Colombian Species Research Articles

First record of the freshwater copepod Mesocyclops paranaensis Dussart & Frutos, 1986 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae) from Colombia

The Neotropical free-living freshwater cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops paranaensis Dussart & Frutos, 1986 was found in a small temporal pond in La Guajira, northern Colombia. Hitherto, it has been reported from Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. This is the first record of this species in Colombia, its northernmost finding in South America, and the fourth locality in which this species has been recorded from. Mesocyclops paranaensis can be distinguished from its closest congeners by a unique combination of the characters of the female, including: 1) leg 4 intercoxal sclerite with two large, acute projections; 2) P3, P4 intercoxal sclerite caudal surface lightly pilose; 3) seminal receptacle with narrow lateral arms and weakly convex anterior margin; 4) second antennary endopodite with seven setae, and insertion of antennary exopodal seta with adjacent spinules; 5)frontal surface of P1 basipodite ornamented with long spinules; 6) posterior margin of anal somite with continuous row of spinules; and 7) inner margin of caudal ramus hirsute. The Colombian population shows some subtle morphological differences with respect to previous reports.

On On the distribution of three exotic geckos of genus Hemidactylus Gray, 1825 (Squamata, Gekkonidae), and an unusual record of the native lizard Gymnophthalmus speciosus (Hallowell, 1861) outside its elevational range in Colombia

The study of the introduction of exotic species in Colombia has been a trending topic in the last decade due to their effects on local diversity. The records of exotic reptile species of the genus Hemidactylus have increased based on museum vouchers and fieldwork. However, there are still plenty of information gaps regarding their current distribution in the country. Similarly, there is limited information on unusual reptile distributions caused by human transport inside the country. Here, we present an update to the distribution of the exotic house geckos Hemidactylus frenatus, H. garnotii, and H. mabouia based on several new localities and historical records. We also present an atypical record of the golden spectacled tegu Gymnophthalmus speciosus in paramo ecosystems from the Central Andes of Colombia, almost 2000 meters above the upper elevational known limit for this species. The distribution update shows that H. frenatus is widely distributed in 30 of the 32 departments of Colombia with no records for Chocó and Guainía. H. garnotii is currently known only from the Cauca River basin of the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, and Risaralda, while H. mabouia, previously known from the Amazon basin of the country, is now reported for the Andean region. Finally, Gymnophthalmus speciosus presence in a paramo ecosystem, considered unusual as it is not part of its distribution area, was probably the result of an accidental transport from a typical lowland locality (below 1000 meters above sea level.

Determination of Sites of Special Importance for the Conservation of Threatened Orchid Species in Colombia

Colombia is the country with the highest number of orchid species (4270), whose optimal habitat is cold and humid forests. However, the outlook for conservation is alarming, considering that deforestation is causing the loss of millions of hectares of forests. This situation has led to the existence of 206 endangered orchid species. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine Sites of Special Importance for the Conservation of Threatened Orchid Species in Colombia (SSICO), through an analysis of their spatial and altitudinal distribution using various databases, to make a selection of nature reserves on a municipality scale, using Marxan software, and employing relevant parameters (richness, rarity, and IUCN category). Furthermore, the results were later compared with the Protected Areas System, determining their coverage to propose SSICOs. 674 records of the presence of threatened orchids in 277 municipalities were obtained. Urrao, Abrego, and Frontino were the areas with the greatest richness and rarity. Marxan selected 47 municipalities located mostly in the Andes region, and four SSICOs were prioritized, which are located in the Antioquia, Norte de Santander, Nariño and Putumayo provinces. These SSICOs, in addition to being points of great biodiversity, are areas with special socio-economic characteristics that influence the management of natural resources. These areas require timely attention, research, and intervention by environmental authorities because of their importance for conserving orchids and Andes Forests.

Morphological characterization and hierarchical classification of 40 bush pea genotypes (Pisum sativum L.)

