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.
Surveys of terrestrial gastropods in three nature reserves in southeast Brazil
Though only a small fraction of its original natural cover remains, the Atlantic Forest is considered a land snail diversity hotspot. While this biome has been widely explored by malacologists in the past, modern surveys of important conservation areas are lacking. Here we report the results of surveys conducted in two nature reserves and one national park in Espírito Santo state: Parque Nacional Caparaó (a fraction of which is located in Minas Gerais state), Reserva Biológica Córrego do Veado, and Reserva Biológica Sooretama. In total, 15 families of terrestrial gastropods were represented, with 35 species identified, plus another five additional morphospecies that could not be fully determined; 16 species-level taxa in Caparaó, 23 in Córrego do Veado, and 22 in Sooretama. The following are new records for Espírito Santo state (or Minas Gerais state in the case of Caparaó): Rectartemon piquetensis, Anthinus multicolor, Burringtonia labrosa, Rhinus velutinohispidus. Only two non-native species were found, Subulina octona in Sooretama and the marsh slug Deroceras laeve in Caparaó. Anecdotal natural history records are also provided, including depigmented individuals of Leiostracus perlucidus. The importance of local faunal surveys, particularly in preservation areas, cannot be overstated as we endeavour to understand our molluscan fauna.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rodrigo Brincalepe Salvador, Rafael Felipe Sousa Antunes, Henrique Campião Herculano, Roulian Inácio Marconcini, Rômulo de Araújo Primo, Rafael Masson Rosa, Fernanda Santos Silva, Barbara Mizumo Tomotani, Franklin Noel dos Santos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pagodocerus, a new beetle genus of Mastigocoleidae from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (Coleoptera: Dryopoidea)
Mastigocoleidae are an extinct beetle family known from only a few Cretaceous deposits. Here, we describe Pagodocerus volkovitshi gen. et sp. nov., a new mastigocoleid species preserved in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. Pagodocerus is primarily distinguished from all other beetles by its asymmetrically perfoliate antennae, with flagellomeres pronouncedly tapering apically. This discovery expands the known diversity of Mastigocoleidae and enhances our understanding of this rare beetle lineage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yan-Da Li, Di-Ying Huang, Chen-Yang Cai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A new species of Haplocochlias (Gastropoda, Skeneidae) from the Abrolhos Archipelago, Brazil
A new species of Haplocochlias Carpenter, 1864 (Gastropoda: Skeneidae), Haplocochlias pitico sp. nov., is described from the Abrolhos Archipelago, off the coast of Bahia State, Brazil. The species is characterized by its minute, turbiniform shell (1.3-1.4 mm in diameter), markedly rounded whorls, very short spire, smooth protoconch, and body whorl bearing 17 smooth spiral cords separated by interspaces with sinuous prosocline axial striae. The aperture is prosocline and rounded, with a thick, smooth peristome and a narrow but deep umbilicus encircled by two prominent cords. Haplocochlias pitico sp. nov. differs from all its congeners by the distinctive undulations on the upper part of the last whorl, particularly near the aperture. Comparisons with morphologically similar Atlantic species are provided. The present discovery, based on material collected more than four decades ago, demonstrates both the persistence of significant taxonomic gaps in reef-associated gastropod faunas and the enduring scientific value of museum collections for refining biogeographic patterns in the Southwestern Atlantic.
Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Caracanhas Cavallari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The correct holotype of Aegla rosanae Campos Jr., 1998 (Crustacea: Anomura: Aeglidae)
Persistent uncertainty about the holotype of A. rosanae threatens both the correct use of the species name and the nomenclatural stability of its junior synonyms. Here, the holotype is definitively identified as the male MZUSP 11162, ensuring proper usage of the name. The holotype is redescribed and illustrated, its COX2 gene sequenced, and the geographic coordinates, altitude, and photographs of the type locality are provided. The female specimen, previously mistaken for the holotype, is reassigned to the new register number MZUSP 47998.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marcos Tavares, Jessica Colavite https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dead bodies still tell tales: An alternative noninvasive and nondestructive protocol to extract cuticular hydrocarbons from museum specimens
Natural history museums represent valuable spaces for science outreach and as repositories of biodiversity data. The collections maintained in these institutions are often used as data sources for studies across various disciplines, such as ecology, phylogenetics, and population genetics. Another field that can also benefit from these resources is chemical ecology. Using insects stored in museums offers an alternative avenue for addressing new questions about the dynamics of their cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) with respect to different factors such as their interspecific variability, temporal stability and in chemotaxonomy. CHCs play a dual role in insects, serving as mechanical protection against desiccation and pathogens and mediators of communication processes. However, conventional extraction procedures can compromise the specimens given their invasive nature (e.g., hexane immersion approach). Here (1) we propose an alternative, noninvasive and non-destructive method to study CHCs in pinned insects from museum collections and (2) we examine the efficacy of this alternative compared to a more conventional approach for determining CHC profiles. We used two model organisms to address our goals, the Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 and the Tetragonisca angustula (Klug, 1807). We were able to detect CHCs in pinned specimens from both species though there was a qualitative reduction in pinned specimens when compared to fresh ones. The observed variability may reflect confounding differences associated with sampling locality. Our results suggest that this alternative protocol can be applied to assess the CHC composition of museum specimens without causing destruction and represent an effective method to be used in studies integrating taxonomy and chemical ecology.
Copyright (c) 2026 Diego Santana Assis, Sidnei Mateus, Amanda Prato, Rafael Carvalho da Silva, Fabio Santos do Nascimento https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A new Hoplisoma species (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the Rio Madeira basin, Brazilian Amazon
Scientific expeditions to the Madeira-Tapajós interfluvial region resulted in the capture of a peculiar small species of Hoplisoma, which is confirmed as new and described herein. The new species can be promptly diagnosed from its congeners by the following features: (I) four to five brownish to black blotches on flank midline, similarly-sized or slightly larger than others on flank; (II) dark-brown to black band on medio-distal portion of dorsal fin; (III) absence of conspicuous dark spots on regions of head and trunk; (IV) ventral laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 poorly-developed, reaching transversal line through dorsal portion of preopercle, and (V) posterior portion of supraoccipital contacting nuchal plate. Notably, the new species represents the first described Corydoradinae species from two Rio Madeira drainages: Rio Manicoré and Rio Marmelos. A discussion on the biogeography of the new species, as well as the imminent ecological threat faced by it, is provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shu Him Lam, Vinicius de Carvalho Cardoso Cassaro, Willian Massaharu Ohara, Murilo Nogueira de Lima Pastana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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).
Copyright (c) 2025 Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Neotropical leaf-footed bugs (Hemiptera, Coreidae): new taxa, synonym and distributional notes
During the review of biological collections and explorations to catalog the diversity of Coreidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from Colombia, specimens were found that could not be associated with previously described taxa. Here they are illustrated and described. The species El grajo gen. et sp. nov. is placed on the tribe Hypselonotini (Coreinae), while Anorcophthia dysdercoides gen. et sp. nov. and Leptoglossus pseudoalatus sp. nov. are placed within the tribe Anisoscelini (Coreinae). Leptoscelis obscura Dallas, 1852 is synonymized with Phthiacnemia picta (Drury, 1773); and the type locality of Acidomeria dentipes (Blöte, 1935) is clarified.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sebastian Serna-Muñoz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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.
