Rocky Fields Research Articles

Insect galls of the Chapada Diamantina, Rio de Contas, Bahia, Brazil

We surveyed insect galls and their host plants in areas of Caatinga and Cerrado in the municipality of Rio de Contas, in the extreme south of the Chapada Diamantina (Bahia state), between 703 and 1,897 m altitude, in order to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of local biodiversity. The survey was conducted in eight locations, adopting the random walking methodology for sampling, four in Caatinga and four in Cerrado, covering distinct phytophysiognomies (cerrado sensu stricto, gallery forest, shrubby caatinga, riparian forest, and rocky field). Eighty-four different insect gall morphotypes were reported, 48 (57.14%) of them on 42 host species in Cerrado and 36 (42.86%) on 24 host species in Caatinga. Most galls occurred on leaves (48.72%) and were globoid (53.76%), glabrous (52.92%), isolated (55.44%), usually one-chambered (61.32%), and brown (25.2%). The gall-inducing insects identified belonged to Lepidoptera (n = 1), Thysanoptera (n = 1), Hemiptera (n = 2), and Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) (n = 16). This was the first inventory of galls in the Chapada Diamantina, so all records are new for the region. We also recorded the first occurrences of galls on two Cerrado plant species and on two in the Caatinga. We found a significant positive correlation between gall richness and plant species richness, suggesting that radiation of gall-inducing insects may be associated with plant species richness.

Can flowers help to disentangle the Vriesea oligantha complex (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae)? Taxonomic implications and contributions to the floral anatomy and biology of Stigmatodon

Abstract The Vriesea oligantha complex comprises Vriesea lancifolia, Vriesea oligantha, and Vriesea pseudoligantha, which were recently transferred to Stigmatodon. Such species exhibit strong morphological convergence to live in rocky fields, which makes difficult their identification in the wild or in herbarium specimens. In a previous work, leaf characters helped in the species delimitation and evidenced a new taxon. Considering that morphology, anatomy, and aspects of floral biology can contribute to better define species limits and to indicate potential pollinators, individuals from nine populations of V. oligantha complex were comparatively studied. The typical V. oligantha is mainly distinguished by tubular flowers, with simple petal appendages and diurnal anthesis. The remaining individuals studied from different populations exhibit campanulate corollas, with denticulate petal appendages and nocturnal anthesis, not allowing for the separation of V. lancifolia, V. pseudoligantha, and a fourth taxon. Floral anatomy is less variable than the external morphology, with little contribution to the species delimitation; however, it is helpful in the circumscription of Stigmatodon. The infralocular septal nectaries and the floral features provide evidence that the main pollinators of campanulate and tubular flowers are bats and hummingbirds, respectively. Specific pollinator guilds in combination with fragmented populations may explain the limited gene flow amongst populations.

The endotrophic nidicolous tadpole of Cycloramphus eleutherodactylus<br>(Miranda-Ribeiro) (Anura: Cycloramphidae)

Cycloramphus Tschudi is the most speciose genus in the family Cycloramphidae, including 30 species endemic to the Atlantic forest Domain in Brazil (Frost 2022). Species in the genus may be classified as saxicolous and terrestrial based on morphology and reproductive mode. Saxicolous are flat-bodied species, with granular skin, and interdigital web (Heyer 1983a), associated with fast-flowing streams in all life history phases. They lay eggs over humid rocks, logs, or crevices in the splash zone, from which semiterrestrial tadpoles hatch (McDiarmid & Altig 1999; Dias et al. 2021) that feed over humid rocks inside the stream or dripping rocky walls (Lutz 1929; Heyer 1983a, b; Haddad & Sazima 1989; Giaretta & Cardoso 1995; Giaretta & Facure 2003; Lima et al. 2010). The single exception to this pattern is C. bandeirensis Heyer 1983a, which share the morphology of adults and larvae, but lives terrestrially, away from streams, in the rocky fields of open high elevation grasslands of Caparaó National Park (Verdade et al. 2019).

