RESUMO
In insect taxa with homogeneous external morphology, genital structures often emerge as essential traits for interspecific differentiation. In the tribe Ptomaphagini (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae), precise identification often depends on analyzing the male genital morphology, even at the genus level. Here, we present a new character for diagnosing the genera Paulipalpina Gnaspini & Peck, 1996 and Parapaulipalpina Gnaspini, 1996. This feature, which we dub 'paralobe', is a projection arising from the internal surface of the right lobe of the aedeagal apex. Based on its absence in other beetles, including other Ptomaphagini, we recognize it as a putative synapomorphy for those genera. The recognition of this previously overlooked structure adds important information for understanding the sequence of changes that occurred in the male genitalia among the genera of Ptomaphagini.
Assuntos
Besouros , Masculino , Animais , FenótipoRESUMO
Labrundinia is a highly recognizable lineage in the Pentaneurini tribe (Diptera, Chironomidae). The distinct predatory free-swimming larvae of this genus are typically present in unpolluted aquatic environments, such as small streams, ponds, lakes, and bays. They can be found on the bottom mud, clinging to rocks and wood, and dwelling among aquatic vegetation. Labrundinia has been extensively studied in ecological research and comprises 39 species, all but one of which has been described from regions outside the Palearctic. Earlier phylogenetic studies have suggested that the initial diversification of the genus likely occurred in the Neotropical Region, with its current presence in the Nearctic Region and southern South America being the result of subsequent dispersal events. Through the integration of molecular and morphological data in a calibrated phylogeny, we reveal a complex and nuanced evolutionary history for Labrundinia, providing insights into its biogeographical and diversification patterns. In this comprehensive study, we analyze a dataset containing 46 Labrundinia species, totaling 10,662 characters, consisting of 10,616 nucleotide sites and 46 morphological characters. The molecular data was generated mainly by anchored enrichment hybrid methods. Using this comprehensive dataset, we inferred the phylogeny of the group based on a total evidence matrix. Subsequently, we employed the generated tree for time calibration and further analysis of biogeography and diversification patterns. Our findings reveal multiple dispersal events out of the Neotropics, where the group originated in the late Cretaceous approximately 72 million years ago (69-78 Ma). We further reveal that the genus experienced an early burst of diversification rates during the Paleocene, which gradually decelerated towards the present-day. We also find that the Neotropics have played a pivotal role in the evolution of Labrundinia by serving as both a cradle and a museum. By "cradle," we mean that the region has been a hotspot for the origin and diversification of new Labrundinia lineages, while "museum" refers to the region's ability to preserve ancestral lineages over extended periods. In summary, our findings indicate that the Neotropics have been a key source of genetic diversity for Labrundinia, resulting in the development of distinctive adaptations and characteristics within the genus. This evidence highlights the crucial role that these regions have played in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of Labrundinia.
Assuntos
Chironomidae , Animais , Filogenia , Filogeografia , América do Sul , LarvaRESUMO
Biodiversity is proposed as a sustainable alternative for the economic development of high-biodiversity regions. Especially in the field of biodiversity genomics, the development of low-cost DNA sequencing opens an opportunity for new actors beyond academia to engage in genomic sequencing. However, it is challenging to adequately compensate non-academic actors such as local populations for their contribution to the innovation process, preventing better bioeconomy development. Although many repositories register genomic data to support biodiversity research, they do not facilitate the fair sharing of economic benefits. In this work, we propose the creation of the Amazon Biobank, a community-based genetic database. We employed blockchain to build a transparent and verifiable log of transactions involving genomic data, and we used smart contracts to implement an internal monetary system for all participants who collect, insert, process, store, and validate genomic data. We also used peer-to-peer solutions to allow users with commodity computers to collaborate with the storage and distribution of DNA files. By combining emerging technologies, Amazon Biobank provides adequate benefit-sharing among all participants that collaborate with data, knowledge, and computational resources. It also provides traceability and auditability, allowing easy association between biotechnological research and DNA data. In addition, the solution is highly scalable and less dependent on the trust deposited in any system player. Therefore, Amazon Biobank can become an important stepping stone to unlock the potential of bioeconomy in rich ecosystems such as the Amazon Rainforest.
Assuntos
Bancos de Espécimes Biológicos , Ecossistema , Humanos , Genômica , Bases de Dados Genéticas , DNARESUMO
Epicaerus panamensis Girn de Medeiros, a new species of broad-nosed weevil in the tribe Geonemini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) is described. Specimens have been collected on or around potato cultivars in Tierras Altas de Chiriqu, Panama. Field and habitus images, images of the male and female genitalia, an image of the feeding damage caused by the weevils on potato leaves, and a locality map are provided. The species is compared to the closely related Epicaerus inaequalis (Sharp, 1891), including a brief discussion regarding their morphological affinities and current taxonomic placement.