A new species of Olixon Cameron, 1887 (Hymenoptera, Rhopalosomatidae) from southeastern Brazil
A new species of the brachypterous wasp genus Olixon Cameron, 1887 is described and illustrated from southeastern Brazil. Olixon pluviatenuis sp. nov. is described based on a single male specimen collected in the Oswaldo Cruz Botanical Garden, São Paulo, representing the first record of the genus for the state of São Paulo. The new species is diagnosed and differentiated from its congeners, particularly the morphologically similar O. melinsula. Key distinguishing characters include the forewings extremely short and not expanded, with only one thick costal vein, and hindwings are entirely absent, a condition previously unreported from the New World fauna. This discovery increases the number of known Olixon species in Brazil to four and highlights the value of entomological collections in revealing hidden diversity, even in urban fragments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rogério Botion Lopes, Mayara Medeiros Bulbol https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Repositories of type specimens and insights for future taxonomic studies on Neotropical and Nearctic Megalodacne Crotch, 1873 (Coleoptera: Erotyloidea: Erotylidae)
Megalodacne Crotch, 1873 comprises over 150 species distributed across five subgenera. To date, no comprehensive taxonomic revision or phylogenetic study has been published for the genus. For future taxonomic and phylogenetic research, it is essential to gather detailed information on primary type specimens and to identify morphological characters with potential taxonomic value. In this study, we: (i) provide detailed information on the type specimens of Neotropical and Nearctic Megalodacne species; (ii) present images of these specimens or, when unavailable, of representative specimens to illustrate each species; and (iii) identify and discuss morphological characters with potential value for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. Additionally, lectotypes are designated for Dacne audouini Lacordaire, 1842, Megalodacne batesi Crotch, 1876, Dacne multifida Lacordaire, 1842, Ips fasciata Fabricius, 1777, and Episcapha heros Guérin-Méneville, 1841 (a junior synonym of Megalodacne indica indica (Linnaeus, 1758)). Megalodacne indica multifida (Lacordaire, 1842) is proposed as a new junior synonym of M. indica indica.
Italo Salvatore de Castro Pecci-Maddalena
Copyright (c) 2026 Italo Salvatore de Castro Pecci-Maddalena, Glauco Luis do Nascimento Martins, Paul Skelley, Cristiano Lopes-Andrade https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genotoxicity of Imidacloprid on the forensically important species Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), evaluated by Comet assay
The increasing use of chemical pesticides for crop protection has led to irreversible DNA damage in many animal species, particularly soil-dwelling insects. In this study, we tested a protocol of Comet Assay to detect DNA damage in the hemolymph cells of Chrysomya albiceps larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) exposed to the neonicotinoid Imidacloprid (IMI). Third-instar larvae were fed on freeze-dried liver substrate rehydrated with one of the following treatments: (i) distilled water (negative control), (ii) imidacloprid (IMI) (0.4980 and 0.9360 mM), and (iii) cyclophosphamide 3.83 mM (positive control). We estimated the Damage Index (DI) and the Damage Frequency (DF) in 300 cells per treatment. According to the shape of the comets, the damage in cells exposed to biocides was significantly higher than the negative control. The DF was also consistently higher in the cells of intoxicated insects. The Comet assay in the haemolymph cells of C. albiceps larvae proved to be effective for detecting DNA damage, providing new evidence for genotoxicity. The increasing use of chemical pesticides for crop protection has led to irreversible DNA damage in many animal species, particularly in soil-dwelling insects. Third-instar larvae were fed freeze-dried liver substrate rehydrated with one of the following treatments: (i) distilled water (negative control), (ii) Imidacloprid (IMI) at concentrations of 0.4980 mM and 0.9360 mM, and (iii) cyclophosphamide at 3.83 mM (positive control). We estimated the Damage Index (DI) and Damage Frequency (DF) in 300 cells per treatment. According to the shape of the comets, DNA damage in cells exposed to biocides was significantly higher than in the negative control. The DF was also consistently higher in the cells of intoxicated insects. The Comet Assay in the hemolymph cells of C. albiceps larvae proved effective for detecting DNA damage, providing new evidence of the genotoxic effects of IMI on a necrophagous insect species. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the protocol in the context of environmental forensic entomotoxicology.
