Acta Zoológica Lilloana

Magíster Claudia Marcela Antelo 1967–2024

2025-04-01T10:41:17-03:00

Magíster Claudia Marcela Antelo (1967-2024) se graduó como Licenciada en Ciencias Biológicas con orientación en Zoología en la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, donde inició su especialización en Ornitología. Desarrolló su carrera en la Fundación Miguel Lillo desde 1989, contribuyendo significativamente a la reorganización de la Colección Ornitológica (COLFML) y realizando investigaciones sobre ecología de aves en la provincia.

En 2002 obtuvo su Magister en Manejo de Vida Silvestre en la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba con un estudio pionero sobre el impacto de Pinus elliottii en la avifauna de las Yungas. Sus trabajos científicos, publicados en revistas especializadas, analizaron la relación entre vegetación nativa y conservación de aves.

Miembro activo del Colegio de Biólogos, participó en su Consejo Directivo y Comité de Ética. Su legado científico y humano continúa inspirando a la comunidad ornitológica argentina.

New record of Ischnothele annulata (Mygalomorphae: Ischnothelidae) in San Juan extends its known western range

2025-02-26T11:30:04-03:00

We report the first record of Ischnothele annulata (Mygalomorphae: Ischnothelidae) for the province of San Juan, Argentina. This finding extends its known distribution, marking a new western limit with the nearest locations being Chepes and Quines in La Rioja and San Luis, respectively. The observed population is within the arid region of central-western Argentina, at the ecotone between the Arid Chaco and the Monte Desert.

After more than a century, second record of Lethocerus collosicus (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) in Honduras

2025-03-05T11:21:40-03:00

The second record of Lethocerus collosicus after more than 100 years is presented, based on a female collected on the island of Útila. In addition, comments are provided on the distribution and a previous GBIF record of this species in Honduras.

New record of the mysterious Speckled Rail (Coturnicops notatus, Aves: Rallidae) in Corrientes, Argentina

2025-03-06T11:48:21-03:00

The Speckled Rail (Coturnicops notatus) is a small, little-known rail with a wide but very disjunct distribution in South America. According to databases, there are fewer than 20 records in Argentina, occurring between May and November. Until now, there were records in Formosa, Chaco, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, Córdoba, La Pampa, and Buenos Aires. On August 4, 2024, around midnight, an individual was found disoriented in the center of Corrientes city, which was released the next day in an area of lagoons and wetlands. This record adds to another citizen science record from November 2023.

Morphofunctional anatomy, swimming behavior and conservation of Corydoradinae species from Northwestern La Plata basin

2025-03-11T09:21:51-03:00

This study focuses on endemic Corydoradinae species from the northwestern La Plata River basin, specifically Urkumayu micracanthus, Urkumayu gladysae, Urkumayu petracinii, and Hoplisoma osvaldoi, inhabiting piedmont high-altitude, fast-flowing Andean rivers. Using direct behavioral observations and morphometric analyses, we characterized their swimming behavior and its relationship to the morphology and their habitat conditions characterized by intense seasonal flooding during the summer. The findings reveal that Corydoradinae from these environments exhibit unique swimming behaviors, such as energy-efficient tripod-like resting postures, driven by negative buoyancy and streamlined body shapes. Morphological traits such as reduced pectoral and dorsal-fin spines and lower body depth enhance hydrodynamic efficiency. Comparisons with congeners from low-flow environments highlight evolutionary convergence within the species from different lineages. Conservation assessments reveal significant threats to these species, including habitat degradation, pollution, and anthropogenic disturbances, particularly for U. petracinii and U. gladysae, which are classified as Critically Endangered. This study underscores the critical importance of conserving these ecosystems, providing insights into the interplay between morphology, behavior, and environmental pressures, and advancing our understanding of species diversification in Neotropical freshwater ecosystems.

First record of Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera: Molossidae) and use of billboard posts as artificial shelters in El Palmar National Park, Entre Ríos, Argentina

2025-04-09T09:42:09-03:00

Bats use several types of shelters, both natural and artificial, which allow them resting, reproduction, breeding, among other fundamental activities. Some shelters can be used by two or more species, even from different bat families. In this paper, we report the first record of Molossops temminckii for El Palmar National Park (PNEP, Entre Ríos, Argentina) and the use of billboard posts as artificial shelters. Two posts were recorded being used as shelters by the species and in one of them we found a mixed colony of M. temminckii and Myotis sp. (Myotis cf. nigricans). The use of posts as artificial shelters may be related to the ease of occupying previously constructed holes, even in natural environments such as protected areas with a large availability of natural shelters. This work also allowed increasing the known number of bat species in the PNEP to six species.

