Abstract: This article presents the first petrographic analysis of a ceramic assemblage recovered from the Abra de Minas and Cueva Inca Viejo sites in the Ratones basin, Puna de Salta, Northwestern Argentina. Multiple indicators of human settlements at these sites reveal a preponderance of mining activities and rituals spanning primarily the late pre-Inca and Inca periods. Mining activity and structural construction increased in the area during the expansion of Tawantinsuyu. One such example was the ceremonial structure at cave entrance. Pottery played an important role in this context, particularly the vessels used in ritual and dining practices, which feature high stylistic and compositional variability. The petrographic analysis of 30 sherds related with late/Inca pre-Hispanic contexts differentiated groups of pottery fabrics, enabling discussion on the association, production, and circulation of ceramic styles renowned for their quality, decoration and shapes. The results suggest that ceramics from these sites are mostly of allochthonous origin, produced in places where even more different styles were made, connecting them to the pottery production of the Inca Empire.

Resumen: Se presenta el primer análisis petrográfico realizado sobre un conjunto cerámico recuperado en los sitios Abra de Minas y Cueva Inca Viejo, ubicados en la cuenca de Ratones, Puna de Salta, Noroeste argentino. Los múltiples indicadores de ocupaciones humanas en estos dos sitios denotan una preponderancia de actividades mineras y rituales, con cronologías que se extienden principalmente entre períodos preincaicos tardíos e incas. Durante la expansión del Tawantinsuyu, se incrementó la explotación mineral y se construyeron variadas estructuras en el área, entre las que se destaca una de tipo ceremonial en la entrada de la cueva. En ese marco, la alfarería tuvo un rol relevante, especialmente aquella destinada a prácticas rituales y de comensalismo, distinguiéndose por la alta variabilidad estilística y composicional. El análisis petrográfico de 30 tiestos, relacionados con contextos prehispánicos tardío/incaicos, ha posibilitado diferenciar grupos de pastas, cuyas características permiten ampliar la discusión sobre la asociación, la producción y la circulación de estilos cerámicos, reconocidos por su calidad, decoración y formas representadas. Los resultados sugieren que la cerámica de ambos sitios sería mayoritariamente de procedencia alóctona, producida en distintos lugares donde incluso se fabricaron diversos estilos, lo cual se vincularía con la organización de la producción alfarera del Imperio inca.

Abstract Introduction: Mammalian-bird interactions are poorly known in the tropics. Methods: To analyze the inteactions between White-tailed Deer and birds I noted and photographed interactions in the tropical humid forest of Curú, Costa Rica, between July 2005 and October 2019. Results: The most common interaction was with the Groove-billed Ani (82 % of all observations), followed by the White-throated Magpie-Jay (10%), Crested Caracara (5%) and Yellow-headed Caracara (3%). Conclusion: Although some of these interrelationships had already been reported in other locations, these results are new for Costa Rica.

Resumen Introducción: Las interacciones entre mamíferos y aves son poco conocidas en los trópicos. Métodos: Para analizar las interacciones entre el venado cola blanca y las aves, observé y fotografié interacciones en el bosque húmedo tropical de Curú, Costa Rica, entre julio de 2005 y octubre de 2019. Resultados: La interacción más común fue con el garrapatero piquiestriado (82% de las observaciones), seguido por la urraca copetona (10%), el caracara cargahuesos (5%) y el caracara cabecigualdo (3%). Conclusión: Aunque algunas de estas interrelaciones ya se habían informado en otros lugares, estos resultados son nuevos para Costa Rica.

Abstract: We present the results of a regional study on the interaction between the Tawantinsuyu and low-inequality local communities that inhabited the Maipo-Mapocho rivers basin, Central Chile, during the Late Period (1.400 - 1.536 DC). Systematization and integration of previously unpublished data from several types of sites, suggests that this relationship would have been based on public ritual events involving acts of negotiation and redistribution. These acts would have been carried out mostly on the context of mortuary practices with significant displays of ceramic offerings, as well as meetings on the summit of “island” hills, both ideologically appropriated and resemantized through the use of architecture visually and spatially correlated with Andean peaks sacralized by the Inka. Certain differences on the geographic distribution of these displays in the study area, would have been related both to the Inka strategies as well as to the local sociopolitical scenarios, and eventually to the agency of native communities. Results contribute to the understanding of the modes of interaction or relation that were developed for incorporating and/or keeping different regions and peoples within the Tawantinsuyu, and specifically of the relationship between its representatives with non-hierarchical societies. Also, they reinforce the need to consider the role of the sociocultural dinamics and/or agency of local communities, to understand the different strategies used by the cuzqueño State in the various regions were its ideology was introduced.

