Characterization of Rhodnius neglectus from two regions of Brazil using isoenzymes, genitalia morphology and morphometry

Among the triatomines considered as secondary in the epidemiology of Chagas disease, Rhodnius neglectus is frequently captured in artificial ecotopes, especially peridomiciliary ones, rarely producing colonies indoors. Nevertheless, the presence of breeding colonies in houses was unquestionably demonstrated in some areas of the State of Goiás, Brazil. Previous isoenzyme comparisons of this species with morphologically close triatomines, such as R. prolixus, R. robustus or R. nasutus, did not produce definitive conclusions because of doubt about the geographical origin of the R. neglectus. We present here, for the first time, the isoenzyme profile of topotypes of R. neglectus. In addition, wild caught specimens from the type locality, Uberaba (Minas Gerais, Brazil), were compared to wild caught specimens from Jaraguá (Goiás, Brazil), where R. neglectus is more frequently reported invading houses. We used isoenzyme, morphology and morphometry analysis. Neither morphological nor enzymatic differences were found between areas, but metric, size-related divergence was evidenced between them.     

Four new Brazilian species of Lonchocarpus (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Millettieae)

Lonchocarpus castaneifolius, L. grazielae, L. longiunguiculatus, and L. montanus from Brazil are described and illustrated based on field and herbarium studies. The first species belongs to Lonchocarpus sect. Punctati and is restricted to northeastern Brazil (Bahia state). The other three are included in sect. Laxiflori. Lonchocarpus grazielae is restricted to the southern coastal region (Santa Catarina state), L. montanus is found in northeastern Brazil (Bahia and Piauí states), the west-central region (Goiás and Tocantins states) and the southeast (Minas Gerais state), and L. longiunguiculatus occurs in northeastern (Bahia state) and southeastern (Minas Gerais state) Brazil.     

Phylogeography of Plathymenia reticulata (Leguminosae) reveals patterns of recent range expansion towards northeastern Brazil and southern Cerrados in Eastern Tropical South America

Little is known about past vegetation dynamics in Eastern Tropical South America (ETSA). Here we describe patterns of chloroplast (cp) DNA variation in Plathymenia reticulata, a widespread tree in the ETSA Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, but not found in the xeromorphic Caatinga. Forty one populations, comprising 220 individuals, were analysed by sequencing the trnS‐trnG and trnL‐trnL‐trnF cpDNA regions. Combined, they resulted in 18 geographically structured haplotypes. The central region of the sampling area, comprising Minas Gerais and Goiás Brazilian states, is a centre of genetic diversity and probably the most longstanding area of the distribution range of the species. In contrast, populations from northeastern Brazil and the southern Cerrados showed very low diversity levels, almost exclusively with common haplotypes which are also found in the central region. Coupled with a long‐branched star‐like network, these patterns suggest a recent range expansion of P. reticulata to those regions from central region sources. The recent origin of the species (in the early Pleistocene) or the extinction of some populations due to drier and cooler climate during the last glacial maximum could have been responsible for that phylogeographic pattern. The populations from northeastern Brazil originated from two colonization routes, one eastern (Atlantic) and one western (inland). Due to its high diversity and complex landscape, the central region, especially central‐north Minas Gerais (between 15°–18° S and 42°–46° W), should be given the highest priority for conservation.     

Forensic species identification of large macaws using DNA barcodes and microsatellite profiles

Using mitochondrial and nuclear markers species identification was conducted in the case of seized feathers. Earlier, we had sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) both from 10 seized specimens and 43 validation specimens from captive macaws belonging to 4 Ara species (A. macao, A. chloropterus, A. ararauna, and A. ambiguus) and identified 19 haplotypes based on COI sequences. Species-level identification using Barcode of Life Data Systems showed that seized feathers shared the highest similarity with scarlet macaws (A. macao), and this result was supported by the tree-base identification with high bootstrap values. Moreover, microsatellite profiles in AgGT17 locus showed that patterns of allelic distribution in the seized feathers were apparently distinct from those of red-and-green macaw (A. chloropterus), but were overlapped with those of A. macao, suggesting that all of seized feathers were derived from several individuals of A. macao. We also determined the parentage of hybrid macaws by the combination of COI barcodes and microsatellite profiles. The technique presented here will contribute to forensic identification and future conservation of large macaws that have been lost due to deforestation.     

