RESUMEN

For over 200 years, the name molluscum contagiosum-a dermatological disease-has unfairly associated molluscs (the second largest group of animals on the planet) with this highly contagious infectious disease. Herein, arguments are presented demonstrating the serious problem of continuing to use this name, including animal welfare concerns. Thus, to minimize any unnecessary impacts on the biodiversity and conservation of molluscs, we follow WHO best practices in naming diseases to suggest the use of the new term 'wpox' or 'water warts' as a synonym for molluscum contagiosum.

RESUMEN

The superfamily Orthalicoidea comprises approximately 2,000 species of terrestrial gastropods, mostly concentrated in the Neotropics but also present in southern Africa and Oceania. We provide a multi-marker molecular phylogeny of this superfamily, reassessing its family- and genus-level classification. We exclude two families from the group, Odontostomidae and Vidaliellidae, transferring them to Rhytidoidea based on their phylogenetic relationships as recovered herein. Two new families are recognized herein as members of Orthalicoidea, Tomogeridae and Cyclodontinidae fam. nov. The family Megaspiridae and the subfamily Prestonellinae are paraphyletic but are retained herein for taxonomic stability. The subfamily Placostylinae is synonymized with Bothriembryontinae. The new genera Alterorhinus gen. nov. and Sanniostracus gen. nov. containing some Brazilian species are described here to better reflect the phylogeny. The fossil record and paleobiogeographic history of the group is explored under the new phylogenetic framework.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The genus Radiodiscus includes minute terrestrial snails occurring throughout the American continent. We assessed the conservation status of eight poorly known Chilean Radiodiscus species using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and NatureServe categories and criteria. Under the IUCN guidelines the species were assessed using the Criterion B of geographic range, which considers the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) as subcriteria. For NatureServe we used these two parameters plus the number of occurrences, ecological viability, and threats. Considering species rarity and possible sampling bias, we also used ecological niche modeling to determine climate and environmental tolerances and predict potential species distributions analyzing bioclimatic and geographical layers. Radiodiscus australis, R. coarctatus and R. quillajicola were listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN and NatureServe standards; R. coppingeri, R. flammulatus, R. magellanicus and R. villarricensis as Endangered by both methods; while R. riochicoensis as Endangered by IUCN standards and Vulnerable by NatureServe standards. Niche modeling results indicated that Radiodiscus species respond to different environmental conditions and that the predicted distribution areas contain suitable habitats beyond the current ranges, which may be helpful for future management plans. Nature-based sport tourism, forestry activities, urbanization, roads, pollution, mining, forest fires, livestock, volcanism, tsunamis, soil erosion and introduced species are among the major threats affecting these snails. Based on the low number of occurrences and the threats identified, the most at-risk species are R. coarctatus and R. quillajicola (one record), R. australis (two records) and R. villarricensis (three records); the latter two lacking occurrences within protected areas. Compiling our findings, we propose a list of actions to preserve Chilean Radiodiscus species.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

An up-to-date list of exclusively cave-dwelling gastropod species recorded in Brazil is presented including updated taxonomy, detailed geographic information, and illustration of types. The list includes 18 cave-exclusive (troglobitic) gastropods encompassing 15 land and three freshwater species, with the status of further species pending additional studies. Their unusual morphology and diversity are discussed, as well as their conservation status and prospects in the current Brazilian environmental and political scenario.(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Abstract: Samples of terrestrial gastropods were collected year-round in seven caves in Presidente Olegário municipality, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, during several expeditions from 2012 to 2014. Twenty-four taxa (plus a single freshwater species), mainly stylommatophorans, were found in the material. The following species are reported for the first time for Minas Gerais state: Alcadia iheringi Wagner, 1910 and Helicina sordida King, 1831 (Helicinidae); Cecilioides consobrina (d'Orbigny, 1841) (Ferussaciidae); Entodina gionensis Morretes, 1940 and Scolodonta interrupta (Suter, 1900) (Scolodontidae); Megalobulimus sanctipauli (Ihering & Pilsbry, 1900) (Strophocheilidae); Drymaeus coarctatus (Pfeiffer, 1845) (Bulimulidae); Habroconus semenlini (Moricand, 1846) (Euconulidae); and Solaropsis aff. rosaria (Pfeiffer, 1849) (Solaropsidae). Furthermore, the species Drymaeus iracema (Simone, 2015) and Drymaeus terreus (Simone, 2015) are synonymized with Drymaeus coarctatus (L. Pfeiffer, 1845).

