Abstract Introduction. The coffee plant is an item of great importance worldwide, as it has a direct impact on the economy of the countries. In Nicaragua, it represents 25 % of exports. The coffee plant production agroecosystem is made up of components that are found above and below the soil surface. Objective. To estimate the populations of soil macrofauna in productive coffee plantation agroecosystems and their relationship with soil fertility and management practices. Materials and methods. The research was carried out from May to August 2023 in fourteen coffee plantation production systems in the Tepec-Xomolth La Patasta nature reserve. Soil monoliths measuring 25 × 25 × 20 cm were extracted, and three transects were established in each system, separated by 50 m. Specimens collected were identified at the family level. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, generalized linear models, hypothesis tests, and diversity indices. Results. Significant statistical differences (p<0.5) were found for rural communities and practices. Soil fertility varied according to the altitude of the farms, with abundant macrofauna in the Nueva Esperanza community (20,672 individuals) and shade management (23,632 individuals). Fifteen orders and 38 families were identified, with the insect class and the trophic group of predators predominating. Diversity was high and stable, a result of the management practices employed by the producers. Conclusions. Taxonomic richness and abundance of macrofauna were similar in the evaluated systems, specifically in the orders Haplotaxida, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Isopoda, where detritivores, omnivores and predators stand out. The study revealed that crop management directly affects soil diversity, indicating that the soils are minimally disturbed and there is ecological balance.

Resumen Introducción. El cafeto es un rubro de gran importancia a nivel mundial, al tener un impacto directo en la economía de los países. En Nicaragua representa el 25 % de las exportaciones. El agroecosistema de producción de cafeto está conformado por componentes que se encuentran por encima y debajo de la superficie del suelo. Objetivo. Estimar las poblaciones de macrofauna edáfica en agroecosistemas productivos de cafeto y su relación con la fertilidad del suelo y las prácticas de manejo. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se realizó de mayo a agosto de 2023, en catorce sistemas productivos de cafeto, en la reserva natural Tepec-Xomolth La Patasta. Se realizaron monolitos de 25 × 25 × 20 cm extraídos del suelo; en cada sistema se trazaron tres transectos, separados a 50 m; los especímenes colectados se identificaron hasta nivel de familia. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva, modelos lineales generalizados, pruebas de hipótesis e índices de diversidad. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticas significativas (p < 0,5) para las comunidades rurales y las prácticas de manejo. La fertilidad del suelo varió de acuerdo con la altitud de las fincas. La macrofauna fue abundante en la comunidad Nueva Esperanza (20 672 individuos) y en el manejo de sombra (23 632 individuos). Se encontraron quince órdenes y 38 familias. Predominaron la clase Insecta y el grupo trófico de depredadores. La diversidad es alta y estable, resultado del manejo que realiza el productor. Conclusiones. La riqueza taxonómica y la abundancia de la macrofauna fueron similares en los sistemas evaluados, en específico los órdenes Haplotaxida, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera e Isopoda, donde sobresalen los detritívoros, omnívoros y depredadores. Se evidenció que el manejo del cultivo tiene un efecto directo en la diversidad edáfica; esto indica que los suelos son poco perturbados y existe un equilibrio ecológico.

Resumen Hemos investigado la influencia de las plantas de jardín en las comunidades de artrópodos que habitan en el suelo dentro de los pastos y hemos probado la hipótesis de que la biodiversidad de los artrópodos aumenta con la heterogeneidad de la vegetación. La caracterización de la comunidad y la biodiversidad de los artrópodos en un pastizal se compararon con las de las comunidades que tienen plantas de jardín, incluidos los reductos forestales, Forsythia koreana y Prunus serotina. La abundancia total de ácaros era mayor dentro de los reductos forestales que dentro del pastizal; sin embargo, la abundancia de insectos y arañas no difirió. El escalamiento multidimensional no métrico y el procedimiento de permutación de respuesta múltiple revelaron que la composición de la comunidad de insectos y arañas difería en función del tipo de vegetación. La abundancia de Teleogryllus emma fue mayor dentro de la comunidad de reductos forestales, lo que sugiere que la especie depende del tipo de vegetación. La riqueza de especies y el índice de Shannon aumentaron dentro de F. koreana pero no dentro de P. serotina en comparación con los del pasto. Este dato sugiere que los cinturones de arbustos podrían tener un mayor efecto impulsor sobre la biodiversidad de insectos que los cinturones de árboles. La riqueza de especies y el índice de Shannon en arañas no difirieron por tipo de vegetación. La cantidad total de especies de insectos y de arañas dentro del área de estudio aumentó 2,8 y 3,5 veces, respectivamente, al establecerse tres tipos de vegetación. Estos resultados sugieren que el aumento de la heterogeneidad de la vegetación mediante el establecimiento de plantas de jardín es una buena opción para conservar la biodiversidad de insectos y arañas en los pastos.

