Distribution and prevalence of coral diseases in the Veracruz Reef System, Southern Gulf of Mexico

Ten reefs of the Veracruz Reef System (VRS) were surveyed to evaluate the distribution and prevalence of diseases that affect stony corals. Total disease prevalence on corals in the VRS was 4.8%. Seven diseases affecting 6 coral genera (4 of which are the most abundant) were observed in 85.2% of the evaluated sites. As observed in other reefs of the Caribbean, dark spots disease had the highest prevalence (2.9%) and widest distribution. The incidence of disease showed a patchy distribution, with prevalence being significantly higher on the reef flats than on the windward and leeward sides.     

A new sponge-inhabiting amphipod species (Crustacea, Gammaridea, Sebidae) from the Veracruz Coral Reef System, southwestern Gulf of Mexico

A new species of the genus Seba Bate (Amphipoda: Sebidae) is described from the Veracruz Coral Reef System, Veracruz, south-western Gulf of Mexico. The specimens were found in association with a sponge, Ircinia fistularis, at depths from 8 to 10 m. Seba alvarezi n. sp. can be distinguished from closely related species mainly by the presence of a short, two-articulated accessory flagellum, three apical setae on article 3 of the mandible palp, and by the absence of apical setae on the inner lobe of maxilla 1. The new species is compared to closely related species in the family, and an identification key to the species of Seba known from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea is given.     

A new species of Ponthieva (Orchidaceae, Cranichidinae) from Veracruz, Mexico

Ponthieva rinconii, a new orchid species from the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Veracruz, Mexico, is described and illustrated. It is similar in overall appearance to the wide-ranging upland speciesP. schaffneri, but differs from it in habitat preferences (tropical semi-evergreen forest at 650 m elevation), presence of a loose raceme, and three-lobed labellum with a basal cavity.     

State of Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König meadows in the Veracruz Reef System,Veracruz, México

The vegetative development of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum was assessed in three reefs (Hornos, isla Sacrificios, isla de Enmedio) of the Veracruz Reef System (Veracruz, México) which are located at increasing distances from the mainland coast. Leaf nutrient content of T. testudinum suggests that the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus increases from Hornos reef to isla Sacrificios and isla de Enmedio, that is, as the distance to the coast increases. The total biomass of this species tended to increase similarly as a result of the large increase of the biomass of rhizomes and roots but not of leaves. In contrast to previous knowledge of the response of seagrasses along gradients of nutrient availability, the rhizome and roots to shoot biomass ratio increased by a factor of two as nutrient availability increased. The density of T. testudinum shoots and their mass, the LAI and leaf productivity, and the average number of leaves produced by a T. testudinum shoot in 1 year were lowest in the reef closest to shore (Hornos). Our results show that the vegetative development of T. testudinum in Hornos reef is restrained when compared with that in isla Sacrificios and isla de Enmedio and suggest that the differences of vegetative development of this species in the Veracruz Reef System might be driven by factors other than nutrient availability.     

Anthropoentomophagic biodiversity of the Zongolica region, Veracruz, Mexico

Anthropoentomophagic biodiversity of the Zongolica region, Veracruz, Mexico. During two and a half years (2003-2005) we recorded the insect species used as food at Zongolica, Veracruz State, Mexico. Interviews were made among people (200) of this municipality to know which insects they consumed. The total of registered species was 57 (Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Megaloptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera). The Orthoptera was the most frequently ingested. Twenty-four of these species were new records for edible insects of Mexico. They are eaten in immature stages or as adults, generally only roasted. Consumption is seasonal. Some species are commercialized in the "tianguis" (little town markets) and/or in the larger Zongolica market. There is a "protoculture" of three species, one cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae Fabricius) and two moths (Latebraria amphipyroides Guenée and Arsenura armida armida Cramer). In Zongolica, anthropoentomophagy is an ancestral habit.     

The fishes of northern and central Veracruz,Mexico

The hydrographic structure of Abra Harbour, a tidal embayment located at the seaward end of the highly polluted estuary of Bilbao, is influenced by the inflow of a polluted estuarine plume, the asymmetry of the harbour basin, and the tidal circulation pattern. Multivariate analysis of the spatial variability of the zooplankton between May 1981 and May 1982 showed that significant differences in zooplankton abundance and species composition occurred from the inner-eastern to the outer-western side, related to the horizontal structure of the system. The annual temperature cycle, however, was the major source of temporal variability, and the seasonal stratification in the water column was responsible for the predominance of vertical differences in zooplankton composition during the spring-summer period. Wind-induced turbulence and tides were other sources of variation. With increasing turbulence (rough sea), the spatial gradients in zooplankton composition were not as clear, and with decreasing tidal height the compositional differences in the horizontal dimension tended to be more evident. Spionid larvae accounted for strong local differences within the Harbour. They were usually segregated from other taxa, and mainly associated to the deeper waters characterized by a greater hydrological instability.     