Resumo: Amostras de gastrópodes terrestres foram coletadas em sete cavernas na região do município de Presidente Olegário, Minas Gerais, Brasil, durane múltiplas expedições ao longo dos anos de 2012 a 2014. Vinte-e-quatro táxons (mais uma única espécie dulciaquícola) foram encontrados, em sua maioria Stylommatophora. As seguintes espécies são aqui reportadas pela primeira vez para o estado de Minas Gerais: Alcadia iheringi Wagner, 1910 e Helicina sordida King, 1831 (Helicinidae); Cecilioides consobrina (d'Orbigny, 1841) (Ferussaciidae); Entodina gionensis Morretes, 1940 e Scolodonta interrupta (Suter, 1900) (Scolodontidae); Megalobulimus sanctipauli (Ihering & Pilsbry, 1900) (Strophocheilidae); Drymaeus coarctatus (Pfeiffer, 1845) (Bulimulidae); Habroconus semenlini (Moricand, 1846) (Euconulidae); e Solaropsis aff. rosaria (Pfeiffer, 1849) (Solaropsidae). Além disso, as espécies Drymaeus iracema (Simone, 2015) e Drymaeus terreus (Simone, 2015) são aqui sinonimizadas com Drymaeus coarctatus (L. Pfeiffer, 1845).

RESUMEN

The deep-water mollusks collected during the Marion Dufresne (MD55) expedition to the southeastern Brazilian coast in 1987 have been studied in several recent works. The present paper lists and diagnoses 19 species belonging to the vetigastropod families Calliostomatidae, Colloniidae, Margaritidae, and Solariellidae. A new species, Calliostoma valkuri sp. nov., is described. It is mainly characterized by a very short teleoconch I, with limits marked by conspicuous varices and sculpture consisting of 3 spiral threads; sculpture of the teleoconch II consisting of spiral cords with thorn-like projections; and the presence of two strongly marked cords on the median portion of the whorls. Based on the MD55 samples and complementary specimens from other expeditions, the following species have their geographical and/or bathymetrical range extended: Bathymophila euspira, Calliostoma gemmosum, Calliostoma rude, Callogaza watsoni, Gaza compta, Falsimargarita terespira, Homalopoma boffii, Lamellitrochus cancapae comb. nov., Lamellitrochus pourtalesi, Margarites imperialis, and Solariella quinni.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The present work deals with the vetigastropods of the family Seguenziidae collected by the Marion Dufresne (MD55) expedition in SE Brazil, reporting the occurrence of eight species. The following species have their geographical range extended: Ancistrobasis costulata, Carenzia carinata, Carenzia trispinosa, Hadroconus altus, Seguenzia elegans and Seguenzia formosa. Two new species, Halystina umberlee sp. nov. and Seguenzia triteia sp. nov., are described.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Hundreds of years ago, sailors were terrified by the Kraken, a dreadful sea monster capable of sinking ships and with a taste for human flesh. Today we know the legends of this monster were based on sightings of giant squids. This animal belongs to the genus Architeuthis and was the subject of many scientific studies. Despite its enormous size (up to 18m), the giant squid is astoundingly elusive and much of its biology remains unknown. Thus shrouded in mystery, Architeuthis is almost a mythological creature and has a place both in science and in myth: the very last of the legends to persist to this day.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Hundreds of years ago, sailors were terrified by the Kraken, a dreadful sea monster capable of sinking ships and with a taste for human flesh. Today we know the legends of this monster were based on sightings of giant squids. This animal belongs to the genus Architeuthis and was the subject of many scientific studies. Despite its enormous size (up to 18m), the giant squid is astoundingly elusive and much of its biology remains unknown. Thus shrouded in mystery, Architeuthis is almost a mythological creature and has a place both in science and in myth: the very last of the legends to persist to this day.

Séculos atrás, marinheiros se amedrontavam com histórias do Kraken, um terrível monstro marinho capaz de afundar embarcações e devorar suas tripulações. Atualmente, sabemos que a lenda desse monstro foi baseada em encontros com lulas-gigantes. Esse animal pertence ao gênero Architeuthis e foi alvo de muitos estudos científicos. Apesar de seu enorme tamanho (pode chegar a 18m), a lula-gigante é incrivelmente elusiva e muito de sua biologia permanece desconhecida. Assim, envolto em mistério, Architeuthis é quase um ser mitológico, ocupando um lugar tanto na ciência como no mito: a última das lendas a persistir nos dias de hoje.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A remarkable new species of pulmonate snail was recently collected in a small Atlantic Rainforest fragment near the city of Canavieiras, state of Bahia, Brazil, an area known for a high diversity of land snails. It is described herein as Leiostracus fetidus sp. nov. and can be easily identified by its color pattern of irregular brown to black axial stripes on a white to yellow background, a reddish axial band "separating" the white peristome from the rest of the shell and a broad brown spiral band surrounding the umbilical region. Other diagnostic features include a relatively small size, a proto columellar fold and two very weak folds delimiting the basal region of the aperture. This discovery is a reminder of how little this fauna is known and also an alarm for proper conservation of these forest fragments.

