ABSTRACT Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can negatively affect coastal water quality, aquatic fauna, and human health from the consumption of toxin-contaminated seafood. Estuaries are especially prone to the incidence of these noxious events and sensitive to the associated damage. This study represents a comprehensive overview of previous investigations reporting the occurrence of harmful algae and/or phycotoxins in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (CEP), in Southern Brazil. Secondary data from 2002 to 2021 were combined with new results obtained from widely spaced sampling campaigns performed from 2018 to 2019 to assess the periods and estuarine sectors at greater risk for the incidence of HABs. In total, about 600 water/sediment samples containing harmful microalgae and 675 tissue samples of phycotoxin-contaminated fauna were analyzed. The most frequent and abundant species of potentially toxic microalgae were dinoflagellates belonging to the species complexes Dinophysis acuminata and Prorocentrum lima, producers of diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs), and diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, producers of amnesic shellfish toxins (ASTs). Okadaic acid, a DST, was by far the most common toxin in the fauna, reaching higher levels in primary consumers such as bivalve mollusks (mussels, oysters, and clams), zooplankton, and suspension-feeding crustaceans (ghost shrimps), and moderate to low levels in cephalopods, fishes, gastropods, echinoderms, sea turtles, seabirds, and cetaceans. Less rainy periods (winter-early spring) were associated with the highest incidence of DSTs and blooms of their producing algae P. lima and Dinophysis spp., mainly in the middle region of Paranaguá Bay and on the shallow continental platform adjacent to the estuarine mouth. However, certain HAB-forming species may be more successful in inner estuarine areas ( Prorocentrum cordatum) and during different periods, such as late summer—early fall ( Pseudo-nitzschia spp.). Continuous monitoring of harmful algae and toxins is therefore highly recommended to mitigate the effects of HABs in the entire estuary. (HABs quality toxincontaminated contaminated seafood damage andor or CEP, CEP , (CEP) Brazil 200 202 201 total 60 watersediment sediment 67 phycotoxincontaminated phycotoxin analyzed DSTs, (DSTs) Pseudonitzschia, Pseudonitzschia Pseudo nitzschia, nitzschia ASTs. ASTs . (ASTs) acid DST mussels, mussels (mussels oysters clams, clams clams) zooplankton suspensionfeeding suspension feeding ghost shrimps, shrimps shrimps) cephalopods fishes gastropods echinoderms turtles seabirds cetaceans winterearly winter early spring P spp spp. mouth However HABforming HAB forming cordatum summerearly summer spp.. spp.) estuary (CEP 20 6 (DSTs (ASTs 2

Abstract There is a marked disparity in the state of knowledge of Holartic x Neotropical species of the freshwater snail family Physidae; the incipiency of data on Neotropical physids reflecting the lower number of dedicated specialists. The gaps in the knowledge on Neotropical physids have led to historical uncertainty about species validity. Revisiting the species is essential to reduce taxonomic impediment and delineating their probable distribution is the first step to attain this purpose. We aimed at critically analyze occurrence records of South American physids, compiled through an intensive search in the literature, biodiversity and molecular databases. We present a provisional characterization of the distribution of this family in South America, considering the probable versus the poorly documented distribution of the species. The critical underrepresentation of South American physids in collections, molecular databases and literature reinforces the role of taxonomic impediment in delaying the advance of the knowledge on species diversity. Malacological collections represented the main source of records, evidencing the relevance of unpublished data associated to specimens to assess distributional information on neglected groups. As most of the species are represented by shells, the reassessment of species identity and distribution must be done, using molecular and anatomical criteria for species delimitation. Physidae specialists validity purpose America diversity groups shells done delimitation