Abstract We investigated the association of landscaping plants with the communities of ground-dwelling arthropods within pastures and tested the hypothesis that arthropod biodiversity increases with vegetation heterogeneity. The community characterization and biodiversity of arthropods in a pasture were compared with those within communities with landscaping plants, including forest remnants, Forsythia koreana and Prunus serotina. The total abundance of mites was greater within the forest remnants than within the pasture; however, the abundance of insects and spiders did not differ. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and the multiresponse permutation procedure revealed that the community composition of insects and spiders differed according to vegetation type. The abundance of Teleogryllus emma was highest within the forest remnant community, which suggested the species’ dependency on vegetation type. Species richness and the Shannon index of insects increased within F. koreana but not within P. serotina compared with the pasture. This suggested that belts of shrubs might have a greater promoting effect on insect biodiversity than belts of trees. Species richness of spiders did not differ by vegetation type. The total number of insect and spider species within the study area increased by 2.8 and 3.5 times, respectively, by establishing three types of vegetation. These results suggested that increasing vegetation heterogeneity by establishing landscaping plants is a good option for conserving insect and spider biodiversity in pastures.

ABSTRACT This review aims to provide current information about Q fever, elucidating the etiological, epidemiological, pathogenic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic aspects of the disease for the medical community. We discuss the main forms of presentation of the agent, its ability to persist in the body, the infinite possibilities of susceptible hosts, the main known forms of transmission, its importance in populations at occupational risk, and the role of arthropods in the natural history of the disease. Focusing on Brazil, we present the cases already described and studies developed since its first report, and how there is still much to unravel. We are aware of the possibilities of the persistence of the agent and the development of severe clinical pictures and the specific treatments currently instituted. We also wish to raise awareness about the future, the new genotypes that are emerging, the need to study the effects of vaccines, and the impact of Q fever on the population. Q fever is a poorly understood disease in Latin America, and recent studies, especially in Brazil, have revealed the importance of developing new studies. etiological epidemiological pathogenic diagnostic therapeutic community body hosts transmission risk Brazil report unravel instituted future emerging vaccines population America

Resumen Baja California es un área importante ecológicamente siendo la única zona del país con un ambiente mediterráneo y cuenta con una alta diversidad de especies y endemismos. Los estudios de biodiversidad y diversidad genética en esta región de México son escasos, sobre todo para grupos ecológicamente importantes como los artrópodos terrestres. Debido a la escasez de información, se utilizaron datos moleculares para obtener la diversidad genética y las historias poblacionales de las 2 especies de Phidippus (Araneae:Salticidae) más abundantes de la región. La especie más ampliamente distribuida es Phidippus johnsoni y se encontró que pertenece a una gran población panmíctica en Baja California, mientras que P. phoenix se divide en 2 poblaciones. Ambas especies presentaron una alta diversidad genética y grandes tamaños poblacionales, los cuales aumentaron durante los últimos 150,000 años para P. johnsoni y los últimos 30,000 años, después del último Máximo Glacial, para P. phoneix. Este estudio refuerza la importancia de esta región, no solo por su diversidad de especies, sino también por la diversidad genética que se encuentra dentro de las poblaciones, la cual se ha acumulado desde el Pleistoceno, gracias a la relativa estabilidad ecológica de la zona durante ese periodo.

