Breeding behaviour of Bokermannohyla nanuzae (Anura: Hylidae) at an Atlantic Forest site in southeastern Brazil

We studied the breeding activities of Bokermannohyla nanuzae at an Atlantic Forest site in southeastern Brazil from August 2010 to April 2012. We described courtship behaviour, acoustic parameters of calls, egg clutch features and the egg-laying site, and characterized the reproductive mode. We recorded calling males and gravid females almost year-round, except for a few months in the dry season. We observed the interaction of five male–female pairs that exhibited stereotyped behavioural sequences including visual and tactile signals. We identified three different types of calls that we considered as the advertisement call and two types of courtship calls. Egg clutches were placed in rocky crevices with water or in streamside puddles, among rocks, that would be likely to be flooded as stream water level raises, which characterizes a reproductive mode different from the one previously recognized for this species. The breeding biology of B. nanuzae is complex, with elaborate courtship behaviour and signalling.     

Development and demography of Phasmahyla jandaia (Bokermann and Sazima, 1978) (Anura,Hylidae) tadpoles in an Atlantic Forest site,southeastern Brazil

Mortality rates are often high during the anuran tadpole stage, making demographic parameters in this phase of their life cycle important to the understanding of population demography. Nevertheless, information on mortality rates or population size is lacking for most Brazilian anurans. Herein we report on the demographic parameters of Phasmahyla jandaia (Hylidae) during the larval stage, including number of individuals through time, mortality rates and time of recruitment. Tadpole recruitment occurred year‐round, although froglet recruitment to the terrestrial habitat was restricted to the warm, rainy season. This trend seems to result in high plasticity of the tadpole developmental period. Mortality rates decreased with advancing tadpole stage, totalling 77% during the whole aquatic phase. Survivorship can be regarded as intermediate compared with other anurans for which data are available, and is in accordance with a high investment in egg size and the low number of eggs laid by P. jandaia.     

Reproductive phenology and flower visitors' guild of Canistropsis microps (Bromeliaceae) in an Atlantic Rainforest of southeastern Brazil

The reproductive phenology and guild of the floral visitors of Canistropsis microps in an Atlantic Forest area in Ilha Grande, RJ were studied for 4 years. The rates of flowering, fruiting and mortality were related to air temperature, rainfall and photoperiod. To register the flower visitors, observations were carried out for 5 days in each reproductive season. The flowering and fruiting occurred in the rainy season and were positively related to the studied climatic variables, whereas the highest mortality rates occurred in the dry season and were negatively related to the climatic variables. The guild of floral visitors of C. microps was composed of Hymenoptera, characterizing the species as a melittophilous plant. These results indicate that the rainy season presents more favourable conditions for investment in sexual reproduction, besides being the period in which potential pollinators have larger population densities and a longer period of activity.     

Natural history of the lizard Enyalius perditus (Squamata: Leiosauridae) from an Atlantic forest remnant in southeastern Brazil

The natural history of the lizard Enyalius perditus was studied from August 2005 to July 2006, at Parque Estadual Nova Baden, in the municipality of Lambari, State of Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil. We found that E. perditus may be considered a semi-arboreal species, like other species in the genus, sleeping on vegetation (slim branches or large leaves) at night, possibly to minimize predation. Females with enlarged follicles or oviducal eggs were found from November to January and juveniles recruited at the end of the dry season and beginning of the rainy season, in October. The diet of this lizard is composed mainly of Lepidoptera larvae, Araneae and Formicidae. Females were larger than males, and juvenile coloration is similar to that of adult females.     

Spatial and temporal organization in three syntopic species of the Scinax ruber group (Anura: Hylidae) in the Atlantic rainforest,southeastern Brazil

Coexistence of anuran species might lead to acoustic interference among communications, especially where species are closely related. This problem might be minimized through resource partitioning. To test this idea, we analysed calling with respect to temporal and physical space usage in three syntopic, closely related species (Scinax cuspidatus, Scinax aff. hayii and Scinax aff. x-signatus) in a temporary pond in the Atlantic rainforest. The chorus attendance of each species resulted from a different combination of factors in the rainy season. Although there was some temporal overlap of daily activity among species, peak activity time differed, particularly between the two species whose calls were most similar. Although all three species tend to aggregate in open microhabitats, their coexistence is apparently facilitated by differential use of vertical strata and organization of calling sites near the sites of conspecifics. Together, these factors apparently reduce acoustic interference among heterospecific calls.     