Abstract Urban parks are not only important for the wellbeing of the human population, but are also widely considered to be potentially important sites for the conservation of biodiversity. However, they may offer risk parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, which are both transmitted by freshwater snails. The present study investigated the occurrence of freshwater gastropods in urban parks of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, and their possible infection by helminths of medical-veterinary importance. Gastropods were collected from six parks (2021 - 2022) and examined for the presence of larval helminths. In all, 12 gastropod species from different families were collected: Ampullariidae, Assimineidae, Burnupidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Planorbidae, Succineidae, and Thiaridae. The parasitological examination revealed cercaria of three types in five snail species, with the Pleurolophocerca cercariae type in Melanoides tuberculata (the most abundant species), Echinostoma cercariae in Physella acuta and Pomacea maculata, and Virgulate cercariae, in Pomacea sp. and Pomacea maculata. None of the Biomphalaria tenagophila and Pseudosuccinea columella (the most frequent species) specimens were parasitized by Schistosoma mansoni or Fasciola hepatica, respectively. Even so, some parks may represent a considerable potential risk for transmission of both Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica, given the presence of these gastropod vectors and the frequent contact of visitors with the waterbodies. population biodiversity However infections fascioliasis snails Janeiro medicalveterinary medical veterinary importance 2021 (202 2022 all 1 Ampullariidae Assimineidae Burnupidae Lymnaeidae Physidae Planorbidae Succineidae Thiaridae , maculata sp hepatica respectively so waterbodies 202 (20 20 (2 2 (

ABSTRACT In 2022, we published an article in this journal entitled “Cave-dwelling gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of Brazil: state of the art and conservation”. In that study, we compiled all the available information about cave-dwelling gastropods in the country, including terrestrial and freshwater species. We focused on the troglobites but also included information regarding some troglophilic species that we deemed worthy of discussion. In 2023, Ferreira et al. also in this journal, raised concerns regarding our article. We respond to their observations here. 2022 Cavedwelling Cave dwelling Mollusca (Mollusca Gastropoda Brazil conservation. conservation . conservation” study cavedwelling cave country discussion 2023 al here 202 20 2

Resumen Antecedentes: En el Área Natural Protegida Sistema Arrecifal Lobos-Tuxpan (SALT), México, la presencia de babosas marinas se ha documentado en varias investigaciones científicas, pero la información es limitada, se encuentra dispersa y desactualizada. Objetivo: Elaborar una lista actualizada de las especies con base en la adición de nuevos datos de campo y de la compilación de especies reportadas previamente en la literatura para el SALT. Métodos: Se realizaron muestreos en el arrecife Lobos (durante noviembre 2014 y 2017), arrecife Enmedio (septiembre 2016, abril 2017, junio 2018, julio y noviembre 2019) y en el arrecife Tuxpan (junio y octubre 2016, y abril 2017). El listado de especies se complementó con registros de especies reportadas previamente para el SALT. Resultados: La lista actualizada comprende 27 especies de babosas marinas. Los grupos más representativos son: orden Cephalaspidea con nueve especies, Aplysiida con siete especies y Superorden Sacoglossa con siete especies. Se extiende la distribución de Cyerce habanensis y Elysia cornigera para el norte de Veracruz y Lobiger souverbii constituye nuevo registro para el Corredor Arrecifal del Suroeste del Golfo de México. Conclusiones: La presente investigación incrementa favorablemente el conocimiento de las babosas marinas para el SALT. Esta información puede apoyar las estrategias de conservación y protección para el plan de manejo de esta área natural protegida.