Abstract The northwestern Mexican Baja California state is an ecologically unique area being the only part of the country with a Mediterranean ecosystem and high species diversity and endemism for many groups. Studies on the biodiversity of the region are scarce, especially regarding ecologically important groups such as terrestrial arthropods. Even scarcer are studies on another important aspect of diversity, namely genetic diversity. Due to the paucity of information, the genetic diversity and population histories of the 2 most abundant species of Phidippus (Araneae: Salticidae) of the region are presented, based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA data. Phidippus johnsoni, the more widespread of the 2, belongs to 1 large, panmictic population in Baja California, while P. phoenix was divided into 2 populations. Both species have high genetic diversity and estimated large population sizes, which increased during the last 150,000 years for P. johnsoni, and the last 30,000 years, after the Last Glacial Maximum for P. phoenix. This study, therefore, reinforces the importance of this area, not only for its species diversity but also for the genetic diversity found within the populations, which reflects ecological stability during the Pleistocene, allowing for the accumulation of genetic diversity through time.

Resumen Los traspatios son relevantes para el humano ya que proveen alimento y pueden ser reservorios de biodiversidad. Sin embargo, estos agroecosistemas han sido poco estudiados debido a la enorme variación de tamaño, forma y manejo que presentan. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la abundancia y riqueza de artrópodos asociados a traspatios con dominancia de durazno Prunus persica (L.) Stokes en el centro de México, a lo largo de dos temporadas climáticas (lluvias y seca). Se muestrearon cinco traspatios dentro de una misma comunidad humana mediante trampas de caída (pitfall), las cuales fueron monitoreadas mensualmente durante 12 meses (mayo 2017-mayo 2018). Se colectaron 3,263 individuos pertenecientes a nueve órdenes identificados para 175 morfoespecies. Los órdenes más abundantes y con mayor riqueza en ambas temporadas fueron consistentemente Diptera, Coleoptera e Hymenoptera. La abundancia de individuos no presentó diferencias significativas entre traspatios ni entre temporadas. En el traspatio con densidades intermedias de árboles de duraznos, se presentó una menor diversidad, pero la riqueza de especies no fue significativamente diferente entre traspatios. La diversidad estimada en el presente estudio es más alta comparada con otros estudios en cultivos extensivos de durazno. Los traspatios son importantes para la conservación, no solo de especies apreciadas por el ser humano, sino que también funcionan como refugios de artrópodos, manteniendo abundancias parecidas incluso en épocas de estiaje como lo encontrado en este estudio. Esto sin contraponer la producción a pequeña escala de árboles frutales como lo son los duraznos criollos.

Abstract Backyards are relevant for humans because the food they provide, and they can become biodiversity reservoirs. However, these agroecosystems have been poorly studied because the enormous variation in sizes and type of managements they receive from humans. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate arthropods abundance and richness associated to backyards with peach trees dominance Prunus persica (L.) Stokes in Mexico center during two seasons (dry and rainy). We sampled five backyards inside a human community by using pitfall traps which were served every month during twelve months (May 2017-May 2018). We found 3,263 individuals from nine orders and 175 morphospecies were identified. The most abundant and the richest orders were consistent between seasons Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Abundance did not show significant differences between backyards or between seasons. Although richness was not significantly different from the other backyards the backyard with intermediate coverage of peach trees showed the lowest diversity. Our diversity results compared to other studies conducted in extensive peach orchards show highest diversity. Backyards are important for the conservation not only of species appreciated by humans, but also, they function as refuges of arthropod diversity maintaining similar abundances even in times of low water availability as we found in this study. This without affect the small-scale production of fruit trees such as peach.

Savannahs are structurally complex ecosystems consisting of a diverse community of plants and animals such as arthropods. Arthropods are essential in many ecosystem processes that help maintain life on Earth. The anthropogenic conversion of natural landscapes into croplands, residential and industrial areas has a negative impact on surface-active arthropods that have limited dispersal abilities and narrow habitat preferences. This study investigated the effect of disturbance on assemblages of ants, beetles and spiders in the savannah vegetation in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. We compared species richness, abundance and composition of these three taxa between the pristine savannah and the savannah that is exposed to a variety of anthropogenic activities (disturbed savannah). Arthropods were collected using pitfall traps in 15 sites in pristine savannah and 15 sites in disturbed savannah. We found that disturbance affects species richness and abundance of these taxa differently. Disturbance did not affect species richness of spiders and abundance of beetles, while greater species richness of ants and beetles, as well as abundance of ants and spiders was in disturbed than in pristine savannah. Furthermore, the species compositions of all taxa were different between disturbed and pristine savannah. The disturbed savannah had twice more unique indicator species than the pristine savannah. Differences in assemblages of arthropods between pristine and disturbed habitats suggest that it may be important to consider habitats in and outside protected areas in the conservation of arthropods, particularly in areas with greater percentage of natural and semi-natural landscapes occurring outside protected areas.

