ABSTRACT Hippoboscidae is a family of hematophagous ectoparasitic flies of mammals and birds, commonly known as louse flies. In Brazil, 30 species have been previously recorded, of which three parasitize mammals and 27 parasitize birds. Few studies have documented the occurrence of these flies in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, which currently counts 11 bird-parasitizing species. In this work, we report hippoboscid flies associated with avian hosts in Minas Gerais. Birds were captured using mist nets across five forest fragments in the Zona da Mata region during field campaigns conducted between 2013 and 2017. Avian hosts were examined for the presence of ectoparasites, and louse flies were collected using fine tweezers. Morphological photographs were taken, and morphometric measurements and a diagnostic assessment were performed for our sample of Ornithomya ambigua (Lutz, Neiva & Costa-Lima, 1915). In total, we examined 2,226 birds belonging to 133 species, of which 24 individuals were parasitized. We collected 30 louse flies belonging to five species within the subfamily Ornithomyinae. Our morphometric measurements of O. ambigua are in agreement with previous studies. Although these five louse fly species had already been recorded for Minas Gerais, six new host-parasite interactions were documented, including the first record of any hippoboscid in three bird species and two Passeriformes genera. Furthermore, we recorded O. ambigua after 95 years without records in Brazil and 53 years since its last record globally. Our results expand the knowledge on this poorly studied group of ectoparasites.
ABSTRACT This study characterizes the ichthyofauna of the Pomba River drainage, a tributary of the Paraíba do Sul River basin in southeastern Brazil. Sampling was conducted in 20 streams during the dry season (July 2018 and July 2022) utilizing electrofishing equipment for 60 minutes at each site. A total of 3,411 specimens were collected, representing six orders, 13 families, 27 genera, and 31 species. Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859, Deuterodon intermedius (Eigenmann, 1908), and Bryconamericus ornaticeps Bizerril & Perez-Neto, 1995 were the most abundant species. Correlations of taxonomic richness and diversity between hierarchical levels were positive. Although the region remains poorly surveyed and is heavily impacted by deforestation, industrial and energy enterprises, and other anthropogenic pressures, strong correlations between family and species richness and between family and order diversity suggest that higher taxa effectively reflect key aspects of assemblage structure owing to high trait conservatism. Such strong correlations suggest that families are functionally cohesive and ecologically distinct from one another, supporting their utility as surrogates in biodiversity assessments, particularly when comprehensive taxonomic revisions are lacking or rapid ecological assessments are conducted by non-taxonomists.
ABSTRACT Wolfniana ancora sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from the states of Mato Grosso, Acre, and Rondônia, Brazil. Wolfniana viridis is newly recorded from the state of Acre, and Wolfniana limbatula (Osborn, 1926) is redescribed, with its external morphology illustrated for the first time. A revised generic diagnosis, an identification key to males, and an updated distribution map are provided. Distribution patterns are discussed within the context of Amazonian Conservation Units, highlighting their importance for the preservation of these taxa.
ABSTRACT Chamaeza campanisona (Lichtenstein, 1823) is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling passerine bird widely distributed in South America, inhabiting Neotropical forests across the Amazon Basin, Atlantic Forest, and Andean regions. Across its range, 12 subspecies are recognized, predominantly distributed along altitudinal and longitudinal gradients in the Andes. Within the Atlantic Forest, two subspecies are currently recognized, although C. c. tshororo Bertoni, 1901 (described from southeastern Paraguay) has been proposed as inseparable from the nominotypic form. Given the limited taxonomic studies on this genus and the demonstrated utility of vocal analysis in suboscine taxonomy, we investigated bioacoustic variation among eastern South American taxa of this species complex. We analyzed 183 recordings representing the full geographic range of these populations, combining traditional bioacoustic methods with machine learning algorithms. Our results revealed three distinct loudsong patterns: a southern variant occurring from southeastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina north to the state of Bahia, Brazil; an isolated population in the state of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil, represented by a single recording and lacking voucher specimens; and a northern pattern restricted to the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The loudsongs typically consist of a rapid series of closely spaced notes exhibiting population-specific variation, particularly in pace and in the presence of a terminal series of slowed, descending grunting notes. The southern vocal type corresponds to C. campanisona, under which C. c. tshororo should be treated as a junior synonym. The Alagoas population requires additional study given the limited available material. The Ceará population represents a previously undescribed taxon, which we name and describe herein. This new species is morphologically diagnosable, as it lacks the black frontal spot seen in all other populations, as well as vocally distinct. It is restricted to the Baturité Mountains of Ceará, where it persists in relictual montane rainforests surrounded by the seasonally drier Caatinga xerophytic forest in the municipalities of Guaramiranga and Pacoti.