The host-plant range of twig-girdling beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Onciderini) of the Atlantic rainforest in southeastern Brazil

In this study, the host-plant range of Onciderini beetles was investigated during 4 years in an Atlantic rainforest of southeastern Brazil. Twelve species of Onciderini beetles girdled thirty-six plant species in the study site. In total, 1046 plants were girdled by Onciderini beetles as follows: 44.6% were Vochysiaceae, 15% were Mymosaceae, 12% were Melastomataceae, 9% were Lauraceae, 4% were Anacardiaceae and 15% were distributed among Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Bombacaceae, Fabaceae, Thymelaeaceae, Cecropiaceae, Myrtaceae, Lecythidaceae, and Myrsinaceae. Onciderini beetles did not select hosts randomly. Most of the associations (70%) with host plants were caused by polyphagous beetles and different plant families showed different ratios of polyphagous, oligophagous and monophagous Onciderini in the study site.     

The social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) of a fragment of Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia,Brazil

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems in Brazil, with only 22% of its original coverage remaining. Despite around 900 species of Polistinae being described worldwide and their being widely distributed in the Neotropical region, they are still poorly known in northeastern Brazil, especially in Atlantic Forest. The aim of this work was a survey of social wasps in three fragments of Atlantic Forest with differences in the level of regeneration and in the physiognomy, performed at Michelin Ecological Reserve (located in Igrapiúna, southern Bahia State, Brazil) and employing three methodologies – attractive solution, Malaise trap and light trap ‘Luiz de Queiroz’ – for 12 months in transects. A total of 1066 specimens, belonging to 29 species from nine genera, were collected in the reserve. Epiponini was the richest tribe (23 species) followed by Mischocyttarini (five species) and Polistini (one species). The Malaise trap was not efficient during the night, having a deficit of 5110 hours; the only nocturnal genus, Apoica, was collected with a light trap – an attractive solution that was more efficient. Once it was left for 12 discontinuous days (72 hours), showing that more than one methodology is desirable for wasp surveys. Latitudinal analysis comparing the study area with other areas grouped the Michelin Ecological Reserve with areas in southeastern Brazil, which may be related to a lack of standardization in collecting methods. This study presented the highest richness in this region.     

Life history of Paraselenis (Spaethiechoma) dichroa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) in natural conditions of Atlantic Forest from Brazil

Cassidinae Gyllenhaal? is the second largest subfamily of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), which presents characteristic morphology, biology and behaviour. The current study describes the life cycle of Paraselenis(Spaetiechoma) dichroa (Germar), ?determining biological and behavioural aspects as well as the action of natural enemies on populations, when the species has maternal care. The study was conducted between February and April 2015 in the National Forest of Passa Quatro, municipality of Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Daily observations were made (morning and afternoon) to evaluate the offspring of females on Ipomoea sp. and Merremia macrocalyx (O’Donell?) (Convolvulaceae), as well as the actions of natural enemies on the young. The eggs are deposited on the midrib and abaxial surface of leaves (n = 25). Egg clusters are pedunculated, arranged in groups and devoid of any cover. On average, each female produced 27.3 ± 5.6 (n = 16) eggs, with a mean incubation period of 12.7 ± 2.9 days (n = 10 females with their young). The larvae remained grouped in the leaves throughout development, except when they fed. They retained faeces and exuviae as a stacked faecal structure on their mobile urogomphi (caudal process) like a faecal shield. The mean number of larvae per female was 12.7 ± 10.1 (n = 19) and the larval period lasted 24.9 ± 4.5 days (n = 12). Pupation occurred on the stem of the plant (n = 16). On average there were 8.1 ± 8.5 individuals for pupae progeny (n = 14). The mean duration of the pupal stage was 10.4 ± 3.3 days (n = 5). Overall, 3% of adults emerged (n = 13 individuals), with a total cycle time of 41.3 ± 8.4 days (n = 6). Adults are sexually dimorphic in the elytral shape. Females remain with the offspring throughout development. The natural enemies of immatures were Emersonella pubipennis Hansson? (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Tachinidae (Diptera) and Stiretrus decastigmus (Herrich-Schaeffer?) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), Conura sp. Spinola? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) and Brachymeria sp. Westwood? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). The information presented here on the natural history of P. dichroa are important as they may serve as a starting point to understand evolutionary questions and multispecies interactions.     

