Conservation and historical distribution of two bumblebee species from the Atlantic Forest

In this study, we analysed the processes resulting in the origin of two endemic sister species of bumblebees in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We studied the historical distribution pattern of Bombus bahiensis, which is restricted to small fragments in eastern Brazil and the phylogeographic pattern and historical demography of B. brasiliensis, which is widely distributed in southern and south-eastern Brazil and neighbouring regions of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. We used ecological niche models, niche analyses, and genetic and distribution data (i) to test the role of niche differentiation on the divergence between the two species, (ii) to find potential distribution areas for the most restricted B. bahiensis, and (iii) to evaluate the conservation status of both species. Our results showed that B. brasiliensis populations are able to disperse across mosaics of anthropogenic and preserved areas and exhibit low levels of spatial genetic structure. Otherwise, B. bahiensis presented a restricted distribution range and likely a lower diversity, where it is suffering with an increasing habitat loss. The climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene influenced the population structure of both species in different ways, probably due to differences in their effective population sizes, physiology and past demographic fluctuations. Specifically, while B. brasiliensis expanded its distribution range in the last 500,?000?years throughout most of the Atlantic Forest, B. bahiensis remained restricted to a small rainforest area between southern Bahia and northern Espírito Santo states in Brazil. In its southern distribution, in the state of Espírito Santo, B. bahiensis is currently very rare or extinct. Currently, the adjacent ranges of Bombus brasiliensis and B. bahiensis do not overlap and our results indicate that these species may have further diversified through a reinforcement process associated to niche specialization and differentiation.     

Nesting biology of three Megachile (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) species from Eastern Amazonia,Brazil

Megachile Latreille is a conspicuous genus of solitary bees distributed worldwide. However, the biology of tropical species is still little known. We present data on biology of Megachile brasiliensis Data Torre, Megachile sejuncta Cockerell and Megachile stilbonotaspis Moure found in two remnants of eastern Amazonian forest in northeastern Brazil. The study was conducted using the trap-nest methodology in two different areas during four periods. We collected a total of 24 nests of M. brasiliensis, 26 of M. sejuncta and 28 of M. stilbonotaspis. The differential abundance of collected nests may reflect the population size in each sampled place. The nesting activity was concentrated mainly between July and January and species presented a multivoltine pattern, except for M. sejuncta, which was partly univoltine. Assessed pollen use showed a predominant use of Attalea sp. (Arecaceae) and, for M. stilbonotaspis, Tylesia sp. and Lepidaploa sp. (Asteraceae). Babassu is a very common palm in the studied areas and the studied species seem to have a strong link with it. We also reported change of pollen use by M. sejuncta, probably due to competition with M. brasiliensis, which may have influenced the biased sex ratio observed in M. sejuncta toward males. Parasites reported here were also recorded for other Megachile species, such as Coelioxys, Brachymeria, Meloidae and Pyralidae species. Mites were observed in association with M. stilbonotaspis. The data presented here set up a background that encourages new studies on the ecology of these three Amazonian species, providing tools for proper biodiversity management and conservation.     

An evaluation of the use of branching fire-corals (Millepora spp.) as refuge by reef fish in the Abrolhos Bank, eastern Brazil

Branching scleractinians provide fish with critical refuge against predation. While in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions they are conspicuous elements of the reef community, in the tropical Southwestern Atlantic (Brazil) branching corals are lacking and massive forms dominate. The only branching forms that occur in Brazil are stinging fire-corals of genus Millepora (Hydrozoa). Preliminary observations showed that several fish species seek refuge within fire-corals in Brazil, suggesting that they may replace the functional role played by scleractinians in other regions. Here, the association of fishes to individual fire-coral colonies (Millepora alcicornis and M. brasiliensis) and the relationship between fire-coral cover and fish abundance was studied in eastern Brazil. A total of 38 fish species from 18 families (37?% of the regional species pool) were recorded within fire-corals. Most records were of relatively small-bodied fishes and juveniles of large-bodied fishes. Comparative observations between day and night indicated that fire-corals are used as sleeping sites by a few species. Volume of colonies was positively correlated with fish abundance and species richness. Over a large spatial scale (tens of kilometers) fire-coral cover had a positive and significant influence on the abundance of three fish species only (Abudefduf saxatilis, Acanthurus coeruleus and Microspatodon chrysurus). Although physical attributes of colonies and fire-coral cover may help to account for some of the spatial variability in fish abundance, fire-corals may be considered as an alternative instead of a critical microhabitat for fish. The advantages and drawbacks of living in a branching and stinging environment are discussed.     

