Detection of wood boring insects by measurement of oxygen consumption

A possible method for detection of wood-boring insects in wood is the measurement of oxygen consumption. In order to develop such a method, several parameters have to be determined first. The most important one is to determine the respiration rate of possible pest species. To obtain the data for establishing the method mentioned above, the respiration rates of the following species were determined: the old house borer, Hylotrupes bajulus, common furniture beetle, Anobium punctatum and subterranean termite, Reticulitermes lucifugus. We compared the O₂ consumption between different species as well as between adults and larvae of one species in different environmental conditions (temperature, day/night and light/dark regime). The most intensive respiration rates were found for the larvae of Hylotrupes bajulus (4.0 ml/g h O₂) and Anobium punctatum (3.9 ml/g h O₂). Less intensive breathing was measured by Reticulitermes lucifugus (workers 2.9 ml/g h, nymphs 2.6 ml/g.h and soldiers 2.0 ml/g h O₂). These results indicate that it is possible to detect the presence of wood-boring insects respirometrically. To detect the presence of an individual insect in the wood by means of respirometry, the sensitivity of the instrument for oxygen measurement at the optimal conditions must be around 0.2 ml/h.     

Comparative morphology of the electrosensory system of the epaulette shark Hemiscyllium ocellatum and brown-banded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum

We compared the electrosensory system of two benthic elasmobranchs Hemiscyllium ocellatum and Chiloscyllium punctatum. The distribution of the ampullary pores on the head was similar for both species, with a higher density of pores anteriorly and a lower density posteriorly, although C. punctatum generally possessed larger pores. Ampullary canals of the mandibular cluster were quasi-sinusoidal in H. ocellatum, a shape previously found in benthic rays only, whereas ampullary canals in C. punctatum were of a linear morphology as reported for many shark and ray species previously. The ampullae proper were of the lobular type, as occurs in most galean sharks. Chiloscyllium punctatum had six sensory chambers compared with the five per ampulla in H. ocellatum, which were generally smaller than those of C. punctatum. The sensory epithelium comprised flattened receptor cells, compared with the usual pear-shaped receptor cells encountered in other elasmobranchs and their apically nucleated supportive cells did not protrude markedly into the ampullary lumen, unlike those in benthic rays.     

Differences in the stimulation of cyclic electron flow in two tropical ferns under water stress are related to leaf anatomy

Cyclic electron flow (CEF) plays an important role in photoprotection for angiosperms under environmental stresses. However, ferns are more sensitive to drought and their water transport systems are not as efficient as those of angiosperms, it is unclear whether CEF also contributes to photoprotection in these plants. Using Microsorum punctatum and Paraleptochillus decurrens, we studied the electron fluxes through both photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) under water stress and their leaf anatomies. Our goal was to determine if CEF functions in the photoprotection of these ferns and, if so, whether CEF stimulation is related to leaf anatomy. Compared with P. decurrens, M. punctatum had thicker leaves and cuticles and higher water storage capacity, but lower stomatal density and slower rate of water loss. During induced drought, the decrease in leaf water potential (Ψ_leaf) was more pronounced in P. decurrens than in M. punctatum. For both species, the decline in Ψ_leaf was associated with a lower effective PSII quantum yield, photochemical quantum yield of PSI and electron transport rate (ETR), whereas increases were found in the quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation, CEF and CEF/ETR(II) ratio. Values for CEF and the CEF/ETR(II) ratio peaked in M. punctatum at a light intensity of 500–600 µmol m^?2 s^?1 vs only 150–200 µmol m^?2 s^?1 in P. decurrens. Therefore, our results indicate that the stimulation of CEF in tropical ferns contributes to their photoprotection under water stress, and is related to their respective drought tolerance and leaf anatomy.     

Catch composition,reproductive biology and diet of the bramble shark Echinorhinus brucus (Squaliformes: Echinorhinidae) from the south‐eastern Arabian Sea

Fishery and biological data are presented for the poorly known bramble shark Echinorhinus brucus (Squaliformes: Echinorhinidae), from the deep waters of the south‐eastern Arabian Sea. A total of 5318 individuals from by‐catch landings of deep‐water bottom set longlines, gillnets and shrimp trawl fisheries operating at depths of 200–1200 m were recorded between January 2008 and December 2011 at the Kochi Fisheries Harbour (Kerala). A total of 431 individuals, from 46 to 318 cm total length (L_T) and 0·8 to 132 kg total mass (M_T), were examined to determine biological data for this species. The L_T at which 50% were mature (L_T50) for females and males was estimated at 189 and 187 cm L_T. Litter size ranged from 10 to 36 and size at birth was between 42 and 46 cm L_T. Dietary analysis of stomach contents revealed E. brucus feeds on a variety of prey including crustaceans (69% index of relative importance, I_RI), teleosts (25·8% I_RI), cephalopods (1·7% I_RI) and elasmobranchs (0·7% I_RI). This study provides the first detailed biological data for this species and also highlights the extent of the by‐catch fishery for this species in Indian waters.     