Overlooked species diversity in the hyper‐arid Sahara Desert unveiled by dryland‐adapted lizards

AbstractAimHyper‐arid sandy and rocky fields rank among the least biologically diverse habitats of the desert biome, yet knowledge of local biodiversity patterns is also extremely poor. In the Sahara Desert, palaeoclimate oscillations affected the extent of hyper‐arid habitats, but it is unclear how these dynamics determined the evolution and distribution of local specialists. Herein, we assessed cryptic diversity, diversification patterns and spatial connectivity within a Sahara‐widespread group of dryland‐adapted lizards.LocationSahara‐Sahel ecoregions.TaxonAcanthodactylus scutellatus species group.MethodsInter‐ and intraspecific phylogenetic structure, divergence times, spatial genetic patterns and cryptic diversity were assessed using nuclear and mitochondrial loci. The effects of topography and land cover on phylogeographic structure and diversity were tested with generalized linear models. Interspecific hybridization was evaluated using 11 microsatellites across the group's major sympatry zone, predicted based on ecological niche models.ResultsSpecies of Acanthodactylus scutellatus group exhibit Late Miocene origins, followed by extensive intraspecific divergence throughout the Pliocene. The northern Sahara worked as a major diversification hotspot, harbouring a patchwork of small‐ranged, divergent lineages. These lineages are parapatric or sympatric and present concordant nuclear and mitochondrial differentiation, suggesting species status. Genetic connectivity increases in southern latitudes, with wide‐ranging lineages spanning from the Red Sea to the Atlantic coast. Within these potential corridors, mountain outskirts and sand fields in the Sahara interior seemingly acted as origins for recent population expansions. Genetic diversity and connectivity are favoured by terrain roughness and soft‐sand cover respectively. Three species inhabit the Atlantic Sahara sympatry zone without evidence of gene flow.Main conclusionsOverlooked species‐level diversity within a major specialist group of Sahara drylands exposes the recurrent knowledge shortfalls present in hyper‐arid desert environments. Humidity and sandy habitat shifts triggered potential successions of population isolation and re‐connectivity, which favoured cladogenesis in northern desert regions and population expansions across southern east–west corridors.

Geomorphic contexts and science focus of the Zhurong landing site on Mars

As part of the Tianwen-1 mission, the Zhurong rover successfully touched down in southern Utopia Planitia on 15 May 2021. On the basis of the new sub-metre-resolution images from the High Resolution Imaging Camera on board the Tianwen-1 orbiter, we determined that the Zhurong rover landed at 109.925° E, 25.066° N at an elevation of −4,099.4 m. The landing site is near the highland–lowland boundary1 and multiple suspected shorelines2–7. Under the guidance of the remote sensing survey, the Zhurong rover is travelling south for specific in situ investigation. Supported by the six payloads on board the rover8, its initial key targets are rocks, rocky fields, transverse aeolian ridges and subsurface structures along the path. Extended investigation will aim at troughs and cones in the distance. A better understanding of the formation mechanisms of these targets may shed light on the historical volcanism and water/ice activities within the landing area, as well as the activities of the wind. These results may reveal the characteristics and evolution of the ancient Martian environment and advance the exploration of the habitability of ancient Mars.

Two New Species of Doryopteris (Pteridaceae) from Brazil

Two new species of Doryopteris from Brazil are described and illustrated: Doryopteris spiritu-sanctensis, a monomorphic species endemic to low and middle elevation coastal forests in Espírito Santo, and Doryopteris alata, a small dimorphic species endemic to high elevation, rocky fields within the savannas (cerrados) of Goiás.