Copyright (c) 2026 Claudia Rohde, Wedja Kelly de Melo Vasconcelos, Érima Maria de Amorim, Aleson Aparecido da Silva, Henrique Rafael Pontes Ferreira, Simão Dias Vasconcelos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Expansion of the Invasive Green Mussel (Perna viridis) in Brazilian Mollusk Farming: A New Southern Frontier
The green mussel Perna viridis, native to the Indo-Pacific, has demonstrated significant invasive potential in various coastal regions worldwide, posing threats to both aquaculture and native ecosystems. In Brazil, mollusk farming is primarily concentrated in Santa Catarina, with an annual production exceeding 13,000 tons. This study aimed to confirm the occurrence of P. viridis in the region, specifically within the mollusk farming park of Itapocoroy Bay. A total of 210 individuals were collected, and molecular analyses confirmed the species’ presence through COI gene amplification, with sequences showing 99.85% similarity to those from China and India. The phylogenetic analysis supported this identification, placing the sample within a highly supported P. viridis clade. Biometric analysis revealed shell lengths ranging from 5.94 mm to 24.72 mm, with 38% of individuals’ sex indeterminate due to the absence of external sexual dimorphism. This represents an 800 km southward range expansion of P. viridis along the Brazilian coast over a six-year period. In Brazil, Perna viridis is likely introduced via ballast water and hull fouling, with secondary dispersal facilitated by coastal vessel movement. Mariculture systems are especially vulnerable due to abundant substrate and resources. The study underscores the importance of early detection to prevent further spread, given P. viridis’ ability to compete with native or commercial species, such as Perna perna, for space and food resources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mayara Carneiro Beltrão, Gilberto Caetano Manzoni, Yan de Oliveira Laaf, Gabriela Scholante Delabary, André Oliveira de Souza Lima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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).
Effects of altitude and climatic variables on alpha and beta diversity of wood-degrading beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae) in the Eastern Andes of Colombia
Wood-degrading beetles are subsocial insects, with a primarily pantropical distribution. For most species, the entire life cycle occurs within a decaying log, where individuals feed and contribute to wood decomposition and nutrient recycling. Species tend to be restricted to particular altitudinal ranges, possibly due to variables involved in wood decomposition, including humidity and temperature. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the alpha and beta diversity of Passalidae across an altitudinal gradient in the Colombian Andes, to identify the environmental variables driving changes in alpha diversity, and to determine the processes structuring beta diversity. Beetles were sampled at four altitudes (2,500, 2,700, 3,000, and 3,300 m.a.s.l.) in the Municipal Natural Park Robledales de Tipacoque, Boyacá, Colombia, and temperature and humidity were recorded at each site. Overall, five passalid species were collected, with the highest abundance at 2,700 m.a.s.l., where Passalus curtus dominated; P. irregularis was most abundant at 2,500, P. curtus at 3,000, and P. quyefutynsuca at 3,300 m.a.s.l. There was a progressive decrease in diversity towards higher altitudes. Altitude, temperature, and humidity influenced alpha diversity, while beta diversity was structured by both the abundance gradient and the balanced variation in abundance components. In conclusion, altitude has an effect on the taxonomic diversity of wood-degrading beetles in the study area, and species distribution is influenced by the climatic variables, such as temperature and humidity, involved in the wood decomposition process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos Julian Moreno-Fonseca, Edwin Rafael Ariza-Marín, Carlos Alfredo Taboada-Verona https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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.
Diversity of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) from the Pampas del Heath, Bahuaja Sonene National Park – Peru: new country records
The composition of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the Bahuaja Sonene National Park (PNBS) was studied. Five surveys were conducted in forests and grasslands during both the dry and rainy seasons. Beetles were collected by pitfall traps baited with decomposed fish and human feces. A total of 2,371 individuals of 44 species were collected. Canthon septemmaculatus, Canthidium lentum, Onthophagus rubrescens, O. haematopus, and Coprophanaeus magnoi accounted for 63.1% of the total individuals. Richness estimators indicate a high percentage of inventory completeness. The assemblage structure varied significantly between habitats and sampling months, but not between climatic epochs. Abundance and diversity were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The highest richness, diversity, and abundance were recorded in November 2012. The observed richness shows that even small forested fragments are important for conservation purposes. Digitonthophagus gazella is registered for the first time for this area, and the species Canthon octodentatus, Canthidium viridiobscurum, Canthi. multipunctatum, Trichillidium quadridens, C. magnoi, and Uroxys corporaali, constitute new records for the dung beetle fauna of Peru. This is the first reported study of Scarabaeinae diversity from the Heath Pampas of the PNBS, highlighting the importance of comprehensive sampling and inventories at regional and national levels.
