Jujuy Province Research Articles

New Cingulata (Mammalia, Xenarthra) from the late Neogene Palo Pintado Formation (Northwestern Argentina)

Cingulata (Early Eocene-Recent) is a very well-diversified clade that reached a high diversity during the early Neogene. In southern South America, there is an evident imbalance in our knowledge of the Neogene diversity along the Northwestern region of Argentina (NWA) compared to the Pampean region (PR), despite the importance of NWA to understanding the hypothetical evolutionary scenarios of several clades. The Palo Pintado Formation (ca. 10–5 Ma) is one of the richest units in NWA, involving both the global warming of the Tortonian (ca. 11.6–7.25 Ma) and the global cooling event of the Messinian (ca. 7.25–5.33), coeval with the widespread of the C4 plants. Despite this, Cingulata from this Formation are still poorly known. Interdisciplinary fieldwork at Calchaqui Valley (Angastaco Basin) yielded several new remains, including Chlamyphoridae Euphractinae Proeuphractus limpidus, Chorobates villossisimus and Prozaedyus sp.; Dasypodidae Dasypus sp.; Pampatheriidae Kraglievichia paranensis; and Glyptodontidae Cranithlastus xibiensis. The “armadillos” P. limpidus, Prozaedyus sp., and Dasypus sp. increase the previously known diversity. The record of Dasypus sp. reinforces recent hypotheses extending the biochron of the genus to the Late Miocene in NWA. The recognized taxonomic diversity of glyptodonts, limited to one species, contrasts with that known from other coeval formations placed both in the south (Andalhuala and Corral Quemado formations, Catamarca Province) and the north (Maimará and Tafna formations, Jujuy Province), revealing a complex biogeographic scenario for this clade during this period. The analyzed deposits are interpreted as accumulated within the channel and formed during episodes of large discharges of water and sediment mostly under a warm subtropical climate, tough there is an aridization recorded at ca. 6 Ma, which is probably related to the increase in the taxonomic diversification of Cingulata along the stratigraphic sequence.

Update on the diversity of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) in the province of Jujuy (Argentine Republic)

The first records of Proarna inignis Distant, Dorisiana metcalfi Sanborn & Heath, Guyalna cuta (Walker), Quesada gigas (Olivier), Carineta crassicauda Torres, and Herrera umbraphila Sanborn & Heath are provided for the province of Jujuy. Included are the first provincial records for the genera Dorisiana Metcalf, Guyalna Boulard & Martinelli, and Quesada Distant. The additions increase the known cicada diversity 66.7% bringing the total known alpha diversity in Jujuy to 15 species representing 11 genera, five tribes, and three subfamilies.

Early Paleogene alkaline magmatism in the Subandean Ranges of Jujuy Province

The Zapla Range (Jujuy province) represents the southern edge of the central Andean Subandean Ranges in Argentina. In the northernmost area of the Zapla Range, basaltic rocks are interbedded in the Mealla Formation. These volcanic units form part of the post-rift magmatism of the Salta rift basin, which mainly focused on the Lomas de Olmedo sub-basin to the east. In this paper, six of these basaltic occurrences are characterized on the basis of new geological, petrographic and geochemical data, in order to explore their emplacement, petrogenesis and possible tectonic setting during rift evolution. Peperites in the upper contact of sills evidence the interaction between basalts and unconsolidated or poorly consolidated wet sediments. This implies that there was concomitance between sedimentation and subsurface magma emplacement, suggesting a Paleocene age for the magmatic event according to zircon U-Pb data available for Mealla Formation rocks. Other basaltic units show hipocrystalline textures and lack peperites at the top, which points to their extrusive nature. Additionally, some of these lava flows are spatially associated with pyroclastic deposits that reveal the occurrence of explosive hydrovolcanic eruptions. The study rocks are classified as alkaline basalts and basanites with high Mg# and Ni- and Cr-rich compositions, close to primitive magmas. They show affinity with continental intraplate settings. The analyses of Ba/Nb, Nb/La, (La/Yb)N, (La/Sm)N, (Gd/Yb)N and (Dy/Yb)N ratios, as well as normalized trace and rare earth element patterns, suggests a genesis by low degrees of partial melting of a residual garnet-bearing mantle source. Therefore, basalts from this part of the Subandean Ranges evidence a magmatic episode probably linked to an extensional reactivation stage of the Salta Group rift system in the Lomas de Olmedo depocenter during the Paleocene (∼60 Ma).