A fungal endophyte slows litter decomposition in streams

1. Phyllosphere interactions are known to influence a variety of tree canopy community members, but less frequently have they been shown to affect processes across ecosystem boundaries. Here, we show that a fungal endophyte (Rhytisma punctatum) slows leaf litter decomposition of a dominant riparian tree species (Acer macrophyllum) in an adjacent stream ecosystem. 2. Patches of leaf tissue infected by R. punctatum show significantly slower decomposition compared to both nearby uninfected tissue from the same leaf, and completely uninfected leaves. These reduced rates of decomposition existed despite 50% greater nitrogen in infected tissues and may be driven by slower rates of decomposition for fungal tissues themselves or by endophyte–hyphomycete interactions. 3. Across a temperate forest in the Pacific Northwest, approximately 72% of all A. macrophyllum leaves were infected by R. punctatum. Since R. punctatum infection can influence leaf tissue on entire trees and large quantities of leaf litter at the landscape scale, this infection could potentially result in a mosaic of ‘cold spots’ of litter decomposition and altered nutrient cycling in riparian zones where this infection is prevalent.     

A new biological method to control Anobium punctatum,by using the parasitoid wasp Spathius exarator

Biological pest control by means of beneficial organisms is for long part of agriculture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A new and efficient strategy to control the most common timber pest species in churches and museums, the furniture beetle Anobium punctatum (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), is based on the parasitoid wasp species Spathius exarator (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Once this braconid wasp detects its host species beneath the surface, it pierces the wood with its ovipositor to lay one single egg onto the beetle larva. After hatching, the wasp larva feeds on the beetle larva thereby killing it. Afterwards, it pupates and emerges through a self-gnawed hole as an adult wasp. The tiny, 0.5-mm-wide exit hole can easily be distinguished from the 1- to 2-mm-wide exit hole of A. punctatum. Laboratory tests revealed that female wasps have an average life span of 85 days and produce a total of 24 offspring, when nutrition is provided. Between 2012 and 2019, braconid wasps were introduced into 54 different A. punctatum infested buildings. Treatment success was monitored by examining exit holes of new beetles and wasps thereby calculating corresponding parasitism rates. After the first year of treatment, parasitism rates were significantly higher with a mean value of 0.15 when compared to untreated objects with a natural parasitism and a mean value of 0.08 (n = 54). Following treatment of three objects over a period of eight years, parasitism rates continuously increased from 0.02 up to 0.31. In a church organ, which was treated during this period, the monitoring revealed a complete suppression of pest activity. These data prove that this biological method of pest control is an efficient, sustainable and non-toxic option to manage the common furniture beetle.     

Age and growth of the tropical oviparous shark,Chiloscyllium punctatum in Indonesian waters

The brown-banded bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium punctatum, is the most common shark caught in coastal commercial fisheries throughout Southeast Asia, yet there is a lack of the life-history information necessary for reliable stock assessments. The authors estimated growth rates and age at maturity using analysis of growth bands in vertebral centra. They trialled four different techniques to enhance the visibility and improve identification of the putative annual growth bands necessary for age estimation. The authors found that the burn method on whole vertebral centra provided the most readable and consistent results for age analysis. The logistic model was chosen as the best-fit growth model for age estimation of 330 individual C. punctatum from Indonesia. Several age verification methods, including marginal increment ratio and length-frequency analysis, were performed with the support of age validation through the use of calcein-labelled vertebrae from two sharks maintained in captivity. This study found that C. punctatum from Indonesian waters is a fast-growing species that can grow up to 18 cm year⁻¹, reach an estimated maximum total length of 1 m, mature at c. 6.5 years and live for up to 14 years.     

