The Ringed Kingfisher, Ceryle or Megaceryle torquata (Cerylinae, Alcedinidae, Coraciiformes)? An osteological view

In spite of the unquestionable monophyly of die Cerylinae subfamily, there are divergences in considering Megaceryle torquata in die genera Megaceryle or Ceryle. In order to address the question, here is a comparative osteological study between M. torquata and C. rudis, as well as with the other Megaceryle species and Chloroceryle. The findings showed more osteological similarities between M. torquata and the other Megaceryle species, differing considerably of C. rudis. Also, the data have permited the identification of the genus Megaceryle, with most of the characters from the skull. In spite of not having any phylogenetic inference, there are relevant osteological evidences that permit the consideration of M. torquata in the genus Megaceryle and the maintenance of Ceryle only for reception of C. rudis. Accepted 19 June 2006.

Stoneflies (Plecoptera) from northern Goias State, central Brazil: new record of Kempnyia oliveirai (Perlidae) and a new species of Tupiperla (Gripopterygidae)

A new species of Tupiperla, T. jumirim, is described from Chapada dos Veadeiros, northern Goias State, Brazil. Kempnyia oliveirai is recorded from the same locality.

FRONTAL GLAND DEHISCENCE IN THE BRAZILIAN TERMITE SERRITERMES-SERRIFER (ISOPTERA, SERRITERMITIDAE)

The primary function of the soldier caste in the Isoptera is the defense of the termite society. The simplest defense is mechanical with oversized mandibles. Besides the mandibles, some termite soldiers use exocrine glands as a means of chemical defense. These glands produce substances which are toxic and/or repellent to termites enemies. Here we report the only case in the Neotropical fauna of dehiscence of the frontal gland in the soldier caste of the Brazilian termite, Serritermes serrifer (Bates).

Reproductive phenology of climbers in a Southeastern Brazilian forest

The reproductive phenology of the entire climber community (96 species of lianas and 40 species of vines) in a semideciduous forest in Southeastern Brazil (22 degrees 49'45''S; 47 degrees 06'33''W and 670 m altitude) was observed from March 1988 to February 1991. Phenological observations were made weekly by walking along a 10.5 km trail in the interior and at the forest edges of the Santa Genebra Reserve (SGR). The most species-rich families of climbers were Bignoniaceae (22), Malpighiaceae (17), Sapindaceae (12) and Asteraceae (12). Flowering patterns for woody lianas and herbaceous vines differed. Lianas had two flowering peaks: a minor peak in March in the transition from wet to dry season, and a major peak in October during the transition from dry to wet season. The flowering peak for herbaceous vines was in April. Fruiting of lianas was highly seasonal, with one peak in the late dry season (July-August). Fruiting for vines was less seasonal with a slight peak in March. These differences were consistent with the predominance of wind-dispersed fruits among lianas (72% of species) versus vines (52%). Low rainfall, high leaf fall, and strong winds during the dry season favor wind dispersal. More species of vines (40%) have animal-dispersed seeds than lianas (19%), and most vines fruited during the wet season. Phenological patterns of climbers and trees and treelets at SGR differed. The life form of lianas and their system of reserve economy may allow them to reproduce during periods unfavorable to trees. Displacement of peak flowering periods of trees and climbers pollinated by bees and small generalist insects may decrease competition for pollen vectors among species of these two groups of plants. Whereas the fruiting patterns of wind-dispersed trees and climbers at SGR were similar (most species fruiting during the dry season), animal-dispersed trees and treelets fruited throughout the year while animal-dispersed climbers exhibited a pronounced peak in late wet season. The distinct phenological patterns of climbers, generally complementary to those presented by trees, resulted in constant availability of Bowers and fruits throughout the year and enhances the importance of this plant group in Neotropical forests.

Reproduction and activity of the snail-eating snake, Dipsas albifrons (Colubridae), in the Southern Atlantic Forest in Brazil

The reproduction and activity of Dipsas albifrons (Sauvage, 1884) from the southern Atlantic Forest, Brazil, were studied by analysing 144 preserved specimens. Females attained larger body sizes than males. Contrary to other Dipsadini of lower latitudes, reproduction in D, albifrons is seasonal with vitellogenesis and oviposition occurring in the rainy season and the hatching of the juveniles occurring at the end of the rainy season. Similar to other Dipsadini, clutch size in D. albifrons is relatively small, ranging from one to eight eggs. Clutch size was significantly, correlated to female body size. Adult males and females showed a bimodal activity pattern. Seasonal variation in climate, reproductive cycles and feeding are considered to be the main factors responsible for the observed activity trend.