ABSTRACT Thaumastodermatidae (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) is the most species-rich marine clade of the phylum, comprising vermiform animals characterized by a dorsal oral hood covering a large terminal mouth, multiple adhesive tubes distributed along the body (particularly on the caudal pedicles), and a richly ornamented cuticle. Acanthodasys currently includes 13 valid species, distributed predominantly across Europe and North America; only recently was the first species from the Southern Hemisphere described. Here, we describe a second species from Fome Beach, São Sebastião Island, Brazil, based on differential interference contrast (DIC) light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The new species is strap-shaped (409-606 μm in length) and differs from its congeners by a dorsal cuticle bearing exceptionally large, elongated, lanceolate uniancres that contrast with much smaller ventral uniancres, as well as simple, spineless scales with a central depression bearing one, two, or three small, oval, raised ornamentations per scale.
ABSTRACT: Neotropical fluviokarst systems are ecologically complex, yet the dynamics of benthic communities within their subterranean segments remain poorly understood. This study investigated how benthic macroinvertebrate communities vary along an epigean-hypogean-epigean gradient in a Neotropical fluviokarst system. Based on the River Continuum Concept, we hypothesized that surface (epigean) segments would exhibit a similar faunal composition, whereas cave (hypogean) environments would differ due to environmental filtering. A total of 744 individuals representing 52 invertebrate taxa were sampled from upstream, cave, and downstream segments of the Peruaçu River. Species richness was significantly lower in the cave than in the surface reaches, and faunal similarity across segments was below 50%, with greater similarity observed between upstream and downstream sites. Community composition differed markedly between epigean and hypogean habitats, as revealed by analysis of similarities (ANOSIM: R = 0.45, p = 0.02). Dissolved oxygen emerged as the strongest predictor of faunal composition, explaining 35% of the variation, while species richness was best explained by a combination of dissolved oxygen and pH. These results indicate that caves act as environmental filters, disrupting longitudinal ecological continuity by reducing species richness and altering community structure, likely due to limited organic inputs and stable yet extreme physicochemical conditions. This study highlights the critical ecological role of cave segments in structuring aquatic biodiversity and reinforces their conservation importance within fluviokarst systems.
ABSTRACT Gyraulus Charpentier, 1837 comprises small freshwater gastropods with an almost cosmopolitan distribution, recorded across Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The genus is highly diverse in Asia, with only a single species previously recorded in South America, specifically in Ecuador. We conducted a morphological and molecular analysis on specimens of Gyraulus spp. obtained from aquarium shops in southeastern Brazil. Morphological analyses included the characterization of the shell and reproductive system, while molecular identification was based on partial sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The Gyraulus specimens analyzed did not present morphological differences among samples, sharing characteristics of the shell and reproductive system with species of the Gyraulus chinensis (Dunker, 1848) complex. On the other hand, molecular data revealed the presence of two species: G. convexiusculus (Hutton, 1849) and G. chinensis. Most of the sequences obtained were related to sequences of G. convexiusculus from Singapore, a country known for its intense ornamental aquatic organism trade. A single sequence-derived from a specimen originating from an aquarium shop in Rio de Janeiro and used in its entirety for DNA extraction-clustered in the phylogenetic tree with GenBank sequences of G. chinensis from the Czech Republic, South Africa, and Hong Kong. The phylogenetic relationships among these taxa and other representatives of the genus Gyraulus included in the present analysis were not resolved, evidencing the species complex already pointed out by other authors. Based on our findings, we report the occurrence of G. convexiusculus and G. chinensis in artificial environments in Brazil, and alert aquarists about the risks and the necessary precautions to prevent the dispersal of these Gyraulus species into natural environments.
ABSTRACT The two South American species of Artonia Grishin, 2019 are herein revised. A lectotype for Artonia artona (Hewitson, 1868) is designated. Larvae of Artonia artona were found feeding on an unidentified species of Poaceae Barnhart, and the final larval instars and pupa are described and illustrated for the first time. Detailed descriptions and a review of variation of the species are provided based on examination of a large number of specimens. Illustrations of the male and female genitalia and a distribution map for both species are provided.
