Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi - Ciências Naturais
The Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi is one of the oldest scientific journals in Brazil. Created by Emilio Goeldi under the original name of Boletim do Museu Paraense de História Natural e Ethnographia, its first issue dates from 1894. Nowadays it is published three times a year in two editions: Natural Sciences (Ciências Naturais) and Human Sciences (Ciências Humanas). The Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Ciências Naturais (ISSN 2317-6237) has as main mission to publish original works in the areas of biology (zoology, botany, biogeography, ecology, taxonomy, anatomy, biodiversity, vegetation, nature conservation) and geology. This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution.
Publication means fully assigning and transferring all copyrights of the manuscript to the journal. The Liability Statement and Assignment of Copyrights will be enclosed with the notice of acceptance. All the authors must sign the document and return it to the journal.
Copyright (c) 2026 Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi - Ciências Naturais http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
New species of Perissocytheridea (Crustacea, Ostracoda, Cytheridae) from the intertidal zone of a coastal island in Eastern Amazonia
This study investigated the ostracods in the intertidal zone on Algodoal Island, on the northeast of Pará state, Brazil. These environments are poorly studied, especially regarding the taxonomy of these small crustaceans. Samples were collected in three beaches (Caixa D’Água, Princesinha, and Princesa) during low tide, in different seasons of the year (dry and rainy). In addition to sampling ostracods, the pH, salinity, and water temperature were measured. The results indicated low ostracods diversity, with the genus Perissocytheridea predominating, and a new species described. Salinity was the environmental parameter that varied most between periods (0 to 30 ppm), with Perissocytheridea materterrae sp. nov. recorded between 0 and 20 ppm. This result reinforces the genus’s preference for brackish environments and its potential use as an ecological bioindicator. The ostracod records were restricted to Caixa D’Água Beach, which, due to its smooth topography and lower hydrodynamic energy, provided a suitable refuge for these organisms.
Educational collection of marine invertebrates as a resource for understanding biodiversity and teaching marine sciences on the Amazon
Didactic collections are fundamental links between theoretical knowledge and scientific practice, being important tools in formal education and environmental education, sensitizing society to the conservation of ecosystems and the safeguarding of biodiversity. The objective of this study was to characterize the Marine Invertebrate Collection of the Federal University of Pará (CZIM-UFPA), detailing its structure and taxonomic diversity, and its use as a didactic tool in elementary, secondary and higher education. The collection consists of 256 listings, which house 1,562 individuals. Eight phyla, 61 families, 74 genera and 67 species of marine invertebrates are recorded. The phylum Mollusca is the most representative (54% of the individuals and 36 species), followed by the subphylum Crustacea (33.6% of the specimens and 23 species). The collection stands out for its representativeness of species typical of coastal environments, including sandy beaches, mangroves and rocky outcrops. The remarkable taxonomic diversity of the collection expands its use as a valuable source of data for research on regional marine biodiversity. With more than two decades of existence, CZIM has consolidated itself as an important didactic resource, offering support to the teaching of zoology and contributing to university extension projects and actions to popularize marine sciences in the Amazon.
Copyright (c) 2025 Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi - Ciências Naturais http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
New occurrence of sirenians in the Pirabas Formation (Miocene), Pará, Brazil
This note reports a new occurrence of sirenian fossils in the Pirabas Formation, at the Praia de Fortalezinha site, in the Maracanã municipality, Pará, Brazil. The aim of this preliminary study is to corroborate the palaeobiogeography knowledge of sirenians from the Miocene of Eastern Amazon. Unlike most previous records, which consists mainly of vertebrae and ribs, the material collected from a sedimentary block chacterised as packstone/grainstone contains ribs and cranial parts, including a fragmented rostrum (premaxilla with incisor tooth remains), key elements for an accurate taxonomic identification. This finding broadens the fossil record of Sirenia within the Pirabas Formation. The cranial elements will enable a more detailed taxonomic identification and provide relevant data on the distribution and evolution of sirenians in South America during the Neogene.
New localities of Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Linnaeus, 1758), Giant Anteater (Myrmecophagidae), in the southern region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Linnaeus, 1758), species commonly known as the giant anteater, has had its geographic distribution reduced due to several factors (natural and anthropogenic environmental changes, low reproductive rate, resource depletion, conflicts and hunting). The species is currently classified as ‘Vulnerable’ at local, national and global levels. This study reports two new records of M. tridactyla in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the municipalities of Lavras and Santo Antônio do Amparo, with a six-month interval between sightings. These records, obtained through direct observation and camera traps, identify new occurrence locations for the species and reinforce the need for further studies and targeted conservation initiatives.
