Colombian Species Research Articles

Samara length–weight relationships in the endangered Cedro (Cedrela montana Moritz ex Turcz)

ABSTRACT Cedrela montana Moritz ex Turcz, a ‘nearly threatened’ tree species in Colombia, produces a samara (fruit) that has not been classified in the literature. This article focusses on exploring the length–weight and width–weight relationships in samaras collected in Bogotá City, Colombia, to provide morphological guidelines for identifying C. montana from their samaras. A total of 101 samaras were collected from 12 C. montana trees in an urban forest and were weighed and measured. The average weight of the samaras was 4.86 g, the average width was 19.44 mm, and the average length was 54.53 mm. However, the length of the samaras ranged from 38.72 to 73.35 mm, with widths from 15.32 to 24.03 mm and weights from 2.08 to 9.54. Length–weight relationships showed a moderate to strong correlation of 0.63. Width–weight relationships had a moderate to strong correlation of 0.71. These allometric relationships could be used for identification and conservation purposes.

Wild relatives of potato (Solanum L. sec. Petota) poorly sampled and unprotected in Colombia

AbstractWild potato relatives (Solanum L. sec. Petota) play a vital role in crop improvement, understanding crop evolution, and conserving potato diversity. However, these invaluable resources are often neglected and underutilized and are susceptible to threats such as climate change, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. Little is known about the diversity, conservation status, and distribution of wild potato species in Colombia. To address this gap, we assessed the conservation status of five wild potato relatives conserved in the ex situ Colombian Central Collection. Five species were analyzed for their spatial patterns of biodiversity, conservation status, and conservation gaps. Colombia was found to have six centers of species richness, four areas of endemism, and six biogeographical regions. Of the five native species, only one was classified as adequately conserved for ex situ conservation, while the other four were considered low priority. In contrast, for in situ conservation, three species showed high priority, one was classified as medium priority, and one as low priority. In light of these findings, we propose three conservation strategies: (1) conducting collection missions to increase accessions in the national germplasm bank, prioritizing high‐priority species; (2) identifying and protecting unprotected natural habitats and engaging stakeholders to enhance in situ conservation efforts; and (3) establishing regional community genebanks to ensure localized conservation efforts.

FIRST RECORD OF EUFRIESEA BARE GONZÁLEZ & GAIANI AND NOTES ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THREE SPECIES OF ORCHID BEES PERTAINING TO THE GENUS EUGLOSSA LATREILLE (APIDAE: EUGLOSSINI) IN COLOMBIA

Knowledge on the geographical distribution of orchid bee species in Colombia and most of the Neotropics depends on monitoring and sample methodologies implemented and facilities to access diverse natural regions. In addition, for research on the distribution of species, the taxonomic impediment is a problem for the identification and confirmation of some species, although the tribe Euglossini presents a relatively well-developed taxonomy. Herein is presented the first record of Eufriesea bare in Colombia, an orchid bee species known only in the Venezuelan Amazonian region; as well as the distribution of three euglossine species of the genus Euglossa.

The genus <i>Ctenorillo</i> Verhoeff, 1942 (Oniscidea, Armadillidae) from Colombia: new records, new species, and conservation comments

The Armadillidae are the most diverse family within the Oniscidea, widely distributed around the world. To date, only seven species of the family are known from Colombia. After the examination of a collection from the Colombian departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Magdalena, Risaralda, Santander, and Sucre, eight species were recognized as belonging to the genus Ctenorillo, of which six are considered to be new to Science: C. binomio n. sp., C. humboldti n. sp., C. mincaensis n. sp., C. orientalis n. sp., C. papagayoensis n. sp., and C. tayrona n. sp. Moreover, the distribution knowledge of C. dazai and C. tuberosus has expanded. Ctenorillo species in Colombia are predominantly distributed in Tropical Dry Forest areas, which is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Considering the new taxa presented here, allied with other Oniscidea groups, there is an urgent need to raise the awareness level regarding the conservation status of this ecosystem in the country.