ABSTRACT At present, when climate change has a negative effect on crop yield, good agricultural practices have a high importance via their direct influence on soil properties and biodiversity. The aim of this research was to assess the influence of ecotones and environmental variables (soil pH, soil moisture, K, P, N and soil temperature) on the abundance of epigeic arthropods. Between the years 2018 to 2021, we collected 4008 individuals belonging to 11 taxonomic groups in the conditions of ecological farming of pea (Pisum sativum L.) crop in the south-western part of Slovakia using the pitfall trap method. We observed a decrease in the average number of individuals in the direction of pitfall traps 1 (ecotone) to 5 (barley crop) in April (p = 0.0127), May (p = 0.0452) and July (p = 0.0287). The dispersion of epigeic arthropods was affected by soil pH (p = 0.0142), P (p = 0.0465), K (p = 0.0385), N (p = 0.0366) and soil temperature (p = 0.0166). In the beetle model group, which was represented by the highest number of individuals, we confirmed an increasing number of individuals with increasing values of K (r = 0.712), P (r = 0.654), N (r = 0.699) and soil temperature (r = 0.681). Our results suggest that agricultural intensification affects epigeic arthropods in pea crop. Biodiversity and soil structure stability is important for the production of biomass and also affects crop yields.

Resumo: Pteridium é um gênero cosmopolita de samambaias que possui nectários em suas frondes (folhas de samambaias), atraindo formigas. Nectários foliares (ou extraflorais) são glândulas produtoras de néctar que não estão relacionadas com a polinização, mas podem atrair formigas e outros artrópodes. Nectários foliares já foram registrados em 101 espécies de samambaias, pertencentes a 11 gêneros e seis famílias. O objetivo do estudo é caracterizar a comunidade de formigas que visitam as frondes de Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, bem como a abundância diária e sazonal das formigas em diferentes estágios foliares. O estudo foi realizado na Mata Atlântica do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram estabelecidas coletas bimestrais, onde foram marcadas aleatoriamente 30 frondes em expansão e 30 frondes totalmente expandidas. Em cada turno de 1 hora com início às 8h30 e término às 17h30, as frondes marcadas foram observadas quanto à presença de formigas. Trinta e três espécies de formigas foram registradas nas frondes do Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, distribuídas em seis subfamílias e 13 gêneros. As espécies mais abundantes foram Solenopsis sp.1 e Ectatomma tuberculatum. Foram registradas oito espécies de formigas forrageando os nectários foliares da samambaia. Ectatomma tuberculatum foi observada se alimentando nos nectários e patrulhando as frondes. As formigas tiveram o pico de atividade ao meio-dia e na estação chuvosa. A samambaia tropical Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum tem uma elevada riqueza (a maior já registrada até o momento para espécies de Pteridium) e diversidade de formigas em suas frondes, com maior frequência nas frondes não totalmente expandidas. A presença de formigas predadoras generalistas (Ectatomma tuberculatum e Solenopsis sp.1) durante todo o período de estudo sugere uma interação positiva entre as formigas e Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum. Resumo folhas , samambaias) ou extraflorais polinização artrópodes 10 famílias subsp Janeiro Brasil bimestrais 3 expandidas h 8h3 17h30 sp1 sp sp. meiodia meio dia chuvosa 8h 17h3 17h

