Species In Venezuela Research Articles

Peppers under Siege: Revealing the Prevalence of Viruses and Discovery of a Novel Potyvirus Species in Venezuela

Many plant virus outbreaks have been recorded in the last two decades, threatening food security around the world. During pepper production seasons in 2008, 2014, and 2022, virus outbreaks were reported from Lara (western) and Miranda (central) states in Venezuela. Three hundred seventy-three plants exhibiting virus-like symptoms were collected and tested for virus infection through reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The most prevalent viruses during the 2008 surveys conducted in Lara were potato virus Y (PVY, 66.25%), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, 57.50%), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV, 35%), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV, 23.75%), and tobacco rattle virus (TRV, 17.50%). This survey revealed for the first time that pepper is a natural host of AMV and TRV in Venezuela. A further, divergent potyvirus isolate was also detected in 23.75% of pepper plants from Lara state. In 2014, a follow-up survey after virus outbreaks reported in Lara and Miranda states also detected this divergent potyvirus isolate in 21.68% of pepper plants, with tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and PMMoV dominating the viral landscape (62.65 and 21.68% of tested plants, respectively). By comparison, the surveys revealed significant changes in viral community composition. The complete capsid protein (CP) sequence of the putative potyvirus was obtained from two pepper samples. According to the Potyvirus taxonomic criteria, these results suggest that the isolate represents a distinct virus species, for which we propose the name “pepper severe mottle virus” (PepSMoV). Virus outbreaks could be attributed to agricultural and environmental factors, such as climate change, the use of wastewater, the use of uncertified seeds, misuse of agricultural chemicals, transmission with food trade networks, and the development of new viral strains due to mutations and recombination and pathogen spillover. This study demonstrates the value of knowledge of the prevalence and distribution of viral species to recommend virus-resistant cultivars to replace susceptible ones, especially in virus hotspot areas.

Literature-based occurrences data of marine species in Venezuela.

Venezuela has suffered a severe academic and research management crisis and funding opportunities for marine research and data management have been practically absent. This has worsened over the past five years and, as a result, libraries and other institutional spaces have been repeatedly vandalised, with hundreds of records, specimens and historical data stolen, destroyed or burned. To avoid the loss of irreplaceable data on Venezuelan biodiversity, an initiative was promoted, aimed at digitising information to create a rich dataset of biodiversity records, with emphasis on marine protected areas for the country, as well as to fill gaps in the distribution and status of marine biodiversity in Venezuela. Nighteen (19) institutions in the country focusing on marine science have consistently produced a wealth of information about Venezuela's marine biodiversity in the form of specimen collections, unpublished sampled data and research theses through the work of hundreds of researchers and students. An inventory of available data sources at these national institutions was conducted under the National Biodiversity Data Mobilization Grant and the Biodiversity Information for Development Program, together with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) support. All recovered and processed datasets were published in the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) repositories. This occurrences data collection represents a major contribution to the marine biodiversity inventory in Venezuela. It is based on numerous published papers, reports, books and checklists provided by experts, covering a broad taxonomic collection from which we obtained species occurrences (present and absent), organised into 59 datasets containing 40,881 records. This represents a 28.49% contribution to the records of the Venezuelan marine biodiversity reported to the OBIS (143,513 records in the OBIS until November 2022). The extracted data showed 3,041 marine species, with representatives of each of the six kingdoms: Animalia, Chromista, Bacteria, Plantae, Fungi and Protozoa. The datasets provide information on occurrence since 1822, extending the temporal coverage of the species occurrence inventory for Venezuela, which was established in 1879 before this project. The number of records for Venezuela increased by 41.3% compared with the data available before the project. Most of the occurrences (63.47%) were registered in Marine Protected Areas. Data collection included records of non-native species, descriptions of new species and species listed under different IUCN categories.

Manta and devil ray species occurrence and distribution in Venezuela, assessed through fishery landings and citizen science data.

