Atlantic Forest Research Articles

Preliminary study of mosquitoes’ diversity (Diptera: Culicidae) in tree holes in an Atlantic Forest reserve in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Preliminary study of mosquitoes’ diversity (Diptera: Culicidae) in tree holes in an Atlantic Forest reserve in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Forest fragments in urban matrices: a conservation network for Atlantic Forest birds

Forest fragments in urban matrices: a conservation network for Atlantic Forest birds

Clarifying the dubious identity of Vanilla dubia Hoehne (Orchidaceae) and its relatives

Background and aims – Brazil has more than 40 species of Vanilla. Some taxa have been considered to be obscure since they are known only from the type specimen. This is the case of some south-eastern Brazilian species such as V. dubia and V. dungsii. While studying the diversity of Brazilian Vanilla, plants of an unidentified species were found in Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. After flowering, it was confirmed that the species corresponded to the obscure V. dubia. Material and methods – A redescription of V. dubia is provided and a morphological comparison with the related taxa V. dungsii and V. paulista is presented. An illustration of V. dubia is provided, and its geographic distribution is presented. The identity of the enigmatic V. dungsii is also clarified based on holotype examination and on images of living specimens. Key results – Vanilla dubia is recognized by its coriaceous leaves with prominent vascular bundles in transverse section, by its white 3-lobed labellum with yellow lobes and undulate-crenulate margins, and by its tuberculate appendages on the apical portion of the labellar crest. Morphological characteristics suggest a close relationship of V. dubia with V. dungsii and V. paulista.Vanilla dubia occurs in the Dense Ombrophilous Forest, while V. paulista occurs in the Semi-deciduous Mesophytic Forest, and V. dungsii is endemic to the Dense Montane Ombrophilous Forest. Based on current data, V. dubia is assessed as Endangered. Conclusion – Evaluation of vegetative and reproductive characters from living and herbaria specimens is crucial to understanding the identity and species boundaries of Vanilla. The data presented here show that the species occurring in the Atlantic Forest, V. dubia and V. dungsii, are more closely related to each other than to V. paulista, which occurs in Semi-deciduous Mesophytic Forests. A proposal to change the status of V. dungsii as a subspecies of V. dubia can be further considered.

Mixed effects of climate and species richness on aboveground carbon stock in subtropical Atlantic forests

Tropical forests are global biodiversity hotspots and are crucial in the global carbon (C) cycle. Understanding the drivers of aboveground carbon stock (AGC) in a heterogeneous and biodiverse system can shed light on the processes underlying the relationship between biodiversity and carbon accumulation. Here, we investigate how biodiversity, environment, and landscape structure affect AGC. We examined such associations in 349 plots comprising over 95,346 km2 the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil, encompassing three forest types: Dense Ombrophylous Forest (DF), Mixed Ombrophylous Forest (MF), and Seasonal Deciduous Forest (SF). Each plot was described by environmental variables, landscape metrics, and biodiversity (species richness and functional diversity). We used diversity, environmental, and landscape variables to build generalized linear mixed models and understand which can affect the forest AGC. We found that species richness is associated positively with AGC in all forest types, combined and separately. Seasonal temperature and isothermality affect AGC in all forest types; additionally, stocks are positively influenced by annual precipitation in SF and isothermality in MF. Among landscape metrics, total fragment edge negatively affects carbon stocks in MF. Our results show the importance of species diversity for carbon stocks in subtropical forests. The climate effect was also relevant, showing the importance of these factors, especially in a world where climate change tends to affect forest stock capacity negatively.