Resumen: Se presentan los resultados de un estudio regional sobre la interacción entre el Tawantinsuyu y las poblaciones locales de baja desigualdad social que habitaron la cuenca de los ríos Maipo-Mapocho, Chile central, durante el período Tardío (1.450-1.536 DC). La sistematización e integración de información previa e inédita procedentes de distintos tipos de sitios apuntaría a que esta relación habría estado basada en eventos rituales públicos que involucraron actos de negociación y redistribución. Estos habrían sido implementados de preferencia en el contexto tanto de prácticas mortuorias caracterizadas por significativos despliegues de ofrendas cerámicas como en reuniones efectuadas en las cumbres de “cerros isla” apropiadas y resemantizadas ideológicamente mediante el uso de la arquitectura y su correlación visual y/o espacial con cumbres andinas sacralizadas por el Estado inca. Ciertas diferencias detectadas en la distribución geográfica de estas manifestaciones al interior de la región de estudio habrían estado relacionadas tanto con la adaptación de las estrategias incas como a las situaciones sociopolíticas locales y, eventualmente, la agencia de las comunidades nativas. Los resultados contribuyen a la comprensión de las modalidades de interacción o relación que se desarrollaron para la incorporación y/o mantención de las distintas regiones y poblaciones en el Tawantinsuyu y, en específico, de la relación de sus representantes con sociedades no jerarquizadas. También refuerza la necesidad de considerar el rol de las dinámicas socioculturales y/o la agencia de las comunidades locales en la comprensión de las diferentes estrategias utilizadas por el Estado cusqueño en las diferentes regiones donde se hizo presente su ideología.

In this paper, we study the dynamics of transition in the interaction between vine (Vitis vinifera L.) and cover crop. From data obtained in a field essay, we propose a statistical model to investigate such biological interaction and we could determine that the vine-cover crop system changed from a biological interaction of commensalism type to another of amensalism type, being the vine not affected. Based on this information, we formulate a biomathematical model to describe this interaction, we estimate its parameters, and analyze the stability of the equilibrium points. It is evident, in this study, that the cover crop does not affect vine growth during the period considered in the essay.

En este trabajo se estudia la dinámica de transición en la interacción entre vid (Vitis vinifera L.) y cultivo de cobertura. A partir de datos obtenidos en un ensayo de campo se postuló un modelo estadístico para investigar dicha interacción biológica y se pudo determinar que el sistema vid-cultivo de cobertura cambió de una interacción biológica del tipo comensalismo a otra de amensalismo, siendo la vid la que no se ve afectada. Sobre la base de esta información, se formuló un modelo biomatemático para describir esta interacción, se estimaron los parámetros del mismo y se analizó la estabilidad de los puntos de equilibrio. Se evidencia en el presente estudio que el cultivo de cobertura no afecta el crecimiento de la vid, durante el período considerado en el ensayo.

Resumen Antecedentes: es importante que al indagar sobre temas de alimentación y hambre se haga desde la perspectiva de los sujetos que experimentan y vivencian dichas situaciones, para comprender de forma integral dicho asunto. Objetivo: describir la alimentación en los hogares de niñas y niños beneficiarios del Programa de Atención Integral a la Niñez Trabajadora de la Corporación Educativa Combos y la percepción que tienen del complemento alimentario. Materiales y métodos: investigación con enfoque cualitativo, metodología de etnografía focalizada, técnicas de entrevista a profundidad y grupos focales. Resultados: las familias participantes viven situaciones de hambre; omiten comidas principales por falta de recursos económicos; sus gustos alimentarios en el hogar tienden a ser tradicionales; prefieren alimentos rendidores, saciadores y económicos, ricos en grasas y carbohidratos. Fuera del hogar prefieren comidas rápidas porque están disponibles y son más económicas. Las y los participantes perciben el complemento alimentario como un protector del hambre de las y los menores, y el paquete de alimentos como una manera de disponer de alimentos para compartirlos en familia. Conclusiones: en poblaciones empobrecidas se prefieren alimentos rendidores, saciadores y económicos que les permita sentirse llenos por más tiempo. Los servicios que brinda la Corporación fueron apreciados y valorados por las y los beneficiarios, pues estos han contribuido a mejorar su calidad de vida, a configurar el comensalismo familiar y a restituir el derecho a la alimentación en los hogares.