Mollugo viscosa sp. nov. (Molluginaceae), a segregate of M. brasiliensis from Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil

The new species Mollugo viscosa Thulin & Harley is described from Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil. It was previously part of the recently published M. brasiliensis Thulin & Harley, a species that was found to be non‐monophyletic in molecular phylogenetic analyses. Mollugo brasiliensis is here divided into a northern species (M. brasiliensis s.str.) in Bahia and a southern species (M. viscosa sp. nov.) in Minas Gerais. The new species differs from M. brasiliensis in its denser and more viscous indumentum, and in its distinctly smaller seeds with smaller tubercles and a smaller hilar peg, and from its sister species M. ulei by being a perennial herb with bisexual flowers.     

A Current Perspective on the Historical Geographic Distribution of the Endangered Muriquis (Brachyteles spp.): Implications for Conservation

The muriqui (Brachyteles spp.), endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, is the largest primate in South America and is endangered, mainly due to habitat loss. Its distribution limits are still uncertain and need to be resolved in order to determine their true conservation status. Species distribution modeling (SDM) has been used to estimate potential species distributions, even when information is incomplete. Here, we developed an environmental suitability model for the two endangered species of muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus and B. arachnoides) using Maxent software. Due to historical absence of muriquis, areas with predicted high habitat suitability yet historically never occupied, were excluded from the predicted historical distribution. Combining that information with the model, it is evident that rivers are potential dispersal barriers for the muriquis. Moreover, although the two species are environmentally separated in a large part of its distribution, there is a potential contact zone where the species apparently do not overlap. This separation might be due to either a physical (i.e., Serra da Mantiqueira mountains) or a biotic barrier (the species exclude one another). Therefore, in addition to environmental characteristics, physical and biotic barriers potentially shaped the limits of the muriqui historical range. Based on these considerations, we proposed the adjustment of their historical distributional limits. Currently only 7.6% of the predicted historical distribution of B. hypoxanthus and 12.9% of B. arachnoides remains forested and able to sustain viable muriqui populations. In addition to measurement of habitat loss we also identified areas for conservation concern where new muriqui populations might be found.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of Udonella brasiliensis n. sp. (Monogenoidea), an epibiont on Caligus sp. parasite of Ariidae from the southeastern coast of Brazil

The present study describes Udonella brasiliensis n. sp., an epibiont found on Caligus sp., a parasite the ariids Genidens barbus (Lacepède) and Aspistor luniscutis (Valenciennes), caught on the coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Morphological and molecular analyses (partial 18S rDNA) were carried out. The morphological data showed that U. brasiliensis n. sp. can be distinguished from current valid species by its morphometric attributes (e.g., body, pharynx, ovary and testis), while the molecular information supports the proposal of a new species. The 18S rDNA phylogenetic analysis shows a close relationship between the new species and Udonella australis Carvajal & Sepulveda, in a subclade formed of species that parasitize South American fish. Finally, this study also discusses a scenario of initial irradiation for udonellids.     

A new ground sloth (Mammalia: Xenarthra) from the Quaternary of Brazil

The record of South-American Pleistocene Megalonychidae is scarce. Of the species described for intertropical Brazil, including Megalonyx sp., Ocnopus gracilis, Valgipes deformis, Xenocnus cearensis and Ahytherium aureum, only the last, recently described, is valid. The new megalonychid species described here was recovered from the same locality as Ah. aureum. The latter is apparently more closely linked to the North-American Pleistocene forms whereas Australonyx aquae may be more closely related to the Antillean sloths. The fossil remains of extant taxa recovered in association with the new sloth species suggest that the region, currently within the Caatinga biome, was a mosaic of the Atlantic Forest and Savannah biomes during the final stages of the Pleistocene.     

