Localities In Argentina Research Articles

Spatial pattern analysis of the impact of community food environments on foetal macrosomia, preterm births and low birth weight.

Community food environments (CFEs) have a strong impact on child health and nutrition and this impact is currently negative in many areas. In the Republic of Argentina, there is a lack of research evaluating CFEs regionally and comprehensively by tools based on geographic information systems (GIS). This study aimed to characterize the spatial patterns of CFEs, through variables associated with its three dimensions (political, individual and environmental), and their association with the spatial distribution in urban localities in Argentina. CFEs were assessed in 657 localities with ≥5,000 inhabitants. Data on births and CFEs were obtained from nationally available open-source data and through remote sensing. The spatial distribution and presence of clusters were assessed using hotspot analysis, purely spatial analysis (SaTScan), Moran's Index, semivariograms and spatially restrained multivariate clustering. Clusters of low risk for LBW, macrosomia, and preterm births were observed in the central-east part of the country, while high-risk clusters identified in the North, Centre and South. In the central-eastern region, low-risk clusters were found coinciding with hotspots of public policy coverage, high night-time light, social security coverage and complete secondary education of the household head in areas with low risk for negative outcomes of the birth variables studied, with the opposite with regard to households with unsatisfied basic needs and predominant land use classes in peri-urban areas of crops and herbaceous cover. These results show that the exploration of spatial patterns of CFEs is a necessary preliminary step before developing explanatory models and generating novel findings valuable for decision-making.

Pichiciego mayor, Calyptophractus retusus (Desmarest, 1863), nuevos datos de su distribucion en Argentina

In this note we present two new localities in Argentina for one of the least known armadillos in the world, the greater fairy armadillo (Calyptophractus retusus). One locality is in Formosa province, Patino department, Campo Las Delicias, and the other in Salta, Oran department, Parque Provincial Los Palmares. In addition, we discuss the validity of the type locality of the subspecies C. r. clorindae "Tapia, in the governorate of Formosa (Argentina)", which was impossible to locate.

Cryptic Diversity in Sympatric Migonemyia migonei (Diptera: Psychodidae), Eventual Meaning for Leishmaniasis Transmission.

Migonemyia migonei (Franҫa, 1920) (Diptera: Psychodidae) belongs to the subfamily Phlebotominae, of epidemiological importance due to its role as a vector in leishmaniasis transmission cycles and its broad geographic distribution in South America. Few morphometric and genetic studies have demonstrated the existence of variability among geographically distant populations in Brazil. The aim of the study was to estimate the genetic distance within the morphospecies Mg. migonei through the analysis of cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of specimens captured in Argentina and those available in online databases. The COI sequences from specimens collected in different localities of Argentina and sequences available in online databases were utilized. Genetic distances were analyzed and a median-joining haplotype network was constructed. Finally, phylogenetic reconstruction was performed according to Bayesian inference. The analyses led to the identification of at least two haplogroups: haplogroup I with sequences of specimens from Colombia, Brazil and Argentina, and haplogroup II with sequences of specimens from Argentina. Interestingly, specimens from Argentina whose haplotypes corresponded to both haplogroups, were collected in sympatry. The results suggest that Mg. migonei could be a species complex with at least two distinct members. This hypothesis could explain the known characteristics of adaptability and vector permissiveness of the species, as the putative cryptic species of the complex could differ in traits of epidemiological importance.

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in spatio-temporal patterns of suicide: monthly variations among localities in Argentina

The aim of this study was to assess space-time clustering of suicide in Argentina between 2017 and 2020. A spatio-temporal scan statistic using a space-time permutation model was employed to retrospectively detect clusters of total suicides by sex and by age group. From 2017 to 2020, six statistically significant spatio-temporal clusters were identified in Argentina with either more or less suicides than expected. Two clusters extended from May 2019 to July and September 2020, while the remaining four clusters were detected only during 2020. The start of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have changed the spatio-temporal patterns of suicide in Argentina. Despite the national decrease in the number of suicides during 2020 compared to previous years, the spatio-temporal analysis revealed both areas with decreases and increases in suicide. This heterogeneous scenario highlights the need for the study of local effects behind the emergence of these spatio-temporal suicide clusters.

