Lundiana: International Journal of Biodiversity
Lundiana is a peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes articles about all aspects of biodiversity in a continuous publication model (rather publishing conventional complete issues). Lundiana welcomes articles dealing with taxonomy, especially the description of new taxa, conservation biology, ecology, phylogeny, phylogeography and studies on natural or introduced species genetic diversity, scientific education and outreach, and history of science on biodiversity. Lundiana also seeks to be a venue for opinions of academic and society at large on issues related to biodiversity
Fernando Amaral da Silveira (1960-2022) was one of the most important bee taxonomists and systematists, with work of global relevance, even though he left early, at just 62 years old. Among his many achievements, he dedicated much of his energy and enthusiasm to the maintenance of Lundiana: International Journal of Biodiversity. Therefore, we consider that the publication of this volume, in which the authors dedicated their articles to his memory, is a due tribute.
Copyright (c) 2024 Kirstern Lica Follmann Haseyama, Teofânia Heloísa Dutra Amorim Vidigal; Almir Rogério Pepato; Paula Caetano Zama https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Type material and new occurrences of marine mites (Halacaridae) from São Paulo State, Brazil, housed at “Centro de Coleções Taxonômicas da UFMG”, and notes on its taxonomy.
Halacarid mites are a diversified secondarily marine clade comprising more than one thousand species. Despite recent progress, it may be regarded as a neglected group of animals in Brazil, with only 36 species reported from Brazilian coastline, 26 of them from São Paulo State, belonging to 12 genera. Original description and records included material deposited in personal collections now housed at the Acarological Collection at “Centro de Coleções Taxonômicas da UFMG”, acronym UFMG-AC. In addition to individuals employed in taxonomcal studies, other individuals deposited in this collection are reported, specially those obtained by researchers of BIOTA-FAPESP program, making the information available to the scientific community. Problems related to the identity of Agauopsis brevipalpus (Trouessart, 1889), Copidognathus floridensis (Newell, 1947) and Rhombognathus levigatoides Pepato & Rocha, 2007 are presented, and distribution of Simognathus fuscus Viets, 1936 is discussed under the light of molecular data. We concluded that Brazilian occurrences of Agauopsis brevipalpus must be rejected, and confirm that Simognathus platyaspis Otto, 2000 must be regarded as a junior synonym of S. fuscus.
Copyright (c) 2024 Almir Rogério Pepato, Gabriel Félix Diorio, Mário Henrique Assis-Silva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring the intricacies of bryophyte reproduction:
This review presents a comprehensive examination of bryophyte reproductive biology, an area pivotal to understanding these unique land plants. We delve into the morphological intricacies of both sexual and asexual reproductive structures in bryophytes, underscoring their integral roles in the life cycles of these organisms. Our discussion encompasses the diverse sexual systems observed in bryophytes, ranging from monoicous to dioicous configurations, and investigates the patterns and ecological consequences of sex ratios, particularly the commonly observed female-biased ratios. In detailing reproductive strategies, the review evaluates the reproductive investments, efforts, and costs associated with these ratios in various species. Such analysis provides insights into the evolutionary and ecological dynamics shaping bryophyte populations. We also highlight the primary types of asexual reproductive structures, such as gemmae and leafy propagula, providing examples that illustrate their importance in bryophyte life strategies, especially in terms of dispersal capabilities and habitat colonization. Furthermore, the review juxtaposes the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction, considering their implications for the distribution, genetic diversity, and conservation of bryophyte species. This comparison sheds light on the adaptive significance of these reproductive modes in response to environmental pressures and habitat variability. To aid in the understanding of specialized terms and concepts, the review includes a brief glossary of key terminology used in bryophyte reproductive biology. This addition makes the paper accessible to a diverse audience, ranging from academic researchers to students and enthusiasts in the field of botany. Overall, this review offers an insightful and thorough exploration of the reproductive strategies of bryophytes, enhancing our understanding of their complex life cycles and the implications for their survival and proliferation in varied ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2024 Adaises Simone Maciel da Silva, Kátia Cavalcanti Pôrto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Type specimens deposited in the Coleção Entomológica do Centro de Coleções Taxonômicas (CCT) da UFMG, Brazil
The Entomological Collection of the Center of Taxonomic Collections (CCT-UFMG) at the Federal University of Minas Gerais is a significant repository of insect specimens, housing a diverse range of orders and providing invaluable resources for taxonomic and ecological research. With over 245 thousand registered specimens, it stands as the largest collection within the CCT-UFMG. This paper presents a catalog of the collection's insect type specimens, excluding Odonata. The cataloging process involved examination of digital databases, scientific literature, and specimen labels to identify and document type specimens and their associated information. For each taxon we provide the bibliographic reference containing the original description, preservation method, sex, the number of specimens deposited in the CCT-UFMG, geographic distribution, and notes on inconsistencies with the literature. For holotypes and neotypes, we also describe the data label and the condition of the 88 specimens. Hymenoptera predominates with 77 holotypes and neotypes (87% of the total), of which 53 are bees. Other orders represented in holotypes include Coleoptera (1), Hemiptera (8), Mecoptera (1), and Phasmatodea (1). Paratypes encompass 130 species across six orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Phasmatodea, with Hymenoptera again being the dominant order, comprising 543 paratypes of 112 species, including 78 species of bees (74% of total paratypes).