苹果蓟属,东南亚大陆菊科一新归化属

该文报道了在泰国北部和中国西南部的菊科一个新归化属——苹果蓟属(Centratherum Cass.)。依据所采集的标本,详细描述了该属在东南亚大陆的唯一代表亚种苹果蓟 [Centratherum punctatum Cass. Subsp. fruticosum(S. Vidal)K. Kirkman ex Shih H. Chen, M. J. Wu & S. M. Li],并配以插图。苹果蓟与其所在属的其他种的区别在于该亚种叶片菱形至椭圆形,叶缘具不规则锯齿,先端微尖,总苞片基部硬化,先端无芒。文中还提供了苹果蓟的分布图,并讨论了其可能的传播途径。     

ONTOGENY AND PALEOECOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE PENNSYLVANIAN ARBORESCENT LYCOPOD BOTHRODENDRON PUNCTATUM,BOTHRODENDRACEAE (WESTERN MIDDLE ANTHRACITE FIELD,SHAMOKIN QUADRANGLE,PENNSYLVANIA)

Study of an in situ Bothrodendron punctatum community in a strip mine in Bear Valley, Shamokin Quadrangle, Pennsylvania, provides new insights into the ontogeny of Middle Pennsylvanian arborescent lycopods and into the ecological and environmental characteristics of lycopod-dominated clastic-swamp communities. Bothrodendron punctatum began growth as a monocaulous stem. The first branches developed when the stem attained a minimum height of 5 m. Lateral branches bore terminal cones and were determinate and deciduous. They grew to a maximum length of 1 m, and became smaller and more closely spaced with increasing stem height. The branch scars were not disrupted by secondary stem growth indicating that the branches stayed attached until the stem attained its determinate growth limit. The plant grew to a height of 25 m. Though B. punctatum is an uncommon component of Euramerican floras, the plant could become locally dominant under favorable environmental and edaphic conditions. The upper canopy was formed by B. punctatum and contained emergents of Lepidodendron aculeatum and a Sigillaria species. The understory contained pteridosperms and rare Calamites. Bothrodendron punctatum seems to have preferred environments transitional between clastic and peat swamp conditions. It was sensitive to local inhomogeneity in microhabitat characteristics, as well as to regional climatic fluctuations (drought stress). Both these variables produce specifically attributable effects on branch size and separation trends.     

In silico and In vitro evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Centratherum punctatum Cass-A

Centratherum punctatum Cass., a herb belonging to the family Asteraceae has been traditionally used as a curative against diverse disorders like inflammation, tumor, depression, and hypertension. Though the medicinal properties of this plant have been attributed to the presence of flavonoids, glucosides, alkaloids, Vitamin C, etc., the molecular constituents of this plant and of the flavonoids that contribute to its medicinal activity have not been explored yet. This work attempts to evaluate the potential of Centratherum punctatum extract as an anti-inflammatory agent. Ethanolic extracts of Centratherum punctatum analyzed by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) identified the presence of the flavones kaempferol, glycoside Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-3-glucoside. The plant extract exhibited anti-oxidant property as confirmed by DPPH assay and IC₅₀ value of 271.6 μg/mL during inhibition of protein denaturation, 186.8 μg/mL during RBC membrane stabilization, and 278.2 μg/mL for proteinase inhibition. Membrane stabilizing functions of flavones and flavones glycosides validated the anti-inflammatory potential of the extract. In silico evaluation using a rigorous molecular docking protocol with receptors of Cox2, TNF-α, Interleukin 1β convertase, and Histamine H1 predicted high binding affinity of the isoflavones and isoflavone glycosides of Centratherum punctatum Cass. The interactions have also been shown to compare well with that of known drugs valdecoxib through Gln178, His342, and Gly340, desloratadine (through Lys191 and Thr194) and belnacasin (through Asp288 and Gly287) proven to function through the anti-inflammatory pathway. This work establishes the anti-inflammatory potential of Centratherum punctatum Cass. extract as an alternative to existing therapeutic approach to inflammation through a systematic in silico approach supplementing the findings.     

Assessment of Water Pollution using Diatom Community Structure and Species Distribution — A Case Study in a Tropical River Basin

A study on biological assessment of water pollution using diatom community structure and species distribution was carried out in the Linggi River Basin, Malaysia which was polluted by various urban, industrial and agricultural wastes. A total of 86 diatom taxa belonging to 21 genera were recorded from all eight sampling stations located in the basin, of which 70 species were found on artificial substrates; the remaining 16 species were recorded exclusively on natural substrates. The number of diatom species observed between the stations varied from 22-47 species. The dominant diatom species in decreasing order of abundance were Eunotia vanheurckii, Nitzschia palea, Achnanthes saxonica, Gomphonema parvulum and Achnanthes minutissima. The most common clean water species were Achnanthes minutissima, A. linearis and Synedra rumpens. The most tolerant species were Nitzschia palea followed by Gomphonema parvulum and Pinnularia braunii. Eunotia vanheurckii and Navicula cryptocephala occurred in high densities at both unpolluted and polluted stations and can be considered as the common facultative or indifferent species. Although a large number of species were recorded at the unpolluted stations, equivalent number of species were also found at the moderately polluted stations. However, the number of species was reduced at grossly polluted stations. Nevertheless, a marked variation in species association exists between the unpolluted and polluted stations, but not among the polluted stations to distinguish the type and degree of pollution.     