Abstract Background: In the Lobos-Tuxpan Reef System Protected Natural Area (LTRS), Mexico, the presence of sea slugs has been documented in several scientific investigations, but the information is limited, scattered and out of date. Goals: To elaborate an updated list of species with new field data and the compilation of species previously reported in the literature for LTRS. Methods: Samplings were carried out in the Lobos reef (during November 2014 and 2017), Enmedio reef (September 2016, April 2017, June 2018, July and November 2019) and the Tuxpan reef (June and October 2016, and April 2017). The list of species was complemented with records of species previously reported for LTRS. Results: The updated list comprises up to 27 species of sea slugs. The most representative groups are: Order Cephalaspidea with nine species, Aplysiida with seven species and Superorder Sacoglossa with seven species. The distribution of Cyerce habanensis and Elysia cornigera extends to the north of Veracruz and Lobiger souverbii constitutes a new record for the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico Reef Corridor. Conclusions: Our study favorably increases the knowledge of sea slugs for the LTRS. This information could support strategies of conservation and protection for the management plans of this protect natural area.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

RESUMEN Se describen moluscos de agua dulce de la Formación Olmos (Campaniano) del Cretácico Superior. Como resultado se obtuvieron varios ejemplares de moluscos, identificando dos familias de gasterópodos: Viviparidae (Viviparus sp.) y Physidae (Mesolanistes sp.), y tres familias de bivalvos: Limidae (Pseudolimea sp.), Unionidae (Proparreysia sp., Unio sp., Unionelloides? sp., Plesielliptio sp. y Ostreidae (Ostrea sp.). A partir de este reconocimiento taxonómico, así los restos de flora associados, fue posible obtener una interpretación preliminar del ambiente donde vivieron estos moluscos. La interpretación del paleoambiente es semejante a los cuerpos de agua dulce adyacentes a un sistema estuarino. Además, la mezcla de ejemplares de ambientes salobres y de agua dulce sugiere que algunos moluscos sufrieron transporte en un ambiente transicional de agua dulce a estuarino en la Formación Olmos durante el Campaniano.

ABSTRACT We describe freshwater mollusks from the Olmos Formation, Campanian, Upper Cretaceous. The results were obtained from several specimens of mollusks, identified with two families of gastropods: Viviparidae (Viviparus sp.) and Physidae (Mesolanistes sp.), and three families of bivalves: Limidae (Pseudolimea sp.), Unionidae (Proparreysia sp., Unio sp., Unionelloides? sp., Plesielliptio sp., and Ostreidae (Ostrea sp.). Based on this taxonomic recognition, along with the associated fossil flora, it was possible to get a preliminary of the environment where the mollusks lived. The interpretation of the paleoenvironment resemble freshwater bodies adjacent to an estuarine system. Furthermore, the mixing of specimens of brackish and freshwater environments is indicative of a transport of some of these mollusks. The general view of the paleoenvironment where the mollusks inhabited is that of a transitional freshwater-estuarine in the Olmos Formation during Campanian times.

RESUMEN Los depósitos del Albiano-Cenomaniano de la Formación en la Cuenca de Zagros (sección Firuzabad e Irán Central (sección Fasakhod), representan una sucesión carbonatada sedimentaria que contiene una diversa y rica macrofauna de invertebrados. Estudios detallados de 200 muestras de macrofauna de invertebrados, colectados en dos intervalos estratigrádicos , llevaron al reconocimiento de 5 especies de gasterópodos; (Liopeplum? sp., Columbellina sp., Cryptaulax? sp., Turritella? sp., Pleurotomaria sp.), 3 especies de ammonites; (Knemiceras duberterti, Sphenodiscus sp., Knemiceras persicum), 10 especies de composiciones de bivalvos (Ceratostreon flabellatum, Cardium? sp., Exogyra (Costagyra) olisiponensis, Neithea (Neithea) quinquecostata, Trigonia sp., Buchia? sp., Cardium? sp., Pseudogyra sp., Ontaria? sp., Nucula? sp., Pleuromia? sp., una especies de echinoideo; Dorocidaris taouzensis, con un prolífico horizonte de cangrejos raninoides Notopocorystes xizangensis. La ausencias de gandes gasterópodos y bivalvos y la abundancia de alimentadores por suspensión, indican inestabilidad del substrato, un paleoambiente marino somero y condiciones de energía media.