Genetic and morphological variability in the Raddia brasiliensis complex (Poaceae: Bambusoideae)

Raddia brasiliensis forms a species complex with the recently segregated R. megaphylla, R. lancifolia, R. soderstromii and R. stolonifera, occurring in the Atlantic rainforest, Brazil. Allozymic markers were used in 272 individuals of 14 populations of this group to investigate its genetic variability, correlating this with morphological variability, and testing the proposed taxonomy based on multivariate morphometrics. Genetic variability was low in almost all populations (P = 22.2–66.7, A = 1.3–2.0, H _e=0.04–0.17). R. brasiliensis showed a very high endogamy (F _IS = 0.329). Values for genetic and morphological structuring were very high to high (F _ST = 0.43, A _MRPP = 0.22; F _ST = 0.19, A _MRPP = 0.10 and F _ST = 0.18, A _MRPP = 0.39), respectively, for R. brasiliensis, R. soderstromii and R. megaphylla. The lowest genetic identity between populations was also found in R. brasiliensis, and the highest morphological differentiation was found between populations of R. megaphylla. Allozymic and morphological data were congruent and complementary, and confirm that we are dealing with five distinct species as previously circumscribed.     

Moniliophthora perniciosa,the mushroom causing witches’ broom disease of cacao: Insights into its taxonomy,ecology and host range in Brazil

Witches' broom caused by Moniliophthora perniciosa is the main disease of cacao (Theobroma cacao) in Brazil. The fungus is known to occur on other host families and these populations have been addressed in the literature as biotypes: C (Malvaceae); H (Malpighiaceae); L (Bignoniaceae) and S (Solanaceae). No complete elucidation of the phylogenetic relationships of isolates obtained from this disparate host range appears in the literature. One member of H (ex Heteropterys acutifolia) has been described as a distinct species. But should other biotypes be also recognized as distinct taxa? In the present study, a survey yielding 24 isolates of M. perniciosa from ten hosts and covering a wide range of geographic regions in Brazil was undertaken. These isolates were compared with those from T. cacao using three DNA regions for the phylogenetic analyses: ITS, LSU and RPB1. Morphology was also examined. All isolates in this study were found to belong to M. perniciosa, including the population from H. acutifolia, formerly treated as Moniliophthora brasiliensis but reduced here to a synonym of M. perniciosa. This species ranged from pathogenic to a previously unreported occurrence as a non-pathogenic endophyte in the Atlantic rainforest tree Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae). M. perniciosa was recorded on a range of solanaceous hosts (16 species) over a wide variety of ecosystems. The ecological and evolutionary significance of these novel findings are discussed.     

Molecular and Morphological Evidence Reveals a New Species in the Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis Group (Hylidae,Phyllomedusinae) from the Atlantic Forest of the Highlands of Southern Brazil

The taxonomic status of a disjunctive population of Phyllomedusa from southern Brazil was diagnosed using molecular, chromosomal, and morphological approaches, which resulted in the recognition of a new species of the P. hypochondrialis group. Here, we describe P. rustica sp. n. from the Atlantic Forest biome, found in natural highland grassland formations on a plateau in the south of Brazil. Phylogenetic inferences placed P. rustica sp. n. in a subclade that includes P. rhodei + all the highland species of the clade. Chromosomal morphology is conservative, supporting the inference of homologies among the karyotypes of the species of this genus. Phyllomedusa rustica is apparently restricted to its type-locality, and we discuss the potential impact on the strategies applied to the conservation of the natural grassland formations found within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome in southern Brazil. We suggest that conservation strategies should be modified to guarantee the preservation of this species.     

Review of Atlantoscia Ferrara & Taiti, 1981 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea: Philosciidae) with new records and new species

The neotropical genus Atlantoscia Ferrara & Taiti, 1981 includes three species, A. floridana Van Name, 1940, occurring in coastal regions of Florida (USA), Brazil, Argentina, and Ascension and Saint Helena islands, A. rubromarginata Araujo & Leistikow, 1999 and A. petronioi Campos-Filho, Contreira and Lopes-Leitzke, 2012 from Brazil. Two new species from Brazil are here described, one from the state of Bahia and one from the state of São Paulo. All the new species have respiratory areas on pleopods 1–5 exopods. The specimens were collected in areas of Atlantic Forest and in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) plantations. New records of A. floridana and A. rubromarginata and distribution maps are presented.     

