Localities In Argentina Research Articles

First record of Euphorbia pedersenii Subils (Euphorbiaceae) for Brazil

We report the first record of Euphorbia pedersenii (Euphorbiaceae) for Brazil, a rare species previously known from a few localities in Argentina. The species belongs to Euphorbia sect. Nummulariopsis and is characterized by its small habit with a well-developed tuberous root system, usually linear leaves, trapezoidal cyathial glands, and pubescent ovary and fruit. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul it grows in open grasslands of the Pampa region, a phytogeographic domain severely impacted by agriculture. We provide an assessment of the conservation status and geographical distribution and habitat of E. pedersenii, along with an identification key to the species of sect. Nummulariopsis occurring in Brazil.

Tres nuevas especies del género Aphis Linnaeus (Hemiptera, Aphididae) viviendo sobre verbenáceas (Verbenaceae) en la Argentina

Se describen tres especies del género Aphis Linnaeus (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae) a partir de hembras vivíparas ápteras y aladas recogidas sobre especies de Junellia, Lippia y Mulguraea (Verbenaceae) en localidades de la Argentina, respectivamente: Aphis junelliae González Rodríguez & Nieto Nafría sp. n., Aphis lippiae Ortego & Nieto Nafría sp. n., Aphis mulguraeae Nieto Nafría & Mier Durante sp. n. Se exponen las características que permiten diferenciar las nuevas especies entre sí y de las restantes especies de Aphis conocidas en América del Sur. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A365C410-F84A-40DE-8C5B-13C2FA768EFC

New records of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the South American continent

The present study reports new presences of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in four localities in Argentina, extending its geographical range in South America. Among the new records, one is located in Mesopotamia region in eastern Argentina, where flies were captured around orange and mulberry orchards. The other record is located at Ticucho, Province of Tucuman, northwest from the previous record, where flies were collected from an unknown host, possibly Opuntia cactus. The other two captures of D. suzukii were performed in raspberries plantations located at the Patagonia region, and represent the southernmost record of this species in South America. All previous reports of D. suzukii in South America are also presented, as a review of the invasion of this pest species to the continent. The data support the scenario of an incipient invasion of D. suzukii in southern latitudes of South America. The geographical distribution of D. suzukii to new areas could imply damages and economic losses for regional economies

Non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) research in South America: subsidizing biogeographic hypotheses

We present data on Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) collected in South America together with results on the mitochondrial DNA diversity within selected megadiverse genera. This work is part of an on-going project on the ancient origin of South American biodiversity using non-biting midges. Collections were made at 42 localities, in March 2014 and February 2015, in a diverse array of habitats, including small streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and bays. In total, 3196 representatives of six subfamilies were collected. Sixty-one genera were identified, containing at least 211 species. The subfamilies Chironominae and Orthocladiinae predominated in all samples. Tanypodinae were often present, but rarely in large numbers. Except for Podonomus pepinellii , reported from Brazil, Podonominae were collected in a few localities in Argentina (Arroyo Lopez, and Arroyo Gutierrez and Gutierrez Lake) and Chile (Llanquihue Lake). Prodiamesinae were only recorded in Chile. Analysis of DNA barcode sequences using neighbor-joining estimation supported 66 species within the selected genera. The chironomid fauna of South America includes multiple genera with worldwide distributions, with Australian, Nearctic and Neotropical components.

Meiotic behaviour and B chromosomes in Argentine populations ofChrysolaena verbascifolia(Vernonieae: Asteraceae)

Fil: Via Do Pico, Gisela Mariel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botanica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botanica del Nordeste; Argentina

New host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies of Angiostrongylus spp (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) in rodents from Argentina with updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment.

To date, 21 species of the genus Angiostrongylus (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) have been reported around the world, 15 of which are parasites of rodents. In this study, new host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies of Angiostrongylus spp in sigmodontine rodents from Argentina, with an updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment, are provided. Records of Angiostrongylus costaricensis from Akodon montensis andAngiostrongylus morerai from six new hosts and geographical localities in Argentina are reported. The gross and histopathologic changes in the lungs of the host species due to angiostrongylosis are described. Published records of the genus Angiostrongylus from rodents and patterns of host specificity are presented. Individual Angiostrongylusspecies parasitise between one-19 different host species. The most frequent values of the specificity index (STD) were between 1-5.97. The elevated number of host species (n = 7) of A. morerai with a STD = 1.86 is a reflection of multiple systematic studies of parasites from sigmodontine rodents in the area of Cuenca del Plata, Argentina, showing that an increase in sampling effort can result in new findings. The combination of low host specificity and a wide geographic distribution of Angiostrongylus spp indicates a troubling epidemiological scenario although, as yet, no human cases have been reported.

