Northeastern Andes Research Articles

Forty years later: a new Andean stream treefrog of the genus Hyloscirtus (Anura: Hylidae) from Ecuador, with comments on arm hypertrophy in the H. larinopygion group

We present the description of a novel treefrog species inhabiting the Andean streams in southeastern Ecuador that has been erroneously identified as Hyloscirtus lindae for four decades. The new species is closely related to H. tapichalaca and is part of the southern clade of the H. larinopygion group, which comprises five species confined to the southeastern Andes of Ecuador to the northeastern Andes of Peru. It is diagnosed from its close relatives by a unique combination of characteristics, including hypertrophied forelimbs in males, a pronounced, curved, and protruding spine-shaped prepollex, a substantial supracloacal flap, supratympanic fold, digital discs colored in shades of orange-red or bright-red, and the concealed surfaces of limbs displaying a bluish-gray hue and dorsal spicules in males. We briefly explore the implications of this discovery for the evolution of arm morphology in the H. larinopygion group. Our findings underscore the continued importance of periodically reviewing historical specimens, leading to unexpected discoveries; once again confirming the importance of natural history museums and their custodian biological collections.

Genomic analyses of the scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) (Linnaeus, 1766) in insular and continental Colombia: Evidence for multiple conservation and taxonomic units

The turtle genus Kinosternon is widespread with at least 25 species distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina. The taxonomy of this genus is controversial and requires a full revision using both morphological and molecular approaches. In this study, we did a genomic analysis on the species Kinosternon scorpioides distributed in insular and continental Colombia in order to define conservation units. Total DNA was extracted from 24 tissue samples and RADseq genotyping analysis was done. In addition, the intron R35 was amplified and sequenced for a subset of samples. A total of 35,507 SNPs combined with 1,047 bp of the intron were used for spatiotemporal colonization pattern reconstruction and phylogenetic analyses. In addition, SNPs were used for population structure inferences and allele frequency-based analyses. Reciprocal monophyly, significant differences in allele frequencies (Fst = 0.32 - 0.78), and evidence of reproductive isolation (no admixture/geneflow), indicate long-term divergence between groups (2-8 MYA), possibly due to geographical barriers. Four Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) were defined within our samples. One ESU was represented by the insular subspecies K. scorpioides albogulare, found on San Andrés island, and three ESUs were defined for the subspecies K. s. scorpioides in continental Colombia: one trans-Andean, found in northwestern Colombia (Caribbean region) and two cis-Andean, found in eastern and southeastern Colombia in the Orinoco and Amazon regions, respectively. Colonization of this species occurred from an ancestral area on South of Central America region (~ 8.43 MYA), followed by an establishing of current populations on San Andrés Island and then, in the continent. First, in the Colombian Caribbean, next, in the Orinoco, and more recently, in the Amazon. We hypothesize that the emergence of the Panamá Isthmus, as well as the final uplift of the North Eastern Andes and Vaupes Arch, were key event leading to the differentiation of these ESUs. For management and conservation purposes, each of these ESUs should be considered as a separate management unit. A full revision of the taxonomy of the genus Kinosternon is warranted.

Noteworthy bird records from the Tamá massif and adjacent areas, Norte de Santander, Colombia

The Tamá massif straddles the Colombia-Venezuela border on the east slope of the East Andes. Rugged topography and recent political unrest have limited ornithological work in the area, particularly at lower elevations. We made multiple excursions to Tamá in 2017–2020, visiting elevations of 900–3400 m. We recorded several species that are unknown or poorly known on the east slope of the northeastern Andes in Colombia, including Heliangelus mavors, Coeligena bonapartei, Sternoclyta cyanopectus, Aulacorhynchus sulcatus, Thamnophilus unicolor, Formicarius rufipectus, Grallaricula ferrugineipectus, and Thripadectes virgaticeps. Additional noteworthy observations included records of Pauxi pauxi and Tephrophilus wetmorei.

