Boletín de la Sociedad Zoológica del Uruguay

REPRODUCTIVE SEASONALITY DIFFER BETWEEN CONTRASTING MORPHOTYPES OF Megaleporinus obtusidens IN LOWER URUGUAY RIVER

2024-10-15T17:05:00+00:00

The “boga” (Megaleporinus obtusidens) is a fish of great importance in both fisheries and ecology in the Uruguay River with wide phenotypic plasticity and variation in its body morphology. Despite this, little is known about its biology and reproductive ecology. In this study, we evaluate the reproductive dynamics of M. obtusidens with contrasting morphologies in the lower Uruguay River. The fish were collected monthly during two years, identifying the morphotype as Morphotype 1 ("elongated body”) or Morphotype 2 (“oval body”) (n=232). Traditional and Geometric Morphometry was used in a subset of specimens to test for morphological differences. Likewise the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) was estimated and compared between Morphotype 1 and Morphotype 2. Morphometric analysis confirmed the differences between contrasting morphotypes. The two morphs exhibited distinct reproductive patterns: the individuals of Morphotype 2 recorded higher GSI in spring, marking a reproductive peak in November, while the specimens of Morphotype 1 showed no differences in GSI between seasons. This study shows that there are two morphs of M. obtusidens found in lower Uruguay River which may represent two different taxonomic units or perhaps two stocks. This should be considered in fisheries management, to attain a more sustainable use of this resource.

A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS Macrinus SIMON, 1887 (ARACHNIDA: ARANEAE: SPARASSIDAE) FROM NORTHERN BRAZIL

2024-10-25T17:27:32+00:00

The genus Macrinus Simon currently includes six species occurring mostly in South America, with records from the island of Tobago, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil. A single species is found in the Mohave desert in California, USA. In this paper, I describe a new species of Macrinus based on a single female from the state of Pará, northern Brazil. The new species can be easily distinguished from its congeners by the shape of the median septum in the epigyne resembling a chess pawn. In addition, I provide new records for M. succineus Simon, M. pollexensis (Schenkel) and M. jaegeri Rheims and an updated distribution map for all South American species.

FIRST CHECKLIST OF THE NON-ACARINE ARACHNIDS (CHELICERATA: ARACHNIDA) OF THE CHAPADA DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK, BRAZIL

2024-11-04T16:41:34+00:00

This work aims to provide regionalized information on the non-acarine arachnids inhabiting the Brazilian Chapada Diamantina National Park (PARNA-CD), and its surroundings, to support studies for protecting endemic species and preventing human accidents by these animals. We used registers of five arachnological collections covering 36 years, validated by the world catalogs of each order. We found 67 arachnid species from five orders, 42 families, in the six municipalities surrounding PARNA-CD. Araneae (54 species) and Scorpiones (ten species) were the most representative orders. We found no records of the other orders except for Pseudoscorpiones (two species) and Amblypygi (one species). Only one spider species (Tmesiphantes hypogeus), and two scorpions (Troglorhopalurus lacrau and T. translucidus) were assessed on the IUCN criteria for conservation. Twenty-six species are endemic to Brazil, of which five have no records in any location other than PARNA-CD. At least one medically important species was encountered in each municipality, from the genera: Latrodectus, Loxosceles, Phoneutria, and Tityus. Given the recent rate of human-mediated changes (undue land-use) where several Brazilian caatinga areas were exposed, endemic species from this list should be the priority target for long-term ecological and behavioral studies.

ON THE COMB-TAILED Neohahnia ernsti (SIMON, 1898) (ARANEAE: HAHNIIDAE): REDESCRIPTION AND NEW DISTRIBUTION RECORDS

2024-11-04T15:15:25+00:00

Neohahnia ernsti (Simon, 1898) is redescribed and illustrated based on newly examined material. For the first time, the male palp (retrolateral view) and female epigynum (ventral view) are documented. Scanning electron micrographs complement the species' description, and new distribution records are provided. Neohahnia chalupas Dupérré & Tapia, 2024 syn. nov. with N. ernsti (Simon, 1898) is proposed. Previously recorded only in its type locality, N. ernsti is now reported from several Neotropical regions, including location across the Caribbean, such as Saint Vincent Island, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, as well as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. This study expands the known distribution of N. ernsti and offers morphological description into the species. Most specimens were collected from Neotropical rainforests, indicating a possible soil-dwelling habitat.