Nuevos datos sobre la distribución, morfología y conservación de Micrurus silviae (Serpentes: Elapidae), una serpiente coral amenazada poco conocida

We present new data on the distribution, morphology and conservation status of a rare species of coral snake, Micrurus silviae, recently described with few specimens. We analyzed 20 additional specimens from 12 localities in Argentina, increasing its distribution 320km westward and filling gaps in the known distribution between Brazil and Paraguay. The species inhabits savannas of the Campos District, a transitional area between the Paranaense, Chaco, Espinal and Pampas phytogeographic provinces. We discussed diagnostic features that can be differentiated from 6 sympatric species of the genus. Its small area of occupation coupled with a continuing decline in its extent and quality of habitat, caused by afforestation with pines, and flooding caused by dams and rice crops, support its inclusion as endangered species in Argentina.

ACTIVE GERMPLASM BANK OF STRAWBERRY (BGA) IN ARGENTINA

During the 90s in Tucuman, north of Argentina, the Active Germplasm Bank (BGA) of strawberry was established and initiated its collection with an interdisciplinary vision. The main objectives of BGA are: collect, preserve, propagate, provide researchers and investigate strawberry germplasm, for breeding programs and for different research lines. The BGA is a national and regional reference of strawberry germplasm with accessions from different localities of Argentina and other countries. The preserved germplasm is characterized botanically, genetically, molecularly, phytopathologically and agriculturally. Different degrees of resistance to fungal pathogens and other diseases were found. Approximately 200 genotypes are preserved, including cultivars of commercial strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) and related wild species as: Duchesnea indica, Duchesnea chrysantha, Potentilla tucumanensis, Fragaria chiloensis, Fragaria vesca, Fragaria virginiana and hybrids (intergeneric and intraspecies). The BGA uses four conservation modes: 1) in vitro multiplication of materials in laboratory conditions, 2) in vivo conservation and propagation under controlled conditions, 3) in vivo preservation in nursery (field conditions) and 4) stored seeds of wild species.

Differentiation in the Atlantic Forest: phylogeography ofAkodon montensis(Rodentia, Sigmodontinae) and the Carnaval–Moritz model of Pleistocene refugia

According to the Carnaval-Moritz (CM) model of Pleistocene refugia, during the Last Glacial Maximum, forested areas of the Atlantic Forest (AF) were restricted to isolated refugia and later expanded to their current distribution. Phylogeographic patterns of several vertebrate species corroborated the existence of the so-called Pernambuco, Bahia, and Sao Paulo refugia in the central and northern AF. Here we shift focus to the neglected southern and interior AF by addressing the phylogeography of the mouse Akodon montensis as inferred through analysis of cytochrome-b gene sequences of 86 specimens collected at 36 localities in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Three main clades were recovered with average genetic divergence of 2.5%: a northern clade, differentiated in the Bahia refuge, a southern clade—for which we propose the Rio Grande do Sul refugium— and a central clade (widely extending from coastal Brazil to Argentina and Paraguay). Within the latter, genetic diversity and historical demographic estimations support differentiation in the Sao Paulo refugium and their later population expansion toward interior AF. Additionally, no riverine barrier effect was found associated with the main river in the interior AF, the ParanaRiver. Taken as a whole, the phylogeographic pattern of A. montensis and its recent population history are mainly concordant with the CM model.

Effects of blood meal source on food resource use and reproduction inTriatoma patagonicaDel Ponte (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Triatoma patagonica (Del Ponte, 1929) (Hemiptera-Reduviidae) is a peridomestic vector of Chagas disease that has been frequently found colonizing peridomestic structures in several localities in Argentina. Studying relationships between feeding and reproductive factors is important because these traits regulate population density and define vectorial capacity. Since T. patagonica can circulate among peridomestic structures taking blood from both bird and mammal hosts, we evaluated the extent to which different blood meal sources affect food resource use and reproductive parameters. We used 5(th) instar nymphs and females that fed on either guinea pigs or pigeons to estimate food resource use. We estimated reproductive parameters in adults that fed on these sources. Nymphs and adults showed differences in blood consumption between feeding sources. Females fed on pigeons ingested more blood and needed a higher amount of blood to produce an egg than females fed on guinea pigs. There were no differences in the number of eggs laid and hatched between insects fed on different feeding sources. The higher amount of blood ingested and consumed by T. patagonica fed on pigeons did not translate into higher fecundity or fertility. The lower amount of guinea pig blood ingested was offset by its high nutritional quality.

