Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia – ISSN (online) 1807-0205 and ISSN (print) 0031-1049 – is a peer-reviewed open-access scientific journal that primarily covers the areas of Zoology, publishing original contributions in systematics, paleontology, evolutionary biology, ecology, taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, functional morphology, molecular biology, ontogeny, faunistic studies, and biogeography.
Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Museu de Zoologia (MZUSP).
Responsibility: The scientific content and the opinions expressed in the manuscript are the sole responsibility of the author(s). Copyrights: The Authors. The journal is licensed under a Creative Commons attribution-type CC-BY.
Rediscovery and redescription of Hiperantha fontanieri Théry, 1928 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and new records of buprestids from Colombia
After 97 years without records, Hiperantha fontainieri Théry, 1928 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is rediscovered. The species is redescribed and illustrated using three specimens from the Department of Bolívar, a new geographical record for Colombia. An identification key for the Colombian species of Hiperantha Gistel, 1834 is included, along with new departmental records for Colombia of the following buprestids species: Conognatha (Conognatha) iris (Olivier, 1790), Hiperantha testacea haemorrhoa Fairmaire, 1851, Hiperantha interrogationis interrogationis (Klug, 1825), Conognatha (Pithiscus) lebasii (Mannerheim, 1837), Dismorpha linearis (Linnaeus, 1758), Melanophila atra Gory, 1841 and Lampetis (Spinthoptera) principalis (Laporte & Gory, 1836).
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Flies of Boraceia: a preliminary list of Diptera (Insecta) recorded at the Estação Biológica de Boraceia, São Paulo, Brazil
This study marks the 70th anniversary of the Boraceia Biological Station (EBB), a key research site in the Atlantic Forest since 1954, managed by MZUSP since 1969. It presents the first checklist of Diptera from EBB, based on literature and museum specimens. Currently, 721 species, belonging to 312 genera and 57 families, are known from EBB, including 193 species described from the area. These numbers are likely underestimated, as they are based on multiple short-term studies; to date, no comprehensive, long-term inventory specifically targeting Diptera has been conducted in the area. Among the species examined, 56 are new records for the state of São Paulo and 13 for Brazil. The three most species-rich families are Mycetophilidae, Drosophilidae, and Muscidae, while the three most diverse in the number of genera are Tachinidae, Asilidae, and Muscidae. These findings reinforce EBB’s role as a Diptera biodiversity hotspot and highlight the need for expanded research infrastructure and taxonomic expertise across Brazilian biomes. This checklist provides a foundation for future research in taxonomy, biogeography, and evolution.
A newly described gall midge (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) on medicinal Solidago chilensis Meyen in Paraná, Brazil
The Brazilian arnica Solidago chilensis Meyen (Asteraceae), a plant traditionally used in ethnopharmacology for trauma treatment, is widely distributed across South America, including all regions of Brazil. This study aimed to identify and characterize gall-inducing insects associated with fused S. chilensis flowers. Flower branches were collected twice in March 2023 from Paraná, Brazil. The branches were dried and examined under a stereomicroscope, with galls subjected to micro-computed tomography (µCT). In the second collection, fresh branches were examined for the morphological characterization of floral heads. Galled flowers were removed and divided into three groups: 1) placed in an emergence chamber to obtain adults, 2) dissected to extract larvae and pupae, and 3) fixed in ethanol for µCT analysis. Macroscopic examination revealed two flower types for S. chilensis: hermaphroditic disc flowers (fused or non-fused) and ray flowers (ligulate). The gall-inducing insect was identified as Asphondylia paranaensis sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a new species, and was described and illustrated based on its larval, pupal, male, female, and gall morphologies. The µCT provided novel insights into the pupal stage, and exuvia within the flower. This study highlights the importance of identifying new species, particularly medicinal plants, because gall-inducing insects may alter a plant’s metabolism and chemical composition, potentially influencing its biological properties. Further studies are required to assess the ecological and pharmacological effects of these interactions.