Redefining the Huayquerian Stage (Upper Miocene to Lower Pliocene) of the South American chronostratigraphic scale based on biostratigraphical analyses and geochronological dating

AbstractThe Huayquerian Stage of the South American chronostratigraphic scheme (named for the Huayquerías del Este, Argentina) was originally based on a poorly known mammal association of six taxa from the Huayquerías Formation. We studied the geology, age and fauna of the Neogene sequence in this area, including the Huayquerías, Tunuyán and Bajada Grande formations. The sequence comprises a monotonous succession of synorogenic epiclastic sediments deposited under arid to semi‐arid conditions. Zircon U–Pb dates from 10 tuffaceous levels (7.2–1.6 Ma) place deposition of the Huayquerías Formation during the late Tortonian or Messinian to early Zanclean, the Tunuyán Formation during the Zanclean–Piacenzian, and the Bajada Grande Formation during the Piacenzian–Calabrian. We present 43 and 31 new mammal taxon records for the Huayquerías and Tunuyán formations, respectively. Progressive faunal change was observed along the sequence. The first records of the Chaco tortoise Chelonoidis chilensis and the notoungulate Xotodon major, and the latest records of Interatheriidae and Typotheriopsis (notoungulates), Metacaremys calfucalel, Phtoramys hidalguense and Lagostomus pretrichodactyla (rodents), Chasicotatus ameghinoi and Macroeuphractus morenoi (xenarthrans) are reported. The faunal associations of the Huayquerías and lower Tunuyán formations are highly similar to each other, and to other coeval localities in Argentina. The Macroeuphractus morenoi Assemblage Biozone is proposed as the basis for redefining the Huayquerian Stage, due to the co‐occurrence of three taxa with wide geographical distribution in southern South America: Macroeuphractus morenoi, Pseudotypotherium subinsigne and Lagostomus pretrichodactyla. The age of this biozone is constrained at c. 8–5 Ma in its type area.

The skull variation of the olive field mouse Abrothrix olivacea (Cricetidae: Abrotrichini) is localized and correlated to the ecogeographic features of its geographic distribution.

The relationship between phenotypic variation and landscape heterogeneity has been extensively studied to understand how the environment influences patterns of morphological variation and differentiation of populations. Several studies had partially addressed intraspecific variation in the sigmodontine rodent Abrothrix olivacea, focusing on the characterization of physiological aspects and cranial variation. However, these had been conducted based on geographically restricted populational samples, and in most cases, the aspects characterized were not explicitly contextualized with the environmental configurations in which the populations occurred. Here, the cranial variation of A. olivacea was characterized by recording twenty cranial measurements in 235 individuals from 64 localities in Argentina and Chile, which widely cover the geographic and environmental distribution of this species. The morphological variation was analyzed and ecogeographically contextualized using multivariate statistical analyses, which also included climatic and ecological variation at the localities where the individuals were sampled. Results indicate that the cranial variation of this species is mostly clustered in localized patterns associated to the types of environments, and that the levels of cranial differentiation are higher among the populations from arid and treeless zones. Additionally, the ecogeographical association of cranial size variation indicate that this species does not follow Bergmann's rule and that island populations exhibit larger cranial sizes compared to their continental counterparts distributed at the same latitudes. These results suggest that cranial differentiation among the populations of this species is not homogeneous throughout its geographic distribution, and that the patterns of morphological differentiation are also not completely consistent with the patterns of genetic structuring that have been described recently. Finally, the analyses performed to ponder morphological differentiation among populations suggest that the contribution of genetic drift in the formation of these patterns can be ruled out among Patagonian populations, and that the selective effect imposed by the environment could better explain them.

Integrative analysis of new Clinostomum metacercariae (Digenea, Clinostomidae) using COI mtDNA and morphology rises the number of lineages found in South American freshwater fishes.