The Universidad de Nariño is home to a collection of bush pea plantlets that are a source of biodiversity for the genetic improvement of pea species in Colombia. The characterization of these accessions is required to identify genotypes with attributes that could be used in the search for new varieties. For the morphological characterization, 40 pea accessions were planted in Pasto, Colombia. 23 quantitative variables and 12 qualitative variables were documented, descriptors proposed for this species by the European Union in 2003. The data were subjected to Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Correspondence Analysis. Finally, a hierarchical classification method was applied using Ward’s method. The first four components, which explained 78.80% of the total variability of the population, were selected for the quantitative variables. Four groups were identified. Genotypes with the afila gene, which are of interest for pea breeding programs, were found in groups 1 and 2. The highest seed weight was in group 1, and the genotypes with the best reaction to powdery mildew were in group four. For the qualitative variables, the first six factors, which described 60.51% of the variability, were selected, and the hierarchical classification analysis resulted in five groups. The qualitative characteristics that contributed more to the differentiation of the groups included leaflet type, hilum color, degree of curvature of the pod, color and shape of the grain.

New voucher specimens and tissue samples from an avifaunal survey of the Middle Magdalena Valley of Bolívar, Colombia, bridge geographical and temporal gaps

Several of the first avifaunal surveys in Colombia were conducted in the lowland moist forests of the Middle Magdalena Valley, but for decades this region has been understudied. We present results of an avifaunal survey in a zone of Cantagallo, Bolívar, Colombia (Jun–Jul 2019), based on the collection of voucher specimens, associated tissue samples, and observational records. We report 165 species, 77 of which are represented with 266 voucher specimens. We found that the nearest documented records for 7 species are more than 100 km away. Moreover, our collection bridges more significant gaps in temporal sampling (mean = 71 years before our survey). Our field work resulted in the first tissue samples for 10 species in Colombia and 64 species from the department of Bolívar. The Middle Magdalena Valley's forests have almost vanished and the surveyed zone should be considered for protection.

The flattie spiders of the Selenops isopodus/ species group (Araneae: Selenopidae) with a review of Selenops/ records from Colombia.

Here we examine the species of the Selenops isopodus species group: S. isopodus Mello-Leitão, 1941, S. arikok Crews, 2011, and S. curazao Alayón, 2001. We describe the female and male of S. bullerengue sp. nov. from Colombia and synonymize S. marilus Corronca, 1998a with S. isopodus, providing diagnoses and complete descriptions of both sexes of S. isopodus. Detailed images and a key to species in the group are provided. The distribution of all selenopid species in Colombia is reviewed using published records, museum specimens, and citizen science data from inaturalist.org.

Effect of Cryopreservation and Packaging System on Sperm Motility and Fertility of Striped Catfish

AbstractThe Orinoco Striped Catfish Pseudoplatystoma orinocoense is a highly valued commercial‐capture species in Colombia. Although this species was considered endangered and is now in a recovery situation, there are still no cryopreservation studies for its milt. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cryopreservation media and two packaging systems on the sperm motility and fertilization capacity of Striped Catfish. A first experiment was conducted to test the effects of two permeating cryoprotectants (10% dimethyl sulfoxide and 12% methanol) combined with glucose at two concentrations (5.5% and 10%) and with two membrane stabilizers (12% egg yolk and 5% whole milk powder) on the post‐thaw motility of milt samples that were packed into 0.5‐mL straws. The cryopreservation media with the best results in the first experiment were selected for a second experiment in which we evaluated 5‐mL macrotubes as a packaging system. In this case, the response variables were sperm motility and fertility rate. In both experiments, milt with sperm motility that exceeded 90% was diluted at a 1:6 (volume basis) ratio in each of the two cryopreservation media. The diluted samples were packed, equilibrated (for 10 min), then frozen in a nitrogen‐vapor dry shipper for 30 min, and finally stored in liquid nitrogen until they were evaluated. Each factor and its interactions showed a significant effect (P < 0.001) on post‐thaw sperm motility in experiment 1. The best protection during cryopreservation was obtained when 12% methanol supplemented with 5.5% glucose was used as a permeating cryoprotectant, yielding an average motility of 33.3 ± 5.1% (mean ± SD) and 64 ± 5.4% in the 0.5‐ and 5‐mL packaging systems, respectively. Similarly, the highest fertility rate (85%) was recorded under this treatment, with no significant difference (P > 0.05) from the fresh milt. Therefore, Striped Catfish milt can be cryopreserved in 5‐mL macrotubes by using 12% methanol and 5.5% glucose, without the addition of membrane stabilizers.

