Leucism is a hereditary genetic trait characterized by total or partial body hypopigmentation. This condition has been described across several taxa but is rarely observed in mammals. The environmental factors influencing the distribution of leucism and their impacts on the survival and fitness of individuals are still poorly understood. We present reports retrieved from peer-reviewed articles and fieldwork studies, according to the adaptive relevance of this condition in each species and the potential influence of environments under leucism. The reported number of leucistic primates has recently been increasing, likely due to citizen science and the widespread use of smartphones. We identified 23 records of leucistic primates, from at least eight different species and hybrids, related especially to forested biomes of South America. Given its contribution to understanding the ecology of these variations, we highlight the importance of a collaborative effort between the scientific community and the general public to report new cases of polymorphic phenotypes discovered in nature. Also, information on exact geographic coordinates is essential for the reports to be scientifically relevant. Our database can serve as a baseline for better understanding the spatial patterns of leucism in Neotropical primates and to comprehend the evolutionary ecology of genetically controlled polymorphic phenotypes and their persistence in wild populations.
Understanding the mechanisms that shape species distributions and community structure is essential for biodiversity conservation. In this study, we investigate the functional diversity of snake species in the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPRB), addressing four key questions: (1) Do environmental characteristics of the UPRB influence snake species distribution? (2) Do snake functional traits explain species' occurrence in specific communities? (3) How do environmental characteristics influence aspects of functional diversity? and (4) How are snake traits related to microhabitat use? We analyzed occurrence and trait data for 145 snake species using multivariate approaches to assess the contributions of environmental variables and functional traits. Our results demonstrate that environmental variables significantly shape species distributions across the UPRB. In contrast, functional traits alone did not predict community composition at broader spatial scales (habitat). However, functional diversity indices responded to environmental gradients, indicating that certain aspects of trait composition vary with local habitat conditions. Additionally, traits were strongly associated with microhabitat preferences, revealing fine-scale trait-environment relationships. These findings highlight the complexity of community assembly in Neotropical snake assemblages and the value of integrating environmental gradients, functional diversity metrics, and trait-microhabitat linkages into conservation strategies.
Pelolasia eusepus (Hewitson, [1853]) is the most widely distributed species of the Neotropical genus Pelolasia Grishin, 2021 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), yet its biology remains virtually unknown. Here, the first host plant record for P. eusepus is provided, and its immature stages are documented, along with notes on its natural history. Larvae were collected feeding gregariously on Miconia calvescens DC. (Melastomataceae) in Ilh & eacute;us, Bahia, north-eastern Brazil, and reared under laboratory conditions. The morphology of the penultimate and last larval instars and the pupa is described, and aspects of larval behavior, pupation sites, and developmental duration are reported. Of 33 larvae collected, eight adults emerged, while most pupae were parasitized by dipterans, including two individuals of Houghia Coquillett, 1897 (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae). These findings reinforce the importance of Melastomataceae as host plants for Pelolasia species and expand the known herbivore fauna associated with M. calvescens, native to Brazil but highly invasive in several regions worldwide. This study provides baseline biological information for a widespread but poorly known Neotropical riodinid butterfly.
A capture and anesthesia protocol was developed and implemented for the Wolfssohn's Viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni), a poorly known hystricomorph rodent endemic to southern South America. The study was conducted in Parque Patagonia, Argentina, over a five-year period. It comprised 69 capture events and the handling of 59 individuals (16 juveniles and 43 adults). Capture techniques, anesthesia regimens, and the first comprehensive morphometric dataset for the species are described. Additionally, individuals were fitted with VHF collars that, combined with the use of camera traps, allowed the collection of phenological and life cycle data. Results revealed a significantly higher mean adult body weight (2.5 +/- 0.1 kg) than previously reported, as well as crepuscular and nocturnal activity patterns that contrast with prior assumptions of diurnality. The mating season occurred during the winter months, from July to August. Births were documented from early November to mid-December, and juvenile males dispersed after reaching one year of age. The findings provide essential baseline data for the ecology and conservation of L. wolffsohni and highlight the importance of integrating ethical handling protocols with long-term monitoring strategies.
