Brazilian Genus Research Articles

A new species of “rooster coomb”, Euploca decorticans (Heliotropiaceae), from the highlands of the state of Goiás, Brazil

Euploca decorticans, is here described and illustrated as a new species from a heretofore poorly collected mountain area in Goiás state, Brazil. It is most morphologically similar to E. salicoides, one of the most widely distributed taxa of the genus in Brazil but differs from that species in several features related to habit (height and growth aspect), leaves (shape, trichome types, and venation pattern), flowers (size, corolla shape, length, color), inflorescence (length), fruits (diameter and trichome types) and nutlets (shapes), among other features. We include a distribution map besides photos and drawings of the new species, and we also discuss its conservation status.

New species of Tintiyakus Cadena-Castaeda (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Lutosinae) from the Brazilian Mountain Amazon Rainforest.

Tintiyakus is a genus of Chevron Crickets and currently comprises three species with distributions in Colombia and Venezuela, restricted to Amazon rainforest environments between 200400 m altitude. In this work a new species Tintiyakus lari sp. nov. for Serra da Mocidade is the first record of the genus for Brazil. A pictorial key for males of Tintiyakus species is provided.

Novelties in central Amazonian microcaddisflies: Three new species of Ochrotrichia Mosely (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae).

Ochrotrichia Mosely is the most species-rich group of microcaddisflies in the Neotropical Region. However, knowledge about this genus in Brazil is still limited; only 11 species are known, distributed in the Atlantic Forest (9), Caatinga (3), and Amazon (1) biomes. In this paper, three new species of Ochrotrichia are described and illustrated based on adult males collected in the Ducke Forest Reserve, a protected area administered by the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia (INPA), located in central Amazonia, Brazil. Ochrotrichia belodes sp. nov., O. buenosoria sp. nov. and O. ducke sp. nov. can be recognized mainly by the morphology of tergum X and the inferior appendages. Based on their simple, elongate tergum X, all new species are assigned to the Ochrotrichia xena Group.

Synopsis of the Brazilian genus Symphyllophyton (Gentianaceae) with four new species

Symphyllophyton (Gentianaceae) is characterized by autotrophic herbs, with tetramerous flowers didynamous stamens, filaments attached to the distal portion of the corolla tube and connate-perfoliate or free leaves. The finding of a new population in the Brazilian State of Goiás inspired a detailed and unprecedented study of the genus, which lead to the discovery of four new species in different States and to the repositioning of Schultesia sucreana within the genus, thus elevating the known number of species from two to seven. A lectotype is designated for the genus. Descriptions, illustrations, and an identification key are provided along with notes on ecology and conservation.

Mejdalania, a new genus and three new species of Neocoelidiinae from Brazil (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

A new Brazilian leafhopper genus of the subfamily Neocoelidiinae is proposed. Mejdalania gen. nov. is described based on three new species: Mejdalania bia sp. nov. from the state of Acre, M. longa sp. nov. from the state of Amazonas and M. unciformis sp. nov. from the state of Mato Grosso. A distribution map of Mejdalania species and an identification key for the species of the genus are provided.

First report of the rare arboreal grasshopper Bactrophora dominans Westwood, 1842 (Insecta, Orthoptera, Caelifera, Romaleidae) from Brazil

The genus Bactrophora Westwood, 1842 comprises only two species known from Central America and northern South America, with a notable scarcity of collected specimens. Herein, we provide the first records of the presence of this genus in Brazil. These new records, based on entomological collection data and photographic records, extend the known distribution of Bactrophora dominans Westwood, 1842 to include the Brazilian Amazonian region. Both records emphasize the importance of natural history collections and the significance of the iNaturalist web-based application as an instrumental tool in this discovery.

On-farm assessment of eucalypt yield gaps - a case study for the producing areas ofthe state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The concept of yield gaps provides a basis for identifying the main sources of production losses, caused by water or management deficiencies, which may help foresters and forest companies to better plan and make decisions in their areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the magnitude and the major causes of yield gaps of eucalypts, being this the most planted forest genus in Brazil, in different producing regions of the state of Minas Gerais that has the largest planted area. To these ends, potential (Yp) and attainable (Ya) yields were simulated using the agroecological zone model (AEZ-FAO) adapted and calibrated for Brazilian eucalypt clones. Actual yield (Yr) data were obtained from 22 sites located in the state of Minas Gerais from 2009 to 2016, considering an average forest rotation of 6.7 years and plantings occurring between 2002 and 2010. From this, the total yield gap (YGtot), yield gap by water deficit (YGwd), and yield gap by sub-optimal management (YGman) were determined. The YGwd ranged from 37 to 69 m3 ha-1 year-1 across the 22 sites assessed, with an average value of 55 m3 ha-1 year-1. On the other hand, the YGman ranged from zero (optimal management) to 31 m3 ha-1 year-1. The eucalypt yield gap in commercial areas of Minas Gerais state was mainly caused by water deficit, which represented 77% of the total yield gap. On the other hand, the deficiencies in forest management accounted for 23% of the total yield gap.

