Brazilian Restinga Research Articles

Does Restinga degradation impact the association between mites and dung beetles?

AbstractThe conservation state of an environment can be a key factor in maintaining the existence of some interactions between species. The relationship between the dung beetle Dichotomius schiffleri, a habitat‐specific species endemic to the Restinga ecosystem, and endangered, and its symbiont mites can serve as a model to improve knowledge about this issue. In this study, we investigated whether the conservation state of Brazilian Restingas, a native ecosystem of the coastal zone that has suffered from anthropic pressure and impacts due to irregular occupation by humans, affects the abundance of mites present on D. schiffleri. Beetles and their associated mites were collected using pitfall traps in Conserved and Degraded Restingas at nine locations in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Sergipe, and Pernambuco. The abundance of mites associated with beetles was significantly higher in conserved sites than in degraded sites. Our findings provide evidence that Restinga degradation can affect not only abundance of dung beetle species, as previously reported, but also the ecological relationships that can be established between dung beetles and mites. The habitat quality and hosts availability are some mechanisms that may explain the maintenance of the interactions between dung beetles and mites. Finally, imbalance in ecological relationships is one more factor capable of signalling as human modified habitats impact fauna.

Guapirioid ectomycorrhiza: a novel fungus-plant subtype is described associated to Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) in the Brazilian restinga

Aim of study: Despite its recognized ecosystemic importance, knowledge about mycorrhizal associations in Brazil is still dearth, and the diversity of the native mycorrhizal fungi remains unknown. In this study, we characterized morpho-anatomically and molecularly the ectomycorrhizae found associated with Guapira opposita in the restinga, vegetation established on sandy soil.
 Area of study: Coastal of the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil, Florianópolis: Parque Natural Municipal das Dunas da Lagoa da Conceição, Monumento Natural Municipal da Lagoa do Peri and Parque Natural Municipal da Lagoa do Jacaré das Dunas do Santinho.
 Material and methods: The ectomycorrhizae found were morphotyped and described according to standard criteria. Plant and fungi were molecularly identified using sequences of the ITS region of rDNA.
 Main results: Ten morphotypes were identified associated with G. opposita, including the native threatened species Austroboletus festivus. Members of the clade /tomentella-thelephora were the most representative in our study, with six taxa. Based on particular characteristics, such as short, and simple or long and thin branched ectomycorrhizal systems, close connections between the layered ectomycorrhizal mantle and the cortical root cells, absence of a Hartig net and other fungal elements in the cortex, we propose the name ‘Guapirioid ectomycorrhiza’ for this new morphology.
 Research highlights: The results presented in this work confirm the presence of ectomycorrhizae in the restinga and suggest the existence of a diversity, above and below-ground, much greater than previously known. Furthermore, our data confirm the morphological and possibly ecological differences of tropical ectomycorrhizae from those known from temperate forests.

Plant volatiles from the Brazilian restinga with bactericidal activity against multiresistant bacteria

This study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal activity of Myrtaceae foliar volatile compounds against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO-1) and Burkholderia cenocepacia (ET-12). Although these bacteria are clinically important to human health, they, along with other bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae), also have a high profile of antimicrobial resistance associated with bovine mastitis. The chemical composition of volatiles found in Myrtaceae foliar volatiles was also characterized. To accomplish this, the essential oil was extracted from dry leaves of Eugenia astringens, Eugenia arenaria and Myrrhinum atropurpureum by hydrodistillation. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in broth. Essential oil from E. astringens leaf could inhibit growth the fives trains by the Agar diffusion method. MIC demonstrated a reduction in bacterial growth by 74% ± 2.8 (P. aeruginosa), 78.3% ±10.5 (B. cenocepacia), 87.1% ± 1.4 (E. coli), 99 % ±0.02 (S. aureus) and 99.9 ±0.01 (S. agalactiae). The terpene α-pinene was detected in all thre especies, especially M. atropurpureum and E. astringens. E. astringens showed a high contente of (E)-caryophyllene.