New record of Arcella gandalfi (Amoebozoa: Arcellinida) from Colombia

The reports of testate amoebae species in Colombia are limited to a few studies in lentic and peat bog systems; however, the diversity in lotic systems has been poorly investigated. Zooplankton sampling was performed in lotic environments of the Piedemonte Llanero in Colombia. Ten individuals of the species Arcella gandalfi were identified to document the first record of A. gandalfi from the Piedemonte Llanero in Colombia, expanding its distribution from Brazil to Colombia. This finding corroborates the status of A. gandalfi as a flagship species from the South America continent.

Distribution of birds in Colombia.

Background1. Colombia with 1941 known recorded bird species is one of the most species rich countries in the world. Efforts are necessary to conserve, study and promote sustainable use of this important taxonomic group throughout Colombia’s vast territory.2. In an ideal world, informed decisions that are based on sound scientific information should be likelier to have successful outcomes. Nevertheless, there are barriers that make it difficult to access and use information in a timely fashion. Those same barriers impede the study, conservation and sustainable use of bird species in Colombia. On the other hand, given that there is good documentation about the ecology of a large number of species, information about the distribution of birds can be easily incorporated into decision-making processes, once this information becomes readily available in a consumable format using Geographic Information Sciences tools.3. In this context, the main objective of this paper is to present the first compilation of the current distribution of 1889 (97%) species of birds in Colombia, using expert criteria. The shapefiles were used to show the distribution and diversity of bird species in Colombia under both geopolitical and conservation geographic units.4. The information provided in this paper can be used as a baseline for a huge number of initiatives that aim to strengthen conservation efforts and improve knowledge about one the most unique taxonomic groups in the country. These range from land use planning strategies at the municipal or department scale to sustainable use of bird species - such as those initiatives related to bird watching - in Colombia.New informationThis study has considered three key aspects: 1) the importance of birds for Colombia’s ecosystems, 2) the privileged place of Colombia in bird species richness and 3) the importance of data mobilisation in formats easily consumable by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to facilitate the processes of informed decision-making. We present the first compilation - in shapefile format - for 1889 of the 1941 bird species recorded from Colombia. Using this novel collection, we showed the species richness of birds in Colombia’s 33 Departments plus its Captial District (DPs), 1122 Municipalities (MNs), 58 protected areas (PAs), 39 Regional Autonomous Corporations (the authorities responsible within their respective jurisdictions for regulating the environment and renewable natural resources in Colombia; CARs) and 916 Collectively Titled Territories (including both indigenous reservations and afro-descendant communities; CTTs). In addition, we provide a list of known bird species richness for the above geographic units found in the available literature. The information provided here can be used as a baseline for a huge number of initiatives concerning the study, conservation and sustainable use of bird species present in Colombia, providing access to key features of bird distribution that should facilitate decision-making.

Influence of the Diatomite Specie on the Peak and Residual Shear Strength of the Fine-Grained Soil

Diatomite is a powdering mineral mainly composed of diatom microfossils present in marine and lacustrine soils, which influences their physical and mechanical properties. Although many articles have been found in the literature concerning the influence of diatomite in the overall behavior of natural soils, few research efforts have been carried out to evaluate the influence of the diatom microfossil species on their shear resistance. Therefore, in this research, the influence of the diatomite species and the content in the peak and the residual shear strength of diatomite-fine grained soil mixtures was analyzed using the annular shear strength test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atterberg limits were also carried out as additional tests to explain the interlocking effect between the microfossils and the soil. Overall, both diatomite species increased both peak and residual shear strength of the soil similar to dense sands. Nevertheless, the Mexican species reveal higher friction angle values compared with Colombian species.