Taxonomic and functional diversity of birds in a rural landscape of high Andean forest, Colombia

We evaluated the taxonomic and functional diversity of birds in a rural landscape in the north-eastern Andes of Colombia. We carried out seven field trips and used transects of 300 m, separated from each other by 500 m in the dominant plant cover of the rural landscape. We measured alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity at both the taxonomic and functional levels. We registered 10 orders, 21 families, 56 genera and 63 species of birds. In wooded pasture, we recorded 55 species and a relative abundance of 66% and 44 and 34% for an Andean forest fragment. The species that contributed the most to the dissimilarity between the covers wereZonotrichia capensis,Turdus fuscater,Mecocerculus leucophrys,Atlapetes latinuchusandCrotophaga ani. We identified nine functional types, where G1 was made up of small species with anissodactyl and pamprodactyl legs that were insectivorous, frugivorous and nectarivorous as the best represented. The FEve and FDiv were 0.51 and 0.74, respectively in the Andean forest fragment plant cover and, for the wooded pasture, the FEve was 0.45 and the FDiv was 0.81. Both cover types contributed to the diversity of the rural landscape and the dynamics that existed between them formed a complementary factor that favoured the taxonomic and functional richness of the characterised rural landscape.

On the nests, eggs, and reproductive evidence of Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina) and Glowing Puffleg (Eriocnemis vestita) in the northeastern Colombian Andes

The reproductive biology of tropical hummingbirds has been documented and studied in only a small fraction of species relative to the great diversity of this group. Little has been written about breeding biology of hummingbirds at the Northern Andes Eastern Cordillera in Colombia. We present detailed information on the dates, nesting locations, construction materials, measurements of nests and eggs, and gonad development of adult specimens to augment the scant reproductive data available of 2 widely distributed highland hummingbirds, the Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina) and the Glowing Puffleg (Eriocnemis vestita). These data were obtained during multi-taxa collection expeditions in the high-elevation region of the Department of Boyacá, Colombia. We found 2 Tyrian Metaltail nests in February and May, and adults with enlarged gonads in August. The single Glowing Puffleg nest was found in October, adults with enlarged gonads in May and October, and a chick mortality event (possibly due to frost) in November. Nesting sites for both species were in banks where they built 2-layered cup nests. Although nest locations and construction materials were similar to what has been reported before for hummingbirds in these genera, we identified the plants of these nests' microhabitats, as well as the families and genera of liverworts, mosses, and others used as nest construction materials. The evidence of active nests and enlarged gonads of specimens collected in this study, together with observations made by previous authors, suggest that these 2 hummingbird species breed throughout most of the year at the northeastern Andes. Our data contributes to the understanding of the reproductive biology of these hummingbirds in this region.

Occurrence of Helicobacter spp. and Fecal Bacterial Contamination in High-altitude Aquatic Environments from the Andes.

The occurrence of Helicobacter spp. and fecal bacterial contamination was investigated in high-altitude environments from the Northeastern Andes of Venezuela. Helicobacter DNA was detected by PCR in streams, drinking and irrigation waters, and one culture from drinking water by the HP enrichment medium for selection of Helicobacter pylori, which displayed 98.98% homology to this pathogen based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. FISH demonstrated predominant coccoid cells of the target bacteria indicative of the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state in all water samples and HP cultures. Our work reveals for the first time Helicobacter spp. in waters from one of the highest places in the world. These results, together with the presence of fecal coliforms (2-160 MPN/100mL) from the headwaters of rivers to drinking and irrigation waters, alert fecal contamination and epidemiological implications in this area of ecological and economic importance for the region.

Dietary variation and reproductive status of Mormoops megalophylla (Chiroptera: Mormoopidae) in a cave of Northeastern Andes from Colombia

Dietary variation and reproductive status of Mormoops megalophylla (Chiroptera: Mormoopidae) in a cave of Northeastern Andes from Colombia

Ectoparasites of Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) (Accipitriformes: Cathartidae) on Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia

To identify and to list ectoparasite species of black vulture in two locations in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Scope. To contribute to the knowledge of ectoparasites species found in black vultures in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, at the northeastern Andes. Methodology. The birds were captured in Guarin Marketplace and "El Carrasco" Solid Waste Disposal Center, both in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Colombia. To obtain the ectoparasites, each black vulture were introduced into a fumigation chamber previously modified to preserve the life of the bird during the procedure. Moreover, some feathers were taken and preserved in ethanol 70%. Main results. In total, 1,696 ectoparasites were collected from 18 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) in two localities of Bucaramanga (Colombia). The parasites were identified as Cathartacarus coragyps (Gabuciniidae), Dermanysus gallinae (Dermanyssidae), Cuculiphilus alternatus (Menoponidae), Falcolipeurus marginalis (Philopteridae), Laemobothrion glutinans (Laemobothriidae) and Olfesia bisulcata (Hippoboscidae). The most abundant species were Cuculiphilus alternatus with 1,217 specimens and Cathartacarus coragyps with 295. Conclusions. Most of these records are new to the region and contribute to improving the knowledge concerning the ectoparasites distribution in the study area. Mann-Whitney tests and the calculated parasitological indexes show differences between the two sampling places.

Global trends of habitat destruction and consequences for parrot conservation.

Human advance on natural habitats is a major cause of biodiversity loss. This transformation process represents a profound change in wooded environments, disrupting original communities of flora and fauna. Many species are highly dependent on forests, especially parrots (Psittaciformes) with almost a third of their species threatened by extinction. Most parrot species occur in tropical and subtropical forests, and given the forest dependence of most species, this is the main reason why habitat loss has been highlighted as the main threat for the group. Such habitat loss acts in synergy with other important threats (e.g., logging and poaching), which become especially problematic in certain developing countries along tropical latitudes. In this study, we used available information on parrot distributions, species traits, IUCN assessment, habitat loss and timber extraction for different periods, and distribution of protected areas, to determine conservation hotspots for the group, and analyze potential changes in the conservation status of these species. We detected four conservation hotspots for parrots: two in the Neotropics and two in Oceania, all of them facing different degrees of threat in regard of current habitat loss and agricultural trends. Our results suggest that the future of the group is subject to policymaking in specific regions, especially in the northeastern Andes and the Atlantic Forest. In addition, we predicted that agricultural expansion will have a further negative effect on the conservation status of parrots, pushing many parrot species to the edge of extinction in the near future. Our results have conservation implications by recommending protected areas in specific parrot conservation hotspots. Our recommendations to mitigate conservation risks to this group of umbrella species would also benefit many other coexisting species as well.

New citations to the agaricobiota (Fungi - Basidiomycota) in oak forests of the Northeastern Andes of Colombia

ABSTRACT The study of Colombian agaricobiota is relatively recent. The training of new researchers has allowed more taxonomic surveys, increasing the literature on the subject and indicating the relevance of ecological and conservation studies. During a field survey conducted in the oak forests (Quercus humboldtii) in the Madre Monte Nature Reserve, municipality of Arcabuco - Colombia, in October 2018, about 40 specimens of Agaricales mushrooms were collected. The species were identified following the usual methods in Agaricology of the Laboratorio del Grupo de Investigación Biología para la Conservación de la Universidad Pedagogica y Tecnológica de Colombia. We identified a few species: Campanella elongatispora Singer, Cheimonophyllum candidissimum (Berk. and Curt.) Singer, Marasmiellus bolivarianus Singer, and Pluteus chrysophlebius (Berk. and Curt.) Sacc., which were added as new citations to Colombia. An increase in the area of occurrence of certain species of Agaricales-mushrooms was also reported.

New Polychromatic Species of Atractus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from the Eastern Portion of the Colombian Andes