Copyright (c) 2024 Alessandro Rodrigues Lima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Tetrapedia australis (Apidae: Tetrapediini),
In this contribution, male and female of the new species of oil-collecting bees Tetrapedia australis are described. Individuals reared from trap nests allowed the correct association of the sexes. The range of distribution of this new species considerably extends the known southern limits of distribution of the genus.
Copyright (c) 2024 Juan Pablo Torretta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Prince Maximilian Alexander Philipp Wied-Neuwied and the first botanical records in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil
Prince Maximilian Alexander Philipp Wied-Neuwied's travel diaries provide a beautiful account of the flora, fauna and ethnic aspects of Brazil in the early 19th century. Wied was the first to describe Arraial da Conquista, which gave rise to the current city of Vitória da Conquista. It is also the oldest known description of the vegetation of this region. Thus, this study aimed to gather information about Príncipe's passage through the region and list the plant species collected and/or cited by him through the analysis of his journey through the municipality of Vitória da Conquista. Bibliographic research and consultations of herbarium databases available online were carried out. We found 41 plant species collected by Prince Maximilian in the region that today corresponds to the municipality of Vitória da Conquista, of which five are fern and 36 are angiosperms. Of these species, two are new records for the Northeast, Betencourtia neesii (DC.) L.P.Queiroz (Fabaceae) and Serpocaulon menisciifolium (Langsd. & Fisch.) A.R.Sm. (Polypodiaceae), and 18 are new records for the municipality of Vitória da Conquista: Allamanda puberula A.DC. (Apocynaceae), Anemia tomentosa var. anthriscifolia (Schrad.) Mickel (Anemiaceae), Briquetia denudata (Nees & Mart.) Chodat & Hassl. (Malvaceae), Byrsonima vacciniifolia A.Juss. (Malpighiaceae), Cambessedesia hilariana (Kunth) DC. (Melastomataceae), Diplusodon quintuplinervius (Nees & Mart.) Koehne (Lythraceae), Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae), Esterhazya splendida J.C.Mikan (Orobanchaceae), Hibiscus peterianus Gürke, Lippia maximiliani (Schauer) T.Silva, Melochia illicioides K.Schum., M. tomentosa L. (Malvaceae), Myrciaria floribunda (H.West ex Willd.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae), Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae), Pavonia semiserrata (Schrad.) Steud. (Malvaceae), Pteridium esculentum subsp. campestre (Schrad.) Schwartsb. & J.Prado (Dennstaedtiaceae), Stachytarpheta hispida Nees & Mart. (Verbenaceae) and Turnera cuneiformis Juss. ex Poir. (Turneraceae).
