Environmental humidity and leaf-litter depth affecting ecological parameters of a leaf-litter frog community in an Atlantic Rainforest area

We studied a leaf-litter frog community from an Atlantic Rainforest area in the state of Espírito Santo, south-eastern Brazil. Frogs were sampled using 4 × 4-m plots. We recorded 348 individuals from 13 species. The estimated overall density of leaf-litter frogs in the study area was 6.6 frogs/100 m² with an estimated overall frog biomass of 0.04 g/ha. Brachycephalus didactylus was the species with the highest estimated density and highest abundance. Five of the litter frog species recorded are considered endemic to the Atlantic Forest and two species are endemic to the state of Espírito Santo, including Euparkerella robusta, which is considered threatened as the result of habitat loss. The overall abundance of leaf litter was positively related to relative humidity and depth of the leaf litter. The relationship between frog body mass and frog abundance was significant, suggesting that a general biological trend in this relationship occurs in our study area.     

Estimating population features of the anomuran crab Petrolisthes armatus (Porcellanidae) in a remaining and impacted mangrove area of the western Atlantic

This study evaluated biological aspects of Petrolisthes armatus inhabiting a remaining but disturbed mangrove area of Brazil. Samples were taken from March 2005 to July 2006, during low tide in the rocky-shore region. The size frequency distribution for all the individuals collected was bimodal. The sex ratio obtained was not different from 1:1, and the population was classified as standard. A higher reproductive ratio and earlier ovigerous conditions were found in relation to another southern population; these can be hypothesized as adaptations to life in a stressed environment. Even though the population living in Araçá has been subject to an environment frequently disturbed by human-produced pollutants, our results show no sign of negative effects on reproductive stages, recruits or members of the population in general. The population profiles of P. armatus show some peculiarities when compared to other populations inhabiting non disturbed environments.     

Population structure and breeding season of the hermit crab Diogenes brevirostris Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda,Anomura, Diogenidae) from southern Mozambique

In this study the population dynamics of the diogenid hermit crab Diogenes brevirostris is evaluated focusing on size structure, sex ratio and breeding season. Crabs were randomly taken on a monthly basis from January to December 2003 at Costa do Sol, Maputo Bay, southern Mozambique. A total of 622 crabs was obtained of which 290 were males (46.6%), 170 were non‐ovigerous females (27.3%) and 162 were ovigerous females (26.1%). The overall size frequency distribution was unimodal for males, non‐ovigerous females and ovigerous females. The overall sex ratio (1:1.15) differed from the expected 1:1 ratio. Sexual dimorphism was evidenced by the larger size attained by males in relation to both ovigerous and non‐ovigerous females. Breeding took place year‐round with three peaks of spawning (March, August and December). Despite the high reproductive activity, young recruits were scarce in the population. The present results suggest that the study area is suitable for reproduction and growth whereas recruitment may take place in different areas from that occupied by the adults.     

Polychaetes (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Aegean and Levantine coasts of Turkey,with descriptions of two new species

In this paper, soft-bottom polychaete species collected in August and September 2011 in the Aegean and Levantine Seas (4–325 m) are presented. A total of 358 species belonging to 48 families were found. Two species, Leonnates aylaoberi sp. nov. and Levinsenia materi sp. nov., are new to science and 14 species are new records for the marine fauna of Turkey. Syllidae and Spionidae were represented by a high number of species. The highest polychaete density was estimated as 5660 ind.m^?2 in the area. The most dominant species in the area were Lumbrineris geldiayi, Owenia fusiformis and Sigambra tentaculata. A total of 21 alien polychaete species were encountered in the area, of which Streblospio gynobranchiata formed a dense population in the Aegean Sea (Izmir Bay), and Prionospio depauperata and Prionospio saccifera in the Levantine Sea. Four hot spot areas for the settlement of alien species were determined in the area.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4ECEC9B2-1604-4768-B152-BBEAE257249F     

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.     

Population structure and reproductive biology of the fiddler crab Uca urvillei (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) in Maputo Bay (south Mozambique)

Although fiddler crabs are among the main faunal components in mangrove habitats, few studies have described the population structure and reproduction of tropical species. Such information is important for understanding their life cycle and ecology. In this study, the population structure and reproduction of Uca urvillei were studied at Costa do Sol, a tropical mangrove forest in Maputo Bay, southern Mozambique. Ten 1.0‐m² squares were sampled during low tide periods, between January and December 2003. The population is characterized by normal size distributions, which are slightly skewed to the left. Males on average are larger than females. Males were more abundant than females and the monthly sex ratios were male‐biased. Juveniles were found year‐round but were less common in June and December. Both gonadosomatic index and frequency of ovigerous females showed that Uca urvillei breeds continuously with peaks in summer and a strong decrease in winter. Egg number was proportional to female size.     

