Misidentification of two Brazilian triatomes, Triatoma arthurneivai and Triatoma wygodzinskyi, revealed by geometric morphometrics

Triatoma arthurneivai Lent & Martins and Triatoma wygodzinskyi Lent (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) are two Brazilian species found in the sylvatic environment. Several authors may have misidentified T. arthurneivai and consequently published erroneous information. This work reports the use of geometric morphometric analysis on wings in order to differentiate T. arthurneivai and T. wygodzinskyi, and thus to detect possible misidentifications. Triatomines collected from the field in the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, and from laboratory colonies, were used. Analyses show a clear differentiation between specimens of T. arthurneivai and T. wygodzinskyi. This indicates that T. arthurneivai populations from São Paulo state were misidentified and should be considered as T. wygodzinskyi. This study also suggests that T. arthurneivai is an endemic species from Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais state.     

Description of the larva and redescription of the adult of Kempnyia neotropica Jacobsen and Bianchi (Plecoptera: Perlidae) with biological notes

Kempnyia neotropica is the species with the widest distribution in this genus. In this work, samples collected in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais and São Paulo were analysed, confirming that all belong to a single species. The larva is described, the adult is redescribed and biological notes are presented.     

A new species of Campomanesia (Myrtaceae) from southeastern Brazil

Campomanesia simulans, a new species from the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described and illustrated.     

The botanical collections of Pierre-Émile Gounelle

Pierre-Émile Gounelle, a French entomologist, collected a few plants in Brazil between 1884 and 1890 that are deposited at P. He collected in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Pará, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina.     

Taxonomic review of Bourguyiinae,cladistic analysis,and a new hypothesis of biogeographic relationships of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest (Arachnida: Opiliones,Gonyleptidae)

The subfamily Bourguyiinae Mello‐Leitão, 1923 (Gonyleptidae) is revised, and both phylogenetic and biogeographic hypotheses are proposed. Bourguyiinae is monophyletic, and is the sister group of the remainder of the Gonyleptidae species used for analysis, except for the Metasarcinae, which collectively is the sister group of Metavononoides orientalis Mello‐Leitão, 1923 (Cosmetidae). Bourguyiinae is divided into two genera: Bourguyia (six species) and Asarcus (four species). The genus‐level synonyms proposed here are as follows: Caldasius, Styloleptes, and Stylopisthos are junior synonyms of Bourguyia; Bogdana, Cnemoleptes, and Opisthoplites are junior synonyms of Asarcus. The species synonyms proposed here are as follows: Afranius amarali Mello‐Leitão, 1934 is a junior synonym of Bourguyia albiornata Mello‐Leitão, 1923 ; Drastus hamatus Roewer, 1943 and Styloleptes conspersus Piza, 1943 are junior synonyms of Bourguyia trochanteralis Roewer, 1930 ; Asarcus corallipes Simon, 1879 , Asarcus lutescens Sørensen, 1884 , Asarcus pallidus Mello‐Leitão, 1923 , and Opisthoplites ypsilon Sørensen, 1884 are junior synonyms of Asarcus longipes Kollar in Koch, 1839 ; Asarcus nigriconspersus Soares & Soares, 1945 is a junior synonym of Asarcus ingenuus Melo‐Leitão, 1940. New species described are: Bourguyia bocaina sp. nov. (Serra da Bocaina, São José do Barreiro, São Paulo), Bourguyia vinosa sp. nov. (E.B. Boracéia, Salesópolis, São Paulo), and Asarcus putunaberaba sp. nov. (Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Alto Caparaó, Minas Gerais). Bourguyiinae is endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Paraná. Based on the modified data matrix of Pinto‐da‐Rocha et al., we propose a new biogeographical hypothesis for the Atlantic Rainforest. We suggest that Bourguyiinae species were originally distributed from the coastal region of Paraná to the north of Rio de Janeiro and south‐east of Minas Gerais, with subsequent dispersals both to northern and southern areas. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 156 , 319–362.     