We describe herein a new polychromatic species of the snake genus Atractus from the cloud forests of the northeastern Andes of Colombia. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by having an exclusive combination of phenotypic characters, such as: dorsal scale rows 17, loreal long, seven to ten maxillary teeth, ventrals 156–174 in females and 153–169 in males, subcaudals 20–30 in females and 23–30 in males, dorsum with variable coloration, changing from dark green to orange or red with a black nuchal band (three to four scales long) connected to a black vertebral line and two black dorsolateral continuous stripes from the occipital region to tip of the tail, venter with irregular black blotches, relatively small body size, small tail length in females and moderately long in males, hemipenis moderately bilobed, semicapitate and semicalyculate. We compared the new species with all congeners occurring along the Cordillera Oriental in Colombia, Sierra de Perija in the Colombia/Venezuela frontier and Cordillera de Merida in Venezuela. We discussed aspects related to polychromatism and its implication toward a robust taxonomy for the genus Atractus.Describimos una nueva especie de serpiente policromatica del genero Atractus para los bosques nublados del noreste de los Andes de Colombia. La nueva especie se distingue de todos los congeneres por tener una combinacion exclusiva de caracteres fenotipicos, como: escamas dorsales en 17 hileras, loreales largas, siete a diez dientes maxilares, ventrales 156–174 en hembras y 153–169 en machos, subcaudales 20–30 en hembras y 23–30 en machos, dorso con coloracion variable, cambiando de verde oscuro a naranja o rojo con una banda nucal negra (largo de tres o cuatro escamas) conectada a una linea vertebral negra y dos franjas continuas dorsolaterales negras desde la region occipital hasta la punta de la cola, superficie ventral del cuerpo con manchas irregulares negras, tamano corporal relativamente pequeno, longitud de la cola pequena en las hembras y moderadamente larga en los machos, hemipene moderadamente bilobado, semicapitado y semicaliculado. Comparamos las nuevas especies con todos los congeneres que ocurren a lo largo de la Cordillera Oriental en Colombia, Sierra de Perija en la frontera de Colombia/Venezuela y la Cordillera de Merida en Venezuela. Discutimos aspectos relacionados con el policromatismo y su implicacion hacia una taxonomia solida para el genero Atractus.

A new species of Phrynopus from the northeastern Andes of Peru, its phylogenetic position, and notes on the relationships of Holoadeninae (Anura: Craugastoridae).

We report the discovery of a geographically disjunct and morphologically distinctive species of direct-developing frog of the genus Phrynopus (Phrynopus mariellaleo sp. nov.) that changes considerably our understanding of the distribution of species in this Andean genus. The type locality lies on a subcordillera (Cerro de Campanario area) of the extreme northeastern portion of the Cordillera Central of Peru, on the headwaters of the Mayo River, Amazonas department, at 2575 m asl (6°6'42.9''S, 77°26'24''W). This area is situated 170 km to the NE from the northernmost record of Phrynopus known so far. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of a supermatrix (13269 aligned positions of gene sequences of four mitochondrial and ten nuclear genes) of 105 terminals (representing 93 named and 9 unnamed species of Holoadeninae) recover this new species as the sister to Phrynopus auriculatus, a species occurring more than 500 km south of the type locality of the new species. Both Phrynopus auriculatus and the new species occur at moderate elevations on the easternmost stretches of the Andean subcordilleras; their sister relationship point to a potentially broader distribution of species of Phrynopus along the poorly sampled intervening areas of the eastern hills of the Andes. The new species has a conspicuous and visibly large tympanic membrane (a trait rare in the clade), outlined by a marked bold black supratympanic fold and a black facial mask, and exhibits conspicuous dorsolateral, scapular, and middorsal Y-shaped folds. Specimens were found on the forest floor-a rocky substrate covered by a thick layer of leaf litter, moss and roots-of a primary humid montane forest (Yungas ecoregion) with scattered patches of bamboo (Chusquea spp.). Our phylogenetic analyses corroborate the monophyly of all Holoadeninae genera, including Euparkerella and Psychrophrynella, genera for which tests of monophyly were pending, and corroborates Hypodactylus nigrovittatus as part of Hypodactylus and sister to a clade that includes H. brunneus, H. elassodiscus and H. peraccai.