Reports on the ecology and behavior of Ardeidae (herons and egrets) andThreskiornithidae (Scarlet Ibis) species of a reproductive colony in atropical estuary, São Paulo, Brazil
Birds from the families Ardeidae and Threskiornithidae commonly group together into intraspecific and heterospecific aggregations. In Brazil, most studies have focused on ecological and behavioral aspects related to foraging with comparatively few investigations addressing reproductive activities. This study describes a reproductive colony of these two families located in Parque Estadual Ilha do Cardoso on the southern coast of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. We focused on spatial use and behavioral interactions during the breeding season, and recorded six species nesting at the site. Clear differences among species were observed over three breeding seasons, including variations in reproductive period length and colony occupation patterns. Additionally, we recorded behavioral interactions such as agonistic behaviors and biparental care in the Scarlet Ibis. Notable differences in nestling and chick behavior were observed, particularly regarding nest agitation and their ability to move through vegetation. Importantly, the initial dynamic of colony occupation was marked by the arrival of a large number of Scarlet Ibis individuals. These findings underscore the importance of long-term studies to better understand the ecological relationships underlying the breeding dynamics of colonial waterbirds.
Benthic biodiversity of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin: a systematic review with recommendations for conservation priorities and research
The Brazilian Equatorial Continental Margin, encompassing Maranhão, Pará, and Amapá, hosts ecologically and economically significant marine ecosystems that remain poorly investigated. In recent years, the region has gained international attention due to proposed hydrocarbon exploration and the discovery of extensive reef systems near the Amazon River mouth, raising concerns about potential impacts on sensitive coastal and shelf environments. Here, we present the first systematic review of benthic biodiversity across the continental shelf and slope of this margin. Following PRISMA guidelines, literature searches in major scientific databases and complementary manual screening retrieved over 4,000 records, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. These studies documented 15 phyla, 407 genera, and 498 benthic species, with Nematoda, Cnidaria, Arthropoda, and Mollusca comprising the most diverse groups. Research effort shows a strong taxonomic bias toward megabenthos and megafauna (11 studies), whereas meiofauna and microbenthos remain largely understudied. Nearly half of the selected publications appeared within the last four years, reflecting growing scientific and industrial interest. However, deep-sea habitats (> 2,000 m) and long-term monitoring initiatives are still scarce. Comparison with other Brazilian margins and tropical regions underscores substantial knowledge gaps and the need for coordinated research and conservation strategies in this Atlantic frontier.
Benthic meiofauna response to mangrove oyster farming (Crassostrea gasar) in an Amazonian estuary
Mariculture is expanding rapidly in northern Brazil, where oyster farming is a key economic activity. However, little is known about its effects on estuarine communities. This study assessed the influence of oyster farming (Crassostrea gasar) on the structure of the meiofauna community in the Curuçá Estuary (Pará, Amazon region). Sampling was conducted at two sites: an area beneath the oyster farming tables and a control area located 100 m away. Both areas had fine, well-sorted sediments, with higher organic matter content in the farming area. Twelve meiofauna groups were recorded, dominated by Nematoda and Oligochaeta. Density was lower in the cultivation area, while species richness did not differ between the sites. Gastropoda and Bivalvia were found beneath the cultivation tables, indicating enrichment. Multivariate analyses revealed differences in community structure associated with grain size and organic matter content. Overall, oyster cultivation induced moderate and limited changes, without exceeding ecological limits. The selective responses of meiofauna taxa highlight their potential as early indicators of aquaculture impacts in tropical estuaries and underscore the need for continuous environmental monitoring.
Echinodermata Collection from the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi: new research on the Amazonian biodiversity heritage
Natural history museums play a vital role in biodiversity research and conservation by preserving the natural heritage and documenting historical and current biodiversity. The Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG) is the oldest scientific institution in the Amazon, and one of its main focuses is the maintenance of scientific collections with a strong regional character. This study introduces the first data on echinoderms from the MPEG scientific collection, including valuable information for the northern region of Brazil. In preparing the checklist, a thorough inventory of all echinoderms specimens in the collection was conducted. The taxonomy was reviewed, and specimens were identified at the lowest possible taxonomic level. The survey recorded 281 specimens belonging to five classes, 13 orders, 20 families, 24 genera, and 32 species, with 15 new records for the Amazon. Specimens were recorded from a variety of habitats, ranging from the intertidal zone of sandy beaches to the Great Amazon Reef System. The taxonomic list (including images for each identified species) and ecological information provided on echinoderms are an important base for future research in the Atlantic Amazon, representing the first catalogue in this biome, which is a strategic area for conservation of global marine biodiversity.
