ABSTRACT The almond (Prunus dulcis) is an economically important crop in Portugal and is in the process of expansion. The assessment of the diversity of arthropods existing in the almond tree canopy becomes essential to know the trophic relationships that are established within it. The aim of this work was to identify the main arthropods present in the almond tree canopy in different soil management systems and water conditions. The trial was carried out in two almond groves, in Corujas, Macedo de Cavaleiros: rainfed and irrigated. They were subdivided into two treatments: 1) mobilized soil and 2) spontaneous vegetation, each with 3 blocks and 5 replications. Modalities 1 and 2 were installed in May 2022. Samples were collected fortnightly, between July and September 2022, performing 6 taps/tree/modality, using the tapping technique, to assess the auxiliary fauna and 20 leaves/ tree to monitor Monosteira unicostata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Posteriorly, the individuals were counted and their identification was made at order and family level, for the auxiliary fauna and at species level for the pests. The most frequent orders were Hymenoptera (30%) and Araneae (18%). There were no significant differences in the number of arthropods between treatments in the two almond groves. With regard to pests, T. urticae and M. unicostata predominated in both orchards, with greater abundance in the irrigated grove.

RESUMO A amendoeira (Prunus dulcis) é uma cultura economicamente importante em Portugal e atualmente encontra-se em fase de expansão. A avaliação da diversidade de artrópodes existente na copa da amendoeira torna-se essencial para conhecer as relações tróficas que se estabelecem no seu interior. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os principais artrópodes presentes na copa das amendoeiras em diferentes sistemas de gestão do solo e condições hídricas. O ensaio foi conduzido em dois amendoais, em Corujas, Macedo de Cavaleiros: sequeiro e regadio. Eles foram subdivididos em dois tratamentos: 1) solo mobilizado e 2) vegetação espontânea, cada um com 3 blocos e 5 repetições. As modalidades 1 e 2 foram instaladas em maio de 2022. As amostras foram recolhidas quinzenalmente, entre julho e setembro de 2022, realizando-se 6 batidas/árvore/modalidade, na técnica das pancadas, para avaliar a fauna auxiliar e colhidas 20 folhas/árvore para monitorizar Monosteira unicostata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae) e Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Posteriormente, contaram-se os indivíduos e a sua identificação foi feita ao nível de ordem e família para a fauna auxiliar e de espécie para as pragas. As ordens mais frequentes foram Hymenoptera (30%) e Araneae (18%). Não se verificaram diferenças significativas no número de artrópodes entre os tratamentos, nos dois amendoais. Quanto às pragas, predominaram T. urticae e M. unicostata nos dois amendoais, verificando-se maior abundância no amendoal de regadio.

Resumen El estudio de algunas colecciones de museos con materiales recolectados en India dio como resultado las descripciones de una nueva especie del género Paramolotra de Bengala Occidental (género conocido anterior mente solo de China), así como una nueva especie de Aprusia Simon y también la hembra de Aprusia kerala, de la region crítica de biodiversidad de los Ghats Occidentales. Aprusia kerala había sido descrito sobre la base de dos especímenes machos ymuestra una sorprendente configuración genital para el género y para la familia.

Abstract The study of some museum collections with materials collected in India resulted in the descriptions of a new species of the genus Paramolotra Tong & Li from West Bengal (the genus was previously known only from China), as well as a new species of Aprusia Simon, and also the female of Aprusia kerala Grismado & Deeleman, from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. A. kerala had been described based on of two male specimens, it shows a remarkably genital configuration for the genus and for the whole family.

BACKGROUND: The Eastern Cape province of South Africa has a rich floral diversity, with seven of the country's eight floral biomes represented in the province. The non-acarine arachnid fauna of the province is largely understudied and considerable gaps exist in our knowledge of the distribution, diversity and levels of endemism of the arachnid fauna. OBJECTIVES: To address this, non-acarine arachnids were sampled intensively in the Afromontane forests and surrounding biotopes in the Amathole Mountains over the course of a decade. METHODS: In the present contribution, comprehensive checklists of the non-acarine arachnids (specifically, the orders Amblypygi, Araneae, Opiliones, Pseu-doscorpiones and Scorpiones) of the region are presented, based on a combination of field sampling, provenance data from museum specimen databases, and a review of the historical literature. RESULTS: In total, 398 species of non-acarine arachnids have been recorded from the Amathole Mountains, with spiders (Araneae; 324 species from 51 families) and harvestmen (Opiliones; 41 species from four families) the richest groups. The region is exceptionally rich in harvestmen and pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpio-nes; 24 species from 11 families), and might be considered a hotspot of biodiversity and endemism for these taxa. CONCLUSION: As the sampling was concentrated around Hogsback, and most other areas remain undersampled, further efforts should be made to sample all representative biotopes more comprehensively in the mountain range. This will improve understanding of the distribution and endemism of the arachnid fauna and assess the conservation significance of the region from a national perspective.