Copyright (c) 2023 Claudenir Simões Caires, Lucas Cardoso Marinho, Cecília Oliveira de Azevedo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Long–term study in Leucoptera coffeella (Guérin–Mèneville) (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) population from southern Minas Gerais, Brazil
The mine bug, Leucoptera coffeella (Guérin­Mèneville, 1842) (Lepidoptera: Lyonatiidae), is considered an important coffee pest as it causes losses to productivity and reduced harvests. The species is mainly controlled through chemical inputs, which can lead to the emergence of resistant populations. Understanding the population dynamics of this species is vital to the search for more adequate and efficient management programs. In this work, we sought to understand how environmental factors (temperature and precipitation) affect the occurrence of attacks by L. coffeella on coffee leaves and determine if these same factors influence wasp predation rates on the caterpillars of this lepidopteran. The results showed that the occurrence of L. coffeella larvae is correlated with environmental temperature, with greater abundance during the hot months of the year. There was also greater predation of L. coffeella by wasps during this period, which are attracted to coffee plantations by the abundance of larvae that they use as a food resource and, thus, act as biological controllers. Precipitation is also an important control factor for L. coffeella because it reduces the abundance of this pest and helps control the species even during months of greater lepidopteran abundance.
Copyright (c) 2022 Lundiana: International Journal of Biodiversity https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Range Extension of Gauromydas mystaceus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera, Mydidae) for the Maranhão State, Brazil and Cerrado Biome
The present study expands the distribution of Gauromydas mystaceus (Wiedemann, 1830) for the Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil in Cerrado biome. Previously, this species was only recorded in Brazil (Pará), French Guyana, Guyana and Surinam on Tropical Forest biome.
Copyright (c) 2021 Lundiana: International Journal of Biodiversity
New records of Tolypeutes tricinctus Linnaeus, 1758 (Cingulata: Tolypeutinae) in northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil
In this work we present the first records of Tolypeutes tricinctus, the three-banded armadillo, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This data confirms previous modeling studies that suggest the occurrence of the species for these areas of Cerrado and Caatinga in northern Minas Gerais. Additionally, it contributes to the elaboration of new management plans for the fauna of the region that is adjacent to the Grande Sertão Veredas National Park.
Craniofacial morphometric analysis as a differentiation tool in mystax group of Saguinus Hoffmannsegg, 1807 (Cebidae, Callitrichinae): a preliminary test
This study provides a quantitative assessment of the craniofacial variation among recognized species and subspecies in the Saguinus mystax species group and tests the reliability of the proposed method in detecting differences among taxa. Thirty measurements were taken of 66 tamarin specimens. We used non-parametric MANOVA to test for differentiation among species and among subspecies. Interspecific analyses showed significant variation among species, except for S. inustus. We detected significant differentiation between S. mystax mystax and S. m. pileatus, whereas no significant morphometric difference was found between S. imperator subspecies. Measurements presenting some differentiation among species were selected for subsequent analysis of variance. Univariate analyses detected significant differences among species only for three measurements. Our results suggest that the cranial morphometric variation has limited information to discriminate among the taxa in the S. mystax group. However, we cannot disregard the lack of statistical power due to small sampling in some taxa, absence of some subspecies in the analyses, or even lack of informativeness of the chosen measurements. Morphometric analyses was insufficient to demonstrate complete differentiation in Saguinus. The use of morphometric analyses should not be considered as a definitive method for taxa differentiation and delimitation in Saguinus.
Cold-Adapted Yeasts from Patagonia Argentina
The Patagonian Andes possess a great variety of glaciers, large temperate ice masses, and glacially formed water bodies. Most of these environments are included in protected areas characterized by low anthropogenic impact and minimal atmospheric pollution. Studies on occurrence of psychrotolerant (cold-adapted) and psychrophilic yeasts in these natural environments have allowed the characterization of native cold-adapted yeast communities, the description of six novel species, as well as description of the capability of these yeasts to produce extracellular enzymes, and other metabolites (carotenoids and mycosporines). Cold-adapted yeasts from Patagonian glaciers were able to hydrolyze natural polymers (casein, lipids, starch, pectin and carboxymethylcellulose) at low temperatures and some were able to produce photo-protective compounds. These results suggest a significant ecological role of these organisms as organic matter decomposers and nutrient cyclers, also reveal that some of these yeasts could be used for further metabolic, ecological and biotechnological studies. The objective of this review is to summarize all the findings related to cold adapted yeasts from glacial environments of the South Hemisphere (outside Antarctica), also to highlight the importance of continental ice masses from the microbiological perspective. Keywords: yeasts, psychrophilic, glaciers, extracellular enzymes.