ABSTRACT Vultures are the only obligate terrestrial scavenging vertebrates, playing critical roles in sanitation and ecosystem services. However, the breeding biology of New World vultures remains poorly understood. Although the Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) is widely distributed and comprises three subspecies, reproductive aspects are documented primarily for C. a. atratus from North America and C. a. foetens (Lichtenstein, 1817) from Argentina. Here, we investigated the reproduction of a C. a. brasiliensis (Bonaparte, 1850) population in São Paulo state, Brazil. Clutch initiation occurred from June to October, and nestlings were observed until January. Except for a single-egg clutch, all clutches consisted of two eggs or nestlings. All nests were located on the ground, with 11 in anthropogenic structures and four in forest fragments. At one nest, the incubation period was 38 days, and the nestling period was 78 days. Nest survival probability was only 2.7% (423 nest-days and 13 nest losses). Using camera traps, we identified causes of nest failure-including flooding, predation by domestic dogs Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758, and the second confirmed case of intraspecific nest predation for the species. Camera traps also revealed unprecedented behaviors for New World vultures, such as nocturnal nestling provisioning and parent-offspring necrophagy. Because this species occurs in a variety of habitats, our data are valuable for investigating whether certain environments act as ecological traps for this ecologically vital bird.
ABSTRACT The Área Natural Única Los Estoraques (ANULE) is part of the 65 national natural parks of Colombia. Although this protected area is included in the Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SINAP-Colombia), contains unique geomorphological formations, and includes an endangered ecosystem such as tropical dry forest, it is subjected to constant anthropogenic pressures. To support biodiversity management and conservation processes, we obtained baseline data on the presence and activity patterns of medium and large-sized mammals through 10 camera-trap stations placed in 1.0 km2 from October 2017 to June 2018, supplemented by complementary monitoring methods. With a sampling effort of 2,770 camera-trap nights, we recorded 18 species. The species with the highest capture rates (CR) were Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758, Dasypus fenestratus Peters, 1864, and Dasyprocta punctata Gray, 1842 (20.27, 18.21, and 14.43, respectively). Galictis vittata (Schreber, 1776) and Coendou longicaudatus Daudin, 1802 had the lowest capture rates (0.34 each) and exhibited a predominantly diurnal activity pattern. We found a nocturnal trend for the assemblage and low activity overlap among most species. This is the first assessment of the diversity of medium and large-sized mammals for ANULE and the second for the north-eastern Andes in the country. The predominantly nocturnal pattern observed could be due to the presence of cattle, dogs, and hunters during the diurnal period. Although a considerable number of species were recorded, several had low capture rates, suggesting that current management plans are not sufficient to safeguard the biodiversity they contain.
ABSTRACT Recording the small-scale distribution of organisms in changing environments is crucial for understanding local ecological patterns. We surveyed annelids from mangroves across different estuarine environments (open areas as unstable environments; control and closed areas as more stable environments) and habitats (vegetated, non-vegetated, and transitional zones) at Ararapira Inlet, Guaraqueçaba, Paraná, Brazil. During spring and autumn, we collected 288 samples using a corer, with a 0.5 mm mesh to separate fauna from sediment. We identified 937 individuals across 33 species, 18 families, and 28 genera, with Nereididae being the most represented family. The nereidid species Laeonereis acuta and Nereis oligohalina were the most abundant, with 254 and 149 individuals, respectively. Regarding endemism, 17 species are native and eight are non-indigenous, while information is lacking for seven. Our Linear Mixed Model showed that both abundance and species richness were generally lower in Control and Open areas, as well as in vegetated habitats, with positive interactions between area and vegetated habitats. The Control area exhibited higher Shannon diversity and evenness, while Simpson diversity was higher in the closed area. The transitional zone had the highest richness (23 taxa), followed by the non-vegetated habitat (19) and the vegetated habitat (14). Differences in Shannon and Simpson diversity were observed among areas, with the most established environments displaying the highest diversity. Microphage was the dominant feeding mode, with 15 taxa (46%), followed by omnivory with ten (30%), and macrophage with eight (24%). We conclude that the species respond to a complex combination of spatial scale and environment type, reinforcing the need to consider multiple ecological drivers when analyzing community structure.
ABSTRACT When morphologically similar species, such as felids, coexist, resource sharing occurs across various niche dimensions-temporal, spatial, and trophic-to reduce competition. This study evaluated the circadian rhythm overlap between five Neotropical felid species and their most frequently recorded prey. Circadian rhythms were determined using Kernel density estimation based on camera-trap records. Pairwise comparisons between each felid and its prey were performed using overlap coefficients ($\Delta$), and differences in activity patterns were tested using the Mardia-Watson-Wheeler test. Overlap values between felids and their main prey were high for Puma concolor, Leopardus pardalis, and Leopardus wiedii. In contrast, Leopardus guttulus did not exhibit high overlap with its prey, and Herpailurus yagouaroundi did not yield the minimum records required for overlap analysis. The three larger felids synchronize their activity with the peak periods of their prey, suggesting that the benefits of successful foraging outweigh the costs of potential antagonistic encounters. The two larger species were influenced by the bottom-up effect, as expected. However, only one of the smaller species was influenced by the top-down effect, which may be related to the broader use of forest strata by L. wiedii, reducing its vulnerability to predation by larger felids.