Abstract Background: The theme of food and nutrition security, hunger and the meaning of food programs for vulnerable population has been investigated, however, from a qualitative and comprehensive perspective, trying to identify from the perspective of the subjects who experience the phenomenon. Objective: To describe the in-home diet of children who are beneficiaries of the Programa de Atención Integral a la Niñez Trabajadora (PAINIT) of the Corporación Educativa COMBOS and their perceptions of a nutrition supplement. Materials and Methods: Research was conducted using a qualitative approach, focused ethnography studies, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. Results: Participating families live in situations of hunger and often omit main meals for lack of economic resources. At-home food tends to be traditional, with preference for satiating and inexpensive foods rich in fats and carbohydrates. Outside the home they prefer fast foods due to accesability and affordability. Participants perceive the nutrition supplement as a protector against child hunger, and the food basket as a way to share meals with family on weekends. Conclusions: Impoverished populations prefer foods that are accesible, satiating and economic that allow them to feel full for longer, and tend towards collective or family meals. The services provided by the Corporation were appreciated and valued by the beneficiaries as they have contributed to improving quality of life, family togetherness, and restoration to food security in homes.

Abstract: Caprella ungulina Mayer, 1903 is recorded from shallow waters (50 to 100 m depth) off Navarino Island (55°03’ S, 67°33’ W) and Dawson Island (54°04’ S, 70°24’ W), austral Chile. The material examined (N=289 caprellids) was collected mainly in the mouthparts (55%) of the edible crustacean Paralomis granulosa during 2016 fishery season. The percentage of epibiosis varied between 1.8 and 14.8% of the total host sampled, being collected mainly one caprellid by crab. The mortality of C. ungulina by effects of the P granulosa fishery during 2015 in Magallanes (l,965 ton) produced between 255,450 and 1,061,100 specimens (mean epibiosis of 6.7% ± 4,1%). The mortality by fishing on P granulosa could affect negatively the population dynamic of C. ungulina if is confirmed a high specificity for this biohabitat and the remotion of juveniles that could not reach the reproductive maturity. It is proposed that the ecological relationship between C. ungulina and P granulosa could be defined as comensalism under the following reasons: 1) the guest is largest than the species hosted, 2) the relatively specific relationship between both species, 3) use of food waste provided by the host, 4) use of host as a cryptic habitat, 5) the contribution in transport of the host and 6) physical shelter.

Resumen: Se describe la epibiosis entre el anfípodo Caprella ungulina Mayer, 1903 y el crustáceo comestible Paralomis granulosa (centollón) capturados en aguas someras (50 a 100 m de profundidad) en cuatro sectores en los alrededores de la Isla Navarino (55°03’ S, 67°33’ O) y en una localidad en la Isla Dawson (54°04’ S, 70°24’ O), Chile austral, durante la temporada de pesca de 2016. El material examinado (N=289 ejemplares de caprélidos) se recolectaron principalmente en los apéndices bucales (55%) de P. granulosa. Se determinó que la epibiosis varió entre 1,8 y 14,8% del número total de hospederos analizados, siendo frecuente el hallazgo de un individuo por centollón. La mortalidad de C. ungulina por efectos de la pesquería de P granulosa efectuada el 2015 en Magallanes (l.965 ton; epibiosis promedio de 6,7%) podría variar entre 255.450 y 1.061.100 ejemplares. La mortalidad por pesca de P granulosa podría llegar a afectar negativamente la dinámica poblacional de C. ungulina si se llega a demostrar una alta especificidad por este biohábitat y el uso de éste por individuos juveniles que no alcanzarían su maduración reproductiva. Se propone que la relación ecológica entre C. ungulina y P granulosa podría ser definida como comensalismo por las siguientes causales: 1) el huésped es de mayor tamaño que la especie hospedada, 2) la relación relativamente específica entre ambas especies, 3) el posible uso de residuos alimentarios provistos por el hospedador, 4) un hábitat críptico, 5) el aporte de transporte y 6) abrigo físico.