Selección de herramientas web para la creación de actividades de aprendizaje en Cibermutua

Ciber-mutua es un ciber-museo desarrollado para el Museo Territorial de los Andes Nororientales (Mutua), el cual se proyectó como un espacio para conocer y explorar las diferentes realidades urbanísticas, patrimoniales y territoriales de la región centro-oriental de Colombia, coadyuvando en la recuperación del patrimonio cultural y urbano de la ciudad de Tunja, Colombia. Con el fin de reforzar el conocimiento expuesto en el ciber-museo y generar interés entre sus usuarios, se crearon actividades digitales de aprendizaje que hacen uso de herramientas web libres. Este artículo enfatiza en el proceso investigativo llevado a cabo en la selección de herramientas web para la creación de las actividades digitales de aprendizaje en el ciber-museo, exponiendo los beneficios e inconvenientes que se presentaron durante este proceso.

Exploring imperial expansion using an isotopic analysis of paleodietary and paleomobility indicators in Chachapoyas, Peru.

Inca imperial strategies of political and territorial expansion varied across conquered regions depending on local ecology and cultural resistance, and Chachapoya peoples in Peru's forested northeastern Andes were renowned for their rebellions against the invaders. The cliff tombs of Los Pinchudos (AD 1470-1535) present opportunities to use stable isotopes to: (1) explore dietary and mobility patterns from a mortuary community interred at a site attributed to the poorly-known Chachapoya culture during the period of Inca domination, and (2) explore the origins of the individuals as either local or foreign (Inca). Using biochemical tracers, we can help resolve the impact of foreign influence and changes in population and social structure during imperial occupation. While it is difficult to reconstruct individual life histories from incomplete skeletons, stable isotopic analysis of multiple skeletal tissues provides a direct means of characterizing diet and residential mobility. Values of stable carbon (δ13 C), nitrogen (δ15 N), and oxygen isotope (δ18 O) ratios were determined in bone and dentine collagen and bone and enamel carbonate from 28 samples (11 paired tissues) from males, females, and juveniles from Los Pinchudos. Dietary signatures are consistent with a mixed but more C3 -based plant and protein-based diet with moderate proportions of terrestrial animals. Oxygen isotopic values demonstrate limited variation between paired tissues, with a few possible nonlocal individuals buried in one particular tomb at the site. Compared to other Andean areas that underwent imperial domination, these data do not demonstrate expected dietary shifts. These are the first isotopic data from a Chachapoya site and our research shows evidence for minimal non-local presence in this commingled burial assemblage. The regional diet reconstructed at Los Pinchudos (2850 masl) focused on resources of higher altitude tuber crops, beans, and grains (C3 ) and terrestrial protein rather than on lower elevation grasses such as maize (C4 ) as in other highland Andean regions under Inca control. During imperial domination, inhabitants of this region appropriated Inca materials goods but continued to construct tombs in the local manner even though a potentially diverse population was occupying them.

Terrestrial medium and large-sized mammal’s diversity and activity patterns from Tamá National Natural Park and buffer zone, Colombia

The eastern mountain range of Andes in Colombia is one of the least studied areas for mammals in the country, yet, potentially one of the most diverse. Here we present the first survey of medium and large-sized mammals for Tama National Natural Park (NNP) and La Carpa and La Rochela buffer areas, as basic information for the conservation and management of the NNP, including the potential inclusion of these buffer zones as part of the NNP. We used different complementary survey techniques (i. e., camera-traps, transects and interviews) to assess the diversity of these mammals in a 216 km2 area of the park; our effort included 72 linear transects of 1.8 Km, opportunistic sampling sessions, 16,714 camera trap-days, 39 structured interviews and indirect records and direct observation of animals. We recorded 21 species of mammals classified in 8 orders and 16 families distributed in four conservation categories. Complementary methods significantly improved the results. We found a dominant nocturnal activity pattern for the assemblage and low activity overlapping among most species. This is the first assessment of medium and large-sized mammal’s diversity for Tama NNP and for most North-eastern Andes in the country. Our results highlight the presence of large threatened species such as Tremarctos ornatus, Puma concolor and Mazama rufina. Our results could serve as basis for the conservation planning and management of the protected area and its buffer zones, and the potential expansion of the park.

