On occurrence, habitat specificity and natural history of adult tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) near Manaus, Central Amazonia, and key to the larvae of tiger beetle genera

Over a seven year period from 1991 to 1997, 22 species of tiger beetles, representing nine genera, were recorded near Manaus, Brazil. In the Whitewaterfloodplains along the Rio Solimões-Amazonas (Ilha de Marchantaria), three diurnal species inhabit inundation forests and six species (two diurnal, four nocturnal) live in open areas. Data on their natural history and adaptation to living conditions in floodplains are presented. Fifteen species were located on non-flooded uplands (Reserva Florestal A. Ducke). Five diurnal species inhabit the forest floor, two species are canopy dwellers, and eight species (seven diurnal, one nocturnal) live in open areas on whitesand or laterite. Only one species, Pentacomia lacordairei, was found in both floodplain and upland forests. A key to the larvae of tiger beetle genera located near Manaus is presented.

Growth Rings, Increment and Age of Trees in Inundation Forests, Savannas and a Mountain Forest in the Neotropics

Investigations on growth zones of tropical trees were carried out and published since the beginning of our century.In tropical regions with severe annual dry seasons or inundation phases trees form annual rings. This is demonstrated for trees from Central Amazonian inundation forests and the Gran Sabana in Venezuela using a combination of several dendrochronological methods (wood anatomy, radiocarbon dating, ring width measurements).The occurrence of annual rings allows the determination of age and growth rate of trees. The growth rate depends on the growth strategy of the species and the growth conditions. At a given site growth rate shows a weak negative correlation with the specific gravity of the wood of trees from the upper story. Several reported ring width patterns are explained by the vegetation history of different forest stands.