Three new centipede species of the genus Newportia Gervais, 1847 from Colombia (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae, Newportiinae).

Three new species of the genus Newportia Gervais, 1847 from Colombia are described and illustrated. They were found in the cloud forests of the eastern Andes and in the rainforests of the biogeographical Choc, ecosystems where the centipede fauna has been little studied. Newportia (Newportia) florezi sp. nov. differs from other Newportia species in the arrangement of the spinous processes on the prefemur of the ultimate legs, while Newportia (Newportia) anopla sp. nov. has a coxopleuron without any trace of a coxopleural process and possesses an atypically small forcipular coxosternite. Newportia (Newportia) tequendama sp. nov. is morphologically similar to Newportia pusilla Pocock, 1893, but differs in having an undivided tarsus 2 in the ultimate legs and the arrangement of the spinous processes on the prefemur and femur. An identification key for the Colombian species of Newportia is provided.

A New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia

A new species of Begonia section Ruizopavonia is here described and illustrated, and a key for the Colombian species of the section is also provided. The new species grows on the eastern side of the eastern Colombian Cordillera and can be recognized among species in the same section bearing staminate flowers with 4 tepals and pistillate flowers with 3 tepals by the larger outer tepals on both the staminate and pistillate flowers (>9.5 mm long). We assess the new species as Endangered (EN) under IUCN criteria; its protection is therefore recommended.

Synopsis of the genus Mapania (Cyperaceae, Mapanioideae, Hypolytreae) in the Colombian Amazon

Mapania is a genus placed in the tribe Hypolytreae, subfamily Mapanioideae of the family Cyperaceae. It includes about 100 species worldwide, widely distributed throughout the tropics. In South America, this genus is represented by 14 species, five of them in Colombia. Its presence in the Colombian Amazon is uncertain due to lack of knowledge of the group and dubious records. The aim of this study is to present a taxonomic synopsis of Mapania for the Colombian Amazon. Specimens from COAH and COL herbaria as well as online databases were revised. Presence of five species is reported: Mapania effusa whose occurrence in Colombia is confirmed, M. pycnocephala and M. pycnostachya new records for the Amazon region, M. maguireana and M. theobromina new records for the Colombian flora. Morphological descriptions, information about the habitat, geographic distribution, notes, and photographs for these species are presented along with a key to identify the Colombian species of this genus.

A new species of Iochroma Benth. (Solanaceae) from the eastern Andes of Colombia.

Iochromaorozcoae A.Orejuela & S.D.Sm., sp. nov. (Solanaceae) is described from the Andean forests of Cundinamarca in the eastern cordillera of Colombia. Iochromaorozcoae was first collected by the eminent Spanish priest and botanist José Celestino Mutis in the late part of the 18th century, but the specimens have lain unrecognised in herbaria for over 200 years. The species shares many features with its closest relative, Iochromabaumii S.D.Sm. & S.Leiva, but it differs from it in having small flowers with five corolla lobes and few inflorescences per branch, located near the shoot apex with 1 to 4 (-8) flowers, fruits that are greenish-yellow when ripe and its restricted geographic distribution. A description of I.orozcoae is provided, along with a detailed illustration, photographs of live plants, a comparison with closely-related species and a key to all Colombian species of Iochroma Benth. In closing, we emphasise the value of historical collections for the knowledge of biodiversity.

An updated checklist of the wild silkmoths (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) of Colombia.