A new species of freshwater crab, genus Kingsleya Ortmann, 1897 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae), from the remote southern Guyana
Only one species of the genus Kingsleya Ortmann, 1897, was known from Guyana. An expedition of the Rapid Biological Assessment Program conducted in the Konashen Community Owned Conservation Area in the upper Essequibo River basin in the southern tip of the country, resulted in the discovery of an undescribed species of this genus, which is described, illustrated and phylogenetic contextualized herein. The new species, supported by morphological and molecular evidences, belongs to Kingsleya mainly due to distinctive features of the first male gonopod (G1). The new species is molecularly compared with sequences of some congeners and, based on a single marker and reduced set of samples, is positioned close to K. attenboroughi. When compared with its closest congeners, the new species can be distinguished by a suite of characters of the G1, especially the narrow proximal portion of the apical plate’s mesial margin, the apical plate’s mesial lamella much shorter than the lateral lamella and strongly recurved apically at about 90º in lateral view, and the transverse positioning of the short field of apical spines. A comparative analysis of the new species with congeners is made and zoogeographic aspects concerning the Kingsleya species from northern South America are briefly discussed.
New record of Lepidodactylus lugubris (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Amazonas, Brazil, and notes on its feeding biology in urbanized environment
We report the first documented record of the mourning gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris, from the state of Amazonas, Brazil, expanding its known distribution within the Brazilian Amazon. Additionally, we provide observations on the feeding behavior of this species in urban environments of Belém, Pará. Individuals were frequently observed feeding on the nectar of various plant species, as well as on sugary artificial foods. These observations confirm the species’ dietary plasticity and its ability to exploit anthropogenic food sources, which may facilitate its establishment and persistence in urbanized areas.
Zooplankton diversity in freshwater environments of Parintins, Amazonas, Brazil
This study presents a taxonomic survey of the zooplankton community in Parintins, located on the right bank of the Amazon River, Amazonas State, Brazil. Sampling was carried out at ten sites encompassing lentic and lotic environments during the rainy (June–July 2022) and dry (October–November 2022) seasons. Zooplankton samples were collected through horizontal subsurface tows using a 64 μm plankton net and analyzed under light microscopy. A total of 118 taxa were identified, belonging to eight main groups: rotifera, protozoa, chromista, branchiopoda, copepoda, diptera, gastrotricha, and nematoda. Taxonomic richness was higher in lentic environments (99 taxa) and during the dry season (93 taxa). Rotifera and protozoa were the most representative groups, followed by chromista and branchiopoda. Seventy-nine taxa represent first records for the lower Amazonas region, highlighting the importance of taxonomic inventories in underexplored Amazonian areas and contributing to biodiversity knowledge and environmental monitoring in the context of urbanization and hydrological variability.
From roots to burrows: how Spartina alterniflora (Poaceae) structure modulates brachyuran diversity in Amazonian saltmarshes
Saltmarshes dominated by Spartina alterniflora are highly productive coastal ecosystems that play key roles in sediment stabilization, organic matter accumulation, and the maintenance of benthic communities. While the ecological influence of S. alterniflora on macrofauna is well documented in temperate and subtropical regions, however, few studies about these interactions in the Amazon coast are reported. Based on that, this study evaluated the effects of S. alterniflora vegetation structure on the abundance, richness, and composition of Brachyuran crabs in saltmarshes at Maçarico Beach, Salinópolis, Pará, Northern Brazil. Fieldwork was conducted in June 2019 comparing two transects with contrasting vegetation zones. Vegetation attributes (above- and belowground biomass, height, organic matter content) and crab assemblage metrics (abundance, species richness, burrow density) were analyzed using ANOVA, PERMANOVA, and multivariate ordinations. Structurally complex areas with taller stems, higher root biomass, and greater organic matter content supported significantly higher crab abundance, richness, and burrow density. Community composition also varied between zones, with Uca maracoani and Minuca sp. dominating vegetated areas, while Callinectes bocourti was associated with less vegetated zones. These findings indicate that crab distribution in Amazonian saltmarshes is strongly associated with vegetation complexity, underscoring the ecological relevance of conserving S. alterniflora habitats under increasing coastal pressures.