First records of Callaspidia defonscolombei Dahlbom, 1842 (Hymenoptera, Cynipioidea, Figitidae) in an urban environment in Colombia

Callaspidia defonscolombei Dahlbom, 1842, is a figitid wasp with a widespread distribution. In South America, it has been reported from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Here we report the first record of this species in Colombia, where it was associated with two species of trees in urban parks of Bogotá. We also report the presence of unknown pollen in the examined individuals. Future studies need to be conducted to identify the local impact of this species as a possible parasitoid and/or pollinator in the green spaces of the city of Bogotá.

An update of morphological and distributional data of the genus Patrera Simon (Araneae: Anyphaenidae: Anyphaeninae) with the description of twenty-five new species from Colombia.

The knowledge on the diversity of the genus Patrera Simon in Colombia is widely expanded. P. auricoma (L. Koch, 1866) and P. armata (Chickering, 1940) are redescribed and their females are described for the first time and recorded from Cundinamarca and Meta departments, respectively. Aysha strandi (Caporiacco, 1947) is synonymized with P. armata. Three species groups in the genus Patrera are proposed to include the bulk of its species (fulvastra, florezi, and philipi). These groups are diagnosed based on sexual characters. Twenty-five new species are herein described, illustrated and mapped: P. anchicaya n. sp. (♂♀); P. barbacoas n. sp. (♂); P. borjai n. sp. (♂♀); P. danielae n. sp. (♂♀); P. dimar n. sp. (♂♀); P. perafani n. sp. (♂♀); P. platnicki n. sp. (♂); P. quillacinga n. sp. (♂♀), and P. ramirezi n. sp. (♂♀) into the fulvastra species group. P. bonaldoi n. sp. (♂♀); P. boteroi n. sp. (♂); P. carvalhoi n. sp. (♂♀); P. florezi n. sp. (♂♀); P. perijaensis n. sp. (♀); P. quimbaya n. sp. (♂♀); P. sampedroi n. sp. (♂); P. yukpa n. sp. (♂♀), and P. wiwa n. sp. (♂♀) in florezi species group. P. sutu n. sp. (♂); P. chucurui n. sp. (♂♀); P. dawkinsi n. sp. (♂); P. dentata n. sp. (♂); P. dracula n. sp. (♂); P. kuryi n. sp. (♂♀), and P. longitibialis n. sp. (♂) in philipi species group. We also briefly discuss some aspects of the species groups' genital morphology, based on a comparison with the type, P. fulvastra Simon. Additionally, distribution maps for all Colombian species including new records for P. armata (Chickering, 1940), P. auricoma (L. Koch, 1866) and P. suni Dupérré Tapia, 2016 from Cundinamarca, Meta and Nariño departments are also herein included.

Malpighiaceae de Colombia: Patrones de distribución, riqueza, endemismo y diversidad filogenética

Malpighiaceae constitutes a family of 77 genera and ca. 1300 species, distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. They are mainly diversified in the American continent and distributed in a wide range of habitats and altitudinal gradients. For this reason, this family can be a model plant group to ecological and biogeographical analyses, as well as evolutive studies. In this context, an analysis of distribution, richness, endemism and phylogenetic diversity of Malpighiaceae in natural regions and their altitudinal gradients was undertaken. Malpighiaceae are represented in Colombia by 34 genera and 246 species (19.1% of endemism). Thus, Colombia and Brazil (44 genera, 584 species, 61% of endemism) are the two richest countries on species of this family. The highest species richness and endemism in Colombia is found in the lowlands (0-500 m a.s.l.: 212 species, 28 endemics); only ten species are distributed on highlands (2500-3200 m a.s.l.). Of the Malpighiaceae species in Colombia, Heteropterys leona and Stigmaphyllon bannisterioides have a disjunct amphi-Atlantic distribution, and six other species show intra-American disjunctions. Both richness and endemism decrease with altitude (y = -0.061x + 173.57; R2 = 0.82; y = -0.009x + 27.76; R2 = 0.95, respectively). Amazonia (116 species, 4 endemics) and the Andes (89 species, 23 endemics) exhibit the highest richness among the family. In Colombia, 15 of the 19 clades among the family are represented, where the most diversified are the Stigmaphyllon clade (5 genera, 48 species, 10 endemics), the Byrsonima clade (3/39/5) and the Hiraea clade (3/31/9). The relationship of phylogenetic diversity with altitude is similar to the pattern of specific richness by altitudinal interval. Amazonia, Orinoquia, and Magdalena Valley show highest phylogenetic diversity. These results, combined with those of other highly diversified biological groups in the country, could be important to define and delimitate new priority areas for conservation in Colombia.