Non-monogamous mating system and evidence of lekking behaviour in the Helmeted Manakin (Aves: Pipridae)

ABSTRACT

Manakins (Pipridae) are a group of Neotropical birds well known for their spectacular lekking displays and non-monogamous mating system. Nevertheless, the two species of Antilophia have been traditionally considered monogamous and, therefore, an exception to this rule. In this paper, we studied the home range and the mating system of a colour-ringed population of the Helmeted Manakin Antilophia galeata in southeastern Brazil. We propose that it is a non-monogamous species that ranges widely during the breeding season, presenting a lekking behaviour in the form of unspectacular but aggressive chasing courtship displays.     

Faunistic analysis of Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) in an area of Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest is considered a hotspot biome, one of the most diverse in the world. Currently, due to deforestation, only 22% of the original cover remains, and only 7.5% well preserved. Despite the global importance of this biome, it still lacks basic studies, e.g. primary inventories. Cerambycidae is one of the most diverse groups of beetles, with high ecological and economic importance. The aim of this work was to survey the longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in three fragments (Pacangê, Vila 5 and Pancada Grande) of Atlantic Forest within Reserva Ecológica da Michelin (southern Bahia State, Brazil). A total of 166 individuals belonging to 53 species were recorded, 15 of them new geographical records for the state, and one for Brazil. The Shannon index (H) shows Pacangê (H = 2.665) as the most diverse fragment, followed by Pancada Grande (H = 2.658) and Vila 5 (H = 2.565). The most abundant species were Nyssodrysina lignaria (38 specimens collected), followed by Compsibidion vanum (31 specimens). One hundred and ten specimens were captured in Malaise traps, while in light traps only 56 specimens were caught; however, the richness and consequently the diversity in light traps was higher. This is one of the few studies carried out in Atlantic Forest surveying longhorn beetles, and provides primary data on these taxa, to help develop conservation policies for this threatened biome.     

Home ranges and aspects of the natural history of the Black-masked Finch Coryphaspiza melanotis (Gray, 1840) (Aves,Thraupidae) in central Cerrado,Brazil

ABSTRACT

In the Cerrado, native grasslands have been dramatically lost, leading to an alarming decline in populations of bird species that require these vegetation physiognomies. Species such as the Black-masked Finch Coryphaspiza melanotis (Gray, 1840) are vulnerable to extinction and remain poorly studied. The objective of this study was to examine home ranges of the Black-masked Finch at the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, central Brazil. Ten males were studied in a patch of shrubby grassland (campo sujo) between February and December 2008. The mean sizes of home ranges were 4.47 ± 1.49 ha (Minimum Convex Polygon) and 3.48 ± 1.44 ha (Kernel 95%), and this varied significantly between seasons. Home ranges were significantly larger in the non-breeding dry season than during other periods, and significantly smaller in the breeding season than during other periods. Core areas (Kernel 50%) had a mean of 0.46 ± 0.26 ha. A large overlap of home ranges was observed. The home ranges of all banded males overlapped those of at least three co-specifics, and most had an area overlap of more than 50%. A nest containing an egg and a nestling was found in November. Small and largely overlapped home ranges can be considered as positive for the conservation of the Black-masked Finch. This is because both small grassland fragments and conservation units can substantially contribute to the conservation of its populations through the Cerrado extension.     

Co-existence of myxomycetes and beetles in an Atlantic Rainforest remnant of Pernambuco,Brazil, with emphasis on staphylinids (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

The relationship between myxomycetes and insects was investigated in a fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest located in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil. Sixteen excursions into the Dois Irmãos State Ecological Reserve (7°55′43′′ to 8°09′17′′ S, 34°52′05′′ to 35°00′59′′ W, 387.4 ha) were carried out during different seasons between August 2005 and August 2007 for observations and collections of myxomycetes and insects on decomposing trunks and leaf litter. A total of 196 specimens of myxomycetes was obtained, representing 31 species, 16 genera and six families. Baeocera sp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) individuals predominated (86%) in the sample, found on the sporocarps of four species of Trichiales (Arcyria cinerea, Arcyria denudata, Hemitrichia calyculata, Hemitrichia serpula) and two species of Liceales (Lycogala epidendrum, Tubulifera microsperma). No preference was observed for type of sporocarp. No seasonal influence was found for the establishment of these associations, recorded for the first time in this forest environment.     