Contribution to the trophic knowledge of Liolaemus darwinii (Squamata: Liolaemidae) in the El Encón locality, San Juan province, Argentina

2025-04-28T12:03:36-03:00

The present study was carried out to analyze the trophic consumption in the Liolaemus darwinii in El Encón locality, San Juan province, Argentina. Three random samplings were carried out using pitfall traps in a sandy site, made up of dunes, during the year 2019. The site is characterized by being highly degraded by human activities. A total of 40 adult specimens were captured and analyzed. In total, 371 prey items were counted, ranging from adult and immature stages of insects, arachnids and plant matter. The richness of items was 11 categories. The Shannon index was IH= 0.38, the diversity index IS= 1.2 and Simpson's dominance index IDS= 0.8. Liolaemus darwinii is mainly insectivorous, with an active foraging mode and specialized in the consumption of ants. This is the first trophic study of this lizard species in El Encón, San Juan province, Argentina.

Fungus For Fungus: Acromyrmex rugosus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) collecting on Gymnopilus cf. peliolepis (Agaricales: Hymenogastraceae) in a Brazilian dry forest

2025-03-26T10:29:03-03:00

This short note is a report of Acromyrmex rugosus collecting a slice of mushroom during its foraging. This behavior was already described for other Acromyrmex species, but our register of A. rugosus collecting Gymnopilus cf. peliolepis is unprecedented and present insights about this behavior. The ants collected were close to a nest of Atta sexdens. This is the first register of this behavior in these farming-ants from areas of Caatinga, with previous records only from the South and Southeastern regions of Brazil. Thus, future studies are needed to understand the benefits of ants belonging to A. rugosus to transport fungal species different from those cultivated by them, and we suspect that this foraging mode probably increase the dispersal of G. cf. peliolepis.

Un caso de leucismo en la tuza de la cuenca de México Cratogeomys merriami (Rodentia: Geomyidae) en el Valle de México

2025-04-15T09:28:28-03:00

Coloration patterns in wildlife species are basic adaptations for the survival of populations, acting in camouflage, mimicry, sexual selection and thermoregulation. Atypical cases of coloration of taxa are also common, such as leucism, which is a hypopigmentary variation of the skin or fur, which occurs throughout or partially on the body. Leucism has been associated with environmental factors, such as anthropized habitat, low-quality diet, radioactive contamination and effects of anthropogenic actions. Likewise, individuals with leucism are more frequent in small and isolated populations since inbreeding increases the possibility of recessive alleles being expressed. Despite the few records, several cases have been documented in rodents over time. During April and May 2020, the activity of a gopher with total leucism that inhabited a niche fragmented by a residential villa and a golf course was monitored. This work presents the first known case of leucism in Cratogeomys merriami for the State of Mexico.

New distributional data for the endemic Peruvian spider Andethele huanca Coyle, 1995, with notes on morphology and biogeography (Araneae: Ischnothelidae)

2025-04-15T09:28:24-03:00

The first photographs of preserved material of Andethele huanca Coyle, 1995 are presented based on a specimen collected in 2013 and deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia. Differences in the genitalia of paratypes from disjunct localities are discussed, which may represent separate species and require further investigation. A biogeographic map, including the new locality record herein, is presented of the species under its present composition.

First record of Hydra viridissima (Hydroida: Hydridae) in a freshwater environment of Corrientes, Argentina

2025-03-25T11:24:03-03:00

Hydra viridissima (Pallas, 1766) is reported for the first time in the city of Corrientes, Argentina, in a freshwater body. The specimens were attached to the roots of native aquatic plants and were found to be undergoing both sexual reproduction, with the presence of ovary and testis, and asexual reproduction through budding. The species was not
recorded again in this body of water during 2023 and 2024.