Manta and devil rays (collectively mobulids) belong to the monogeneric Mobulidae, which currently comprises 10 species, including a putative third manta ray species (Mobula cf. birostris). These large planktivorous rays are distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical oceans of the world. To date, six mobulid species are reported for the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, three of which had previously been reported in Venezuela (Mobula birostris, Mobula tarapacana and Mobula hypostoma). A preliminary assessment of fishery landings and citizen science data was conducted to further the scientific knowledge of mobulid species in Venezuela. Fisheries landing data were collected at Margarita Island between 2006 and 2007, and again in 2014. Data mining of internet search engines and social media platforms spanning the past two decades was also conducted. A total of 117 individuals of five mobulid species were recorded: Mobula sp. (n=27), M. birostris (n=36), M. tarapacana (n=3), Mobula mobular (n=26), Mobula thurstoni (n=14) and M. cf. birostris (n=11). The latter three species are the first confirmation of these species in Venezuela. The authors found no records of the previously reported M. hypostoma during this study. Although the occurrence of M. hypostoma in Venezuela remains possible because of the broad regional range of this species, its current presence in Venezuela is invalidated given the repeated misidentifications which have occurred in previous publications. The results of this study increase the number of reported mobulid ray species in Venezuela to five (excluding M. hypostoma). The overall data from juvenile manta rays and pregnant M. mobular and M. thurstoni recorded in this study, combined with the occurrence of all but one species of mobulid ray found in the western Atlantic Ocean, suggest Venezuela provides important habitat for this threatened family of rays.

Fecal pollution increases susceptibility to diseases in brown mussel Perna perna from cultured and wild populations

Maricultural systems for food production have expanded worldwide since the 2000s, including the production of brown mussel Perna perna - a key aquaculture species in Venezuela, South Africa, and Brazil. Bivalves grown in sewage-polluted areas can act as sources for human diseases given their filter-feeding behavior. Moreover, sewage can affect mussels' microbiota and fitness, thereby making them more susceptible to infections and diseases, leading to mortalities. In the present study, we investigated the impacts of coastal fecal pollution on P. perna pathological conditions. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were used to assess the microbiological quality in the seawater and mussels' hemolymph from four beaches located at Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Vermelha (VB), Icaraí (IB), and Urca (UB), where mussels are exploited for consumption and local market sale; and Jurujuba (JB) farming area where mussels are cultured. Additionally, mussels had their organs surveyed for pathological conditions and parasitic infection by histology. UB presented the highest FIB counts in seawater, followed by IB, JB and VB. Moreover, significantly lower values of total coliforms (TC) were found in mussels' hemolymph from VB and IB than JB and UB, which are probably related to differences in the hydrodynamic of these beaches; VB and IB are open beaches, while JB and UB are sheltered. Our findings suggest that mussel's hemolymph could be used as an indicator of the water quality. Mussels from VB and IB presented lower overall incidence of pathological conditions than ones from JB and UB, suggesting that higher fecal contamination increases mussel susceptibility to pathologies. Mussels from VB were associated with an elasmobranch parasite (Tylocephalum sp.) that indicate a conservative ecological dynamic. Our findings highlight that sewage inputs into coastal systems and farming areas raises the risks of parasitosis and diseases in mussels, which may compromise the quantity and quality of shellfish production and lead to economic losses. In response, public investments in urban planning and sanitary regulation close to coastal systems and farming areas are crucial to prevent future problems for the shellfish market and human safety, especially in developing countries such as Brazil.

Utility of a Fluid Library with Samples of Humans, Reservoirs and Vectors Collected in Filter Paper, for Retrospective Diagnosis of American Trypanosomiasis in Endemic Areas of Venezuela.

We define a fluid library as a library of samples of different biological fluids (from humans, animals or vectors) collected and properly stored on filter paper, which allows retrospective studies, especially of diagnosis or detection of infectious agents in these samples, using different techniques. The objective of this work was the retrospective diagnosis of American trypanosomiasis by PCR in a Venezuelan endemic area using a fluid library. A fluid library with samples that had been collected on filter paper, 5years ago, was used for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA. 165 blood samples of humans, 30 samples of 25 animals (Didelphis marsupialis, Canis familiaris, Equus asinus and Felis catus) and 8 samples of vectors from endemic areas of Anzoátegui state, were analysed by PCR. The results revealed that 16.4% of the humans samples were positive, 11.1% of those detected positive were children younger than 10years old, and 26.72% young people aged 11-20years, suggesting that T. cruzi infection has been active for the past two decades. 56% of the animal samples showed amplification; Didelphis marsupialis 66%, Canis familiaris 54.5%, Equus asinus 50%, and Felis catus 33.3%. On the other hand, positivity (50%) was detected in the studied vectors, of which the 3 most important species in Venezuela (Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma maculata and Panstrongylus geniculatus) were involved. The PCR using a fluid library allowed the detection of T. cruzi DNA in old samples from the three host of the epidemiological chain, suggesting that retrospective diagnosis can be made through this strategy and demonstrate that there has been active transmission, which helps to clarify the epidemiological situation in areas where there are no previous reports.