Morphometrics of herbaceous bamboos of the Raddia brasiliensis complex (Poaceae − Bambusoideae): implications for the taxonomy of the genus and new species from Brazil

Morphometric studies were conducted using 25 quantitative characters in 14 populations of the Raddia brasiliensis complex, occurring from Ceará to Rio de Janeiro States, Brazil, in order to identify how many entities exist in this group and how they can be distinguished morphologically. Results of the discriminant and cluster analyses show that we are dealing with five distinct taxa, four of them here described as new species. A group of populations from northern Espírito Santo and southern Bahia showed high differentiation in relation to other areas. They are here considered as the new species R. megaphylla. Two other distinct populations also showed significant differentiation, described as R. lancifolia and R. stolonifera. Raddia brasiliensis s.s. turned out to be polymorphic and closely related to another new species, R. soderstromii. They present some ecological preferences related to soil and water conditions. These conclusions were supported by genetic data based on allozymes analysis.     

Trends of karyotypical evolution in the pearl cichlid,Geophagus brasiliensis,from southern Brazil

Chromosomal rearrangements such as inversions can facilitate speciation even in the presence of gene flow. The present study aims to analyze the karyotypic variation in six populations of Geophagus brasiliensis from southern Brazil. All specimens showed 2n = 48 chromosomes, but three karyotypes were found to have one, two or three pairs of submetacentric chromosomes. Although G. brasiliensis did not exhibit variation in the diploid number, it presented a wide interpopulational variation mainly regarding the karyotype formula and specific chromosomal markers. Differences in the location of the major and minor rDNA loci were observed among the populations. Moreover, different patterns were observed in the distribution of the constitutive heterochromatin, presenting intra- and interpopulational variation. This supports the hypothesis that this taxon represents a complex species or that cryptic species are included in this group, indicating a possibleprocess of sympatric speciation. By potentially restricting gene flow between heterokaryotypes, the segregating chromosome rearrangements we describe for G. brasiliensis may play a role in diversification in this species complex.     

Eight New Species of Charinus Simon, 1892 (Arachnida: Amblypygi: Charinidae) Endemic for the Brazilian Amazon,with Notes on Their Conservational Status

Eight new species of Charinus Simon, 1892 are described for the Brazilian Amazon, from the states of Pará (C. bichuetteae sp. n., C. bonaldoi sp. n., C. carajas sp. n., C. ferreus sp. n., C. guto sp. n. and C. orientalis sp. n.) and Amazonas (Charinus brescoviti sp. n. and C. ricardoi sp. n.). All new species can be differentiated from the other species of the genus by the number of pseudo-articles in basitibia IV, the presence/absence of median eyes, and the shape of the female gonopod. Brazil now becomes the country with the largest diversity of Amblypygi in the world, with 25 known species. Half of the new species described here have a high degree of endangerment: C. bichuetteae sp. n. is threatened by the flood caused by the hydroelectric dam of Belo Monte, and C. carajas sp. n., C. ferreus sp. n. and C. orientalis sp. n. are endangered by the iron mining in Carajás municipality and surroundings. The Charinus species here described are endemic to the Amazon Region, so in order to assure their preservation, it is strongly recommended a special care with their habitats (type localities) which are facing increasing rates of destruction and deforestation.     

Two New Species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xenotarsonemus</Emphasis> (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from the Atlantic Forest,Brazil

Two new species, Xenotarsonemus quiriri n. sp. and Xenotarsonemus scorpius n. sp., are described and illustrated in this paper based on specimens collected on Myrtaceae plants in Atlantic Forest areas of the states of Bahia and Santa Catarina, Brazil. A key to identification of Xenotarsonemus species reported from Brazil is provided.     

Chromosomal differentiation and speciation in sister-species of Grammatidae (Perciformes) from the Western Atlantic

In the tropical Atlantic, the ichthyofauna between the coast of Brazil and the Caribbean regions, divided by the Amazon barrier, is very similar presenting several geminate species, including Gramma brasiliensis, endemic in Brazil, and its Caribbean counterpart Gramma loreto. Morphological and molecular studies have helped establish evolutionary patterns that sister-species of these two marine habitats are subjected to. However, their chromosomal characteristics are only beginning to be better characterized. Accordingly, a comparative cytogenetic analysis was carried out in G. brasiliensis and G. loreto, seeking evidence of cytotaxonomic markers implicated in the karyotypic diversification of these species and likely associated with speciation events. Heterochromatic regions and their affinity to fluorochromes GC- or AT-specific were identified, as well as the distribution of ribosomal DNA sites in chromosomes, either by silver nitrate impregnation (Ag-NORs) or dual-color FISH mapping with 18S and 5S rDNA probes. While displaying the same diploid number, 2n?=?48 chromosomes, considered basal for Perciformes, the two species differed in karyotype structure, showing karyotypic formulas and species-specific heterochromatin pattern. The cytological characters found support the differentiating status of these species, possibly achieved under the conditions of allopatry due to the Amazon/Orinoco barrier, showing chromosomal peculiarities in Grammatidae species when compared to other groups of Perciformes.     