<strong>Three new Brazilian Myrtaceae</strong>

Eugenia leucogyna, Myrcia acutisepala and M. pirapama are proposed as new species, described and illustrated; additionally, conservation status is proposed for them. Eugenia leucogyna, from the northern Brazilian state of Pará, is related to E. egensis, but differs by its indumentum; Myrcia acutisepala, from rocky fields from the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, is close to M. eriocalyx, but differs by its glabrous leaves and longer sepals; and M. pirapama, also from rocky fields from Minas Gerais, is related to M. hebepetala, but differs by its leaves with longer petioles and shorter blades and acute and larger sepals.

A new species of Liolaemus (Reptilia: Squamata) of the Liolaemus capillitas clade (Squamata, Liolaemini, Liolaemus elongatus-kriegi group) from Sierra de Velasco, La Rioja Province, Argentina.

A new species of the Liolaemus capillitas clade is described. Liolaemus galactostictos sp. nov. differs from other members of its group by a combination of morphological and molecular traits, in particular its black dorsal coloration pattern not found in any other Liolaemus species. Liolaemus galactostictos sp. nov. is only known from its type locality. This new species is found in rocky fields surrounded by grasslands on the top of the Velasco Mountains, a ¨sky island environment¨, in northwestern Argentina. As well as other members of its clade this species seems to be strictly saxicolous, viviparous and feeds on insects.

Modern pollen rain analysis from Itapuã State Park (Parque Estadual Itapuã), RS, Brazil.

Itapuã State Park is located in the municipality of Viamão, between the 30º 20 'and 30º 27' S and between 50º 50' and 51º 05' W, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The Park is one of the state conservation units, maintaining remnants of the Atlantic forest, rocky fields vegetation, coastal forest, "vassoural," mixed grassland, moist, bathed and juncal plains. Artificial pollen traps were installed inside the park, between forest and human-modified field. The study presents a morphological description of 34 plant families, represented by 47 different pollen grains and monilophyte spores (including exotic taxa), unpublished data for the park's palinoflora. Quantitative data revealed the presence of 77% of non-arboreal pollen grains, 20% of arboreal pollen grains, 2% of monilophyte spores and 1% of other that can be both arboreal and non-arboreal pollen grains. Non-arboreal pollen grains, especially Poaceae, dominated in all the traps, even those located in forest areas. The dominance of the human-modified fields around collectors and winds from the northeast influenced the dispersion of these grains. Exotic pollen grains of the Betulaceae family, of Andean origin, also occurred in the pollen rain, resulting from dispersion by atmospheric currents of long distances.

Morphological and Anatomical Variations of Roots, Leaves, Peduncles, and Peduncle Bracts in the Vriesea oligantha Complex (Bromeliaceae): Perspectives for Taxonomy

Abstract—Vriesea is one of the genera of Bromeliaceae with the highest morphological diversity, including species of difficult recognition, many of them forming complexes, such as the Vriesea oligantha alliance. Morphological and anatomical comparative studies of vegetative and reproductive organs proved to be useful to solve such species complexes, besides indicating adaptive radiation. We analyzed comparatively the anatomy of roots, leaves, peduncles, and peduncle bracts of different populations found in rocky fields of Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil, with a taxonomic goal. In all the individuals studied the roots are composed of a velamen, a heterogeneous cortex, and a polyarch vascular cylinder, features that are common in the family. The leaves are covered by peltate trichomes and exhibit a hypodermis on both sides of the blade and a chlorenchyma composed of arm cells forming air lacunae between the collateral vascular bundles. The presence of subepidermal fiber strands in the leaves differentiates the populations of Minas Gerais from those of Bahia. The peduncle has an atactostele with compactly arranged cells in the cortex and pith. The peduncle bracts exhibit a greater number of peltate trichomes on the abaxial surface and secretory channels occur in the mesophyll. A cluster analysis (UPGMA) based on leaf morphology and tank channel diameter generated a dendrogram with four main clusters, which correspond to V. lancifolia, V. oligantha, and V. pseudoligantha, plus another taxon. Intraspecific variations in the color and margin shape of leaves and peduncle bracts are interpreted as adaptive responses to environmental factors, mainly luminosity.

