Current Geographic Distribution Research Articles

Pre-existing forests as sources of pathogens? The emergence of Armillaria ostoyae in a recently planted pine forest

Fungi are among the principal causal agents of emerging plant diseases, which are a matter of worldwide concern. Changes in land use, such as the expansion of cultivated areas, are implicated in the emergence of fungal diseases, but have been less often reported for native species plantations. In the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) forest of the Landes de Gascogne (south-western France), pine mortality due to the root rot fungus Armillaria ostoyae (Basidiomycete) has been increasing over the last 30years. The first cases of this disease occurred in 1920 only few years after a period of rapid major change to the landscape. During the second half of the 19th century the landscape was transformed from marshes to the largest monospecific maritime pine plantation forest in Europe. We carried out two surveys (0.24 and 1 million hectares) of Armillaria root rot disease in the Landes area, to investigate the spatial distribution of pathogen damage and to determine the role of historical factors in the establishment of this pattern. For the two surveys, spatial analyses and generalised linear models revealed a significant effect on the current geographical distribution of A. ostoyae disease of the proportion of pre-existing forest in the vicinity of afforested areas and a significant effect of the proximity of the first forests planted in the coastal dunes. These results suggest that A. ostoyae was commonly distributed in pre-existing forest areas, and that most of these fragments acted as source for the colonisation of newly planted forests. Better predictions on the risk of establishment of new disease foci in this forest area can be achieved from these results.

Managing insect collections. Micropezidae (Diptera: Nerioidea) of the Entomological Museum UNAB

UNAB consists of several collections that seek to represent the insects of agricultural and forestry significance from the various regions of Colombia, especially the mountainous zone. In order to contribute to knowledge on the Diptera diversity of Colombia found in agricultural ecosystems, the present study looked at the Micropezidae contained in this museum, along with the represented taxa, as well as its current curatorial status and geographic distribution in the country. Currently, the Taxonomic Central Collection houses 107 specimens from the Micropezidae family, which belong to the genera Cardiacephala, Grallipeza, Grallomyia, Mesoconius, Micropeza, Plocoscelus, Paragrallomyia, Poecilotylus, Ptilosphen, Scipopus, and Taeniaptera, representing distribution in 57 municipalities and 12 departments (provinces) of the Colombian Andean region.

FishMed: traits, phylogeny, current and projected species distribution of Mediterranean fishes, and environmental data

The FishMed database provides traits, phylogeny, current and projected species distribution of Mediterranean fishes, and associated sea surface temperature (SST) from the regional oceanic model NEMOMED8. Data for the current geographical distributions of 635 Mediterranean fish species were compiled from a published expert knowledge atlas of fishes of the northern Atlantic and the Mediterranean (FNAM) edited between 1984 and 1986 and from an updated exotic fish species list. Two future sets of projected species distributions were obtained for the middle and end of the 21st century by using an ensemble forecasting approach for 288 coastal Mediterranean fish species based on SST according to the IPPC/SRES A2 scenario implemented with the Mediterranean climatic model NEMOMED8. The functional part of the database encompasses 12 biological and ecological traits (maximal and common lengths, vertical distribution, habitat, migration type, mode of reproduction, sex shift, semelparity, diet type (larvae and adults), social behavior, species origin, and depth) for the 635 fish species. To build the phylogeny we inferred the timing and geographic origins of Mediterranean teleost species diversity using nucleotide sequences collected from GenBank including 62% of Mediterranean teleost species plus nine outgroups. Maximum likelihood Bayesian phylogenetic and dating analyses were calibrated using 20 fossil species. An additional 124 fish species were grafted onto the chronogram according to their taxonomic affinity to obtain a phylogenetic tree including 498 species. Finally we also present the associated SST data for the observed period (1961–1980) and for the middle (2040–2059) and the end of the 21st century (2080–2099) obtained from NEMOMED8 according to the IPCC A2 scenario. The FishMed database might be of interest in the context of global anthropogenic changes as coastal Mediterranean ecosystems are currently recognized as one of the most impacted ecosystems on earth.