Serological and molecular survey of Leishmania infection in dogs from Venezuela.

Venezuela is a country where human and canine leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum, Leishmania braziliensis and other Leishmania spp. is endemic. However, only limited data is available on canine Leishmania infection in Venezuela. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of Leishmania infection in dogs (n=152) from the states of Lara (n=91) and Yaracuy (n=61) in Venezuela by means of serological and molecular methods. Physical examination was performed and blood samples were collected from all dogs. Serology for antibodies reactive with L. infantum and L. braziliensis antigens was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and detection of Leishmania DNA from blood samples was evaluated by kinetoplast Leishmania real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, Leishmania internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) RT-PCR was performed on the samples positive by kinetoplast RT-PCR. The prevalence of Leishmania infection based on serological and/or molecular techniques was 11.8%. The seroprevalence for L. infantum and L. braziliensis antigens were 2.1% (3/144) and 8.3% (12/144), respectively. All dogs from the state of Yaracuy were serologically negative to L. infantum while 4.6% (4/86) of the dogs were reactive to L. braziliensis antigen. Fourteen percent (8/58) of the dogs from the state of Lara were positive to L. infantum and 5.2% (3/58) to L. braziliensis antigen. Three dogs were positive to both Leishmania spp. antigens. By RT-PCR, 6.5% (4/61) and 4.4% (4/91) of the dogs were positive for infection in the states of Lara and Yaracuy, respectively. The RT-PCR product of one dog from the state of Yaracuy was sequenced revealing a 100% identity with L. infantum. However, all RT-PCR positive dogs were seronegative to both Leishmania spp. antigens. In conclusion, the positivity for Leishmania spp. infections observed indicates that dogs are frequently infected by L. infantum, L. braziliensis or related Leishmania spp. in Venezuela.

Tovomita nebulosa (Clusiaceae), a new species from Cerro de la Neblina, Venezuela

ABSTRACT Although the number of recently described Tovomita species is relatively high, much more remains to be done, given that each new survey of representative Amazonian collections reveals many potentially undescribed taxa. In the treatment for Tovomita published in Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana, at least six distinct morphotypes did not match any previously described species. Here we recognize morphotype “D” as a new endemic species from Cerro de la Neblina. Additionally, we provide an identification key to the Tovomita species in Venezuela.

El género Crenitulus en Venezuela (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) con descripción de doce nuevas especies

Los escarabajos del género Crenitulus han sido reportados para la región Neotropical y Australia. En Venezuela este género era desconocido completamente, y lo registro por primera vez en esta investigación. Describo doce nuevas especies de la familia Hydrophilidae pertenecientes al género Crenitulus en Venezuela. Se registra por primera vez en Venezuela con: Crenitulus amazonensis sp. nov., C. camachoi sp. nov., C. cherylae sp. nov., C. diferentis sp. nov., C. gamboa sp. nov., C. maluz sp. nov., C. marialuisae sp. nov., C. megnai sp. nov., C. nayariyaleskiae sp. nov., C. negrus sp. nov., C. perijanus sp. nov. C. venezuelensis sp. nov. y C. suturalis, colectadas en tres microhábitats: higropetrico, madi y ramentum. Se ilustran los habitus, órganos genitales, escleritos toráxicos y apéndices cefálicos. Se presenta una clave para identificar las especies y un mapa para la ubicación geográfica de las especies en Venezuela.