An efficient low-cost method for sampling floral visitors on down-facing flowers
Angiosperm flowers have morphological attributes that influence their interaction with pollinators, one of which is floral orientation. Pendent (down-facing) flowers are considered a protective mechanism against the loss of floral resources, such as pollen, nectar, and resin. This study proposes a new method for collecting floral visitors in Clusia grandiflora (Clusiaceae), a resinous species with downward-facing flowers. The Entomological Rod method consists of using a light stem (such as a buriti petiole or bamboo) pierced in the middle with a 50 ml Falcon tube attached, allowing direct capture of insects in the flowers without the need for pruning or sudden movements. Tested in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Maranhão, Brazil), the low-cost method demonstrated ease of application in difficult-to-access down-facing flowers.
Occurrence of Catharus fuscescens, veery (Passeriformes: Turdidae), in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, addendum on its wintering area in ecotono Brazil
The veery, Catharus fuscescens, is a migratory bird and a northern visitor that includes Brazil in its route. Although the south of the state of Minas Gerais is ornithologically well studied, the species had not previously been recorded in the region. This record was obtained during mammals studies using camera traps in the municipality of Lavras, MG, represents the first documented occurrence of Catharus fuscescens in the ornithological literature for this area and highlights its implications for understanding the species’ wintering area in Brazil.
Copyright (c) 2025 Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi - Ciências Naturais
Documentation of feeding associations of the Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinica (Aves: Rallidae), and the Wattled Jacana, Jacana jacana (Aves: Jacanidae), with the capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Mammalia: Hydrochaeridae), facilitated by its bea
The capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, is known to form feeding associations with different bird species. One such association involves a beating behavior, in which the animal moves through the environment while birds follow it to capture insects that are disturbed. We documented this behavior in a wetland area of Southeast Brazil, involving the already known association between the capybara and the Wattled Jacana, Jacana jacana, and a previously unknown association between the capybara and the Purple Gallinule, Porphirio martinica. The latter also fed on capybara ticks, another novel association. Expanding knowledge and documenting ecological relationships between mammals and birds contributes to both the natural history of these organisms and ecological and public health issues, as ticks are vectors of spotted fever in Southeast Brazil.
First record of the Normandia Caecilian Caecilia crassisquama Taylor, 1968 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) from Peru
We report the first record of Caecilia crassisquama Taylor, 1986 (Caeciliidae) in the Central Cordillera of the Andes, Peru. A single individual was found at the Tabaconas Namballe National Sanctuary, Cajamarca department, Northern Peru. The specimen was collected in a montane forest at an altitude of approximately 1,990 m. It was identified mainly by the count of primary grooves, the absence of secondary grooves, and other morphological characters. This represents the southernmost record for the species at 345.5 km from the type locality in Ecuador. We also present the coloration in life of the species. Our record increases the number of Caecilia species known in Peru to seven.
The historical collection of the MG herbary: history, vulnerability and conservation
The herbarium of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MG), the oldest in the Amazon, has, among its important collections, a Historical Collection with more than 17 thousand specimens registered in its database (books tumbled), however more than 21% of these records were not found in the computerized data currently in use. Faced with this finding, investigations were carried out in an attempt to understand this significant disappearance of records, and some questions were raised: What happened to these missing records? When did the records disappear? Did the exsiccates also disappear from the collection? Did these specimens belong to a single taxon (family, genus, species)? Was the history of poor conservation of the collection responsible for the disappearance of these records? The results showed that the families Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Clusiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, Malvaceae and Orchidaceae would be more strongly indicated as susceptible to insect and fungal attacks.
First documented record of interaction between vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus (É. Geoffroy, 1810), and the Greater Naked-tailed Armadillo, Cabassous tatouay (Desmarest, 1804), Brazil
We reported the interaction between a common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) and a greater naked-tailed armadillo (Cabassous tatouay) recorded by camera traps in an Atlantic Forest remnant called ‘Mata da Sucupira Torta’ in Paraíba state, Brazil, in September 2023. This documented biological interaction corroborates the high plasticity of D. rotundus in the search for prey and underscores the urgency of understanding the processes that structure predator-prey relationships, especially in areas increasingly impacted by human activities. This observation also highlights the importance of using alternative methods to address gaps in our understanding of the ecological dynamics between predators and prey.