ABSTRACT Salticidae is the most diverse family of Araneae and in Brazil, there are 667 species. Among these species, five are synanthropic exotics: Plexippus paykulli (Audouin, 1826), Hasarius adansoni (Audouin, 1826), Menemerus bivittatus (Dufour, 1831), M. nigli Wesołowska & Freudenschuss, 2012 and Thyene coccineovittata (Simon, 1886). To understand the current distribution of these species in Brazil, seven collections of 643 lots were examined from seven Brazilian zoological collections. The synanthropic exotic species with the highest records were Plexippus paykulli, Menemerus bivittatus, and Hasarius adansoni, generally collected and associated with human dwellings and buildings. They are present in all regions (North, Northeast, Midwest, and South macro-regions), with the largest region, in all regions of the country in 22 states and 98 municipalities, followed by Hasarius adansoni in 17 states and 88 municipalities, Menemerus bivittatus in 19 states and 68 municipalities. Menemerus nigli and Thyene coccineovittata are from recent introductions that occurred in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

RESUMO Salticidae é a família mais diversa de Araneae e no Brasil ocorrem 667 espécies, dentre elas cinco são exóticas sinantrópicas: Plexippus paykulli (Audouin, 1826), Menemerus bivittatus (Dufour, 1831), Hasarius adansoni (Audouin, 1826), Menemerus nigli Wesołowska & Freudenschuss, 2012 e Thyene coccineovittata (Simon, 1886). Foram examinados 643 lotes destas cinco espécies no Brasil, depositados em sete coleções zoológicas brasileiras. As espécies exóticas sinantrópicas com maior número de registros foram Plexippus paykulli, Hasarius adansoni e Menemerus bivittatus, na maioria dos casos coletadas associadas a habitações e edificações humanas. Elas estão presentes em todas as macrorregiões do país (Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Sul), sendo P. paykulli a que possui a maior distribuição, ocorrendo em 22 estados e 98 municípios, seguido de H. adansoni em 17 estados e 88 municípios e M. bivittatus em 19 estados e 68 municípios. Menemerus nigli e Thyene coccineovittata, são introduções recentes, ocorrendo apenas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Abstract The spider genus StrotarchusSimon, 1888 includes 18 extant species from the American continent (12 from Mexico). Additionally, two fossil species have been described for this genus, Strotarchus paradoxus (Petrunkevitch, 1963) from Mexican amber (Chiapas), and Strotarchus heidtiWunderlich, 1988 from Dominican Republic amber. From two pieces of amber from Chiapas, here we describe for the first time, the male of the fossil spider S. paradoxus previously known only by a female specimen preserved in amber from the same locality. Moreover, a diagnosis is proposed for this species based on the characteristics of the female described by Petrunkevitch (1963) and the male here described.

Resumen El género de arañas StrotarchusSimon, 1888 incluye 18 especies actuales para el continente americano (12 de México). Adicionalmente, se han descrito dos especies fósiles de este género, Strotarchus paradoxus (Petrunkevitch, 1963) de ámbar de México (Chiapas), y Strotarchus heidtiWunderlich, 1988 de ámbar de la República Dominicana. A partir de dos piezas de ámbar de Chiapas, describimos aquí por primera vez, el macho de la araña fósil S. paradoxus conocida previamente solo por un ejemplar hembra preservado en ámbar de la misma localidad. Además, se propone una diagnosis para esta especie con base en las características de la hembra descrita por Petrunkevitch (1963) y del macho aquí descrito.