Natural History, Distribution, and Conservation of Two NomadicSporophilaSeedeaters Specializing on Bamboo in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract. Semelparous woody bamboos flower fairly synchronously and in clocklike fashion after many years, providing abundant and nutritious seeds. However, this resource is ephemeral, localized, and unpredictable from the perspective of birds that feed on those seeds. Birds specializing on bamboo seeds track this food source and are nomadic. We recorded Temminck's Seedeater (Sporophila falcirostris) at 29 localities and the Buffy-fronted Seedeater (S. frontalis) at 23 localities in Argentina, Paraguay, and southeastern Brazil. In these species, nomadism is unassociated with any seasonal factor: birds may persist year round over several consecutive years if the seed supply is constant enough. Most occurrences and all breeding records were related to masting of bamboo; records of isolated birds away from seeding bamboo must represent individuals searching for bamboo patches. We report winter breeding of these species for the first time and demonstrate that the supply of bamboo seeds is the main limitation ...

Middle Pleistocene age of the fossiliferous sedimentary sequence from Tarija, Bolivia

The highly fossiliferous sediments of the Tolomosa Formation from Tarija, southern Bolivia, represent one of the most important localities in South America that documents the Great American Biotic Interchange. Over the past several decades, chronostratigraphic studies have indicated a middle Pleistocene age for the Tolomosa Formation from ~1.1 to 0.7Ma. This interval correlates to the Ensenadan South American Land Mammal Age as it is characterized from classic localities in Argentina. Recently, however, a new interpretation based on AMS 14C ages indicates that the fossiliferous sediments from Tarija are latest Pleistocene, i.e., <44ka, and thus of Lujanian age. Here we report a new age of 0.76±0.03Ma (2σ) based on 11 U–Th/Pb and U–Th/He individual determinations from the Tolomosa Formation. This is indistinguishable from the age published from the same ash in 1983, and was originally used to calibrate the magnetostratigraphic section at Tarija. The new age confirms that the age of the Tolomosa Formation is middle Pleistocene, and not latest Pleistocene. The age of the Tarija Fauna has significant implications with regard to the stage of evolution biochronology for Pleistocene fossil mammals in South America, and in particular, the classic and important reference sections in Argentina.

Physarum andinum, a new nivicolous species of myxomycete from the Patagonian Andes

A new nivicolous species of Physarum was discovered during the study of myxomycetes in the Patagonian Andes of South America. It is described herein under the name Physarum andinum. The species is characterized by stalked sporophores or more rarely sessile sporocarps or short plasmodiocarps. The sporocarps are strikingly large, reaching 2.6 mm tall and 3 mm diam when open, and have a peridium with three layers, the internal layer being clearly visible and opening separately. Physarum andinum was found at five localities in Argentina as well as in herbarium material collected about 100 y ago in Chile. The new species is reminiscent of the non-nivicolous species Physarum brunneolum, but the latter forms smaller sporophores, has darker spores and the three layers of the peridium are adhered and open together. The characters of the new species were examined under stereomicroscope, light microscope and scanning electron microscope and micrographs of relevant details are included.

Distribution and natural history notes on Tachymenis chilensis chilensis (Schlegel, 1837) (Reptilia: Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Argentina

We revisit the distribution and natural history data of Tachymenis chilensis chilensis (Schlegel, 1837) in Argentina based on compiled and novel records, extending its northern and southern distribution from the previously known localities in Argentina. We recorded two prey items in Argentinean populations: Rhinella rubropunctata, reported for the first time, and Liolaemus pictus. Tachymenis c. chilensis is mainly found in forested habitats, generally near wetlands with abundant populations of amphibians. The latitudinal range occupied by T. c. chilensis in Argentina is similar to that in Chile, but its northern distribution limit reaches the lowest latitudes in Chile. This is probably due to the higher humidity levels in the western slopes of the Andes and the barrier effect of the highest mountain ranges in this area.

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Southern Cone of South America

A genetic analysis of partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S and 12S rDNA genes of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato collected in the Southern Cone of South America was carried out. Also, sequences of ticks belonging to this taxon from Europe, Africa and other South American localities were included. TCS networks constructed with 16S rDNA sequences showed two clusters of haplotypes, namely, Southern lineage (ST) and Northern lineage (NT). Haplotypes representing the specimens coming from localities of Argentina, Uruguay and Chile were included in the ST lineage, while haplotypes from Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, South Africa, Mozambique and from two localities of Northern Argentina were grouped in the NT lineage. The phylogenetic trees obtained with both 16S and 12S sequences showed two distinct clades, one containing R. sanguineus s.l from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile (ST lineage) and Western Europe (Italy and France), and a second clade including R. sanguineus s.l from Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Colombia (NT lineage), South Africa and Mozambique. The results herein reported revealed that the taxon R. sanguineus s.l is represented by two lineages in the Southern Cone of South America. According with the genetic comparative analysis, NT lineage and the ticks from Mozambique and South Africa represent a species that is not R. sanguineus s.s, while R. sanguineus s.l ticks from Western Europe and Southern South America (ST lineage) probably represent true R. sanguineus, because the type locality of R. sanguineus s.s is located in France. The taxonomic issue described for R. sanguineus s.l in the South America has epidemiological implications. Difference in the vectorial competence for Ehrlichia canis between the two lineages of R. sanguineus s.l was found in previous works. Further investigations are needed in order to verify a possible different vectorial competence for the other pathogens transmitted by these ticks.