Understanding species' spatial distributions in megadiverse regions, such as the Neotropics, has fascinated researchers since the first naturalists of the 19th century. Geographic distributions of many species are poorly known, a problem known as the Wallacean deficit, which constitutes a huge bottleneck for effective conservation planning. Intending to reduce the Wallacean deficit for amphibians inhabiting the Caatinga, we conducted a review of primary research and presented an updated compilation of the geographic distribution of the amphibian species in the Caatinga. For the first time, we provided detailed maps for all amphibians known to occur in the Caatinga and descriptions of their geographic distributions and conservation status. Furthermore, we provided data on distribution patterns of species richness, sampling gaps, and levels of endemism. An amphibian database for the Caatinga was created through the direct analysis of 30,981 occurrence records. We registered 119 amphibian species for the Caatinga, belonging to 18 families and 37 genera, out of which 22 species are strictly endemic (16.10%). The richest family was Hylidae (51 species, 43.2%), followed by Leptodactylidae (31 species, 25.4%).
Conventional forestry is a major driver of forest degradation, creating a pressing need for sustainable alternatives like Reduced Impact Exploration (RIE). However, the claim that RIE conserves biodiversity requires empirical validation. This study directly addresses this problem by investigating if the biodiversity of game birds and mammals is consistent across the management environments of a forest implementing RIE, thereby testing its conservation effectiveness. Accordingly, we assessed potential impacts on the richness, abundance, and composition of game birds and mammals using camera trap sampling and statistical analyses across three forest management areas: Forest Environments, Managed Areas, and Skid Trails. Eighteen camera traps were deployed at 12 points, spaced 1 km apart, resulting in a total of 2,122 camera days. We recorded 19 species, including five game birds and 14 medium to large terrestrial mammals. No significant differences were observed in game bird and mammal populations among the three sampled environments or across Annual Production Units. Our studies indicate that managed forest areas and skid trails appear to differ from forests. Notably, the presence of species with large home ranges and extensive hunting areas highlights the critical role of managed areas in conserving these species groups in the study area.
Recent research clarified the genetic identity of the ten nominal species of Amazonian Bolitoglossa (subgenus Eladinea) and proposed a remarkable number of undescribed candidate species in this group of salamanders. Here, we provide a genetic analysis of Amazonian Bolitoglossa species using available GenBank data and new DNA sequences of the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and cytochrome b, and the nuclear-encoded genes RAG-1 and POMC. Justified by substantial genetic differentiation (uncorrected genetic distance to all other nominal species > 4% for 16S and >= 12% for COB), lack of haplotype sharing in nuclear genes, and morphological differences, we describe a candidate species occurring at various sites in Amazonian Peru as Bolitoglossa chrysothyma sp. nov. After about 50 years of zoological research at Panguana, the type locality of the new species, it was observed by researchers for the first time in 2007, suggesting a recent colonization of the area from the slopes of the adjacent Serran & iacute;a de Sira. When threatened, some individuals displayed a coiled antipredator posture which we speculate could represent a bird dropping mimesis. Aspects of species delimitation in Amazonian Bolitoglossa, their biogeography, possible temporal faunal changes at Panguana, and current threats are discussed. https://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FE753BAF-437A-4F00-8FF2-E4BA5E6677DE
Subterranean environments are rarely used by strictly aquatic anurans, yet they may provide temporary refuges and alternative resources under specific ecological conditions. We report the first record of Pipa arrabali in a cave environment in the Brazilian Amazon, based on observations from three years of fauna monitoring (2013-2015). Sixteen individuals were recorded exclusively in the aphotic zone, associated with a small, isolated pool formed by groundwater seepage and characterized by high bat guano accumulation; one specimen was also recorded outside the cave, inside a Boana boans nest. Stomach content analyses revealed an opportunistic diet, including aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, vertebrate prey, and a high frequency of bat guano. Guano items frequently contained pollen, and a seed was recovered from one individual, suggesting that P. arrabali may function as a secondary and accidental disperser of pollen and seeds through incidental ingestion during foraging. The recurrent presence of feeding individuals over multiple years indicates that cave use is not strictly accidental but may represent a temporary strategy for resource exploitation. These findings expand current knowledge of the ecological plasticity of P. arrabali and reveal previously undocumented trophic links among amphibians, bats, and plant-derived material in Neotropical cave systems.