Abstract We provide information on 11 new records of spiders collected in Sonora, Northwestern Mexico. The new records belong to the families of Deinopidae: Deinopis sp.; Filistatidae: Filistatinella sp. and Filistatoides sp.; Mimetidae: Mimetus sp.; Oecobiidae: Oecobius maculatus Simon, 1870; Oonopidae: Opopaea deserticola Simon, 1982; Oxyopidae: Hamataliwa helia (Chamberlin, 1929) and Peucetia viridans (Blackwall, 1858); Plectreuridae: Kibramoa sp.; Prodidomidae: Zimiris doriae Simon, 1882; Trachelidae: Trachelas pacificus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935. The families Deinopidae, Mimetidae, and Prodidomidae are recorded for the first time in Sonora, while O. maculatus is recorded for the first time in Mexico. The number of species known from Sonora increases to 212 spiders.

Resumen Se documentan 11 nuevos registros de arañas recolectadas en Sonora, Noroeste de México. Los nuevos registros pertenecen a las familias Deinopidae: Deinopis sp.; Filistatidae: Filistatinella sp. y Filistatoides sp.; Mimetidae: Mimetus sp.; Oecobiidae: Oecobius maculatus Simon, 1870; Oonopidae: Opopaea deserticola Simon, 1982; Oxyopidae: Hamataliwa helia (Chamberlin, 1929) y Peucetia viridans (Blackwall, 1858); Plectreuridae: Kibramoa sp.; Prodidomidae: Zimiris doriae Simon, 1882; Trachelidae: Trachelas pacificus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935. Destaca que los registros de las familias Deinopidae, Mimetidae y Prodidomidae son los primeros para la entidad. Además, entre las especies reportadas, O. maculatus se añade por primera vez a la lista de especies conocidas del país. Con la información anterior se incrementa a 212 especies de arañas conocidas para Sonora.

Abstract This study focuses on species richness, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variation of spiders in two coffee plantations with different crop management and a portion of tropical forest in two municipalities of La Costa region of Oaxaca, Mexico, using manual collection, foliage beating and pitfall traps. We collected 2,210 spiders belonging to 35 families, 100 genera and 146 species. The inventory includes 51 new species records for Oaxaca. Completeness values for two estimators indicate that the level of representation of inventories range from 68.25% to 78.44%, and the proportion of singletons range from 33.72% to 38.14%. Spider abundance in the rainy season was significantly lower than during the dry season. Spider abundance in the Tropical Forest was significantly lower than Monoculture site with the foliage beating method. Polyculture was the site with the lowest spider abundance with the pitfall traps. Rarefaction curves did not show significant differences in species richness between the sites and seasons. Hutcheson t-test showed that spider diversity was significantly lower in Monoculture than Tropical Forest during the rainy season. This study contributes to the knowledge of the arachnofauna of Mexico and particularly of the state of Oaxaca.

Resumen Este estudio se enfoca en la riqueza de especies, abundancia, diversidad y variación estacional de las arañas en dos cultivos de café con diferente manejo y una porción de bosque tropical en dos municipios de la región Costa de Oaxaca, México, utilizando la colecta manual, agitación del follaje y trampas de caída. Se recolectaron 2,210 arañas pertenecientes a 35 familias, 100 géneros y 146 especies. El inventario incluye 51 nuevos registros de especies para Oaxaca. Los valores de completitud de dos estimadores indican que el nivel de representación de los inventarios oscila entre el 68.25 % y el 78.44 %, mientras que la proporción de singletons fue de 33.72 % y 38.14 %. La abundancia de arañas en la estación lluviosa fue significativamente menor que durante la estación secas. La abundancia de arañas en el Bosque Tropical fue significativamente menor que en el Monocultivo con el método de agitación de follaje. El Policultivo fue el sitio con menor abundancia de arañas con el método de trampas de caída. Las curvas de rarefacción no mostraron diferencias significativas en la riqueza de especies entre los sitios y estaciones. La prueba t de Hutcheson mostró que la diversidad de arañas fue significativamente menor en el Monocultivo que en el Bosque Tropical durante la estación lluviosa. Este estudio contribuye al conocimiento de la aracnofauna de México y particularmente del estado de Oaxaca.