First report on the occurrence of psoroptic mange in llamas (Lama glama) of the Andean region.

An outbreak of Psoroptes sp.-caused mange was detected in a llama herd of Larcas, Jujuy province, Argentina. Infested llamas showed alopecia, erythema, hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, and inflammation of the ear pinnae, as well as crusts and serous, serosanguineous, or purulent drainage with unpleasant smell in the external ear canal. Microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings revealed 0.5- to 0.7-mm-long acari identified as Psoroptes sp. based on their morphology. Histology showed a typical allergic reaction with perivascular to periadnexal mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences analyzed from the sampled acari clustered into a single P. ovis clade including sequences isolated from rabbits and bighorn sheep, with P. natalensis as a sister taxon that infested bighorn sheep from the USA. Phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome b sequences showed three well-supported clades, one of which contained the sequences of the Larcas llamas and US bighorn sheep isolates. This is the first report on P. ovis infestation of llamas raised in their original location. Investigations on mange etiological agents acting on South American camelids and their distribution are necessary to implement control strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of these parasitic infections.

The ferns of Calilegua National Park, Jujuy, Argentina: A look through their spores. Second part

This work is part of a bigger project to study the spore morphology of isosporous ferns growing in the Calilegua National Park (CNP), in the province of Jujuy, Argentina. This park belongs to the phytogeographic region of the Yungas, where climatic and terrain conditions are optimal for the growth of ferns. The aim of this work is to present the morphology of the spores of 53 taxa corresponding to 6 families of isosporate ferns that grow in this protected area. The study was carried out with herbarium material and field trips. The families studied are Hymenophyllaceae, Ophioglossaceae, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, Thelypteridaceae and Woodsiaceae. According to the spore aperture type, 24 taxa are monolete and 29 trilete. The spores are yellowish, light to dark brown or brown greenish. The largest spores belong to Pleopeltis tweediana and the smallest to Polyphlebium angustatum. The ornamentation observed were echinae, folds, wings, reticles, cristae, verrucae or rugulae. The spores of 35 species are illustrated for the first time under the light microscope and five species with scanning electron microscope. An identification key of the spores is also provided. The morphological characteristics of the spores allowed the identification of 16 species, contributes to spore bank analysis, aero and palaeopalynological studies and taxonomic identifications.

The impact of microbial mats in promoting record of Maastrichtian crocodylomorph tracks from Yacoraite Formation, Argentina

Here we report tetrapod tracks from a stratigraphic level of Maastrichtian age in the Yacoraite Formation (Maimará ichnosite, Jujuy Province, Argentina). The ichnological material consists of convex hyporeliefs whose formation was induced by growth of microbial mats in an upper subtidal-lower intertidal setting. Ichnological features that are recognized in tracks and traces allowed to include them into the categories of ‘punting tracks’ and ‘buoyancy tracks’. These categories suggest swim behaviours of the producers, which are tentatively interpreted as crocodylomorphs. Reconstruction of the filling process leading to tracks preservation and inclusion into the geological record enabled reconstructing at least two different phases of mats development, one dominated by chemical precipitation and the other by trapping and binding of coated grains and other particles. These two phases of mat growth are related to slightly changing energetic conditions of the palaeoenvironment and further support a marine origin for the unit. Finally, it is suggested that biologically induced, in-situ mineral precipitation promotes fast formation of overtracks through early lithification achieving preservation of tetrapod tracks well before their complete filling.