Long‐term sperm storage in the brownbanded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum

This study investigated the birth of a brownbanded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum at the Steinhart Aquarium. Genetic analyses suggest this is the longest documented case of sperm storage for any species of shark (45 months).     

Lo Sviluppo Del Sistema Conduttore Nelle Plantule Di “Opuntia Vulgaris„ Mill.

Aquatic mosses and sediments were monitored along Topolnitsa River Basin (Bulgaria), copper-producing and mining region. Six mosses were applied as biomonitors: Bryum turbinatum, Fontinalis antipyretica, Leptodictyum riparium, Platyhypnidium riparioides, Rhizomnium punctatum and Sciuro-hypnum plumosum. Background levels were determined for both plants and fine fraction of sediments collected from an unpolluted site. Contamination factors (CFs) and metal pollution index at each site were presented. The highest sediment enrichment with toxic elements was found in Zlatishka River. Strong increase above background levels showed all 13 heavy metals and toxic elements in biomonitors from stations at Zlatishka and Pirdopska rivers. The two moss species adopted as biomonitors for the first time – Bryum turbinatum and Rhizomnium punctatum – showed high CFs for several heavy metals and contributed to chemical pollution pattern assessment. The parallel use of mosses and sediments in the monitoring study, as well as the applied statistical tools, led to the conclusion that mosses as higher plants revealed pollution patterns not detected by sediments. Results also showed that in a seriously contaminated aquatic environment, which requires rapid assessment, different moss species can be applied for water-monitoring purposes to present preliminary picture of pollution patterns and to direct further studies.     

Estimation of growth parameters from published data for several Mediterranean fishes

Two sets of von Bertalanffy growth parameter (VBGP) estimates are provided for several Mediterranean fish stocks. All estimates are based on the non‐linear least square regression and accompanied by uncertainty measures (i.e. standard errors). The first set consists of growth parameters estimated from 73 published length‐at‐age data with no previous VBGP estimations; in this case, fitting was possible for 30 length‐at‐age sets, corresponding to 22 species, two estimates of which (Mycteroperca rubra and Myctophum punctatum) are the first for the Mediterranean. The second set refers to the re‐estimation of VBGPs from 69 published length‐at‐age data with available original VBGP estimates derived from linear methods (i.e. Ford‐Walford, von Bertalanffy and Gulland‐Holt plots); in this case, fitting was possible for 50 sets. Overall VBGP estimation was not possible for 43 and 19 cases for the first and second sets, respectively. This was because either (a) <4 mean length‐at‐age data were available, or (b) fitting was not possible because of an exponential or a very slow linear increase of length with age, or (c) estimates were unrealistic (i.e. L_max/L_∞ < 0.7) mainly because of unrealistic length‐at‐ages and/or insufficient sampling of older individuals. These estimations and re‐estimations enrich the available data on growth parameters of Mediterranean fishes, both in terms of quantity and quality of information.     

A new genus of Parmulariaceae from Panama

During a survey of plant-parasitic microfungi in Panama, a new species in a new genus of Parmulariaceae (Ascomycota), Antoniomyces loranthicola, was found on leaves of Gaiadendron punctatum (Loranthaceae). It is described and illustrated. The new species and the new genus differ morphologically from all other known species and genera known in Parmulariaceae by deep internal stroma and superficial radiating hyphae without appressoria.     