Distribution and 16S rDNA sequences of Argas monachus (Acari: Argasidae), a soft tick parasite of Myiopsitta monachus (Aves: Psittacidae)

Specimens of Argas monachus Keirans et al. were collected from Myiopsitta monachus nests in 42 localities in Argentina and Paraguay from 2006 to 2010. A list of localities where this tick has been found is presented. 16S rDNA sequences of specimens of A. monachus from different localities were compared to confirm whether they belong to the same specific taxon. Argas monachus is present in the phytogeographic provinces of Chaco, Espinal, and Monte, but not in the Pampa (all from de Chaco Domain) where the host is well distributed. No differences were found among 16S rDNA sequences of geographically distant specimens.

Helminths of the kelp gull, Larus dominicanus, from the northern Patagonian coast

The helminth community of Larus dominicanus (Charadriiformes) is reported from Península Valdés, on the Patagonian coast, Argentina. From March 2000 to April 2004, 29 kelp gulls were collected and dissected. All the birds were parasitized by at least 2 of 18 parasite species: 2 cestodes (1 Tetrabothriidae, 1 Dilepididae), 10 trematodes (2 Echinostomatidae, 3 Microphallidae, 2 Gymnophallidae, 1 Philophthalmidae, 1 Dicrocoeliidae, 1 Diplostomatidae), 4 nematodes (2 Acuariidae, 1 Capillaridae, 1 Anisakidae), and 2 acanthocephalans (Polymorphidae). The mean intensity was 3,204 parasites per host, and all helminths parasitized the gastrointestinal tract or associated glands. The helminth community of L. dominicanus on the Peninsula Valdés coast seems to be richer than those reported by previous authors in other localities in Argentina. This could be due to a greater diversity in prey items available. Nine species are recorded for the first time from the kelp gull and seven species are recorded for the first time from Argentina.

Morphometric Variability ofAnopheles pseudopunctipennis(Diptera: Culicidae) from Different Ecoregions of Argentina and Bolivia

Anopheles pseudopunctipennis is a New World species extending from about 30°S in central Argentina to about 40°N in the USA. It is considered one of the most important malaria vectors in South America and its implication in malaria transmission varies along its distribution. We evaluated the effect of ecoregion and geographical distances on the traits or morphological characters of An. pseudopunctipennis females from 15 localities in Argentina and Bolivia using cladistic and morphometric analyses. The cladistic analysis (Maximum Parsimony) demonstrated that the effect of ecoregion characterization in distinguishing between Bolivian and Argentinean populations was stronger than the effect of geographical distances. Morphometric analysis (Discriminant analysis) did not reveal a pattern between Bolivian and Argentinean populations based on geographical distances. Ecoregional characterization of An. pseudopunctipennis populations throughout is range, caused us to conclude that studies of morphological traits characteristics are necessary in differentiating between populations. Moreover, molecular studies are required to determine whether geographical distances influence population differentiation in An. pseudopunctipennis from Argentina and Bolivia, in the extreme south of South America.View this article in BioOne

Redescription of Astyanax stenohalinus Messner, 1962 (Characiformes: Characidae), a poorly known species from Argentina and Uruguay

Astyanax stenohalinus Messner, 1962 is redescribed based on type material and new specimens collected in many localities of Argentina and Uruguay. This species is distinguished by a combination of the following characters: possession of hooks in all fins of males, teeth not expanded distally, two or three maxillary teeth, 37–39 perforated scales in the lateral series, 25–30 branched anal-fin rays, and anal-fin origin located before a vertical through last dorsal-fin ray insertions.

A new species of Aquanirmus Clay &amp; Meinertzhagen (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) parasitic on the Great Grebe, Podiceps major (Aves: Podicipedidae), in Argentina and Chile

The new species Aquanirmus major Cicchino & González Acuña found on the Great Grebe, Podiceps major, from different localities of Argentina and Chile, is described and illustrated, giving comments on its affinities and differences with the remaining three species included in the Aquanirmus emersoni-species complex.