 27 famílias e 51 espécies. Coleoptera e Hymenoptera foram as ordens mais representativas, enquanto Neuroptera, Orthoptera e Plecoptera foram grupos pouco representativos. Os estimadores não paramétricos avaliados mostraram valores de riqueza superiores ao observados para todas as lagoas estudadas, e suas curvas de acumulação parecem indicar que o inventario da comunidade estudada está incompleto. A análise hierárquica e de ordenamento revelou agrupamentos de lagoas correspondentes a zona nordeste e sudeste de Huentelauquén. Preliminarmente encontramos uma correlação negativa entre a área de lagoas efêmeras e a riqueza (espécies) e abundância de insetos. É necessário realizar estudos adicionais (sobre outros grupos de artrópodes e em outras estações do ano) para melhor compreensão dos processos locais de extinção e colonização das espécies que habitam estes frágeis ambientes costeiros estudados.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Insects associated to ephemeral pools in Huentelauquén (29ºS Coquimbo Region, Chile)

Abstract In northern central Chile, ephemeral pools constitute shallow isolated water bodies with a favourable habitat for fauna adapted to seasonal changes. Based on the limited knowledge about the faunaparticularly insectsassociated to these ecosystems, the objective of this study was to characterize the richness, composition, structure and similarity of the insect communities associated with ephemeral pools in Huentelauquén (29º S, Coquimbo Region, Chile). By using pitfall traps, 10,762 individuals were captured, represented by 7 orders, 27 families, and 51 species. Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were the best represented orders, with Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Plecoptera being poorly represented groups. The non-parametric estimators evaluated showed wealth values above those observed for all the studied pools, and their accumulation curves suggest the existence of an incomplete species inventory in the studied community. Additionally, the hierarchical and ordering analysis showed groupings of pools located in the northwest and southeast of Huentelauquén. Preliminarily we found a negative correlation between the area of the pools and the richness (species) and abundance of insects. Additional studies (on other arthropod groups and other seasons of the year) could provide a better understanding of the local processes of extinction and colonization of the species inhabiting these fragile coastal environments.

Resumo No norte central do Chile, lagoas efêmeras constituem corpos de água isolados e pouco profundos, com um habitat favorável para a fauna adaptada as mudanças sazonais que as zonas úmidas estão sujeitas. Com relação a estes ecossistemas, sabe-se pouco sobre sua fauna, principalmente a de insetos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a riqueza, composição, estrutura e similaridade das comunidades de insetos que habitam as lagoas temporárias de Huentelauquén (29º S, Região de Coquimbo, Chile). Usando armadilhas de interceptação, se capturou um total de 10.762 indivíduos, pertencentes a 7 ordens, 27 famílias e 51 espécies. Coleoptera e Hymenoptera foram as ordens mais representativas, enquanto Neuroptera, Orthoptera e Plecoptera foram grupos pouco representativos. Os estimadores não paramétricos avaliados mostraram valores de riqueza superiores ao observados para todas as lagoas estudadas, e suas curvas de acumulação parecem indicar que o inventario da comunidade estudada está incompleto. A análise hierárquica e de ordenamento revelou agrupamentos de lagoas correspondentes a zona nordeste e sudeste de Huentelauquén. Preliminarmente encontramos uma correlação negativa entre a área de lagoas efêmeras e a riqueza (espécies) e abundância de insetos. É necessário realizar estudos adicionais (sobre outros grupos de artrópodes e em outras estações do ano) para melhor compreensão dos processos locais de extinção e colonização das espécies que habitam estes frágeis ambientes costeiros estudados.

Effects of burned liver on necrophagous flies in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of burning on the richness, abundance, and community structure of necrophagous flies in southern Brazil. Flies were collected over a period of seven days in the field, and were subsequently observed for 60 days in the laboratory. There were three bovine liver treatments: unburnt, burnt, and gasoline-treated (control). A total of 2,501 flies, representing 14 families and 41 species, were identified, including Chrysomya albiceps, Fannia subgroup pusio, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, and Fannia femoralis. While the abundance of flies was similar across the three treatments, exhibiting a quadratic distribution, species richness displayed a quadratic trend with a significant temporal shift; peak richness occurred 20 hours earlier in the unburnt liver than in the burnt or the control treatments. Both total abundance and patterns of community composition in our analysis indicated important factors to take into account. Total abundances were similar between the burnt and unburnt treatments, demonstrating a uniform ecological response to burning, irrespective of the condition of the liver. In contrast, the community composition of these treatments showed a significant divergence from the control treatment, which was distinctively dominated by Drosophilidae and Phoridae. These findings are crucial for accurate postmortem Interval (PMI) estimations in forensic entomology, particularly in cases involving burnt remains, and highlight the significant impact of fire on necrophagous fly communities.