Copyright (c) 2016 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
First record of Formicarius colma Boddaert, 1783 (Aves: Formicariidae) in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, using a camera-trap
The Rufous-capped Antthrush, Formicarius colma Boddaert, 1783, is a ground dwelling species of bird commonly associated with moist forests. With a wide range in South America, it is nevertheless considered a rare species within the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. During a camera-trapping study in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, spanning a 17 month period (2,825 trap nights) a photograph of this species was obtained. This record provides concrete proof that the species inhabits the park and validates previous visual and song records for this species. It also demonstrates that camera traps can be a useful tool in obtaining records of cryptic bird species.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
New synapomorphies for Rhamphichthys Muller & Troschel, 1848 (Teleostei: Rhamphichthyidae)
Seven new synapomorphies are presented for Rhamphichthys, a neotropical genus of freshwater electric fishes: (1) dark, oblique, transverse bars on body flank prolonged through the anal fin (also as a homoplasy in Steatogenys – Hypopomidae); (2) ventral branches of the body lateral line, near head, elongate (also as a homoplasy in Sternopygus – Sternopygidae); (3) presence of a fleshy skin fold on the body wall, inside the opercular opening; (4) first scale row, below the lateral line, composed of elongate scales, oblique to the body axis; (5) scales of the lateral line and series of scales juxtaposed above and below them, deeply immersed in the skin; (6) dark oblique transversal bars on the body interrupted dorsally and (7) 306 to 461 rays in the anal fin. The presence of a thick, fibrous, and opaque gas bladder, cannot be considered as an apomorphy of Rhamphichthys.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Range extensions for the checkered woodpecker, Picoides mixtus (Aves: Picidae), in north Brazil
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A key to genera of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from the Neotropical region and a revision of Pseudotectococcus Hempel (Eriococcidae), a gall inducing scale insect genus from Brazil, with a description of a new species
A key is provided to the adult females of 16 of the 17 genera of Eriococcidae known from tropical South America. The adult female and 1st-instar nymph of the type species of Pseudotectococcus, P. anonae Hempel, is redescribed and a lectotype and paralectotypes designated; in addition, the adult female, adult male, 1st-instar nymph, 2nd-instar female and 2nd-instar male nymphs, prepupa and pupa of Pseudotectococcus rolliniae sp. n., discovered inducing leaf-galls on Rollinia laurifolia Schldtl. (Annonaceae) in the Zoo-Botanic Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, are described. The differences between Pseudotectococcus and other South American genera are discussed.
Orchidaceae of a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest Fragment in the Municipality of Barroso, Minas Gerais state, Brazil
The present study is an account of the species of Orchidaceae occurring in the Mata do Baú, localized in the municipality of Barroso, in the Campo das Vertentes in Minas Gerais. The predominant vegetational formation in the area studied is a seazonal semidecidous forest, which is associated to areas of riverine forest and of campo-cerrado. The family Orchidaceae is represented in the area by 25 genera and 44 species. The genera with higher diversity are Epidendrum and Oncidium (5 spp.), Campylocentrum (4 spp.), and Encyclia, Habenaria and Pleurothallis (with three species each one). Keys, descriptions, illustrations, geographical distribuition and taxonomic comments to each species are provided.
New combinations in Werauhia (Bromeliaceae) from Costa Rica
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Some forest birds observed in the Environmental Protection Area of Mestre Álvaro, Espírito Santo
Record of a large concentration of birds feeding on winged Isoptera
Biology and census of Porphyrula martinica, Gallinula chloropus and Jacana jacana in Dois Irmãos, Pernambuco, Brazil
This study was performed along the dam of the Parque Ecológico de Dois Irmãos, at the city of Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. Populations of Porphyrula martinica, Gallinula chloropus and Jacana jacana were censused from January 1993 to August 1994. The aim of this census was ascertain the population peaks and the reproduction periods and to assess information about nests, eggs and plumage of these species. Reproduction of P. martinica was recorded from November 1993 to April 1994; for G. chloropus this time was just January 1994; and for J. jacana, from February to July 1993 and 1994. It was also recorded observations about nest building, their structure and material, and information about eggs and nestling from the studied species.