Ana Paula Frederico Rodrigues Loureiro Bracarense
New species of Forcipomyia (Microhelea) Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) ectoparasite of Phasmatodea (Insecta) from Atlantic Forest, Brazil
The genus Forcipomyia Meigen, 1818 comprises approximately 1,150 species and has great diversity in the Neotropical Region. The species in the subgenus Forcipomyia (Microhelea) Kieffer, 1917 are commonly found as ectoparasites of stick insects (Phasmatodea) and caterpillars (Lepidoptera). The Ixodoides species-group includes species that are ectoparasites of Phasmatodea and Orthoptera. During a field expedition to the Reserva Biológica União, Casimiro de Abreu (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), we collected a female of Forcipomyia (Microhelea) ectoparasitizing a nymph of Cladoxerus Le Peletier and Audinet-Serville, 1828 (Phasmatidae, Phasmatodea). Forcipomyia (Microhelea) naruto sp. nov. is described and distinguished from related species by characteristics of the mouthparts (especially the maxilla and labellum), legs, and abdomen. This is the second species of the Ixodoides species-group recorded for the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the first for the study area. A distribution map for the Ixodoides species-group in Rio de Janeiro is provided.
Seabirds of São Paulo, Brazil: species occurrence, conservation status and knowledge gaps
Seabirds across all the seas and oceans of the planet interact with human activities and, as a result, approximately 30% of all species are in decline and threatened with extinction. The knowledge of the composition of seabird communities in both breeding and non-breeding ranges is necessary to guide appropriate conservation measures according to its status. Fisheries, oil and natural gas exploration, offshore wind farms, among other activities, require regulation and legal frameworks to protect seabirds and other organisms in this environment. The state of São Paulo already hosts numerous such activities within its territorial waters and has its own environmental protection legislation (including a list of threatened fauna species), requiring impacts on threatened species are evaluated. The present study compiles all available information on seabirds in São Paulo and update its species list based on data obtained from literature reviews, museum specimens, band recovery records, and citizen-science platforms. São Paulo has a total of 68 recorded seabird species, including the recently recognized Oceanites chilensis and the sole Brazilian records of Pterodroma externa and Pachyptila turtur. Most (50 species) are migratory, with 14 species from the Northern Hemisphere and 36 from the Southern Hemisphere. Only 18 species are resident in Brazil, of which six breed along the São Paulo coast. Among the recorded species, 24 (35%) are listed as threatened with extinction by the IUCN, MMA and/or SMA lists. Notably, three (50%) of the six resident breeding species in São Paulo are threatened. Most of the new records came from beached birds, particularly through the Beach Monitoring Program (PMP). Unfortunately, this program forwards few of the collected specimens, including rare and unprecedented records for São Paulo’s avifauna, to scientific collections. Based on the available studies on São Paulo’s seabirds, even basic data on breeding biology, home range, and diet of even the commonest coastal, and resident species is virtually nonexistent. Similarly, knowledge regarding trends in population and occupancy of breeding sites is scarce, with only outdated data available from studies carried between 1997 and 2005. Further studies and monitoring programs on the breeding areas of these resident species are necessary to fill these knowledge gaps and provide updated scientific information to support effective conservation measures.
Description of a new species of Pisphondylia Möhn, 1960 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae, Asphondyliini, Schizomyiina) from Brazil
Pisphondylia rodriguese, sp. nov. is proposed based on specimens from the Entomological Collection of the Museu Nacional (MNRJ), mounted on microscope slides and identified as Pisphondylia sp. (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae). Male, female, pupa and larva of 3rd instar are described. The most relevant morphological characters are illustrated. The new species induces galls on the flower peduncle of Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae), a native plant to Brazil. The type-locality is Ilha da Marambaia (Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro State). The new species is compared with others of the same genus.