Description of the larva of Lopesia spinosa Maia (Diptera,Cecidomyiidae) and new occurrences of the species

The hitherto unknown larva of Lopesia spinosa Maia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is described and the geographical distribution of the species is extended in Brazil to Delfinópolis in Minas Gerais; Altinópolis and Jundiaí in São Paulo. Diagnostic characters of the species and illustration of the larva are presented.     

Two New Species of Coronigoniella Young from Brazil with Taxonomic and Distributional Notes on the Genus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae)

Two new species of Coronigoniella Young are described and illustrated: C. osborni, sp. n., from SE. and S. Brazil (Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná states), and C. formosa, sp. n., from central W. and SE. Brazil (Goiás and Minas Gerais states, and the Distrito Federal). The presence of a sclerotized plate from the abdominal sternum VIII is reported in females of Coronigoniella for the first time. Taxonomic and morphological notes are given for C. spinosa (Osborn) based on specimens from its type-locality in Mato Grosso State. Tettigonia ruficaput (Walker), a species from Colombia previously considered of uncertain taxonomic position, is transferred to Coronigoniella. Possible host plants of C. osborni, sp. n. are Coleus sp. (Lamiaceae), Symphytum sp. (Boraginaceae), and Vernonia sp. (Asteraceae). The genus Coronigoniella is newly recorded from Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Paraná, and São Paulo states, as well as from the Distrito Federal, Brazil. A map showing the known geographic distribution of the two new species is presented. Resumo Duas novas espécies de Coronigoniella Young são descritas e ilustradas: C. osborni, sp. n., do sudeste e sul do Brasil (estados do Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro e Paraná), e C. formosa, sp. n., do centro-oeste e sudeste do Brasil (estados de Goiás e Minas Gerais, assim como o Distrito Federal). A presença de uma placa esclerosada do esterno abdominal VIII é registrada em fêmeas de Coronigoniella pela primeira vez. Notas taxonômicas e morfológicas sobre C. spinosa (Osborn) são fornecidas, com base em espécimes provenientes da sua localidade-tipo no Estado do Mato Grosso. Tettigonia ruficaput (Walker), uma espécie da Colômbia anteriormente considerada como de posição taxonômica incerta, é transferida para Coronigoniella. Coleus sp. (Lamiaceae), Symphytum sp. (Boraginaceae) e Vernonia sp. (Asteraceae) são possíveis plantas hospedeiras de C. osborni, sp. n. O gênero Coronigoniella é pela primeira vez registrado nos estados de Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Paraná e São Paulo, assim como no Distrito Federal, Brasil. Um mapa mostrando a distribuição geográfica conhecida das duas novas espécies é apresentado.     

Capture techniques and morphometrics for the woolly spider monkey,or muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides,E. Geoffroy 1806)

A total of 12 free-ranging muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides) were captured with Telazol® at Fazenda Esmeralda, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and at Fazenda Barreiro Rico, São Paulo, Brazil. All animals were measured, marked, weighed, and released. Previously reported data suggested that Brachyteles is a sexually dimorphic species with female-male body weights of 12–15 kg, respectively. We found no statistically significant difference in body weight between females (mean = 8.4 kg, range = 6.9–9.3 kg, n = 4), and males (mean =9.6 kg, range = 9.3–10.2 kg, n = 4). Our results are at variance with previously published body weights in the literature. Larger sample size may reveal a significant sexual difference, particularly in body weight. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Three new species of melastomataceae from the southeastern Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Three species are described here that occur in montane and high-montane forests in Southeastern Brazil.Miconia shepherdii belongs to sectionGlossocentrum and occurs on the Serra da Mantiqueira, on the border between the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro.Miconia kollmannii belongs to sectionHypoxanthus (formerChaenanthera) and occurs in the state of Espírito Santo.Ossaea suprabasalis was also collected in the state of Espírito Santo.     

