Central-western Brazil Research Articles

Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. in non-hematophagous bats in Brazil

Even though Hepatozoon spp. has been molecularly detected in several wild animals in Brazil, there is no report on the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. DNA in bats in Brazil. This study aimed at detecting Hepatozoon, in addition to ectoparasites, in non-hematophagous bats sampled in central-western Brazil using blood smears, hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-staining liver/spleen preparations and molecular and phylogenetic techniques. A total of 135 spleen, 127 liver, and 133 blood samples were collected from 135 non-hematophagous bats from 12 different species in two different sites in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Spleen and blood DNA samples were submitted to two conventional PCR protocols for Hepatozoon spp. based on 18S rRNA. No Hepatozoon spp. gamonts or meronts were observed in blood smears and HE-stained-liver preparations, respectively. While none of the spleen samples was positive for Hepatozoon spp. in the PCR assays, 5 (3 %) blood samples contained 18S rRNA Hepatozoon DNA, including 2/37 (5 %) Artibeus lituratus, 2/32 (6 %) A. planirostris, and 1/23 (4 %) Platyrrhinus lineatus. Out of 5 bats positive for Hepatozoon spp., 3 were parasitized by either Macronyssidae/Spinturnicidae mites or Streblidae flies. BLAST analysis showed that the sequences detected in bats had >99 % identity with Hepatozoon sequences detected in amphibians and reptiles from Brazil, including Hepatozoon caimani detected in Caiman crocodilus. The phylogenetic inferences estimated by the Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian methods clustered the Hepatozoon sequences detected in Brazilian bats with those detected in reptiles and amphibians.

Generalization of Convolutional LSTM Models for Crop Area Estimation

The population growth and consequent global rise in food demand require increasingly efficient agricultural solutions, in what is commonly called digital agriculture. Among promising initiatives, the use of remotely sensed data combined with machine learning algorithms enables handling faster agricultural operations with lower associated cost. One of the most important activities in digital agriculture is crop identification, which is fundamental for managing the inventory of a farm by producers and governmental authorities, and has been addressed by several prior works. In this article, we explore crop identification from a scalability perspective using the premise that data trained at a set of labeled geo-referenced regions in the agricultural pole at central western Brazil may be used for identifying crops at the entire municipality area. We propose to use convolutional long-short term memory networks for identifying crop types using a public labeled training set, and then apply the trained model for estimating crop area in a larger area involving the entire municipality unlabeled data. Our results were evaluated against governmental census data and report evidences that the tested crop identification network is able to successfully estimate crop area from much larger unlabeled data for different crop types.

Family Farming and Biodiesel: rural development in Central-Western Brazil

A produção de biodiesel no Brasil iniciou-se em 2005. O Programa Nacional de Produção e Uso do Biodiesel (PNPB) objetivou integrar agricultores familiares como fornecedores de matéria-prima para as indústrias de biodiesel, reduzindo assim a pobreza e promovendo o desenvolvimento rural. A integração de agricultores familiares foi revista devido a predominância da soja na cadeia de produção do biodiesel. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar os mecanismos institucionais desenvolvidos por agricultores familiares e agentes econômicos em Mato Grosso a partir de dois diferentes estudos que ocorreram entre 2011 e 2013. O contexto teórico da Nova Economia Institucional foi necessário para identificar os mecanismos contratuais e de mercado desenvolvidos – arrendamento de maquinário, adicional de preço, fontes de financiamento e os pacotes tecnológicos – para aumentar a renda familiar e contribuir para o sucesso do PNPB em Mato Grosso. A presença destes mecanismos em diferentes regiões indica a difusão do conhecimento na rede produtiva da soja.

Are backyard characteristics relevant factors for the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Central-Western Brazil?

This retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the municipality of Rondonópolis, which is a highly endemic area for VL in Central-Western Brazil. All VL cases reported in Rondonópolis from 2011 to 2016 were included. For each case, two neighborhood- and age-matched controls with the absence of past and present history of VL and negative rk39-based immunochromatographic test, were recruited. Data were retrospectively collected through interviews that assessed socioeconomic aspects, housing features, backyard characteristics, presence of animals and daily habits. A multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with human VL. During the study period, 81 VL cases were reported in Rondonópolis, of which 37 (45.7%) were included in this study. Seventy controls were also included. The variables associated with VL occurrence were the outdoor location of a bathroom and/or kitchen separated from the rest of the house (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.1 to 29.5), the presence of a vegetable garden (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 21.2) and the presence of decaying fruits (OR 10.7; 95% CI 2.0 to 52.1) in the backyard. Our findings suggest an association between backyard characteristics and VL. This may be useful in guiding preventive and control measures against zoonotic VL worldwide.

