Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Bark and Ambrosia Beetles in a Brazilian Tropical Dry Forest

Abstract: The tropical dry forest is under constant threat from many anthropic activities which are conducted indiscriminately, modifying the forest, and therefore, affecting species that are closely related to its phenology, such as longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae). The spatio-temporal variation of the cerambycid diversity in two fragments of tropical dry forest (Reserva Campesina la Montaña and La Flecha) in the Caribbean region of Colombia was analyzed. At each locality, four squared plots were delimited, and the beetles were collected with fruit traps, beating sheets and manual capture, and with light traps in the center. Five hundred eighty-seven specimens representing 128 species were collected, of which members of the tribe Ectenessini (Cerambycinae) were the most abundant. At the subfamily level, Cerambycinae was the most abundant (465 specimens) and diverse (73 species), followed by Lamiinae and Prioninae. The highest values of richness (110 species), abundance (428), biomass (21.18 g), and as well as the highest values of true diversity (1D= 73.44, 2D= 34.30) were found during the first precipitations. Regarding beta diversity, temporal variation was determined and mainly explained by a high percentage of turnover (> 70%). Lastly, the high diversity of Cerambycidae was associated with high values of relative humidity and canopy cover during the rainy season. This showed that the structure of the cerambycid community in the tropical dry forest of the Caribbean region of Colombia depends on these variables, which are closely related to precipitation.

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COMPOSICIÓN VEGETAL, PREFERENCIAS ALIMENTICIAS Y ABUNDANCIA DE BIBLIDINAE (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE) EN UN FRAGMENTO DE BOSQUE SECO TROPICAL EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DEL ATLÁNTICO, COLOMBIA

Acta Biológica Colombiana ◽

10.15446/abc.v20n3.42545 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 79-92 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

María Angélica VARGAS- ZAPATA ◽

Carlos José BOOM- URUETA ◽

Leidys Isabel SEÑA-RAMOS ◽

Alba Lucia ECHEVERRY-IGLESIAS ◽

Neis José MARTÍNEZ HERNÁNDEZ

Keyword(s):

Woody Plants ◽

Tropical Dry Forest ◽

Basal Area ◽

Dry Forest ◽

Forest Fragment ◽

Plant Composition ◽

Components Analysis ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Determining Factor

Se analizó la variación espacio-temporal de la abundancia de las mariposas de la subfamilia Biblidinae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) en un fragmento de Bs-T en la Reserva Campesina La Montaña (RCM), Atlántico, Colombia; desde enero hasta agosto de 2011. Se marcaron cuatro puntos dentro del área de estudio, donde se ubicaron trampas Van Someren–Rydon cebadas con calamar en descomposición, fruta fermentada y con una mezcla de los anteriores cebos. Adicionalmente, se realizó una caracterización de la vegetación por punto, para lo cual se tomaron datos de diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP), altura y tamaño de la copa para todas aquellas plantas leñosas con DAP mayor o igual a 2,5 cm. Se capturaron 76 individuos agrupados en seis especies y cuatro géneros; destacándose Hamadryas februa (Hübner) como la más dominante con 32 individuos. El mes de marzo presentó la mayor riqueza y abundancia (6 especies y 25 individuos) durantes las primeras lluvias en la zona. El punto 3 presentó los valores más altos de diversidad y abundancia de Biblidinae (5 especies y 37 individuos) y la mayor densidad de árboles (D= 0,28 individuos/m2). Se demuestra que la estructura de este grupo de mariposas presenta un patrón temporal y espacial en esta reserva. El análisis de componentes principales demostró que el área basal total (ABT) y la Densidad (D) de plantas leñosas, pueden considerarse como un factor determinante en la distribución y abundancia de las especies de la subfamilia Biblidinae en la RCM.Plant Composition, Feeding Preferences and Abundance of Biblidinae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in a Tropical Dry Forest Fragment in the Department of Atlántico, ColombiaThe abundance and spatio-temporal variation of butterflies of the Biblidinae subfamily (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in a fragment of Tropical dry forest at the Reserva Campesina La Montaña (RCM), Atlántico, Colombia; from January until August 2011, was analyzed. Within the study area four points were marked; Van Someren-Rydon traps were placed.in each point using rotten squid, fermented fruit and a mixture of both as bait. In addition, a characterization of the vegetation by point was performed, taking data of the diameter to the breast height (DBH), height and size of treetop of all woody plants with a DBH greater than or equal to 2.5 cm. In total 76 butterfly individuals grouped in six species and four genera were captured; being Hamadryas februa (Hübner) the most dominant with 32 individuals. The greatest richness and abundance was recorded in March (6 species and 25 individuals), during the first rains in the study area. The point 3 presented the highest values of diversity and abundance (five species and 37 individuals) of Biblidinae and the higher density of trees (D= 0,28 individuals/m2). The structure of this butterflies group presents a spatio-temporal pattern in this reserve. The principal components analysis showed that the total basal area (ABT) and the density (D) of woody plants, can be considered a determining factor in the distribution and abundance of species of the subfamily Biblidinae at the RCM.

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Spatial and temporal distribution and microhabitat use of aquatic breeding amphibians (Anura) in a seasonally dry tropical forest in Chamela, Mexico

Revista de Biología Tropical ◽

10.15517/rbt.v65i3.29440 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 65 (3) ◽

pp. 1082 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Martha I. Luna-Gómez ◽

Andrés García ◽

Georgina Santos-Barrera

Keyword(s):

Tropical Dry Forest ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Reproductive Activity ◽

Abundant Species ◽

Dry Forest ◽

Microhabitat Use ◽

Spatial And Temporal Distribution ◽

Breeding Sites ◽

Temporary Streams ◽

Seasonally Dry

The distribution of amphibians is affected by abiotic and biotic factors, availability of resources and the characteristics of reproductive sites. In particular, reproductive activity of aquatic-breeding anurans that inhabit tropical dry areas is affected by rainfall, which determines the availability and quality of reproductive sites. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of anurans with indirect development in a tropical dry forest in Western Mexico, during two rainy seasons (July 10-October 4, 2013, and June 26-September 26, 2014). We collected data on the occupancy and reproductive activity of 15 species in four temporary streams, and evaluated their relationship with precipitation, humidity and temperature. We determined richness, abundance and diversity of species in each stream; we also identified differences in the reproductive strategies and microhabitats used by the species. The most abundant species were: Tlalocohyla smithii and Exerodonta smaragdina, whereas the least abundant were Leptodactylus melanonotus and Incilius mazatlanensis. Species richness, abundance and reproductive activity peaked alongside the stream with the greatest number of breeding sites (e.g. pools). We found temporal segregation in the occupancy and reproductive activity of species in all streams which were mainly associated with precipitation. However, occupancy and reproductive activity of some species overlapped up to four weeks during part of the breeding season. Most species used specific substrates for particular reproductive activities (e.g. oviposition), but used a range of microhabitats (leaf-litter, water, rocks, branches, leaves, logs, etc.) for others (e.g. calling). We discuss these behavioral differences as factors that facilitate coexistence of species in this environment in the rainy season.

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