Helminths from the fish Dormitator maculatus (Osteichthyes: Eleotridae) from Alvarado, Veracruz, Mexico

Dormirator maculatus (n=184) was collected in the Alvarado Lagoon, Mexico during a year period (Oct. 1993-1994). In the helminthologic review, the presence of Clinostomum complanatum (82.3%), Neoechinorhynchus golvani (76.1%), Spiroxys sp. (21.3 %), and Camallanus sp. (6.2%) was registered. Reduction of the hematocrit caused by such infection is significant (t, a= 0.05).     

Diversity of Carabidae (Insecta, Coleoptera) in epiphytic Bromeliaceae in central Veracruz, Mexico

This paper documents the existence of carabid assemblages associated with bromeliads on the Cofre de Perote, Veracruz, Mexico. Based on bromeliads sampled over three altitudinal ranges, the assemblages included at least 26 species with an arboreal lifestyle and another 11 species that are not strictly arboreal. Seven species are new to science, urging us to pay attention to the arboreal fauna in forest conservation studies. Composition of carabid assemblages associated with bromeliads changes with altitude. In lowlands, it is comprised almost entirely of species of Lebiini, with the Platynini dominating assemblages found in bromeliads >1,000 m above sea level. Our data suggest that carabids use bromeliads to reduce stresses associated with drought periods, the exact timing of which depends on altitude. The unexpected low diversity of the carabid fauna associated with bromeliads at middle altitude is explained in terms of anthropogenic conversion of the original forest to pastureland. Given the importance of arboreal elements, further fragmentation of subtropical and tropical mountain forest significantly threatens overall carabid diversity.     

Host compatibility of the cloud forest mistletoe Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Loranthaceae) in Central Veracruz, Mexico

The consequences of the seed deposition of the parasitic mistletoe Psittacanthus schiedeanus were evaluated in a 32-mo study. We conducted a field seed inoculation experiment to determine variation in seed adhesion, seed germination, seedling establishment, and plant survival to reproduction among five host species and to evaluate whether these post-dispersal processes explain mistletoe prevalence and specificity at the regional scale. Seeds without an exocarp were inoculated onto branches of individuals of the five most common host species identified in nature in central Veracruz, México. Seed fate was monitored for 2 yr, at weekly intervals for the first 2 mo and at 2-mo intervals thereafter. The height and diameter of experimental host branches and canopy cover above them were measured to see if these factors affected mistletoe establishment. Significant differences in seed attachment and seed germination were found among host species. Fewer seeds remained attached on experimental branches of Quercus germana than those of Liquidambar styraciflua, Acacia pennatula, and Platanus mexicana. Although significant differences in seed germination were observed among species (significantly greater on A. pennatula), >70% of mistletoe seeds germinated within the first 5 wk on all host species. Towards the end of the inoculation experiment, more mistletoe seedlings survived, grew, and then flowered on Liquidambar styraciflua than on A. pennatula, P. mexicana, Q. germana, or Q. leiophylla. Host branch initial height and diameter did not affect seedling survival, but seedlings survived better on trees where the canopy was more open. Our results suggest that Liquidambar styraciflua is the most compatible host species with P. schiedeanus in central Veracruz. Not surprisingly, Liquidambar is by far the most common host tree for P. schiedeanus in this area as well. We suggest that the observed local specialization is a result of seed dispersal as consequence of bird foraging and territorial behavior, host abundance, and host species compatibility.     

Seasonal community structure of macromycetes in Veracruz, Mexico

A study of phenological patterns in macromycete communities in Veracruz, Mexico was carried out in order to understand changes in community structure across regions of different vegetation types. Previous studies suggest that similarities in community composition occur when there are similarities in certain geographical and climatological characteristics, however they do not address functional groups or seasonal changes across regions. Macromycete communities in Veracruz showed similar species distribution patterns, but individual assemblages changed structure seasonally, changes that were strongly correlated with rainfall. Interestingly, the number of functional groups (species performing similar ecological functions) was not determined by rainfall, but the distribution of species within functional groups was determined by rainfall. Temperature did not appear to play a role in structuring community diversity at this regional scale. However, temperature and other environmental factors such as pH or light may be the mechanism triggering phenological patterns, and influencing the species pool at localized scales. This work brings new light to fungal community diversity patterns in a largely unknown group of species.     