DRAGONFLIES AS INDICATORS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF VEREDAS IN A REGION OF CENTRAL-WESTERN BRAZIL

Veredas (palm swamps) play a critical role in maintaining the hydrological system and they are considered the cradle of the waters of the Brazilian Cerrado. Currently, veredas are suffering intense human pressure due to the conversion of native landscapes for other land uses as agriculture, pasture and urban environments. Few studies have evaluated the biodiversity of veredas and the current effects of human impact, especially on aquatic communities. Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) have excelled as bioindicators of environmental quality and they are increasingly used in environmental monitoring programs. In this study, we evaluate whether loss of riparian vegetation around the vereda areas alters the communities of Odonata and whether the species can be considered bioindicators of these environmental conditions. Our hypothesis is that eco-physiological and behavioral characteristics, such as thermoregulation capacity and oviposition behavior, influence the persistence of species in communities in natural or altered environments. We sampled 25 veredas and classified them into two groups, namely “preserved riparian vegetation” (VRP), when the riparian vegetation surrounding the sampled stretch was 30 meters or more, and “altered riparian vegetation” (VRA), when the vegetation extended for less than 30 meters from at least one of the banks. Our results showed that the composition of the communities in areas classified as VRP was more similar to each other and different from the communities found in the areas classified as VRA. Of the 52 species observed, 11 species responded as indicators for preserved or altered riparian vegetation. Of these species, four were indicative of areas with preserved riparian vegetation and seven were indicative of veredas with altered riparian vegetation. Our results show that the composition of dragonflies and damselflies, and some taxa in particular may be potential indicators of the condition of veredas, and may, therefore, be included in vereda monitoring programs in Central-Western Brazil.

Genetic diversity and lack of molecular evidence for hemoplasma cross-species transmission between wild and synanthropic mammals from Central-Western Brazil

Globally, hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) comprise an emerging or remerging bacteria group that attaches to red blood cells of several mammal's species and in some cases, causing hemolytic anemia. Herein, we assessed the occurrence, genetic diversity, the factors coupled to mammals infection, and the phylogeographic distribution of hemoplasmas in sylvatic and synanthropic mammals and their associated ectoparasites from Brazil. We collected spleen and/or blood samples from synanthropic rodents (Rattus rattus [N = 39] and Mus musculus [N = 9]), sylvatic rodents (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris [N = 14]) and opossums (Didelphis albiventris [N = 43]). In addition, ticks (Amblyomma spp. [N = 270] and lice (Polyplax spinulosa [N = 6]) specimens were also sampled. Using a PCR targeting the 16S rRNA region, out of 48 small rodents, 14 capybaras and 43 opossums DNA samples, hemoplasma DNA was found in 25%, 50%, and 32.5% animals, respectively. Besides, we reported hemoplasma DNA in Amblyomma sp. (22.2% [2/9]) and lice (100% [2/2]) pools samples from rats, and one female A. sculptum DNA sample (3% [1/33]) obtained from a capybara. Additionally, and in agreement with ML analysis, the network analyses showed a clear phylogenetic separation among the hemoplasmas genotypes found in the different host species sampled, thus, suggesting the absence of cross-species hemoplasmas transmission between the mammals trapped. Finally, using the NTC network analysis, we reported the same 16S rRNA Mycoplasma genotype circulating in Rattus sampled in Brazil, Hungary, and Japan.