ABSTRACT The Cerrado biome occupies 22% of Brazil's land area and has one of the highest levels of endemism of flora and fauna species of any biome. As components of the fauna, the arthropods stand out as they perform several functions within ecosystems and serve as bioindicators of environmental quality. This work aimed to evaluate the association of the arthropod fauna with tree canopies in an area surrounding a fragment of a legal reserve adjacent to a coffee plantation. The study was conducted at the Juliana farm (18°43'29"S; 47°29'55"W), located in the municipality of Monte Carmelo, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The canopy net methodology was used, in which a net bag was wrapped around the branches and shaken five times, covering the four cardinal directions in the crowns of 20 trees. The contents of the net were placed in plastic bags, sealed, identified, and taken to the laboratory. Twelve monthly collections were performed between August 2018 and July 2019, for a total of 240 samples. The collected specimens were identified in taxonomic groups using a taxonomic key. During the sampling period, 804 individuals were collected, belonging to 56 taxa of the classes Arachnida and Insecta. Xylopia aromatica (Annonaceae) was the most representative tree species, with 50% of the sampled taxa found in its branches. The order Araneae and the families Asilidae and Tephritidae (Diptera) and Formicidae (Hymenoptera) were the predominant taxa in the faunistic analysis. As potential predators, Araneae and Formicidae were the most important groups and were found in all tree species sampled. The families Braconidae and Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) were the most common among the parasitoids. We conclude that the legal reserve and permanent preservation areas maintain populations of tree species that can generate a survival site for natural enemies and other canopy arthropods.

RESUMEN El Cerrado ocupa el 22% de la superficie terrestre de Brasil y tiene uno de los niveles más altos de endemismo de fauna y flora en comparación con otros biomas. Como componentes de la fauna se destacan los artrópodos, los cuales realizan varias funciones dentro de los ecosistemas y pueden servir como indicadores ambientales. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la asociación de la fauna de artrópodos con las copas de los árboles en un área de borde de un fragmento de bosque perteneciente a una reserva natural adyacente a una plantación de café. El estudio se realizó en la finca Juliana (18°43'29 "S; 47°29'55" O), ubicada en el municipio de Monte Carmelo, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Se adaptó la metodología de red de dosel para realizar la colecta de especímenes. Se envolvió una bolsa de red alrededor de las ramas de copas de 20 árboles y se agitó cinco veces, cubriendo los cuatro puntos cardinales. El contenido de la red se colocó en bolsas plásticas que luego de selladas e identificadas fueron llevadas al laboratorio. Se realizaron doce colectas mensuales entre agosto de 2018 y julio de 2019, totalizando 240 muestras. Los grupos taxonómicos a los que pertenecían los especímenes colectados fueron identificados utilizando una clave taxonómica. Se colectaron 804 individuos pertenecientes a 56 taxones de las clases Arachnida e Insecta. Xylopia aromatica (Annonaceae) fue la especie arbórea más representativa, conteniendo en sus ramas el 50% de los taxones colectados. El orden Araneae y las familias Asilidae y Tephritidae (Diptera) y Formicidae (Hymenoptera) fueron los taxones predominantes en el análisis faunístico. Los depredadores potenciales Araneae y Formicidae fueron los grupos más conspicuos, encontrándose en todas las especies de árboles analizadas. Las familias Braconidae e Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) fueron las más comunes entre los parasitoides. Concluimos que la reserva natural y las áreas de preservación permanente mantienen poblaciones de especies arbóreas que pueden generar espacios de supervivencia para enemigos naturales y otros artrópodos del dosel.

Resumo A variabilidade dos organismos em uma determinada área constitui o que se denomina biodiversidade, uma das propriedades fundamentais da natureza, responsável pelo equilíbrio e estabilidade dos ecossistemas. A perda da biodiversidade tem sido uma grande preocupação para os cientistas, principalmente pelo papel desempenhado pelas atividades humanas, com potencial para desencadear circunstâncias irreversíveis. A Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) desempenha um papel importante no apoio às pesquisas nos mais diversos ramos da ciência. No final da década de 1990, a FAPESP lançou um grande programa de fomento à pesquisa em biodiversidade, denominado BIOTA/FAPESP. Até o momento, este programa financiou a realização de 26 projetos, envolvendo atividades na maior parte do Brasil, embora tenham como foco principal o estado de São Paulo. Esses projetos geraram cerca de 1.140 publicações em periódicos de alto impacto, fornecendo informações relevantes que incluem a descrição original de 1.187 espécies e 76 gêneros e a descrição complementar de 350 espécies, além de diversos trabalhos de inventário, estudos biológicos etc. O programa também tem sido fundamental para o estabelecimento ou adequação de instalações de pesquisa científica e o treinamento de novos taxonomistas. Os grupos de invertebrados terrestres mais estudados incluem os Insecta das ordens Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera e Diptera, e os Arachnida das subclasses Araneae e Acari. Projetos distintos também têm contribuído para a detecção de organismos potencialmente úteis como agentes de controle biológico e na determinação de mapas de áreas preferenciais para o estabelecimento de políticas públicas. No futuro, os grupos prioritários de estudo devem incluir os Annelida e os Nematoda, pelo potencial que ambos têm como organismos benéficos, ou pelo potencial que alguns Nematoda têm como organismos prejudiciais a plantas e animais.