ABSTRACT Molecular entomology was expected to progress rapidly from basic genetic mapping to comprehensive genome projects. However, for most insect groups, such as parasitic wasps of the family Chalcididae, genetic information remains scarce. There is still an urgent need for identification tools for both taxonomists and applied entomologists to expand the use of biological control agents. This systematic review recovered only 38 papers containing Chalcididae genetic information since 1986, covering 108 species. Most data were published in the last 10 years. Genetic repositories include data for 85 species; in total, information is available for 49 out of 87 genera and 178 out of 1,439 named species. Notably, 141 species have only a single gene sequence available, predominantly the COI gene. Chalcis sispes (Linnaeus, 1761) is the only species with a whole genome sequence available. Available data include nine genes-three mitochondrial (16S, COI, CytB) and six nuclear (18S, 28S, EF-1α, ITS2, RpL27A, mago nashi)-alongside UCEs, exons, karyotypes, mitochondrial genomes, and transcriptomes. Academic journal indexing platforms remain essential for assessing genetic information, as data from older papers may not be available on GenBank or BOLD. Conversely, NCBI is vital for disclosing data when the target group is not mentioned in the main text. Both literature and repositories may contain spurious data, including taxonomic errors, misidentifications, DNA contamination, mixed data, and typos. Taxonomic errors are a universal problem; thus, all downloaded sequences should undergo a “phylogenetic check” alongside known sequences. Such errors may also affect BLAST searches, necessitating caution when evaluating contamination. Authors must carefully verify data quality before publication to ensure this vast global database is populated with trustworthy information.
ABSTRACT Several mammal species are known predators of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, and such interactions are well documented in the literature. This study reports the first record of predation on Helicops angulatus (Linnaeus, 1758), a mildly venomous semiaquatic snake, by Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758, an omnivorous marsupial known for its resistance to snake venom. The event, filmed in an anthropized area in southern Amazonas, Brazil, involved a female carrying a juvenile while consuming the snake. The predation of a venomous, semiaquatic prey by a nocturnal, terrestrial mammal expands the known trophic repertoire of the species.
ABSTRACT Hollandichthys multifasciatus (Eigenmann & Norris, 1900) is a fish endemic to the Atlantic Forest, occurring primarily in well-preserved headwater streams from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina, with isolated records in the upper rio Tietê. Here, we report the first record of the species in the upper Rio Iguaçu basin, Paraná, Brazil. Three specimens (39-87 mm SL) were collected from a tributary of the Rio Miringuava, munici pality of São José dos Pinhais, state of Paraná, in June 2022. Identification was based on diagnostic morphological characters and mitochondrial COI gene analysis, compared with sequences available in the literature. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analyses and haplotype network construction revealed high similarity between the upper Iguaçu population and those from coastal drainages flowing into Paranaguá Bay, suggesting a history of headwater capture between neighboring basins. This phenomenon, associated with Quaternary tectonic reactivation in the Serra do Mar, is an important mechanism for the dispersal and diversification of the Neotropical ichthyofauna. This finding expands the known distribution of the genus and contributes to the understanding of the evolutionary history and connectivity among Atlantic Forest hydrographic basins.
ABSTRACT During a parasitological survey of Dactylogyridae infecting the gills of the freshwater fishes Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837), P. brevis Steindachner, 1875, P. nigricans Spix & Agassiz, 1829, and Brycon pesu Müller & Troschel, 1845, several representatives of Tereancistrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Kayton, 1980 were identified. Members of this genus are distinguished by an accessory sclerite associated with the ventral anchor. This study documents new host records and geographic localities for the following species: Tereancistrum kerri Kritsky, Thatcher & Kayton, 1980; T. curimba Lizama, Takemoto & Pavanelli, 2004; T. pirassununguensis Cepeda, Cecarelli & Luque, 2012; T. toksonum Lizama, Takemoto & Pavanelli, 2004; T. spiralocirrum Yamada, Sousa, Diniz & Yamada, 2025; T. ancistrum Yamada, Sousa, Diniz & Yamada, 2025; and T. kritskyi Yamada, Sousa, Diniz & Yamada, 2025. These findings broaden the known host range and biogeographical distribution of Tereancistrum, contributing to the knowledge of monogenoidean diversity in Neotropical freshwater systems.