A new species of Camptosema (Leguminosae: Lotoideae) from the Planalto of Brazil

Camptosema douradense (Leguminosae: Lotoideae) is described. The species is known only from the type locality and its vicinity, the summit of the Serra Dourada near the town of Goiás Velho in the State of Goiás, Brazil.     

RAPD and mitochondrial DNA analysis of the soybean stalk weevil, Sternechus subsignatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Sternechus subsignatus Boheman (Curculionidae: Sternechini) is one of the primary Curculionidae species that reduces soybean yield in Brazil. Initially, outbreaks were reported in southern Brazil in 1973; but, more recent, outbreaks were reported in Bahia (summer 1997-1998) and Maranh?o (summer 2003-2004), two states in northeastern Brazil. A putative related species, S. pinguis (Fabricius), was first detected in Salta Province, Argentina. The objective of this study was to evaluate intraspecific molecular polymorphisms of geographically distinct Sternechus populations. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles and partial mitochondrial cytochrome B (CytB) gene sequences were used to determine whether individual soybean stalk weevils were one of two different species and to infer pest invasion pattern. Putative S. pinguis and S. subsignatus populations were collected in San Agustin (Cruz Alta, Tucumán Province, Argentina) and different sampling sites in the Brazilian states of Paraná, Bahia and Maranh?o. Polymorphic bands were obtained by RAPD and analyzed by Dice coefficients. Populations from southern Brazil were more closely related genetically to an Argentinean group than the populations sampled in northeastern Brazil. The Londrina Co., Brazil population displayed the highest intra-population genetic similarity. Most of the soybean stalk weevils collected from San Agustin, Tucumán, Argentina were divergent from those collected in Brazil. Sequencing and parsimony analysis of CytB did not differentiate specimens collected in Argentina and Brazil. Thus, our data show that soybean stalk weevil outbreaks and population increases in northeastern Brazil involved local genotypes.     

Notes on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Astronium</Emphasis> Jacq. (Anacardiaceae), including a dwarf new species from the Brazilian Shield

A review of Astronium s.l. revealed a new species in section Astronium that is unusual because of its dwarf habit, presence of foliose bracts on the inflorescence, and sub-basal ovule placentation. Currently available collections suggest a disjunct distribution between the Brazilian states of Goiás and Rondônia and the northeastern part of the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz, but all on the Brazilian Shield. The new species is formally described and named as Astronium pumilum. The generic limits and morphological attributes of the sections of the genus are discussed, and a key to the known species is presented. A synopsis or revision of the genus is being prepared pending results from molecular systematic studies.     

Constancy,Distribution, and Frequency of Lepidoptera Defoliators of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus grandis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus urophylla</Emphasis> (Myrtaceae) in Four Brazilian Regions

The growth of the Brazilian forest sector with monocultures favors the adaptation of Arthropoda pests. The Lepidoptera order includes major pests of Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae). The aim of this work is to study the population constancy, distribution, and frequency of Lepidoptera primary pests of Eucalyptus spp. Lepidoptera pests in Eucalyptus spp. plantations were collected in Três Marias and Guanhães (state of Minas Gerais), Niquelândia (state of Goiás), and Monte Dourado (state of Pará), Brazil, for a period of 5 years, with light traps and captures, every 15 days, for every region. The number of primary pest species (12) has been similar in the four regions, and even with 1.5 to 2.4% of the total species collected, this group has shown a high frequency, especially in Três Marias, Niquelândia, and Monte Dourado, with 66.3, 54.2, and 40.0% of the individuals collected, respectively, for 5 years. The primary pest species have been constant and frequent in all the regions, with population peaks from February to September in Três Marias, February and May in Niquelândia, and from July to September in Monte Dourado. The highest population peaks of these species have been recorded when the Eucalyptus spp. plants are 3 to 6 years old. The Guanhães region is more stable and, therefore, has a lower possibility of outbreaks of the Lepidoptera primary pest species.     