Paepalanthus fabianeae (Eriocaulaceae): A New Microendemic Species from a Morphologically Coherent Clade

Abstract—We describe and illustrate Paepalanthus fabianeae, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the central portion of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Previous phylogenetic evidence based on analyses of nuclear (ITS and ETS) and plastid (trnL-trnF and psba-trnH) sequences revealed P. fabianeae as belonging to a strongly supported and morphologically coherent clade containing five other species, all of them microendemic, restricted to the Espinhaço range. Due to the infrageneric classification of Paepalanthus being highly artificial, we preferred not assigning P. fabianeae to any infrageneric group. Paepalanthus fabianeae is known from two populations growing in campos rupestres (highland rocky fields) in the meridional Espinhaço Range. The species is characterized by pseudodichotomously branched stems, small, linear, recurved, and reflexed leaves, urceolate capitula, and bifid stigmas. Illustrations, photos, the phylogenetic position, and a detailed description, as well as comments on habitat, morphology, and affinities with similar species are provided. The restricted area of occurrence allied with threats to the quality of the habitat, mainly due to quartzite mining, justifies the preliminary classification of the new species in the Critically Endangered (CR) category using the guidelines and criteria of the IUCN Red List.

Allelopathic Potential of Hesperozygis ringens Extracts on Seed Germination of Soybeans and Beggarticks

Hesperozygis ringens L., popularly known as espanta-pulga, is a native shrub found in rocky fields in Rio Grande do Sul. Its leaves produce a lot of essential oil, which contains pulegone as a main component that may be allelopathic. The objectives of this study were to analyze the allelopathic effects of H. ringens leaf extracts on the germination and initial development of soybean seeds and to evaluate the herbicidal potential of these extracts on beggarticks (Bidens pilosa L.). The seeds were placed on paper embedded in an aqueous extract of H. ringens leaves at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and maintained in a germination chamber at 25 °C and a photoperiod of 12 h. The tests included the following: germination, first germination count, germination speed index, and length and dry mass of seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized. Based on the results, the aqueous extracts of Hesperozygis ringens leaves had a detrimental effect on the germination and seedling growth of the soybeans and beggarticks, evidencing their allelopathic action.

<p><strong>Checklist of the Bromeliaceae of the Serra do Cabral, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with a description of a new species</strong></p>

An illustrated checklist of the species of Bromeliaceae from the Serra do Cabral, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil is presented, including 20 species in 11 genera from three subfamilies. Subfamilies Tillandsioideae and Bromelioideae each contain eight species, which mainly inhabit rocky fields. Tillandsia is the most diverse genus, with six species. Subfamily Pitcairnioideae contains four species, including Dyckia spinulosa, as well as Dyckia oscari, a new species described and illustrated herein.

Anurans of the Caparaó National Park and surroundings, southeast Brazil

Abstract The Atlantic Forest (AF) is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, and the most fragmented biome of Brazil. This biome includes different phytophysiognomies, as riparian, slope, cloudy forests, and grasslands. Such complexity, allied to huge latitudinal and high elevational range, provides diverse habitats and conditions for amphibian speciation. As a result, there are over 600 amphibian species known to occur in the AF. Within this biome the Caparaó National Park (CNP) is relevant, as it includes the highest peak of the biome, the Pico da Bandeira at almost 3,000 m above sea level, as well as different phytophysiognomies as rocky fields and humid forests. In spite of that, its amphibian fauna is still poorly described. We inventoried amphibians at the CNP and surrounding areas from 2016 to 2018 and recorded 47 anuran species, of which two are locally endemic and at least six have not been described yet. Additionally, we compiled data from previous surveys (2004 to 2008) and secondary data from scientific collections. All together, we registered a total of 61 anuran species from 12 families for the CNP and surroundings, placing this area among the 10 amphibian richest sites in the AF. Some of these species are represented by only one or two collected specimens and have not been registered in the CNP since the 1980’s, such as Thoropa lutzi and Hylodes vanzolinii. These species could be examples of population declines or even past local extinctions, highlighting the need of further sampling efforts in that highly biodiverse site.