In recent years, the study of wild silkmoths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) has increased exponentially due to the intense sampling effort and the use of molecular evidence for species delimitation, which led to the description of numerous new taxa especially from the Neotropic. Given these rapid advances, the checklist of the Colombian Saturniidae needs to be updated to cover the taxonomy, distribution, and diversity of these moths in the country. After an extensive review of literature, data repositories, and collections, an updated and comprehensive list of Saturniidae from Colombia is presented, including their occurrence status in each Colombian department. The checklist includes 7 subfamilies, 55 genera, and 790 taxa (766 in species rank) of Saturniidae in Colombia. Current distribution data show that the genus Winbrechlinia, the subgenusDarylesia, 379 species, and 18 subspecies are endemic to Colombia. Moreover, a dichotomic key to the Colombian subfamilies is provided. A few taxonomic changes are proposed based on a thorough taxonomic revision of the Colombian taxa. This revision also addresses the issue of outdated species names reported in the first checklist of Colombian Saturniidae (Amarillo-Suárez 2000) and excludes old records of taxa that are considered dubious for Colombia based on new evidence. By presenting an updated list of Colombian species, including the newly described taxa, this study aims at eliminating confusion stemming from outdated names and provides a useful resource for researching and conservating Saturniidae in Colombia. We wish to offer a common reference for future studies on the biodiversity and biogeography of moths in the Neotropical realm.

Five new species of Eiphosoma Cresson, 1865 (Ichneumonidae: Cremastinae) from Colombia, new records, and a key to Colombian species.

A taxonomic study of the species of the Darwin wasp genus Eiphosoma Cresson, 1865 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Cremastinae) from the department of Caquet, Colombia, resulted in five new species being described: E. caqueta sp. nov. (Type locality: Curillo, Caquet), E. eneke sp. nov. (Type locality: San Vicente del Cagun, Caquet) E. interpunctum sp. nov. (Type locality: Solano, Caquet,), E. rumi sp. nov. (Type locality: Florencia, Caquet) and E. sinecarenatum sp. nov. (Type locality: Florencia, Caquet). With this paper, the number of Eiphosoma species from Colombia increases from three to 16. Eiphosoma bogan Gauld, 2000; E. dentator (Fabricius, 1804); E. dolopon Gauld, 2000; E. fluminense Costa Lima, 1953; E. fuzhi Gauld, 2000; E. macrum (Enderlein, 1921); E. minense Costa Lima, 1953 and E. tantalium Gauld, 2000 are recorded for the first time from Colombia. A dichotomous key to the Colombian species is presented.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Three Synthetic Peptides against Candida auris and Other Candida Species of Medical Importance.

Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection affecting immunosuppressed and hospitalized patients, with mortality rates approaching 40% in Colombia. The growing pharmacological resistance of Candida species and the emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris are major public health problems. Therefore, different antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being investigated as therapeutic alternatives to control candidiasis effectively and safely. This work aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of three synthetic AMPs, PNR20, PNR20-1, and 35409, against ATCC reference strains of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis, and clinical isolates of C. auris. Antifungal susceptibility testing, determined by broth microdilution, showed that the AMPs have antifungal activity against planktonic cells of all Candida species evaluated. In C. auris and C. albicans, the peptides had an effect on biofilm formation and cell viability, as determined by the XTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Also, morphological alterations in the membrane and at the intracellular level of these species were induced by the peptides, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. In vitro, the AMPs had no cytotoxicity against L929 murine fibroblasts. Our results showed that the evaluated AMPs are potential therapeutic alternatives against the most important Candida species in Colombia and the world.

Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata): chemical and antifungal potential evaluation of an invasive plant species in Colombia

Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan) is a plant species from East Africa and grows in tropical regions worldwide, including Colombia, being considered an invasive species in some countries. Even though it is used by local communities to treat several illnesses, including malaria, there are few biological and chemical studies on T. alata. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the chemical composition and in vitro antimycotic (against Candida strains) activity of T. alata crude ethanolic stem and leaf extracts. This was achieved via phytochemical analyses and chromatographic profiling (HPTLC, UPLC-DAD, and LC-MS). A two-fold serial microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against selected Candida strains. Results showed the presence of saponins, terpenes, and flavonoids in the T. alata crude ethanolic stem and leaf extracts, although rutin and chlorogenic acid were the main components of stem and leaf extracts, respectively. Concerning biological assays, T. alata leaf extracts demonstrated moderate antimycotic activity, with MIC values between 5:00 mg mL-1 and 1:25 mg mL-1 against C. albicans and C. auris strains. The results indicate that T. alata extracts, including some of their major identified compounds, possess promising antifungal properties against two significant microorganisms.