Rhinella inopina is an inland species of the Rhinella crucifer group distributed throughout the Brazilian Cerrado, for which natural history information remains scarce, particularly regarding its use of subterranean environments. Here, we provide detailed observations on the ecology, behavior, and release call of R. inopina based on records from limestone caves in Terra Ronca State Park, northeastern Goi & aacute;s, Brazil. Specimens were recorded and collected in the photic and twilight zones of two caves during the dry season, at distances of up to 39 m from the entrances, occupying both terrestrial and vertical rocky substrates. One male emitted a release call in response to manual stimulation simulating amplexus, accompanied by body inflation and tremors. The release call is characterized by a short call duration, a high number of extremely brief notes, and a dominant frequency similar to that of R. crucifer, though with a markedly faster temporal structure. Thanatosis was observed in multiple individuals during handling. Our findings expand the known behavioral repertoire of the species and suggests potential use of karstic and subterranean microhabitats, suggesting that caves function as important climatic refuges for R. inopina in the seasonally dry environments of the Cerrado.
The reproductive success of social wasps is closely linked to their choice of nesting substrates, which can include natural plant structures or human-made elements. In environments altered by human activity, exotic plant species often become dominant and may be selected by wasps as nesting sites. In this study, we evaluated whether plant morphological traits and arthropod abundance influence the nesting preference of social wasps on native and exotic plants. Although exotic plants hosted a greater number of colonies and species, traditional morphological traits previously considered important for nest site selection were not significant predictors. Our results suggest that other ecological factors such as reduced herbivory and a lower abundance of natural enemies on exotic plants may create safer conditions that facilitate colony establishment. These findings support the hypothesis that changes in trophic structure associated with biological invasions can benefit social insects by decreasing predation pressure and competition.
Information regarding the distribution and ecology of the genus Hydra in Argentina remains limited, and species-level identifications from Patagonian wetlands are currently unavailable. In this study, dense aggregations of red-colored polyps were observed in two temporary wetlands within Nahuel Huapi National Park. Environmental and limnological variables were characterized at each site, and specimens were identified based on cnidocyte morphology from the tentacles and body column as Hydra vulgaris pedunculata. Polyps were associated with several submerged and emergent macrophytes, particularly Eleocharis melanostachys and Nitella sp. Controlled feeding experiments were conducted using different planktonic prey to evaluate the predatory capacity of Hydra. These experiments revealed high predatory plasticity, with greater consumption of cladocerans and small- to medium-sized chironomid larvae. These findings provide the first species-level identification of Hydra inhabiting northern Patagonian temporary wetlands and contribute to the ecological and taxonomic knowledge of freshwater cnidarians in this region.
The tribe Alisotrichiini (Hydroptilidae, Leucotrichiinae), as currently defined, includes six genera and over a hundred species in the New World. Based on specimens from different localities of the Americas, we describe here four new species: Alisotrichia cinnameleuca sp. nov. (the first Alisotrichia from Bolivia), Alisotrichia cubana sp. nov. (from Cuba), Celaenotrichia ultramontana sp. nov. (from Argentina), and Cerasmatrichia flinti sp. nov. (from Venezuela). In addition, we provide a detailed redescription of Alisotrichia asta Harris and Flint, and new distributional records for this species and other Alisotrichiini species in North, Central, and South America. The results presented here contribute to the knowledge of microcaddisflies in the Americas and highlight the importance of studying poorly explored regions.
Studying temporal patterns provides insight into how climatic seasonality influences species composition, richness, and abundance. In tropical deciduous forests (TDF), where the effects of seasonality on phytophagous beetle communities have been documented, it is commonly assumed that these communities form two well-defined seasonal groups: one during the rainy season and another during the dry season. However, the response of these beetles to seasonality may be more complex than expected. We conducted monthly samplings over a year in a TDF in northern Morelos and analyzed the temporal variation in Buprestidae diversity and composition. We recorded 963 individuals from 83 species. As expected, the highest species richness and abundance coincided with precipitation peaks. However, beta diversity indicated high species turnover across months. The temporal structuring of Buprestidae diversity and composition throughout the year revealed three communities largely driven by specific plant phenophases. These seasonal shifts in community structure suggest that resource availability is fundamental in regulating Buprestidae assemblages. Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns due to anthropogenic factors, such as climate change, could alter the phenology of TDF and the emergence of these beetles, affecting their survival. Understanding these patterns is essential for predicting the impact of climatic phenomena on insect biodiversity.