Abstract The variability of the organisms living in a given area constitute what is referred to as biodiversity, one of nature’s fundamental properties, responsible for the balance and stability of ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity has been of great concern to scientists, especially because of the role played by human activities in this regard, able to lead to irreversible circumstances. The São Paulo Research Foundation (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, FAPESP) plays a major role in supporting research efforts in the most diverse branches of science. In the late 1990´s, FAPESP launched a major program to promote research on biodiversity, named BIOTA/FAPESP. So far, this program has financed the conduction of 26 projects, involving research activities in most of Brazil, while focusing mainly the State of São Paulo. These projects have generated about 1140 publications in peer-reviewed journals of high standard, providing relevant information, including the original description of 1187 species and 76 genera, the complementary description of 350 species, as well as a number of inventory works, biological studies, etc. The program has also been instrumental in the establishment or adequacy of research facilities and training of new taxonomists. Most extensively studied groups of terrestrial invertebrates include Insecta of the orders Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera, and Arachnida of the subclasses Araneae and Acari. Distinct projects have also contributed to the detection of organisms potentially useful as biological control agents and in the determination of maps of major interest for the establishment of public policies. In the future, priority groups for study should include the Annelida and the Nematoda, for the potential both have as beneficial organisms, or for the potential some Nematoda have as organisms harmful to plants and animals.

Resumen La diversidad, la permanencia y la actividad de los artrópodos terrestres se investigaron en las tierras bajas de la costa del Pacífico de Colombia con el objetivo de identificar posibles especies depredadoras para el barrenador de la raíz de la palma de aceite, Sagalassa valida. Se establecieron diez trampas de caída a lo largo de un transecto de 100 m en cuatro áreas: un bosque secundario, una plantación de palma de chontaduro de 20 años y dos plantaciones híbridas de palma aceitera de tres y siete años, respectivamente. Se realizaron 22 recolectas cubriendo un año entero. Todas las hormigas se identificaron a nivel de especie o morfoespecie, los otros artrópodos se identificaron hasta orden o, cuando fue posible, a nivel de familia. En total, se capturaron 50.603 artrópodos, los más abundantes fueron hormigas (37,0 %), seguidos de Collembola (35,4 %), Acari (10,6 %), Coleoptera (7,0 %) y Diptera; Hemiptera y Araneae en porcentajes casi iguales (2,5 %). Los ortópteros (92 % Gryllidae) estaban presentes en todas las recolectas, siempre en números bajos. El mayor número de hormigas se registró en los transectos de palma aceitera; Diptera, Hemiptera y Orthoptera fueron más numerosos en el bosque secundario; Acari, Araneae y Collembola en el transecto de palma aceitera. Ectatomma ruidum fue la especie de hormiga dominante (84,9 % de todos los especímenes) y estuvo ausente en solo 20 de las 880 capturas. El segundo género de hormigas más frecuente fue el de las legionarias con dos especies, Labidus praedator y L. coecus. Las precipitaciones, incluso las inundaciones de toda el área, y la temperatura no explicaron satisfactoriamente la variabilidad en las capturas de ningún grupo taxonómico. Se concluye que E. ruidum podría ser el depredador que proporcione control del barrenador de la raíz y se recomiendan estudios adicionales sobre su eficiencia.

Abstract Diversity, permanence, and activity of terrestrial arthropods were investigated in four areas of different land use in the lowlands of the Pacific coast of Colombia with the aim to identify potential predator species for the palm root borer, Sagalassa valida. Ten pitfall traps were established along a 100 m transect in four areas: a secondary forest, a 20 year.-old peach palm plantation, and two hybrid oil palm plantations of three and seven years of age, respectively. Twenty-two collections were made covering a whole year. All ants were identified to species or morphospecies level, the other arthropods to order or where possible to family level. In total, 50,603 arthropods were captured, the most abundant were ants (37.0 %), followed by Collembola (35.4 %), Acari (10.6 %), Coleoptera (7.0 %) and Diptera, Hemiptera and Araneae in almost equal numbers (around 2.5 %). Orthoptera (92 % Gryllidae) were present in all collections, always at low numbers. The highest number of ants were recorded in the oil palm transects; Diptera, Hemiptera and Orthoptera were more numerous in the secondary forest, Acari, Araneae and Collembola in the palm transects. Ectatomma ruidum was by far the dominant ant species (84.9 % of all specimens) and absent from only 20 of the 880 captures. The second most frequent ant genus were army ants with two species, Labidus praedator and L. coecus. Rainfall, even area-wide flooding, and temperature did not explain variability in captures of any taxonomic group satisfactorily. We conclude that E. ruidum might be the predator to provide control of the root borer and recommend further studies on its efficiency.