Occupation of Chartergellus communis Richards, 1978 (Vespidae, Polistinae) nest by Nasutitermes unduliceps Mathews, 1977 (Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae)
Epiponini (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) species typically construct their nests with an external envelope, which providesprotection against predators and the weather, as in Chartergellus communis. For this reason, these nests, when abandoned, are reused by different orders of insects, although until now there had been only a single record involving termites (Blattodea, Termitidae). This study adds information on the reuse of social wasp nests by Termitidae. The record was made in a building next to a gallery forest, a Cerrado phytophysiognomy, in the Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas. The nest still had a protective envelope and the cells of the first comb were blocked by stercoral material, which suggests that the C. communis nest was being used as a satellite nest by termites. This reuse of abandoned wasps’ nests as satellite nests may be frequent in the Cerrado, so we suggest that more observations need to be made to validate this hypothesis, as well as answer an important question: do termites invade the nests of social wasps that are still active, or do they just reuse those that have already been abandoned?
Nesting of Partamona helleri (Friese, 1900) (Apidae) in an abandoned nest of Polybia scutellaris (White, 1841) (Vespidae) in Southeastern Brazil
Social wasp nests are frequently reused by different species for nesting, obtaining food, or protection from the elements and predators. However, there are few records of nest reuse by bees of the Meliponini tribe. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report the use of an abandoned nest of the social wasp Polybia scutellaris by the social bee Partamona helleri. The record was made opportunistically, on May 7, 2024, in a building within an anthropized area, adjacent to a regenerating Atlantic Forest fragment, in the municipality of Inconfidentes, southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The bees occupied the entire social wasp’s nest, which was probably already abandoned. The bees did not use the brood cells of the nest for reproduction, but rather deposited material (a mixture of dirt and resins) inside the nest, which was covered on the top and sides, so that only the lower part of the nest was exposed. This reuse probably gave the bees energy savings and shelter for the colony in its early stages. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to understand the frequency of this reuse and whether the nests of social wasps are occupied when abandoned, usurped or shared by the bees.
Publication trends on vocalizations of anurans in Northeastern Brazil
Studies on anuran vocalizations have increased in Brazil in recent years. However, these studies remain asymmetrically distributed in terms of geographic and taxonomic coverage. In this study, we analyzed the current state of the art of anuran bioacoustics in the Northeast region of Brazil through a systematic online review of published scientific articles. We identified 123 scientific articles reporting research based on anuran vocalizations recorded in Northeastern Brazil. There has been an increase in the number of publications over the years, but the quality of available information was highly variable, with noticeable differences only in papers published in the last decade, when compared to previous years. Recordings could be assigned to 119 taxa, most belonging to the families Hylidae, Leptodactylidae, Bufonidae and Odontophrynidae. Most studies included recordings made in the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes, whereas studies in locations within the Cerrado and the Amazon Forest biomes were scarce. Finally, we analyzed institutions and collaborations involved in the publications and found that there is a temporal trend of increase in the proportion of Northeastern institutions involved in the publications, along with a rise in the average number of authors per publication.
Honeydew of Aethalion reticulatum (Linnaeus, 1767) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) as a food resource for social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) in an urban area within the Atlantic Forest-Cerrado ecotone
Aethalion reticulatum frequently forms symbiotic interactions with hymenopteran insects, however, there is little information involving social wasps. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide ecological and ethological information regarding the use of honeydew produced by A. reticulatum as a food resource for different species of social wasps in an urban environment, in an ecotonal region between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. During the study, 54 individuals of 10 species of social wasps were recorded consuming honeydew produced by A. reticulatum. It is likely that generalizing and standardizing classifications of interactions between social wasp-hemipteran will not be possible. Nevertheless, our study provides important information: first, different species of Polistinae can simultaneously use honeydew produced by A. reticulatum as a food source in urban environments, and second, it contributes ethological information, with newly behavioral acts, regarding the use and competition for this food resource among social wasps.
The invisible architects: evaluating our understanding of planktonic tunicates in the Atlantic
Appendicularia are planktonic tunicates that construct numerous gelatinous houses each day, being an important source of food and vertical carbon transport in pelagic environments. However, little is known about these organisms in the Atlantic Ocean. This study aimed to provide an overview of the current state of research of the Appendicularia class in the Atlantic southwest. For this work, we reviewed the state of the art on this group based on bibliographic surveys on academic platforms conducted between October and December 2021, resulting in the selection of 83 publications. Of these, only 13.3% corresponded to studies focused on Appendicularia, and the vast majority addressed is zooplankton. A total of 34 species were recorded in the Brazilian ecoregions, Oikopleura dioica, Oikopleura fusiformis, Oikopleura longicauda and Oikopleura rufescens represent 50% of the records. No research group focusing on Appendicularia was found in Brazil, while Argentina has a strong research group for the Southwestern Atlantic. Contrasting, is required a better data management, and enabling future research and the training of researchers focusing on the study of this class.