ARCHAEOFAUNISTIC DATA AS A PALEOZOOLOGICAL PROXY: THE FAUNA OF THE INDIA MUERTA REGION (ROCHA, URUGUAY) DURING THE LATE HOLOCENE

2024-11-04T16:52:02+00:00

This paper makes a first approach to the use of zooarchaeological data as indicators of paleozoological and paleoenvironmental conditions in the India Muerta region (southeastern Uruguay) during the mid-late Holocene. Taxonomic occurrence data from four archaeological sites are synthesized and analyzed comparatively and through correspondence analysis. The results show that the past taxonomic associations are similar to the present ones and that 4000 years ago in this region grasslands and pastures were already established and wetlands were functioning. These inferences agree with the paleoenvironmental models that have been proposed for this region from paleobotanical records. The power of this type of analysis has yet to be explored in our country and this work shows its usefulness and applicability.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF Melanophryniscus devincenzii (ANURA: BUFONIDAE) IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

2024-12-02T15:07:51+00:00

The reproductive biology of Melanophryniscus devincenzii was described here, based on morphometrics and gonadal analysis of 86 individuals collected in the Sertão Municipal Natural Park, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Individuals were captured both manually and using pitfall traps. We identified 63 males and 23 females, with the sex ratio biased towards males. Sexual dimorphism was observed, with females being larger than males. No significant correlation was found between female body size and oocyte number, nor between male body size and testicular mass, indicating that energetic investment may be more focused on reproduction than on growth. All analyzed females (except one) exhibited mature oocytes, immature and atretic oocytes in their ovaries, suggesting that females may be latent to reproductive event. This reproductive latency benefit to those species that have explosive reproductive events and depend on rainfall.

ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL LURES FOR FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN URUGUAY

2024-12-12T15:08:11+00:00

Within Uruguay's fruit plantations, both Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann and Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann are reported as species of economic importance. These species are polyphagous and cause economic problems in fruit orchards. Currently, different control methods and techniques are combined, but in some cases, they are insufficient to prevent the damage caused by these species. We evaluated the attractiveness of different baits for fruit flies, as well as their selectivity toward non-target arthropods, in two peach and mandarin farms in southern Uruguay. Four treatments with three replicates were evaluated: diammonium phosphate (DAP), torula yeast (PBX®), torula yeast 'type B' and Cera Trap®/Plustrap®. Captured arthropods were separated into three groups: tephritids, beneficial and other. Tephritids were sexed, dissecting females to determine the presence of developed ovaries. All treatments were effective in capturing young females of C. capitata, while captures of A. fraterculus were very low. Captures of beneficial arthropods were relatively low, with DAP capturing the highest number. Lastly, torula yeast 'type B' was the one that captured the greatest number of non-target insects.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CERAMBYCIDAE (COLEOPTERA) DIVERSITY AND FIRST RECORD OF FOUR SPECIES ATTACKING Scutia buxifolia REISSEK (RHAMNACEAE) TREES IN TACUAREMBÓ, URUGUAY

2024-11-04T18:55:18+00:00

Uruguayan native forests are home to many species but have been poorly studied. Scutia buxifolia (Rhamnaceae) (''coronilla'') is a common species found in hill and riparian forests and is highly valued for its wood quality. Woodeating and phleophagous insects are very diverse and some species are considered pests. Despite this, they have not been studied much in Uruguayan forests. The main objective of this work was to identify the insect species that emerged from S. buxifolia logs in a hill forest. In August 2023, logs of ''coronilla'' showing symptoms of insect attacks were collected in a hill forest near Tacuarembó city. They were conditioned in a laboratory in 200-liter tanks while awaiting the emergence of adult insects. In October 2023, traps with attractants were placed at the same site to capture the same species that emerged from the logs. We collected 32 exemplars of five native cerambycid species. Two of the five species of interest were captured from the traps. Eurysthea hirta was the most abundant (N=14), followed by Cotyclytus curvatus (N=11) and Compsocerus violaceus (N=5). All species were registered as a eucalypts host. Only E. hirta was previously reported to develop in S. buxifolia.