Resumen “Pioneras: Las Científicas del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales” es un ciclo que se inició en el mes de marzo del año 2019 en el marco del Día Internacional de la Mujer. Este ciclo surgió a partir de un grupo de mujeres autoconvocadas del Museo y tiene por objetivo reconocer y homenajear la labor de las primeras mujeres que desempeñaron actividades científicas dentro de nuestra Institución. En su tercera edición (2021), el ciclo rindió homenaje a tres brillantes profesionales y pioneras de la aracnología: Berta S. Gerschman de Pikelin, Rita D. E. Schiapelli y María Elena Galiano. Estas tres investigadoras han dedicado su carrera científica al estudio de arañas neotropicales. A lo largo de su trayectoria, no sólo han dado origen a la Colección Nacional de Aracnología del Museo, sino que también han dejado un legado de más de 150 trabajos científicos publicados y alrededor de 200 nuevas especies descriptas, construyendo una base sólida para investigaciones futuras.

Abstract “Pioneers: Women Scientists of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales’’ is a cycle that began in March 2019 within the framework of the International Women’s Day. It began as an initiative of a self-convened group of working women of the Museum, with the aim of recognizing and honoring the trajectories of the first women who carried out scientific activities within our Institution. In the third edition (2021), the cycle paid tribute to three brilliant professionals and pioneers in arachnology: Berta S. Gerschman de Pikelin, Rita D. E. Schiapelli, and María Elena Galiano. These three researchers dedicated their scientific careers to studying Neotropical spi ders. Along their careers, they built up the Arachnology National Collection. Furthermore, they left a legacy of more than 150 published papers and nearly 200 new described species, providing a solid basis for future scientific research.

Abstract In order to identify the edaphic macrofauna in five grassland agroecosystems from Granma province, samplings were carried out twice a year, between July, 2014 and March, 2017. The edaphic macrofauna was collected according to the standard methodology proposed by the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) and by the complementary methodology of pitfall traps. The identification was performed with taxonomical references and keys, and with the cooperation of competent entomologists and taxonomists. The identified edaphic macrofauna, with both methods, in five agroecosystems, was grouped in three phyla, seven classes, 16 orders, 71 families, 121 genera, 63 species and 177 morphospecies. Insecta class was the best represented according to number of orders (11), while Araneae was the most represented order, with 17 families. Formicidae family had the best richness of genera and species, identified with 33 taxonomical units. Out of the identified orders, 17 were collected from monoliths and 14 from traps. Meanwhile, at taxonomical level, 46 were identified in monoliths and 63 in traps. It is concluded that the high presence of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) determined a low taxonomical diversity of the edaphic macrofauna in all the studied agroecosystems. In addition, it is recognized the need of use of the complementary method of pitfall traps to obtain a more complete inventory of the edaphic macrofauna.

Resumen Para identificar la macrofauna edáfica en cinco agroecosistemas de pastizales de la provincia Granma, se realizaron muestreos dos veces al año, desde julio de 2014 hasta marzo de 2017. La macrofauna edáfica se colectó según la metodología estándar propuesta por el Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) y por la metodología complementaria de las trampas de caída. La identificación se realizó con el uso de claves y referencias taxonómicas y con la colaboración de entomólogos y taxónomos competentes. Para la macrofauna edáfica, se aplicaron ambos métodos en los cinco agroecosistemas. Se agrupó en tres phyla, siete clases, 16 órdenes, 71 familias, 121 géneros y 63 especies y 177 morfoespecies. La clase Insecta fue la mejor representada, en lo que respecta al número de órdenes (11); entre los órdenes, lo fue Araneae con 17 familias. La familia Formicidae se destacó por su riqueza de géneros y especies, con 33 unidades taxonómicas. De los órdenes identificados, 17 se colectaron en los monolitos y 14 en las trampas. Mientras, a nivel taxonómico de familia, se identificaron 46 en los monolitos y 63 en las trampas. Se concluye que la elevada presencia de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) determinó una baja diversidad taxonómica de la macrofauna edáfica en todos los agroecosistemas estudiados. Además, se reconoce la necesidad del uso del método complementario de las trampas de caída para obtener un inventario más completo de la macrofauna edáfica.