Possible Range Expansion of Asio stygius (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in Bolivia

2025-04-10T11:16:36-03:00

This study documents the range expansion of the Stygian Owl (Asio stygius) in Bolivia, adding three new records from the departments of Tarija and Santa Cruz, including urban areas. A notable specimen, MNKM.AV 6263, was identified during a review of specimens at the Noel Kempff Mercado Natural History Museum. This individual displays a coloration similar to the subspecies A. s. barberoi, known for its specialization in the Chaco region. However, its measurements differ from the reported standards for this subspecies, suggesting possible local variations or adaptations. In contrast, the remaining specimens examined exhibit typical characteristics of the subspecies A. s. stygius, found across diverse Bolivian ecosystems. These new records also indicate that A. stygius may be more adaptable to disturbed habitats and extend its presence further south, potentially connecting populations from northern Argentina. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring to confirm the presence and variability of these subspecies, thereby enhancing knowledge of the distribution and ecology of this species in Bolivia.

Unexpected feeding behaviour of the cotton stainer Dysdercus albofasciatus (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) in baits of forensic samplings

2025-03-25T11:23:58-03:00

Dysdercus albofasciatus, Berg 1878 (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) is a phytophagous bug native to South America and present in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is of economic interest as a pest of cotton Gossypium spp. and other Malvaceae. Last summer, in Buenos Aires province in Argentina, it has been spotted in forensic samples, rapidly colonising decomposing meat baits and feeding on them. In this article, we discuss possible causes that explain this opportunistic and occasional behaviour of D. albofasciatus when feeding on forensic baits during a prolonged dry period. This work is of great relevance since it presents the first record of this bug in forensic samples of decomposing meat baits, which it colonises rapidly and feeds on.In view of this curious record, we discussed the possible causes that could explain this behaviour. In this way, we analysed the climatic conditions of the region where the event was recorded. We were able to suggest that the high temperatures and lack of rainfall in the area generated water stress in the plants, which in this situation would have fewer resources available for their development and, consequently, would represent a food source of lower nutritional value for the bugs. In this case, the availability of a food resource rich in amino acids and with high humidity, such as decomposing meat bait, led to opportunistic and occasional feeding behaviour by D. albofasciatus.

Aberrant birds: five cases of progressive graying in southern brazil

2025-04-09T09:42:13-03:00

The plumage of birds can exhibit various chromatic aberrations, with progressive graying being one example. This condition is characterized by the presence of randomly scattered white feathers, giving the bird a mottled appearance. In this study, we present records of five new cases of birds with progressive graying across five different species. Notably, species such as Phimosus infuscatus, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca, and Aramides cajaneus represent the first documented cases of this type of chromatic aberration. These records spanned the years 2022 to 2023 and were documented in the municipalities of Pelotas and Rio Grande, located in the southern coastal region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The findings presented here contribute to our understanding of birds with progressive graying, documenting the occurrence of this aberration in new species and reinforcing its presence in those previously documented.

Characidium serrano Buckup & Reis, 1997 (Characiformes, Crenuchidae): insights into phylogenetic relationships, and comments on distribution

2025-02-26T11:30:01-03:00

Characidium is the most diverse genus within the family Crenuchidae, with a total of 88 valid species, although there is evidence that it is probably a polyphyletic group. Recent expeditions to northern Uruguay revealed the first records of Characidium serrano Buckup & Reis, 1997, extending its distribution in about 300 km to the south and allowing
to consider it as an endangered species for Uruguay, considering its restricted distribution in the country. Different phylogenetic reconstructions and comparisons based on COI (Model-based analysis, Parsimony analysis and Evolutionary Divergence between sequences) of new se
quences with those previously published indicate: 1) a closer phylogenetic relationship of C. serrano with C. clistenesi or alternatively with (C. rachovii + C. orientale) than with C. pterostictum and 2) non-coincident topologies that in all cases suggest the non-monophyly of Characidium.
The analyzed sequences of the genus Characidium formed 9 main stables groups that are obtained in each of the analyzes carried out, which were also recovered in studies previously performed by other authors, but with general topologies not coincident and poorly supported in their basal nodes.