On two new genera of Trichomycteridae (Teleostei, Siluriformes), with reallocation of some previously described taxa and discussion of phylogenetic relationships
Two new genera are established for resolving some obvious disparities in current trichomycterid classification. Salpynx is described for a monophyletic group of four species from northern shield regions of the Amazon basin, including two new ones described herein plus two others previously described: S. ephebus, new species, from Serra da Mocidade in the Rio Branco system, S. trombetensis, new species, from the Rio Trombetas drainage, S. amapaensis (previously in Ammoglanis) from the Rio Jari and surrounding basins, and S. ix (previously in Stenolicmus) from the Rio Trombetas. Species of Salpynx are opaque darkly pigmented fishes with an entirely closed skull roof (i.e., no cranial fontanels) and apomorphically diagnosed by a thick barbular bone posteriorly expanded and bilobed, and a large fenestra on the supratemporal region of the skull, anteriorly to the tunnel for the dorsal limb of the cleithrum. A second new genus, Hyaloglanis, is established for a clade of miniaturized species previously placed in Ammoglanis, namely, A. natgeorum, A. nheengatu, A. obliquus, and A. pulex. Hyaloglanis species are extremely miniaturized and highly translucent, with a single large fontanel occupying most of the skull roof and sharing an apomorphic scythe-shaped lacrimal. Salpynx and Hyaloglanis share various unusual conditions in trichomycterids, such as a reduction of the latero-sensory canal system in the skull, which anteriorly extends maximally to the sphenotic, a palatine articulating directly posteriorly with the skull and via a single articular facet, the posterolateral process of the palatine reduced and deflected laterally, lateral ethmoids mesially arched and abuting against each other only at a small area anteriorly, and a long filamentous first pectoral-fin ray. Although clear morphological evidence exists for the monophyly each of Salpynx and Hyaloglanis, difficulties remain in determining their precise phylogenetic placement. Such limitations highlight current challenges in the resolution of relationships of part of the Trichomycteridae, especially concerning Glanapteryginae (including Listrura), Potamoglanis, and Sarcoglanidinae Sarcoglanidinae (including Microcambeva). It seems certain, however, that neither Salpynx nor Hyaloglanis are closely related to the type species of either Ammoglanis or Stenolicmus. At the moment, morphological evidence favors them as each other’s sister group and related to Glanapteryginae (sensu lato).
Range extension for Lycosa praegrandis C.L. Koch, 1836 (Araneae: Lycosidae): first record from the Republic of Kosovo and notes on ontogenetic colour change
Lycosa praegrandis C.L. Koch, 1836 is reported for the first time from the Republic of Kosovo, three specimens collected allow some discussion and illustration of ontogenetic colour change in this taxon.
A new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Peumus boldus (Monimiaceae) in Chile
Chile is characterized by high levels of endemism among its flora and fauna, yet its diverse gall-inducing organisms remain poorly studied. We describe Dasineura peumi sp. nov., a new gall-inducing midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Peumus boldus Molina (Monimiaceae), an economically significant medicinal plant native to Chile’s sclerophyllous forests. This species induces solitary or clustered fusiform galls on the stems, each housing a single larva. Morphological and phenological analyses were conducted on samples collected in the Bíobío Region of Chile in 2021 and 2022. Morphological studies revealed key diagnostic traits: antennae with 18 flagellomeres in both sexes, tarsal claws with a prominent basal tooth, as long as the empodia, and a band-like male tergite 8. The ovipositor measures 1.0-1.10 mm, approximately four times the length of the seventh tergite. Pupae are characterized by long vertical setae, very short antennal horns, a complete arrangement of facial papillae, digitiform prothoracic spiracles, and spines absent from the abdomen. Larvae possess a long spatula with two anterior teeth and an anchor-like base, a complete arrangement of lateral papillae, and eight short, uniform terminal papillae. This species has a multivoltine life cycle, with development independent of the host plant’s phenology.
Updated checklist of the birds of São Paulo State, Brazil
In southeastern Brazil, the state of São Paulo hosts more than 40% of the country’s bird diversity. Despite detailed documentation of its birdlife since the late 19th century, new species are still being recorded, and more than ten years have passed since the last comprehensive list was published. In this context, we reviewed all available ornithological records for the state and present an updated checklist here. A total of 890 valid or potentially valid forms has been recorded, including 864 species, with 860 supported by evidence and 76 new additions since the previous list. We highlight the importance of conserving the remaining native vegetation in São Paulo, considering the high number of bird species that are threatened or already extinct in the state and the ongoing human pressures they face. Additionally, we discuss the distribution, conservation status, and misidentifications or invalid records related to the state.