Abstract: Pteridium is a cosmopolitan genus of ferns that possess nectaries on its fronds (fern leaves), thereby attracting ants. Foliar (or extrafloral) nectaries are nectar-producing glands that are not related to pollination, but rather attract ants and other arthropods. Foliar nectaries are found in 101 fern species, belonging to 11 genera and six families. The aim of the study is to characterize the community of ants that visit the fronds of Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, as well as daily and seasonal ant abundance in different frond development stages. The study was conducted in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Bimonthly collections were established, where 30 expanding fronds and 30 fully expanded fronds were randomly marked. In each 1-hour shift starting at 8:30 am and ending at 5:30 pm, the fronds were observed for the presence of ants. Thirty three ant species were recorded on the Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum fronds, distributed into six subfamilies and 13 genera. The most abundant species were Solenopsis sp.1 and Ectatomma tuberculatum. Eight ant species were observed foraging the nectaries of tropical bracken fern fronds. Ectatomma tuberculatum has been observed feeding on the nectaries and patrolling the fronds. Ant activity peak was on mid-day during the rainy season. The tropical bracken fern Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum has a rich (the highest recorded until now on Pteridium species) and diverse ant community on its fronds, mainly on the expanding fronds. The presence of generalist predatory ants (Ectatomma tuberculatum and Solenopsis sp.1) during the entire study period suggests a positive interaction between ants and Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum. Abstract leaves, leaves , leaves) or extrafloral nectarproducing nectar producing pollination arthropods 10 1 families subsp stages state Brazil established 3 marked 1hour hour 830 8 8:3 530 5 5:3 pm sp1 sp sp. midday mid day season 83 8: 53 5:

Resumen El lodo de aguas residuales es un compuesto orgánico rico en nitrógeno que aumenta el desarrollo de plantas como Platycyamus regnellii (Fabaceae), que se usa comúnmente en la recuperación de áreas degradadas. Este estudio se centra en la evaluación de los efectos ascendentes en la producción en masa vegetal y la cobertura del suelo en plantas de P. regnellii fertilizados (o no) con lodo de aguas residuales y las comunidades de artrópodos durante 24 meses. Los árboles de P. regnellii fertilizados con lodo de aguas residuales presentaron significativamente más hojas por rama, ramas por árbol, y un mayor porcentaje de cobertura del suelo en comparación con los árboles no fertilizados. Phenacoccus sp. (Pseudococcidae) fue la especie fitófaga más abundante. La fertilización no afectó la abundancia, diversidad y riqueza de especies de Hemiptera fitófagos en árboles de P. regnellii. Sin embargo, los árboles fertilizados presentaron mayor abundancia y riqueza de especies de hormigas cuidadora de trofobiontes en comparación con los árboles no fertilizados. Camponotus sp. fue la specie más abundante independientemente del tratamiento. Los árboles de P. regnellii fertilizados también presentaron mayor riqueza de especies de enemigos naturales en comparación con los no fertilizados, siendo Aranae y Dolichopodidae los más abundantes. Se concluye que las coronas más grandes de P. regnellii fueron aquellas fertilizadas con lodo de aguas residuales deshidratadas, lo que aumenta la cobertura del suelo, la diversidad de hormigas cuidadoras de trofobiontes, y de enemigos naturales. Hasta donde se conoce, este es el primer estudio sobre la comunidad de artrópodos asociada a esta especie de árbol. Esto sugiere que las plantas de P. renellii fertilizadas con lodos de depurados son adecuadas para la recuperación de áreas degradadas.

Abstract Sewage sludge is a nitrogen-rich organic compound, which can be used to aid development in plants such as Platycyamus regnellii (Fabaceae), in the recovery of degraded areas. This study aimed to assess the bottom-up effects on leaf mass and percentage of ground cover (leaf litter, herbaceous plants, and grasses) in P. regnellii trees fertilized (or not) with dehydrated sewage sludge and arthropod communities over 24 months. Platycyamus regnellii trees fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge presented significantly more leaves per branch, branches per tree, and a higher percentage of ground cover compared to unfertilized trees. Phenacoccus sp. (Pseudococcidae) was the most abundant phytophagous insect associated with P. regnellii trees. Fertilization did not affect the abundance, diversity, and species richness of Hemiptera phytophagous on P. Regnellii trees. However, fertilized trees presented higher abundance and species richness of trophobiont-tending ants compared to unfertilized trees, with Camponotus sp. being the most abundant regardless of the treatment. Fertilized P. regnellii trees also presented higher species richness of natural enemies compared to unfertilized ones, with Aranae and Dolichopodidae being the most abundant. We concluded that fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge improved P. regnellii trees leaf mass and ground cover and increased the diversity of trophobiont-tending ants and natural enemies. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the arthropods community associated with this tree species. This suggests that upon fertilization, P. renellii trees are useful for ecological restoration in severely disturbed areas.