LAS ESPECIES AMERICANAS DEL GÉNERO CENCHRUS S.L. (POACEAE, PANICOIDEAE, PANICEAE)

Recent phylogenetic studies provide evidence that the group of species considered under Pennisetum, Cenchrus, and Odontelytrum have a common origin and, therefore, their unification and transfer to the genus Cenchrus has been proposed. Nevertheless, no taxonomic treatment which includes all species is available up to now. The purpose of this study is to perform a taxonomic revision of the American species of the genus Cenchrus s.l. (excluding the monotypic genus Odontelytrum , native to Africa). An expanded description of the genus and a key to identify the species is given. For each species, detailed descriptions, the current synonyms, geographic distribution, observations, and illustrations are presented. In total, 41 species are recognized (11 endemic and 8 are adventitious and /or naturalized). Lectotypes are here designated for the following taxa: Gymnotrix chilensis, G. mexicana, G. geniculata, Pennisetum villosum var. humile, P. lanuginosum, Cenchrus crinitus, C. mutilatus, C. palmeri, C. setosus, C. spinifex and, C. muricatus Phil. Four new synonyms ( Gymnotrix distachya, G. rigida var. longiseta, Pennisetum nervosum var. laxiusculum and C. echinatus fo. longispina ) are proposed and one neotype is suggested for Pennisetum latifolium . In addition, the geographical distribution of C. mutilatus expands to Bolivia.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the State of Acre, Brazil.

This paper reports, for the first time, the presence of Rhodnius montenegrensis in the State of Acre, Brazil. Two female R. montenegrensis were collected in a dwelling in the rural area of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. The occurrence of this species was confirmed, and the number of Triatominae species in the State of Acre increased from four to five. Further studies should be performed to reach a clearer understanding of the ecology of this arthropod, its possible role in transmitting Chagas' disease and rangeliosis, and its current geographical distribution in the region.

Continental drift and climate change drive instability in insect assemblages.

Global change has already had observable effects on ecosystems worldwide, and the accelerated rate of global change is predicted in the future. However, the impacts of global change on the stability of biodiversity have not been systematically studied in terms of both large spatial (continental drift) and temporal (from the last inter-glacial period to the next century) scales. Therefore, we analyzed the current geographical distribution pattern of Plecoptera, a thermally sensitive insect group, and evaluated its stability when coping with global change across both space and time throughout the Mediterranean region—one of the first 25 global biodiversity hotspots. Regional biodiversity of Plecoptera reflected the geography in both the historical movements of continents and the current environmental conditions in the western Mediterranean region. The similarity of Plecoptera assemblages between areas in this region indicated that the uplift of new land and continental drift were the primary determinants of the stability of regional biodiversity. Our results revealed that climate change caused the biodiversity of Plecoptera to slowly diminish in the past and will cause remarkably accelerated biodiversity loss in the future. These findings support the theory that climate change has had its greatest impact on biodiversity over a long temporal scale.

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii: review of the distribution, phylogeography, and ecophysiology of a global invasive species.

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a cyanobacterial species extensively studied for its toxicity, bloom formation and invasiveness potential, which have consequences to public and environmental health. Its current geographical distribution, spanning different climates, suggests that C. raciborskii has acquired the status of a cosmopolitan species. From phylogeography studies, a tropical origin for this species seems convincing, with different conjectural routes of expansion toward temperate climates. This expansion may be a result of the species physiological plasticity, or of the existence of different ecotypes with distinct environmental requirements. In particular, C. raciborskii is known to tolerate wide temperature and light regimes and presents diverse nutritional strategies. This cyanobacterium is also thought to have benefited from climate change conditions, regarding its invasiveness into temperate climates. Other factors, recently put forward, such as allelopathy, may also be important to its expansion. The effect of C. raciborskii in the invaded communities is still mostly unknown but may strongly disturb species diversity at different trophic levels. In this review we present an up-to-date account of the distribution, phylogeography, ecophysiology, as well some preliminary reports of the impact of C. raciborskii in different organisms.

Bedbugs, Cimex spp.: their current world resurgence and healthcare impact

Over the past two decades there has been a worldwide spread of blood-sucking bedbugs (Cimicidae), leading to naming them a re-emerging plague. New hosts and species have been reported and even vector-borne diseases have been associated to Cimicidae, though the latter is not fully established yet. Cimex, which is the most representative genus, is well-known for its parasitic capacity, worldwide distribution and for being considered by many authors as a man-spread plague. The healthcare impacts of Cimex invasion are being studied, but currently it is considered an alarming public health concern that has been defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as “a pest of significant public health importance”. In this review, the general characteristics of Cimex, its morphology and its current geographical distribution are discussed not only in developed countries but also including nations from South America, Africa and Asia. Furthermore, we briefly describe the impact that Cimicidae has had on public health, and especially the medical importance of bites, focusing on the possible vector-borne diseases newly reported in the literature including wild species of cimicids.