Birds from human-modified Atlantic Forest landscapes of the middle-lower Paraíba do Sul River basin, southeastern Brazil

Birds from human-modified Atlantic Forest landscapes of the middle-lower Paraíba do Sul River basin, southeastern Brazil

Patterns in parasite diversity and interactions with anurans from the Atlantic Forest

Knowledge of parasite-host interactions is essential for understanding factors associated with the ecology and evolution of both groups. Some aspects, such as host size and phylogeny, as well as parasite specificity, are significant predictors that help unveil the parasite-host relationship. Thus, the goals of this study were: (1) to describe parasite diversity in regions of the Atlantic Forest; (2) to analyze which host characteristics can influence parasite richness of anuran's parasite component community; and (3) to investigate if the prevalence of parasite infection is related to specificity metrics (ecological and phylogenetic), number of infected hosts and parasite's abundance. We identified 49 parasite taxa, classified into three phyla: Nematoda, Acanthocephala, and Platyhelminthes. Supporting the existing literature, our findings corroborate the positive relationship between host size and parasite richness, further emphasizing the significance of this predictor. Parasite prevalence in the host community is related to the number of infected host species and parasite abundance, but not to phylogenetic and ecological specificity indices. This shows that parasite prevalence is strongly associated with infection opportunity, host sampling effort, and high parasite abundance.

Influence of plant growth-promoting bacteria on leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolism of two drought-stressed neotropical tree species: a metabolomic approach.

Deforestation of Atlantic Forest has caused prolonged drought events in the last decades. The need for reforestation is growing, and the development of native seedlings that are more tolerant to drought stress is necessary. A biotechnological tool that improves plant tolerance is the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as inoculants. Two species of PGPB were inoculated in drought-stressed seedlings of two neotropical tree species that have been used in environmental restoration programs: Cecropia pachystachya and Cariniana estrellensis. Biometrical, physiological, and metabolomic parameters from carbon and nitrogen pathways were evaluated. We found that the PGPB positively influenced photosynthesis and growth parameters in both trees under drought. The enzymes activities, the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, the amino acids, and protein contents were also influenced by the PGPB treatments. The results allowed us to find the specific composition of secondary metabolites of each plant species. This study provides evidence that there is not a single mechanism involved in drought tolerance and that the inoculation with PGPB promotes a broad-spectrum tolerance response in Neotropical trees. The inoculation with PGPB appears as an important strategy to improve drought tolerance in Atlantic Forest native trees and enhance environmental restoration programs' success. MAIN CONCLUSION: The association with plant growth-promoting bacteria improved the tolerance to drought in Neotropical trees through biochemical, physiological, and biometrical parameters. This can enhance the success of forest restoration programs.

Reproductive behavior of Phyllomedusa tetraploidea (Anura: Hylidae) Pombal & Haddad, 1992 in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The reproductive potential of an individual is crucial for ensuring the production of offspring. However, knowledge about polyandry in anurans is limited. In this report, we present the first documented case of polyandrous reproduction or multiple reproduction in Phyllomedusa tetraploidea (Anura: Hylidae) Pombal & Haddad, 1992. This observation occurred during a rainy night in the Atlantic Forest region of northwest Paraná, Brazil. The multiple reproduction event involved four males (three of which were identified as satellites) and one female. Notable behaviors were recorded, including a vocalizing male assisting the female in folding leaves with his feet before depositing the eggs. The entire multiple reproduction event lasted about 40 minutes. Additionally, we observed a pair of P. tetraploidea engaging in axillary amplexus, where the male and female positioned their bellies toward each other. This amplexus lasted approximately 80 minutes, from their initial meeting until the eggs were deposited and they separated. This study contributes to our understanding of P. tetraploidea's reproductive mode, detailing behaviors from vocalization to egg deposition. It also adds to our knowledge of the evolution of reproductive strategies.

