Search Results (709)

Zethus Fabricius is the largest genus of vespid wasps with over 300 species worldwide that are divided into subgenera and further into species groups. Recent phylogenetic studies raised the number of subgenera from four to nine, six of which are in the Neotropics. However, three Neotropical species groups were not assigned to any subgenus due to lack of node support. The Zethus spinosus species group is such a case and, while previously inserted in the nominotypical subgenus, it was recovered closer to Zethus (Zethusculus), but with no support. Thus, a phylogenetic parsimony analysis of morphological data of the group was carried out with better ingroup and outgroup sampling for testing to find a more robust resolution for the group’s placement. We recovered the Zethus spinosus group as monophyletic and as a sister group of Zethus (Zethusculus). In both cases, it was not only unique synapomorphies that supported the clades, but symmetric resampling also recovered significantly better values. Therefore, to maintain all taxa monophyletic, a new subgenus, “Zethus (Zethittus)” Cruciol & Lopes, subg. n., is described to accommodate the Zethus spinosus group. Additionally, a new species, Zethus (Zethittus) ramphoceros Cruciol & Lopes, sp. nov. from Brazil is described herein. The present study also provides a new record of Zethus semiplanus Cruciol et al. (2026). Full article

Background/Objectives: Stingless bees (tribe Meliponini) are the most species-rich group of eusocial bees and critical pollinators across tropical ecosystems. Over the past seven decades, a growing number of studies have addressed their genetics and genomics, but coverage of the tribe remains taxonomically and geographically uneven. Here, we present a systematic evidence map and bibliometric science-mapping synthesis of this literature. Methods: We searched Scopus and Web of Science, retained 410 peer-reviewed articles published between 1950 and 2026, and applied structural topic modeling (STM) to characterize the thematic, temporal, taxonomic, and biogeographic structure of the corpus. Results: STM with K = 10 topics identified ten research themes, ranging from classical marker-based genetics and cytogenetics to phylogenomics, mitochondrial genomics, microbiome, and functional genomics. The estimated prevalence of phylogenomics/taxonomy and mitogenomics increased most steeply in recent years, a publication pattern consistent with—although not proof of—a shift toward genome-scale comparative approaches. Topic prevalence differed across biogeographic regions and subtribes: Neotropical and Meliponina-dominated studies were concentrated in population genetics, cytogenetics, and gene expression, whereas Indo-Australasian and Hypotrigonina-associated studies showed higher relative representation of DNA barcoding, mitogenomics, and microbiome research. Taxonomic representation was strongly skewed toward a few genera, with Melipona alone accounting for 43% of the corpus and most lineages across the Meliponini phylogeny remaining poorly studied. Conclusions: The principal contribution is a reproducible quantitative map of publication patterns; proposed research and conservation priorities are evidence-informed interpretations rather than direct outputs of STM. Full article

Invasive gastropods pose significant risks to ecosystem stability and public health by acting as intermediate hosts for parasites like Fasciola spp. During malacological surveys across Nigeria (2024–2025), populations of a previously unknown lymnaeid snail were discovered in two distinct habitats. Using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological examination and COI DNA barcoding, the species was identified as the Neotropical liver fluke snail Galba cubensis. Phylogeographical analysis revealed that Nigerian specimens share a common haplotype widespread in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, indicating a major transcontinental range expansion. While xenomonitoring of four specimens showed no current trematode infections, G. cubensis is a primary intermediate host for Fasciola hepatica. The establishment of this highly adaptable species in West Africa raises urgent ONE HEALTH concerns, including potential parasitic overspill and competition with native snails like Radix natalensis. Freshwater gastropod invasions in Nigeria, cryptic invasions in Africa, and future developments are discussed. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of dedicated malacological surveys and risk management to address the spread of globally invasive freshwater snails. Full article