Abstract Background: Flowers are expensive reproductive elements that have cost/benefit balances in their characters. The diversity of the floral structures has been attributed to biotic factors such as the interactions with their floral visitors and abiotic factors such as the characteristics of the environment. Question: Is there a relationship between the floral morphology of M. geometrizans and the vegetation type? Is the community of arthropod floral visitors associated with floral morphology and/or the vegetation type? Will the floral morphology and the community of arthropod floral visitors be associated with the disturbance level of the environment? Studied species: Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Console Study site and dates: Tropical deciduous forest and xerophilous scrub in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, Puebla, and in the Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve, Hidalgo, Mexico. March 2017. Methods: At the four sites (two days per site), during the flowering peak of M. geometrizans, the disturbance index was calculated, 30 flowers (N = 120) and the arthropods floral visitors were collected. Floral morphology and arthropods were determined. Results: Barranca de Metztitlán sites showed the highest disturbance index, the smallest flowers, and the highest production of floral structures. Flower visitors were more abundant in xerophilous scrubs, particularly in the most disturbed site, where the most relevant functional group was the pollinators. Conclusions: Significant differences were found in the floral morphology of M. geometrizans related to vegetation types and geographic location. A trade-off between the size and production of floral characters was reported.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las flores son elementos reproductivos costosos que presentan balances costo/beneficio en sus estructuras. La diversidad de éstas se ha atribuido a factores bióticos como las interacciones con sus visitadores florales y abióticos como las características del ambiente. Preguntas: ¿La morfología floral de M. geometrizans está relacionada con los tipos de vegetación? ¿La comunidad de artrópodos visitadores florales se relaciona con la morfología floral y/o el tipo de vegetación? ¿La morfología floral y la comunidad de artrópodos tendrán relación con la perturbación del ambiente? Especie de estudio: Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Console Sitio de estudio y fecha: Selva Baja Caducifolia y Matorral Xerófilo en las Reservas de la Biosfera: Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, Puebla y Barranca de Metztitlán, Hidalgo. México. Marzo 2017. Métodos: En los cuatro sitios (dos días por sitio), durante el pico de floración de M. geometrizans, se calculó el índice de disturbio, se recolectaron 30 flores (N = 120) y los artrópodos visitadores florales. Se determinaron la morfología floral y los artrópodos. Resultados: Los sitios de la Barranca de Metztitlán presentaron el mayor índice de disturbio, las flores más chicas y mayor número de estructuras florales. Los visitadores florales fueron más abundantes en los matorrales xerófilos, particularmente en el sitio más perturbado donde el grupo funcional más relevante fue el de los polinizadores. Conclusiones: Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la morfología floral de M. geometrizans relacionadas a los tipos de vegetación y ubicación geográfica. Se reportó una compensación entre tamaño y producción de estructuras florales.

Abstract The garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) is a columnar cactus endemic to Mexico, for which different orders of arthropods have been reported as floral visitors. In this paper,we describe, by the first time, the ensembles of arthropods that use the fruits of this plant as food resource, place for shelter, mating or capturing prey. The study was carried out in 2 localities of the Mezquital Valley, and we compare sites close and far from human constructions. In fruits of 60 garambullo plants we found 560 individuals of 93 arthropod morphospecies, grouped in 48 families of 8 orders. Hymenoptera had the highest number of morphospecies (38) and individuals (400). Despite the lack of differences in species richness among sites, in one locality we found lower diversity in plants located close than in plants far from human constructions. We found different composition in the ensembles between localities and between sites. The high abundance, diversity and dissimilarity in morphospecies composition show that the ensembles of arthropods in garambullo fruits can be important models to address different aspects of community ecology in ephemeral resources.