El género Liocanthydrus en Venezuela (Coleoptera: Noteridae) con descripción de dos nuevas especies

El género Liocanthydrus contiene especies raras, por ser poco abundantes y carecer de registros que indiquen su distribución. El género ha sufrido varios cambios taxonómicos, desde su primer estatus como subgénero hasta su estatus genérico actual. Se describen dos especies de Liocanthydrus (Noteridae: Noterini). Liocanthydrus ramosae sp. nov. y L. distintus sp. nov., ambas colectadas de forma manual, en dos microhábitats de agua dulce, de los ríos Aguaro y Orinoco, en los llanos de Venezuela. Se incluyen habitus de las especies presentes en Venezuela y las estructuras genitales de las dos especies descritas. Se construye una clave para identificar las especies de Liocanthydrus.

First records of Thyroptera lavali (Chiroptera, Thyropteridae) for the Guiana Shield with an updated distribution of Thyroptera species in Venezuela

Abstract The genus Thyroptera is composed of small insectivorous bats widely distributed in the Neotropics. Thyroptera lavali is an Amazonian species distributed in lowland rainforests of Peru, Ecuador and Brazil and in the Venezuelan Eastern Llanos. The goal of this study was to document new records of T. lavali for Venezuela and update the geographic distribution of Thyroptera species in that country. Based on specimens deposited in Venezuelan museums, we report the first record of T. lavali for the Guiana Shield and the second record for the Venezuelan Llanos. The external and cranial measurements of the analyzed specimens fall within the range previously reported for T. lavali; likewise, the qualitative characters are similar to what is known for the species. Additionally, derived from a search of records in databases, we report the first specimens of Thyroptera discifera for the Orinoco river basin. We confirm the presence of three species in Venezuela: T. discifera, distributed in the Cordillera de la Costa and Central and Western Llanos; Thryoptera tricolor, occurring in the Andes, Deltaic System and the Guiana Shield and T. lavali, recorded in the Eastern Llanos, Deltaic System and the Guiana Shield.

Taxonomic, nomenclatural and chorological reports on Carex (Cyperaceae) in the Neotropics

We present relevant data about the taxonomy, nomenclature, and chorology of nine species of the genus Carex from the Neotropics. We provide two new records for the South American continent, one of them an introduced species in Argentina and Uruguay (C.divisa), and the other an apparently naturally occurring species in Venezuela (C.buxbaumii), two new records for Central America in Costa Rica (C.setigluma) and Guatemala (C.phalaroides), and five other new records at the national level for Colombia (C.larensis, C. ownbeyi, C. tachirensis), Ecuador (C.haematopus) and Uruguay (C.catharinensis), as well as relevant regional records for two of these species in Venezuela (C.larensis, C. tachirensis). We also provide taxonomic observations on the poorly understood C. tachirensis. Finally, we lectotypify three names (C. larensis, C. niederleiniana and C. phalaroides) and propose the synonymization of C. tucumanensis with the earlier described C. niederleiniana.Citation: Jimenez-Mejias P., Strong M., Gebauer S., Hilpold A., Martin-Bravo S. & Reznicek A. A. 2018: Taxonomic, nomenclatural and chorological reports on Carex (Cyperaceae) in the Neotropics. — Willdenowia 48: 117–124. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.48.48108Version of record first published online on 5 April 2018 ahead of inclusion in April 2018 issue.

First Record of the Bat Ectoparasitic FlyStrebla proximaWenzel, 1976 (Diptera: Streblidae) from Brazil

We present the first record of Strebla proxima Wenzel, 1976 (Diptera: Streblidae) in Brazil. Our record in Pará state is 2,200 km SE from the nearest record and ends a 41-year hiatus with no records since the original description of the species in Venezuela. The collected specimens (1 male and 1 female) were found parasitizing a female of Peropteryx kappleri Peters, 1867 (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae). Host specificity and the reasons for such a temporal gap between records are discussed.

Using spatial patterns in illegal wildlife uses to reveal connections between subsistence hunting and trade.