Effects of different levels of metal exposure and precipitation regimes on chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters in a coastal Brazilian restinga species

This work aimed to investigate whether there was a relationship between precipitation regimes and concentrations of trace elements (Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn) deposited on the coast from ore tailings released in the Mariana disaster (Minas Gerais, Brazil) in 2015. We also sought to answer if there would be a synergistic effect of increased precipitation and trace element levels affecting photosynthesis. The combination of these factors was evaluated using the dynamics of chlorophyll a fluorescence in plants of Byrsonima sericea, a shrub species, used as a model in restinga studies. In situ studies showed that, throughout the year, the photosynthetic performance of B. sericea exhibited seasonal variability. The combination of both trace elements in soil and leaves and precipitation regimes drives the variability of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters on restinga vegetation. Significant negative correlations were observed between the high concentrations of metals (mainly Cu and Fe) and photosynthetic performance indices and the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) activity in PSII. Combined effects of high concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and different rainfall regimes were manifested in the alteration of Chlorophyll a Fluorescence parameters related to quantum efficiency, specific energy fluxes and performance indices. Data presented in this study conclusively proved that Byrsonima sericea respond to different environmental conditions and that the dry season was more damaging to plants than the rainy season in terms of the impacts of both the rain regime and metal availability; metal availability also varied according to rainfall patterns and transport via marine aerosols.

Species Composition of Bats in Brazilian Restingas: Testing Environmental Versus Geographical Hypotheses for Community Composition

Restingas are ecosystems located in the coastal regions of the Atlantic forest, characterized by heterogeneous vegetation of sandy soil. This region has historically come under severe human pressure, and a large portion of these areas have been lost or degraded. The mammalian fauna of restingas is poorly known particularly for bats. This lack of information prevents a better understanding of the biological processes affecting bats and restingas and may severely impair conservation actions. Here we analyze bat species composition, richness, and similarity in 17 restingas sites in Brazil to check whether bat community composition is correlated with geographic distance among sites. We conducted an extensive survey of a published scientific literature to gather data and have a picture of the current knowledge on restinga bats. Until now, 40 bat species are documented in the restingas ecosystems. The richest restinga was in Jurubatiba National Park, and those with the lowest species richness were in Ilha de Cabo Frio, Saquarema, and Barra de Maricá. We found no relationship between geographic distance and dissimilarity on species composition among restingas sites. Although much attention has been paid to sampling this area, it has not been sampled uniformly. In fact, restingas have been undersampled causing a lack of recognition of how important these areas are biologically.

Antifungal potential and biosafety of native plants from the Brazilian Restinga ecosystem

Control of devastating phytopathogens such as the pineapple black rot causing-pathogen fungus, Thielaviopsis ethacetica , remains dependent on synthetic pesticides despite the detrimental implications of such conventional strategies. Here, attempting to identify and develop cleaner and more sustainable tools to control T. ethacetica , we evaluated the fungicidal potential through in vitro antimicrobial assays of Sideroxylon obtusifolium and Annona acutiflora leaf extracts. To ensure the sustainability of these alternative fungicide tools, we evaluated the toxicity and repellent effects of the most promising extracts against the non-target organism honey bees, Apis mellifera . Preliminary results by diffusion plating indicated bioactivity of the fractions ethyl acetate S. obtusifolium and butanol A. acutiflor a on pineapple black rot causing-pathogen. The featured extract of S. obtusifolium reduced the growth rate by 90% and increased the lag phase of the target pathogen. The fungistatic action of both was observed at 6.25 mg/mL concentrations. Fungicidal activity in vitro was detected at 12.5 mg/mL (ethyl acetate S. obtusifolium ) and 25.0 mg/mL (for butanol A. acutiflora ). Polar extract A. acutiflora exerts selective fungistatic activity on pathogen conidia. Both highlight extracts did not kill A. mellifera foragers even when applied at concentrations as high as 10-fold the fungicidal concentration. Honeybee reduced their feeding activities when they had to feed on plant extract-contaminated diets and extracts from S. obtusifolium and repelled honeybees under free choice conditions. Our findings collectively showed that these plant extracts could be helpful alternative fungicide tools to be integrated into managing T. ethacetica infestations in many food and industrial crops. • Plant extracts active against Thielaviopsis ethacetica were identified. • Plant compounds exert a higher pathogen's growth lag phase than itraconazole. • Fungicidal activity was identified at concentrations of 12.5 and 25.0 mg/mL. • Extract of S. obtusifolium caused the lowest mycelial growth rate and repel bees. • Promising extracts at a concentration 10 times MFC did not kill Apis mellifera bees.