Preliminary Analysis of Phylogenetic Relationships of the Asian-Pacific Endemial Subterranean Amphipod Genus Pseudocrangonyx Among Families and Genera of Crangonyctoidean Amphipods Inferred by Partial LSU rDNA Gene Sequences.

To analyze the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Pseudocrangonyx within the superfamily Crangonyctoidea, we sequenced a partial LSU rDNA gene from four species (six specimens). The monophyly of Pseudocrangonyx and its affinity to Crymostygius were strongly supported by four reconstruction methods: neighbor-joining, minimum evolution, maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian inference. Current geographical distributions of the taxa studied and their phylogenetic relationships established in our study suggest that members of Pseudocrangonyctidae and Crymostygius diverged from a common Crangonyx-like ancestor in the Arctic Basin region of the northern hemisphere.

Genetic traits leading to invasion: plasticity in cold hardiness explains current distribution of an invasive agricultural pest, Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Among the factors limiting species distribution, low temperatures play a key role for tropical invasive species in temperate areas. Susceptibility to cold winter conditions has been recognized as the limiting factor in Europe for Tetranychus evansi, an invasive spider mite feeding on Solanaceous plants originated from tropical South America and now present on every continent except Australia. Two genetically distinct lineages of this species were introduced to Europe; one (lineage 1) is widely distributed, while the other (lineage 2) has a limited distribution. Whether this difference corresponds to differences in cold hardiness is evaluated here by assessing phenotypic response of T. evansi to the winter conditions that the mite encounters in the coldest parts of the current invaded area. We designed the thermal regimes to mimic winter conditions, including temperature fluctuations between day and night (L:D 8:16, 12:4 °C) and exposed mites to this regime for 5, 10 or 15 weeks. We tested T. evansi from three locations, one from the tropical native area (Piracicaba, Brazil) and two, corresponding to the two introduced lineages, from the temperate invaded area (lineage 1 from Nice and lineage 2 from Perpignan, France). After 5 weeks of treatment, mites from all the locations showed high survival rates but the two introduced populations grew, producing more than one offspring per female. After 10 weeks, survival rates declined for mites from Brazil and Perpignan, but not Nice. After 15 weeks, only the mites from Nice survived and produced offspring. Thus, mites belonging to the widespread lineage 1 exhibit increased cold tolerance suggesting broader adaptability, helping to explain its current geographical distribution.

Molecular phylogenetics reveals first record and invasion of Saccostrea species in the Caribbean

Taxonomic uncertainty often limits our ability to resolve biogeographic patterns and discern biological invasions. Within the bivalve mollusks, this uncertainty is particularly acute for oysters, as the high degree of phenotypic plasticity of their shells creates taxonomic confusion. The integration of molecular data with shell morphology can differentiate species, providing new insights into biogeography, invasions, and ecology of this functionally important group. As an initial step in resolving the identities and current geographic distributions of oyster species, sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene were combined with morphological criteria to confirm the identities of ten oyster species of Ostreidae, Isognomonidae, and Pteriidae, focusing on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama, since tropical biota have received the least study. The results indicate that Crassostrea virginica, previously only reported from this region along the Yucatan Peninsula and coast of Venezuela, also occurs in the Caribbean waters of Panama. We also document the first record for a species of Saccostrea, a genus native to the Pacific, suggesting an invasion by an unknown non-native Saccostrea species that is now widespread along the Caribbean from the Panama Canal west to Bocas del Toro. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) of the ribosomal gene complex (rDNA) did not reveal any hybridization. Considering the high connectivity of shipping and boating in Panama, Saccostrea sp. may have been introduced to the Caribbean by either recreational or commercial vessels, but the timing and potential ecological effects of this invasion remain unknown.

The diversification of the genusMonodelphisand the chronology of Didelphidae (Didelphimorphia)

To evaluate the monophyletic status of the genus Monodelphis, and its species complexes, we used a 9.3-kb multimarker alignment to build a phylogenetic tree based on the largest taxon sampling for this didelphid genus to date. Furthermore, using a Bayesian framework and six calibration points, we inferred the divergence times for the major Monodelphis lineages and their current geographical distribution to perform an ancestral state reconstruction for geographical areas. Our results indicate the monophyletic nature of Monodelphis and suggest ‘kunsi’ as a new species complex that includes Monodelphis kunsi and an undescribed species. Monodelphis is further subdivided into three clades showing a common vicariance pattern, with each major clade consisting of a northern South American lineage joined with an Atlantic Forest lineage. This geographic consistency suggests a vicariant event that might have been related to a warm period at the Oligocene/Miocene border, according to our time results. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London

Current and potential geographical distribution of Platymeris biguttatus (Linnaeus, 1767) with description of nymphs.