ILLUSTRATED CATALOG OF FREE-LIVING ESTUARINE NEMATODES OF URUGUAY

2024-11-04T19:19:26+00:00

Free-living nematodes are usually the dominant component of marine and estuarine benthos, and their diversity and abundance are key to the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The relevance and versatility of nematode community analysis in environmental biomonitoring have already been demonstrated in several oceanic and coastal studies. Nematode studies have generally been replaced by ecological studies where identification is mostly limited to the genus level. While these approaches have helped the understanding of many relevant phenomena, classical taxonomic studies, and species distribution remain crucial, especially in estuarine ecosystems, which are priority areas for biodiversity conservation and represent an important ecological and economic resource. This work aims to contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of freeliving nematodes of estuarine habitats in Uruguay, constituting the first record of 22 species. Due to the ecosystemic role of nematodes and their general lack of knowledge, it is essential to continue contributing to the taxonomic knowledge of the group in our country.

PHYLOGENY AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Paratrochosina amica (LYCOSIDAE: ALLOCOSINAE), A GRASSLAND WOLF SPIDER

2024-11-08T15:15:34+00:00

Paratrochosina amica is an Allocosinae wolf spider species that inhabits grasslands and gardens in Uruguay and southern South America, where it has a wide distribution. In this study, we extended the representation of genetic data from previous studies by including specimens that cover most of the distribution range. Conversely to what has been reported for other species of the subfamily, P. amica shows similar body sizes in both sexes and males are the mobile sex that initiates courtship. As we are trying to understand the factors shaping sexual behaviour and size dimorphism in Allocosinae, studies in P. amica are crucial. We analysed the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity in this species. The analysis corroborated the monophyly of Allocosinae and P. amica, which is also located in the same phylogenetic position as reported in previous studies. The haplotype network suggests high connectivity between individuals from the studied localities. Finally, the GMYC analysis showed that the individuals belong to the same evolutionary lineage.

REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGY OF THE BLUE CRAB Callinectes sapidus RATHBUN, 1896 (DECAPODA, BRACHYURA, PORTUNIDAE), IN ROCHA LAGOON, URUGUAY

2024-11-04T19:49:24+00:00

Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896, is artisanal caught in the coastal lagoon system from Uruguay to Brazil. To analyze their reproductive strategy, 422 individuals were extracted from Laguna de Rocha (34°33'S, 54°22'W), which were sexed, measured and dissected. The mean size (CW_m) differed significantly between the seasons (H= 66,37; p<<0,05). The largest crabs occurred in winter, decreasing in size towards spring. The sex ratio (M:F) differed significantly from 1:1 and showed significant variability between seasons (F_3,372=1658,37; p<<0,01). Four categories of ovarian development were identified: immature, pre-vitellogenic, mature and in reabsorption. Mean size of females with immature and mature ovaries differed significantly (H= 41,17; p<0,05). No significant differences were found between CWm of ovigerous females with eggs in different stages of development (F_2,60=0,088; p=0,91). The sizes at first maturity (L_50%) physiological and morphological did not show significant differences within sex (females: K-S: D=0,06, p=0,76; males: K-S: D=0,04, p= 0,99). However, they were significantly different between sexes (morphological K-S: D=0,62, p<<0,05 and gonadal K-S: D=0,64, p<<0,05). Due to its importance at the regional and local level, as a fishing and ecosystem resource, it is suggested to intensify studies of the population of this crustacean.

ALPHA, BETA AND GAMMA DIVERSITY OF SMALL MAMMALS FOUND IN Tyto furcata (AVES: STRIGIFORMES: TYTONIDAE) PELLETS IN FOUR SITES IN URUGUAY

2024-11-21T14:17:56+00:00

The barn owl (Tyto furcata) mainly preys on small mammals. The species that are found on its pellets can be considered indicators, although biased, of the local diversity. By comparison with collection specimens we identified small mammal and bat remains collected from four sites (a) Cerro Arequita (Lavalleja), (b) Parque Lecocq (Montevideo), (c) Bridge on Km 329 (Durazno), and (d) Route 14 (Rocha). We estimated the alpha, beta, and gamma diversity following Whittaker's method, and we compared the communities using Sorensen's Similarity Index. We identified a total of 19 species. Site (b) was more similar to site (c) and (d), and site (c) to (d), which may be due to productive use, the ecoregions where they are located, and or the lack of data to accurately describe the local assemblages. The usefulness of owl pellets for monitoring small mammals, which are good environmental indicators, is highlighted.