ABSTRACT The Albian- Cenomanian deposits of the Kazhdumi Formation at Zagros Basin (Firuzabad section and Central Iran (Fasakhod section), represents a carbonate sedimentary succession and contain rich and diverse invertebrate macro fauna. Detailed studies on about 200 specimens of invertebrate macro fauna revealed from two stratigraphic intervals led to recognition of 5 species of gastropods; (Liopeplum? sp., Columbellina sp., Cryptaulax? sp., Turritella? sp., Pleurotomaria sp.), 3 species of ammonites; (Knemiceras duberterti, Sphenodiscus sp., Knemiceras persicum), 10 species of bivalves assemblages; (Ceratostreon flabellatum, Cardium? sp., Exogyra (Costagyra) olisiponensis, Neithea (Neithea) quinquecostata, Trigonia sp., Buchia? sp., Cardium? sp., Pseudogyra sp., Ontaria? sp., Nucula? sp., Pleuromia? sp., 1 species of echinoids; Dorocidaris taouzensis with a prolific horizon of Notopocorystes xizangensis of raninoid crabs. The absence of large gastropods and bivalves fauna and abundance of suspension-feeders indicated instability of the substrate, shallow marine paleoenvironment.and a medium energy condition.

Abstract The Natural Reserve of Punta Lara (RNPL) is a protected natural area that includes Paranaense forest southernmost in the world. This area is surrounded by a densely populated and touristic sector. The objective of this work was to estimate the richness, diversity and equity of the RNPL mollusks (aquatic and terrestrial) and to establish the relationship of their species in aquatic environments. One sampling per year was carried out between 2013 and 2019. There were 32 species recorded (six are non-native species): 23 gastropods (14 freshwater, nine terrestrial) and nine bivalves. Three species were recorded in all sampling years, while six only on one occasion. The land snail genus Drepanostomella is reported for the first time in that region, and five freshwater species are reported for the first time for the RNPL. The similarity analysis of the freshwater environment separated the coastal environments from the internal environments. The environments with the highest specific richness were in internal sites of the RNPL, while the least diverse was the coast of the Río de la Plata, where the invasive species Limnoperna fortunei predominates. It is recommended to increase the conservation efforts of the different environments of the RNPL continuously threatened by urbanization. (RNPL world sector terrestrial 201 2019 3 nonnative non native species) 2 14 (1 bivalves years occasion region Plata predominates urbanization 20 1 (

ABSTRACT In 2022, Salvador and co-authors published an up-to-date list of gastropod species recorded from Brazilian caves. That list included 18 species (15 land and three freshwater species) that were considered by the authors to be restricted to caves (troglobitic). In this contribution we argue that only six of the species listed by them as truly troglobites can be classified in that category. We disagree with some characteristics listed by Salvador and co-authors to diagnose the species they classify as cave-restricted and argue that those species do not have truly troglomorphic traits (characteristic of subterranean habitats). Since the Brazilian legislation considers the degree of association with caves as a decisive attribute to preserve them, it is important to clarify the characteristics are sufficient and necessary for a species to be classified as cave-dependent. 2022 coauthors co uptodate up date 1 15 (1 troglobitic. troglobitic . (troglobitic) category caverestricted cave characteristic habitats. habitats habitats) cavedependent. cavedependent dependent. dependent cave-dependent 202 ( (troglobitic 20 2