Status of knowledge of the broad-nosed weevils of Colombia (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)

Broad-nosed weevils in the subfamily Entiminae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are highly diverse, not only in terms of number of species, but also in their sizes, forms and colours. There are eight tribes, 50 genera and 224 entimine species recorded from Colombia: seven genera and 142 species are considered endemic and only a handful of species, which are recognised as pests ofCitrusor potatoes, are broadly known. The large diversity of this subfamily in the country is only superficially known and even though genus level identifications are generally achievable, species identification remains quite challenging, due in part to limited access to broadly-scattered basic information. Summaries of available information and bibliographic resources for each of the tribes represented in Colombia are offered, along with a checklist of the species of Entiminae recorded from the country, obtained from literature and a pictorial key for tribal recognition. New combinations are proposed for eight species of the genusLanteriusAlonso-Zarazaga & Lyal. Information on the distribution of entimine species in Colombia is compiled for the first time, including complete references to each original description and available taxonomic revisions. About a third of the species of Entiminae remain as recorded from the country without specific locality information. In addition, genus level distributional maps are presented, generated from data obtained from four Colombian entomological collections. Lastly, some challenges for entimine identification in Colombia, which likely extend throughout the Neotropical region, are briefly discussed. This contribution aims, in part, to facilitate and promote entimine research in northern South America.

Phylogeography, genetic diversity and population structure of the freshwater stingray, Paratrygon aiereba (Müller & Henle, 1841) (Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae) in the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco basins

The freshwater stingray Paratrygon aiereba have coloration, osteological and morphometric variations that could suggest the existence of more than one species in Colombia. In order to evaluate the phylogeography, population structure and genetic diversity for P. aiereba distributed in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, we amplified Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) partial region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in 50 samples from eight different sub-basins. Our results suggest three phylogroups and a vicariance event occurred 43 million years ago proposing how Paratrygon diverged into the basins. A high population structure (ΦST = 0.692; p < 0.005) and a value of (K) of 3 were defined. A high genetic diversity within phylogroups was found: Phylogroup A (h = 0.64; π% = 2.48), Phylogroup B (h = 0.552; π% = 1.67), and Phylogroup C (h = 0.49; π% = 0.73). These results should be considered in local management plans, conservation programs and reclassification in at least Amazon and Orinoco.

&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Burmeistera andakiana&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;B. boyacensis&lt;/em&gt; (Campanulaceae, Lobelioideae), two new species from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia&lt;/strong&gt;

Burmeistera andakiana and B. boyacensis are described as new species primarily from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. The first species, closely related to B. brachyandra and B. ramosa, grows in sub-Andean forests at the eastern slopes of the Cordillera in the departments of Caquetá and Putumayo, with a few lowland populations, being the only Colombian species of the genus that reaches Amazonian forests. The second species, closely related to B. orientalis, has been collected at edges of Andean forests in both flanks of the Eastern Cordillera in the department of Boyacá. The new species are illustrated and their relationships are discussed. Both species differ from their relatives by a number of vegetative and reproductive traits related to the indumentum of the stem, the architecture and size of leaves, the morphology and indumentum of floral organs, and the shape of the fruits. We suggest that both species be considered as critically endangered.

Giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis density and abundance in Llanos Orientales de Colombia in the Orinoco basin

AbstractThe giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis, categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, was once widely distributed throughout South America. By the middle of the 20th century the giant otter had become locally extinct along the main rivers of the Orinoco basin. Although some populations seem to have recovered, the paucity of information available does not permit a full evaluation of the species' conservation status. The objective of this study was to estimate the abundance and density of the giant otter population along the Orinoco river in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, Vichada, Colombia, where there is important commercial and recreational fishing. Thirty-nine linear km were surveyed, repeatedly, with a total of 315 km of surveys. Population size was estimated by direct counts of individuals. All individuals detected were photographed and identified individually from their throat pelage patterns. In total, 30 otters were identified, giving a minimum density of 0.77 individuals per km, one of the highest reported for the species in Colombia. Given the high density in this well-developed area, our results highlight the importance of this population for the conservation of the species.

Diversity of the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini’ isolates that infect urban trees in Bogotá, Colombia

Phytoplasmas have been associated with a disease that affects trees of at least 11 species from different botanic families in Bogotá, Colombia. 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini' are the major groups of phytoplasma in the area of Bogotá. In this study, the genetic diversity within 'Ca. P. asteris' and 'Ca. P. fraxini' was studied in five urban tree species: Croton species (Euphorbiaceae), Fraxinus uhdei (Oleaceae), Magnolia grandiflora (Magnoliaceae), Populus nigra (Salicaceae) and Quercus humboldtii (Fagaceae). Analyses of the 16S rRNA gene using nested PCR, RFLP and sequencing showed that phytoplasmas of 'Ca. P. asteris' could be assigned to: subgroup 16SrI-B; a new subgroup named 16SrI-AF, with a restriction pattern similar to that of 16SrI-B; and a new subgroup named 16SrI-AG, with a restriction pattern similar to that of 16SrI-K and 16SrI-AH with a restriction pattern similar to that of 16SrI-AC. 'Ca. P. fraxini' isolates belonged to a new subgroup named 16SrVII-G, with a restriction pattern similar to that of 16SrVII-A. To complement the identification of the phytoplasma strains, we amplified nonribosomal genes such as leuS and secA. Unexpectedly, it was observed that in 16 trees in which 16S rRNA gene analysis showed the presence of 'Ca. P. fraxini' only, the leuS or secA primers amplified sequences exclusively affiliated to 'Ca. P. asteris. In those plants, sequences belonging to 'Ca. P. fraxini' leuS or secA genes were not amplified. The present work contributes to the identification of novel strains of both species in Colombia, and supports previous suggestions that phytoplasmas in South America are highly variable.

Una especie nueva de Furcraea (Agavaceae) de Colombia

As a result of recent studies of South American Agavaceae, a new species of Furcraea is described. This species is endemic of a small area of the Andean Cordillera Oriental of Colombia and it belongs to Furcraea sect. Furcraea. The uses and popular names are documented for the new species. Based on IUCN criteria, the new species is categorized as “critically endangered” (CR). Thus, a total of five species of Furcraea are currently known in Colombia, F. abisaii Giraldo-Cañas, F. acaulis (Kunth) B. Ullrich, F. cabuya Trelease, F. foetida (L.) Haworth, and F. selloana K. Koch. A key for the Colombian species is included. The new species is more similar to F. hexapetala (Jacq.) Urb. and F. selloana K. Koch, and therefore, their features are given.

Distribution and new records of the River Tyrannulet, Serpophaga hypoleuca P.L. Sclater &amp;amp; Salvin, 1866 (Passeriformes, Tyrannidae)&amp;nbsp;in Colombia

Serpophaga hypoleuca P.L. Sclater &amp;amp; Salvin, 1866, is a bird species distributed in northern South America, where it mainly inhabits shrubs on river islands and occasionally large river shores. Its distribution is not well known in Colombia where current records show the species present south of the Amazonas department and locally in Arauca and Vichada. We present a new locality in Colombia along the Guaviare River, in San Jos&amp;eacute; del Guaviare, which expands the known distribution of this species in Colombia, filling an information gap for the Guaviare region.