Improved local inventory and regional contextualization for anuran (Amphibia) diversity assessment at an endangered habitat in southeastern Brazil

Amphibians are suffering population declines around the world and the main causes are related to human activities, especially those involving direct habitat destruction. On the other hand, we are far behind in our knowledge of species distribution, natural history and even taxonomy. Some areas are under high levels of threat due to their economic relevance, as is the case for the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, a biodiverse area that is rich in iron deposits in the southernmost highlands of the Espinhaço Mountain Range, in southeastern Brazil. Using four lakes in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero as an example, we aimed to employ two approaches that we believe can improve short-term species inventories such as those needed to meet legal requirements for potentially impacting enterprises (e.g. mining). These approaches were (1) combination of tadpole and adult frog inventories and (2) regional contextualization of local species assemblages. We found adult frog and tadpole sampling to be complementary and representative of all anuran life stages. We also found the studied habitats to be considerably different from all other sampled habitats in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (which also differed substantially among them). This high spatial heterogeneity could not be explained by geographic distance, even accounting for the effects of different types of bodies of water and sampling methods among sites. These findings have important conservation implications. Thorough inventories including both adult and tadpole stages are recommended for any new potentially destructive enterprise to be implemented in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, because endemic species and unique anuran assemblages are likely to be lost.     

Ecology and field biology of two dominant Camponotus ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Brazilian savannah

Camponotus renggeri and C. rufipes are very abundant in Brazilian cerrado savannah, where they feed extensively on liquid rewards and commonly associate with plants bearing extrafloral nectaries and honeydew-producing insects. Here, we provide a qualitative and quantitative field account on the natural history and ecology of these two ant species. The study was carried out in a cerrado reserve in south-eastern Brazil across a rainy/hot season (summer) and a dry/cold season (winter). The ants were found in two vegetation physiognomies: all nests of C. rufipes were located in the cerrado sensu stricto (scrub of shrubs and trees, 3–8 m tall), whereas C. renggeri occurred mostly in the cerradão (forest with more or less merging canopy, 10–12 m tall). Both species nested in fallen or erect dead trunks, as well as underground. In addition, C. rufipes built nests using dead plant material arranged or not around shrub bases. Colonies of C. rufipes were generally more populous than those of C. renggeri, and both species had colonies with more than one dealated queen. Both species were active mainly at night and foraged for resources near their nests, mainly extrafloral nectar and hemipteran honeydew (aphids and mealybugs). The average size of the home ranges of C. renggeri in cerrado sensu stricto and cerradão varied from ≈ 2.8 to 4.0 m² and apparently were not affected by season. In C. rufipes, however, foraging grounds in cerrado sensu stricto showed a twofold increase from dry/cold (≈ 4.5 m²) to rainy/hot season (≈ 9.8 m²). Our study highlights the importance of natural history data to understand the foraging ecology and role of these ants in cerrado savannah.     

A study of triphorid larvae and post-larvae at the Campos Basin deep-sea floor,southeastern Brazil (Gastropoda: Triphoroidea)

Triphoridae is a family of marine microgastropods, with hundreds of species described especially from shallow waters, comprising planktotrophic and non-planktotrophic development modes. The present study focusses on an interesting finding of the deep-sea Oceanprof Expedition, conducted in Campos Basin (southeastern Brazil), in which triphorid larvae and a few post-larvae were profusely sampled at the slope, leading us to three main questions: (1) What species of Triphoridae do these larvae belong to? (2) Why were so many triphorid larvae found at the site? and (3) What does the presence of post-larvae mean? We show that all the larvae belong to genera or species present in the Campos Basin continental shelf. Some speculations are made about the great abundance of larvae in the slope, especially to vertical migrations of larvae, and about mesh size, in addition to possible differences of larval ecology between triphorids and the closely related Cerithiopsidae. Two possible explanations are indicated for the presence of post-larvae: mass effect (formation of pseudopopulations) or mid-water metamorphosis (spontaneous metamorphosis at the water column), with the latter being the more likely scenario. Despite being essentially theoretical, the present study aims to develop new insights into the larval ecology of these small gastropods, and to furnish a base for future tests.     