The birds of reminiscent and regenerated Semideciduous Atlantic Forest fragments in southeastern Brazil
The Botucatu Cuesta region in São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, harbors exceptional avian diversity, with 363 species recorded across just two localities – the Lageado (LEF) and the Edgárdia (EEF) Experimental Farms – representing nearly half of São Paulo’s avifauna. Our study builds upon historical inventories, documenting 32 new species for LEF (bringing the total to 265) and 84 for EEF (now totaling 351). These additions include boreal migrants, such as the Veery Catharus fuscescens, and Atlantic Forest endemics with distributions rarely extending inland, such as the Grey-hooded Attila Attila rufus. Notably, 92% of historically recorded species persist since the 1970s, with losses primarily attributed to wetland degradation (e.g., Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca) and forest-dependent taxa (e.g., Spot-breasted Antvireo Dysithamnus stictothorax). Aquatic species, including the Limpkin Aramus guarauna and Anhinga Anhinga anhinga, have declined due to land-use changes, while others, such as the Spotted Rail Pardirallus maculatus, require further investigation given their likely local rarity. We underscore the urgent need for habitat restoration, particularly wetland management – potentially including the reintroduction of historical rice cultivation – to reestablish suitable habitats for lost species. The Cuesta’s avifauna highlights its conservation priority, yet targeted strategies are essential to counter threats from agricultural expansion and hydrological alterations. This study establishes a critical baseline for future monitoring and emphasizes the region’s pivotal role in conserving Neotropical bird diversity at the Atlantic Forest-Cerrado transition.
Updated checklist, dubious and erroneous records of Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in South America
Taxonomic studies of the genus Trichogramma have advanced since the 1970s, mainly due to the use of reliable morphological characters, based on male genital capsule, for species identification. Here, we discus the Trichogramma species that actually occur in South America, and also the dubious or erroneous records of species, which should not be considered present in the South American countries. We found that 70 species are recorded in South America, of which 46 correspond to correctly identified species and 24 are dubious or erroneous species records. Most of the species (44) belong to the subgenus Trichogramma, and only two species to the subgenus Vanlisus. In the first part, we listed the 46 species of Trichogramma, focusing on taxonomic information, including type material, type locality, insect hosts, and geographical distribution, based on bibliographic references, to confirm if the species was correctly identified. Thus, we gathered information scattered throughout the literature on taxonomic studies, including descriptions, identification keys, checklists, morphological, morphometric and molecular studies. In the second part, we discussed dubious and erroneous records of 24 species of Trichogramma in South America based on extensive literature review, taking into account that the identification of Trichogramma species was clarified in the 1970s. There are no voucher specimens available to verify the identification of the introduced species in South America. Nevertheless, based on extensive literature review, it was possible to reliably confirm whether a species was misidentified or not established in a South American country. Although these records of Trichogramma species are clearly dubious or erroneous, they have been cataloged and discussed in several publications. To avoid incorrect records, an introduced species should be considered present in a country only after releases and field recoveries. Among the introduced species in South America, only T. pintoi Voegelé was established in Peru.
Studies on Neotropical Phasmatodea XXVII: a new endemic stick insect genus with two species from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil (Phasmatodea: Pseudophasmatidae: Pseudophasmatinae: Pseudophasmatini)
We describe a new genus, Atlantopteryx gen. nov., containing two new species, Atlantopteryx parva gen. et sp. nov. and Atlantopteryx scotina gen. et sp. nov., from the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, Brazil, based on males, females, and eggs. The distinctive features of this new genus are described and illustrated, as well as its internal male genitalia. The new genus is most similar to Urucumania Zompro, 2004, but can easily be distinguished from it by the lack of tegmina, the reticulate venation of the remigium area of the alae, and the small, discrete poculum of the male terminalia. The two new species are likely restricted and endemic to the extreme north of the Serra do Mar mountain range, in the Atlantic Forest. Furthermore, we present a brief discussion on the relationship of the new genus with other Pseudophasmatinae.
Increased diversity: descriptions of new species and new distributional records of Bephrata Cameron, 1884 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest
This study focuses on the parasitoid wasps of the genus Bephrata Cameron, 1884 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae). Existing evidence suggests that these insects act as parasitoids of eggs of species of Tettigoniidae. Here, we describe and illustrate two new species: Bephrata manauara Perioto & Lara sp. nov. and Bephrata belissima Perioto & Lara sp. nov., as well as report new geographic records for B. leptogaster Gates & Hanson, 2009 and B. noyesi Gates & Hanson, 2009 based on specimens collected using modified Malaise traps set up near Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Additionally, we provide an identification key for the species recorded in Brazil and a map with the geographical distribution of the studied species based on literature data and examined material. With these new records there are currently 12 species of Bephrata are known in Brazil.