First record of Oligosarcus itau (Characiformes: Characidae) outside the type locality, and second after the description

Specimens of Oligosarcus itau Mirande, Aguilera & Azpelicueta, 2011 were collected in different environments in the province of Jujuy, expanding the distribution of the species to the San Francisco River basin, a tributary of the Bermejo River. It is the second record of the species (there were only four specimens known to date that correspond to the Type series and one additional specimen) and the first outside the type locality.

Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician) graptolites from Sierra de Lina and Cauchari, Argentine Puna

This contribution reports two graptolite assemblages from the Puna Turbidite Complex, outcropping in Sierra de Lina and Cauchari locality, western Puna, Jujuy and Salta provinces, Argentina. In Sierra de Lina, the graptolite assemblage comprises Didymograptus sp., Glossograptus fimbriatus, Cryptograptus schaeferi, Archiclimacograptus sp., Pseudamplexograptus distichus, Pseudamplexograptus latus, ?Urbanekograptus retioloides and Hustedograptus sp. The graptolite fauna collected from Cauchari locality includes Didymograptus spp., Archiclimacograptus caelatus, Archiclimacograptus sp. cf. A. micidus, scarce and incomplete specimens doubtfully referred to the genera Archiclimacograptus and Acrograptus and scarce siculae of Cryptograptus sp. The associations allow us to identify the Pseudamplexograptus distichus Zone in Sierra de Lina and possibly the Pterograptus elegans Zone at Cauchari locality. Graptolite assemblages recorded in both zones allow assigning a middle‐late Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician) age for the bearer levels.

Birth weight in the Northwest region of Argentina. Comparison with a national reference and an international standard.

Introduction. Size at birth is subject to genetic and environmental influences; altitude is highly influential. Birth weight (BW) is the most widely used indicator to assess size at birth; different standards and references are available. Due to the variability in BW distribution in relation to altitude in the province of Jujuy (Argentina), the purpose of this study is to analyze the percentile distribution of BW in the highlands (HL) and the lowlands (LL) of Jujuy based on gestational age (GA) and sex and compare it with a national reference and the INTERGROWTH-21st (IG-21) international standard. Population and methods. The records of 78 524 live births in Jujuy in the 2009-2014 period were analyzed. Using the LMS method, the 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th percentiles of BW/GA by sex were estimated for the HL (≥ 2000 MASL), the LL (< 2000 MASL), and the total for Jujuy, and compared with the Argentine population reference by Urquía and the IG-21 standard using growth charts. The statistical significance was established using the Wilcoxon test. Results. BW in Jujuy showed a heterogeneous distribution, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the LL and the HL. When compared with the national reference and the IG-21 standard, differences in terms of altitude were observed, mainly in the 90th and 97th percentiles for both regions and the 3rd and 10th percentiles in the HL compared with the international standard. Conclusions. BW distribution varied in association with altitude; therefore, to assess intrauterine growth, it is critical to include GA and the environment in which the pregnancy takes place.

Botanical quality controls and uses of Origanum vulgare L. products and their impact on food security in the province of Jujuy - Argentina

In Argentina, a nation committed to prioritizing food quality, there is a pressing necessity to fortify quality control systems and establish stringent standards ensuring food safety. This study aims to scrutinize commercial samples of Origanum vulgare L. in the province of Jujuy, Argentine Republic, with the objective of assessing their authenticity and overall quality. Both macroscopic and microscopic techniques were employed to analyze composition and verify identity. Simultaneously, a thorough examination of product labels was conducted to ensure compliance with food regulations. Ethnographic techniques, including merchant interviews, were utilized to gather comprehensive insights. The findings reveal considerable variability in the composition of "oregano" samples, with instances of foreign elements such as stones and dust detected in some cases. Microscopic identification unequivocally confirmed the presence of contaminating elements. Notably, the majority of industrial products adhered to labeling standards, while a mere 10% of artisanal samples achieved similar compliance. The study also unveiled diverse culinary and medicinal applications for the examined oregano samples. These discoveries underscore the imperative for heightened oversight to guarantee the quality and purity of oregano products. The correlation between microscopic results and previous studies bolsters the reliability of this analytical approach. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the paramount importance of instituting policies and programs that advance food security. The proposed methodology emerges as an effective means to enhance quality control in the marketing of plant products in the province.