Phylogeography and population genetics of the cryptic bonnethead shark Sphyrna aff. tiburo in Brazil and the Caribbean inferred from mtDNA markers

Resolving the identity, phylogeny and distribution of cryptic species within species complexes is an essential precursor to management. The bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, is a small coastal shark distributed in the Western Atlantic from North Carolina (U.S.A.) to southern Brazil. Genetic analyses based on mitochondrial markers revealed that bonnethead sharks comprise a species complex with at least two lineages in the Northwestern Atlantic and the Caribbean (S. tiburo and Sphyrna aff. tiburo, respectively). The phylogeographic and phylogenetic analysis of two mitochondrial markers [control region (mtCR) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI)] showed that bonnethead sharks from southeastern Brazil correspond to S. aff. tiburo, extending the distribution of this cryptic species >5000 km. Bonnethead shark populations are only managed in the U.S.A. and in the 2000s were considered to be regionally extinct or collapsed in southeast Brazil. The results indicate that there is significant genetic differentiation between S. aff. tiburo from Brazil and other populations from the Caribbean (Φ_ST = 0.9053, P < 0.000), which means that collapsed populations in the former are unlikely to be replenished from Caribbean immigration. The species identity of bonnethead sharks in the Southwest Atlantic and their relationship to North Atlantic and Caribbean populations still remains unresolved. Taxonomic revision and further sampling are required to reevaluate the status of the bonnethead shark complex through its distribution range.     

Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: feeding activity in the mouse

Nippostrongylus brasiliensis incorporated the fluorescent dye, Rhodamine B, while feeding in vivo. Uptake of dye in both sexes of helminth increased linearly from 30 to 120 min after the hosts were given dye per os. Feeding by female N. brasiliensis significantly exceeded that of the male at 4 and 5 days postinfection. Feeding declined in older helminths of both sexes. The density of helminths had no effect on their incorporation of dye in vivo. Feeding in male- and female-only groups of worms was similar to that seen in populations of mixed sexes. Feeding by helminths decreased during the first 36 h of food deprivation in the host, but increased during subsequent fasting of the host. Both sexes of N. brasiliensis resumed feeding within 15 min after the fasted hosts were fed. Growth of N. brasiliensis increased linearly from 4 to 7 days postinfection, based on dry weight. Seven-day-old and older females were significantly heavier than males.     

High genetic homogeneity of an intertidal marine invertebrate along 8000 km of the Atlantic coast of the Americas

Phallusia nigra is a cosmopolitan solitary ascidian with a distinct niger-blue tunic that is considered to be an easy diagnostic feature, even in the field. The wide geographic distribution of this species may have been a result of the overconfidence of taxonomists and ecologists in the assignment of unknown specimens to this species, based on this simple diagnostic character. Indeed, there seems to be a correlation between cosmopolitanism and the presence of few, but very conspicuous diagnostic characters in benthic invertebrate species. Almost invariably, genetic studies have demonstrated that the cosmopolitanism of those species is artificial and that, rather, they are made up of groups of morphologically very similar, but genetically distinct, species. Thus, we decided to verify the specific status of Western Atlantic populations of P. nigra, from Miami (USA) to São Paulo (southeastern Brazil) by estimating genetic variation and population structure levels along the entire range of this ascidian in the Western Atlantic. The analysis of 10 allozyme systems shows high levels of mean heterozygosity (H=0.28) so that P. nigra has genetic variation levels more related with other invertebrates than to their, phylogenetically closer, chordate relatives (that show lower levels of heterozygosity). The genetic structure of the population was relatively high (F_ST=0.083) for conspecific populations, but much lower than what would be expected if they belonged to different species. High levels of gene identity also indicate that the Western Atlantic population of P. nigra constitutes a single species. This result suggests an extremely high dispersal capability of the larvae of this ascidian or a relatively recent range expansion of its populations. Since this species is commonly found in harbors, the anthropogenic transport (p.e., in ballast water) may have contributed for the observed genetic homogeneity.