Additions to the mycobiota of the weed Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) in southeastern Brazil

A sequel to the work of systematic surveying the mycobiota of Lantana camara aimed at finding potential biocontrol agents, was carried out during 1995–1996 covering part of its centre of origin in Brazil (state of Minas Gerais). Fifty-eight sampling sites, representing the four main climatic types in the state of Minas Gerais, were surveyed. Additional ad hoc collections were made in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Paraná Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Fifteen fungal species were recorded in association with L. camara including the previously undescribed species Phomopsis lantanae-glutinosae sp. nov. Five fungi are also newly recorded on this host in Brazil: Cercospora lantanicola Corynespora cassiicola Meliola ambigua Mycovellosiella lantaniphila and Phomopsis lantanae. The following fungi, previously recorded on L. camara in Brazil, are recorded here for the first time in Minas Gerais: Dendryphielia aspera Micropustulomyces mucilaginosus Mycovellosiella lantanae Pseudocercospora guianensis and Puccinia lantanae.     

Vernonanthura warmingiana (Asteraceae: Vernonieae), a new species from Brazil

A new species ofVernonanthura (Asteraceae),V. warmingiana, from the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo is described and illustrated. The new species resemblesVernonanthura laxa, but differs in having 15–20 florets per capitula, small leaves, the blades elliptic to lanceolate and rounded at the apex. In addition, a new synonym is reported forVernonanthura laxa, which is also described, and for the first time illustrated.     

A new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from Brazil

A new species of the genusMicrolicia,M. flava, from the highland “campo rupestre” vegetation of Serra da Canastra National Park, São Roque de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described and illustrated.     

A new species of Calyptranthes (Myrtaceae) from southeastern Brazil

Calyptranthes fusiformis (Myrtaceae), a new species from coastal forests of São Paulo, Brazil, is described and illustrated.     

Genetic Diversity of Badnaviruses Associated with Bougainvillea in Brazil

The genus Bougainvillea is native to South America and is cultivated worldwide for ornamental purposes. To investigate the diversity of bougainvillea badnavirus populations, plants with various types of symptoms from different regions of Brazil were collected and subjected to DNA extraction, PCR, cloning and sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed that clones from the Brasília (DF) isolate showed maximum identity of 71.7%. No genetic diversity was observed in partial RT/RNase H sequences of Badnavirus isolates derived from the bougainvillea clones grown in São Paulo (SP) state, which shared a monophyletic group with 100% bootstrap in the tree topology reconstructed by maximum likelihood. One clade consistently supported by 100% bootstrap formed by clones of the samples from Minas Gerais (MG) and Ceará (CE) states and Taiwan was also observed. Furthermore, DF, CE and MG isolates formed a monophyletic group with the Delhi isolate, which may represent a new Badnavirus species that infects bougainvillea. Two Brazilian isolates and one from Taiwan appeared to have recombination sites in the RT and RNase H conserved region of BCVBV. These results demonstrate the existence of at least three probably new bougainvillea badnavirus species or strains, which may be spread, as this ornamental is vegetatively propagated.     

Propolis of stingless bees: A phytochemist's guide through the jungle of tropical biodiversity

BackgroundStingless bees (Meliponini), like honeybees Apis mellifera, collect plant resins in order to produce propolis (cerumen, geopropolis). This type of propolis has long been used in traditional medicine in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Vietnam, as a remedy for improving health and treating various diseases. The scientific and commercial interest in stingless bee propolis has been steadily increasing over the last few years. The new and growing knowledge in this field requires systematising, as a basis for further work. Recent reviews of Meliponini propolis deal only with the South American and Mesoamerican species, while reviews of the Asian, Australian and African species are missing. Furthermore, the chemical composition has not been thoroughly reviewed since 2007.PurposeThis review summarises and discusses the available data about the chemical composition of propolis from the stingless bee species (Meliponinae) of the Americas, Asia and Australia, published after 2007. The published information on the biological action of chemically characterised Meliponini propolis, and of individual constituents, is addressed. The plant sources of this propolis are also considered.Conclusion and perspectivesChemical studies of Meliponini propolis has resulted in the discovery of new natural molecules, some of them with valuable bioactivity. Moreover, finding known molecules in propolis stimulates the study of their pharmacological properties. The enormous chemical variability of stingless bee propolis is a challenge to chemists, entomologists and pharmacologists. It is essential to perform pharmacological studies with only chemically characterised propolis of stingless bees. Further studies are required to chemically characterise and scientifically support the medicinal properties of stingless bee propolis and to clarify the potential for its commercial use. This could lead to increased prices for Meliponinae propolis and provide an additional source of income for farmers in rural communities with most serious social needs.     

Terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) from Brazilian caves

To date, six species of terrestrial isopods were known from Brazilian caves, but only four could be classified as troglobites. This article deals with material of Oniscidea collected in many Brazilian karst caves in the states of Pará, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, and São Paulo, and deposited in the collections of the Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, the Coleção de Carcinologia do Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, and the collection of the Natural History Museum, Section of Zoology ‘La Specola’, Florence. Three new genera have been recognized: Spelunconiscus gen. nov. and Xangoniscus gen. nov. (Styloniscidae), and Leonardoscia gen. nov. (Philosciidae). Twenty‐two species have been identified, 11 of which in the families Styloniscidae, Philosciidae, Scleropactidae, Plathyartridae, Dubioniscidae, and Armadillidae are new to science: Leonardoscia hassalli sp. nov., Metaprosekia quadriocellata sp. nov. , Metaprosekia caupe sp. nov. , Amazoniscus leistikowi sp. nov. , Novamundoniscus altamiraensis sp. nov. , Trichorhina yiara sp. nov. , Trichorhina curupira sp. nov. , and Ctenorillo ferrarai sp. nov. from Pará; Xangoniscus aganju sp. nov. from Bahia; and Spelunconiscus castroi sp. nov. and Trichorhina anhanguera sp. nov. from Minas Gerais. Four new species in the families Styloniscidae ( Spelunconiscus castroi sp. nov. and Xangoniscus aganju sp. nov. ), Philosciidae ( Leonardoscia hassalli sp. nov. ), and Scleropactidae ( Amazoniscus leistikowi sp. nov. ) with highly troglomorphic traits can be considered as troglobitic, whereas all the remaining species are either troglophilic or accidentals. Brazilian caves are now under potential threat because of recent legislation, and the knowledge of the subterranean biodiversity of the country is thus of primary importance. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London     

Genotype by environment interaction in Nelore cattle from five Brazilian states

Records from 75,941 Nelore cattle were used to determine the importance of genotype by environment interaction (GEI) in five Brazilian states. (Co)variance components were estimated by single-trait analysis (with yearling weight, W450, considered to be the same trait in all states) and multiple-trait analysis (with the record from each state considered to be a different trait). The direct heritability estimates for yearling weight were 0.51, 0.39, 0.44, 0.37 and 0.41 in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais, respectively. The across-state genetic correlation estimates between Goiás and Mato Grosso, Goiás and Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Minas Gerais, and Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais ranged from 0.67 to 0.75. These estimates indicate that GEIs are biologically important. No interactions were observed between Goiás and São Paulo, Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and São Paulo, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais, or São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul (0.82 to 0.97). Comparison of single and multiple-trait analyses showed that selection based on the former was less efficient in the presence of GEI, with substantial losses (up to 10%) during selection.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Senecio</Emphasis> (Asteraceae: Senecionae) from southeastern Brazil

Senecio altimontanus, a new species from the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, Brazil, is described and illustrated. Senecio altimontanus appears to be restricted to high-elevation grasslands (campos de altitude). This new species is characterized by its usually simple stems that are densely leafy apically, coriaceous leaves, and 1–5 corymbiform capitulescences. It is closely related to Senecio apensis from which it differs by the size, shape, and margins of the leaves, the number of phyllaries, and pubescence of the cypselae.     

Miconia atlantica, a new species of Melastomataceae from the eastern mountains of Brazil

A new species of Miconia from the mountains in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil is presented here. Miconia atlantica has been collected in the states of São Paulo and Espírito Santo. It belongs to section Glossocentrum and can be recognized among others species in this section by the leaves with acute bases, an indumentum consisting of stellate trichomes moderately covering the abaxial surface of mature leaves, glomerulate inflorescences, and stamens with unappendaged connectives. Marsupiform domatia were found in São Paulo populations.