Intra-basin Early Miocene volcanism at the Northern Puna-Eastern Cordillera boundary, province of Jujuy, Argentina

The limit between the Puna and the Eastern Cordillera is an area of geological complexity where Cenozoic tectonic, volcanic and sedimentary processes overlap. In this contribution, we describe the Early Miocene volcanic and subvolcanic manifestations located on the border between Northern Puna and Eastern Cordillera, analyzing their relationship with the foreland basin sedimentary succession. We present a new age of 17.94 ± 0.17 Ma (40Ar/39Ar hornblende) for the volcanic rocks, located in the middle Member of the Moreta Formation, as well as new geochemical analysis, showing andesitic-trachydacitic compositions belonging to the high K-calcalkaline series. In addition, we have studied the subvolcanic bodies intruded in the Río Grande Formation, from we which propose an early post-depositional emplacement. In both cases, we present brief considerations about the chemical composition of both study sites, since in the case of Moreta Formation the rocks are high K-calcalkaline andesites while in the case of Río Grande Formation, they are somewhat more undersaturated in silica and enriched in K (shoshonitic series). The new data we presented evinces an event of intra-foreland basin volcanism, mafic to intermediate in composition, at 18 Ma in the Northern Puna-Eastern Cordillera transition.

New locality records for unusual species of sigmodontine rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from Northwestern Argentina

The Sigmodontinae is a highly diverse subfamily of rodents that represents almost 30% of the mammalian species present in northwestern Argentina. However, the distribution of several species is delimited on the basis of scarce records. We add new localities for four poorly known species of rodents (Abrothrix andina Philippi 1858, Abrothrix jelskii Thomas 1824, Neotomys ebriosus Thomas 1894, Auliscomys sublimis Thomas 1900) in the High Andes of Jujuy and Salta provinces. We duplicate the number of known localities for A. jelskii in Salta, including the lowest known elevation record in Argentina and added the second known locality for Jujuy province. Furthermore, we add four new localities for A. sublimis, including the westernmost locality in Argentina, and reported for the first time this species at a departmental political division in NWA. Finally, we report the first departmental record for both A. andina and N. ebriosus in Valle Grande.

Molecular detection of reproductive symbionts and parthenogenesis experiments in Tuta absoluta from Argentina: facing potential for sustainable and specific pest control strategies

AbstractTomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a key pest of tomato crops. Specific and environmentally friendly control strategies against this pest, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT), are under development and sexual reproduction has emerged as a key focal point to ensure its success. In the present study, we analyzed four representative T. absoluta populations from Argentina, focusing on the molecular detection of endosymbionts potentially associated with reproductive abnormalities and on determining whether parthenogenesis can occur under laboratory conditions. Larvae of T. absoluta were collected in commercial tomato plantations from La Plata and Mar del Plata (both in Buenos Aires province), Bella Vista (Corrientes province), and Yuto (Jujuy province). Tuta absoluta adults were evaluated by standard PCR for the presence of reproductive endosymbionts (Wolbachia sp., Spiroplasma sp., Arsenophonus sp., Cardinium sp., and Rickettsia sp.). For parthenogenesis assays, 20–23 virgin females from each T. absoluta geographic population were life‐long isolated in Petri dishes with a tomato leaf. Fecundity, fertility, and female longevity were estimated and compared with results from mated females from each population. Our results showed the presence of a unique endosymbiont (Wolbachia sp. supergroup B, sequence type 41). Fecundity of the unmated females was significantly lower than fecundity of mated females in all T. absoluta populations. In addition, unmated females only laid infertile eggs. In conclusion, the absence of parthenogenesis in T. absoluta from representative geographic populations supports the implementation of SIT and mating disruption as effective control strategies against this pest in Argentina.