Phytotelmata are natural water-holding microhabitats that support diverse aquatic communities, including immature mosquitoes. We analyzed the diversity, composition, and interaction network structure of Culicidae associated with two bromeliad species, Aechmea distichantha and Vriesea friburgensis, in two localities of the Yungas ecoregion in northwestern Argentina: La Florida Provincial Reserve (LFPR) (Tucumán) and Isla de Cañas (Salta). Immature mosquitoes were sampled during 2017–2018, and community structure was evaluated using Hill numbers, nonparametric richness estimators, bipartite network analysis, and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). A total of 12 mosquito species were identified, with richness ranging from 5 to 9 species depending on bromeliad species and locality, with the highest richness recorded in V. friburgensis in LFPR. Sampling completeness ranged from 96.8% to 100%. Bipartite network analysis showed moderate connectance (0.50), low modularity (Q = 0.188), intermediate nestedness (NODF = 46.94), and low global specialization (H2′ = 0.273), suggesting a relatively generalized interaction structure. Culex coronator and Cx. imitator dominated the assemblage, while other species exhibited more restricted associations. The CCA indicated that species composition was mainly associated with bromeliad height above ground, internal water temperature, sediment, and pH. These results highlight the importance of microhabitat heterogeneity in structuring mosquito assemblages in Neotropical phytotelmata. Full article

The genieri species group of the Neotropical genus Deltochilum Eschscholtz, 1822 (subgenus D. Deltohyboma Lane, 1946) is studied. Based on the morphological analysis of 729 specimens, fourteen new species are described: D. cryptoporum sp. nov., D. oxapampa sp. nov., D. acraspedum sp. nov., D. ai sp. nov., D. chamorroi sp. nov., D. aiense sp. nov., D. obliteratum sp. nov., D. francoisgenieri sp. nov., D. alejoloperai sp. nov., D. harakbuti sp. nov. D. lavator sp. nov., D. semperverde sp. nov., D. caecum sp. nov., and D. figueroai sp. nov. New distributional data and ecological observations, based on information from labels of the examined specimens, reveal a high degree of forest specialization for most taxa, while D. acraspedum sp. nov. is uniquely highlighted for its ecological plasticity in disturbed and agricultural landscapes. Keys to both sexes are included, although the use of the male key is emphasized for a correct and reliable species identification. Two phylogenetic hypotheses are discussed based on the particular aedeagal morphology of D. acraspedum sp. nov.; the first suggests a morphological variation, maintaining the species within the genieri species group, while the second proposes it as an evolutionary link between the genieri and lindemannae species groups. Full article

Improper solid waste management can alter plant communities and facilitate the establishment of non-native species, yet these effects remain poorly documented in Neotropical dump environments. We characterized the flora of an open-air rubbish dump on the Ecuadorian coast and evaluated how disturbance and spatial position influenced floristic composition. Qualitative surveys and 30 systematically established 10 m² plots were sampled along a gradient from the main road to the waste disposal cell. Species identity, origin status, and life form were recorded for all species. The floristic inventory documented 66 species, whereas richness and floristic composition analyses were based on the 38 species recorded in the systematic plots. Native species comprised 74.2% of the flora and non-native species 21.2%. Launaea intybacea represented a new non-native record for continental Ecuador, while Cucumis melo was recorded growing spontaneously outside cultivation. Herbaceous species dominated both assemblages. Agricultural disturbance was associated with higher native and total richness, whereas waste disturbance reduced both. Non-native richness increased with distance from the disposal cell and toward the main road. Despite needing broader multi-site and seasonal surveys, this local study shows that open-air rubbish dumps help detect recently established non-native plants. Full article