The description of Platymeris biguttatus (Linnaeus 1767) nymphal instars as well as the prediction of the potentially suitable ecological niche was the main goal of this study. Our research was based on 258 specimens of P. biguttatus species of museum collections. A set of 23 environmental predictor variables covering Africa was used at ecological niche modeling - a method performed using the Maxent software to prepare potential distribution maps for this species. Theresults suggested the most suitable areas seen as potentially suitable ecological niche for P.biguttatus in Africa. A jackknife test showed that temperature seasonality and percentage of tree cover were among the most importantenvironmental variables affecting the distribution of the species. The analysis of climate preferences shows that most of the potentially suitable niches for this species were located in the area of tropical savanna climate, with a small participation of tree vegetation. P.biguttatus wasonly known to be widely distributed in the tropical part of continental Africa. Thanks to the ecological niche modeling methods and the museum data on the occurrence of the species, we introduced new information about potentially suitable ecological niches and the possible range of distribution.

The Psychology Postgraduate System in Brazil: Current Characteristics and Challenges for the Area

This text is a characterization of the Psychology Postgraduate System in Brazil, presenting indicators of its growth in recent years, of its current geographical distribution, of its research lines, and of the grades awarded in the last Triennial evaluation of 2013. This characterization underlies a set of reflections regarding the challenges for the area from the guidelines established by the National Postgraduate System Plan (PNPG) 2011-2020. These challenges include: internationalization, interdisciplinarity, the link with basic education, the reduction of regional disparities, and the differentiation between academic and professional qualification. The text also focuses on the continuous and necessary improvements in the evaluation process conducted by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). These reflections seek to provide a basis for the management of the Psychology Postgraduate System in Brazil in the coming years.

The expansion of Arapaima cf. gigas (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaimidae) in the Bolivian Amazon as informed by citizen and formal science

The giant osteoglossomorph fish Arapaima cf. gigas was introduced to the northern Bolivian Amazon over a half century ago and now contributes significantly to commercial fisheries. Despite this, little is known regarding its current distribution and invasion potential. Here, we address this knowledge gap using two complementary methods: interviewing key informants and examining fisheries landing records in the principal landing site (Riberalta). Both interviews and landing data revealed that the species represents approximately 50% of the total commercial catches, and that it now occupies approximately 340 km 2 of floodplain lakes in the Beni, Orthon and Madre de Dios River basins. The annual yield is estimated at 258 t, equivalent to 0.76 kg/ha/year. The current geographic distribution represents approximately one-quarter (24%) of floodplain lakes in the lower Bolivian Amazon, suggesting high fisheries potential of the species if it would also colonize the remaining Mamore and Itenez River basins. The potential for negative ecosystem impacts of the A. cf. gigas invasion seems likely, considering the large body size, life history and feeding ecology of this species, but has not yet been clearly demonstrated. Factors that might limit further expansion are natural barriers (waterfalls) in the lower Mamore, and periodic cold temperature conditions in the Mamore and Itenez River basins.

Environmental factors influencing the distribution of Arvicola scherman (Shaw, 1801) at the southwestern edge of its distribution

During 2008, damage to pastures in the eastern mountains of the province of Lugo (NW Spain) was detected, probably due to an increase in populations of Arvicola scherman (Shaw, 1801). Due to the scanty information available on this species in the area we conducted a study with the following main aims: i) to predict the current geographic distribution of the species, ii) identify the environmental variables that may determine their geographic distribution, iii) verify interannual variations in abundance and iv) develop a risk map of populations outbreaks. A total of 280 grassland fields were sampled in which species abundance was evaluated by using presence signs (earth tumuli or mounds), and subsequently an abundance index was estimated. The MAXENT programme developed a potential distribution map using the variables: potential evapotranspiration, water balance, altitude and average annual values of temperature and precipitation. The species was found only in the eastern mountains at altitudes of more than 700 m. Altitude and water balance were the variables that best predicted the presence of the species. Furthermore, a significant difference in the relative abundance between 2008 and 2010 was found, suggesting that the species may experience strong demographic fluctuations in the study area. Probably, the increase in grasslands over the last 40 years may have favoured the expansion and abundance of the species in the study area.