EPIBIONTS ASSOCIATED TO MARINE LITTER IN BEACHES FROM URUGUAY, POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF ITS ORIGIN

2024-11-11T17:46:18+00:00

Marine anthropogenic litter has been recognized as a serious environmental, economic, human health, and aesthetic problem worldwide. Sandy beaches provide numerous ecosystem services in addition to recreation and are highly affected by marine litter. This study evaluated the composition of marine litter on three oceanic beaches from Uruguay, assessing buoyancy and the presence/ absence of epibionts growing on it. Floating plastics without epibionts were the most abundant type of litter in all the studied beaches. The absence of epibionts on litter allowed us to infer that sources of litter were mainly local. Additionally, a small proportion of floating plastics presenting epibionts (bivalve, bryozoans and barnacles) was registered, evidencing that those remained in the ocean time enough to be colonized before washing up on the beach, probably boosted by ocean currents. Our results suggest that most litter on these beaches has a local origin. This might be a consequence of poor management of waste generated by human activities in the region. Consequently, recommendations are to approach the problem from a local perspective including management and environmental education of communities.

WOMEN IN ZOOLOGICAL PUBLICATIONS IN URUGUAY, AUTHORSHIP AND GENDER IN THE BOLETÍN DE LA SOCIEDAD ZOOLÓGICA DEL URUGUAY

2024-11-18T01:31:30+00:00

This study analyzes authorship patterns by gender in the Boletín de la Sociedad Zoológica del Uruguay (BSZU), aiming to shed light on genderbased inequalities in zoological research publications in Uruguay. We reviewed publications from 2000 to 2023, focusing on authorship by gender and examining the roles of first and last authors, which are commonly associated with lead contributors and senior researchers, respectively. Our results reveal a significant underrepresentation of female authors in original articles and short notes, although a more balanced presence was observed in obituaries. Additionally, women were less likely to occupy first or last author roles, reinforcing the prevalence of the “glass ceiling” effect, which hinders women's advancement in scientific careers. We also found that gender of last authors influenced the likelihood of first authors being female, highlighting collaborative dynamics. By categorizing works by taxonomic group, we identified specific areas where female participation is more prominent, which may aid future bibliometric analyses. The data obtained emphasize a longstanding gender disparity in zoological publications in Uruguay, underlining the need for measures that promote gender equity within scientific authorship.

ASSESSMENT AND DESIGN OF ENCLOSURES FOCUSED ON ANIMAL WELFARE: A CASE STUDY ON Leopardus geoffroyi

2025-01-30T22:44:03+00:00

The proper design of enclosures for wild animals is essential to promote the expression of their behavioral needs, providing opportunities for choice and control over their environment, thereby enhancing their quality of life. This study aimed to assess and propose improvements to the enclosure design of a Leopardus geoffroyi specimen in captivity to promote its welfare. Direct observations were conducted using ad libitum sampling to create the ethogram and focal sampling to obtain the behavioral budget. Additionally, space use was analyzed with the modified Spread of Participation Index, and enclosure quality was assessed using the environmental indicators of the Ackonc-AWA protocol. The results showed low levels of locomotion and exploration, with a preference for the upper part of the enclosure, suggesting structural limitations. The environmental evaluation revealed major deficiencies in 79% of the indicators and minor deficiencies in 14%. The combined use of these methodologies allowed us to identify key problems and propose an enclosure design, both external (exhibition) and internal (management), adapted to the needs of the animal. It is recommended to continue assessing the impact of these changes to ensure improvements in welfare. This methodology could be applied to other species under human care.

FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY IN BRACHYPTEROUS AND MACROPTEROUS TRIATOMINE INSECTS FROM DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC ORIGINS

2024-11-04T13:44:40+00:00

Triatoma guasayana is a triatomine insect vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This study aims to evaluate changes in the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of T. guasayana with wing polymorphism (Brachypterous-Macropterous) as an indicator of developmental instability, in order to estimate possible stressful environmental conditions during its morphogenesis. The work is based on the hypothesis that the geographic environment modifies the FA of heads, although this influence may vary to a greater or lesser extent depending on the brachypterous or macropterous condition. It is proposed here to determine whether the geographic environment or the wing condition has a stronger influence on the development of fluctuating asymmetry in heads. It was found that, in this triatomine, both the developmental environment and the wing condition (and

possibly flight activity) influence the increase in FA shape of head. Males and females show differences in the magnitude and direction of the changes observed in FA. The results obtained allow us to understand how the head phenotype can reflect the degree of adaptation to the environment and its implications for flight in a triatomine vector of a human parasitosis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE OOTHECA OF THE SPIDER Catumiri sp. (THERAPHOSIDAE) FROM ARGENTINA

2024-11-04T17:05:26+00:00

The genus Catumiri Guadanucci, 2004 includes five species from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. We describe courtship and copulation of Catumiri sp. from the Sierras de Balcarce, Argentina. Twelve units of sexual behavior (nine males/three females) were recorded. In addition, a new form of ootheca construction is reported.

WOMEN ZOOLOGISTS FROM URUGUAY: STORIES AND PERSPECTIVES

2025-03-11T16:59:25+00:00

WOMEN'S VOICES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN ZOOLOGY: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND PERSPECTIVES

2025-03-08T22:37:30+00:00

ISSUE PRESENTATION

2025-03-08T22:24:56+00:00

WEAVING STORIES: THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE STUDY OF THE MYGALOMORPHS OF ARGENTINA

2024-10-25T17:05:27+00:00

Mygalomorph spiders (infraorder Mygalomorphae) are a group with a rich evolutionary history, a wide variety of life strategies and unique ecological adaptations, making them excellent study models. Since 2006, we have been studying mygalomorphs from different approaches, such as taxonomy, systematic, biogeography, behavior, ecology and natural history. This essay gathers the methodologies used in our researches, including specimens collection, field work, and the implementation of cladistic analysis based on morphological features, together with molecular tools for clarifying complex evolutionary relationships. We also studied reproductive biology, behavior and ecology, for a deeper and integrative understanding of the relationship between the mygalomorph and their environment. These advances not only enrich the knowledge about the group's biodiversity but also contribute to its conservation and the development of projections of known and unknown species.

MUCH MORE THAN HONEY: BEES FROM URUGUAY. SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION FOR CHILDREN

2024-11-04T20:45:08+00:00

When we face science communication, the strategies to cover child audiences are a great challenge. In 2020, a group of five female researchers studying bees at different research institutions in Uruguay decided to create a book on Uruguayan bees. Its objective was to promote their valuation, their essential role in natural ecosystems, and to raise their awareness. Thanks to the collaborative work, we generated a disclosure tool of 83 color pages with information on Uruguayan bee species, for which there was no accessible material for the general audience in our country. Fifty illustrative sheets of scientific concepts and information on bee biodiversity were generated, with 30 proposals for games and activities to paint, complete, interpret, and search for. Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration of different institutions and individuals, since 2022, more than 8,500 books have been distributed free of charge in 238 educational centers and to more than 420 private individuals in the 19 provinces of Uruguay. This project has promoted the visibility of a group of organisms with an essential activity in nature, in a non-traditional format to awaken the love for science and nature in future generations.

CONNECTIVITY AND DIVERSITY

2024-12-06T20:44:04+00:00

One of the major changes in contemporary ecology is the recognition of the flow of individuals between communities as a main determinant of their local structure. This flow of individuals depends on the spatial structure of the landscape and the dispersal capacity of the species involved. Notably, when landscape structure is considered, it has turned out to be of equal or greater importance compared to the classic local determinants such as area, heterogeneity or productivity. Herein, we focus on the role of landscape configuration and the dispersal capacity of organisms on biodiversity patterns, with special emphasis on the research developed by the authors.