Redescription of emRaggophyllum/em Nickle, 1967 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae) with description of a new species from Brazilian Amazon Rainforest and placement in Microcentrini Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878.

Raggophyllum Nickle, 1967 is a monotypic genus, including Raggophylluym spinosum, and recorded in Peru and Bolivia. In this work, Raggophyllum is redescribed and assigned to the Microcentrini, based on the type species Raggophylluym spinosum. Raggophyllum rubrofemoratum sp. nov. in described from Brazil, Acre and Amazonas, and it is the first record for the genus in Brazil. The male genitalia and the stridulatory file morphology are described for the first time. A distribution map, notes on the habitat, and commentaries on their distribution among Amazonian endemism areas are included.

A New Species of Liosphex Townes, 1977 (Hymenoptera: Rhopalosomatidae) from the Amazon Forest and New Records for the Genus in Brazil.

Liosphex Townes, 1977 is a genus of solitary wasps belonging to the family Rhopalosomatidae, whose larvae develop as ectoparasitoids of crickets. In this paper, both sexes of a new species of the genus are described, Liosphex amazonensis Bulbol & Somavilla sp. n. Three other species, Liosphex achuar Lohrmann, 2010, Liosphex atratus Lohrmann, 2010, and Liosphex bribri Lohrmann, 2010, are recorded for the first time in Brazil. The male of Liosphex guanabara Lohrmann, 2010 is described for the first time, and the species is registered for the state of Bahia. In addition, the first detailed descriptions and illustrations of male genitalia of three species of the genus, i.e., L. amazonensis sp. n., L. atratus, and L. guanabara, are provided.

Seasonal dynamics and rickettsial infection in free-living Amblyomma dubitatum in the Atlantic forest biome in north-eastern Brazil

The genus Amblyomma is the most representative tick genus in Brazil and some species act as vectors of pathogenic organisms to animals and humans. Information on the seasonal dynamics of Amblyomma spp. as well as on rickettsial organisms infecting these ticks in some regions in Brazil is still fragmentary. Herein, we investigated the seasonal dynamics and rickettsial infections in Amblyomma dubitatum ticks collected in the Atlantic forest biome in north-eastern Brazil. Using carbon dioxide traps, ticks were collected monthly for two consecutive years. In total, 15,789 ticks were collected: 69 females (0.4%), 116 males (0.7%), 1,067 nymphs (6.8%), and 14,537 larvae (92.1%). All nymphs, females and males were identified as A. dubitatum, whereas larvae were identified as Amblyomma spp. Larvae were more frequent in summer (77% of the larvae collected), whereas nymphs were collected with similar frequency in summer (32.8%), autumn (30.0%) and spring (28.4%). Adults were more frequent in spring (47.6%). A total of 648 ticks (485 nymphs, 60 females, and 103 males) were tested by PCR for the gltA gene of Rickettsia spp. and 87 (13.4%; 95% CI: 10.9–16.3%) were positive. A consensus sequence (size, 350 bp) of 66 gltA gene sequences indicate that the organism detected herein is similar to Rickettsia tamurae, Rickettsia monacencis and Rickettsia sp. strain Pampulha. One of these positive samples was also positive for the ompA gene of spotted fever group rickettsiae, but attempts to sequence the amplicon were not successful. We also tested this sample by a PCR targeting the rickettsial htrA gene, but no amplification product could be detected. This study indicates that A. dubitatum may be a common tick in areas where capybaras are present in north-eastern Brazil, occurring during the whole year. It also suggests the circulation of a spotted fever group rickettsia in this A. dubitatum population, whose identity has yet to be determined.

Morphological and biological variations of the glass snake Ophiodes striatus (Spix, 1825) (Squamata, Anguidae) from southeastern Brazil.

Lizards of the Ophiodes genus, popularly known as glass snakes, are exclusively Neotropical. Despite their wide geographic distribution, glass snakes are poorly studied and there are many knowledge gaps in their biology and ecology to be filled. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze possible sexual and population morphological differences of Ophiodes striatus specimens collected from different municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 63 specimens belonging to the Herpetological Collection of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora - Reptiles (CHUFJF-Reptiles), collected between 1995 and 2015 were analyzed. All the specimens were necropsied and morphometric measures related to body and head were measured. The males and females analyzed showed similar morphometric measures, and there was no size-related sexual dimorphism. Principal component analysis did not group the analyzed specimens by sex or locality. A positive correlation was observed between the snout-vent length and the vestigial limb length. The present study brings new information related to sexual dimorphism and population morphometric variation of O. striatus, adding information that will help in better understanding the ecology, biology and evolution of the genus in Brazil.