Assuntos
Besouros , Solanum tuberosum , Gorgulhos , Animais , Feminino , Masculino , PanamáRESUMO
Plants and their specialized flower visitors provide valuable insights into the evolutionary consequences of species interactions. In particular, antagonistic interactions between insects and plants have often been invoked as a major driver of diversification. Here we use a tropical community of palms and their specialized insect flower visitors to test whether antagonisms lead to higher population divergence. Interactions between palms and the insects visiting their flowers range from brood pollination to florivory and commensalism, with the latter being species that feed on decaying-and presumably undefended-plant tissues. We test the role of insect-host interactions in the early stages of diversification of nine species of beetles sharing host plants and geographical ranges by first delimiting cryptic species and then using models of genetic isolation by environment. The degree to which insect populations are structured by the genetic divergence of plant populations varies. A hierarchical model reveals that this variation is largely uncorrelated with the kind of interaction, showing that antagonistic interactions are not associated with higher genetic differentiation. Other aspects of host use that affect plant-associated insects regardless of the outcomes of their interactions, such as sensory biases, are likely more general drivers of insect population divergence.
Assuntos
Arecaceae/parasitologia , Gorgulhos/genética , Gorgulhos/fisiologia , Animais , Arecaceae/classificação , Especiação Genética , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Análise de Componente PrincipalRESUMO
Cotithene gorayebi Valente, da Silva de Medeiros, sp. nov. is the first species of Cotithene Voss, 1940 described from the Amazonian forest in Brazil. The new species differs from other described species of Cotithene by its integument color pattern dissimilar between sexes and by the procoxal cavities separated by only a narrow septum in both male and female. It furthers differs by the unique morphology of male and female genitalia. A previously published key and phylogenetic matrix to Cotithene species were each modified to include the new species. The historical trajectory of host associations (inflorescences of Cyclanthaceae) in Cotithene is reanalyzed with the inclusion of the host of the new species. Previously known species are believed to be non-pollinators of various Cyclanthaceae; however, field observations of adults of the new species on inflorescences in anthesis of Evodianthus funifer (Cyclanthaceae) strongly suggest that this may be the first species of Cotithene known to play a role as a pollinator of Cyclanthaceae.
Assuntos
Besouros , Gorgulhos , Animais , Brasil , Feminino , Florestas , Masculino , FilogeniaRESUMO
Sicoderus robini sp. nov. (type locality: Bolivia, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Buena Vista, El Cairo) is described and illustrated. The new species is assigned to the Sicoderus appendiculatus species group, compared with similar species of the group and with the two other species of Sicoderus that occur in Bolivia. The previously published key for species identification of the S. appendiculatus group is updated to include the new species.
Assuntos
Gorgulhos/classificação , Distribuição Animal , Estruturas Animais/anatomia & histologia , Animais , Bolívia , Ecossistema , Feminino , Masculino , Gorgulhos/anatomia & histologiaRESUMO
Three new species of the genus Anchylorhynchus from Colombia, are described: Anchylorhynchus pinocchio sp. nov., A. centrosquainatus sp. nov. and A. luteobrunneus sp. nov.. A morphological description, including the male genitalia, is provided for each species as well as a comparison with similar species within the genus. All three species are found in inflorescences of species of Syagrus Mart. (Arecaceae). The adults are pollinators and the larvae develop inside fruits and feed on the endosperm, interrupting seed formation and causing fruit abortion.
Assuntos
Besouros/classificação , Distribuição Animal , Estruturas Animais/anatomia & histologia , Estruturas Animais/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Animais , Arecaceae/parasitologia , Besouros/anatomia & histologia , Besouros/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Besouros/fisiologia , Colômbia , Feminino , Larva/anatomia & histologia , Larva/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Masculino , Tamanho do Órgão , PolinizaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Traditionally, epidemiologists have considered electrification to be a positive factor. In fact, electrification and plumbing are typical initiatives that represent the integration of an isolated population into modern society, ensuring the control of pathogens and promoting public health. Nonetheless, electrification is always accompanied by night lighting that attracts insect vectors and changes people's behavior. Although this may lead to new modes of infection and increased transmission of insect-borne diseases, epidemiologists rarely consider the role of night lighting in their surveys. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the epidemiological evidence concerning the role of lighting in the spread of vector-borne diseases to encourage other researchers to consider it in future studies. DISCUSSION: We present three infectious vector-borne diseases-Chagas, leishmaniasis, and malaria-and discuss evidence that suggests that the use of artificial lighting results in behavioral changes among human populations and changes in the prevalence of vector species and in the modes of transmission. CONCLUSION: Despite a surprising lack of studies, existing evidence supports our hypothesis that artificial lighting leads to a higher risk of infection from vector-borne diseases. We believe that this is related not only to the simple attraction of traditional vectors to light sources but also to changes in the behavior of both humans and insects that result in new modes of disease transmission. Considering the ongoing expansion of night lighting in developing countries, additional research on this subject is urgently needed.