Toxorhynchites (Lynchiella) caatingensis sp. nov. (Diptera: Culicidae) from the semi-arid region of Brazil

This publication describes a new species of mosquito of the genus Toxorhynchites Theobald, 1901, subgenus Lynchiella Lahille, 1904. The species was found during an exploratory survey of the Culicidae in the Caatinga biome, which is unique to Brazil and characterized by a semi-arid climate. Because of the specific characteristics of the biome, it has potential for endemism of species that have adapted to its restrictive conditions, particularly those imposed by severe drought. The new species, Toxorhynchites (Lynchiella) caatingensis, is a phytotelmic species that inhabits bromeliads and has an unknown biology. It belongs to a species complex that is hereafter referred to as the Violaceus Complex, which comprises three species that are found in the same type of habitat and have similar morphology: Tx. caatingensis n. sp., Tx. mariae (Bourroul, 1904) and Tx. violaceus (Wiedemann, 1820). We describe the larva, pupa, adult female and male genitalia of specimens collected as larvae from the tank bromeliad Aechmea aquilega (Salisb.) Griseb. The main distinctive characteristics of the species are the presence of three lateral tufts on the terminal abdominal segments (one pale and the others dark); a blue midline on the abdominal sterna; in the pupa, the pentagonal shape of the paddle and the length of seta 6-V. PCR reactions were carried out for the mitochondrial CO1 gene fragment, which placed the new species in the subgenus Lynchiella. No match was found with any species recorded in GenBank. The subgenus now includes 17 species.

A case of communal egg-laying of Gonatodes albogularis (Sauria, Sphaerodactylidae) in bromeliads (Poales, Bromeliaceae)

The Neotropical Yellow-Headed Gecko Gonatodesalbogularis commonly use cavities in the trees as a microhabitat for egg-laying. Here, we present the first record of this species in Colombia using the tank bromeliad Tillandsiaelongata as nesting sites, along with the occurrence of communal egg-laying in that microhabitat.

Biomass and abiotic variables change in phytotelmic environment in the tank-bromeliad Nidularium longiflorum Ule in tropical forest

Aim Phytotelm plays an important role in plant growth and ecosystem functioning, but this natural aquatic microcosm is poorly known. We evaluated the seasonal (dry and rainy seasons) and spatial variations (forest trail and stream sites) of the phytotelm in Nidularium longiflorum, bromeliad that occurs in the Atlantic Forest. Methods Abiotic and biotic variables were measured in tank-bromeliad phytotelms. The biomass was analyzed by ash-free dry mass and chlorophyll-a concentration. Results Abiotic variables measured in the phytotelmic environment of bromeliads varied between sampling sites and seasons. Temperature, electrical conductivity and total nitrogen values were significantly different between seasons and sites. Chlorophyll-a and ash-free dry mass (organic matter) in phytotelm were significantly different between sampling sites. Eleven genera of algae in the phytotelm were identified. PCA axis 1 ordination evidenced the seasonal variation of environmental conditions. Conclusions Our findings suggest that environmental and micro-environmental conditions do not favor the development of algal community in the phytotelm. Biomass and abiotic variables in phytotelm of Nidularium longiflorum change seasonally, however biomass accumulation was strongly influenced by site characteristics.

Assessing the role of canopy cover on the colonization of phytotelmata by aquatic invertebrates: an experiment with the tank-bromeliad Aechmea lingulata

<p>The presence of canopy cover may influence the amount of organic detritus and stored water in bromeliad tanks and, consequently, the colonization of these ecosystems by aquatic invertebrates. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of canopy cover on the colonization of the tank-bromeliad<em> Aechmea lingulata </em>in the restinga, an ecosystem composed of a variety of plant communities in the sandy coastal plains of Brazil. We hypothesized that the taxonomic composition of invertebrate communities would differ between bromeliads covered and not covered by a dense canopy (shaded and unshaded bromeliads). Prior to the beginning of the experiment, bromeliads of similar size were carefully washed to remove all organisms and organic detritus, and their tanks were filled with 1.0 L of spring water. On days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90, four bromeliad tanks of each shade treatment were sampled to determine invertebrate communities, stored water and organic detritus. Average daily values of water temperature and light intensity were higher in unshaded than in shaded bromeliads. The amount of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) and stored water did not differ between treatments, but the amount of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) was higher in shaded bromeliads. Ostracoda, Hydracarina and Oligochaeta were the most abundant taxa in bromeliad tanks. Among insects, Culicidae, Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae were the most representative. Invertebrate colonization occurred quickly and values of abundance were higher in unshaded bromeliads compared to shaded bromeliads. The values for biomass and richness did not differ between treatments or colonization times, and the taxonomic composition of invertebrate communities was similar throughout the experiment. Our results showed that canopy cover had a small influence on the colonization of tanks of <em>A. lingulata</em> in restinga, not corroborating the proposed hypothesis. These findings were likely due to the lack of variation in environmental conditions that are relevant to the colonization process, such as stored water and FPOM. However, because the amounts of CPOM were higher in shaded bromeliads, the taxonomic composition of invertebrate communities could have differed if typical shredders were present.</p>