Somatotype altitudinal variation and its relationship with the nutritional status of children in the Jujuy province, Argentina.

To study the somatotype variations adjusted by altitude, age, sex, and BMI categories, and to assess the health status of the children population. A sample of 460 children aged 8-13 years was assessed in a cross-sectional study conducted on anthropometric measurements between 2011 and 2015. Data were categorized into two age groups: Group 8-10, Group 11-13 and two altitudes: Highland (>2000 masl), lowland (<2000 masl). The somatotypic profile was determined by the Heath and Carter's study method and the Body Mass Index was used to assess children nutritional status. Generalized linear latent variable models (GLLVM) were performed to test the association between somatotype and geographic altitude. Individual age-sex specific somatotypes were plotted in a two-dimension somatochart, and group dispersion was displayed by the somatotype attitudinal mean. The sample has an overall endomorph-mesomorph body type, exhibiting different patterns when altitude and sex were considered. The GLLVM showed that the whole somatotype was different by altitude. Highland children occupied central to endomorphic-mesomorphic places in the somatochart with lower variation. In both altitudes, girls exhibited higher endomorphy than boys. Several discrepancies between the BMI categorization and the somatotype were observed. Jujenean children show differential body patterns across geographic altitude which exhibit age and sex variations. Children have a differential tendency to a fat mass gain. The BMI showed some inconsistencies with somatotype, leading to a misclassification of the child nutritional status, this highlights the importance of not to treat the BMI in isolation but with other determinants of the health status.

Drosophila suzukii in Argentina: new reports, review, and expansion of its distribution

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, 1931 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive pest species that causes damage to fruit crops due to premature deterioration of ripe fruits by oviposition inside them. A review of D. suzukii detections in Argentina was carried out and we updated this list with the results of our sampling in the Northwest, Cuyo and Northeast regions. The surveys carried out determined the first detections in the provinces of Jujuy and Córdoba, revealing the continuous geographical expansion of this species.

Paleoparasitological and Archaeobotanical Studies of Fecal Remains from the Argentine Puna (Pueblo Viejo de Tucute archaeological site, province of Jujuy, 11th to 15th centuries)

ABSTRACT Paleoparasitological and archaeobotanical studies provide useful information to reconstruct past scenarios where humans and animals inhabited. However, multi-proxy studies including these research lines are scarce. Here we applied paleoparasitological and archaeobotanical techniques to study a carnivore coprolite and a dung ball from Pueblo Viejo de Tucute archaeological site, in the Argentine Puna. Among parasites, Physaloptera sp., acantocephalan, and ascaridid-like eggs were identified, which shed light on potential parasitic infections and their possible implications for human health. Regarding the botanical evidence, morphotypes related to wild – Prosopis sp. and Geoffroea decorticans – and cultivated plants -Solanum tuberosum and Zea mays- were identified. In addition, pollen grains corresponding to the Amaranthaceae-Chenopodiaceae complex, the families Asteraceae, Myrtaceae and Poaceae, and the genera Taraxacum, Atriplex and Nototriche were found. Also, six diatom genera: Denticula, Pinnularia, Encyonema, Cocconeis, Surirella and Rhoicosphenia were identified. These botanical results suggest that the animals were living with humans or wandering around the settlements, which reinforce the hypothesis of possible zoonotic infections. This is the first ancient dung ball analyzed for this kind of study, proving to be a valuable source of information. Altogether, the results provide novel data to reconstruct paleoecological conditions of the region, which complement the available archaeological information.