Abstract The Parapaguridae comprises hermit crabs that inhabit deep-water environments. In these environments, shell availability can be limited, mostly consisting of small and fragile-shelled gastropods. Thus, different strategies have evolved to mitigate this limited shell supply. Sympagurus dimorphus (Studer, 1883) lives in association with a zoanthid cnidarian that creates a pseudo-shell that grows with the hermit crab. In contrast, Oncopagurus gracilis (Henderson, 1888) inhabits small, calcified gastropod shells. Therefore, we selected these two species as models to test sexual dimorphism and shape patterns of their chelipeds and cephalothoracic shield, due to their different shelter acquisition methods. We photographed the animals and digitized the images to employ comparative geometric morphometric techniques. We tested the differences in shape between the sexes within each species, and also tested sexual size dimorphism based on centroid size. For O. gracilis, we found shape differences for the chelipeds and cephalothoracic shield, however, we only observed sexual size dimorphism for the chelipeds. For S. dimorphus, an inverse pattern was found, in which females presented more robust chelipeds, and sexual size dimorphism was present in which males were larger. These differences can be reasonably explained by their shelter acquisition methods, in which O. gracilis depends on small shells that limit growth, while S. dimorphus grows with its cnidarian pseudo-shell. The robustness found in the shape patterns may also be related to their behaviors, e.g., in addition to competition for shells, they also fight during mating. However, we emphasize that future studies with other populations of these species are needed for comparative purposes. deepwater deep water environments fragileshelled fragile shelled gastropods Thus supply Studer, Studer (Studer 1883 pseudoshell pseudo crab contrast Henderson, Henderson (Henderson 1888 Therefore shield methods techniques O however S larger growth pseudoshell. shell. behaviors eg e g e.g. mating However purposes 188 e.g 18 1

Resumen El estudio de moluscos planctónicos es un elemento relevante para la comprensión de la dinámica de la comunidad bentónica bajo las condiciones ambientales actuales y futuras. Se presenta la descripción de la biodiversidad de gasterópodos planctónicos en 2 sitios de la costa del Pacífico de la península de Baja California, México. Organismos recolectados en arrastres planctónicos en 2 localidades (Cabo Tosco, n = 89 y La Bocana, n = 213) se secuenciaron para una fracción del gen 18S ADNr. Se registró una alta diversidad con 71 unidades taxonómicas moleculares operativas (MOTU), que contrasta con la baja diversidad fenotípica observada en imágenes de estereoscopio. Las diferencias en la composición de la comunidad entre y dentro de los sitios de muestreo, indican que la distribución de gasterópodos planctónicos no es aleatoria, sino que se encuentra, probablemente, modulada por procesos microambientales tales como corrientes o eventos biológicos. La presencia de secuencias de organismos que no son gasterópodos dentro de algunas conchas (n = 6) sugiere que son utilizadas por organismos de otros taxones como portadores de huevos o larvas.

Abstract The study of planktonic mollusks is a relevant element to understand the dynamics of the benthic communities under present and future environmental conditions. We present the description of the biodiversity of planktonic gastropods at 2 sampling sites on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Organisms collected from plankton tows at 2 locations (Cabo Tosco, n = 89 and La Bocana, n = 213) were sequenced for a portion of the 18S rDNA gene. High diversity was registered, with 71 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs), which contrasts with the low phenotypic diversity of stereoscopic images. Differences in community composition between and within sampling sites indicate that planktonic gastropod distribution is not random but probably modulated by micro-environmental processes such as currents or biological events. The presence of non-gastropod sequences within some shells (n = 6) suggests their use as carriers of eggs or larvae of other taxa.

Resumen Introducción: Spiraxidae es la familia de gasterópodos terrestres más diversa de México con una distribución principalmente neotropical. Sin embargo, la influencia de las condiciones ambientales de esta región en su distribución aún es poco conocida. Objetivo: Determinar las afinidades zoogeográficas y la influencia de factores ambientales en la distribución de Spiraxidae en México. Métodos: Compilamos registros de distribución de museos y usamos modelos para establecer áreas con composición de especies, concentración de especies, afinidades y relaciones con variables ambientales similares. Resultados: Encontramos 231 especies y subespecies, 96 en el estado de Veracruz y 74 en la Sierra Madre Oriental. La principal afinidad zoogeográfica fue neotropical. El bosque mesófilo de montaña tuvo la mayor cantidad de especies y subespecies (93). Tres de los grupos zonales tienen una composición particular de especies y el 67 % de las especies son especialistas de hábitat. La presencia de especies sigue un gradiente ambiental, con la cubierta de árboles de hoja perenne de hoja ancha y la precipitación media anual como variables determinantes. Las especies del norte tuvieron mayor tolerancia a la aridez y menor cobertura de hojas. Conclusiones: Spiraxidae tiene su mayor diversidad en los estados del Sur de México; sin embargo, la zona nororiental tiene más registros de especies. Estos caracoles se encuentran principalmente en bosques mesófilos de montaña y bosques tropicales siempre verdes. Las especies del norte de México tuvieron una mayor tolerancia a los sitios con poca lluvia y menos cobertura de árboles de hoja perenne de hoja ancha que las especies del sur.