A new species of Tricorythodes Ulmer from Amazon region of Colombia (Ephemeroptera: Leptohyphidae)
We here describe and illustrate a peculiar new species of Tricorythodes Ulmer (Leptohyphidae) based on a single nymph from a remote area of the Amazon biome in Colombia. The single nymph described here as T. spinosus sp. nov., presents a unique combination of characteristics: spiny tubercles on head, thorax and abdomen, elongated body and long and thin legs. Possible relations with other species in the genus are discussed.
A new Amazonian species of Dysmerus Casey (Coleoptera, Cucujoidea, Laemophloeidae) from Brazil
This paper describes and illustrates a new Amazonian species of the lined flat bark beetle genus Dysmerus Casey, 1884. Dysmerus calicicornis sp. nov. is most similar to two species, D. curvicornis Thomas, 2009 and D. hamaticornis Thomas, 2009, sharing with them the male antennal scape apically flat, strongly deflected internally. The new species, however, can be easily distinguished from both by the male antennal scape caliciform in dorsal view, with a curved, tooth-like outer projection, and the presence of secondary sublateral lines on the pronotal surface. Additionally, the previous key to Dysmerus males is modified to include D. calicicornis sp. nov.
A new and already extinct Thaumastus from shell mounds (sambaquis) in Paraná, Brazil (Mollusca, Eupulmonata, Orthalicoidea)
Thaumastus teixeirensis sp. nov. is a newly discovered species found exclusively within archaeological shell mounds (sambaquis) located on Teixeira Island in Paranaguá Bay, Paraná, Brazil. This species is primarily distinguished by its small size and short, conical spire, along with a blunt, axially striated protoconch. Notably, its complete absence in surrounding habitats suggests that the species is currently extinct.
Plant mites (Arachnida: Acariformes, Parasitiformes) in Caatinga remnants from Piauí State, Brazil
The Caatinga is a highly threatened Brazilian biome that may host numerous unknown plant mite species, as little is known about its mite fauna. Thus, our aim was to assess plant mite species from Caatinga vegetation remnants in Piauí State, Northwestern Brazil. The assessment was conducted through sampling mites in two natural vegetation remnants in the southern region of Piauí during December 2015. Species richness was estimated using the Jackknife 1 method (999 randomizations), while observed richness was calculated using the Mao-Tao method. Estimated and observed richness were compared using a species accumulation curve, set with a 95% confidence interval. In total, 177 mites belonging to nine species were sampled from the Caatinga vegetation remnants. The Iolinidae family accounted for the largest number of individuals, followed by Eriophyidae. The predator mite Pronematus sp. was the most abundant taxon in our samples followed by the phytophagous Aculus sp. (Eriophyidae) and Oligonychus sp. (Tetranychidae) The estimated richness (Jackknife 1) did not differ from the observed richness (Mao Tao). Furthermore, Neoseiulus tunus (De Leon) (Phytoseiidae) was recorded for the first time in the state of Piauí. This is the first scientific work to report mite species on plants from remnants of native vegetation exclusively in Piauí State, Brazil.
Bephratelloides Girault, 1913 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae): a new species from Brazil and two new host plants
In this study, we documented two species of Bephratelloides Girault, 1913 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) collected in Brazilian savanna areas in the state of São Paulo. Bephratelloides duguetiarum Perioto & Lara sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on specimens that emerged from the seeds of Duguetia furfuracea (St. Hil.) Benth. & Hook (Annonaceae). Bephratelloides petiolatus Grissell & Schauff, 1990 is associated with seeds of Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae). The name Bephratelloides duguetiphagus Chang, 1998 must be regarded as unavailable because it fails to satisfy the availability criteria of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.
Onciderini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) from Ecuador: a new genus and three new species
One new genus and three new species of Onciderini are described from Ecuador, South America: Natasomus obliquus gen. nov., sp. nov.; Hesychotypa viator sp. nov.; and Hesychotypa mendax sp. nov. Notes on Hesychotypa cedestes Dillon & Dillon, 1945 are provided.