Helminth infracommunities of Rana vaillanti brocchi (Anura: Ranidae) in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

A total of 76 adult individuals of Rana vaillanti were collected in Laguna Escondida, Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, and their helminth infracommunity structure was determined. Among the 21 helminth taxa collected (10 digeneans, 8 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans), the digenean Langeronia macrocirra reached the highest prevalence (64.4%), mean abundance (6.6), and mean intensity (10.4), as well as the highest total number of individuals (499). Only 2 frogs were uninfected, the remainder harbored between 1 and 7 helminth species and 1-102 individuals; mean species richness and abundance were 3.49 +/- 0.22 and 16.1 +/- 16.3, respectively. Langeronia macrocirra dominated in 50.6% of the infracommunities, with relatively low Berger-Parker index values (0.56); for this reason, the evenness was high (0.70 +/- 0.31), and consequently, diversity values are the highest recorded to date in species of Rana. However, patterns of helminth infracommunity richness and diversity were similar to those previously observed in amphibians. This structure is attributed to the feeding habits (between 66.7 and 81% of helminth species parasitizing R. vaillanti enter using the food web dynamics) and low vagility (the remainder species infect by host penetration).     

Native parasitoids associated with the genusAnastrepha (Dipt.: Tephritidae) in Los Tuxtlas,Veracruz, Mexico

In this paper we record the native parasitoids associated withAnastrepha fruit flies collected in a native tropical community from Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 1600 puparia ofAnastrepha were recovered from infested fruits of ten different host plants. From these puparia we obtained 218 Hymenopteran parasitoids representing the following species:Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti),Utetes (Bracanastrepha) aff.anastrephae (Viereck),Doryctobracon crawfordi (Viereck),Opius hirtus (Fischer),Microcrasis n. sp.,Nealiolus n. sp. (all Braconidae);Odontosema n. sp. andLopheucoila sp. (Cynipidae). The most abundant and frequently encountered parasitoid species observed during this study wasD. areolatus, representing 59.2% of all recovered parasitoids. The analysis of different infestation rates in fruits regarding to degree of parasitization in theseAnastrepha species suggest they are not correlated, meanwhile some host plant characteristics such as fruit size, could play an important role in influencing rates of parasitization.     

Resource use by howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) in the rain forest of Los Tuxtlas,Veracruz, Mexico

The feeding preferences of howler monkeys at their northernmost distribution in the Neotropics are reported for an annual cycle. A remarkable selectivity for 27 species representing 15 families was observed. The Moraceae and Lauraceae plant families were the most important in the diet. The howlers spent an almost equal proportion of their feeding time eating leaves and fruit, and displayed a marked preference for young leaves and mature fruit. The consumption of different plant parts was markedly seasonal and the howlers’ ranging behavior was closely associated with the availability of young leaves and mature fruit. Their home range was unusually large (ca. 60 ha) for howlers and the food species exploited occur at very low densities (93%, ≤ 4 ind/ha). They chose food items richer in protein and energy. Alkaloid compounds, present in some of the leaves, play a secondary role in their dietary selectivity.     

Useful plants of the Los Tuxtlas rain forest (Veracruz, Mexico): Considerations of their market potential

The 640 hectare large Los Tuxtlas rain forest reserve was analyzed for the commercial potential of its 860 native flowering plant species. Excluding plants with medicinal or chemical use, 91 species (10.6%) are found in the market, and we consider an additional 72 species (8.4%) to have market potential. For each of the 163 species, the following information is given: scientific and common name, geographic distribution, growth form, use, and market status. Of the 163 species, 2.4% are endemic to the Los Tuxtlas region, 10.4% are restricted to Mexico, 42.3% extend further into Central America, and 39.3% occur also in South America, while 20.2% are found in the West Indies. The majority of species (68.7%) are trees. In terms of use categories, 35.0% are employed for their timber, 32.5% for their fuelwood, 24.5% for ornamental purposes, 22.7% for their edible fruits, leaves or flowers, 11.0% for plywood or paper, 6.1% for artwork and weaving, and 1.2% as fodder plants. The more than 160 marketable species would make it possible to develop species-diverse forests of high commercial value, as an alternative to current land use, which consists in converting forest into cattle pastures.     