An assessment of the populations of Sylvilagus brasiliensis andinus in Páramos with different vegetation structures in the northeastern Andes of Ecuador

For the first time in Ecuador, a defecation rate is calculated from three captured páramo rabbit Sylvilagus brasiliensis andinus individuals. Combining this defecation rate, the pellet count method, and Novaro et al.'s (1992) hare density equation, páramo rabbit densities were calculated in four páramo localities with different vegetation structures. A correlation was found between the páramos' vegetation diversity and páramo rabbit densities. This study shows that pellet counting is an economical and non-invasive method that permits the estimation of páramo rabbit abundances in páramo ecosystems. Páramo rabbit abundances may serve as a tool to measure the effects of human activity over small mammal population sizes. Further studies of small páramo mammals will help better understand páramo ecosystem functions and will provide insights into its land management and conservation.

Ecological and geographical analysis of the distribution of the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) in Ecuador: importance of protected areas in future scenarios of global warming.

In Ecuador, Tapirus pinchaque is considered to be critically endangered. Although the species has been registered in several localities, its geographic distribution remains unclear, and the effects of climate change and current land uses on this species are largely unknown. We modeled the ecological niche of T. pinchaque using MaxEnt, in order to assess its potential adaptation to present and future climate change scenarios. We evaluated the effects of habitat loss due by current land use, the ecosystem availability and importance of Ecuadorian System of Protected Areas into the models. The model of environmental suitability estimated an extent of occurrence for species of 21,729 km2 in all of Ecuador, mainly occurring along the corridor of the eastern Ecuadorian Andes. A total of 10 Andean ecosystems encompassed ~98% of the area defined by the model, with herbaceous paramo, northeastern Andean montane evergreen forest and northeastern Andes upper montane evergreen forest being the most representative. When considering the effect of habitat loss, a significant reduction in model area (~17%) occurred, and the effect of climate change represented a net reduction up to 37.86%. However, the synergistic effect of both climate change and habitat loss, given current land use practices, could represent a greater risk in the short-term, leading to a net reduction of 19.90 to 44.65% in T. pinchaque’s potential distribution. Even under such a scenarios, several Protected Areas harbor a portion (~36 to 48%) of the potential distribution defined by the models. However, the central and southern populations are highly threatened by habitat loss and climate change. Based on these results and due to the restricted home range of T. pinchaque, its preference for upland forests and paramos, and its small estimated population size in the Andes, we suggest to maintaining its current status as Critically Endangered in Ecuador.

Habitat change and trade explain the bird assemblage from the La Chimba archaeological site in the northeastern Andes of Ecuador

The nature of tree‐line habitats in the Andes has long been a contentious topic in the ecological literature. Palynological studies suggest that a combination of anthropogenic and natural processes throughout the Holocene contributed to its present form and species composition. This is the first study to use zooarchaeological evidence to reconstruct possible prehistoric changes in these alpine habitats. I analysed the remains of birds from the La Chimba archaeological site in northern Ecuador to assess changes in the bird tree‐line community over three distinct phases (Early, 2640–2390 year BP; Middle, 2390–1994 year BP; Late, 1994–1700 year BP) of this prehistoric settlement. The elevation of this site (3200 m) places it near a steep elevational gradient in vegetation, with the modern tree‐line here at 3500–3600 m. Therefore, non‐local specimens of birds from the lowlands would hint at long‐distance trade. The composition of birds changes through time: species associated with high montane forest and shrubby páramos decrease and species from dry or open montane habitats increase. This trend is dominated by the decrease of Curve‐billed Tinamous Nothoprocta curvirostris (current elevational range 3000–3900 m) and a corresponding increase of specimens of Andean Tinamous Nothoprocta pentlandii (current elevational range 1000–2300 m). The large number of Andean Tinamous is surprising given that presently it occurs no closer than 300 km to the south of the La Chimba site. Overall, 18 of the 43 species of birds identified from La Chimba are likely to be the result of trade. This includes species from the eastern and western lowlands of Ecuador and one possible long‐distance transport from Peru. Prehistoric trade of birds and bird parts was probably common, and prehistoric anthropogenic landscape change and trade in birds should be considered as alternative explanations for species with disjunct populations in and across the Andes.