Copyright (c) 2026 Johny Farfan Flores, Orquídea Otazú Loayza, Gorky Valencia, Erick Yabar-Landa, José Antonio Ochoa, Jorge Ari Noriega https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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.
Description of Alpheopsis gorei sp. nov., a mesophotic alpheid shrimp from the western Atlantic (Decapoda: Caridea)
A new mesophotic alpheid shrimp, Alpheopsis gorei sp. nov., is described from several offshore localities in the northern and north-eastern Gulf of Mexico off Texas, Louisiana and western Florida. However, the distribution range of the new species extends to the Atlantic coast of Florida, with a previous record from deep-water reefs off Key Largo, under A. trispinosa Stimpson, 1860. The presently known bathymetric range of A. gorei sp. nov. is 42.1-126.2 m and the species appears to be free-living, mainly among coralline nodules and in crevices of deep coral rubble. The new species is morphologically closest to the eastern Altantic A. africana Holthuis, 1952 and A. azorica Anker, Poddoubtchenko & d’Udekem d’Acoz, 2005, the eastern Pacific A. equidactylus Lockington, 1877, and the Indo-West Pacific A. trispinosa, A. garricki Yaldwyn, 1971 and A. keijii Anker, 2007, differing from each of them by at least two morphological characters.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arthur Anker https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New additions to Happia Bourguignat, 1890 (Stylommatophora: Scolodontidae) from northern South America
Scolodontidae are a Neotropical family of non-obligatory carnivorous snails with a complex taxonomy. Recent efforts to revise the genera within the family have gone a long way into restricting wastebasket taxa such as the genus Happia, which currently includes four species. Such revisionary work also facilitates the recognition and description of new taxa. In the present study, we include a further two species in Happia: one new, Happia acreana sp. nov., from Acre state, Brazil; and another transferred from the marine family Tornidae, previously classified as Cochliolepis surinamensis van Regteren Altena, 1966 and presently re-classified as ?Happia surinamensis (van Regteren Altena, 1966) comb. nov. The new data also extends the genus’s distribution to the Brazilian Amazon and highlights incorrect systematic assignments of a species described decades ago as a marine animal.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rodrigo Brincalepe Salvador, Marijn T. Roosen, Pedro Henrique Gonsales Carvalho, Fabrizio Scarabino https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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.
Taxonomy of Aburria Reichenbach, 1853 (Aves, Galliformes, Cracidae) based on morphological characters
Within the South American Cracidae, the genus Aburria Reichenbach, 1853 is considered monotypic, while the closely related Pipile Bonaparte, 1856 contains up to five species accepted by some authors. That classification stands even though genetic and morphological studies have demonstrated that Pipile is rendered paraphyletic by Aburria. We provide an assessment of the status of those two genera and their species and subspecies based on morphological (plumage and morphometrics) and zoogeographical evidence. Pipile is a junior synonym of Aburria, and, based on the analysis of 305 specimens deposited in museums worldwide, 2,388 photos from citizen science databases, and 250 additional field records, we found consistent and unambiguous diagnostic characters for recognizing seven species of Aburria: A. aburri (Lesson, 1828), A. cujubi (Pelzeln, 1858), A. cumanensis (Jacquin, 1784), A. grayi (Pelzeln, 1870), A. jacutinga (Spix, 1825), A. nattereri (Reichenbach, 1862), and A. pipile (Jacquin, 1784).
Copyright (c) 2026 Barbara Mizumo Tomotani, Rodrigo Brincalepe Salvador, Patrícia Lopes, Luís Fábio Silveira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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.