RESUMO Relações alimentares de aves com mamíferos são variadas e abrangem desde o uso de mamíferos como poleiros de caça até o consumo de suas carcaças. Estudamos a história natural das associações entre aves e capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) em um parque urbano, enfocando três questões principais: (1) Quantas e quais são as espécies de aves associadas a capivaras? (2) Quais recursos, proporcionados pelas capivaras, as aves usam quando associadas a estes mamíferos? (3) Quais os comportamentos das aves e das capivaras durante as diferentes associações? Também, sumariamos as associações de aves com capivaras registradas até o presente, as quais incluem relações de comensalismo, mutualismo e semiparasitismo. Registramos 10 espécies de aves (principalmente não-Passeriformes) associadas às capivaras. As aves usaram as capivaras como: (a) poleiro de caça; (b) batedores que afugentam artrópodes e peixes; (c) atratores de moscas; (d) fonte de partículas orgânicas, parasitos externos, sangue, tecido doente, e carcaças. Aves e capivaras interagiram principalmente quando aquelas catavam carrapatos, ou se alimentavam de sangue e tecido doente. Quando as aves catavam carrapatos, as capivaras adotavam posturas que permitiam às aves alcançar partes do corpo que de outra maneira seriam inacessíveis. Por outro lado, quando as aves bicavam as feridas para tomar sangue ou retirar tecido doente, os mamíferos tentavam desencorajar as aves com movimentos de cabeça e corpo, ou afastando-se. Quando as aves usavam as capivaras como poleiros ou atratores, os mamíferos pareciam não se importar com a sua presença. Até o presente, estão registradas 21 espécies de aves associadas a capivaras. Portanto, os números que registramos na área urbana e restrita são notáveis e o nosso estudo reforça a importância das chamadas áreas verdes, como refúgios da fauna silvestre remanescente no nosso ambiente cada vez mais antropizado.

ABSTRACT Feeding relationships of birds with mammals are diverse and range from using mammals as hunting perches to feeding on their carcasses. We studied the natural history of associations between birds and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) at an urban recreational park and focused on three main questions: (1) How many and what are the bird species that associate with capybaras? (2) What resources used by the birds are provided by capybaras? (3) What are the behaviours of birds and capybaras during the different associations? Additionally, we summarised the associations of birds with capybaras recorded to date, which include commensal, mutualistic and semi parasitic relationships. We recorded 10 bird species (mostly non-passerines) associated with capybaras. The birds used the capybaras as: (a) hunting perches; (b) beaters that flushed arthropods and fish; (c) attractors of flies; (d) sources of organic particles, external parasites, blood, diseased tissue, and carcasses. Birds and capybaras interacted mostly when the former picked ticks, or fed on blood and diseased tissue. When the birds picked ticks, the capybaras adopted poses that allowed the birds to reach body parts otherwise inaccessible. However, when the birds pecked at wounds to take blood or diseased tissue, the mammals tried to discourage the birds with avoidance movements of the body or head, and sometimes retreated. When the birds used the capybaras as perches or attractors, the mammals seemed oblivious to the birds’ presence. Twenty-one bird species are presently reported to associate with capybaras. Thus, the numbers we found in the urban and restricted study site are remarkable, and our findings strengthens the importance of so-called green areas to harbour the remaining wildlife in our increasingly anthropised environment.

Primeiro registro de larvas de Chironomidae como presas de Temnocephala sp. (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalidae), um ectosimbionte de larvas de Corydalidae (Maegaloptera). Este estudo constitui o primeiro registro de Temnocephala Blanchard (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalidae), um ectosimbionte em larvas de Megaloptera, como um possível predador de larvas de Chironomidae. Vinte e oito larvas de Corydalidae (Corydalus e Protochauliodes) foram examinadas sobre estereomicroscópio na busca por Temnocephala e larvas de Chironomidae, das quais cinco larvas de Megaloptera continham 24 Temnocephala sp. associadas. Além disso, oito Temnocephala possuíam em seu conteúdo estomacal larvas de Chironomidae, uma interação desconhecida anteriormente. A análise do conteúdo estomacal revelou Corynoneura como o quironomídeo mais abundante, e também algumas larvas de Larsia, Rheotanytarsus e Tanytarsus. Este estudo inclui Corydalus e Protochauliodes como hospedeiros de Temnocephala, os quais podem ser importantes para a dispersão e dinâmica populacional desses vermes.