Back home? Uncertainties for returning seized animals to the source‐areas under climate change

Regardless of the economic, social and environmental impacts caused by wild animal trafficking worldwide, the suitable destination of seized specimens is one of the main challenges faced by environmental managers and authorities. In Brazil, returning seized animals to the wild has been the most frequent path in population restoration programs, and has been carried out, as a priority, in areas where the animals were captured. However, in addition to the difficulty in identifying the locations of illegal captures, little scientific knowledge is available on the future viability of the source‐areas to global climate change. Thus, the current work aims to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the main source‐municipalities for animal trafficking in Brazil, referred to herein as source‐areas. For this, using ecological niche modeling, the environmental suitability of the source‐areas for illegal animal captures was evaluated in two scenarios at two different time horizons: optimistic (RCP 26) and pessimistic (RCP 85) emission scenarios in both 2050 and 2070 projections. Moreover, the source‐areas were compared with the Brazilian Federal protected areas, used here as the control group. According to the results, Brazilian source‐municipalities are not always the best option for maintaining the most seized species in the future simulations, and, therefore, seem not be the best option for projects that aim for the return of these animals to the wild. In this sense, despite the genetic and ecological issues inherent in translocation projects, our results suggest that population restoration programs for seized species need to be rethought, and furthermore other suitable areas could be considered for truly ensuring the survival and maintenance of overexploited populations in the long term.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polygala</Emphasis> subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hebeclada</Emphasis> (Polygalaceae) from central Brazil

Polygala pauciramosa, a new species from the Federal District and the state of Goiás is described, illustrated, and compared with related species of Polygala subgenus Hebeclada. The new species is an herb that grows in seasonally to permanently wet savannas. A key to the species of Polygala subgenus Hebeclada from Goiás state, Brazil is provided.     

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.     

Patterns of antennal sensilla of Panstrongylus megistus from three Brazilian states

The objective of the present study was to analyze and describe the phenotype of the antennal sensilla of Panstrongylus megistus, one of the epidemiologically most important species of triatomines in Brazil. Specimens from the Brazilian states of Goiás (GO), Minas Gerais (MG), and Rio Grande do Sul (RS) were compared, based on studies of four types of sensilla on three antennal segments: thick-walled trichoid (TK), thin-walled trichoid (TH), bristles (BR), and basiconica (BA). Discriminant analysis allowed the separation of the RS specimens from those of GO and MG. Multivariate discriminant analysis demonstrated that the sensilla of males differed from those of females, the variables with greatest weight being the BA of all three segments and the TK of flagellum 1. The basiconica sensilla were significantly more abundant in females, on all three segments. Antennal sensilla patterns also demonstrated significant differences among P. megistus specimens.     

Genetic profile of the arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 coding gene among individuals from two different regions of Brazil