Clinostomidae is a diverse family of digenean parasitizing fish-eating birds as adults and fishes as metacercariae. The species composition, within the genus Clinostomum has been steadily increasing in recent years. In Argentina, four named species of Clinostomum have been documented, accompanied by four metacercariae representing distinct genetic lineages whose adults have not been identified. This study focused on examining clinostomids in three fish species - Australoheros scitulus (ASI), Cichlasoma dimerus (CDIM), and Pimelodella laticeps (PLA) - at various localities in Argentina. We conducted both morphological and molecular characterizations of the Clinostomum metacercariae collected from these fish species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using COI mtDNA were performed to determine the placement of these metacercariae within the clinostomid phylogenetic tree. Clinostomum ASC represents a distinct lineage, morphologically distinguishable from other sequenced metacercariae due to its body shape (widest anteriorly and becoming slender towards the posterior end); this lineage was found to be closely related to C. caffarae. While Clinostomum CDIM and Clinostomum PLA exhibited morphological differences, they clustered together genetically with metacercariae reported in previous studies as Clinostomum L3 and Clinostomum CVI. This outcome, coupled with a low genetic distance (0 to 3%), suggests that they are conspecific with metacercariae found in fish across Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina. In light of the extensive diversity of fish species in Argentine freshwater ecosystems (over 500 species), and considering the relatively constrained extent of prior investigations, the anticipation of unearthing additional Clinostomum species or lineages is plausible.

Climate influences the genetic structure and niche differentiation among populations of the olive field mouse Abrothrix olivacea (Cricetidae: Abrotrichini)

Even when environmental variation over time and space is commonly considered as an important driver of population divergence, few evaluations of intraspecific genetic variation explicitly assess whether observed structure has been caused by or is correlated with landscape heterogeneity. Several phylogeographic studies have characterized the mitochondrial diversity of Abrothrix olivacea, but none has incorporated landscape genetics analyses and ecological niche modeling, leaving a gap in the understanding of the species evolutionary history. Here, these aspects were addressed based on 186 single nucleotide polymorphisms, extracted from sequences of 801 bp of Cytb gene, gathered from 416 individuals collected at 103 localities in Argentina and Chile. Employing multivariate statistical analyses (gPCA, Mantel and Partial Mantel Tests, Procrustes Analysis, and RDA), associations between genetic differences and geographic and climatic distances were evaluated. Presence data was employed to estimate the potential geographic distribution of this species during historical and contemporary climatic scenarios, and to address differences among the climatic niches of their main mitochondrial lineages. The significant influence of landscape features in structuring mitochondrial variability was evidenced at different spatial scales, as well as the role of past climatic dynamics in driving geographic range shifts, mostly associated to Quaternary glaciations. Overall, these results suggest that throughout geographic range gene flow is unevenly influenced by climatic dissimilarity and the geographic distancing, and that studied lineages do not exhibit distributional signals of climatic niche conservatism. Additionally, genetic differentiation occurred by more complex evolutionary processes than mere disruption of gene flow or drift.

New insight of the genus Cephalomyopsis (Caviomorpha, Cephalomyidae): Systematic revision and paleobiogeographical implications

Cephalomyopsis hypselodontus is a member of the family Cephalomyidae, originally described based on some isolated remains from the Colhuehuapian locality of Bryn Gwyn (Chubut Province, Argentina). Some specimens from the Deseadan localities of Cabeza Blanca (Chubut Province, Argentina) and Lacayani (La Paz Department, Bolivia), first described as Cephalomyidae morphotype 2 and 3, were later included in the genus. Also, a specimen found in Arroyo Avalos (Corrientes Province, Argentina) was included in the genus, but a taxonomic revision at the species level was never conducted. In this contribution, I revise all the specimens included in the genus, as well as new specimens found in Bryn Gwyn. The new specimens include the most juvenile teeth known so far and the first complete upper tooth row known for the genus. As a result, I define a single species for the genus and discuss the implication of this new systematic proposal. The species has a wide geographical distribution and a long biochron, the longest among cephalomyids. Finally, I discuss the dissimilarities between different localities in Argentina and Bolivia and the implications in the evolutionary history of Cephalomyidae and Chinchilloidea.

Five new species in the predaceous midge genus Macrurohelea Ingram amp; Macfie from Argentina, and descriptions of the previously unknown males of M. kuscheli Wirth and M. monotheca Spinelli amp; Grogan (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).