Oaxaca is one of the most biocultural diverse regions in Mexico. Although the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica L.; Procyonidae, Mammalia) is widely used by Indigenous and rural communities throughout the Neotropics, its role within subsistence hunting, traditional food systems, and local management practices in Oaxaca has remained undocumented. This study analyzes the biocultural significance of N. narica hunting and consumption among four Indigenous groups in northern Oaxaca. Data were collected through ethnographic techniques, i.e., semi-structured interviews with locals, ethnozoological field trips, and participatory workshops conducted with Zoque, Zapotec, Chinantec, and Mazatec communities. In addition, an extensive literature review was carried out to contextualize and compare the field data. N. narica hunting is predominantly diurnal and collective, frequently involving dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and horses (Equus ferus caballus), and fulfills at least three functions, including food provisioning, crop protection, and limited wild meat trade. N. narica meat is incorporated into traditional diet and prepared in at least five culturally distinct culinary forms. The use of N. narica reflects complex ethnoecological knowledge and long-term human–fauna interactions embedded within Indigenous livelihoods. These findings underscore the relevance of a biocultural ethnoecological approach for understanding subsistence hunting, wild meat use, and rural livelihoods in Mesoamerica. Full article

Clusia grandiflora Splitg. (Clusiaceae), popularly known as “cebolão” or “orelha-de-onça”, is a Neotropical species recognized as a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly prenylated benzophenones. This study investigated the chemical composition and antileishmanial potential of the ethanolic extract (EBCG), dichloromethane fraction (FDCG), and hexane fraction (FHex) obtained from C. grandiflora fruits. Chemical profiling by HPLC-ESI-IT-MS/MS revealed a metabolome dominated by prenylated benzophenones, terpenes, and flavonols. Biological evaluation included activity against promastigote and axenic amastigote forms of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis, cytotoxicity toward RAW 264.7 macrophages, assessment of cell death phenotypes, nitric oxide (NO) production, and molecular docking against Leishmania infantum trypanothione reductase (TRLi). FDCG and FHex exhibited moderate activity against promastigotes (IC₅₀ = 20.34 and 85.86 µg mL⁻¹, respectively), whereas EBCG was inactive. FHex showed the highest activity against axenic amastigotes (IC₅₀ = 7.0 µg mL⁻¹), while EBCG and FDCG displayed moderate activity (IC₅₀ = 15.92 and 26.43 µg mL⁻¹, respectively). Cell death occurred predominantly through a necrosis-like phenotype in promastigotes and an apoptosis-like phenotype in axenic amastigotes, and all samples significantly reduced NO production. Molecular docking indicated that several putatively annotated metabolites from C. grandiflora can be favorably accommodated within the TS2 substrate-binding cavity of Leishmania infantum trypanothione reductase (TRLi). Garcinielliptone I and Guttiferone E exhibited the most favorable predicted binding affinities, whereas xanthocymol displayed an interaction pattern involving the catalytic residues Cys52 and Cys57. These findings highlight selected putatively annotated metabolites as promising candidates for future biochemical investigation. Overall, these findings highlight C. grandiflora fruits as a promising, previously underexplored source of prenylated benzophenones with antileishmanial activity and the ability to reduce nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Full article

For millennia, farmers in cassava’s homeland in the neotropics selected varieties suited to their climate, soils, biological environments, management systems, and nutritional needs. These actions were fundamental to the crop’s success as a reliable staple energy source. After the arrival of Europeans in the New World, these varieties spread first to Africa and later to Asia, where they were further selected for local conditions and needs. The founders of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture in Cali, Colombia, recognized the importance of legacy landrace varieties as sources of genetic diversity for breeding to support tropical production systems, improve nutrition, and boost income. One of earliest activities of the new center, beginning in 1969, was to organize the collection of cassava landraces to establish a genetic resource for breeding purposes at the center’s headquarters in the Cauca Valley. We describe the multifaceted understanding about this remarkable heritage through thorough evaluation over a diverse range of environments and the creation of new varieties aimed at adding value across the crop’s diverse agro-ecologies and uses. CIAT breeders, along with a broad coalition of partners, have targeted demands from growers, processors, and consumers throughout the tropics. Latin American germplasm remains the foundational source of novel, high-value traits that differentiate cassava products across markets, underpinning the continued gains in productivity, quality, and end-use performance. Full article