The Argentine Fishing Beyond the Mesoatlantic Ridge (1938-1939). The Fish Collection from Saint Helena and Ascensión Islands

2025-03-26T10:29:06-03:00

The collections of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" (MACN) not only reflect biodiversity but also the historical impact of scientific institutions on the evolution of knowledge. Through them, one can observe the transformation of research, conservation, and outreach practices, shaped by the political and social contexts of each era. A representative example of this legacy is the collection of fish gathered during the 1938 and 1939 expeditions to Saint Helena and Ascension Islands in the South Atlantic, carried out as part of the efforts of the Argentine Merchant Navy. The ship Sentinel II, originally intended for the installation of underwater cables, played a key role in these expeditions. After being acquired by the Compañía Argentina de Navegación y Comercio África-Río de la Plata, it was used for lobster and exotic fish fishing while also collecting scientifically valuable samples for the Museum. Between 1938 and 1939, the fish collection of the MACN’s Ichthyology Division received around 33 lots of fish related to these voyages. This article highlights how the study of these fish, traditionally approached from a biological perspective, offers a unique opportunity to explore a little-known event in the history of the Museum and the Argentine Merchant Navy.

Movement of Vicugna vicugna to Sandy areas in response to competition for food resources and habitat disturbance

2025-04-15T09:28:26-03:00

The research on the population dynamics of vicuñas in three habitats within the regions of Puno and Moquegua aimed to: a) Quantify the population fluctuation of vicuñas and flora diversity in the Sandy, Wetlands, and Grasslands habitats. b) Estimate the population density of vicuñas and flora biomass in the Sandy, Wetlands, and Grasslands habitats. To conduct this investigation, linear transect methodology was employed, utilizing the Hayne estimator for each mentioned habitat and random quadrants. The results revealed a trend towards an increase in the number of individuals and family groups in the sandy dune habitat, while lower values were recorded in the wetlands and grasslands habitats. However, it is worth noting that population density was higher in the Wetlands habitat, with a value of 0.699 indiv/ha, followed by the Sandy habitat with 0.275 indiv/ha, and the Grassland with 0.163 indiv/ha. Additionally, a higher number of females than males were observed, with groups of up to 34 male individuals forming herds. Furthermore, the Sandy habitat exhibited lower flora diversity and biomass (1653.89 kg), whereas greater flora diversity and biomass were recorded in the wetlands (24773.76 kg), and the Grasslands calculated at 25524.48 kg. These findings provide valuable information regarding the population dynamics of vicuñas, flora diversity, and biomass in the analyzed habitats, crucial for their conservation and proper management in the regions of Puno and Moquegua.

Updated list of non-flying mammals of the Sierra de Velasco, La Rioja, Argentina

2025-05-12T08:44:07-03:00

The study of mammal biodiversity in the province of La Rioja, and specifically in the Sierra de Velasco, has historically been limited. However, since the beginning of systematic research, this gap in knowledge has been filled. Currently, 70 species of mammals are recorded from La Rioja; however, there is still no specific list for the Sierra de Velasco.

Between 2017 and 2022, sampling was carried out in the region using Sherman traps to capture micromammals and camera traps for mesomammals, complemented with records obtained by direct observation and contributions from third parties. As a result, a total of 36 species of flightless mammals were recorded in the Sierra de Velasco, representing approximately 51% of the total number of flightless mammal species in the province. These species include five species catalogued in the categories of greatest conservation risk. Their main threats are habitat alteration, pressure from exotic species, illegal hunting and the expansion of urban and agricultural activities.

This study represents the first list of mammals for the Sierra de Velasco, highlighting the relevance of this region for the conservation of species. It also highlights the need for further research to gain a more complete understanding of the region's mammal biodiversity.

Management of puma (Puma concolor) in institutions and wildlife rescue centers in the province of Córdoba, Argentina

2025-03-25T11:24:07-03:00

The expansion of urbanization and the agricultural frontier, the loss of natural habitat, hunting, and mascotism are all threats to Puma concolor populations. These problems cause many specimens to be removedfrom their natural habitat and sent to rescue centers. The aim of this study was to analyze the management procedures and animal welfare
state of rescued and confiscated pumas that are derived to wildlife rescue centers in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. Fifteen informants belonging to eight institutions involved in the management of the species in the province were interviewed; and the animal welfare state was evaluated through compliance with the “Five Domains of Animal Welfare”. It was found that: only four of the eight participating institutions have protocols; the training of personnel in charge of handling specimens is diverse and they do not follow common guidelines; the adequacy of the enclosures for the safeguarding of the species in rescue
centers varies between 50% and 90%; and the animal welfare state of the specimens kept in captivity varies between 50% and 85%. The present work is a contribution that constitutes a starting point to consider interinstitutional articulation actions and the adequacy of management
guidelines for pumas under human care in the province of Córdoba; as well as in other provinces of the country with similar problems and interested in responding to management actions for the species.