Tree regeneration responses in a lowland Nothofagus-dominated forest after bamboo dieback in South-Central Chile

The bamboo Chusquea quila (Poaceae:Bambuseae) is the most abundant understory species ofNothofagus-dominated forests at low elevations inthe Chilean Lake District. Species of this genus strongly inhibit theestablishment and growth of tree species, especially those of the genusNothofagus. At intervals of many years, this bambooflowerssynchronously and dies, creating large-scale disturbances. The mainobjective of this study was to determine the influence of bamboo dieback ontreeregeneration, especially of shade-intolerant species. The forest studiedis a remnant stand of old-growth forest dominated by emergent individualsof N. obliqua and Eucryphiacordifoliawhich project about 10 m above a main canopy formed byAextoxicon punctatum, Laureliaphilippiana, and Podocarpus saligna. Treeseedlings that established prior to bamboo dieback were recorded in six gapsdensely covered by bamboo. After the dieback event in the early 1990's,recruitment, height growth and survivorship were monitored in four gaps duringtwo growing seasons. After the synchronous mass flowering and death ofChusqueaquila, both reorganization of advance regeneration and new seedlingrecruitment were observed in gaps. The advance regeneration consisted mainly ofthe shade-tolerant species A. punctatum,L. philippiana, and Amomyrtus luma.These species together with E. cordifolia accounted forover 90% of the total individuals in gaps. During the following twoseasons, c. 40% of the advance regeneration either died or was damaged.Root suckers of E. cordifolia and L.philippiana were taller and grew faster than the seedlings of otherspecies. Nothofagus obliqua was unable to establishadvanceregeneration in gaps formerly dominated by bamboo. New recruitment resulted inthe synchronized establishment of treeseedlings, especially less shade-tolerant species such as N.obliqua, Aristotelia chilensis,Rhaphithamnus spinosus, and E.cordifolia. These species recruited into the gaps almost entirelyduring the first season right after the bamboo dieback. However, by the end ofthe second season, these species had a lower density due to a combination oflower recruitment rate, shortened recruitment period, and greater mortalityratecompared to the shade-tolerant species. New bamboo seedlings grew fasterand were more abundant than tree seedlings, except for root suckers (bothnew establishment and advance regeneration) of E.cordifolia which is more likely to successfully recruit into thecanopy. Seedlings of N. obliqua compete poorly with bambooseedlings; its successful recruitment may require bamboo flowering coincidentwith a mast seed year for the tree species.     

Comparisons of body sizes at sexual maturity and at sex change in the parrotfishes of Hawaii: input needed for management regulations and stock assessments

First estimates of sex allocation patterns and body size‐at‐sexual maturity and at protogynous sex change are presented for the five major (including one endemic) species of parrotfishes of Hawaii. Median body size at initial maturation as a female (L_M50) and at protogynous sex change from adult female to adult male (L_Δ50) varied greatly among the five species. Estimates of L_M50 were about 14, 17, 24, 34 and 35 cm fork length (L_F) in palenose Scarus psittacus, Pacific bullethead Chlorurus spilurus, stareye Calotomus carolinus, spectacled Chlorurus perspicillatus and redlip parrotfish Scarus rubroviolaceus. Values of L_Δ50 were c. 23, 27, 37, 46 and 47 cm L_F in the respective species. Length at female maturation was proportional to maximum body size (L_max) of the respective species, ranging from 50 to 72% and averaging 62% of L_max across species. L_Δ50 was also proportional to L_max, ranging from 82 to 97% and averaging 92%. Males of both pairs of Scarus and Chlorurus spp. reported here are diandric. Only one of the five major species (C. carolinus) is functionally monandric, with either all or nearly all males secondarily derived from adult females. The broadly differing absolute body sizes at sexual maturation and at sex change among the five species have important implications for improving regulatory size limits for parrotfishes in the State of Hawaii, where parrotfish species have historically been managed based on a single minimum size limit of 30·5 cm L_F. This study provides a model demonstration of why catch data for parrotfishes, and other size‐structured reef‐fish populations, should be recorded either by species or by functional size‐groups of species that allow setting more meaningful minimum size limits.     

Effect of temperature on the development and consumption of Phaenochilus kashaya (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predator of the cycad aulacaspis scale,Aulacaspis yasumatsui

The cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS), Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is a serious pest of ornamental cycads in the southeastern United States. In Florida, CAS was first reported in Miami in 1996 and is now present in 43 Florida counties. Chemical control of CAS can be effective, but it is expensive, and insecticides must be frequently and regularly applied. Recent surveys of natural enemies in Thailand identified a new potential biological control agent of CAS. The objective of this study was to examine the temperature requirements and consumption rates of Phaenochilus kashaya Giorgi and Vandenberg (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Survival, developmental time and number of scales consumed by P. kashaya were measured at four constant temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35°C). In addition, adult longevity and consumption were recorded at three constant temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C). Phaenochilus kashaya completed development to adulthood at temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C. The highest survival rate (48%) was obtained at 25°C, and the accumulated degree-days for this species was 714. Phaenochilus kashaya is a voracious predator of CAS, consuming 380 scales during the larval stage and an estimated 4700 scales during the adult stage. Adult longevity varied from 59 days at 30°C to 220 days at 20°C for females, and 31 days at 30°C to 148 days at 20°C for males. The intrinsic rate of increase (r _m) was 0.34 at 20°C, which is high compared with other coccinellid species. According to this study, P. kashaya has the potential to be an effective biological control agent of the CAS in Florida.     