A new species of Psidium and notes on Neomitranthes from the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Psidium riobonito, a new species of Myrtaceae from the Atlantic Forest of the northeastern portion of the Brazilian state of São Paulo, was collected in High Montane Dense Ombrophilous Forest and is described here. Morphological characters assign the new species to Psidium sect. Apertiflora, due to its leaves with brochidodromous veins, marginal vein parallel to the margin, inflorescences in auxotelic racemes, flowers with open buds with 5 calyx lobes, in addition to dark purple fruits when ripe, with few seeds. Psidium riobonito is morphologically close to P. involutisepalum and P. myrtoides, but differs by the marginal veins 2 to 5 mm from the margin (vs. 1 to 2 mm in P. myrtoides and 1.5 to 2 mm in P. involutisepalum), glabrous or glabrescent leaves when mature (vs. pubescent or sparsely pubescent mainly along the midrib on the abaxial surface in P. myrtoides and sparsely pubescent in P. involutisepalum), pedicels 14–26 mm long (vs. 3–12 mm in P. myrtoides and 8–10 mm in P. involutisepalum). The relationship of P. riobonito to morphologically close species, comments on its taxonomy, ecology and informal conservation status, and a table with morphological characteristics of P. sect. Apertiflora are also provided. We also present for the first time the descriptions of the fruits of Neomitranthes capivariensis and N. pedicellata.

Climate sensitive tree growth modelling of Myrocarpus frondosus in Southern Brazil using tree-ring time series and distributed generalized additive lag models

Abstract Climate change is expected to strongly affect the functioning of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems around the globe, and tree-ring analysis is proving increasingly useful for understanding the changing dynamics in these environments. However, traditional dendroecological methods were not originally designed to jointly consider inter-annual and inter-tree variations, often assuming linear growth-climate relationships, and limiting the potential to address in-deep questions regarding the tree growth sensitivity to environmental drivers. In the present study, we applied a flexible generalized additive model to assess the climate-sensitivity of the species Myrocarpus frondosus Allemão growing in a subtropical Atlantic Forest (AF) site in southern Brazil. Tree-ring width time series from 117 stem cores together with monthly climate data of temperature and precipitation covering the period from 1968 to 2021 were used for model construction. The model was designed to simultaneously encompass detrending, to capture nonlinear effects of climate variables and their interactions and to predict mean tree-ring widths for the species. Based on a distributed lag model approach, we also tested the influence of different lengths of lagged climate series over the model accuracy. Both precipitation and temperature proved to be strong drivers of M. frondosus radial growth in the subtropical AF. An interaction effect between these regressor variables revealed a likely water stress scenario arising from warm and dry summer conditions, with strongly negative impacts for the species. Detrimental impacts on tree dormancy period can also be expected due to milder winters, with legacy effects on the radial increments across two subsequent years. In addition to monitoring, the approach applied here meets the needs for more robust predictions of the impacts of future climate conditions on species and communities, contributing to efforts aimed at the management and conservation in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, particularly in the AF.

New Species, Host Record, and Male Discovery for Three Messatoporus Cushman (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) from Brazil

Messatoporus bisignatus Aguiar & Supeleto, sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The new species was extensively reared from trap nests colonized by Auplopus subaurarius Dreisbach, 1963 (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae), in an area of secondary Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. Two other species, M. elektor Santos, 2013 and M. opacus Santos, 2013, were also reared from the same host, but in lesser numbers. The previously unknown males of M. elektor Santos, 2013, M. opacus Santos 2013 and M. unidentatus Santos, 2013 are described and illustrated. New females and significant morphological variation are reported for these species, previously known only from a few specimens. New geographical records are reported for M. unidentatus (Brazil, two localities in ES), M. elektor and M. opacus (Brazil, two localities in RS).

Using bioacoustics tools to clarify species relationships: vocalization of Cycloramphus lithomimeticus (Anura Cycloramphidae), with a phylogenetic comparative analysis of genus based on call