Expansion of the geographical distribution of the Grey-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus cirrocephalus, Charadriiformes: Laridae).

2025-04-22T09:39:06-03:00

Grey-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus cirrocephalus) in a novel environment and area in Argentina distributed in the last 10 years. The first records of its presence and reproduction documented in inland waters of argentine Patagonia are formally published. These
are found between about 450 km and 730 km west of their typically coastal Patagonian distribution, and between 535 km and 915 km west-southwest of the southernmost extreme of their reproductive geographic distribution. Particularly in the province of Neuquén, they contribute a new species, both in person present and nesting. The
reproductive ones also turn out to be the first for all of Patagonia, after more than half a century of the first and most southern ones existing with evidence in Argentina being found more than 835 km southwest of these. This publication constitutes an important contribution in terms of evidence, and is significant both geographically and
temporally given the existing scarcity of this type of information. The objective is to update/expand/strengthen knowledge of the geographic distribution (in person and/or reproductive) of wildlife with hard data to develop tools for the protection and conservation of their environment.

Seasonal and interannual variation of the Black-necked Swan Cygnus melancoryphus (Anseriformes: Anatidae) population in the Caulín marine wetland, Chiloé, southern Chile

2025-06-11T10:11:17-03:00

The global decline of waterfowl populations is a major concern, particularly for endemic species such as the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus), which faces threats like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. This study examines seasonal and interannual variation in the
abundance of this species at the Caulín marine wetland, Chiloé, Chile, from 2010 to 2023, using data from the eBird platform. Abundance trends and their correlation with the “El Niño” phenomenon were explored. Results show a decreasing trend in the species’ abundance over
the study period, with the highest concentrations recorded in spring and notable interannual fluctuations. No significant correlation was found with the El Niño Oceanic Niño Index (ONI). This study highlights the need for further research on the local changes that are affecting
the abundance of waterbirds in marine wetlands in the region.

Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) of India: An updated checklist

2025-03-25T11:24:11-03:00

The current paper provides checklist of termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) of India. A total of 317 species belonging to 53 genera and 6 families have been reported, Termitidae Latreille,1802 being the largest family. The genus Rinacapritermes (Amina and Rajmohana, 2022) has been introduced for the first time from India with the species Rinacapritermes silvius and Rinacapritermes abundans.

El artículo actual proporciona una lista de verificación de termitas (Blattodea: Isoptera) de la India. Se han registrado un total de 317 especies pertenecientes a 53 géneros y 6 familias, siendo Termitidae Latreille 1802 la mayor familia. El género Rinacapritermes (Amina y Rajmohana, 2022) ha sido introducido por primera vez desde la India con las especies Rinacapritermes silvius y Rinacapritermes abundans.

First contribution to the diversity of Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) in a pastoral ecosystem of the Puna of Jujuy (Argentina)

2025-04-10T11:16:34-03:00

The purpose of this work is to present a preliminary list of the taxonomic composition with comments on the biological and ecological characteristics of the Heteroptera present in a pastoral ecosystem of the locality of Santa Catalina, Jujuy, Argentina. A preliminary list of 17 species belonging to three infraorders and six families is presented: Coreidae, Lygaidae, Pentatomidae and Rhopalidae (Pentatomomorpha), Miridae (Cimicomorpha) and Saldidae (Leptopodomorpha). Four species are new records for the province of Jujuy. Host plant data are provided for nine species.