Identifying important plant areas for useful plant species in Colombia

While area-based approaches continue to dominate biodiversity conservation, there is growing recognition of the importance of the human dimensions of biodiversity. We applied the Important Plant Areas (IPA) approach in Colombia to identify key sites for the conservation of plant species with reported human uses. Drawing on the Checklist of Useful Plants of Colombia, we collated 1,045,889 clean occurrence records for 5400 native species from global data repositories and digitized herbaria. Through analysis based on regionalized grid cells, we identified 980 sites meeting IPA thresholds. These are primarily located in forest habitats, with only 19.8 % within existing national natural parks or internationally designated conservation areas. Grid cells were transformed to polygons based on overlapping ecosystems and administrative boundaries to form more meaningful site boundaries. A subsequent two-stage ranking procedure based on conservation value and richness found 46 sites to be of high priority, with 10 selected as top priorities for further investigation and conservation action. These 10 sites support significant populations of 33 threatened useful plant species and represent six of the 13 bioregions of Colombia in just 0.27 % of its land area. To progress from potential to confirmed IPAs, targeted fieldwork is required alongside stakeholder engagement and consultation, crucially involving local resource users. As a megadiverse country ranked second in the world for its botanical richness, effective IPA management would not only contribute to Colombian targets for sustainable development and conservation but would also support global targets to recover biodiversity for both planet and people.

New and Noteworthy Records of Angiosperms from Pacific Biogeographical Region at Department of Chocó in Colombia, Including Four New Records for the Country

Six new or noteworthy records of Angiosperms from Colombia are presented based in herbarium specimens from the Chocó department in Colombia. Four are first records for the country, one is the first record for the Chocó department and one is the most recent record after 28 years of an endemic species to the Chocó Biogeographical region in Colombia. Cynometra dwyerii (Fabaceae), Pouteria fossicola (Sapotaceae) and Tachigali panamensis (Fabaceae) were heretofore known as restricted to Central America; Mosquitoxylum jamaicense (Anacardiaceae) was previously known from Central America, Caribbean and Ecuador, but no record for Colombia had been found; Casearia thamnia (Salicaceae) was recorded from Colombia through a specimen of the year 1916 from the Bolivar department, here its first record from the Chocó department is presented; Cremastosperma chococola (Annonaceae) is a endemic species to the biogeographic Chocó in Colombia, only known through three specimens and not collected since the year 1990. Information about protologue, type specimens, distinctive morphology, current geographical distribution, common names, and uses are provided for each record, besides notes about the relevance of the novel records are here presented. A geographical distribution map for these species in Colombia is presented, as well as digital plates composed by photographs of herbarium vouchers. Continue inventoring the biodiversity in the biogeographic Chocó as one of the global biodiversity hotspots is imperative. These records presented here provide useful information for future biological research and conservation actions for their respective species or their habitats.

Comprehensive Characterization of Oils and Fats of Six Species from the Colombian Amazon Region with Industrial Potential.

The Colombian Amazon is a megadiverse region with high potential for commercial use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, constantly expanding and looking for new alternatives from natural resources; unfortunately, few characterization reports of its profitable non-timber species in Colombia have been conducted. This work aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of traditionally used species: Carapa guianensis (Andiroba), Euterpe precatoria (Asai), Mauritia flexuosa (Miriti), Astrocaryum murumuru (Murumuru), Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha Inchi), and Caryodendron orinocense H.Karst (Cacay). For this purpose, oil and fat quality indices, phytosterol, carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol content, as well as density and refractive index, were measured to establish their quality level. Multivariate analysis showed four groups of samples; such differences were mainly due to the composition rather than quality indices and physical properties, especially the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. All species reported a precise composition, which makes them noninterchangeable, and Miriti oil arose as the most versatile ingredient for the industry. The Colombian Amazon region is a promising source of quality raw material, especially for oils/fats and unsaturated fatty acids; this resulted in the most interest for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic purposes.