Abstract Neischnocolus iquitos sp. nov. from Loreto region, Peru, is described, diagnosed and figured. Males of N. iquitos sp. nov. differ from all known congeners in the presence of two retrolateral processes on palpal tibia, in combination with the presence of a retrolateral keel on embolus and the absence of granulation or microspikes on embolus or tegulum. Females of N. iquitos sp. nov. differ from all known Neischnocolus females in the morphology of the genitalia consisting of a lower sclerotized part with two short, separate seminal receptacles, and an upper part, which is transparent and notched.

Resumen Se describe, diagnostica e ilustra Neischnocolus iquitos sp. nov. de la región de Loreto, Perú. Los machos de N. iquitos sp. nov. se diferencian del resto de sus congéneres conocidos a la fecha por tener dos apófisis retrolaterales en la tibia palpal, en combinación con la presencia de una quilla retrolateral en el émbolo, y la ausencia de granulación o micropicos en el émbolo o tegulum. Las hembras de N. iquitos sp. nov. se diferencian de las otras hembras de Neischnocolus en la morfología de la genitalia, consistiendo de una parte inferior esclerotizada con dos receptáculos seminales separados, y una parte superior transparente y con muescas.

The crab spider genus Uraarachne Keyserling 1880 currently comprises two species: U. longa Keyserling (type species, from Brazil, and herein newly recorded from Paraguay) and U. vittata (Caporiacco) from French Guiana. Uraarachne is herein proposed, on base of somatic and genitalic characters, as a senior synonym of Plancinus Simon 1886, which is known from three species from Uruguay: P. runcinioides Simon (type species), P. cornutus Simon, and P. brevipes Simon (all three transferred here to Uraarachne). Uraarachne runcinioides new comb., (type species of Plancinus), and U. cornuta new comb., are reported for the first time for Argentina and redescribed, based on the type specimens and new material, including the first known males. Four new species are described from Argentina: U. panthera n. sp., and U. ceratophrys n. sp. (from Misiones province, both on base of single male specimens), U. toro n. sp. (from Salta province, female only), and U. kapiity n. sp. (from the argentine provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, and Entre Ríos, and from Paraguay, on base of both sexes). Two additional species are transferred to Uraarachne: Runcinia plana Simon, previously known only from juveniles from Paraguay (adults described here for the first time, and distribution extended to central-eastern Argentina), and Misumenoides variegatus Mello-Leitão, known from the holotype male from Santa Fe (female described here for the first time, and distribution extended to Paraguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina). Platyarachne argentina Mello-Leitão and Erissoides argentinus Mello-Leitão are newly synonymized with Uraarachne runcinioides. The relationships of the genus are breafly discussed, proposing a close relationship with Runcinia Simon.

El género de arañas cangrejo Uraarachne Keyserling 1880, actualmente comprende dos especies: U. longa Keyserling (especie tipo, de Brasil y recientemente registrada en Paraguay) y U. vittata (Caporiacco) de Guayana Francesa. Aquí se propone Uraarachne -sobre la base de varios caracteres de morfología somática y genital- como sinónimo anterior de Plancinus Simon 1886, conocido hasta la fecha por tres especies de Uruguay: P. runcinioides Simon (especie tipo), P. cornutus Simon y P. brevipes Simon (las tres se transfieren aquí a Uraarachne). Uraarachne runcinioides n. comb. (especie tipo de Plancinus) y U. cornuta n. comb. se citan por primera vez para Argentina y son redescriptas en base a los especímenes tipo y a material recientemente encontrado en colecciones argentinas, incluyendo los primeros machos conocidos. Cuatro nuevas especies se describen para Argentina: U. panthera n. sp. y U. ceratophrys n. sp. (de la provincia de Misiones, ambas en base a especímenes machos), U. toro n. sp. (de la provincia de Salta, sólo una hembra), y U. kapiity n. sp. (de las provincias argentinas de Chaco, Corrientes y Entre Ríos, y de Paraguay, en base a los dos sexos). Adicionalmente, otras dos especies se transfieren a Uraarachne: Runcinia plana Simon, conocida previamente por juveniles de Paraguay (los adultos se describen por primera vez, y se extiende su distribución conocida hasta el centro-este de Argentina), y Misumenoides variegatus Mello-Leitão, conocida previamente por el macho holotipo de Santa Fe (la hembra se describe aquí por primera vez, extendiéndose su distribución conocida hasta Paraguay y Buenos Aires). Platyarachne argentina Mello-Leitão y Erissoides argentinus Mello-Leitão son sinonimizadas con Uraarachne runcinioides. Los parentescos probables del género son brevemente discutidos, proponiéndose una posible cercanía con Runcinia Simon.