First record of larvae of Chironomidae (Insecta, Diptera) as prey of Temnocephala sp. (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalidae), an ectosymbiont on larvae of Corydalidae (Megaloptera). This study constitutes the first record of Temnocephala Blanchard, an ectosymbiont on Corydalidae, as a possible predator of chironomid larvae. Twenty-eight Corydalidae larvae (Corydalus and Protochauliodes) were examined under stereomicroscopic in search for Temnocephala and Chironomidae larvae, of which five megalopteran larvae had 24 Temnocephala sp. associated. Furthermore, eight of these Temnocephala worms had chironomid larvae in their gut contents, an interaction previously unknown. Gut content analyses revealed Corynoneura as the commonest chironomid, but larvae of Larsia, Rheotanytarsus and Tanytarsus were recorded as well. This study included Corydalus and Protochauliodes as hosts for Temnocephala, which might be important for this worm dispersion and population dynamics.

Tumidotheres maculatus has been reported as a commensal of Mytilus platensis and Atrina seminuda and suggested as a parasite of Aequipecten tehuelchus in San Matías Gulf (SMG). The native flat oyster, Ostrea puelchana, has been studied in SMG for decades, and no crab-oyster association has been reported. In autumn-spring 2009 and 2010, oysters were collected from four banks in SMG, and the occurrence of T. maculatus inside the pallial cavity of O. puelchana was recorded. The prevalence varied between sites, with 0-12.5% at El Sótano, 0-16.7% at Caleta de los Loros, and no crabs found in the samples from Las Grutas and Puerto Lobos. Infected oysters hosted a single crab. Oysters were infested by either one male (47.7%) or one female (15.1%). A positive but low correlation was found for male crab size and oyster size. The presence of these crabs inside the oysters could be due to the overlap of the distribution areas of O. puelchana and other bivalve hosts. Our findings may also be a consequence of local fishing. Commercial extraction of traditional hosts may have caused crabs to look for new hosts.

En el Golfo San Matías (GSM), Tumidotheres maculatus ha sido registrado como comensal de Mytilus platensis y Atrina seminuda, y se lo ha indicado como parásito de Aequipecten tehuelchus. La ostra plana nativa Ostrea puelchana ha sido objeto de estudio por décadas en el GSM y no existen precedentes sobre una asociación entre las ostras y el cangrejo pinotérido. Durante otoño-primavera de 2009 y de 2010 se recolectaron ostras de cuatro bancos del GSM, registrándose la ocurrencia de T. maculatus en la cavidad paleal de O. puelchana. La prevalencia varió entre los sitios: 0-12,5% en El Sótano, 0-16,7% en Caleta de los Loros; no se encontraron cangrejos en los muestreos en Las Grutas y en Puerto Lobos. Se encontró un único cangrejo por hospedador; las ostras estuvieron infestadas por cangrejos macho (47,7%), o hembras (15,1%). Se encontró una correlación positiva pero baja entre la talla de los cangrejos macho y la talla de las ostras. La presencia del cangrejo en esta ostra podría ser causada por el solapamiento de áreas de distribución de O. puelchana con otros bivalvos hospedadores. Por otra parte, podría representar una consecuencia de la pesca en el área. Debido a la extracción comercial, los crustáceos habrían comenzado a buscar nuevos hospedadores.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir la interacción entre Salvia bogotensis (Lamiaceae) y las moscas de las flores (Diptera: Syrphidae) en un ambiente urbano, el jardín botánico “José Celestino Mutis” (Bogotá D.C.). Una vez comprobada la existencia del síndrome de entomofilia, se caracterizó la morfología floral, la composición taxonómica, la riqueza y la abundancia de las especies de sírfidos identificadas como visitantes florales, así como la morfometría cefálica y bucal. S. bogotensis presenta el síndrome de la entomofilia con ausencia de autofecundación. La comunidad de sírfidos asociada con esta comprende nueve especies, agrupadas en cinco géneros. Las especies son Allograpta neotropica Curran, 1936, Allograpta exotica Wiedermann, 1830, Allograpta annulipes Macquart, 1850, Allograpta aenea Hull, 1937, Lejops mexicana Macquart, 1842, Platycheirus ecuadoriensis Fluke, 1945, Platycheirus fenestrata Macquart, 1842, Syrphus shoree Fluke, 1950 y Toxomerus sp.1. Las especies de moscas identificadas presentan en su conjunto características conductuales y morfológicas asociadas a polinizadores de baja eficiencia, con una baja tasa de visitas, incapacidad de activación de los balancines y un mínimo contacto corporal del insecto con las anteras y el estigma de la flor. Adicionalmente, las moscas presentan una carga muy baja de granos de polen de S. bogotensis sobre el cuerpo y alta inversión de tiempo en la limpieza de su cuerpo (acicalamiento). Las flores visitadas por estos insectos no dieron origen a frutos. Todo lo anterior permite concluir que dichas moscas no son polinizadores efectivos de S. bogotensis. Además de dípteros, se observaron varias especies de insectos visitantes florales de S. bogotensis pertenecientes a las familias Apidae, Halictidae y Megachilidae. Los sírfidos se benefician por el consumo de polen de S. bogotensis, pero no interfieren en el crecimiento y el desarrollo de la planta, por lo cual se infiere que la interacción entre las moscas de las flores y S. bogotensis es de tipo comensalismo.