Karyotypic data of five ant taxa from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

The Brazilian Atlantic rainforest is an endangered biome and biodiversity hotspot. Ant cytogenetic studies from this biome showed remarkable chromosomal diversity among species, and provided useful insights on phylogeny, chromosomal evolution, and taxonomy. In this study, we karyotyped five ant taxa from the Atlantic rainforest. The karyotypes observed were Pheidole germaini 2n=22, Pheidole sp. flavens group 2n=20, Brachymyrmex admotus 2n=18, Camponotus atriceps 2n=40, and Odontomachus haematodus 2n=44. The data obtained for Pheidole spp. represent the first chromosomal record for the genus in Brazil and provide insights on the chromosomal evolution of P. germaini. Karyotypic information from B. admotus brings the genus back to the cytogenetic scenario after decades of neglect. No karyotype variations were observed among the C. atriceps and O. haematodus from different already studied populations, corroborating their status as good species. This study increased the cytogenetic knowledge of ants from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.

Stigmatodon francae (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae), a New Species from Cliff Ecosystems on Inselbergs in Southeastern Brazil

Stigmatodon Leme, G. K. Br. & Barfuss is an exclusively Brazilian genus of Bromeliaceae that occurs mainly on large vertical granite surfaces of inselbergs in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. A new species found in cliff ecosystems on inselbergs in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro is described and illustrated. Data are provided on its habitat, ecology, and geographical distribution, together with an evaluation of its conservation status according to IUCN criteria.

Machima itatiaia sp. nov.: a new species of lichen-mimic katydid (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Brazilian genus Machima Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 includes three valid species: M. paranensis Rehn, 1950 and M. scalprum Rehn, 1950 distributed on Southern and M. phyllacantha (Burmeister, 1838) from Northeastern Brazil. Herein we analyzed eleven male specimens of Machima from Parque Nacional de Itatiaia and propose a new species. Machima itatiaia sp. nov. is characterized by its main lobe of the cercus curving abruptly on apical two-thirds and accessory lobe as long as wide. The new species is the first record of the genus from Southeastern Brazil. Finally, we also present a key to species of Machima based on males.

Taxonomic revision of Schausiana Viette with two new species from Guatemala and notes on biogeography and correlated tectonics (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae).

We morphologically validate the genus Schausiana Viette, 1950 as a monophyletic group comprising five species-S. phalerus (Druce, 1887) comb. n. and S. trojesa (Schaus, 1901) from Mexico, S. chalciope sp. n. and S. maishei sp. n. from Guatemala and S. pharus (Druce, 1887) comb. n. from Mexico to Costa Rica. Potential morphological monophyly of the genus is supported by the unique shared presence of specialized scales spine-like, elongate spinous, or piliform, located along the forewing veins. We investigate possible close phylogenetic relationships of this genus with the Mexican and Central American genera Pallas C. Mielke Grehan, 2015, and Phassus Walker, 1856, and the southeastern Brazilian genus, Phthius C. Mielke Grehan, 2017. Also discussed are the shared presence of several characters supporting the morphological monophyly of Schausiana, Phassus, and Pallas as 'phassine' Hepialidae. The distribution range of Schausiana is bounded in its northwestern range by the Guerrero terrane. Other than the widespread S. pharus with a disjunct record from Costa Rica, the southern distribution boundary corresponds to the Motagua-Polochic Fracture Zone in Guatemala. We suggest that the ancestral range of Schausiana did not include the Guerrero terrane and was possibly also absent from the Chocos Block (Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua) and the Costa Rica-Panama arc of Central America. Further divergence of Schausiana is predicted to have been influenced by tectonic events during late Cretaceous or early Cenozoic time. Colour photos are presented for all species for the first time. Holotypes of S. maishei, sp. n., and S. chalciope, sp. n., are deposited in the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala.