Mantidae exhibits the most extensive adaptive radiation within the order Mantodea; however, studies elucidating their internal phylogenetic relationships and spatio-temporal diversification patterns remain scarce. This study aims to resolve the long-standing taxonomic uncertainties within Mantidae by testing the hypothesis that the polyphyletic nature of several subfamilies—specifically Tenoderinae and Hierodulinae—is linked to an incomplete understanding of their mitochondrial genomic evolution. To address this, we assembled 16 complete Mantodea mitochondrial genomes, including seven representatives of the tribe Archimantini (Mantidae: Hierodulinae). Of these, 10 mitogenomes conform to the ancestral insect mitochondrial gene order proposed by Cameron and colleagues, but six mitochondrial gene orders do not conform to the ancestral insect mitochondrial gene order. We identified typical mantodean mitochondrial rearrangement patterns in three species, characterized by gene duplications within the trnA-trnR-trnN-trnS-trnE-trnF and CR-trnI-trnQ-trnM-trnM-ND2 gene cluster. Phylogenetic analyses corroborate the monophyly of Orthoderinae, Mantinae, Choeradodinae, Vatinae, and Archimantini within Mantidae; conversely, Tenoderinae and Hierodulinae are resolved as polyphyletic assemblages. Divergence time estimation indicates that the split between extant Mantodea and Blattodea occurred during the Middle Permian (275.4 Ma, 95% HPD: 207.07–329.09 Ma). Mantidae originated during the Late Cretaceous (87.83 Ma, 95% HPD: 58.89–118.23 Ma), with the diversification of most subfamilies of Mantidae occurring during the Late Cretaceous (80.48 Ma; 95% HPD: 54.86–106.41 Ma). Historical biogeographic analysis and the estimated divergence times suggests that the common ancestor of Mantidae originated within Gondwana during the Late Cretaceous. Ancestral range reconstructions identify Australasia realms and Neotropical realms as the most probable center of origination for Mantidae and achieved a global distribution by expanding along the trans-Antarctic route and leveraging the ‘Indian Ark’ effect. Full article

This study investigated the RNA virome associated with the phlebotomine sand fly Pintomyia fischeri using a metatranscriptomic approach applied to the Meta29 library, composed of 21 specimens collected at the São Paulo Zoo, Brazil. Read-based taxonomic analysis revealed a diverse viral community composed of viruses associated with the families Iflaviridae, Narnaviridae, Partitiviridae, Reoviridae, Solemoviridae, Tombusviridae, Totiviridae, and Tymoviridae, in addition to highly abundant unclassified RNA viruses related to the ShiM 2016 group. Assembly and annotation analyses enabled the characterization of four viral RNA genomes associated with the families Partitiviridae (PfPartitiV-1a-SP, PfPartitiV-1b-SP, and PfPartitiV-2-SP) and Narnaviridae (PfNarnaV-1-SP). Sequence comparisons revealed low amino acid identity relative to currently available reference viral sequences, supporting the classification of these sequences as highly divergent and potentially novel viral lineages. Structural modeling of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) proteins identified the viral polymerase-specific catalytic motifs A, B, and C. Phylogenetic analyses further supported the evolutionary divergence of the identified viruses relative to currently described taxa. Overall, these findings expand current knowledge of viral RNA diversity associated with Neotropical sand flies and highlight the value of metatranscriptomic approaches for the detection and characterization of previously undescribed viruses associated with medically important insect vectors. Full article

Advances in biotechnological tools have accelerated the genomic characterization of non-model organisms, providing insights for broader bioprospecting efforts. In this context, Hyphessobrycon, one of the most species-rich and widely distributed genera in the family Characidae, remains largely unexplored at the mitogenomic level. We sequenced the complete mitogenomes of three Hyphessobrycon species, compared them with those of other Hyphessobrycon species, and conducted a phylogenetic analysis. We found that Hyphessobrycon mitogenomes are similar in terms of structure and size, codons with relative synonymous codon usage >1 usually end with A or T, and the genus Hyphessobrycon is polyphyletic. Our study provides additional evidence for the phylogenetic relationships in Characidae; however, mitogenomes of more Hyphessobrycon species need to be characterized in future studies. Full article