The goal of this research was to describe the biological interaction between Salvia bogotensis (Lamiaceae) and the flower flies (Diptera:Syrphidae) in an urban setting, the Jardín Botánico “José Celestino Mutis” (Bogotá DC). After verifying the existence of the entomophily syndrome, the following aspects were studied: floral morphology, taxonomic composition, richness and abundance of syrphid species identified as flower visitors, and their cephalic and oral morphometry. S. bogotensis presents entomophily syndrome with absence of selfing. The Syrphid community associated with S.bogotensis included the following nine species in five genera: Allograpta neotropica Curran, 1936, Allograpta exotica Wiedermann, 1830, Allograpta annulipes Macquart, 1850, Allograpta aenea Hull, 1937, Lejops mexicana Macquart, 1842, Platycheirus ecuadoriensis Fluke, 1945, Platycheirus fenestrata Macquart, 1842, Syrphus shoree Fluke, 1950 and Toxomerus sp. 1. The species of flower flies (Syrphidae), as a whole, showed behavioral and morphological characteristics associated with low-efficiency pollinators, with a low rate of visits, inability for activation of levers staminal and minimal contact insect body with the anthers and stigma of the flower. Additionally, the flies showed a very low load of pollen grains of S. bogotensis in the body, and with high investment of time in cleaning its body (grooming). Flowers visited by these flies did not result in fruit. These results suggest that flower flies do not effectively participate in the pollination of S. bogotensis. Other insect visitors that might be responsible for the pollination of S. bogotensis were species of the families Apidae, Halictidae, and Megachilidae. Flower flies feed on the pollen of S. bogotensis but do not interfere with growth and plant development, indicating a commensalistic relationship with S. bogotensis.

Las interacciónes entre hormigas y otros insectos pueden afectar directa o indirectamente las plantas de café y su producción. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir estas interacciónes en cuatro plantaciónes de café con y sin presencia de árboles de sombra, en el sitio Pescador (Caldono) departamento del Cauca. En cada plantación se selecciónaron 45 arbustos de café, y en cada uno de ellos se escogieron dos ramas opuestas de la parte productiva. Una de las ramas se excluyó del paso de hormigas y la otra se dejó libre. Se identificaron las hormigas y otros insectos anotando las interacciónes entre ellos. Las observaciónes se realizaron durante siete meses cada dos semanas por un tiempo estimado de cinco minutos en cada rama. Se observaron 119 interacciónes que involucraron 31 especies de hormigas distribuidas en siete subfamilias y 38 morfoespecies de otros insectos distribuidos en siete órdenes (Blattaria, Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera e Hymenoptera) y 24 familias. Las interacciónes se agruparon en tres tipos: mutualismo, comensalismo y depredación. Las asociaciónes predominantes fueron las mutualistas facultativas (32%), seguidas por las comensalistas (30%). Las hormigas con mayor porcentaje de asociaciónes fueron Linepithema neotropicum (32%), Brachymyrmex heeri (12%) y Wasmannia auropunctata (7%). Asociaciónes con hemípteros se observaron en un 53% de los casos, seguidos de coleópteros con un 27%. Se encontró una mayor riqueza de especies de insectos y de asociaciónes en cafetales con sombra que en aquellos sin sombra. La complejidad estructural que presenta este tipo de agroecosistema provee más oportunidades para la fauna asociada.