In anurans communities, vocalizations play a fundamental role in social interactions, being the most important behavioral modality of communication. Therefore, the description of acoustic signals is indispensable for understanding aspects of their evolutionary history. The Cycloramphus genus consists of 30 species allocated into five groups, of which only 19 have the vocalization described. Cycloramphus lithomimeticus is a small-sized frog belonging to the C. granulosus group. This poorly known species is associated with rock surfaces near waterfalls in Atlantic montane forests, restricted to the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Currently, it’s classified as Near Threatened species category of IUCN and many aspects of its natural history remain unknown. Herein, we describe the advertisement call of C. lithomimeticus extending its known geographical distribution and providing additional data on the natural history of the species. We recorded and analyzed 44 calls from 10 males of C. lithomimeticus. The advertisement call of C. lithomimeticus consists of a single pulsed note with 0.3–0.8 sec of duration, emitted sporadically, with an interval between calls of 27.5–226.3 sec, composed by 7–17 pulses emitted at a rate of 18–26/sec, with a peak frequency of 2062.5–3000 Hz. After defining the correspondence between structures for systematic purposes, we made a comparative analysis determined by establishing homology connections with other species of the genus. According to our dominant frequency evolutionary reconstruction, an evolutionary increase in frequency mainly occurred in the C. lithomimeticus species lineage from an ancestral dominant frequency of 1500 Hz of the clade with C. eleutherodactylus species group, C. granulosus species group, and C. fuliginosus species group. This study contributes to our knowledge about the biology of C. lithomimeticus, and our results provide basic data for further acoustic, taxonomic and ecological studies in the genus Cycloramphus.

Geoclimatic drivers of diversification in the largest arid and semi-arid environment of the Neotropics: Perspectives from phylogeography.

The South American Dry Diagonal, also called the Diagonal of Open Formations, is a large region of seasonally dry vegetation extending from northeastern Brazil to northern Argentina, comprising the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Chaco subregions. A growing body of phylogeography literature has determined that a complex history of climatic changes coupled with more ancient geological events has produced a diverse and endemic-rich Dry Diagonal biota. However, the exact drivers are still under investigation, and their relative strengths and effects are controversial. Pleistocene climatic fluctuations structured lineages via vegetation shifts, refugium formation, and corridors between the Amazon and Atlantic forests. In some taxa, older geological events, such as the reconfiguration of the São Francisco River, uplift of the Central Brazilian Plateau, or the Miocene inundation of the Chaco by marine incursions, were more important. Here, we review the Dry Diagonal phylogeography literature, discussing each hypothesized driver of diversification and assessing degree of support. Few studies statistically test these hypotheses, with most support drawn from associating encountered phylogeographic patterns such as population structure with the timing of ancient geoclimatic events. Across statistical studies, most hypotheses are well supported, with the exception of the Pleistocene Arc Hypothesis. However, taxonomic and regional biases persist, such as a proportional overabundance of herpetofauna studies, and the under-representation of Chaco studies. Overall, both Pleistocene climate change and Neogene geological events shaped the evolution of the Dry Diagonal biota, though the precise effects are regionally and taxonomically varied. We encourage further use of model-based analyses to test evolutionary scenarios, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations to progress the field beyond its current focus on the traditional set of geoclimatic hypotheses.

Evolution of vegetative morphoanatomical characters in Pabstiella (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae)

The subtribe Pleurothallidinae encompasses approximately 48 genera, with Pabstiella standing out due to its 133 species, many of which are found in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Molecular data strongly support the genus and its ten sections. However, only a few species have been anatomically described, and a comprehensive characterization of the genus for comparative purposes is still needed. Our study aimed to examine the main vegetative morphoanatomical characters of the root, stem, and leaves, and analyze their evolution based on the phylogeny of the genus. We analysed root, stem, and leaf samples from 57 species using light and scanning electron microscopy. We selected 35 characters and mapped them onto the molecular phylogeny. Pabstiella exhibits homogeneous leaf anatomy, with aquiferous tissue on both sides and chlorophyllous parenchyma in the middle, aligned with vascular bundles. The ramicaul anatomy displays a simple epidermis with primary or secondary walls, a simple to stratified hypodermis, a parenchymatous or aerenchymatous cortex, and a sheath of sclerenchyma surrounding the vascular bundles. The roots endovelamen cells are larger than those in the epivelamen, reticulated tilosomes of varying morphotypes, and giant cells in the cortex. Despite the common occurrence of homoplasy among vegetative traits, particularly in the leaves, our analyses revealed several synapomorphies for the genus. These include the presence of giant cells in the root cortex, endovelamen cells larger than those of the epivelamen, a specific distribution pattern of tilosomes, and 2–3 layers of aquifer tissue on the adaxial face of the leaf. Additionally, for the Pabstiella section, a lignified stem epidermis wall is a synapomorphic character state. Our findings demonstrate that vegetative morpho-anatomy is a useful diagnostic character for generic and infrageneric categories within the genus. When analysed from a phylogenetic perspective, it contributes to our comparative understanding of the genus.