A New Species of Caupolicana Spinola, 1851 (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) from Brazil, with Taxonomic Notes on Related Taxa

The bee genus Caupolicana Spinola is most diverse in temperate South America, and poorly represented in Brazil, where only two species (C. gaullei Vachal and C. lugubris Smith) were hitherto known. Here, a third species of the genus (C. rupestris Zama, Ferrari, Coelho and Silveira sp. nov.) in that country, is being described, from the ‘rocky fields’ of Minas Gerais state. Additionally, the male terminalia and the female of C. gaullei are described for the first time. A key to the Brazilian species of Caupolicana is also given.

Chemical diversity of the volatiles of Lippia rotundifolia Cham. (Verbenaceae) in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Lippia rotundifolia is an aromatic species, native and endemic to rocky fields, which are isolated by small mountains. It is little known about their chemical composition. Because of that we aimed to study the chemical diversity of volatiles released from rosemary leaves (Lippia rotundifolia Cham.) coming from 11 populations of the Minas Gerais, Brazil. The material for chemical analysis was obtained from the accessions in the active germplasm bank of the Instituto de Ciências agrárias of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. A total of 67 compounds were detected by HS-CG-MS. Most volatiles were detected in the São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras accession, with 40 compounds, whereas in the Santana do Riacho accession only 5 compounds were detected. Volatiles myrcene, linalool and caryophyllene were detected in the majority of the accessions. We concluded that Lippia rotundifolia presents high chemical variability. The volatiles mircene, linalool and caryophyllene are the most frequent, detected in most of the accessions. Due to some accession to present predominance of monoterpenes, others sesquiterpenes, studies of molecular analysis are necessary for associate the chemotypes, since environmental variation influence the gene expression of the secondary metabolites.

Biotechnological potential of plant growth-promoting bacteria from the roots and rhizospheres of endemic plants in ironstone vegetation in southeastern Brazil

Microorganisms associated with plants have a great biotechnological potential, but investigations of these microorganisms associated with native plants in peculiar environments has been incipient. The objective of this study was to analyze the plant growth-promoting bacteria potential of cultivable bacteria associated with rare plants from the ferruginous rocky fields of the Brazilian Iron Quadrangle. The roots and rhizospheres of nine endemic plants species and samples of a root found in a lateritiric duricrust (canga) cave were collected, the culturable bacteria isolated and prospected for distinct biotechnological and ecological potentials. Out of the 148 isolates obtained, 8 (5.4%) showed potential to promote plant growth, whereas 4 (2.7%) isolates acted as biocontrol agents against Xanthomonas citri pathotype A (Xac306), reducing the cancrotic lesions by more than 60% when co-inoculated with this phytopathogen in Citrus sinensis plants. Moreover, other 4 (2.7%) isolates were classified as potential bioremediation agents, being able to withstand high concentrations of arsenite (5mM As3+) and arsenate (800mM As5+), by removing up to 35% and 15% of this metalloid in solution, respectively. These same four isolates had a positive influence on the growth of both the roots and the aerial parts when inoculated with tomato seeds in the soil contaminated with arsenic. This is the first time that an investigation highlights the potentialities of bacteria associated with rare plants of ferruginous rocky fields as a reservoir of microbiota of biotechnological and ecological interest, highlighting the importance of conservation of this area that is undergoing intense anthropic activity.

