Navegando por Autor "Ferreira, Rodrigo L."

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Artigo
Chaimowiczia: a new Iuiuniscinae genus from Brazil (Oniscidea, Synocheta, Styloniscidae) with the description of two new troglobitic species
(2021-06-08) Cardoso, Giovanna Monticelli; Bastos-Pereira, Rafaela; Souza, Leila Aparecida; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.
A new genus of Styloniscidae, Chaimowiczia gen. nov., is described with two new species: Chaimowiczia tatus sp. nov. from Gruta do Padre cave (Santana, Bahia) and Chaimowiczia uai sp. nov. from Lapa d’água do Zezé cave (Itacarambi, Minas Gerais). The new genus and species were allocated into the subfamily Iuiuniscinae, hitherto monotypic, by the pronounced rectangular-shaped lateral pereonites epimera, dorsal surface smooth, body outline continuous without a gap between pereon and pleon, and pleonites 3 to 5 developed forming tips. The two species of Chaimowiczia gen. nov. differ in the shape of cephalon antennal lobes, pereonite 1 epimera, pleonite 5 posterior margin and uropod exopod and endopod proportion.
Texto publicado em jornal
Chaimowiczia: a new Iuiuniscinae genus from Brazil (Oniscidea, Synocheta, Styloniscidae) with the description of two new troglobitic species
(2021-06-08) Cardoso, Giovanna Monticelli; Bastos-Pereira, Rafaela; Souza, Leila Aparecida; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.; Stefano Taiti
A new genus of Styloniscidae, Chaimowiczia gen. nov., is described with two new species: Chaimowiczia tatus sp. nov. from Gruta do Padre cave (Santana, Bahia) and Chaimowiczia uai sp. nov. from Lapa d’água do Zezé cave (Itacarambi, Minas Gerais). The new genus and species were allocated into the subfamily Iui-uniscinae, hitherto monotypic, by the pronounced rectangular-shaped lateral pereonites epimera, dorsal surface smooth, body outline continuous without a gap between pereon and pleon, and pleonites 3 to 5 developed forming tips. The two species of Chaimowiczia gen. nov. differ in the shape of cephalon anten-nal lobes, pereonite 1 epimera, pleonite 5 posterior margin and uropod exopod and endopod proportion.
Artigo
Chaimowiczia: a new Iuiuniscinae genus from Brazil (Oniscidea, Synocheta, Styloniscidae) with the description of two new troglobitic species
(2021-06-08) Cardoso, Giovanna Monticelli; Bastos-Pereira, Rafaela; Souza, Leila Aparecida; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.
A new genus of Styloniscidae, Chaimowiczia gen. nov., is described with two new species: Chaimowiczia tatus sp. nov. from Gruta do Padre cave (Santana, Bahia) and Chaimowiczia uai sp. nov. from Lapa d’água do Zezé cave (Itacarambi, Minas Gerais). The new genus and species were allocated into the subfamily Iuiuniscinae, hitherto monotypic, by the pronounced rectangular-shaped lateral pereonites epimera, dorsal surface smooth, body outline continuous without a gap between pereon and pleon, and pleonites 3 to 5 developed forming tips. The two species of Chaimowiczia gen. nov. differ in the shape of cephalon antennal lobes, pereonite 1 epimera, pleonite 5 posterior margin and uropod exopod and endopod proportion.
Artigo
Do different relevance attributes indicate the same conservation priorities? A case study in caves of southeastern Brazil
(2021-09) Souza, Maysa F. V. R.; Alvarenga, Denizar A.; Souza-Silva, Marconi; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.
In the last decade, the scientific community brought to the debate gaps that slow down the advance of knowledge regarding global biodiversity. More recently, this discussion has reached subterranean environments, where these gaps are even more dramatic due to the relict and vulnerable nature of their species. In this context, we tested ecological metrics related to some of these gaps, checking if the biological relevance of the caves would change depending on ecological attributes related to each metric. The study was carried out in caves from southeastern Brazil, located in a region presenting a high richness of troglobitic species restricted to a narrow geographical extent. Thus, we verified: (a) the cave invertebrate communities’ vulnerability with the Vulnerability Index and the Importance Value for Cave Conservation; (b) the distribution and endemicity of the troglobitic species with the Endemicity Index; (c) the phylogenetic diversity of the troglobitic species considering the average taxonomic distinction (∆+), their richness and evenness. We observed a considerable change in the ordering of the caves’ biological relevance according to each tested attribute (index). We discussed how each of these metrics and their attributes indirectly relate to: (a) the preservation and maintenance of the phylogenetic diversity of subterranean communities; (b) the spatial restrictions of different groups, where the greater their restrictions, the greater their vulnerability; (c) the preservation of caves with high biological relevance considering these different attributes together. Thus, we recommend the use of different metrics so that different ecological attributes can be considered, supporting actions that aim to preserve caves in highly altered regions. Finally, we find that the most biologically important cave in the region is not protected (Gruta da Morena Cave). We warn that this cave needs to be contemplated by a conservation unit in the region urgently.