Regeneration patterns and persistence of the fog-dependent Fray Jorge forest in semiarid Chile during the past two centuries

The persistence of rainforest patches at Fray Jorge National Park (FJNP) in semiarid Chile (30°40′S), a region receiving approximately 147 mm of annual rainfall, has been a source of concern among forest managers. These forests are likely dependent on water inputs from oceanic fog and their persistence seems uncertain in the face of climate change. Here, we assessed tree radial growth and establishment during the last two centuries and their relation to trends in climate and canopy disturbance. Such evaluation is critical to understanding the dynamics of these semiarid ecosystems in response to climate change. We analyzed forest structure of six forest patches (0.2–22 ha) in FJNP based on sampling within 0.1 ha permanent plots. For the main canopy species, the endemic Aextoxicon punctatum (Aextoxicaceae), we used tree‐ring analysis to assess establishment periods, tree ages, growing trends and their relation to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), rainfall, and disturbance. The population dynamics of A. punctatum can be described by a continuous regeneration mode. Regeneration of A. punctatum was sensitive to different canopy structures. Growth release patterns suggest the absence of large scale human impact. Radial growth and establishment of A. punctatum were weakly correlated with rainfall and ENSO. If water limits forests patch persistence, patches are likely dependent on the combination of fog and rain water inputs. Forest patches have regenerated continuously for at least 250 years, despite large fluctuations in rainfall driven by ENSO and a regional decline in rainfall during the last century. Because of the positive influence on fog interception, forest structure should be preserved under any future climate scenario. Future research in FJNP should prioritize quantifying the long‐term trends of fog water deposition on forests patches. Fog modeling is crucial for understanding the interplay among physical drivers of water inputs under climate change.     

Gap-phase dynamics and coexistence of a long-lived pioneer and shade-tolerant tree species in the canopy of an old-growth coastal temperate rain forest of Chiloé Island, Chile

Aim A major question with regard to the ecology of temperate rain forests in south‐central Chile is how pioneer and shade‐tolerant tree species coexist in old‐growth forests. We explored the correspondence between tree regeneration dynamics and life‐history traits to explain the coexistence of these two functional types in stands apparently representing a non‐equilibrium mixture. Location This study was conducted in northern Chiloé Island, Chile (41.6° S, 73.9° W) in a temperate coastal rain forest with no evidence of stand disruption by human impact. Methods We assessed stand structure by sampling all stems within two 50 × 20 m and four 5 × 100 m plots. A 600‐m long transect, with 20 uniformly spaced sampling points, was used to quantify seedling and sapling densities, obtain increment cores, and randomly select 10 tree‐fall gaps. We used tree‐ring analysis to assess establishment periods and to relate the influences of disturbances to the regeneration dynamics of the main canopy species. Results Canopy emergent tree species were the long‐lived pioneer Eucryphia cordifolia and the shade‐tolerant Aextoxicon punctatum. Shade‐tolerant species such as Laureliopsis philippiana and several species of Myrtaceae occupied the main canopy. The stem diameter distribution for E. cordifolia was distinctly unimodal, while for A. punctatum it was multi‐modal, with all age classes represented. Myrtaceae accounted for most of the small trees. Most tree seedlings and saplings occurred beneath canopy gaps. Based on tree‐ring counts, the largest individuals of A. punctatum and E. cordifolia had minimum ages estimated to be > 350 years and > 286 years, respectively. Shade‐tolerant Myrtaceae species and L. philippiana had shorter life spans (< 200 years). Most growth releases, regardless of tree species, were moderate and have occurred continuously since 1750. Main conclusions We suggest that this coastal forest has remained largely free of stand‐disrupting disturbances for at least 450 years, without substantial changes in canopy composition. Release patterns are consistent with this hypothesis and suggest that the disturbance regime is dominated by individual tree‐fall gaps, with sporadic multiple tree falls. Long life spans, maximum height and differences in shade tolerance provide a basis for understanding the long‐term coexistence of pioneer and shade‐tolerant tree species in this coastal, old‐growth rain forest, despite the rarity of major disturbances.