Five new Neotropical species in the predaceous midge genus Macrurohelea Ingram Macfie are described: M. bassoi, M. donatoi, M. morenoi, M. sirii, and M. ventanensis, n. spp. and the previously unknown males of M. kuscheli Wirth and M. monotheca Spinelli Grogan are described from specimens collected in several localities of Argentina and Chile. Illustrations and photomicrographs of key features of both sexes are provided as well as a key to all Neotropical species of Macrurohelea.

An update of the distribution of the stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) from Argentina

Pentatomidae is one of the largest families within Heteroptera, and it is represented in all zoogeographical regions, although the tropical and subtropical faunas are the most diverse. The field trips carried out in recent years in several localities in Argentina allow to update the distribution of stink bugs in the country. In this contribution, the genera Cataulax Spinola and Grazia Rolston, and the species Acledra breviscutata Breddin, Banasa peruana Thomas, Banasa dolabrata Thomas, Cataulax froeschneri Grazia, Campos & Becker, Grazia tincta (Distant), Mayrinia variegata (Distant), Mitripus acutus (Dallas), and Tylospilus peruvianus (Horváth), are recorded for the first time from Argentina. The characters used for the identification of these genera and species are provided. In addition, the geographic distribution of other 27 pentatomid species is expanded and new records of host plants are reported for Alveostethus pseudopolitus (Ruckes), Antiteuchus mixtus (Fabricius) and Pellaea stictica (Dallas)

Sex chromosomes in the Vizcacheras' White-lipped frog, Leptodactylus bufonius (Anura, Leptodactylidae).

Cytogenetic analyses were performed on specimens of Leptodactylus bufonius from different localities in Argentina. Mitotic chromosomes were studied with Giemsa and differential staining techniques (Ag-NOR, C-banding, and CMA3/DAPI) and fluorescence in situ hybridization with the 18S DNAr probe. All specimens showed karyotypes with 2n = 2x = 22 and FN = 44. Secondary constrictions were present in the long arm of chromosome pair 8, coincident with Ag-NOR and hybridization signals of the 18S DNAr probe. The C-banding technique evidenced an important amount of heterochromatin with a sex-linked pericentromeric band in the short arm of chromosome pair 4. This heterochromatic band was heteromorphic in males but present in both homologues of females, and it was CMA3 positive (DAPI negative) at fluorescence staining. The occurrence of heteromorphic XY sex chromosomes in L. bufonius is the second known case in Leptodactylus and the fifth within the speciose family Leptodactylidae.

New remains of Cephalomys arcidens (Rodentia, Caviomorpha) and a redefinition of the enigmatic Cephalomyidae

Cephalomys is the best-known cephalomyid, recorded in five localities in Argentina and known from well-preserved mandibles, fragments of skull, and a large number of isolated teeth, from both juveniles and adults. Despite this, a modern description is lacking and the validity of some species of Cephalomys has been questioned in the last few years. New material from the Deseadan locality of Cabeza Blanca (Chubut, Argentina), including skull fragments unknown for the species thus far, and well-preserved juvenile teeth, along with a large number of specimens from collections in Argentina, allow us to propose a more complete description of the genus and a new taxonomic arrangement for the Cephalomys species. We also analysed some dubious records of Cephalomys from Quebrada Honda and Pico Truncado and confirm that they are not part of this genus. We consider C. plexus to be a synonym of C. arcidens, we consider the combination previously proposed for C. bolivianus (as a species of Asteromys) to be valid, and we consider C. ceciae also to be a valid species. We performed a phylogenetic analysis including for the first time all cephalomyids (Cephalomys, Litodontomys, Cephalomyopsis, Soriamys and Banderomys) and possibly related genera (Perimys, Scotamys, Asteromys) to test the position of the family Cephalomyidae among the other caviomorph rodents, as well as its validity and internal relationships. The results recovered Cephalomyidae as a clade, including Cephalomys, Cephalomyopsis and Litodontomys. The monophyly of Cephalomys could not be confirmed. Soriamys and Banderomys were recovered within Cavioidea. Perimys, Scotamys and Asteromys were recovered within Chinchilloidea, and we analysed the implications of their positions within the group. The implications in terms of the biochron, distribution and evolutionary history of the Cephalomyidae, considering the new definition for the family proposed herein (including only Cephalomys, Cephalomyopsis and Litodontomys), are discussed, as well as inferences regarding caviomorph evolution at the scale of the entire group.