Annotated checklist of the spiders of Ascension Island with new faunistic records, including three newly recorded non-native species (Araneae: Araneomorphae)

2025-06-06T12:37:42-03:00

A checklist of the spiders of Ascension Island is given, with new faunistic records for one family, five genera, and three species-level taxa. For the latter, Oecobius marathaus Tikader, 1962 (Oecobiidae), and Scytodes velutina Heineken & Lowe, 1832 and S. univittata Simon, 1882 (both Scytodidae) are recorded. Seven genera recorded from the island by prior workers based on indeterminable immature material are expunged from the list due to lack of evidence. In total, 38 genera and 41 species, accommodated in 22 families, are recognised as valid taxa on Ascension. Of these, only 1 genus and 5 species are considered possibly or probably endemic, meaning 99.97% of genera and 87.81% of species are non-endemic.

List of vertebrates observed in the peri-urban area of Coquimbito, Maipú, Mendoza Province, Argentina

2025-03-11T09:21:48-03:00

The district of Coquimbito, located in the department of Maipú, province of Mendoza, Argentina, is recognized for its wineries, fruit-growing, and industrial activities. Over the years, the area has experienced rapid urbanization. Between 2018 and 2024, non-systematic surveys were conducted to document the presence of vertebrate species in a sector of the district. A total of 61 species were recorded, including 50 birds, 7 mammals, 3 reptiles, and 1 amphibian. It was determined that 54 of them are native and 7 are introduced species, briefly describing some of them such as Plegadis chihi, Coryphistera alaudina, Colaptes melanochloros, Sturnus vulgaris, Lycalopex gymnocerus, Phylodryas trilineata and Rhinella arenarum. The surveyed study area is characterized by a mosaic of agricultural lands, urban development, and natural habitats, with interface zones that enable the recording of fauna species. Despite changes in land use, Coquimbito still supports a diverse range of vertebrates, including several that perform important functions such as pollination and seed dispersal, pest control, or simply for recreational observation, like the aquatic birds present in irrigation ponds. Several current threats to biodiversity are described, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, wildlife roadkill, and the negative impacts of human activities like hunting and wildlife traffic. The results of this study highlight the importance of conservation efforts in rapidly urbanizing areas and provide valuable reference data for future monitoring and management.

Modelo probabilístico para explicar distribución espacial en Echinolittorina peruviana (Lamarck, 1822) en costa rocosa (23°S, Antofagasta, Chile)

2025-06-11T10:11:19-03:00

The spatial patterns in benthic flora and fauna have three patterns random, uniform and aggregated. Usually models to fit this are the Poisson, binomial or negative binomial distributions, respectively. However, for specific cases such models cannot be appropriated. The aim of the present study is analyse data of gastropod Echinolittorina peruviana (Lamarck, 1822) obtained in rocky shore of Antofagasta north of Chile, with the aim of determine a reasonable model for explain its spatial distribution. The results revealed that individuals have an aggregated pattern, but not all populations have negative binomial distribution, and it was proceeded to determine an alternative model to the negative binomial distributions family to explain the spatial distribution. The results revealed that population distribution can be adjusted to a Waring model. These results would agree with literature descriptions that negative binomial distribution is not the exclusive pattern that can explain the aggregated pattern in gregarious species.

Reproductive behavior, habitat use, phenology and morphometry of the Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus), obtained through photographic, capture and banding records

2025-04-21T08:43:57-03:00

We studied the Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus, Vulnerable, BirdLife 2025) in a 22.5-hectare aquatic reedbed in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, following the removal of cattle and the restoration of vegetation cover. Using a combination of transmitters, camera traps, and Tomahawk traps, we established that the Austral Rail has two breeding events per year and constitutes a partially migratory population. We also obtained missing biometric and biomass data. During the study, it was possible to learn about their behavior, activity schedules, reproductive phenology, and other aspects such as feeding and parental care.
The proportion of individuals that abandon their territories during the winter (partial migrants) return in spring, stablishing new territories each year and changing locations. Rails are seen much less frequently in winter, partly because they vocalize less, and partly because the reed bed freezes and no individuals are seen, while in areas where it does not freeze, individuals concentrate, but part of the population disappears.