Conference report: Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution VI

Conference report: Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution VI

Cattle production in Southern Amazonia: implications for land and water management

The expansion of cattle in central western Brazil has been under scrutiny because of the region’s historic reliance on Amazon and Cerrado deforestation for cropland and pastureland expansion. In this study, we determined the volumetric water footprint (VWF) and the land footprint (LF) of cattle in Mato Grosso state for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014 using official statistics and remote sensing imagery. We found the average VWF of cattle for the time period to be 265–270 l kg−1 LW−1 (LW as live weight of cattle) and a LF which decreased from 71 to 47 m2 kg−1 LW−1. The largest contribution to VWF came from farm impoundments whose total area increased from roughly 46 000 to 51 000 ha between 2000 and 2014, leading to a total evaporation as high as 7.31 × 1011 l yr−1 in 2014. Analysis at the municipality level showed a tendency towards greater density of cattle with respect to both pasture area and impoundments. While cattle intensification on current pastureland is commonly viewed as a means to prevent further deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, we stress the need to also consider the increasing demand for water associated with a growing cattle herd and the potential appropriation of additional resources for feed for feedlot finishing. Land and water resource management need to be considered together for future planning of cattle intensification at the Brazilian agricultural frontier as illustrated by the footprints reported here.

Ratio of Clay Spectroscopic Indices and its approach on soil morphometry

Textural differentiation between soil horizons occurs due to the soil formation processes and is one of the main characteristics used for soil classification and erosion risk analysis. The aim of this work was to develop a Ratio of Clay Spectroscopic Index (RCSI) and establish a degree of granulometric differentiation between soil horizons using VIS-NIR-SWIR (350–2500 nm) and MIR (2500–25,000 nm) data. We described morphologically and collected 150 soil profile samples of five representative soils from the southeastern and central-western Brazil. Three spectral models (VIS-NIR-SWIR, MIR and VIS-NIR-SWIR-MIR) were classified in terms of analytical organic matter contents from A and B horizons. We constructed 15 RCSI and considered reflectance difference for specific bands or band combinations, which were selected based on the qualitative and quantitative spectral signatures assessment. The soil horizons were differentiated through their spectral regions associated to iron oxides, clay minerals and quartz. The use of RCSI-15 resulted in a R2 of 0.79 and a RPD of 2.21. The indices reduce the dependence on advanced statistical methods and support the development of optical equipment to work with specific spectral bands.

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii has been extensively studied in wild boars worldwide due to the emerging risk for human infection through meat consumption. However, this is the first study that reports toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in wild boars, wild boar hunters and their hunting dogs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the complex wild boars, hunting dogs and hunters, and to determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in southern and central-western Brazil. Overall, anti-T. gondii seropositivity was observed in 15/71 (21.1%) wild boars by modified agglutination test (MAT); and 49/157 (31.2%) hunting dogs and 15/49 (32.7%) hunters by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Brazilian wild boars was within the national and international range, posting wild boars as potential environmental sentinels for T. gondii presence. In addition, the findings have comparatively shown that wild boars have been less exposed to infection than hunting dogs or hunters in both Brazilian regions. Seropositivity for T. gondii was statistically higher in 12/14 (85.7%) captured wild boars when compared to 5/57 (7.0%) free-range wild boars (p = 0.000001). Similarly, captured wild boars from anthropized areas were more likely to be seropositive than of natural regions (p = 0.000255). When in multiple regression model, dogs with the habit of wild boar hunting had significant more chance to be positive (adjusted-OR 4.62 CI 95% 1.16-18.42). Despite potential as sentinels of environmental toxoplasmosis, seroprevalence in wild boars alone may provide a biased basis for public health concerns; thus, hunters and hunting dogs should be always be included in such studies. Although hunters should be aware of potential T. gondii infection, wild boars from natural and agricultural areas may present lower protozoa load when compared to wild boars from anthropized areas, likely by the higher presence of domestic cats as definitive hosts.