Prevalence and composition of haemosporidians in an avian community from a World Heritage area: Associations with host foraging strata and forest regeneration

Forest regeneration is becoming a powerful tool to combat land conversion which covers 30 % of the Neotropical territory. However, little is known about the effect of forest regeneration on vector-borne diseases. Here, we describe the haemosporidian lineage composition across a successional gradient within an Atlantic Forest bird community. We test whether forest successional stages, in addition to host life history traits affect haemosporidian infection probability. We sampled birds at 16 sampling units with different successional stages between 2017 and 2018 within a forest remnant located in Antonina, Paraná, Brazil. We captured bird individuals using mist-nets, identified them to the species level, and collected blood samples to detect and identify Plasmodium and Haemoproteus lineages based on molecular analysis. We used a Bayesian phylogenetic linear model with a Bernoulli distribution to test whether the haemosporidian infection probability is affected by nest type, foraging stratum, and forest successional stage. We captured 322 bird individuals belonging to 52 species and 21 families. We found 31 parasite lineages and an overall haemosporidian prevalence of 23.9 %, with most infections being caused by Plasmodium (21.7 % of prevalence). The Plasmodium probability of infection was associated with forest successional stage and bird foraging stratum. Birds from the secondary forest in an intermediate stage of succession are more likely to be infected by the parasites than birds from the primary forests (β = 1.21, 95 % CI = 0.11 – 2.43), birds from upper strata exhibit a lower probability of infection than birds from lower foraging strata (β = -1.81, 95 % CI = -3.80 – -0.08). Nest type did not affect the Plasmodium probability of infection. Our results highlight the relevance of forest succession on haemosporidian infection dynamics, which is particularly relevant in a world where natural regeneration is the main tool used in forest restoration.

Phyllanthus novofriburgensis and P. pedrosae, two new species of Phyllanthus subsect. Clausseniani (Phyllanthaceae) from Southeastern Brazil

Phyllanthus novofriburgensis J.C.R.Mendes, J.M.A.Braga & Fraga sp. nov. and P. pedrosae J.C.R.Mendes, J.M.A.Braga & Fraga sp. nov. are new species of Phyllanthaceae described from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Brazilian Cerrado, respectively. Phyllanthus novofriburgensis resembles P. acutifolius Poir. ex Spreng., P. hypoleucus Müll.Arg. and P. lilliputianus J.C.R.Mendes, J.M.A.Braga & Fraga, sharing ovate, elliptical, and lanceolate leaf blades. However, it can be distinguished by its pendulous habit, often with sinuous branches and lanceolate leaf blades with characteristically revolute margins. Phyllanthus pedrosae exhibits morphological similarities with P. claussenii Müll.Arg. due to its subshrubby and prostrate habit. It is distinghuished by the unisexual inflorescence with cymules composed of one or two staminate flowers proximally positioned in the axil of the branches and solitary pistillate flowers distally situated, and the 5-merous calyx in the staminate and pistillate flowers. Both new species are classified in Phyllanthus subgen. Phyllanthus sect. Phyllanthus subsect. Clausseniani G.L.Webster, primarily due to the deeply emarginate anthers. Notes on their geographical distribution and habitat are provided, as well as a key to the species of Phyllanthus from Southeastern Brazil.