Digeneans (Plathelminthes: Trematoda) of seven sympatric species of anurans from Los Tuxtlas,Veracruz, Mexico

Digeneans of sympatric Bufo marinus, B. valliceps, Hyla picta, H. ebraccata, Smilisca baudini, Rana berlandieri, and R. vaillanti from Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, are reported. A total of 7 adult trematode species and 3 unidentified metacercariae was found in the different host species examined: Gorgoderina attenuata, G. parvicava, Cephalogonimus americanus, Haematoloechus medioplexus, Glypthelmins californiensis, Mesocoelium monas and Langeronia macrocirrus. Prevalence, mean intensity and abundance of the trematodes in each host species are given.     

A new species of endophytic Balansia from Veracruz, Mexico

A new graminicolous species of Clavicipitaceae, Balansia brunnans sp. nov., has been found to infect Panicum xalapénse. Staining of living host tissues indicates the presence of intercellular endophytic mycelium. Stromata develop just below the nodes on the culms. Balansia brunnans is comparable to Balansia aristidae, B. discoidea, B. gaduae, B. nigricans, and B. strangulans in development of stromata on culms and possession of an endophytic mycelial stage. Among the differences between Balansia brunnans and other comparable species is that it possesses a brown perithecial stroma, whereas comparable species have black perithecial stromata. A key is provided to distinguish B. brunnans from similar species.     

Biodiversity and Association of Dinoflagellates in Coral Reef Rubble,Carrie Bow Cay,Belize

The species diversity and distribution of benthic dinoflagellates are illustrated from the back reef sand habitats at Carrie Bow Cay. Sand appears an ideal environment for nurturing a variety of species. Sand supported blooms of toxic, nontoxic, and parasitic assemblages of dinoflagellates. Morphology of dinoflagellates is illustrated in SEM and LM pictures; including the life cycle of a parasitic dinoflagellate's vegetative stage, sporogenetic stages, and the morphology of the feeding organelle. The feeding organelle of the primary dinoflagellate cysts is a hold fast and a peduncle‐like infestation tube, a ‘sucker organelle’, that inserts itself into copepod eggs. The parasitic dinoflagellate continues feeding on crustacean eggs since it is the only food source during vegetative cell division within the cyst. This is the first observation of the presence of parasitic dinoflagellates in shallow coral reef water. The study attempts to provide new knowledge on dinoflagellate associations and morphology of sand‐welling species in the microscopic food web of shallow warm tropical waters. Even, sand‐inhabiting invertebrates are not exempt from parasitic dinoflagellates.     

Benthic Primary Production Budget of a Caribbean Reef Lagoon (Puerto Morelos,Mexico)

High photosynthetic benthic primary production (P) represents a key ecosystem service provided by tropical coral reef systems. However, benthic P budgets of specific ecosystem compartments such as macrophyte-dominated reef lagoons are still scarce. To address this, we quantified individual and lagoon-wide net (P_n) and gross (P_g) primary production by all dominant functional groups of benthic primary producers in a typical macrophyte-dominated Caribbean reef lagoon near Puerto Morelos (Mexico) via measurement of O₂ fluxes in incubation experiments. The photosynthetically active 3D lagoon surface area was quantified using conversion factors to allow extrapolation to lagoon-wide P budgets. Findings revealed that lagoon 2D benthic cover was primarily composed of sand-associated microphytobenthos (40%), seagrasses (29%) and macroalgae (27%), while seagrasses dominated the lagoon 3D surface area (84%). Individual P_g was highest for macroalgae and scleractinian corals (87 and 86 mmol O₂ m⁻² specimen area d⁻¹, respectively), however seagrasses contributed highest (59%) to the lagoon-wide P_g. Macroalgae exhibited highest individual P_n rates, but seagrasses generated the largest fraction (51%) of lagoon-wide P_n. Individual R was highest for scleractinian corals and macroalgae, whereas seagrasses again provided the major lagoon-wide share (68%). These findings characterise the investigated lagoon as a net autotrophic coral reef ecosystem compartment revealing similar P compared to other macrophyte-dominated coastal environments such as seagrass meadows and macroalgae beds. Further, high lagoon-wide P (P_g: 488 and P_n: 181 mmol O₂ m⁻² lagoon area d⁻¹) and overall P_g:R (1.6) indicate substantial benthic excess production within the Puerto Morelos reef lagoon and suggest the export of newly synthesised organic matter to surrounding ecosystems.