Foraging patterns and artificial fragrance choices of male orchid bees in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

ABSTRACT

With the aim of increasing our knowledge concerning fragrance choices by male euglossine bees (Apidae, Euglossini), we investigated: (i) possible foraging patterns and choices of artificial fragrances explored by the most frequent species attracted to scent baits during the same season across consecutive years, sampled invariably in a same study area; (ii) the foraging patterns of populations of orchid bees surveyed in two similar forest habitats (Atlantic rainforest remnants) located 24 km apart, on Superagui Island (SI) and on a private reserve (RNSM), in southern Brazil. Although in both areas males attracted to scent baits were collected with insect nets and odour traps during the warm-wet season, the number of samplings were different in both study sites, totalling 15 samplings on RNSM and five on RNSM. In both areas four euglossine species were the most abundant: Euglossa annectans, E. stellfeldi, E. iopoecila and E. roderici. Overall, we can draw three main conclusions. Firstly, there were conspicuous patterns in regard to the set of fragrances visited by the four most abundant euglossine species over the three consecutive years of surveys on SI, with some shifts in fragrance choices found only for E. annectans and E. stellfeldi. Second, the most attractive fragrances used distinctively by each species were very similar in both study areas, indicating a local intraspecific similarity in the use of some main fragrances. Third, E. annectans showed a clear tendency to occupy a broader niche, which probably resulted in the highest percentages of niche overlap.     

Population structure of Tachypleus tridentatus (Chelicerata: Merostomata) at a nursery beach in Puerto Princesa City,Palawan, Philippines

This study aimed to determine the population structure of juvenile Tachypleus tridentatus, one of two species of horseshoe crabs found in Palawan, at Aventura Beach, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Surveys to assess the population in terms of size, density, size‐frequency, age structure, sex ratio and distribution were conducted from June to October 2002. The habitat was mapped and physical/chemical parameters taken to further describe it. The position of population members was plotted on the map. Individuals were measured, marked, sexed and released. Prosoma width was measured for living individuals and exuviae. Postembryonic stages were identified based on histograms with different interval size. The normal distribution of the animals per instar stage was tested with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. After the 5‐month survey a total of 125 juveniles was recorded and 40% of them were recaptured. Population size was estimated to be 150 individuals. Seven postembryonic stages were identified based on their prosoma width. Male: female ratio was 1:1.8 and the age of the first five postembryonic stages ranged from 5.4 months to 17.6 months. The population density was 1.47 individuals per?100?m². The majority of the animals of all postembryonic stages were found between 0 and 50?m from the mean high tide level. Further studies on the population structure of T. tridentatus with regards to the adult population are seen as a necessity.     

A new species of Passalus (Passalus) from Atlantic Rainforest,with a key and checklist for the Brazilian Petrejus group (Coleoptera,Passalidae)

ABSTRACT

A new species of Passalus is described from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. A synthesis of the current state of knowledge concerning the Brazilian species of the Petrejus group is presented with a new key to the described Passalus lockerum sp. nov., which is characterized by the frontal area finely and sparsely punctate, interstices shiny; anteriorly with distinct rounded, coarse and shallow punctures, contiguous or not. Also, the secondary median frontal tubercles are close, vestigial to small and subcontiguous at base. Unique characteristic specific to the aedeagus are also important. The species is restricted to a protected conservation area of the Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A0A6251E-DFD0-4BB7-90EE-D7FA29AE8243     

Ecological notes of the alien species Godiva quadricolor (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) occurring in Faro Lake (Italy)

The first record from Sicily of the introduced facelinid nudibranch Godiva quadricolor allowed the detection of trophic relationships with the polycerid Polycera hedgpethi, another non-native nudibranch, and with two bryozoan species, namely the naturalized Cheilostomatida Bugula neritina and the cryptogenic Ctenostomatida Amathia verticillata. The settlement of both nudibranchs was presumably promoted by a trophic shift of P. hedgpethi from the natural prey B. neritina towards the largely available and not exploited A. verticillata. This short food web, without evident links with native fauna and having G. quadricolor as the top predator, is described. A DNA barcoding approach was used to confirm the identity of this facelinid species and to explore the possible genetic divergence occurring among the samples analysed.     

Population structure and breeding biology of the hairy crab Pilumnus vespertilio (Fabricius, 1793) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pilumnidae) in southern Mozambique

The population structure and reproduction of Pilumnus vespertilio were studied for the first time in Mozambique. Random samples of crabs were taken monthly from January to December 2002 from a pebble area of Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique. A clear sexual dimorphism was observed in the present population with males reaching greater sizes than females. Sex ratio was female‐biased, and the monthly size–frequency distributions were often bimodal. The annual reproductive cycle of Pilumnus vespertilio was continuous with peaks of breeding in summer. Results suggest that embryonic development may be synchronized within the population as a result of the very high reproductive activity observed in summer. Juveniles are recruited mostly in winter in the study area.     

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.     