Ten new species of Meteorus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Ecuador reared at the Yanayacu Biological Center for Creative Studies

Ten new species of the braconid genus Meteorus are described, along with biological information. Specimens were reared from lepidopteran larvae collected in the northeastern Andes of Ecuador, a hotspot of global diversity. The new species described and illustrated are: M. bustamanteorum, M. caritatis, M. horologium, M. imaginatus, M. luteus, M. margarita, M. oreo, M. porcatus, M. quasifabatus, and M. zitaniae. The biology of these species has also been observed: reared as single wasp emergences are M. caritatis, M. imaginatus, M. luteus, and M. oreo. The majority of the descriptions are of gregarious wasp rearings, which occur within M. bustamanteorum, M. horologium, M. margarita, M. porcatus, M. quasifabatus, and M. zitaniae. There is a large diversity of taxa used for oviposition; four species were reared from Arctiidae caterpillars, two from Nymphalidae, and one each from Apatelodidae, Limacodidae, Megalopygidae, and Noctuidae. The host data for the new species of Meteorus shows a strong correlation between type of host defense and whether development yields a solitary or gregarious wasp. All of the Meteorus wasps collected from this region have been new species, which highlights the enormous biodiversity and importance of describing new species in the neotropics.

Climatic forcing of asymmetric orogenic evolution in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia

Research Article| July 01, 2008 Climatic forcing of asymmetric orogenic evolution in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia Andrés Mora; Andrés Mora † 1Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Potsdam, Karl Liebnecht-Str 24, D14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany †E-mail: andresmora@googlemail.com Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mauricio Parra; Mauricio Parra 1Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Potsdam, Karl Liebnecht-Str 24, D14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Manfred R. Strecker; Manfred R. Strecker 1Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Potsdam, Karl Liebnecht-Str 24, D14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Edward R. Sobel; Edward R. Sobel 1Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Potsdam, Karl Liebnecht-Str 24, D14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Henry Hooghiemstra; Henry Hooghiemstra 2Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), Paleoecology and Landscape Ecology, Faculty of Science, University Amsterdam, Kruislaan 318, 1098 SN Amsterdam, Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Vladimir Torres; Vladimir Torres 2Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), Paleoecology and Landscape Ecology, Faculty of Science, University Amsterdam, Kruislaan 318, 1098 SN Amsterdam, Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jaime Vallejo Jaramillo Jaime Vallejo Jaramillo 3Petrobras-Colombia, Carrera 7, No 71-21, Torre B. Edificio Bancafé, Bogotá, Colombia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (2008) 120 (7-8): 930–949. https://doi.org/10.1130/B26186.1 Article history received: 26 Jan 2007 rev-recd: 13 Nov 2007 accepted: 14 Nov 2007 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Andrés Mora, Mauricio Parra, Manfred R. Strecker, Edward R. Sobel, Henry Hooghiemstra, Vladimir Torres, Jaime Vallejo Jaramillo; Climatic forcing of asymmetric orogenic evolution in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. GSA Bulletin 2008;; 120 (7-8): 930–949. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/B26186.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract New apatite fission-track data, paleoelevation estimates from paleobotany, and recently acquired geological data from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia document the onset of increased exhumation rates in the northeastern Andes at ca. 3 Ma. The Eastern Cordillera forms an efficient orographic barrier that intercepts moisture-laden winds sourced in the Amazon lowlands, leading to high rainfall and erosion gradients across the eastern flank of the range. In contrast, the drier leeward western flank is characterized by lower rates of deformation and exhumation. In light of the geological evolution of the Eastern Cordillera, the combination of these data sets suggests that the orographic barrier reached a critical elevation between ca. 6 and ca. 3 Ma, which ultimately led to protracted, yet more focused erosion along the eastern flank. Sequentially restored structural cross sections across the eastern flank of the Eastern Cordillera indicate that shortening rates also have increased during the past 3 Ma. From fission-track and structural cross-section balancing, we infer that accelerated exhumation led to increasing tectonic rates on the eastern flank, creating a pronounced topographic and structural asymmetry in the Eastern Cordillera. The tectonic and climatic evolution of this orogen thus makes it a prime example of the importance of climatic forcing on tectonic processes. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.