Helminths of some tree frogs of the families Hylidae and Phyllomedusidae in an Atlantic rainforest fragment,Brazil

Despite the fact that Brazil is the most-studied country regarding helminths of amphibians, only around 8% of Brazilian anurans have had at least one study made of their helminth fauna. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the helminth community of nine species of Atlantic Rainforest anurans of two different families, eight of them with no previous study, and six of which are endemic to Brazil. The analysed hosts for their parasites were: Dendropsophus minutus (n = 48), Scinax auratus (n = 36), D. branneri (n = 33), D. elegans (n = 26), Hypsiboas albomarginatus (n = 22), Pithecopus nordestinus (n = 19), D. decipiens (n = 12), D. haddadi (n = 11) and S. x-signatus (n = 11). A total of 781 helminths were collected from 106 (48.6%) of 218 analysed hosts, 656 Centrorhyncus sp. cystacanths and 125 nematodes: 76 adults (25 Cosmocerca sp.; three Cosmocerceidae gen. sp.; 20 Cosmocerca parva, 20 Cosmocercella phyllomedusae, five Aplectana sp., two Oswaldocruzia sp. and one Rhabdias sp.), 43 encysted larvae (nine Porrocaecum sp. and 34 Brevimulticaecum sp.) and six Physaloptera sp. larvae. Anurans may display many roles within the helminth life cycles, as they act as both predator and prey to a wide variety of animals. Consequently, we have found helminths that use anurans as definitive, intermediate and paratenic hosts. Opposing other surveys in which nematodes are the most prevalent and abundant parasites, acanthocephalans were the most prevalent taxa. These findings highlight the lack of knowledge regarding the helminth fauna of anurans and reveal many gaps with respect to their infection patterns in amphibians.     

Relative growth and sexual dimorphism of the South Atlantic hermit crab Loxopagurus loxochelis (Anomura,Diogenidae) from Ubatuba,Brazil

Some morphometric relationships and biometric aspects were studied in the hermit crab Loxopagurus loxochelis (Moreira, 1901) with the purpose of describing its relative growth and finding the size where sexual maturity is reached. Specimens were collected monthly from September 1995 to August 1997 in the Ubatuba region using double-rig trawl nets. A total of 1084 specimens (625 males and 459 females) was analysed. In this species, sexual dimorphism is particularly evident in chela dimensions. Differences between males and females were found in the left propodus length versus cephalothoracic shield length (CSL) and wet weight (WW) versus CSL relationships. Males showed a high positive allometry in chela growth, while females were close to isometry/negative allometry. The size at which a clear differentiation occurred in the growth of the propodus length and in the increase in weight of males and females was between 4.5 and 6.0mm CSL, suggesting that size at which sexual maturity is reached.     

Natural history of Phyllomedusa megacephala (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926) (Anura: Hylidae) in southeastern Brazil,with descriptions of its breeding biology and male territorial behaviour

The breeding biology and male territorial behaviour of the large-headed leaf-frog (Phyllomedusa megacephala) were studied in three temporary altitudinal streams located in the Cerrado biome of southeastern Brazil, during three consecutive years (2007–2009). Phyllomedusa megacephala showed significant sexual dimorphism, with females being bigger and heavier than males. Acoustic and physical interactions between males defending or not defending territories including amplectant and non-amplectant males, patrolling behaviour by males without established territories, and triple amplexus were observed. Neither males nor females were observed using visual cues when searching for mates. We found that males that were present at breeding sites in previous years bred more successfully and maintained territory better.     

Population dynamics,seasonality and sex ratio of twig-girdling beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Onciderini) of an Atlantic rain forest in south-eastern Brazil

In this study, the population dynamics and sex ratios of 12 species of beetles of the tribe Onciderini (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) were investigated from 2002 to 2006 in an Atlantic rain forest of south-eastern Brazil located at the Biological Reserve of the Serra do Japi. The period of activity of adult beetles ranged from October to May, with slight differences among the species. From June to September, adults were not found and we considered them absent. Our findings showed that adults of these beetles were strongly seasonal, and abundances were correlated with climatic factors that occurred up to two months in advance. Sex ratios were skewed to females in most of the species. The factors determining the population dynamic and sex ratios of these insects are discussed.