Although most often considered independently, subsistence hunting, domestic trade, and international trade as components of illegal wildlife use (IWU) may be spatially correlated. Understanding how and where subsistence and commercial uses may co-occur has important implications for the design and implementation of effective conservation actions. We analyzed patterns in the joint geographical distribution of illegal commercial and subsistence use of multiple wildlife species in Venezuela and evaluated whether available data were sufficient to provide accurate estimates of the magnitude, scope, and detectability of IWU. We compiled records of illegal subsistence hunting and trade from several sources and fitted a random-forest classification model to predict the spatial distribution of IWUs. From 1969 to 2014, 404 species and 8,340,921 specimens were involved in IWU, for a mean extraction rate of 185,354 individuals/year. Birds were the most speciose group involved (248 spp.), but reptiles had the highest extraction rates (126,414 individuals/year vs. 3,133 individuals/year for birds). Eighty-eight percent of international trade records spatially overlapped with domestic trade, especially in the north and along the coast but also in western inland areas. The distribution of domestic trade was broadly distributed along roads, suggesting that domestic trade does not depend on large markets in cities. Seventeen percent of domestic trade records overlapped with subsistence hunting, but the spatial distribution of this overlap covered a much larger area than between commercial uses. Domestic trade seems to respond to demand from rural more than urban communities. Our approach will be useful for understanding how IWU works at national scales in other parts of the world.

Exploration and conservation of Stylosanthes (Leguminosae) genetic resources in Venezuela

Stylosanthes Sw. is considered one of the economically most important tropical forage legumes. The genus is essentially Neotropical, and Brazil, Venezuela and Mesoamerica are the main centres of species diversification. In view of its importance, an extensive review of Venezuelan Stylosanthes genetic resources was carried out. Firstly, the known natural distributions of all 11 species based on herbarium specimens were georeferenced and mapped and, by comparing them with information of germplasm (=seed) collection site distributions, for each species regions were identified which in terms of collecting and safeguarding genetic resources of Stylosanthes had not been explored yet. Secondly, the actual status of the Stylosanthes collection in Venezuela in terms of collected seed samples and available germplasm is discussed, as is the need for further explorations, including targeting ecologically important locations. Finally, the different Stylosanthes species in Venezuela are grouped according to their perceived agronomic value and potential as forage for animal production systems, and recommendations are given regarding research, collection and preservation needs. Overall, this study compiled baseline information for future considerations of an important genetic resource in Venezuela. The endangerment of the three endemic species, Stylosanthes falconensis Calles et Schultze-Kr., Stylosanthes sericeiceps S.F. Blake and Stylosanthes venezuelensis Calles et Schultze-Kr. should be a major concern and warrants priority considerations for preservation.

<I>Ficus crateriformis</I> (Moraceae), a New Species from Venezuela

Abstract A new species of Ficus sect. Pharmacosycea, occurring in the Venezuelan Amazon, is here described and illustrated as Ficus crateriformis Pederneiras and Romaniuc. The new species shows similarities with F. carvajalii, F. macrosyce and F. pulchella although it is characterized mainly by the crateriform apex of the syconium, and leaf blades 12–19 cm long with 19–23 pairs of lateral veins. Discussions on taxonomy and geographic distribution are provided, as well as an identification key to the species in Venezuela.

Habitat use and relative abundance of the Spotted Paca Cuniculus paca (Linnaeus, 1766) (Rodentia: Cuniculidae) and the Red-rumped Agouti Dasyprocta leporina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae) in Guatopo National Park, Venezuela

The Spotted Paca Cuniculus paca and the Red-rumped Agouti Dasyprocta leporina are affected by habitat loss and hunting. In Venezuela, their conservation status is unknown, even within protected areas. The objective of this study was to estimate the relative abundance, activity patterns, habitat use, and effect of human activities on these species in Venezuela. To achieve this, 26 camera-trap stations (20.8km 2 ) were established in Guatopo National Park between February and April 2011, characterization of the habitat was undertaken and occupancy models were created. The relative abundance of the Spotted Paca was 1.62 captures/100trap-nights, with a fully nocturnal activity pattern. The relative abundance of the Red-rumped Agouti was 2.32 captures/100trap-nights, with a pronounced diurnal activity pattern. The occupation probability of the Red-rumped Agouti (0.61 SE 0.02) was higher than that of the Spotted Paca (0.27 SE 0.02). Spotted Pacas were mainly found in areas with mature forest and high tree density, whereas the Red-rumped Agoutis were most frequently found in valleys with little disturbed forest. A positive correlation was found between illegal hunting activities and areas occupied by the Spotted Paca. It is important to strengthen the park control measurements to reduce illegal hunting of Spotted Pacas.