Review of the inquilinous fauna associated with insect galls in Brazilian restingas.

Several records of associated fauna, including parasitoids, inquilines, predators, and successors, have been reported by insect gall inventories in Brazilian restingas. Although most guilds are well established, inquilines have frequently been misinterpreted. In this paper, the inquilinous fauna of insect galls is revised based on five criteria: food habit; coexistence with the inducer; modification of gall tissues or production of new tissues; phylogenetic relationship with the inducer; and mobility. Gall inventories dated from 1988 to 2019 were examined, totaling 16 publications, eight of them with inquiline records. This guild was reported in 53 gall morphotypes in 44 plant species and four morphospecies distributed among 36 genera of 24 host families for a total of 65 records. Most inquilines were repositioned into the cecidophage guild and others into the kleptoparasite guild, resulting in a large reduction in the frequency of inquilines (from 65 to five records), and in first reports of cecidophages and kleptoparasites, with 46 and 13 records, respectively. Cecidophage was the most diverse guild with insects of five orders (Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Thysanoptera) while kleptoparasites were represented only by two orders (Diptera and Hymenoptera) and inquiline solely by Hymenoptera. Other results indicate that Leptothorax sp. (Formicidae) could be a successor and not an inquiline.

Factors Affecting the Abundance and Occurrence of a Threatened Whiptail Lizard Endemic to the Sandy Coastal Plains of Brazil

The sandy coastal plains of Brazil are one of the most threatened ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest domain, due primarily to habitat suppression and fragmentation. Glaucomastix littoralis is a threatened endemic lizard that was found to have a declining population in a previous study. Our principal hypothesis in the present study is that altered habitats are less likely to be occupied by G. littoralis due to the elimination of conditions favorable to this species. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing which habitat variables determine abundance, occurrence, and detectability of G. littoralis, comparing populations from six different sites representing different levels of conservation in sandy coastal habitats (restinga) in northern Rio de Janeiro state. We used Royle–Nichols occupancy models to estimate the abundance of G. littoralis and single-species multi-scale occupancy models to estimate its detectability and spatial distribution. The location of the transect was the covariate that best explained the abundance of G. littoralis. The estimated population size for the whole area was 265 individuals, and the estimated mean abundance per transect was = 18 ± 3. Occupancy by G. littoralis was higher in transects with regenerating vegetation. We found a positive relationship between large-scale occupancy rates and the distance of the transect from the nearest human settlement. Detectability was affected by air temperature and was higher at sites with deeper leaf litter and in sandy microhabitats. Site occupancy by G. littoralis was also higher at sites with deeper leaf litter. Our findings indicate that the modification of Brazilian restinga habitats could drive G. littoralis to extinction.