The interactions between ants and other insects can directly or indirectly affect coffee plants and their production. The objective of this study was to describe these interactions in four coffee plantations, with and without the presence of shade trees, in the locatión of Pescador (Caldono), Cauca Department. At each plantation, 45 coffee bushes were selected, and, on each one, two opposing branches on the productive part were selected. One of the branches was excluded from the path of ants and the other was left free. Ants and other insects were identified and the interactions among them were recorded. The observations were done over seven months every two weeks for an estimated time of 5 min at each branch. A total of 119 interactions were observed, involving 31 ant species distributed in seven subfamilies, and 38 morphospecies of other insects distributed in seven orders (Blattaria, Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera) and 24 families. The interactions were grouped into three types: mutualism, commensalism and predation. The predominant associations were facultative mutualistic (32%), followed by commensalistic (30%). The ant species involved in the greatest proportión of associations were Linepithema neotropicum (32%), Brachymyrmex heeri (12%) and Wasmannia auropunctata (7%). Associations with hemipterans were observed in 53% of the cases, followed by coleopterans in 27%. A greater species richness of insects and number of associations were found in coffee plantations with shade than those without shade. The structural complexity offered by this type of agroecosystem provides more opportunities for the associated fauna.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a epibiose de cirrípedes Amphibalanus improvisus em oito camarões machos adultos da espécie Macrobrachium acanthurus provenientes da Laguna Mundaú, Alagoas, Brasil. O número de cirrípedes epibiontes variou desde 247 até 1.544 espécimes por camarão, distribuídos predominantemente no cefalotórax e pereiópodos, mas presentes também no abdome e demais apêndices. A grande maioria dos cirrípedes era recém-recrutada ou ainda estava sexualmente imatura, embora de alguns estivessem já em reprodução, sugerindo a chegada recente de seu hospedeiro no ambiente estuarino. Apesar de ocorrem outros cirrípedes na região, A. improvisus foi à única espécie relatada como epibionte em Macrobrachium acanthurus e isto se constituiu o primeiro registro de epibiose de Amphibalanus improvisus A ocorrência de inúmeros espécimes nas articulações dos pereiópodos e o recobrimento quase total da carapaça de alguns camarões (incrementando peso aos mesmos) indicam que a espécie epibionte está adaptada à fixação neste substrato biogênico e que a relação entre estas duas espécies traz prejuízos biológicos ao basibionte.

This study aimed to describe the epibiosis of barnacles Amphibalanus improvisus on eight adult Macrobrachium acanthurus males from the Mundaú Lagoon, state of Alagoas, Brazil. The number of epibiont barnacles varied from 247 to 1,544 specimens per prawn; these were distributed predominantly on the cephalothorax and pereiopods, but also on the abdomen and other appendices. Although some were already reproducing, most barnacles had been recruited recently or were still sexually immature; this suggests recent host arrival in that estuarine environment. Despite the fact that other barnacles occur in this region, A. improvisus is the only species reported as an epibiont on Macrobrachium acanthurus; this was also the first record of epibiosis on this host. The occurrence of innumerable specimens in the pereiopods' articulations and the almost complete covering of the carapace of some prawns (which also increased their weight) suggest that A. improvisus is adapted to fixate this kind of biogenic substrate and that the relationship between the two species biologically damages the basibiont.

RESUMO Investigamos a vegetação arbórea e a comunidade epífita da floresta seca para responder às seguintes perguntas: i) como a abundância e riqueza de epífitas ocorrem sobre os indivíduos das espécies arbóreas? ii) a abundância de forófitos depende do número de indivíduos das espécies arbóreas? iii) a abundância e riqueza de epífitas dependem do número e tamanho dos forófitos? iv) espécies arbóreas são selecionadas por espécies epifíticas? Nesta floresta, as espécies arbóreas mais abundantes é que hospedam a maioria das epífitas. Quatorze espécies arbóreas foram especialmente propensas a apresentar muitos grupos epifíticos e nove propícias a possuir várias espécies de epífitas mas não em alta abundância. O número de indivíduos arbóreos foi um bom parâmetro para estimar a abundância de forófitos e seu número foi considerado um bom parâmetro para estimar a riqueza de epífitas a ocorrerem nesta floresta seca. Quatro espécies arbóreas foram especialmente preferidas pelas duas espécies epífitas de maior abundância e freqüência na área, onde ocorreram com alta abundância. Entretanto, não houve seletividade de nenhuma espécie arbórea por epífitas raras que ocorreram na área.