Inventory of related wild species of priority crops in Venezuela

A prerequisite in any conservation programme of Plant Genetic Resources is estimation of diversity. The inventory of wild and naturalized relatives of priority crops in Venezuela (CWR) is based on the main Catalogues of Flora in the country, selecting taxa closely related to crops, according to the concepts of “gene pool” and “taxonomic group”. We included 47 genera, 217 species and 228 taxa belonging to 28 plant families. Among them, those with higher richness are: Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Araceae, Lauraceae, Dioscoreaceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae and Myrtaceae. Genera with a higher number of species are Xanthosoma, Persea, Dioscorea, Prunus, Psidium, Phaseolus, Solanum, Vigna, Capsicum, Manihot, Theobroma, Ipomoea and Oryza. A total of 26 endemic species are found, which belong to genera Xanthosoma, Persea, Dioscorea, Prunus and Manihot. The primary gene pool of crops include native species from genera such as Manihot, Solanum (Section Petota), Lycopersicon, Ananas, Capsicum, Dioscorea, Xanthosoma, Phaseolus, Theobroma, Ipomoea, Gossypium, Arracacia and Psidium. Genera with native species weakly related to crops are Saccharum, Persea, Ipomoea, Prunus, Vigna, Solanum (Section Melongena) and Daucus. Crop genera without native species in Venezuela are Allium, Musa, Brassica, Spinacia, Helianthus, Pisum, Lactuca, Citrus, Elaeis, Beta, Glycine and Triticum. Only a few taxa have already been evaluated according to the IUCN criteria, and Venezuelan accessions of crop wild relatives in national and international genebanks are very scarce.

Population Genetics of Agave cocui: Evidence for Low Genetic Diversity at the Southern Geographic Limit of Genus Agave

The Agave genus embraces many species with outstanding ecological and economic importance in the arid regions of the Americas. Even though this genus covers a broad geographic distribution, our knowledge on the population genetics of species is concentrated in taxa located in North America. Recently, it has been demonstrated that plant domestication decreases levels of genetic diversity in managed populations and increases population structure with respect to wild populations. We examined levels of allozyme diversity (N = 17 loci) and population structure of Agave cocui, the species at the southern limit of distribution of the genus. We sampled 7 wild populations (N = 30-35 individuals per population) representative of the geographic distribution of the species in Venezuela. Among the agaves studied, A. cocui has some of the lowest estimates of genetic diversity (H(e)[species] = 0.059, H(e)[population] = 0.054) reported until present. We propose that this condition is probably linked to the recent origin of this species in arid and semiarid regions of Colombia and Venezuela, probably through one or a few founder events. The lowest estimates of genetic diversity were associated with small populations in very restricted arid patches; but also with overexploitation of rosettes for production of fermented drinks and fibers. Santa Cruz de Pecaya, one of the 2 centers of economic use of agaves in northwestern Venezuela presented one of the lowest values of genetic variability, a sign suggesting that human impact represents a significant threat to the available genetic pool that this species possesses in the region.

Stylosanthes (Leguminosae, Dalbergieae)of Venezuela

Calles T. & Schultze-Kraft R.: Stylosanthes (Leguminosae, Dalbergieae) of Venezuela. — Willdenowia 40: 305–329. A1–A8. — Online ISSN 1868-6397; © 2010 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.40.40211 (available via http://dx.doi.org/)Stylosanthes is a predominantly New World genus of economic importance. After Brazil, Venezuela has the second highest Stylosanthes species richness. However, knowledge about the geographic distribution of most Stylosanthes species in Venezuela is scarce or not documented at all, and there has been no updated taxonomic revision of the genus. For the present revision, about 1000 herbarium specimens from 35 herbaria were examined, including 103 type specimens. Stylosanthes has a wide natural distribution in Venezuela and eleven species occur in the country: S. angustifolia, S. capitata, S. falconensis, S. gracilis, S. guianensis, S. hamata, S. humilis, S. scabra, S. sericeiceps, S. venezuelensis and S. viscosa, three of them being endemic. The present study clarifies the taxonomy of Stylosanthes in Venezuela and provides illustrations and a key to identify the species.

Amphibia, Hylidae, Osteocephalus exophthalmus Smith and Noonan, 2001: new country record and geographic distribution map, Venezuela

Osteocephalus exophthalmus Smith and Noonan is reported from Sierra de Lema in Venezuela, 190 km NW of the type locality in Guyana. This is the first record of the species in Venezuela.