Abstract Introduction: Spiraxidae is the most diverse family of terrestrial gastropods in Mexico with a mainly neotropical distribution. However, the influence of environmental conditions in this region on its distribution is still poorly known. Objective: To determine zoogeographic affinities and the influence of environmental factors on the distribution of Spiraxidae in Mexico. Methods: We compiled museum distribution records and used models to establish areas with similar species composition, species concentration, affinities and relationship with environmental variables. Results: We found 231 species and subspecies, 96 in Veracruz state and 74 in Sierra Madre Oriental. The main zoogeographic affinity was neotropical. Mountain mesophyll forest had the most species and subspecies (93). Three of zone groups have a particular species composition and 67 % of the species are habitat specialists. Species presence follows an environmental gradient, with broadleaf evergreen tree cover and average annual precipitation as determining variables. Northern species had greater tolerance to aridity and reduced leaf cover. Conclusions: Spiraxidae has its greatest diversity in the Southern states of Mexico; however, the Northeastern zone has more species records. These snails mostly occur in mesophyll mountain forest and tropical evergreen forest. Species from Northern Mexico had greater tolerance to sites with low rainfall and less broadleaf evergreen tree cover than Southern species.

Abstract The physiological process to counteract environmental stress are extremely diverse in marine species that inhabit intertidal zones. Ecological approaches have demonstrated a variety of adaptations among narrowly distributed species. The present study is focused on physiological responses of two key marine gastropods from Atlantic Patagonia living in one of the most stressful intertidal rocky shores of the world: Tegula patagonica and Trophon geversianus. We evaluated the body temperature and its heat-shock response by Hsp70 expression. Our results suggest that T. geversianus, inhabiting the mid-intertidal zone and exposed for longer to aerial conditions, presents better physiological and behavioral adaptations to temperature than T. patagonica, living in the low intertidal with less physical stress. Tegula patagonica seems to have an inefficient thermal defense, an inability to upregulate Hsp70 expression against water temperature increase. Contrariwise, a significant upregulation of Hsp70 was registered in T. geversianus added to a protective behavior of hiding during periods of high tempera ture. These results will be useful as a reference for monitoring sentinel species to assess real-time changes in coastal intertidal communities due to global warming.

Resumen Los procesos fisiológicos para con trarrestar el estrés ambiental en las especies marinas que habitan las zonas intermareales son extremadamente diversos. Los enfoques ecológicos han demostrado una variedad de adaptaciones entre especies de distribución limitada. El presente estudio se focaliza en las respuestas fisiológicas de dos gasterópodos marinos clave de la Patagonia atlántica que viven en una de las costas rocosas intermareales más estresantes del mundo: Tegula pata gonica y Trophon geversianus. Evaluamos la temperatura corporal y su respuesta al choque térmico mediante la expresión de Hsp70. Nuestros resultados sugieren que T. geversianus, habitante del intermareal medio y expuesto por más tiempo a las condiciones aéreas, presenta mejores adaptaciones a la temperatura en comparación a T. patagonica, que habita en el intermareal bajo con menor estrés físico. Tegula patagonica parece tener una defensa térmica ineficiente, incapaz de incrementar la expresión de Hsp70 frente al aumento de la temperatura del agua. Por el contrario, se registró un aumento significativo de Hsp70 en T. geversianus sumado al comportamiento defensivo de esconderse durante los períodos de alta temperatura. Estos resultados serán útiles como referencia para monitorear especies centinela y evaluar cambios en tiempo real en las comunidades intermareales costeras debido al calentamiento global.