Resumen La diversidad de macro-invertebrados está relacionada con el estado de conservación del suelo, no obstante, la remoción de la cubierta vegetal natural para el establecimiento de sistemas ganaderos extensivos afecta su integridad. Una estrategia para la conservación de estos organismos es la implementación de sistemas silvopastoriles; no obstante, en el sureste de México la información aún es limitada. El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar y comparar la riqueza y la abundancia de macro-invertebrados en cuatro agro-ecosistemas contrastantes: dos sistemas silvopastoriles conformados por Leucaena leucocephala y pastos asociados (i.e. Panicum máximum cv mombaza y Cynodon plectostachyus), un pastizal convencional de Brachiaria brizantha con árboles dispersos en baja densidad y una selva mediana subperennifolia. En cada sistema se delimitó una superficie de una hectárea y se estableció un transecto de 50 m de longitud en los que se colocaron cinco trampas de caída tipo pit-fall cada 10 m. El muestreo se realizó en febrero y mayo 2018 y en cada mes se realizaron cinco recolectas con intervalos de cinco días. Se recolectaron un total de 1 737 organismos pertenecientes a 10 órdenes de la clase Insecta y uno a la clase Gastropoda. Los sistemas con mayor abundancia de macro-invertebrados fueron el sistema de selva media subperennifolia (923 individuos) y el sistema silvopastoril de L. leucocephala con C. plectostachyus (354 individuos). Los órdenes más abundantes fueron: Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Araneae y Orthoptera. La mayor diversidad de macro-invertebrados se presentó en los sistemas silvopastoriles de L. leucocephala con P. maximum (H’=1.58) y L. leucocephala con C. plectostachyus (H´=1.44). Los resultados encontrados muestran que los sistemas pecuarios manejados con componentes leñosos (árboles/arbustos) albergan una riqueza y abundancia importante de órdenes de macro-invertebrados en comparación con sistemas como selva mediana subperennifolia. Esta diversidad de macro-invertebrates podría contribuir a la integridad y funcionalidad de los agro-ecosistemas.

Abstract The diversity of macro-invertebrates is related to the state of disturbance of the soil, caused mainly by the land-use change for agricultural activities. A strategy for the conservation of these organisms is the implementation of diversified production systems such as silvopastoral systems. However, in the Southeast of Mexico, information is still limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the richness, abundance and composition of macro-invertebrates in four contrasting agro-ecosystems: two silvopastoral systems made of Leucaena leucocephala and associated pastures (i.e. Panicum maximum cv mombaza and Cynodon plectostachyus), a pasture of Brachiaria brizantha with scattered trees in low density and, a medium-statured tropical dry forest. In each system, an area of one hectare was delimited and a transect of 50 m in length was established in which five pit-fall traps were placed every 10 m. The sampling was carried out in February and May of 2018 and in each month five collections were made with five-day intervals. A total of 1 737 organisms belonging to 10 orders of the class Insecta and one of the class Gastropoda were collected. The medium-statured tropical dry forest (923 individuals) and the silvopastoral systems of L. leucocephala with C. Plectostachyus (354 individuals) show the highest abundance of macro-invertebrates. The most abundant genera were: Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Aracninae and Orthoptera. The higher macro-invertebrate diversity was found in the silvopastoral systems of L. leucocephala with P. maximum (H '= 1.58) and L. leucocephala with C. plectostachyus (H' = 1.44). The results show that livestock systems managed with woody components (trees or shrubs) are home of an important abundance and richness of macro-invertebrates, compared to tropical forests. This diversity of macro-invertebrates may contribute to the integrity and functionality of the agro-ecosystems.