Genetic assignment of illegally trafficked neotropical primates and implications for reintroduction programs

The black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) is a neotropical primate threatened by habitat loss and capture for illegal trade in Argentina. Using multilocus microsatellite genotypes from 178 A. caraya individuals sampled from 15 localities in Argentina, we built a genotype reference database (GRDB). Bayesian assignment methods applied to the GRDB allowed us to correctly re-assign 73% of individuals to their true location of origin and 93.3% to their cluster of origin. We used the GRDB to assign 22 confiscated individuals (17 of which were reintroduced), and 3 corpses to both localities and clusters of origin. We assigned with a probability >70% the locality of origin of 14 individuals and the cluster of origin of 21. We found that most of the confiscated individuals were assigned to one cluster (F-Ch-C) and two localities included in the GRDB, suggesting that trafficked A. caraya primarily originated in this area. Our results reveal that only 4 of 17 reintroduced individuals were released in sites corresponding to their cluster of origin. Our findings illustrate the applicability of genotype databases for inferring hotspots of illegal capture and for guiding future reintroduction efforts, both of which are essential elements of species protection and recovery programs.

First record of a fossil procyonid (Cyonasua cf. C. pascuali), Mammalia, Procyonidae) in Bolivia, Tariquía Fm., Late Miocene

We present the first record of an extinct procyonid for Bolivia (Tariquía Formation, La Angostura, Santa Cruz de La Sierra; Late Miocene). It corresponds to Cyonasua, the first Carnivore taxon to enter South America from North America before the Paniamian Isthmus raised and as a part of the “proto Great American Biotic Interchange” (GABI). Cyonasua fossil record, comprises the temporal lapse late Miocene to early Pleistocene in several localities of Argentina, Venezuela and Uruguay. This genus encompasses ten formally named species: C. argentina, C. brevirostris, C. longirostris, C. pascuali, C. groeberi, C. lutaria, C. clausa, C. robusta, C. argentines, and C. meranii. The mandible and teeth preserved of the new specimen, YPFBLIT-PAL-020, allows us to assign it to Cyonasua cf. C. pascuali. This record reinforces the paleoenvironment with warm climates and humid environments with abundant water bodies, vegetation and trees proposed previously for Tariquia Fm. Also, the proposed Huayquerian Age for this Formation is supported by this record.

Surface mycobiota of home-made dry cured sausages from the main producing regions of Argentina and morphological and biochemical characterization of Penicillium nalgiovense populations

The characteristics and quality of home-made dry cured sausages can be recognized and associated with the region of origin. The characteristics of this type of sausages result from the superficial mycobiota that spontaneously colonizes the products. The aim of this study was to identify the house mycobiota associated with home-made dry cured sausages from different localities of Argentina and characterize the populations of Penicillium nalgiovense present by morphological and biochemical markers. To this end, 79 samples were collected from 10 localities of three main producing regions (Buenos Aires, Córdoba and La Pampa provinces). A total of 196 isolates belonging to six genera and 17 species were obtained. The predominant genus was Penicillium (134 of the isolates) and the predominant species was P. nalgiovense (108 isolates). The isoenzyme patterns of α-esterase (α-EST; EC 3.1.1.1) and Malate dehydrogenase NADP+(MDHP; EC 1.1.1.40) were characterized in 48 of these isolates (ten from Colonia Caroya, ten from Oncativo, ten from Tandil, nine from Mercedes and nine from La Pampa). A total of 26 bands were observed: 17 for α-EST and 9 for MDHP. α-EST was the most polymorphic isoenzyme, whereas MDPH presented no polymorphism. The results were subjected to numerical analysis. Cluster analysis revealed the formation of two groups: Group I formed by 24 isolates from Córdoba and Buenos Aires provinces and Group II with 24 isolates from La Pampa and Buenos Aires province. These data suggest the existence of morphological and biochemical variations among P. nalgiovense populations with different geographical origin.