ABSTRACT Many freshwater organisms are threatened by human activities, requiring urgent biological data to support conservation. We investigated the diversification of the endangered eight-barbel loaches (genus Lefua) by analyzing mitochondrial cytochrome b and D-loop sequences. Phylogenetic reconstruction identified genetically distinct clades corresponding to all recognized species (excluding L. sayu, whose assignment to Lefua remains uncertain) and intraspecific populations. However, the phylogenetic position of the recently described L. nishimurai-originally the Reihoku population of L. torrentis-contradicts its original species description. Our data show L. nishimurai forming a highly supported clade with the Sanyo and Kii-Shikoku populations of L. torrentis. Diversification within the genus began with a primary divergence into two main lineages, followed by subsequent speciation and the differentiation of seven local populations of L. echigonia, two of L. tokaiensis, and two (or three if L. nishimurai is not valid) of L. torrentis. These results provide a refined evolutionary framework and clarify the taxonomic uncertainties surrounding L. nishimurai, facilitating the establishment of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) and more effective conservation strategies for these endangered lineages.
ABSTRACT Data from the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna (CTFB), complemented by the website EphemBrazil, provide a comprehensive overview of the diversity and historical development of Ephemeroptera taxonomy in Brazil. Historical analyses reveal three distinct phases: (1) the 19th and early 20th centuries, dominated by European and later North American authors; (2) the second half of the 20th century, marked by increasing contributions from South American researchers; and (3) the 21st century, characterized by the consolidation of Brazilian specialists and a surge in species descriptions. Currently, 472 valid species names, distributed across 10 families and 81 genera, are recorded in the country. Leptophlebiidae and Baetidae are the most species-rich families, with 153 and 151 species respectively, followed by Leptohyphidae (59 spp.) and Polymitarcyidae (56 spp.). Endemism is high, with 280 species (59%) restricted to Brazil. Spatial patterns show a strong geographic bias, with Amazonia and the Atlantic Forest harboring the greatest richness (224 and 245 species, respectively), while the Caatinga, Pantanal, and Pampa remain poorly studied. At the state level, Amazonas (114 spp.), Espírito Santo (112 spp.), and Roraima (96 spp.) show higher recorded richness, reflecting greater sampling effort, whereas several Northeastern states have fewer than five recorded species. This geographic bias reflects the distribution of researchers, availability of resources, and asymmetries in sampling effort. Despite substantial progress, important gaps persist regarding immature stages, molecular data, and undersampled areas. Sustained training of specialists, integrative approaches, and expanded surveys are essential to refine taxonomy and strengthen the role of mayflies as bioindicators in freshwater conservation and monitoring across Brazil.
ABSTRACT Herein, we present morphological and genetic evidence of the presence of the exotic calcareous sponge Heteropia glomerosa (Bowerbank, 1873) on the northern coast of the state of São Paulo. We also report its occurrence on natural substrates in the region and a case of the sponge living in association with the cryptogenic ascidian Phallusia nigra Savigny, 1816-an ecological interaction never before mentioned in the literature. Previous records of H. glomerosa in Ilhabela and São Sebastião were restricted to artificial substrates, such as PVC panels. Furthermore, earlier studies along the Brazilian coast have indicated that its colonization occurs more frequently on artificial substrates, such as ropes, wood, plastic, concrete, and docks within marina and port areas. All the new records presented here are from beaches that have never been sampled before, including Ubatuba as a new locality. Additionally, this finding on natural substrates represents an advance in the knowledge of its distribution and serves as an alert to the potential expansion of this species to the southern coast of São Paulo. Further investigations into ecological aspects are necessary to understand the processes favoring geographical expansion and ecological interactions with native species. Therefore, it is essential to assess the ecological role of H. glomerosa in the environment by implementing long-term monitoring actions.
ABSTRACT The courtship displays of hummingbirds are remarkable in their acrobatic flights and fluttering sounds, which are important examples of sexual selection. The courtship display of the reddish hermit, Phaethornis ruber (Linnaeus, 1758), was pointed out as one of the most complex among the Trochilidae, but it has been only partially described in the literature. Here, we describe the complete courtship display and the copulation behavior of this species. We provide the first video recording of this behavior, and using the slow-motion approach, we reveal unprecedented details of the courtship display of a hermit hummingbird. Each male’s performance session comprised four main displays: arc, pendulum, sliding horizontal, and pre-copulatory approach. Remarkable variations occurred in some of these displays, followed by characteristic sounds. While lekking behaviors have been thoroughly described for many hermit hummingbird species, courtship displays are cryptic behaviors that are difficult to capture, and there is still much to be learned about this subject. Because of the complexity of the observed behaviors, our study provides critical insights into the role of complex aerial displays in mate choice and the evolution of sexual selection in hummingbirds.