Synopsis of Miridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in Atlantic Forest Dominion, Espírito Santo State, Brazil: keys, diagnoses, new species, plant associations, and geographic distribution. Part I: Bryocorinae, Cylapinae and Deraeocorinae.

This is the first paper in a compilation of subfamilies synoptic taxonomic treatments of the Miridae in Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil based on extensive fieldwork and review of local collections. Starting with Bryocorinae, Cylapinae, and Deraeocorinae. This manuscript recognizes three subfamilies, 8 tribes, 31 genera, and 45 species from the region. Diagnoses, hostplant/plant associations and predator prey information, distribution data, and remarks are provided. Illustrations of adults and, for most species, morphological characters of male genitalia are given to help identification. Keys are included for identification, including other subfamilies, tribes, and genera not yet found in the state of ES to increase the comparative accuracy.

Unveiling the life of the Neotropical resin bee Dicranthidium arenarium (Ducke, 1907) (Megachilinae, Anthidiini)

Dicranthidium arenarium (Ducke, 1907) is a solitary bee distributed along the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes in Northern Brazil. Although it is often sampled in faunistic inventories, its biology is still poorly known. We therefore studied the biology of D. arenarium to understand and compare the patterns of behavior, seasonality, nidification, and its natural enemies in different biomes where it appears. In order to achieve this goal, trap nests were installed and monitored in areas of Caatinga and Atlantic Forest in Northeastern Brazil over one year. We described, illustrated, and discussed their nest architecture, nesting behavior, mortality rates, and sex ratio. Additionally, the behavior of the Austrostelis appendiculata (Ducke, 1910) in D. arenarium nests was observed and described for the first time, showing a similar pattern to that of the other cleptoparasites lineages of Epanthidiina. Their distribution in distinct biomes, the multivoltine cycle, and the plasticity in the use of cavities showed that D. arenarium is a promising species for conservation and pollination programs in natural, urban, and agricultural environments.

Campomanesia lorenziana as a replacement name for Abbevillea langsdorffii (Myrtaceae), a rare and endemic fruiting species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Campomanesia lorenziana as a replacement name for Abbevillea langsdorffii (Myrtaceae), a rare and endemic fruiting species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Complete phylogeny of Micrathena spiders suggests multiple dispersal events among Neotropical rainforests, islands and landmasses, and indicates that Andean orogeny promotes speciation.

The Neotropical region is the most diverse on the planet, largely owing to its mosaic of tropical rainforests. Multiple tectonic and climatic processes have been hypothesized to contribute to generating this diversity, including Andean orogeny, the closure of the Isthmus of Panama, the GAARlandia land bridge and historical connections among currently isolated forests. Micrathena spiders are diverse and widespread in the region, and thus a complete phylogeny of this genus allows the testing of hypotheses at multiple scales. We estimated a complete, dated phylogeny using morphological data for 117 Micrathena species and molecular data of up to five genes for a subset of 79 species. Employing event-based approaches and biogeographic stochastic mapping while considering phylogenetic uncertainty, we estimated ancestral distributions, the timing and direction of dispersal events and diversification rates among areas. The phylogeny is generally robust, with uncertainty in the position of some of the species lacking sequences. Micrathena started diversifying around 25 Ma. Andean cloud forests show the highest in-situ speciation, while the Amazon is the major dispersal source for adjacent areas. The Dry Diagonal generated few species and is a sink of diversity. Species exchange between Central and South America involved approximately 23 dispersal events and started ~20 Ma, which is consistent with a Miocene age for the Isthmus of Panama closure. We inferred four dispersal events from Central America to the Antilles in the last 20 Myr, indicating the spiders did not reach the islands through the GAARlandia land bridge. We identified important species exchange routes among the Amazon, Andean cloud forests and Atlantic forests during the Plio-Pleistocene. Sampling all species of the genus was fundamental to the conclusions above, especially in identifying the Andean forests as the area that generated the majority of species. This highlights the importance of complete taxonomic sampling in biogeographic studies.