Resumen El garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) es una cactácea columnar endémica de México en la que se han reportado distintos órdenes de artrópodos como visitantes florales. En este trabajo se describen por primera vez los ensambles de artrópodos que usan los frutos de esta planta como alimento, sitio de refugio, de apareamiento o de captura de presas. El estudio se realizó en 2 localidades del valle del Mezquital y se comparan sitios cerca y lejos de construcciones humanas. En frutos de 60 plantas se recolectaron 560 individuos de 93 morfoespecies de artrópodos, agrupadas en 48 familias de 8 órdenes. Hymenoptera registró el mayor número de morfoespecies (38) y de individuos (400). Aunque la riqueza de morfoespecies no fue distinta entre sitios, en una de las localidades se registró una menor diversidad en plantas ubicadas cerca, que en las plantas del sitio lejano a construcciones. La composición de los ensambles es distinta entre localidades y entre sitios. La abundancia, diversidad y disimilitud en la composición de morfoespecies muestran que los ensambles de artrópodos, en frutos del garambullo, pueden ser importantes modelos de estudio para investigar distintos aspectos de ecología de comunidades en recursos efímeros.

Abstract The similarity between parasites communities’ decay with distance and its analysis may explain important ecological process such host dispersion. Patagonia is inhabited by two armadillo species, Chaetophractus villosus and Zaedyus pichiy. In this study we describe and analyze the variation on helminth fauna of these armadillos in Patagonia compared with northern localities described in previous studies. A total of 49 armadillos were collected in Patagonia. Quantitative descriptors of parasite ecology were calculated and community structure of helminths was analyzed following the central-satellite species hypothesis. The parasite richness in Patagonia decreases almost 50% in both armadillos. Zaedyus pichiy present the same central species in Patagonia as in northern localities. For C. villosus central-satellite species analysis could not be applied. The loss of some helminths in Z. pichiy could be the result of lower temperatures or the absence of intermediate arthropods hosts. But in C. villosus the absence of some helminths with Patagonian distribution could be explained by its recent dispersion in Patagonia. Trichohelix tuberculata still being the only helminth in C. villosus introduced population of Tierra del Fuego.

Abstract Bioindicator organisms, such as edaphic invertebrates, are constantly used to assess disturbance, as they exhibit responses such as reduced community and changes in diversity, affecting the local ecosystem. The aim of this study was to compare the impacts of disturbance on the edaphic invertebrate community in both a pasture area and a native forest area, during summer and winter. Samplings were conducted for nine days using pitfalls. Bray-Curtis analyses, NMDS, ANOSIM, and SIMPER were applied. There was difference in richness and diversity between areas and seasons. Native forest pitfalls had higher similarity in abundance and diversity in both seasons than pasture pitfalls. Specimens belonging to 20 orders were collected; of those, Collembola, Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera had the highest number of individuals. Seasonal influence on the organisms was evident. The impact on edaphic invertebrate community located in the pasture area showed that native forest has higher complexity and structural stability.

Resumen La gran diversidad de especies en centros urbanos de Colombia contrasta con la rápida e intensa degradación de los hábitats donde se concentra dicha diversidad. Dada la importancia de estos entornos para la conservación biológica urbana y la creciente presión que sobre ellos existe, se estudió la composición de la comunidad de mamíferos en la cuenca de la quebrada La Gómez, en la densamente poblada ciudad de Medellín, y se presentaron recomendaciones para su conservación. Esta cuenca sobresale por la presencia del mono tití gris (Saguinus leucopus), uno de los pocos primates urbanos de Colombia. Se logró identificar cuatro especies de murciélago, una ardilla, una zarigüeya, una comadreja y el mono tití gris. Resalta la gran abundancia de zarigüeyas, posiblemente asociada con la alta disponibilidad de recursos de comida. Esto contrasta con una pobre diversidad de roedores nativos, quizá como consecuencia de la depredación por los numerosos gatos de la zona. Estas especies presentan dietas generalistas, aprovechan recursos antropogénicos de comida o tienen alta capacidad de dispersión, propiedades que les pueden facilitar su adaptación a hábitats aislados en parches urbanos de bosque. Todas estas especies tienen importantes roles ecológicos como la polinización, control poblacional de artrópodos y vertebrados y dispersión de especies vegetales. Sugerimos 1) mejorar las técnicas de disposición de residuos y compostaje para evitar conflictos con zarigüeyas, 2) realizar control poblacional de gatos ferales y concientizar sobre la tenencia responsable de gatos y otras mascotas, 3) sembrar especies vegetales nativas que sirvan de sostén a la fauna de la zona, y 4) emprender campañas de limpieza de la quebrada y disposición responsable de residuos domésticos.