Cladorchis pyriformis (Diesing, 1838) (Digenea, Cladorchiidae): new rodent host and geographic records in Argentina

This work contributes to the knowledge of digeneans in two species of Holochilus Brant, 1835 from nine localities of Argentina. Morphological characteristics and ecological data are provided. Holochilus vulpinus (Brants, 1827) and H. chacarius Thomas, 1906 were parasitized by only one digenean species, Cladorchis pyriformis (Diesing, 1838). The morphometric features of this species and those reported by previous authors from South America are presented and compared. Holochilus vulpinus and a locality of Corrientes province was the host most frequently parasitized. Cladorchis pyriformis is recorded for the first time in H. chacarius.

Aphis (Hemiptera, Aphididae) species living on Baccharis (Asteraceae) insouthern South America, with description of three new species.

Aphid specimens belonging to the genus Aphis (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae) collected on species of Baccharis (Asteraceae) in localities of Argentina and Chile, preserved in the Natural History Museum in London and in the Universidad de León collections, have been studied. They belong to six species: Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii and Aphis spiraecola, which are widely-distributed and polyphagous, and the new species: Aphis ingeborgae Nieto Nafría and Brown sp. n., Aphis conspicua Nieto Nafría and Mier Durante sp. n. and Aphis fuentesi Nieto Nafría and Ortego sp. n. which are here described from apterous and alate viviparous females, and also from oviparous females and males in the case of Aphis fuentesi. These six species plus the native and monophagous A. coridifoliae are those known in southern South America living on plants of Baccharis. Diagnostic features of new species and an identification key for apterous viviparous females of these seven species are presented.

Morphological variation of Aplectana hylambatis (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) from different anuran hosts and localities in Argentina.

Aplectana hylambatis is a nematode with a wide geographic distribution and low host specificity. In spite of numerous reports, until this moment, the morphological variations between different hosts and localities have not been studied. We studied 401 specimens collected from five host species from seven localities in Argentina, and examined the following morphological characters: mamelon-like cuticular protuberances anterior to the vulva, structure of the gubernaculum and the spicules, number and arrangement of caudal papillae, and the measurements of twelve characters in females and eleven characters in males. The results showed that mamelon-like protuberances and caudal papillae varied in number and arrangement between different hosts and localities. The metrical study revealed that five characters in males and six in females contributed to variability; nine characters showed significant differences between host species and localities. Specimens of A. hylambatis collected from R. arenarum formed a group clearly differentiated from the rest of the specimens. The results from this study highlight the importance of examining as many specimens as possible from different host samples and from several localities to cover the intraspecific variations.

The unknown followers: Discovery of a new species of Sycobia Walker (Hymenoptera: Epichrysomallinae) associated with Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) in the Neotropical region

Biotic invasion in mutualistic communities is of particular interest due to the possible establishment of new relationships with native species. Ficus species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, and they host specific communities of chalcid wasps that are strictly associated with the fig inflorescences. Some introduced fig species are capable of establishing new relationships with the local fig wasps, and fig wasp species may also be concomitantly introduced with their host plants. Ficusbenjamina L. is widely cultivated across the world, but the associated fig wasps are not reported outside of the species native range. We describe for the first time a non-pollinating fig wasp associated with F.benjamina inflorescences outside its native distribution. Sycobiahodites Farache & Rasplus, sp. n. is the third known species of the genus and was recorded in populations of F.benjamina introduced in the Neotropical region throughout several localities in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia. Sycobia is a gall-inducing non-pollinating fig wasp genus associated with fig trees in the Oriental and Australasian regions. This species competes with pollinators for oviposition sites and may hinder the future establishment of the native pollinator of F.benjamina, Eupristinakoningsbergeri Grandi, 1916 in the New World. However, the occurrence of a gall inducing species in this host plant may open ecological opportunities for the establishment of species belonging to other trophic levels such as cleptoparasite and parasitoid wasps.