Diet of Athene cunicularia (Strigidae) on the campus of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Brazil
The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a diurnal and nocturnal owl, distributed from southern Canada to Tierra del Fuego and throughout Brazil. It is a generalist predator with a carnivorous-insectivorous diet. The discovery of nests in an open area, close to the Rectory building on the UFRJ campus prompted ad libitum collections during April and May 2016. This study aims to qualitatively describe the diet of this species in an anthropized environment. 47 pellets containing non-digestible food items such as arthropod exoskeletons, bones, hair, feathers and teeth were collected. The samples were preserved in 70% ethanol and subsequently examined under a stereoscopic microscope. Arthropods were present in 100% of the pellets while vertebrates in 85.1%. Coleoptera, beetles and Orthoptera, grasshoppers, were the most abundant Insecta in the diet, appearing, respectively, in 46 and 44 of the total of 47 samples analyzed. Spiders, Order Araneae, were found in 43 samples; Order Squamata, geckos, in 29 samples, small rodents, Order Rodentia in 11 samples and frogs, Order Anura, in four samples. These results agree with the prevalence of invertebrates, reported in the literature, for the diet of this species, however, they indicate a predominance of reptiles among the vertebrate prey.
Avifauna of the Piracicaba Botanical Garden (Santa Rita, Area I), São Paulo and its importance in the restoration and conservation of the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest
This study aimed to survey the avifauna of the Piracicaba Botanical Garden (Santa Rita - Area I), São Paulo and to collect data that demonstrates the use of site resources by birds. The survey was conducted between 2020 to 2023 and 131 species were identified, distributed in 18 orders and 41 families, 2 of which are endemic species of the Atlantic Forest. At least 39 bird of the recorded bird species can contribute to the restoration and conservation of the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest, due to their potential for seed dispersal, pollination or both, according to bibliographic references. The area, which is subject to significant anthropic pressures, requires protection and management measures of its spaces and continuous monitoring of avifauna can be an important tool in this process.
Effects of environmental variation on beta diversity of semi-aquatic bugs in Amazonian streams influenced by bauxite extraction
Bauxite mining represents in the Amazon an economic activity with the potential to impact aquatic biodiversity. In this study, we evaluate the effects of environmental change in areas of bauxite mining and pasture on the diversity of semiaquatic insect communities in Amazonian streams. For this, we tested the following hypotheses: i) the environmental structure of streams will differ between different land uses and cover (pasture, mining and forest), ii) beta diversity (β) will be mainly affected by environmental variables related to habitat and riparian vegetation. Our results showed that the characteristics of the streams studied were not different between forest, pasture, and mining streams. On the other hand, the total beta diversity, and species replacement were associated with habitat variables, promoted by the environmental variation. Beta diversity in impacted streams was related to streams with greater widths and temperatures, while more preserved streams had greater canopy cover.. More altered areas, such as mining, showed similar beta diversity, mainly in the area of bauxite exploration and tailings deposit. Our results indicate that the beta diversity of semiaquatic bugs contribute to the study of altered areas, in addition, could inform conservation policies in streams affected by bauxite mining in the Amazon.
Definition of the number of instars, description of the second instar andredescription of the last instar and pupa of Pantophthalmus kerteszianus(Enderlein, 1914) (Diptera: Pantophthalmidae)
The total number of larval instars of Pantophthalmus kerteszianus was determined through morphological and biometric studies. The second larval instar of P. kerteszianus is described, the last larval instar in detail and the pupa are redescribed. Larvae were collected from paricá trees (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) in the Paragominas county, Pará, Brazil. Upon collection, larvae and pupae were killed in boiling water, preserved in 70% alcohol, identified, measured and morphologically studied. The total number of larval instars was determined by techniques based on Dyar’s rule (1890), supported by measurements of the several characters: body length, maximum body width, maximum diameter of the prothoracic spiracle, maximum diameter of the anal spiracle, distance from the margin of the prothoracic spiracle to the lower bristle, distance from the margin of the prothoracic spiracle to the prothoracic margin, width of the median band of the prothorax and distance between the anal spiracles. Through these measurements it was possible to establish that P. kerteszianus has seven larval instars; this species is, up to now, the only one having the number of its larval instars determined. Photographs and drawings of the complete larvae and pupae, as well as of the most important structures discussed in the descriptions, are provided.