On Lucio pictum (Gorham, 1880) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): redescription, updated range, and notes on sexual dimorphism
The genus Lucio Laporte, 1833 is comprised of 16 species distributed throughout the Neotropics and is characterized by the presence of biflabellate antennae with asymmetric lamellae. In Brazil, there are nine species whose morphology has not been further explored taxonomically since the original description, many of them short, ambiguous and without illustrations, making the species identification in the genus difficult. Here, we provide a taxonomic review of Lucio pictum (Gorham, 1880) based on the examination of the holotype and 24 adult specimens. We provide a redescription of the male, description of the female (sexual dimorphism), illustrations, distribution map with new records for South America (Brazil and Peru) and notes on the biology. Additionally, we provide photographs of the Lucio rufiventris Olivier, 1885 and L. castelnaui (Kirsch, 1865) types.
Celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Estação Biológica de Boraceia (Salesópolis, São Paulo, Brazil): science, conservation, and commitment to future generations
The 70th anniversary of the Estação Biológica de Boraceia (EBB) represents a significant milestone in Atlantic Forest conservation. Established by Decree‑law No. 23,198 on March 16, 1954, the reserve has become a key center for biodiversity research, supporting environmental monitoring, scientific training, and the production of new scientific knowledge. This special issue of Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia celebrates its legacy and reinforces the urgency of protecting the Atlantic Forest in the face of global environmental challenges.
Type specimens of Bethylidae (Chrysidoidea) deposited in the Hymenoptera collection of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Brazil
The Invertebrate Collection of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) is one of the most significant insect collections in Brazil, encompassing a vast diversity of species. It is particularly notable for its Hymenoptera collection, considered one of the most important in the country. This catalog documents the type specimens of the family Bethylidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) deposited at INPA, comprising a total of 329 type specimens, including 55 holotypes and 274 paratypes, distributed across nine genera and 86 species. All specimen label information has been carefully compiled and is presented here alongside additional data from original descriptions and INPA records.
A rare new species of Lento Evans, 1955 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from the western Amazon Basin
A rare new species of skipper butterfly from the western Amazon Basin (Cuzco and Madre de Dios, Peru and Acre, Brazil) belonging to the subtribe Moncina (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) is herein described: Lento yaguar Medeiros & O. Mielke sp. nov. The new species can be easily recognized by the conspicuous yellow and black hind wing ventral pattern, that resembles the peculiar color of a jaguar’s skin. This interesting pattern is unique among Hesperiidae, and a similar pattern occurs only in a few species of Riodinidae. The presence of an unusual, modified scale patch on the male abdominal tergites III, IV, and V of L. yaguar sp. nov., is herein hypothesized as an androconial organ and represents the first record of this kind of structure on the abdominal tergum of a skipper species.
Taxonomic revision of Oz Grishin, 2022 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae: Pericharini)
Oz Grishin, 2022 was recently described based on molecular data. Hesperia saptine Godman & Salvin, 1879, type species of Lychnuchoides Godman, 1901, was included in Perichares Scudder, 1872, while Astictopterus ozias Hewitson, 1878 was transferred to Oz, along with Lychnuchoides sebastiani Salazar & Constantino, 2013. However, the latter was not included in the analysis. To provide a better diagnosis, this paper aims to revise all species of Oz. Based on a morphological study, this genus is redefined and now comprises three species: O. ozias (Hewitson, 1878), O. ozina (Evans, 1955) stat. nov. and O. sebastiani (Salazar & Constantino, 2013). A lectotype for Astictopterus ozias is designated herein.
Synthesis of studies on Comparative brain morphology in Freshwater Fishes in Brazil: a 25-Year Review
The Central Nervous System (CNS) of fishes in Brazil represents an anatomical domain that remains largely underexplored, despite its significant potential to advance phylogenetic, ecological, and behavioral studies. This review synthesizes 25 years (1999-2024) of literature on freshwater fish brain morphology in Brazil, identifying major advancements and persistent knowledge gaps. A total of 16 studies were identified, with a pronounced focus on Siluriformes (62.5%), while other orders outside the Characiphysi clade remain poorly studied. These descriptive and comparative investigations have provided valuable systematic insights, revealed taxonomic characters, and elucidated behavioral and ecological patterns. Despite these contributions, the field faces notable methodological and conceptual challenges. The lack of standardized protocols for brain extraction and analysis hinders consistency and comparability among studies. Furthermore, advanced techniques, such as non-invasive imaging methods, remain underutilized. Critical aspects such as population-level variation in CNS morphology and its responses to environmental pressures have also been largely overlooked. This review underscores the immense potential of comparative brain anatomy to enhance our understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary adaptations in the rich Brazilian freshwater ichthyofauna.