Artigo
Fine structure of the epicuticular secretion coat and associated glands of Pedipalpi and Palpigradi (Arachnida)
(2021-04-27) Seiter, Michael; Schwaha, Thomas; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.; Prendini, Lorenzo; Wolff, Jonas O.
Pedipalpi Latreille, 1810 is a poorly studied clade of arachnids comprising the whip spiders (Amblypygi Thorell, 1883), short-tailed whip scorpions (Schizomida Petrunkevitch, 1945) and whip scorpions (Thelyphonida Cambridge, 1872). It has recently been shown that whip spiders coat their exoskeleton with a solid cement layer (cerotegument) that forms elaborate microstructures and turns the cuticle into a super-hydrophobic state. The amblypygid cerotegument provides taxonomic information due to its fine structural diversity, but its presence and variation in the sister groups was previously unknown. The present contribution reports the surface structure of the cuticle in species of Palpigradi, Thelyphonida, and Schizomida to determine if these taxa possess a solid epicuticular secretion coat. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that in addition to Amblypygi only species of Thelyphonida possess solid epicuticular secretion layers. Unlike in Amblypygi, in the Thelyphonida this layer does not usually form microstructures and is less rigidly attached to the underlying cuticle. A species of Typopeltis Pocock, 1894, which exhibited globular structures analogous to the amblypygid cerotegument, was an exception. Glandular structures associated with cement secretions in Amblypygi and Thelyphonida were considered homologous due to similar structure. Solid epicuticular secretion coats were absent from Schizomida, which is interpreted as a secondary loss despite the presence of slit-like glandular openings that appear to produce such epicuticular secretions. The micro-whip scorpion order Palpigradi Thorell, 1900 exhibited markedly different cuticular surface structures and lacked solid epicuticular secretions, consistent with the hypothesis that this order is not closely related to Pedipalpi. These results enhance the knowledge of the small, enigmatic orders of Arachnida.
Texto publicado em jornal
Fine structure of the epicuticular secretion coat and associatedglands of Pedipalpi and Palpigradi (Arachnida)
(2021-04-19) Seiter, Michael; Schwaha, Thomas; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.; Prendini, Lorenzo; Wolff, Jonas O.
Pedipalpi Latreille, 1810 is a poorly studied clade of arachnids comprising the whipspiders (Amblypygi Thorell, 1883), short-tailed whip scorpions (SchizomidaPetrunkevitch, 1945) and whip scorpions (Thelyphonida Cambridge, 1872). It hasrecently been shown that whip spiders coat their exoskeleton with a solid cementlayer (cerotegument) that forms elaborate microstructures and turns the cuticle intoa super-hydrophobic state. The amblypygid cerotegument provides taxonomic infor-mation due to its fine structural diversity, but its presence and variation in the sistergroups was previously unknown. The present contribution reports the surface struc-ture of the cuticle in species of Palpigradi, Thelyphonida, and Schizomida to deter-mine if these taxa possess a solid epicuticular secretion coat. Scanning electronmicroscopy revealed that in addition to Amblypygi only species of Thelyphonida pos-sess solid epicuticular secretion layers. Unlike in Amblypygi, in the Thelyphonida thislayer does not usually form microstructures and is less rigidly attached to the under-lying cuticle. A species ofTypopeltisPocock, 1894, which exhibited globular struc-tures analogous to the amblypygid cerotegument, was an exception. Glandularstructures associated with cement secretions in Amblypygi and Thelyphonida wereconsidered homologous due to similar structure. Solid epicuticular secretion coatswere absent from Schizomida, which is interpreted as a secondary loss despite thepresence of slit-like glandular openings that appear to produce such epicuticularsecretions. The micro-whip scorpion order Palpigradi Thorell, 1900 exhibited mark-edly different cuticular surface structures and lacked solid epicuticular secretions,consistent with the hypothesis that this order is not closely related to Pedipalpi.These results enhance the knowledge of the small, enigmatic orders of Arachnida.
Artigo
From the front door to the basement: Invertebrate communities' structure as a proxy for determining cave zonation in Neotropics
(2024-06-25) Reis-Venâncio, Paulo C.; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.; Souza-Silva, Marconi
In caves, the absence of natural light in deeper regions starkly contrasts with the entrance areas, which still exhibit a light gradient extending into the cave interior. This interplay with the structural gradient of the environment potentially exerts distinct influences on invertebrate communities residing in different cave light zones. To investigate this, we formulated a hypothesis positing that communities within distinct cave light zones respond differently to habitat structure and microclimatic conditions. Our approach involved a spatial multi-scale sampling of invertebrates and the application of statistical analyses to contrast the responses of communities inhabiting photic and aphotic zones. Photic zone richness is influenced by factors such as air moisture, resource availability, root presence, and shelter diversity. In contrast, the richness of communities in aphotic zones is shaped by resource availability, the presence of roots, branches, and distance from the cave entrance. As expected, the richness in the photic zone surpasses that of the deeper regions, highlighting the challenges faced by invertebrates attempting to establish themselves in the aphotic zone. The species composition of faunal communities varied predictably from the entrance to the aphotic zone, and the three most important factors driving this variation were geographic distance, humidity, and distance from the entrance. The composition between these cave zones differs significantly, primarily due to the high number of obligate cave species predominantly inhabiting the aphotic region. Indeed, communities associated with different cave zones exhibit distinct responses to resource, microclimatic, and structural variables.