Brassinosteroids Improve Postharvest Quality, Antioxidant Compounds, and Reduce Chilling Injury in ‘Arrayana’ Mandarin Fruits under Cold Storage

‘Arrayana’ mandarin is one of the most cultivated citrus species in Colombia, but this fruit has a short postharvest life and is sensitive to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage. Generating strategies that decrease CI to mandarin can reduce quantitative and qualitative losses postharvest. Brassinosteroids (BR) have been used as a sustainable technology to alleviate CI in fruits and improve postharvest quality. This study evaluated the effect of applying the 24-epibrasinolide analogue (EBR), at doses of 5 mg L−1; DI-31 analogue, at 5 and 10 mg L−1; and control, on the main physical and biochemical characteristics of ‘Arrayana’ mandarin stored at 4 °C for 40 days and, subsequently, 7 days at room temperature (shelf life). The application of EBR and DI-31 analogues reduced the appearance of CI in the exocarp of ‘Arrayana’ mandarin fruits by reducing electrolyte leakage, maintaining membrane integrity, and increasing antioxidant activity and phenol content at the end of cold storage and shelf life. This was especially pronounced with 5 mg L−1 of EBR. Similarly, the BR maintained the postharvest quality of mandarins by reducing weight loss, respiratory intensity, and chlorophyll degradation; increasing β-carotene; and maintaining titratable acidity and soluble solids. Our research reports, for the first time, CI tolerance in Arrayana mandarin using natural (EBR) and spirostanic (DI-31) analogues and illustrates the tolerance functionality of the DI-31 analogue on CI in the fruit postharvest.

Scutellaria incarnata Vent. root extract and isolated phenylethanoid glycosides are neuroprotective against C2-ceramide toxicity.

Neuronal death is a central process in neurodegenerative diseases and represents a therapeutic challenge for their prevention and treatment. Scutellaria incarnata Vent. roots are used traditionally in Colombia for central nervous system conditions including those affecting cognitive functions, but their chemistry and neuroprotective action remain to be explored to understand the scientific basis for their medicinal uses. In this study, S. incarnata roots are investigated to assess whether they have neuroprotective effects that could provide some explanation for their traditional use in neurodegenerative diseases. To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of S. incarnata roots and its chemical constituents against C2-ceramide-induced cell death in Cath.-a-differentiated (CAD) cells. S. incarnata root ethanol extract was fractionated and compounds were isolated by column chromatography; their structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. The cytotoxic and neuroprotective effects against C2-ceramide of S. incarnata root extract, fractions and isolated compounds were assessed in CAD cells. S. incarnata root extract and its n-butanol fraction were not cytotoxic but showed neuroprotective effects against C2-ceramide toxicity in CAD cells. The phenylethanoid glycosides incarnatoside (isolated for the first time) and stachysoside C (12.5, 25 and 50μg/mL) from S. incarnata roots also protected CAD cells against C2-ceramide without inducing cytotoxic effects. The observed neuroprotective effects of S. incarnata root extract and isolated phenylethanoid glycosides in CAD cells provide an ethnopharmacological basis for the traditional use of this species in Colombia for central nervous system disorders.