Describing the diversity of spiders in different vegetation formations from an area of the Brazilian Cerrado
Spiders are ubiquitous arachnids in all terrestrial ecosystems, and their distribution is intricately related to the microhabitat-level vegetation structure. The Brazilian Cerrado Savannah is a biome characterized by heterogeneous landscapes. However, it has had the highest deforestation rates, landscape transformation, and fire influence in recent decades. This study evaluates the diversity of spiders in different vegetation types in a core Cerrado area in the Brazilian state of Goiás. We sampled 337 specimens, 104 juveniles, and 233 adults (139 females and 94 males), representing 93 species, using different collection methods over two years. Abundance and species richness differed significantly among vegetation types. We found a richness of 125 estimated species, and the sampling effort was satisfactory, with a representativeness of 87.1%. Twenty-five species were reported for the first time in Goiás. Our results show a rich araneofauna in the sampled reserve. Therefore, public policies related to the conservation of this area should be encouraged to guarantee its preservation since it is isolated within an urban matrix with considerable industrial influence.
Morphometric Characterization and Condition Factor of Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae) in Cooling Wells at a Thermoelectric Power Plant in Colombia
This study characterized the population dynamics, morphometric traits, and condition status of a red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) population inhabiting a high-Andean artificial aquatic ecosystem in Colombia. Specimens were collected during two distinct climatic seasons rainy and dry and were subsequently assessed through measurements, weighing, and sex determination. The average density of individuals was significantly greater during the rainy season (10.05 individuals/m²) compared to the dry season (1.6 individuals/m²). The sex ratios exhibited seasonal variation, with a ratio of 1:1.6 in the rainy season and 1:2.5 in the dry season. Females, on average, displayed larger body dimensions, whereas males exhibited larger chelae, indicating the presence of sexual dimorphism. Growth patterns were predominantly positively allometric; however, this trend varied by sex and season, with negative allometry observed during the rainy season and positive allometry during the dry season. The condition factor ranged from 1 to 1.05, suggesting optimal development relative to findings from other studies. The stability of the population within the ecosystem appears to be influenced by low intraspecific competition, abundant resource availability, and anthropogenic factors, such as thermal modifications to the ecosystem. These environmental alterations create favorable conditions for P. clarkii, thereby enhancing its invasive potential and biological fitness. The results indicate that the population is well-established, which may facilitate its expansion and invasion into other regions.
Increasing the knowledge of Ecuador’s biodiversity: new species and new records in Cerambycinae and Lamiinae (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Three new species and one new genus are described from Ecuador: Hemilissa striatothorax sp. nov. (Cerambycinae, Piezocerini); Rosalba luteomaculata sp. nov. (Lamiinae, Apomecynini); and Albasor formicosus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Lamiinae, Apomecynini). Hammatoderus thoracicus (White, 1858) (Lamiinae, Lamiini) is recorded from Ecuador for the first time. The female of Hesychotypa punctata Martins, 1979 is illustrated for the first time and a new Ecuadorian province record is reported. Additionally, notes on Rosalba Thomson, 1864 and Paraesylacris Breuning, 1940 are provided.
Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) on wild and cultivated plants in Espírito Santo State, Brazil
The Phytoseiidae family is considered the most important group of predatory mites, widely and effectively used in the biological control of pest mites and small insects, particularly thrips and whiteflies. This study aims to present the results of a survey of Phytoseiidae mites on wild and cultivated plants in the Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Twenty-four species across 11 genera from the three phytoseiid subfamilies were identified. The genus Amblyseius Berlese was the most diverse, comprising ten species, while Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma was the most common species, found on seven different plant species. Thirteen phytoseiid species and two genera (Phytoseiulus and Transeius) are reported here for the first time in this state.