Middle Holocene marine and land-tetrapod biodiversity recovered from Galeão shell mound, Guanabara Bay, Brazil

Pristine environmental conditions and wide biodiversity are the best evidence of pre-colonial times, before anthropic interference in the Anthropocene. The Galeão shell mound represents the main example of an insular archaeological site located in the context of the Guanabara Bay in the Middle Holocene. The faunal remains from this shell mound were identified through comparative anatomy, to access the ichthyofauna and also amphibian, reptile and mammal paleodiversity. The diagnostic elements revealed the presence of predominantly demersal teleost fish, typical inhabitants of estuarine and marine systems, along with the usual species inhabiting rocky shores and rocky bottoms. Additionally, it revealed an exceptional diversity of sharks, including the presence of pelagic taxa, as well as stingrays. The local wildlife consists of species commonly found in swampy, mangrove, Brazilian restinga and Atlantic forest biomes. This study shows widely practiced fishery and hunting by the Amerindian using the resources of the Guanabara Bay and indicates specific targets during the Middle Holocene. Degradation of coastal environments and/or overfishing threaten the local biodiversity, with species now absent and some with statuses which go from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.

Bats in a restinga area in Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil

There is little known about the bats of the Brazilian restinga as most studies have concentrated on the country’s south and southeast regions. In Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil, the only study previously carried out registered 17 species in different restinga habitats. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the bat community in a restinga area in Sergipe and update the list of species that occur in the area. The study was carried out in the Caju Private Natural Heritage Reserve, on the south coast of the state of Sergipe. Monthly campaigns were carried out from October 2016 to September 2017 over two consecutive nights and alternating between two sites to capture the bats. We captured Bats using 10 mist nets that remained open between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. We determined the abundance and trophic guilds of the captured species. In addition, we obtained the occurrence frequency degree through the Constancy Index. We captured 457 individuals distributed over 13 species and two families, where three species represented a new record for the locality. The family Phyllostomidae was the richest and most abundant. Most species were frugivorous (61.5%). According to the Constancy Index, only four species were considered common. Using Jackknife 1 estimator, we estimated 14.83 species for the area, indicating that the richness obtained in this study corresponds to 87.6% of this estimate. This study resulted in an 17.6% increase in bat richness known for the area. The high representativeness of the Phyllostomidae family may be related to the capture method used. The predominance of frugivores bats in this study may be associated with the presence of many fruit trees in the area. The low occurrence of species considered common is often reported and can be explained by the species’ trophic specializations and by the sampling methods. Considering the scarcity of studies in restinga areas in Northeastern Brazil, this work becomes important for the knowledge of the bats in this environment, especially for Sergipe.

Halobacillus blutaparonensis Strain M9 as a Source of Extracellular Serine Peptidases with Properties for Biotechnological Purposes

In this work, we report on the halophilic bacterium Halobacillus blutaparonensis strain M9, which was isolated from a preserved Brazilian restinga, as a producer of alkaline serine peptidases with potential application as additives for biotechnological purposes. Gelatin-zymography assay revealed the presence of the major peptidase of 70 kDa and two minor ones (50 and 40 kDa) secreted by the living bacterial cells. When a specific chromogenic substrate for chymotrypsin-type serine peptidases was employed by means of an in-solution assay, the bacterial peptidases were completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) and slightly inhibited by benzamidine, N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK) and 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF), which are classical serine peptidase inhibitors. The proteolytic activity remained extremely stable within a broad pH range (from 5.0 to 9.0) and also displayed moderate thermostability. In addition, the effects of osmolytes/polyols, divalent cations, denaturing agents, and detergents on the enzymatic activity and stability of these serine peptidases were tested. The proteolytic activity increased in the presence of different osmolytes/polyols (e.g., glycerol, glutamate, and mannitol). The enzymatic activity increased to 110% when incubated in the presence of 10 mM Ca2+, while Mg2+ and Mn2+ (both at 10 mM) decreased the proteolytic activity to 95 and 85%, respectively. Interestingly, urea at 1% induced a significant increase (around 160%) in the proteolytic activity. The peptidases showed high stability when incubated with various detergent agents and commercial detergent powders. Collectively, all these properties indicate H. blutaparonensis as a producer of extracellular serine peptidases with possible industrial applications, such as in detergent formulations.