ABSTRACT We investigated the arboreal vegetation and epiphytic community of a 'restinga' dry forest to answer the following questions: i) how does epiphyte abundance and richness occur on arboreal species? ii) does phorophyte abundance depend on the abundance of tree species? iii) does epiphyte abundance and richness depend on the size and abundance of phorophytes? iv) are arboreal species selected by epiphyte species? The most abundant arboreal species host most of the epiphytes. Fourteen arboreal species were especially prone to hosting many epiphyte groups and nine arboreal species were especially prone to hosting only high epiphyte richness. The abundance of arboreal species was a good surrogate to predict the number of phorophytes, and the number of phorophytes was a good surrogate to predict epiphyte abundance and epiphyte richness. Four arboreal species were especially preferred by the most abundant epiphyte species. Nevertheless, no rare epiphyte species had high abundance on any tree species.

Durante la excavación de un nido de la hormiga cortadora Acromyrmex octospinosus, descubrimos una nidada de la serpiente Stenorrhina degenhardti de la familia Colubridae. Tanto los huevos como la masa del nido de hormiga fueron transferidos al laboratorio de la Universidad de Antioquia para ser mantenidos en cautiverio. Las hormigas no solo toleraron el nido de la serpiente dentro de la cámara de crecimiento, sino que activamente usaron los huevos como estructuras de soporte para el crecimiento del hongo simbionte. La ausencia de agresión hacia la hembra ovipositora (presumiblemente) y hacia los neonatos emergentes, sugiere que ésta asociación puede representar más que una asociación de comensalismo y amerita estudios futuros.

During excavation of a leaf-cutter nest (Acromyrmex octospinosus), we discovered a clutch laid by the colubrid snake Stenorrhina degenhardti. The eggs and the bulk of the ant nest were transferred to a laboratory at the University of Antioquia for rearing. The ants not only tolerated the snake clutch within their growth chamber, but the workers also actively used the eggs as structures to support symbiotic fungal growth. The lack of aggression to both the ovipositing female (presumably) and emerging neonates suggests that this association may represent more than a merely commensal association and deserves further study.

Ciliados peritríquios são normalmente encontrados como epibiontes, colonizando substratos vivos, ou em substratos inanimados em ambientes de água doce, estuarinos e marinhos. Muitas espécies de peritríquios epibiontes podem ser consideradas obrigatórias quando estão aptas a colonizar apenas substratos vivos, ou facultativos quando conseguem colonizar substratos vivos ou inanimados. A espécie de ciliado peritríquio Zoothamnium intermedium é encontrada colonizando os copépodos Acartia tonsa e Eurytemora affinis na Chesapeake Bay, EUA. Estudos preliminares demonstraram que Z. intermedium não consegue colonizar substratos inanimados em laboratório e que os estágios livre-natantes (telotróquios) morrem quando não estão expostos a algum substrato vivo. No presente estudo, foi investigada a habilidade de Z. intermedium colonizar substratos artificiais no campo. As observações foram realizadas no Rhode River, um afluente da Chesapeake Bay, enquanto Z. intermedium era encontrado colonizando copépodos. Os resultados demonstraram que quatro espécies de Zoothamnium colonizaram os substratos artificiais, mas nenhuma delas era Z. intermedium. No mesmo período, Z. intermedium foi encontrado colonizando copepoditos e adultos de A. tonsa e E. affinis. Estes resultados, juntamente com as observações de laboratório, sugerem que Z. intermedium é um epibionte obrigatório.

Peritrich ciliates are commonly found as epibionts, colonizing living organisms, or attached to non-living substrates in freshwater, estuarine and marine environments. Several species of peritrich epibionts are obligate, which means that they are able to only colonize other organisms, while others are facultative attaching to living or non-living substrates. The peritrich Zoothamnium intermedium is commonly found as epibiont on the copepod species Acartia tonsa and Eurytemora affinis in Chesapeake Bay, USA. Previous studies demonstrated that Z. intermedium is not able to attach to non-living substrates in the laboratory; with free-swimming stages (telotrochs) dying when living substrates are not available for colonization. The present study investigated the ability of Z. intermdium to colonize artificial substrates in the field. Observations were carried out while the peritrich ciliate was colonizing copepods in Rhode River, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay. Results demonstrated that four species of Zoothamnium were recovered from artificial substrates, but none of them was Z. intermedium. At the same time, Z. intermedium was colonizing adults and copepodites of E. affinis and A. tonsa during the whole study period. These results, in addition to laboratory observations, suggest that Z. intermedium is an obligate epibiont.