Chromosome evolution in the erythrinid fish, Erythrinus erythrinus (Teleostei : Characiformes)

The genus Erythrinus belongs to the family Erythrinidae, a neotropical fish group. This genus contains only two described species, Erythrinus erythrinus being the most widely distributed in South America. Six samples of this species from five distinct Brazilian localities and one from Argentina were studied cytogenetically. Four groups were identified on the basis of their chromosomal features. Group A comprises three samples, all with 2n = 54 chromosomes, a very similar karyotypic structure, and the absence of chromosome differentiation between males and females. One sample bears up to four supernumerary microchromosomes, which look like 'double minute chromosomes' in appearance. Groups B - D comprise the three remaining samples, all sharing an X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y sex chromosome system. Group B shows 2n = 54/53 chromosomes in females and males, respectively, and also shows up to three supernumerary microchromosomes. Groups C and D show 2n = 52/51 chromosomes in females and males, respectively, but differ in the number of metacentric, subtelocentric, and acrocentric chromosomes. In these three groups ( B - D), the Y is a metacentric chromosome clearly identified as the largest in the complement. The present results offer clear evidence that local samples of E. erythrinus retain exclusive and fixed chromosomal features, indicating that this species may represent a species complex.

Associations of spiders of the genus Peucetia (Oxyopidae) with plants bearing glandular hairs

Two common South American species of lynx spiders, Peucetia rubrolineata and P. flava (Oxyopidae), were surveyed on three localities in southeastern Brazil to determine plant choice. Both species were found to be associated with plants bearing glandular trichomes. A literature review and complementary data show that ten Peucetia species are associated with up to 55 plant species bearing glandular trichomes in at least 20 distinct vegetation types (phytophysiognomies) in more than 36 localities in the Neotropical, Neartic, Afrotropical, and Paleartic regions. The main plant families used by the spiders were Solanaceae, Asteraceae, and Melastomataceae. The specialization of the Peucetia species for plants bearing glandular trichomes may have evolved because insects adhered to these sticky structures may be used as prey by the spiders.

Molecular organization of 5S rDNA in fishes of the genus Brycon

There are few reports on the genomic organization of 5S rDNA in fish species. To characterize the 5S rDNA nucleotide sequence and chromosomal localization in the Neotropical fishes of the genus Brycon, 5S rDNA copies from seven species were generated by PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the coding region (5S rRNA gene) and the nontranscribed spacer (NTS) were determined, revealing that the 5S rRNA genes were highly conserved, while the NTSs were widely variable among the species analyzed. Moreover, two classes of NTS were detected in each species, characterized by base substitutions and insertions-deletions. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), two 5S rDNA chromosome loci that could be related to the two 5S rDNA NTS classes were observed in at least one of the species studied. 5S rDNA sequencing and chromosomal localization permitted the characterization of Brycon spp. and suggest a higher similarity among some of them. The data obtained indicate that the 5S rDNA can be an useful genetic marker for species identification and evolutionary studies.

Artrópodes associados ao excremento de aves poedeiras

A research about arthropode fauna in laying hen excrement was carried out in a poultry house in the State of São Paulo, from January 2001 to December 2002. The objective was to verify the frequency of Diptera and Coleoptera collected by Berlese funil and flutuation methods, and to show correlation between the collect methods and sazonality possible in the currents seasons. A total of 29,499 insects were collected from seventy five collects, being 16,702 Diptera (six families) and 12,797 Coleoptera (four families). Some arthropodes presented direct relation with the collect method, the seasons of the years and the rainfall precipitation, with significant increase in the number of insects collected in certain periods of the year.

Conservation genetics of the endangered Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)

The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus L. 1758) is the most endangered neotropical cervid, and in the past occupied a wide range of open habitats including grassland, pampas, savanna, and cerrado (Brazil) from 5 degrees to 41 degrees S. To better understand the effect of habitat fragmentation on gene flow and genetic variation, and to uncover genetic units for conservation, we examined DNA sequences from the mitochondrial control region of 54 individuals from six localities distributed throughout the present geographical range of the Pampas deer. Our results suggest that the control region of the Pampas deer is one of the most polymorphic of any mammal. This remarkably high variability probably reflects large historic population sizes of millions of individuals in contrast to numbers of fewer than 80 000 today. Gene flow between populations is generally close to one migrant per generation and, with the exception of two populations from Argentina, all populations are significantly differentiated. The degree of gene flow was correlated with geographical distance between populations, a result consistent with limited dispersal being the primary determinant of genetic differentiation between populations. The molecular genetic results provide a mandate for habitat restoration and reintroduction of Pampas deer so that levels of genetic variation can be preserved and historic patterns of abundance can be reconstructed. However, the source of individuals for reintroduction generally should be from populations geographically closest to those now in danger of extinction.

Subfamilial affiliation of Neoscirula (Acari : Prostigmata : Cunaxidae) and descriptions of three new species of this genus from Brazil

The original affiliation of the genus Neoscirula Den Heyer to the subfamily Coleoscirinae Den Heyer, 1979 is maintained. Three new species of this genus are described and illustrated, viz. N. flechtmanni sp. nov., N. oliveirai sp. nov. and N. queirozi sp. nov.. A key to the Brazilian and South African species is provided.

Breeding of the Scuttle Fly Megaselia scalaris in a fish Carcass and Implications for the use in Forensic Entomology (Diptera: Phoridae).

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Habitat patch size modulates terrestrial mammal activity patterns in Amazonian forest fragments

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

ANTI-HERBIVORE PROTECTION BY MUTUALISTIC SPIDERS and THE ROLE of PLANT GLANDULAR TRICHOMES

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Frugivory by the fish Brycon hilarii (Characidae) in western Brazil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)