Structure of Leaf Galls in Clusia fluminensis Planch and Triana (Clusiaceae): Sex-Biased Development in a Dioecious Host Plant.

Galls are remarkable parasite–plant interactions that develop in different organs. They are induced by various organisms which manipulate or reprogram plant development. Galls in dioecious species and their effects on the host plant are seldom described in the literature. This paper presents a novel study of galls in a dioecious plant of the neotropical region. Our study aimed to analyze gall development and describe morphological and metabolic changes in galled leaves caused by Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) in Clusia fluminensis (Clusiaceae), a dioecious plant from Brazilian restinga. We investigated male and female individuals to detect different responses and sex-biased interactions. The non-galled leaves of female and male individuals of C. fluminensis exhibited similar anatomical structures. Nevertheless, galls developed only in male individuals. The activity of the Cecidomyiidae led to several morphological and anatomical changes, such as the hypertrophy of the leaf blade, especially the chlorenchyma. Our results indicated an interesting exception for the pattern of storage of lipids and starch in Cecidomyiidae galls, and sex-biased development in a dioecious plant, with the variation of metabolic compounds, especially phenolics and flavonoids, which may inhibit gall development in female individuals.

Herpetofauna of the Environmental Protection Area Delta do Parnaíba, Northeastern Brazil

Recent studies on Brazilian coastal zones and restinga environments revealed a high richness ofamphibian and reptile species. However, there is still a lack of information about herpetofaunadiversity in coastal zones of Northeastern Brazil. This study provides a checklist of amphibiansand reptiles inhabiting the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) Delta do Parnaiba, NortheasternBrazil, suggesting conservation actions. To elaborate the checklist, we searched in sevenelectronic databases and check the following scientific collections: Zoological collection ofUniversidade Federal do Piaui (UFPI) and Herpetological collection of Universidade Regionaldo Cariri (URCA). In addition, we sampled 16 areas along the EPA Delta do Parnaiba close tothe river branches and temporary ponds that compose the Parnaiba River Delta (December 2015to April 2017) to fill gaps of information about herpetofauna in some regions from the EPA. Werecorded 86 species (34 amphibians and 52 reptiles), including four anurans, one crocodilian,14 snakes, 12 lizards and two amphisbaenians reported for the first time for the EPA Delta doParnaiba. In addition, we added the first record of the snake Oxybelis fulgidus in Piaui state. TheEPA Delta do Parnaiba shows high herpetofaunal richness; thus, we suggest that conservationactions should be taken to preserve the restingas environments in the Parnaiba River Delta andits high diversity of amphibians and reptiles.

Key Points about North and Northern Brazilian Restinga: a Review of Geomorphological Characterization, Phytophysiognomies Classification, and Studies’ Tendencies

Brazil has a pronounced complexity in coastal region, which affects the restingas’ diversity patterns. Therefore, we reviewed and systematized the knowledge about the attributes influencing the characterization and, eventually, the biases in the identification of restingas’ diversity patterns, mainly focusing in the Brazilian North and Northeast regions. Coastal geomorphology is one of the key attributes contributing to this complexity, acting as an environmental filter for the colonization of plant species. According to the standard classification, the Brazilian coast can be divided into five regions (North, Northeast, East, Southeast, and South). Another relevant attribute is phytophysiognomies, characterized by the collective characteristics of vegetation in a region, and for which exists six different classifications. The one proposed by Silva and Britez (2005) presents the best trade-off between specificity and generality by allowing both adequate local characterization and systematization for regional comparisons. Despite the length of the North and Northeast coast of Brazil, only 44 studies were conducted in these regions. The sampled areas were typically close to the state capitals, showing that logistical factors interfere with the selection of study areas. Besides, almost half of the studies omitted essential information such as the total area and sampling time, making it challenging to assess sample sufficiency and reproducibility. Another observed bias was a higher species richness in studies that partially or entirely used herbarium data. These gaps and biases on information constrain the ecological synthesis of restinga’ biodiversity patterns, mainly in larger spatial scales than those in which individual studies were conducted.