A new species of the Phalloceros harpagos species complex (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from the middle and lower Uruguay River floodplains

2025-04-04T12:27:46-03:00

Phalloceros mimbi sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in the floodplains of the middle and lower Uruguay River in Uruguay (Río Negro and Salto Departments) and Argentina (Entre Ríos Province). This species belongs to the P. harpagos species complex and is diagnosed by the following unique combination of characters: 1) presence of a symmetric hood-like structure located immediately anterior to the urogenital papilla in females, 2) absence of large papillae at the mandibular symphysis of large adult females, 3) possession of well-developed hooks positioned in distal portion of gonopodial appendices of males and
4) lateral spot usually present in both sexes. To date, P. mimbi has not been found coexisting in sympatry with other Phalloceros species. The geographically closest species is P. caudimaculatus, who differs from P. mimbi by the absence of hooks in gonopodial appendix in males. Two of the three known populations of P. mimbi are relatively protected from the main threats to the species. However, conservation initiatives should consider its presence and ensure that it receives the necessary attention; considering that its global distribution occupies less than 200.000 km2 and its occurrence area represents less than 10% of the national territory it must be considered a priority for conservation and an Threatened Species for the species list of Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SNAP) of Uruguay.

New data on the distribution of the assassin bug Zelus renardii (Kolenati, 1857) (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) in South America, and first teratosis for the species

2025-04-10T11:16:32-03:00

First record of the assassin bug Zelus renardii in Bolivia is provided. The record is based on specimens from Cochabamba. Additionally its first occurrence in the Argentinean province of Chubut from the locality of Chubut. The first teratological case in the species is described belonging to an unilateral atrophy in the right mesothoracic leg. It is concluded that the malformation can be caused by a femoral injury during a nymphal stage. Importance of the new record and teratoses are commented and discussed.

Conservation initiatives in Neotropical high Andean rivers applying a participatory monitoring guide for aquatic macroinvertebrates

2025-06-06T12:37:44-03:00

As part of the conservation activities carried out on the high Andean amphibians Telmatobius macrostomus and Telmatobius brachydactylus in the central Andes of Peru, both categorized as Endangered by the IUCN and Peruvian regulations, a guide was developed for monitoring the quality of their habitats using aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates. This guide was developed based on historical monitoring reports of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Junín and Pasco regions of Peru and was designed to be used by residents and park rangers allied to the conservation of both species without the need to rely on expensive equipment or specialists. The guide was published in August 2023 and disseminated among allies dedicated to the conservation of these species during a field trip. The results showed a high degree of similarity between the results obtained by the residents and park rangers and those of the aquatic macroinvertebrate specialist, with the youngest participants showing better responses. Finally, the results allowed for the validation of a macroinvertebrate monitoring guide that would allow rural communities to monitor their water quality and, consequently, the frog habitat.

Geographic distribution of Agathemera maculafulgens Camousseight, 1995 (Insecta: Phasmatodea: Agathemeridae) in the Jujuy province (República Argentina) and first record for residential environments in the Puna

2025-06-11T10:11:16-03:00

New discovery sites of Agathemera maculafulgens Camousseight are reported in north-central Jujuy province, in the Puno departments of Santa Catalina, Rinconada, Cochinoca, and Yavi, and in Chucalezna, in the Prepuna region. Illustrations of the diagnostic morphological characteristics of the adult stage of the species are also included, as well as the coloration of live specimens, which show variations from the original description. Records of the species in residential environments in the Puna are also presented.

About diet of Vipera ursinii (Bonaparte, 1835) in a central Apennine grassland landscape: what do they eat when orthoptera are not present?

2025-04-09T09:42:11-03:00

Abstract: In this ecological study, the researchers applied themselves to understanding the diet of Vipera ursinii. This viper has a very short period of activity and has a fragmented range; it frequents similar habitats but at different altitudes. In view of its Italian distribution, this study dealt with mountain populations that frequent primary pastures above the forest line, from 1600 to 1850 m a.s.l. At these altitudes and latitudes, the snake is known as a large consumer of meadow orthoptera. The present work was carried out in the Apennines (central Italy), the subjects studied were handled and divided between juveniles and adults. The diet of this snake has never been studied in the areas covered by the following population, so the metapopulation in question is new data. The aim of the research is to identify and analyze the diet of Vipera ursinii even in a period of non-population of orthoptera using methods already in use. Observation of regurgitated material or faecal droppings obtained by non-invasive ventral palpation were the components that led the researchers to unprecedented conclusions for both the species and the snake group: the presence in the diet of new taxa such as ants, slug and caterpillar. This new knowledge may give a new perspective on this taxon that is potentially vulnerable to environmental changes due to environmental thermal alteration phenomena.