Eutrombicula cochinocaensis n. sp.: a chigger (Trombidiformes: trombiculidae) parasite of camelids (Cetartiodactyla: camelidae) in Argentina

ABSTRACT The known chigger fauna of Argentina comprises 17 species organized in the families Trombiculidae (10) and Leeuwenhoekiidae (7). The present study describes a new species of Eutrombicula with drawings, phase contrast microscopy images, and SEM images. This chigger was collected parasitizing a vicuna in Abra Pampa City, Jujuy Province. It is the first time a chigger from Argentina has been collected from the family Camelidae. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:48F5F4EE-27CD-4FB5-959D-6ED3137D84C5

GIBBOMYUS FAVRETI SP. N. (HEM. APHIDIDAE MACROSIPHINI), A SECOND SPECIES IN THE GENUS

Gibbomyzus is recorded for the first time in South America; it was known in Costa Rica and Mexico. Gibbomyzus favreti sp. n. is described from apterous and alate viviparous females collected in Salta and Jujuy provinces (Argentine Northwest) on Jungia polita Griseb. (Asteraceae) and on an unidentified species of climbing dicot. It is the second species of Gibbomyzus Nieto Nafría, Pérez Hidalgo, Martínez-Torres and Villalobos Muller, 2013 (Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini). The differences between Gibbomyzus and Delfinoia Nieto Nafría &amp; Mier Durante, 2017 are provided, the latter genus being established after Gibbomyzus. The features that allow differentiating G. favreti sp. n. from the type species of the genus, G. pteridophytorum, are also provided. The possibility that other species of Gibbomyzus are still to be discovered is commented on. Key Words: Gibbomyzus, Aphididae, new species, South America, Argentina, Jungia polita.

Are white-lipped peccaries from Argentinean Yungas looking to a promising future?

ABSTRACT The white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is considered a key species for its role as an ecosystem engineer. Given their important ecological function, there is a great concern in the scientific community regarding the many reports of disappearances or great abundance reductions throughout its distribution (from southern Mexico to northern Argentina). Based on an extensive survey effort, we report new data of presence of WLP after a period of no detections in the Argentine Yungas. The study was conducted in the Yungas ecoregion, provinces of Jujuy and Salta, Argentina. Data was collected from camera trap, direct sightings and footprints during 2013–2021. From a total of 30,186 trap nights, we obtained 8 WLP detections. There were no detections before 2017, while as of 2018 there was at least one camera trap record in each of the years. Additionally, opportunistic records were obtained yearly from 2019 to 2021. The period without detections could be related to a period of a population cycle, as suggested in different regions of America during the last century, being disease the most likely cause. These cycles generally follow a pattern of a rapid population decline, a period of absence or low abundance followed by slow population growth. We believe that if the trend continues and the number of detections increases, we could be facing the early stages of the increase phase in the WLP population cycle in the Argentine Yungas. This type of report is important to document and contribute to a better understanding of the WLP population cycle process.

Genetic characterization and pollen viability of a natural putative hybrid of Begonia boliviensis × B. micranthera (Begoniaceae) from Argentina

ABSTRACT An orange-flowered natural putative hybrid of Begonia boliviensis × B. micranthera was recently discovered from Calilegua National Park in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Propionic hematoxilyn method was applied to study its chromosomal behavior during meiosis, Müntzing’s stain solution was used to determine pollen grain fertility and ITS2 and rbcL sequences were amplified to help confirm the parentage of the putative hybrid. This plant has a gametophytic chromosome number of n = 13, very regular meiotic behavior and an intermediate percentage of viable pollen compared to other studied natural putative hybrids. The ITS2 sequence data support the parentage of the putative hybrid begonia but sequence comparison shows its ITS2 sequence is more similar to B. micranthera than to B. boliviensis. The molecular marker rbcLa revealed that there are no differences between the sequences for B. boliviensis, B. micranthera and the putative hybrid. Begonia boliviensis × B. micranthera is a diploid plant that, due to its moderately high pollen fertility (43.3%) compared to other natural Begonia hybrids (which are often sterile) and regular meiosis, would likely be able to self-cross or cross with other begonia taxa.