Abstract The great diversity of species in urban centers in Colombia contrasts with the rapid and intense degradation of the habitats where this diversity occurs. Given the importance of these environments for urban biological conservation and the increasing pressure on them, we studied the composition of the mammal community in the basin of La Gómez creek, located in the densely populated city of Medellin, and provided recommendations for its conservation. This basin stands out for the presence of the white-footed tamarin (Saguinus leucopus), one of the few urban primates in Colombia. We identified four species of bats, a squirrel, an opossum, a weasel, and the white-footed tamarin. Particularly striking is the great abundance of opossums, possibly associated with high availability of food resources. This contrasts with a poor diversity of native rodents, perhaps as a result of predation by the many domestic cats in this area. These species have generalist diets, take advantage of anthropogenic food resources or have high dispersal capacity, properties that can facilitate their adaptation to geographically isolated habitats in urban forest patches. All these species have important ecological roles such as pollination, population control of arthropods and vertebrates, and dispersal of plant species. We suggest to 1) improve waste disposal and composting techniques to avoid conflicts with possums, 2) carry out population control of feral cats and raise awareness about the responsible possession of cats and other pets, 3) sow native plant species that support local wildlife, and 4) undertake cleaning campaigns on the creek and responsible disposal of household waste.

RESUMEN El glifosato es el herbicida más utilizado a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, los efectos de esta molécula sobre poblaciones no objetivo aún es tema de estudio. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de la aplicación de diferentes dosis de glifosato sobre la variación de las poblaciones de colémbolos. Para esto, se recolectaron muestras de un sustrato orgánico que contenía diferentes poblaciones de colémbolos. Las muestras se llevaron al laboratorio y se aclimataron durante 48 h. Después se les aplicó glifosato C14 en dosis equivalentes a 0 L ha-1, 2 L ha-1, y 4 L ha-1 bajo un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con tres tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. Se realizaron conteos poblacionales implementando el método de flotación a los 0, 4, 7 y 11 d después de aplicación (DDA). Se encontró una distribución de individuos en las familias Isoto-midae y Entomobryidae, divididos en especies de los géneros Proisotoma (Bõrner), Lepidocyrtus (Bourlet) y Seira (Lubbock). Se reportó una disminución entre el 40% y 60% en el número de artrópodos para los tratamientos donde se utilizó el herbicida a los 4 y 7 DDA, mostrando una disminución del tamaño de la comunidad en aquellos tratamientos en los cuales se aplicó el herbicida en relación con el testigo. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias entre las dosis de herbicida. Adicionalmente se demostró la presencia de glifosato C14 en los individuos muertos; esto confirma un posible efecto del herbicida sobre algunos sistemas biológicos que llevo a una disminución del tamaño de la población.

ABSTRACT Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide. However, the effects of this molecule on non-target populations are still a subject of study. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of the application of different glyphosate doses on variation in collembolan (springtail) populations. To accomplish this goal, samples of organic substrate that contained different collembolan populations were collected. Samples were taken to the laboratory and acclimatized for 48 h. Glyphosate C14 was then applied to the samples in doses equivalent to 0 L ha-1, 2 L ha-1, and 4 L ha-1 under a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments and five replicates. Population counts were performed by implementing the flotation method at 0, 4, 7 and 11 d after application (DAA). We found that individuals were distributed in the families Isotomidae and Entomobryidae and divided into species of the genus Proisotoma (Borner), Lepidocyrtus (Bourlet) and Seira (Lubbock). A decrease in the number of arthropods between 40% and 60% was reported for the treatments with herbicide application at 4 and 7 DAA, showing a drop in the size of the community in those treatments in which the herbicide was applied compared to the control. However, no differences were observed between herbicide doses. Additionally, the presence of glyphosate C14 was demonstrated in dead individuals. This confirms a possible effect of the herbicide on some biological systems that led to a decrease in the size of the population.