Fatal lancehead pit viper (Bothrops spp.) envenomation in horses

Snake bite envenomations in farm animals are generally overestimated as the cause of mortality in rural areas in Latin America. However, most cases are based only on anecdotal information and assumptions, and lack diagnostic evidence. There are few proven reports of envenomation and death in horses caused by snakebites from members of the Bothrops genus (lancehead pit vipers). This study presents epidemiological and clinical-pathological findings of fatal bothropic envenomation in horses from Central Western Brazil in order to contribute to the correct diagnosis of this condition. A survey of the records of equine necropsies from the Veterinary Pathology Laboratories of the University of Brasilia, Federal University of Mato Grosso and Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, from January 2010 to February 2018, was performed. Five fatal cases of bothropic snakebite were identified in 755 necropsies of horses, corresponding to 0.66% of these cases, ranging annually from 0.33% to 0.89%. The main necropsy findings were marked swelling and diffuse subcutaneous hemorrhage, and identification of the fang marks in 2 out of five horses. Hemorrhage in most organs and tissues was the pathological hallmark of systemic envenomation. Myonecrosis, dermonecrosis, and moderate to severe kidney degeneration and necrosis were also observed. Fatal Bothrops snakebites in horses have a low occurrence in Central Western Brazil and most cases occur in the rainy season. The diagnosis of this condition may be substantiated by clinical signs and pathological findings. Local hemorrhage and necrosis, systemic hemorrhagic disorders and injuries related to acute kidney injury are the predominant clinical signs. These findings should be considered in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of these envenomations.

Detection of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in native cashew species in Brazil.

The savanna cashew (Anacardium humile A. St. Hil.) nut is a native shrub species distributed in the savanna biome of Central Western Brazil. This species is similar to the cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut, and its edible pseudo-fruits have been used for various purposes. However, A. humile is at risk of extinction. One reason for this is the phytosanitary issues. Therefore, phytosanitary studies of the serious plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens are necessary. The aim of this study was to survey the savanna cashew nut (Anacardium humile) in Central Western Brazil from August 2013 to October 2014. Serious damage caused by anthracnose to the plant's leaves and fruits was consistently detected. The pathogen fungal species was Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It was identified by morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Additional experiments showed evidence that C. gloeosporioides can be transmitted by cashew seeds. We observed anthracnose symptoms on the surfaces of the floral peduncle, leaves, and peduncle of the A. humile cashew nuts. The genomic DNA sequences of the selected strains for molecular characterization have had 99% identity with the analogous sequences of C. gloeosporioides. Naturally occurring C. gloeosporioides infection of the leaves of A. humile was low (20.3%) compared with that of the nuts (79.7%). Our results can be used to design strategies to prevent the introduction and establishment of C. gloeosporioides in new areas. They can also be helpful in monitoring programs in areas with a current occurrence of C. gloeosporioides. Finally, these results can be used in future research plans of C. gloeosporioides infection management.

Rediscovery of Utricularia cutleri Steyerm. (Lentibulariaceae) in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil: Taxonomic Reestablishment, Geographic Distribution, and Notes on Pollen and Bladder-Trap Micromorphology

Abstract—The rediscovery of a carnivorous plant, Utricularia cutleri, in a seasonally flooded coastal plain in the Atlantic Forest domain, is here reported. This species was first described in 1952 with a few collections from that time, and since 1989 was considered a synonym of U. viscosa. Combined macro- and micromorphological evidence using SEM analysis is provided to propose its taxonomic reestablishment. Utricularia cutleri was originally known only from the type collection in Ceará state, and here we report two new records from Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Norte states, in central-western and northeastern Brazil. Updated morphological description, geographic distribution, and conservation status are provided, as well as comparative discussion with U. viscosa. Moreover, an updated identification key to species of Lentibulariaceae from Rio Grande do Norte is also presented.

Factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in domestic dogs from an emerging area of high endemicity for visceral leishmaniasis in Central-Western Brazil

The factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in dogs are still poorly understood. This study aimed to identify such factors among domestic dogs from the Brazilian municipality of Rondonópolis, which recently emerged as an endemic area with intense transmission of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL). It was a household-based cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017. Interviews were conducted with 405 dog owners considering their socioeconomic characteristics, and environmental aspects of the household and its adjacent areas. In addition, 600 dogs were evaluated regarding physical characteristics, behavior, and care provided by the owner. Seropositive animals were those that showed reactivity in a rapid immunochromatographic test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which are currently recommended for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) diagnosis in Brazil. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the associated factors. Low social class [OR = 2.0; 95%CI = (1.2–3.2)], presence of acerola tree (Malpighia emarginata) in the yard [OR = 2.2; 95%CI = (1.2–4.1)], presence of more than one dog in the household [OR = 2.0; 95%CI = (1.3–3.3)], horse and/or cattle breeding [OR = 12.0; 95%CI = (1.9–73.6)], existence of houses with yard adjacent to the home [OR = 4.0; 95%CI = (1.3–12.2)], presence of apparent signs consistent with CVL [OR = 10.6; 95%CI = (5.8–19.4)], dog staying mostly in the yard during the day [(OR = 4.8; 95%CI = (1.1–21.4)], and lack of cleaning of the dog's shelter [(OR = 1.9; 95%CI = (1.1–3.2)] were identified as the factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection. These results support the importance of socioeconomic and environmental aspects in the occurrence of Leishmania spp. infection. In addition, they may be useful in guiding control strategies in areas where zoonotic VL is endemic.