Texto publicado em jornal
Multi-instar descriptions of cave dwelling Erythraeidae (Trombidiformes: Parasitengona) employing an integrative approach
(2021-09) Souza, Maysa F. V. R.; Alvarenga, Denizar A.; Souza-Silva, Marconi; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.
In the last decade, the scientific community brought to the debate gaps that slow down the advance of knowledge regarding global biodiversity. More recently, this discussion has reached subterranean environments, where these gaps are even more dramatic due to the relict and vulnerable nature of their species. In this context, we tested ecological metrics related to some of these gaps, checking if the biological relevance of the caves would change depending on ecological attributes related to each metric. The study was carried out in caves from southeastern Brazil, located in a region presenting a high richness of troglobitic species restricted to a narrow geographical extent. Thus, we verified: (a) the cave invertebrate communities’ vulnerability with the Vulnerability Index and the Importance Value for Cave Conservation; (b) the distribution and endemicity of the troglobitic species with the Endemicity Index; (c) the phylogenetic diversity of the troglobitic species considering the average taxonomic distinction (∆+), their richness and evenness. We observed a considerable change in the ordering of the caves’ biological relevance according to each tested attribute (index). We discussed how each of these metrics and their attributes indirectly relate to: (a) the preservation and maintenance of the phylogenetic diversity of subterranean communities; (b) the spatial restrictions of different groups, where the greater their restrictions, the greater their vulnerability; (c) the preservation of caves with high biological relevance considering these different attributes together. Thus, we recommend the use of different metrics so that different ecological attributes can be considered, supporting actions that aim to preserve caves in highly altered regions. Finally, we find that the most biologically important cave in the region is not protected (Gruta da Morena Cave). We warn that this cave needs to be contemplated by a conservation unit in the region urgently.
Texto publicado em jornal
Pandora is on Earth: new species of Eukoenenia (Palpigradi) emerging at risk of extinction
(2018) Souza, Maysa F. V. R.; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.
In 2008 the change to the Brazilian legislation regarding the use of natural caves has caused an increase in the number of studies on environmental impacts involving caves. The legislation requires the classification of such environments according to their importance, and caves that are not classified highly may be irreversibly impacted. Thus, caves in rocks of high economic interest have been intensively sampled, which has resulted in the collection of several specimens of Palpigradi in them. The Iron Quadrangle (in Minas Gerais state) stands out among these areas as one the most important sources of iron ore in Brazil. Several palpigrades from this region are housed in collections: most of them belong to the edaphic species Eukoenenia ferratilis, and a small portion belong to new species that are morphologically quite distinct fromE. ferratilis, with longer bodies and more elongated appendages, indicating the presence of troglomorphisms. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe three new troglobitic species ofEukoenenia, which can be distinguished morphometrically and by means of some qualitative characters. These descriptions are important for the preservation of the caves where they occur, since the presence of troglobitic species increases the relevance of the caves, which have been severely threatened by mining activities.
Texto publicado em jornal
The role of microhabitats in structuring cave invertebrate communities in Guatemala
(2020) Pacheco, Gabrielle S.M.; Silva, Marconi Souza; Cano, Enio; Ferreira, Rodrigo L.
Several studies have tried to elucidate the main environmental features driving invertebrate community structure in cave environments. They found that many factors influence the community structure, but rarely focused on how substrate types and heterogeneity might shape these communities. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess which substrate features and whether or not substrate heterogeneity determines the invertebrate community structure (species richness and composition) in a set of limestone caves in Guatemala. We hypothesized that the troglobitic fauna responds differently to habitat structure regarding species richness and composition than non-troglobitic fauna because they are more specialized to live in subterranean habitats. Using 30 m2 transects, the invertebrate fauna was collected and the substrate features were measured. The results showed that community responded to the presence of guano, cobbles, boulders, and substrate heterogeneity. The positive relationship between non-troglobitic species composition with the presence of guano reinforces the importance of food resources for structuring invertebrate cave communities in Guatemalan caves. Furthermore, the troglobitic species responded to different substrate features when compared to non-troglobitic species. For them, instead of the presence of organic matter, a higher variety of abiotic microhabitats seem to be the main driver for species diversity within a cave. The high specialization level of troglobitic organisms might be the reason why they respond differently to environmental conditions. The findings of this study highlight the importance of biological surveys for understanding cave biodiversity and give insights on how this biodiversity might be distributed within a cave. Conservation measures should keep in mind the target organisms and if such measures aim to protect a broad variety of organisms, then one should aim to preserve as many microhabitats and trophic resources as possible.