Brachyhypopomus jureiae, a new species of freshwater Neotropical electric fish (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae) from a coastal stream of Southeastern Brazil
Brachyhypopomus jureiae, new species, is described from a tributary of Rio Una do Prelado, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. It differs from all other Brachyhypopomus species by the absence of dark transversal bars, replaced by a horizontal series of dark circular to oblique spots, ventro-laterally on the body, among other characters.
Background matching and evolution of cryptic colours of selected passerines in deciduous woodlands
Most drab plumage colours are probably cryptic. Crypsis (camouflage) occurs when the colour of a significant part of the plumage is similar to the colour of a significant part of the background against which the prey bird may be detected by a potential predator. In this study we compare back colours of tits and associated species with colour backgrounds in their habitat during a four-month period in winter. We test the hypothesis that in some of the species back colour is similar to one of the background colours. In addition to colour backgrounds, microhabitats and tree species were also recorded. Great Tit Parus major, Nuthatch Sitta europea and Treecreeper Certhia familiaris showed distinct preferences for different colour backgrounds, reflecting their choice of microhabitats and tree species. The data suggest that in the Great Tit the olive-moss green back colour has evolved as crypsis for foraging close to the base of tree trunks, where most of the moss is found. The bluish-grey back colour of the Nuthatch is suggested to have evolved as crypsis against greyish beech trunks and branches. Similarly the brown back colour of the Treecreeper is suggested to have evolved as crypsis against pale brown- greyish brown bark surfaces. The possibility that the grey back colour of the Marsh Tit Parus palustris has evolved as crypsis against greyish branches is discussed. For the Blue Tit Parus caeruleus it is suggested that the green back colour has evolved as crypsis against leaves during summer; thus no background matching of the back occurs in winter. For the black back colour of the Longtailed Tit Aegithalos caudatos no background matching can be suggested. The study demonstrates that it is possible to quantify background colours for fouraging birds in the wild as seen by a human observer on the ground. It is proposed that these observations are also representative for a hunting Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus, even though differences in observing height and possible differences in spectral visual range may present difficulties.
Convergent characteristics of begging vocalisations in Australian birds
The acoustic structure and sound pressure level (i.e. loudness) of begging calls from nestlings and fledglings were examined for 12 species of Australian passerines and three species of parrots. There was a great deal of variation in the acoustic structure of the begging calls between species. Some calls were quite short in duration (0.06-0.1 s) while others were very long (0.98-1.51 s). However, most begging calls were loud and covered a wide range of frequencies consisting of noisy and/or harmonic components. These acoustic characteristics, which were observed in all species, presumably allow for efficient detection and location of the calling bird by parents, as well as signalling the birds’ nutritional requirements. The potential negative consequences of producing these vocalisations are an increased risk of detection by predators and a high metabolic cost. The findings of this study suggest that the potential risks associated with begging in Australian birds are offset by the benefits gained from producing loud, wide band vocalisations that can be easily detected and located by parents.
Coarazuphium pains, a new species of troglobitic beetle from Brazil (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Zuphiini)
Coarazuphium pains sp. n., a troglobitic Carabidae, is described and illustrated from a male specimen collected in the Tabocas III cave, at Pains, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This species, like C. bezerra, differs from the remaining species of the genus Coarazuphium by having two pairs of setae close to the posterior margin of the head, and differs from all others by having two pairs of setae at the ventral surface of the protorax and by having the apex of the elytra not sinuous.
Copyright (c) 2020 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Larvae of Trematoda associated with freshwater gastropods from Rio de Janeiro micro-region, southeast Brazil.
The study of freshwater molluscs associated with helminth larval stages from the state of Rio de Janeiro revealed different morphological types of cercariae. Among them, Pleurolophocercus cercaria, Echinostomocercaria, Strigeocercaria, and Xiphidiocercaria, were found in Biomphalaria tenagophila (Orbigny, 1835), Physa marmorata Guilding, 1828 and Melanoides tuberculatus (Müller, 1774). For the later species is the first occurrence as an intermediate host for tremadodes in Brazil and the first record of Pleurolophocercus cercaria in Brazil.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Leptodactylus chaquensis (Anura, Leptodactylidae) as a predator of Pseudis platensis (Anura, Hylidae) in southern Brazil
Frogs from the Family Leptodactylidae are among the most important opportunistic feeders on other anuran species. Here we report a case of predation of Pseudis platensis by the Cei’s white-lipped frog Leptodactylus chaquensis in breeding habitat from agricultural landscape, southern Brazil.