Ticks and serosurvey of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs and hunters of Brazil.

BackgroundRickettsia bacteria are responsible for diseases in humans and animals around the world, however few details are available regarding its ecology and circulation among wild animals and human populations at high transmission risk in Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of ticks and Rickettsia spp. in wild boars, corresponding hunting dogs and hunters.MethodsSerum samples and ticks were collected from 80 free-range wild boars, 170 hunting dogs and 34 hunters from southern and central-western Brazil, from the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, respectively, between 2016 and 2018. Serum samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescent-antibody assay (IFA) to detect IgG antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia rhipicephali and Rickettsia amblyommatis. Tick species were identified by morphological taxonomic keys, as previously described. A total of 164 ticks including A. sculptum, A. brasiliense and A. aureolatum were tested in PCR assays for Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia spp.ResultsA total of 58/80 (72.5%) wild boars, 24/170 (14.1%) hunting dogs and 5/34 (14.7%) hunters were positive (titers ≥ 64) to at least one Rickettsia species. A total of 669/1,584 (42.2%) ticks from wild boars were identified as Amblyomma sculptum, 910/1,584 (57.4%) as Amblyomma brasiliense, 4/1,584(0.24%) larvae of Amblyomma spp. and 1/1,584 (0.06%) nymph as Amblyolmma dubitatum. All 9 ticks found on hunting dogs were identified as Amblyomma aureolatum and all 22 ticks on hunters as A. sculptum. No tested tick was positive by standard PCR to SFG Rickettsia spp.ConclusionsThe present study was the concomitant report of wild boar, hunting dog and hunter exposure to SFG rickettsiae agents, performed in two different Brazilian biomes. Wild boar hunting may increase the risk of human exposure and consequently tick-borne disease Wild boars may be carrying and spreading capybara ticks from their original habitats to other ecosystems. Further studies can be required to explore the ability of wild boars to infecting ticks and be part of transmission cycle of Rickettsia spp.

Comparative Susceptibility of Different Populations of Amblyomma sculptum to Rickettsia rickettsii.

The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii is the etiological agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), which is transmitted in Brazil mainly by the tick Amblyomma sculptum. Herein, larvae and nymphs of six populations of A. sculptum were exposed to R. rickettsii by feeding on needle-inoculated guinea pigs, and thereafter reared on uninfected guinea pigs or rabbits. Two tick populations were exposed to autochthone R. rickettsii strains, whereas four tick populations were exposed to non-autochthone strains. The six geographically different populations of A. sculptum showed different susceptibilities to R. rickettsii, higher among the two tick populations that were exposed to their autochthone R. rickettsii strain. In addition, higher rates of transovarial transmission of R. rickettsii and vector competence success also included the two tick populations that were exposed to autochthone R. rickettsii strains. These results indicate that the susceptibility of A. sculptum to R. rickettsii varies among different tick populations, with a clear bias for higher susceptibility to an autochthone R. rickettsii strain that has already coevolved with a tick population for some time. Our results demonstrated that the R. rickettsii infection induces higher mortality of engorged larvae and nymphs, and tend to reduce the reproductive fitness of engorged females. All together, these results might explain the low R. rickettsii-infection rates of A. sculptum under natural conditions (usually <1%), and indicate that an A. sculptum population should not be able to sustain a R. rickettsii infection for successive tick generations without the creation of new cohorts of infected ticks via horizontal transmission on vertebrate rickettsemic hosts (amplifying hosts). Finally, despite of the ubiquitous distribution of A. sculptum in southeastern and central-western Brazil, most of the populations of this tick species are devoid of R. rickettsii infection. This scenario might be related to two major factors: (i) insufficient numbers of susceptible amplifying hosts; and (ii) lower susceptibilities of many tick populations. While the first factor has been demonstrated by mathematical models in previous studies, the second is highlighted by the results observed in the present study.