Abstract: The meso-predator Panulirus argus has an impact on the populations of benthic mollusks that constitute its food. In the present study, composition of P. argus diet and predation pressure exerted on gastropods population from Santa Cruz del Sur (SCrso) and Gulf of Batabanó (GB) fishing regions, Cuba, were determined. Gastropod density and diversity were quantified by trawling, which based on the abundance of lobsters reported for each region, served to estimate the impact of predation on gastropod community. 250 lobsters were captured: 62 from SCrso in October 2012, 136 from GB in February 2014 and 52 from GB in July 2018. The void was similar in SCrso (38.7%) and GB (38.0%). Thirteen trophic categories were recorded, the most frequent: operculums (48.8%), crustacean remains (48.0%), shell remains (47.2%) and plant remains (35.0%), showing that the diet is mainly composed of mollusks and crustaceans. The frequency of occurrence of plant remains suggests non-accidental consumption. Seventeen species of mollusks were identified, being Tegula fasciata, Phrontis antillarum, Aliger gigas, Turbo castanea and Chione cancellata the most frequent. The most predated species were T. fasciata (3.36), P. antillarum (0.54) and A. gigas (0.45). Predation pressure was 0.92 gastropods lobster-1 in SCrso and 3.31 gastropods lobster-1 in GB, which according to the respective densities of lobsters (3,546 lobsters km-2 and 3,837 lobsters km-2) and gastropods (3.76 ind. m-2 and 1.45 ind. m-2), allowed estimating that lobsters consume 0.087% of the gastropod community in SCrso and 0.887% in GB. Evidence of cannibalism was also found.

Resumen: La langosta espinosa Panulirus argus es un mesodepredador que tiene un impacto en las poblaciones de moluscos bentónicos que constituyen su alimento. En el presente estudio, se determinó la composición de la dieta de P. argus y la presión de depredación que ejerce sobre los gastrópodos de las regiones pesqueras Santa Cruz del Sur (SCrso) y golfo de Batabanó (GB), Cuba. Mediante arrastres se cuantificó la densidad y diversidad de gastrópodos, que, basado en la abundancia de langostas, sirvió para estimar el impacto de la depredación. Se capturaron 250 langostas: 62 en SCrso octubre 2012, 136 en el GB febrero 2014 y 52 en el GB julio 2018. La vacuidad fue similar en SCrso (38,7%) y en el GB (38,0%). Se registraron 13 categorías tróficas, las más frecuentes: opérculos (48,8%) y restos de crustáceos (48,0%), de conchas (47,2%) y vegetales (35,0%), demostrando que la dieta se compone principalmente de moluscos y crustáceos. La frecuencia de ocurrencia de vegetales sugiere consumo no accidental. Se identificaron 17 especies de moluscos, siendo Tegula fasciata, Phrontis antillarum, Aliger gigas, Turbo castanea y Chione cancellata las más frecuentes. La mayor tasa de depredación fue sobre las especies T. fasciata (3,36), P. antillarum (0,54) y A. gigas (0,45). La presión de depredación fue 0,92 gastrópodos langosta-1 en SCrso y 3,31 gastrópodos langosta-1 en el GB, lo que según las respectivas densidades de langostas (3.546 langostas km-2 y 3.837 langostas km-2) y gastrópodos (3,76 ind. m-2 y 1,45 ind. m-2), demostró que P. argus consume 0,087% de los gastrópodos en SCrso y 0,887% en el GB. Se encontraron además evidencias de canibalismo.