Ultrasound is a fundamental diagnostic imaging tool in veterinary medicine that allows for the noninvasive, real-time evaluation of abdominal organs. However, reference ultrasound data for neotropical marsupials is scarce, which hinders diagnostic interpretation of ultrasound images of these species. The present study aimed to describe the morphological and biometric ultrasound characteristics of the abdominal organs of white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) treated at a wildlife rehabilitation center in southern Brazil. Sixteen clinically stable opossums, with an average body mass of 1.4 kg, underwent abdominal ultrasonography using a multifrequency linear transducer (7–12 MHz). We analyzed parameters such as shape, contour, echogenicity, echotexture, and anatomical relationships between adjacent structures, in addition to taking biometric measurements of different abdominal organs. Most structures presented characteristics similar to those described in small domestic dogs and cats. However, species-specific particularities were observed, including decreased renal corticomedullary distinction, slightly coarser renal and prostatic echotexture, and a smaller abdominal aorta diameter. It is concluded that abdominal ultrasonography is an effective method for the anatomical evaluation of white-eared opossums. Full article

Mustelids are a very diverse carnivoran group, boasting the largest number of carnivoran species today, with the most extreme ecological adaptations. Nevertheless, Neotropical Lyncodontini, one Neotropical mustelid subfamily, is one of the least studied from a genetic and evolutionary perspective. The use of small fragments of three mitochondrial (mt) markers (NADH5, 12S rRNA, and D-loop) proved to be very useful for recovering relevant information on the evolutionary history of Neotropical Lyncodontini species of the genera Galictis and Lyncodon. This study used the largest population sample analyzed to date for G. vittata (13 specimens from Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and French Guiana) and reports for the first time sequences for three mt markers for L. patagonicus other than the mtCyt-b gene. The main results obtained were the following. (1) The haplotype and nucleotide diversity of G. vittata was lower than these statistics measured in other studies of G. cuja in southern and southeastern Brazil. (2) There was evidence from two analyses of a possible population expansion of the female lineages of G. vittata, which began between 635,000 and 370,000 years ago (ya) (mismatch distribution), whereas another procedure (BSP) detected population growth from 500,000 to 80,000 ya, with a population decrease around 40,000 ya. (3) Three genetically distinct groups were detected within G. vittata. One group was in Central America and northern Colombia, another in French Guiana, and the third in the rest of South America. (4) The origin of Neotropical Lyncodontini was older than in other studies (late Miocene, early Pliocene). (6) Some of the analyses detected a closer relationship between L. patagonicus and G. cuja than the latter with G. vittata. This could show that Galictis might be a paraphyletic genus. (7) Many analyses detected that the L. patagonicus haplotypes were the first to originate in situ in South America before the definitive closure of the isthmus of Panama, followed by those of G. cuja, with G. vittata showing the most recent haplotypes. This could indicate that the origin of the current Neotropical Lyncodontini occurred in the south of South America and that colonization occurred towards the north. Full article

Male and female paper wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) perform different behavioral roles. Thus, sexes may experience distinct selective pressures that may ultimately affect body size, shape, and proportions. We investigated this in the neotropical Polistes simillimus. We compared 100 males and 100 females using linear morphometrics, geometric morphometrics, and allometric analyses of head, mesosoma, forewing, and fore femur. Females were larger than males in all linear measurements. After correcting for body size, males exhibited wider heads, longer mesosomas, and longer fore femora, whereas females had longer heads. Positive allometry of mesosoma length was detected in males and negative allometry of fore femur length in females. Geometric morphometrics confirmed differences in both forewing (rounder in males, elongated in females) and mesosoma (stouter in males). These findings are consistent with the contrasting behavioral demands experienced by each sex; they also generate testable hypotheses regarding the evolution of flight performance in these insects. Full article