Four highland species of Galianthe (Rubiaceae: Spermacoceae) with restricted distribution in South America: conservation assessment and complete descriptions

Full descriptions of four Galianthe species, complemented by new data on fruits and seed characters are presented. These species occur at 500–3000 m elevations: G. gertii and G. reitzii in southeastern Brazil; G. guaranitica in eastern Paraguay and central-western Brazil; and G. boliviana in the sub-Andean region of northern Bolivia and southern Peru. Conservation status, with comments on distribution, is provided for three of them and is reassessed for one. The lectotypification of G. guaranitica is discussed.

Mesozoic tectonic in the deposition and evolution of Cretaceous sedimentary packages of the Parecis Basin, center-western Brazil

The Cretaceous record of the Parecis Basin (central western Brazil) consists of two sedimentary packages with distinct depositional signatures, physically discontinuous, and deposited in two depocenters in the east and west of Serra Formosa Arch. The basin evolved during the Mesozoic age and includes a regional record with volcanism, tectonism, deposition and uplift with erosion. During the Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic, volcanism and sedimentation occurred, which were followed by uplift and erosion until the Lower Cretaceous, moment in which basic and alkaline magmatism was present. Since the Upper Cretaceous, with the beginning of the compressive phase of Andean Orogeny and opening of the Atlantic Ocean, tectonism and sedimentation were developed in the Juruena Sub-basin during the Cenomanian and in the Xingu Sub-basin from the upper Coniacian. Based on facies association and regional surface recognition, a differential depositional signature was identified for each sedimentary package, influenced by the activity and behavior of the internal sub-basins. In the Juruena Sub-basin, fluvial and aeolian sedimentary package were deposited with sedimentation rates higher than that of subsidence. In the Alto Xingu Sub-basin, a sedimentary package is here named the Rio Tapirapé Formation and includes a lacustrine system that was established with an overpass of the subsidence rate in relation to the sedimentation rate. Toward the top, it was replaced by a fluvial and deltaic sedimentary system, with the decrease in the subsidence rate.

Disentangling the role of heat sources on microhabitat selection of two Neotropical lizard species

AbstractOur aim was to disentangle the effects of different heat sources and the non-thermal properties of the substrate in the microhabitat choices of two lizard species living in savanna habitats of central-western Brazil: the teiidAmeivulaaff.ocellifera(N = 43) and the tropiduridTropidurus oreadicus(N = 23). To this end, a mixed structural resource selection function (mixed-SRSF) approach was used, modelling the probability of finding a lizard on a certain microhabitat based on environmental variables of used and simultaneously available places. First, we controlled for the effects of solar radiation, convection and the physical thermal properties of the substrate on substrate temperature. Then we assessed the effects of solar radiation, convection, conduction and the non-thermal properties of the substrate in the probability of use of a certain microhabitat. Results confirmed that substrate temperature was mediated by: air convection &gt; solar radiation &gt; physical thermal properties of the substrates. Moreover, the mixed-SRSF revealed that direct solar radiation and the non-thermal properties of the substrates were the only drivers of microhabitat selection for both species, with approximately the same strength. Our novel approach allowed splitting of the effect of different mechanisms in the microhabitat selection of lizards, which makes it a powerful tool for assessing the conformation of the interactions between different environmental variables mediating animal behaviour.

Acusana DeLong (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini), a genus not previously recorded in Brazil: description of four new species for the Brazilian fauna

The genus Acusana is recorded from the Brazilian fauna for the first time, with the description of four new species: Acusana adunca sp. nov. and Acusana spina sp. nov. from Mato Grosso, Central-Western Brazil and Acusana dilatata sp. nov. and Acusana longa sp. nov. from Maranhão, Northeast Brazil. Detailed description and illustrations of male and female are provided, as well a revised diagnosis for the genus. The female genitalia of Acusana species is described and illustrated by the first time. A new record of Acusana paga DeLong Freytag, 1966 is added from Costa Rica.