The Cotingidae family encompasses a beautiful group of frugivorous and forest-dwelling species restricted to the Neotropical region. Here, we provide new and historical records of six cotinga species: the Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vociferans), Cinnamon-vented Piha (Lipaugus lanioides), White-winged Cotinga (Xipholena atropurpurea), Bare-throated Bellbird (Procnias nudicollis), Black-headed Berryeater (Carpornis melanocephala), and Banded Cotinga (Cotinga maculata) in highly human-modified landscapes in South Bahia, Brazil. New cotinga records were collected through point counts and focal observations from 2019 to 2020. Our findings suggest that, although these species preferably using forests, some cotingas may utilize shaded cocoa agroforests as secondary habitats or stepping stones, which emphasizes the beneficial role of maintaining forests and promoting friendly landscapes, such as cocoa agroforests, to safeguard these frugivores, esspecially in human-modified landscapes.
This study investigated interactions between South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and fixed floating trap nets in Florianopolis, southern Brazil, a traditional fishing method in southern and southeastern of Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 fishers from four communities, covering 10 traps (similar to 80% of the traps in operation), between July and December 2022. All fishers reported that sea lions entered the fixed floating trap nets to feed, with 72.7% observing frequent interactions. On average, respondents observed 8.4 (SD = 2.7; range = 1-10) interactions with sea lions for every 10 fixed floating trap nets operations in Florianopolis. The main reported economic losses were live fish predation (n = 8; 72.7%) and damage to trap net meshes (n = 3; 27.3%). These findings provide baseline information on the dynamics of sea lion-fishing traps interactions. However, gaps remain regarding the quantification of economic losses and potential behavioral changes of sea lions. Future research should prioritize mitigation strategies, including modifications to fishing traps design and materials, as well as awareness-raising initiatives among fishing communities, aiming to reduce conflicts and support species conservation.
The selection of oviposition sites by females is critical for the development of sessile arthropods such as gall-inducing insects. The abundance of galls is higher in favorable plant traits, reflecting a nonrandom distribution driven by optimal gall development. However, the patterns of gall distribution across host plant structures remain poorly understood, underscoring the need for further investigation. We examined the distribution of galls across regions of plant crowns and leaves in the Brazilian Caatinga, using three host species, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, Croton helio-tropiifolius, and Poecilanthe ulei. Galled leaves were collected from 10-12 plants per species; a total of 3,673 galls were evaluated. We found no pattern across crown regions. However, all three species predominantly exhibited higher numbers of galls in the apical and median regions of leaf blade compared to the basal one. These results indicate that leaf microhabitats are more important to female oviposition selection than those of crowns. We suggest that environmental factors in conjunction with intrinsic host parameters may explain the spatial patterns observed.
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the largest canid in South America, has a well-documented diet, but most studies report food items at low taxonomic resolution and rarely contrast diet composition with resource availability. We investigated prey selection and seasonal variation in the diet of the maned wolf by analyzing dung samples in relation to fruit and prey availability in a savanna of southeastern Brazil. Plant items (mostly fruits from 25 species present in 62% of samples) were more common than animal items (mostly small mammals from at least six different species; present in 38% of samples). In terms of biomass, fruits from Solanum lycocarpum and armadillos (Dasypodidae) contributed substantially to the diet. Fruits were consumed year-round, but S. lycocarpum fruits and rodents were especially targeted during the dry season. The maned wolf preferentially consumed medium to large fruits (>1 cm), showing positive selection for species such as Psidium grandifolium. The rodents Necromys lasiurus and Clyomys laticeps were positively selected, whereas Calomys tener was consumed according to availability, and large marsupials were consumed less than expected. The maned wolf shows a broad feeding niche and likely plays a role in seed dispersal for multiple plant species while also potentially influencing rodent populations in this savanna.