Revision of the genera Eutrecha and Xenotrecha (Solifugae: Ammotrechidae), taxonomic notes on Ammotrechinae, and description of a remarkable new Eutrecha from Colombia

The solifuge generaEutrechaMaury, 1982 andXenotrechaMaury, 1982 are among the rarest and most elusive groups of camel spiders in the New World. Since their inception, both genera have remained unclassified within the subfamilial scheme of Ammotrechidae, where they belong, and their systematic position and affinities to other genera continue to be unexplored. This contribution addresses the affinities thatEutrechaandXenotrechahave to the type genus of Ammotrechinae,AmmotrechaBanks, 1900. Based on the taxonomic distribution of characters shared by these genera, it is proposed that the three are closely related and classified into Ammotrechinae. Revised diagnoses are presented for Ammotrechinae s.str.,Eutrecha, andXenotrecha, and redescriptions are presented for species of these genera, when possible. A new species,Eutrecha belenensissp. nov., is described from Colombia, raising to three the number of species in the genus. New material ofEutrecha floreziVillareal-Blanco, Armas and Martínez, 2017 andXenotrecha huebneri(Kraepelin, 1899) is referenced, thus extending the distribution range of these species in Colombia and Brazil, respectively. Ammotrechinae s.str. is here defined by the presence of a retroventral longitudinal carina on the movable finger of the chelicerae and a cleavage plane basally on the femur of pedipalps, among other characters. The cleavage plane allows the pedipalp to be autotomized, representing the first report of pedipalp autotomy in Solifugae. This work also presents a discussion on the taxonomy of Ammotrechidae and delves into some aspects that affect the current delimitation of some of its subfamilies.

Zoning of Potential Areas for the Production of Oleaginous Species in Colombia under Agroforestry Systems

Due to the need to develop more agroforestry systems, the Moringa oleifera, Olea Europea, Glycine max, Brassica napus, Helianthus annuus, and Jatropha curcas are identified as unconventional species for their expansion under these systems in Colombia. With the Colombian Environmental Information System (SIAC) database, zoning was carried out according to the agroclimatic species requirements and optimal coverage for their production. As a result, a total area of 212,977.2 km2 was identified, mainly including the departments of Casanare, Arauca, Vichada, Guajira, Córdoba, Meta, Magdalena, Cesar, Tolima, and Cundinamarca. The species and associations species with the most options for productive expansion are Moringa (75,758 km2), Moringa, Jatropha, and Sunflower (42,515.1 km2), Moringa and Jatropha (37,180.4 km2), Jatropha (20,840 km2), Jatropha and Sunflower (17,692.1 km2), Olive (7332.1 km2), and Soybean (3586.3 km2). Of the potential agroforestry areas to their establishment, 36% correspond to herbaceous and/or shrubby vegetation, 34% to grasses, and 22% to heterogeneous agricultural areas. This research is the first step to representing the agronomic versatility of these promising species and their potential contribution to the diversification of the agri-food and agroforestry sectors.

Morphological and molecular confirmation of Ornithodoros hasei (Schulze, 1935) (Acari: Argasidae) in Colombia

A large number of tick species are proven vectors for the transmission of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) in South America have been found to be the most frequent carriers of borreliae of the relapsing fever group (RFG); however, there are several information gaps specially on the taxonomy and distribution of some tick species. Here, we used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and PCR amplification of a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene to evaluate 174 larvae of Ornithodoros (Argasidae) collected from three bat species (Eptesicus orinocensis, Molossus rufus and Noctilio albiventris) in the Orinoquia Region of Colombia. The morphological and molecular results confirmed that all the analyzed larvae corresponded to Ornithodoros hasei. Comparisons of mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences showed low genetic divergence (0% - 0.3%) between larvae of the Department of Arauca in the Orinoquia Region and higher genetic divergence (3.4 - 4.7%) in sequences from other American countries. Our work represents the most recent collection of this species in Colombia and provides a molecular evaluation for the first time. Moreover, a new association of O. hasei with bats such as E. orinocensis is documented. Considering the wide distribution of O. hasei in the American Continent, and its putative role as vector for Borrelia, integrative studies that involve morphological, morphometric, molecular data and experimental crosses are needed to determine if the higher genetic distances are associated with cryptic speciation, as detected in other tick complexes, or represent genetic divergences among geographically different populations of O. hasei.