Screening of Fungi Isolated from the Brazilian Restinga for Insecticidal Activity

Research on microorganisms for the control of pests and pathogens is increasing. Such organisms display antagonistic effects on pests and pathogens, at the same time, they do not interfere with the sustainable development processes and are environmentally safe for human populations. Thus, bioprospection of fungi from restinga ecosystems is of interest as a novel source of microorganism and a yet unexplored source of chemical structures. This study selected endophytic fungi and fungi from the restinga soil samples to investigate their biological activity against insects. Fifty-three fungal isolates were used in screening bioassays against Atta sexdens rubropilosa leaf-cutting ant workers via direct contact of the insects with sporulating fungi cultures. This assay indicated that Trichoderma caused the highest mortality. Extracts from Trichoderma were then assessed for biological activity via ingestion, contact or exposure to fungal volatiles. Results showed that one Trichoderma sp. isolate (TR1) caused 50% mortality in 2, 1.5 and 4 days when ingested, sprayed onto the ants or by exposing ants to volatiles, respectively. Although this fungus is not known to be entomopathogenic, it could have potential use as an additional tool for pest control as it produces metabolites with antagonistic effects.

Rainfall, temperature, and vegetation type influence nesting by the oil-collecting bee Centris (Hemisiella) tarsata in Brazilian restinga

Solitary bees are the main pollinators of native plant species and crops, therefore, understanding how they respond to the environment is essential to maintain ecosystem function and services. Here, we assessed how climatic conditions and vegetation type influence Centris tarsata nesting in Brazilian restinga. Evaluations were conducted using trap-nests placed in open areas, shrubby and secondary vegetations, and at understory and canopy in open areas and secondary vegetations. Overall, nesting was higher during the dry season, mostly in open areas at a height of 1.5 m. However, in shrubby and secondary vegetations, nesting seems to be favored by a specific rainfall and temperature range. Furthermore, the amount of brood cells, total number of adults, and nest length were higher in open areas compared to shrubby and secondary vegetations. Therefore, our results show that rainfall, temperature, and vegetation structure are determining factors in C. tarsata nesting in the Brazilian restinga.

Seasonal changes in water sources used by woody species in a tropical coastal dune forest

Our aim was to investigate the water sources used by woody species under contrasting water availability and the extent of water-sources-use differentiation among dominant woody species in a tropical coastal dune forest. We sampled 15 woody species in a Brazilian restinga forest and, through Bayesian isotope mixing models, we estimated the proportion of water sources used. We tested whether water-sources-use was (i) different between contrasting water availability conditions; (ii) dependent on growth form, plant size or crown illumination; and (iii) influenced by stand density, evenness or biomass. We found a seasonal variation in water-sources-use, but no vertical soil-water partitioning among woody species. In wetter periods, plants used mainly water from top-soil, as a shallow water table limited water uptake to top-soil layers recharged with rainwater. Contrastingly, during drier periods, with the absence of rain and a deeper water table, plants generally relied on deeper (50 cm) soil layers. Only under less-wet conditions, a greater evenness and density implied higher water-uptake depth heterogeneity among plants. However, changes in the main water-sources used by plants were neither evoked in more dense or diverse plots, nor induced by plant size. Our study shows that restinga species have dynamic shifts in water-uptake depth caused by seasonal water availability changes, influenced by the combined effect of insufficient moisture at shallow soil layers and water-table lowering in drier periods. These temporal shifts are common among species, implying that restinga woody community has a homogeneous strategy of water-resources acquisition. This study enhances our understanding of the effects that water variations can have on water-resource use in restinga forests.

Exploring the Insecticide and Acaricide Potential of Development Regulators obtained from Restinga vegetation from Brazil.