Arylamine N-acetyltranferase 2 is the main enzyme responsible for the isoniazid metabolization into hepatotoxic intermediates and the degree of hepatotoxicity severity has been attributed to genetic variability in the NAT2 gene. The main goal of this study was to describe the genetic profile of the NAT2 gene in individuals from two different regions of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro and Goiás States. Therefore, after preparation of DNA samples from 404 individuals, genotyping of the coding region of NAT2 was performed by direct PCR sequencing. Thirteen previously described SNPs were detected in these Brazilian populations, from which seven: 191 G>A; 282 C>T; 341 T>C; 481 C>T; 590 G>A; 803 A>G and 857 G>A are the most frequent in other populations. The presence of so-called ethnic-specific SNPs in our population is in accordance with the Brazilians' multiple ancestry. Upon allele and genotype analysis, the most frequent NAT2 alleles were respectively NAT2*5B (33%), NAT2*6A (26%) and NAT2*4 (20%) being NAT2*5/*5 the more prevalent genotype (31.7%). These results clearly demonstrate the predominance in the studied Brazilian groups of NAT2 alleles associated with slow over the fast and intermediate acetylator genotypes. Additionally, in Rio de Janeiro, a significantly higher frequency of intermediate acetylation status was found when compared to Goiás (42.5% versus 25%) (p=0.05), demonstrating that different regions of a country with a population characterized by a multi-ethnic ancestry may present a large degree of variability in NAT2 allelic frequencies. This finding has implications in the determination of nationwide policies for use of appropriate anti-TB drugs.     

Characterization and Comparison of Genetic Variation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cotesia flavipes</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Mass Reared for Biological Pest Control Using Microsatellite Markers

The larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an important biological control agent of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). This exotic parasitoid has been mass reared for field release since its introduction in the 1970s. Insects are exchanged between labs or introduced from the field, but without basic studies or criteria. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability of insects from six Brazilian States (São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Goiás, Maranhão, and Alagoas) using microsatellites. Analysis of five loci using at least 22 females from each location was performed. The molecular analysis made possible to verify that four out of the five loci analyzed were polymorphic. The allele frequencies of three loci were in agreement with the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium for all insects of all regions. It was also observed that five alleles were exclusively presented in only two loci. The variation among and within populations was 24.65 and 75.34%, respectively. The estimated shared genotypes between the C. flavipes individuals showed that K = 2 was the most likely number of genetic groups causing the current variation, as well as high shared genotypes from these groups of the individuals. Considering all the analyzed loci, the genetic differentiation was at a moderate level. We suggest a possible mixture of biological materials based on genetic distances and the degree of structuring displayed.     

The major diversity centre for Neotropical Turneraceae

The Neotropical country where the Turneraceae are best represented is Brazil; 82% of the American species are native, and 73% of them are endemic to this country. The most diverse states are Bahia, Minas Gerais and Goiás. Within this area the diversity – in terms of number of species – was analysed at a level of one degree square, taking into account the phytogeographic domains (biomes) recognized in Brazil. The distribution of endemic and rare species was also explored. The major centre of diversity is located in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, inside the biome ‘Caatinga’, but there are hotspots in Minas Gerais and Goiás, within the biome ‘Cerrado’. The biome with highest number of endemic species is the ‘Cerrado’, followed by the ‘Caatinga’.     

Anacroneuria (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Serra da Mesa,Northern Goiás State,Brazil, with Descriptions of New Species

Anacroneuria (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from the area of the Serra da Mesa reservoir, northern Goiás State, Brazil was studied. A. pastaza (Stark, 2001) is recorded and two new species (A. brandaoi and A. tinga) are described.     

An H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus isolated from a local tree sparrow in Indonesia

The isolation of an H5N1 influenza A virus from a tree sparrow (Passer montanus) captured in East Java, Indonesia in 2010 is reported here. Its hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were genetically similar to those of human isolates from 2006-2007 in Indonesia. The finding of a tree sparrow H5N1 virus that possesses genetically similar surface molecules to those of human viruses highlights the importance of monitoring resident wild birds, as well as migratory birds, for pandemic preparedness.     

New endemic species of Harpalyce (Leguminosae: Brongniartieae) from South-Central Brazil with a key to the Brazilian species

Harpalyce parvifolia andH. robusta, endemic species from the Serra do EspinhaÇo, State of Minas Gerais, and Chapada dos Veadeiros, State of Goiás, respectively, are described and included in a new key to the Brazilian members of the genus.