Bucklandiella lamprocarpa(Musci, Grimmiaceae) in the Central and Northern Andes

The current geographical distribution of the rheophytic moss Bucklandiella lamprocarpa (Müll.Hal.) Bednarek-Ochyra et Ochyra in the central and northern Andean countries in South America is reviewed and mapped. The specimens reported from Peru as Racomitrium bartramii (Roiv.) H.Rob. are taxonomically assessed and some details of their structure are illustrated. As a result of this study it was determined that its morphological features fall well within the range of variability of Bucklandiella lamprocarpa. The global geographical distribution of B. lamprocarpa is outlined and the species is confirmed to be an austral cool-adapted moss which deeply penetrates into the tropics, occurring at high elevations in central and northern South America and in East and Central Africa.

Geographic Distribution, Key Challenges and Prospects for the Conservation of Threatened Stingless Bee Melipona capixaba Moure e Camargo (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The stingless bee Melipona capixaba Moure and Camargo, 1994 is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Its occurrence is restricted to highlands in the Espirito Santo State, and it has possibly the smallest known geographic distribution among the cataloged stingless bees. It is therefore considered to be an endangered species. Perhaps because of its small area of occurrence, or because it was only identified two decades ago, little is known about the biology of this species, its current geographic distribution, or its actual preservation status. Here, we present the results from the largest sampling of M. capixaba conducted in its natural habitat. We developed a distribution map by using a geographic information system. Our data indicate that M. capixaba is found in the municipalities of Espirito Santo State at altitudes between 800 m and 1,200 m; with annual average temperatures around 18–23°C; precipitation more than 1,200 mm per year; and vegetation cover-type Mountain Dense Ombrophylous Forest, restricted to an area of approximately 3,450 km 2 . We observed colonies both in their natural habitat and under conditions of ex situ maintenance, and identified the key challenges and prospects for the conservation of this endangered bee.

Space to invade? Comparative range infilling and potential range of invasive and native plants

AbstractAimOur understanding of potential ranges for native and non‐native species is often based on their current geographic distributions. Non‐native species have had less time than co‐occurring native species to expand their ranges following introduction, so non‐native ranges may under‐represent suitable conditions. Therefore it is often assumed that species distribution models will predict disproportionately smaller potential ranges for non‐natives than natives. We compare the distributions of native, endemic, alien and invasive plants to determine how the different range attributes of these groups might influence ecological forecasting.LocationContinentalUSA.MethodsWe compared the geographic ranges of 13,575 plant species (9402 native, 2397 endemic, 1201 alien and 755 invasive) using (1)USonly and (2) global distribution data from herbarium records. We calculatedUSlongitudinal and latitudinal range extents as potential indicators of range‐limiting factors, modelled potential range based on climate using principal components analysis, and calculated occupancy of potential ranges (range infilling).ResultsContrary to expectations, modelled potential ranges were significantly larger for non‐natives than natives, even for species with few occurrences. Distributions of native species, not invasive species, appeared strongly limited longitudinally. However, invasive plants occupied substantially less area within their climatically suitable ranges than native plants (lower range infilling).Main conclusionsInvasive plant distributions were consistently broader, both climatically and geographically, than comparable native species. This suggests that invasive plant distribution models at regional scales arenotunderpredicting potential ranges relative to models for native species. In contrast, the comparatively limited longitudinal ranges of native species suggest a high degree of non‐climatic limitation, which is likely to cause distribution models to underpredict the potential ranges of native species. Invasive plants have not achieved the degree of range infilling expected relative to natives. Thus, plants introduced to theUSstill have plenty of space to invade.

A molecular phylogenetic study of Hylopetes (Rodentia: Sciuridae) inferred from mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene

To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of Hylopetes, the complete cytochrome-b gene sequences (1,140 bp) were determined from degraded museum specimens for phylogenetic study. The large genetic differences (18.1% to 20.7%) separate Eoglaucomys from Hylopetes as a distinct genus. Phylogenetic relationships reconstructed with maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods show that all Hylopetes were genetically clustered as two major groups, the Indochinese Hylopetes group including H. alboniger and H. phayrei, and the Sundaic group consisting of H. lepidus, H. nigripes, and H. spadiceus. The close genetic relationship and the recent divergence suggest that the Indochinese group rapidly extended to their present distributions with the uplifting of the Himalayas last few million years ago, whereas the oceanic tectonic movements during the Pliocene-Pleistocene resulted in the current geographical distributions of the Sundaic group through alteration of dispersal across the islands of the Sunda Shelf.