Morphometry of Catagonus stenocephalus (Lund in Reinhardt 1880) (Artiodactyla: Tayassuidae) and taxonomical considerations about Catagonus Ameghino 1904
Factors such as the discordance on the choice of characters by different authors and the fragmentary condition of the majority of fossils are responsible for many issues on the taxonomy of the South American Tayassuidae. The extinct Tayassuidae species Catagonus stenocephalus (Lund in Reinhardt 1880) presents a confuse nomenclatural history and a questionable genus designation. The morphometric analysis performed in this study, based on craniomandibular and dental characters, allowed to distinguished three groups morphologically distant from each other within the Catagonus genus. This result highlights the need for more precise phylogenetic analysis for the definition of taxonomic groups in the South American Tayassuidae.
Facilitation underpinning the success of the non-native catfish Hoplosternum littorale (Callichthyidae) in lakes of the Middle Doce River Basin, southeastern Brazil
Facilitation is defined as an interaction between two or more species, which benefits at least one of them and causes harm to neither. The establishment of non-native species in new areas is a global phenomenon that raises the question of how facilitation may help in successful biological invasions. We describe a possible facilitation process between the catfish Hoplosternum littorale (Tamboatá) and its predators: Pygocentrus nattereri (piranha) and Cichla cf kelberi (tucunaré), all non-native fish that live in the lakes of the Middle Doce River Basin, southeastern Brazil. We found evidence of indirect facilitation, where non-native predators probably release H. littorale from competition, as they prefer to prey on native fish. Our main evidence in favor of this interpretation was a difference in the abundance of H. littorale between lakes where these species co-occur and lakes where H. littorale is the only non-native fish species. This difference was not associated with environmental differences between lakes or spatial segregation of age classes of H. littorale. Differences in peak activity among H. littorale and non-native predators are probably the main driver of co-occurrence.
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The gall inducing insect community on Baccharis concinna (Asteraceae): the role of shoot growth rates and seasonal variations
Resource allocation patterns have been extensively studied on the dioecious shrub Baccharis concinna Barroso (Asteraceae) in rupestrian grasslands in Brazil. Female plants have longer apical shoots, more flowers per shoot, and greater leaf, flower and stem biomass on apical shoots while male plants have longer lateral shoots. Otherwise, no differences were observed in total biomass of vegetative parts between male and female plants. We further investigated the relationship between lateral shoot growth rates and the richness and abundance of galling-insect species on this host plant. Male plants had longer lateral shoots due to greater growth rates throughout the year. On the other hand, galling-insect richness and abundance did not differ between male and female plants throughout the year. Gall-inducing insects showed greater richness and abundance in the drier months of the year while lateral shoot growth rates were greater during the rainy season. In conclusion, male plants allocated more resources to the growth of lateral shoots when compared to female plants, but this differential growth did not reflect on male plants being more attacked by galling-insects.
Unexpected attraction of Urostreptus sp. (Spirostreptidae) to seed elaiosomes: a new resource record to millipedes’ diet
We describe, for the first time, the attraction of an unidentified millipede species (Urostreptus sp.) to an elaiosomes of a Euphorbiaceae species (Jatropha mutabilis (Pohl) Baill.). After field observations of Urostreptus specimens feeding on elaiosomes’ seeds of J. mutabilis in areas of Caatinga in Petrolina, northeast Brazil, we conducted experiments to test the hypothesis that this millipede is specifically attracted to J. mutabilis elaiosomes. In the first experiment, millipedes were offered a choice between pairs of seeds with and without elaiosomes. In each trial we recorded the animal choice and the time required to access the seed. In the second experiment, millipedes were offered a choice between pairs of pebbles similar in size to the seeds, one of which was soaked in elaiosome extract. The results showed that millipedes significantly preferred seeds with elaiosomes and were all attracted to pebbles soaked in the elaiosome extract. We also speculate some of the potential implications for seed dispersal and seedlings distribution.