<p><strong>The genus <em>Lejeunea</em> Lib. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta) in Brazil</strong></p>

Lejeunea is one of the largest genera of liverworts in the Neotropics and probably the largest liverwort genus in Brazil. We present the first treatment of Lejeunea for Brazil, and for any major part of the Neotropics. Fifty-eight species and three varieties are recognized. A key to the Brazilian species of Lejeunea is provided and each species is briefly described with data on geographical distribution, habitat, differentiating characters and affinities, and reference to published illustrations. Illustrations of a few selected species are also provided. Almost half of the species (24) are widely distributed in tropical America and four of them occur also in Africa; one species, L. flava, is pantropical. About 40% of the species (23) have more restricted ranges and are limited to tropical South America. Ten of them (L. atlantica, L. beyrichiana, L. combuensis, L. flagellifera, L. juruana, L. longidentata, L. oligoclada, L. perpapillosa, L. pulchra, L. subplana) are only known from Brazil. Within Brazil 19 species are widespread, the remaining ones have restricted distributions in the country. Twenty-three species are newly reduced to synonymy (see list in text), fourteen new lectotypifications are designated, two species are newly described, L. atlantica sp. nov. and L. pulchra sp. nov., and four new combinations are proposed: L. acanthogona var. cristulata comb. nov., L. acanthogona var. diversicuspis comb. nov., L. acanthogona var. grossiretis comb. nov. and L. beyrichiana comb. nov. Lejeunea cochleata is reported new to Brazil and L. rionegrensis is new to Ecuador.

A New Genus and Two New Species of Cecidomyiini (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Brazil

A new Brazilian genus of gall midge, Cerciplanusgen. nov. Garcia and Urso-Guimaraes (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and two new species, Cerciplanus tocantinensissp. nov. Garcia and Urso-Guimaraes and Cerciplanus ciposp. nov. Garcia and Urso-Guimaraes are described. The first species is inducer of leaf galls on Ouratea spectabilis (Ochnaceae) while the latter on Heteropterys sp. (Malpighiaceae). The host plants are associated with vegetation of Cerrado biome in Tocantins and rupestrian field in Minas Gerais States, both phytophysiognomies of Brazil. The new genus and the new species are described and illustrated based on immature, adults and galls. Geographical distribution of the cecidomyiid species and the host are compared and commented.

Endemism within endemism: a new species of Austroleptis Hardy, 1920 (Diptera: Austroleptidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest highlands.

A third species of the southern temperate tabanomorph genus Austroleptis Hardy, 1920 (Diptera: Austroleptidae)-A. camposgerais sp. nov.-from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is described and illustrated. A key for the species of the genus in Brazil is provided. Shared derived features indicate a sister group relationship between the new species and A. longirostris Fachin et al., 2018. Whatever the relationships among the species of this clade, however, there is a process of endemism within endemism in the Atlantic Forest: species at higher altitudes undergo vicariance process that do not affect lowland species distributed around the mountain chains. The low number of specimens known from highland species and the very restricted geographic distribution of each species strongly indicate the urgency to protect the natural environments at higher altitudes in Brazil.

Spotted fever group Rickettsia and Borrelia sp. cooccurrence in Amblyomma sculptum in the Midwest region of Brazil.

More than 70 tick species are found in Brazil, distributed over five genera and including main vectors of infectious disease agents affecting both animals and humans. The genus Amblyomma is the most relevant for public health in Brazil, wherein Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma sculptum have been incriminated as vectors of Rickettsia and Borrelia pathogens. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. in ticks in the Brazilian mid-western savannah. DNA extraction, PCR for Borrelia spp. (flgE gene) and Rickettsia spp. (ompA and gltA genes) and subsequent sequencing were performed. A total of 1875 ticks were collected and identified as A. sculptum except for two Amblyomma coelebs ticks. Molecular evidence for Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia parkeri was found in A. sculptum. This is the first molecular evidence for R. parkeri in A. sculptum ticks in the Midwest region and Borrelia spp. circulating in a tick of the Amblyomma genus in Brazil.

Pollen morphology of Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae) from the Atlantic Forest in southeast Brazil (São Paulo) with a contribution to the systematics of Neotropical species

Dioscorea is a highly diverse genus in Brazil, particularly the south-eastern region, and most especially in the Atlantic Forest. Recent phylogenetic studies have helped clarify the intricate subgeneric classification of the genus, although some species remain to be sampled, and further studies are necessary to ascertain their systematic placement in the genus. Here, a palynological description of nine species occurring in a patch of Atlantic Forest, in the State of São Paulo, is provided. Three of these have not yet been sampled in molecular studies. The pollen of D. tauriglossum had never been characterised before. Dioscorea pollen are spheroidal to ellipsoidal, small to medium in size (the larger dimensions in D. dodecaneura and the smaller in D. amaranthoides), with disulculate aperture. The pollen wall ornamentation contributed to the segregation of two species – psilate-perforate (D. altissima, syn. D. choncrocarpa) and rugulate-perforate (D. monadelpha), as well as the separation of the other seven species in two groups – microreticulate (D. dodecaneura, D. multiflora, D. tauriglossum), and striate (D. amaranthoides, D. laxiflora, D. olfersiana, D. trilinguis). Systematic implications of the palynological variation found are discussed under the light of recent molecular phylogenetic studies.