Vriesea roberto-seidelii (Bromeliaceae): taxonomy, distribution, and conservation based on new records from the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Vriesea roberto-seidelii is redescribed based on new specimens from Espírito Santo and from Rio de Janeiro states. It is a poorly recorded species, currently represented only by a few incomplete specimens in Brazilian herbaria. Beside the limited taxonomic treatment, we show illustrated photos with additional material supplied to complement the morphology and geographical distribution. Although originally described as related to V. lancifolia, we believe that this taxon is morphologically more closely related to V. longiscapa, from which it can be distinguished by the size of the flowering plant, size of the inflorescence and peduncle, floral bract and petal characteristics. Our data also indicate that its provenance, as mentioned for the type specimen, is incorrect. Rather than occurring in rocky fields from Chapada Diamantina habitats, the species is confined to sandy coastal plain vegetation from southern Bahia, northern Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro. Pictures of live specimens, updated distributional map, and additional specimens are presented.

Anatomy of vegetative organs, inflorescence axis and pedicel in the Neoregelia bahiana complex (Bromeliaceae): taxonomic and ecological importance

Delimitation of genera and species in Bromeliaceae is often problematic, for example in the Neoregelia bahiana complex which is distributed throughout the rocky fields of the Espinhaço Range, Brazil. Considering that the anatomical characterisation of different organs is potentially important for taxonomic and ecological interpretation of this complex, we analysed roots, stems (stolon), leaves, inflorescence axes (peduncle) and pedicels in individuals from different populations. In all the studied individuals, the roots are composed of velamen, a heterogeneous cortex, and a polyarch vascular cylinder with sclerenchymatous pith. The stolon features a parenchymatous cortex and collateral vascular bundles randomly distributed in the vascular cylinder. This organ may increase in diameter by the formation of new vascular bundles and a multi‐layered cork. The leaf blade has epidermal cells with U‐shaped thickened walls and peltate scales occur on the adaxial surface. The mesophyll consists of mechanical and water‐storage hypodermis and a heterogeneous chlorenchyma. The inflorescence axis and the pedicel have a parenchymatous cortex and vascular bundles randomly distributed in an aerenchyma. Some variable leaf characters, such as presence of air lacunae in the mesophyll, are related to the size of the individuals and were interpreted as phenotypic variations related mainly to sunlight incidence. In contrast, leaf characters such as lamina shape, distribution of the peltate scales, and number of cell layers forming the water‐storage hypodermis distinguish the populations of the Serra do Cabral and one population of the Diamantina (Minas Gerais) from the remaining studied populations, suggesting the existence of more than one taxon.

Pollen morphology in Brazilian species of Gloxiniinae (Gesneriaceae): variation in apertures and pattern of ornamentation

Gloxiniinae comprises herbs and subshrubs usually growing on rocky outcrops, rocky fields or gallery forests. For Gesneriaceae in some cases variations in pollen morphology allow the differentiation of genera and species. We studied the pollen grains of ten Brazilian species of Gloxiniinae (Gesneriaceae), including the genera Chautemsia, Gloxinia, Goyazia, Mandirola and Seemannia with the purposes of describing the pollen morphology of these genera, and contributing to the taxonomic characterization of the group and a better delimitation of genera and species of Gesneriaceae. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, photographed and described qualitatively. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and multivariate statistics. Non-acetolyzed pollen grains were observed in SEM and TEM in order to provide more details of the ornamentation and the structure of the exine. The analyzed species differ as to the pollen amb, shape, length, width and ends of colpi, presence or absence of margo, type of endoaperture and exine ornamentation. We found circular, subcircular and subtriangular amb, oblate spheroidal and subprolate shape, long or very long colpi, narrow, wide or very wide, with or without margo, lalongate or lolongate endoaperture in microreticulate or reticulate pollen grains. The reticulate ornamentation appears in the Gloxinia species’ pollen grains, and lolongate endoapertures represent the pattern for the subtribe pollen grains except in Chautemsia. The pollen grain metrics examined by principal component analysis allow generic distinction. We conclude that qualitative and quantitative pollen data help to delimit the genera and species of Gloxiniinae.