As a part of our continuing search for insect and arthropod development regulators from Brazilian restinga vegetation of the Rio de Janeiro State, crude extracts, purified fractions and essential oils were submitted to screening tests seeking for biological activities on the development of the insects Rhodnius prolixus, Dysdercus peruvianus, Oncopeltus fasciatus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Up to now, 102 secondary metabolites have been detected in the fractions, among them monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and two triterpenes which were obtained from the species, Eugenia sulcata, Pilocarpus spicatus, Manilkara subsericea, Myrciaria floribunda and Zanthoxylum caribaeum. These secondary plant metabolites are considered of interest for the use of studies related to arthropod endocrinology, vector-parasite interaction system, and population control of vector insect and agricultural pest. The observed biological activities were surprisingly high, involving increased mortality, molting and metamorphosis inhibition, paralysis, corporeal deformities, apparition of permanent nymphs, of adultoids and juvenoids, partial or total inhibition of oviposition and egg hatching. These compounds are now being studied further to determine if they may or may not be useful in controlling insect populations and/or interfere with the life cycle and vector transmission of parasites to animal and human populations.

Insect galls on Myrtaceae: richness and distribution in brazilian restingas

Abstract: Inventories in Brazilian restingas have been indicating that Myrtaceae are the plant family with the greatest richness of insect galls. A compilation of published data plus new records was elaborated with the aim of stablishing the number of gall morphotypes on this family in this physiognomy of the Atlantic Forest, producing a list of galled species, pointing out the predominant gall features, evaluating the taxonomical knowledge of the gallers, listing the associated fauna, and based on host plant endemisms and monophagy proposing the endemism of some galling species. Myrtaceae harbor 111 morphotypes of insect gall (about 75% induced by Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) on 25 host plant species, 15 endemic. Eugenia L. highlights as the plant genus with the highest number of galled species and gall richness. Leaves are the most galled organ. There is a predominance of globoid and fusiform shapes, green color, glabrous surface and a single internal chamber. The taxonomical data on gallers is deficient as many records have been presented at supraspecific levels. The associated fauna is rich and includes parasitoids, inquilines and predators. Twelve species of Cecidomyiidae, a single species of Curculionidae (Coleoptera) and one species of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera) have been associated exclusively with endemic hosts and then are proposed in the present study as endemic too. The geographical distribution of many galls and respective gallers are restricted to the State of Rio de Janeiro, where most inventories have been carried out. For the first time, Eugeniamyia dispar, previously known from a rural area of Rio Grande do Sul and restinga areas of São Paulo, is recorded in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Nesting and distribution of Trachymyrmex holmgreni in Brazilian restinga

The genus Trachymyrmex falls within an intermediate behavior between the “leaf-cutters” and “non-cutters” fungus-farming ants, since they can use both fresh cut and detritus as a substrate to grow symbiotic fungus. In addition to this behavior, the genus Trachymyrmex falls in an intermediate phylogenetic position in recent molecular and phylogenomic studies. These aspects make the study of the natural history of the Trachymyrmex species interesting in terms of understanding the steps in the evolution of fungus agriculture. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the nest architecture, colony demography as well as the distribution pattern of the fungus-farming ant Trachymyrmex holmgreni colonies in the Restinga ecosystem. Our results allowed us to suggest that the architecture and demography of the nest varied between seasons. Surprisingly, in the autumn, the nest presented three fungus chambers and many winged ants, while in the spring, there were five fungus chambers and a significant number of immature individuals. These results indicate that T. holmgreni seems to invest in reproduction during the autumn and establishes new nests during the winter, which promotes growth during the spring and summer. In addition, we found an aggregate distribution pattern of the nests, suggesting that abiotic factors such as resource availability and microclimatic soil conditions probably interfered with the successful establishment of the colonies. We concluded that the demography and architecture of the nest reaffirmed the intermediate position of the genus and corroborated the hypothesis that the evolution of small to large nests went through intermediate sizes.