First record of the genus Limnoporeia Fearn-Wannan, 1968 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Phoxocephalidae) from the Atlantic Ocean,with description of a new species

ABSTRACT

A new species of Limnoporeia is described. The material examined was collected on the scope of the Mini Biological Trawl Project, off southeastern Brazil’s coast on the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, ranging from 34 to 72 metres depth. Limnoporeia infirmichelata sp. nov. is diagnosed by: head with short rostrum; gnathopods weakly chelate; gnathopod 1, propodus wider than long; gnathopod 2, basis posterodistal corner with a long plumose seta; telson with 1 stout seta on each lobe. This is the first record of the genus for the Atlantic Ocean. An identification key is provided for all world species of Limnoporeia.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:CB9A8E15-196F-4CCC-8EE4-235246760111     

Arctic species of the cheilostome bryozoan Microporella,with a redescription of the type species

This investigation focuses on the diversity and taxonomy of species of Microporella found north of the Arctic Circle. Firstly, however, a neotype is chosen for the Mediterranean type species M. ciliata (Pallas) in order to stabilize the taxonomy of this “pseudocosmopolitan” species, which has been recorded in the past from the Arctic. Study of type and other material using scanning electron microscopy shows that only two Arctic species of Microporella can be recognized, M. arctica Norman and M. klugei sp. nov. The first of these is characterized by a large ascopore divided by thin radial septa and situated close to the proximal rim of the orifice. Microporella klugei sp. nov. differs in having a smaller, undivided ascopore situated in a more proximal position on the frontal shield. Both Arctic species are notable among Microporella species for having a high proportion of autozooids without associated avicularia.     

Two new species of Phylactella (Bryozoa Cheilostomatida) from the Mediterranean area belonging to the P. labrosa (Busk) complex of species

Examination of fossil and Recent specimens from the Sicilian area belonging to the Phylactella labrosa ‘complex’ revealed two new species: P. mediterranea sp. nov., a Pleistocene-to-Recent taxon and P. megarensis sp. nov., from Pleistocene sediments from eastern Sicily. Ecological, geographical and stratigraphical distribution of both new species are discussed also in comparison with P. labrosa.     

A new species of the genus Coraciacarus (Gabuciniidae,Pterolichoidea) from the huia Heteralocha acutirostris (Callaeatidae,Passeriformes), an extinct bird species from New Zealand

We describe one new feather mite species Coraciacarus muellermotzfeldi sp. nov. (Acari, Astigmata) found as dried corpses on the feathers of the museum skin of the huia Heteralocha acutirostris (Gould, 1837 Gould, J. 1837. A synopsis of the birds of Australia, and the adjacent islands, Vol. I, London: Gould. 11 p1.  [Google Scholar]) (Passeriformes, Callaeatidae). This endemic New Zealand passerine bird is believed to have been extinct since the beginning of the twentieth century. Comments on the systematic position of the new species within the genus Coraciacarus are presented. A key to all known species and subspecies of the genus is provided. The unusually wide host range of Coraciacarus is discussed. The presence of a representative of this genus on a passerine bird is an enigmatic phenomenon. It might be the result of horizontal transfer from cuckoos (Cuculiformes) rather than ancient co‐phylogenesis but this hypothesis is only weakly supported by currently available data.     

Review of the Fridericia species (Oligochaeta: Enchytraeidae) possessing two spermathecal diverticula and description of a new species

A new Fridericia species (Fridericia lacii sp. nov.) is described. Including this new species the number of valid Fridericia species with two diverticula per spermatheca is 50. The present study provides an opportunity for the comparison and separation of Fridericia species on the basis of spermatheca and diverticulum characteristics. Nine tables summarize the two larger groups and five subgroups of species possessing bidiverticulate spermathecae. The new species is distinguished from all known valid congeners in this assemblage by the following combination of traits: (1) 4–7 mm long, 200–290 µm wide (in vivo) with 30–36 segments; (2) maximum four chaetae per bundle; (3) all pairs of pharyngeal glands with ventral lobes, the third is the largest with posterior projections; (4) only three pairs of preclitellar nephridia; (5) oesophageal appendages type a; (6) mucocytes type a, lenticytes small; (7) chylus cells in preclitellar segments; (8) clitellum girdle‐shaped, glands in transverse rows, between the bursal slits only granulocytes; bursal slit is longitudinal; (9) seminal vesicle small or absent; (10) sperm funnel one‐half as long as the body diameter, collar narrower than the funnel body; (11) subneural glands absent; (12) the ampulla of the spermatheca with two sessile (or with short stalks), spherical, thin‐walled diverticula, communication with the oesophagus separate, ectal duct about as long as body diameter, one floppy ectal gland at the orifice.     

A new and an unrecorded species of the family Psychidae (Lepidoptera) from Korea,with an annotated catalogue

In this study, a total of nine species of the family Psychidae were recognised from Korea. Among them, Psyche yeongwolensis sp. nov. is described as new to science. Also, a species, Proutia maculatella Saigusa et Sugimoto, is reported for the first time from Korea. All available material were dissected and illustrated. Also, an annotated catalogue of the family Psychidae from Korea is provided.