Uma nova espécie de gastrópode pulmonado foi recentemente coletada em um pequeno fragmento de Mata Atlântica nas vizinhanças de Canavieiras, Bahia, uma área de reconhecida diversidade de moluscos terrestres. Essa espécie é aqui descrita como Leiostracus fetidus sp. nov., podendo ser facilmente identificada pelo seu padrão de coloração composto por faixas axiais irregulares, de cor marrom a preto, uma faixa axial avermelhada "separando" o peristômio branco do restante da concha e uma faixa espiral marrom, larga e irregular, contornando a região umbilical. Outras características diagnósticas incluem um tamanho relativamente pequeno, uma proto-dobra columelar e duas leves dobras na região basal da abertura. A presente descoberta é um lembrete de quão pouco essa fauna é conhecida e também um alerta para a conservação desses fragmentos de mata.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A remarkable new species of pulmonate snail was recently collected in a small Atlantic Rainforest fragment near the city of Canavieiras, state of Bahia, Brazil, an area known for a high diversity of land snails. It is described herein as Leiostracus fetidus sp. nov. and can be easily identified by its color pattern of irregular brown to black axial stripes on a white to yellow background, a reddish axial band "separating" the white peristome from the rest of the shell and a broad brown spiral band surrounding the umbilical region. Other diagnostic features include a relatively small size, a proto columellar fold and two very weak folds delimiting the basal region of the aperture. This discovery is a reminder of how little this fauna is known and also an alarm for proper conservation of these forest fragments.(AU)

Uma nova espécie de gastrópode pulmonado foi recentemente coletada em um pequeno fragmento de Mata Atlântica nas vizinhanças de Canavieiras, Bahia, uma área de reconhecida diversidade de moluscos terrestres. Essa espécie é aqui descrita como Leiostracus fetidus sp. nov., podendo ser facilmente identificada pelo seu padrão de coloração composto por faixas axiais irregulares, de cor marrom a preto, uma faixa axial avermelhada "separando" o peristômio branco do restante da concha e uma faixa espiral marrom, larga e irregular, contornando a região umbilical. Outras características diagnósticas incluem um tamanho relativamente pequeno, uma proto-dobra columelar e duas leves dobras na região basal da abertura. A presente descoberta é um lembrete de quão pouco essa fauna é conhecida e também um alerta para a conservação desses fragmentos de mata.(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A remarkable new species of pulmonate land snail was found in the collection of the Senckenberg Forschungninstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) and is described here as Leiostracus faerie sp. nov. It can be easily identified by its small and translucent shell with fine axial light brown bands and its protoconch sculpture. It was collected in the Rio Doce (“Doce River”) region in Espírito Santo, Brazil, an area known for a high diversity and endemicity of land snails. This discovery shows how little this fauna is known and reinforces the importance of museum collections in the study of biodiversity and conservation.

Uma extraordinária espécie nova de gastrópode pulmonado foi encontrada na coleção do Senckenberg Forschungninstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt (Frankfurt am Main, Alemanha) e é aqui descrita como Leiostracus faerie sp. nov. Esta espécie pode ser facilmente identificada por sua concha diminuta e translúcida, com finas faixas axiais marrom-claras, e pela escultura de sua protoconcha. Ela é originária da região do Rio Doce, Espírito Santo, uma área conhecida por sua grande diversidade e endemicidade de gastrópodes terrestres. Esta descoberta mostra quão pouco é conhecida essa fauna e também reforça a importância das coleções de museus no estudo da biodiversidade e em medidas de conservação.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A new species of pulmonate snail was recently collected in a small forest fragment in the city of Bom Jesus da Lapa, Bahia state, Brazil. Bahia is known for a high diversity of land snails and Bom Jesus da Lapa is an interesting locality, since it is close to the interface between two major Brazilian biomes: Cerrado and Caatinga. The new species is described as Cyclodontina tapuia sp. nov. and can be easily identified by its brown shell, conical spire, convex whorls, a sculpture comprised of strong ribs, and an aperture with four barriers: a median parietal tooth, a median palatal tooth, a median basal tooth and a strong columellar lamella. This discovery is also a reminder of how little the Brazilian continental molluscan fauna is known and of the urgency in studying and preserving the rich (though usually overlooked) fauna of the Caatinga.

Uma nova espécie de gastrópode pulmonado foi coletada recentemente em um pequeno fragmento de mata em Bom Jesus da Lapa, Bahia, Brasil. O estado da Bahia é conhecido por sua alta diversidade de moluscos terrestres e Bom Jesus da Lapa é uma localidade particularmente interessante, pois localiza-se na interface entre os biomas Cerrado e Caatinga. A nova espécie é descrita como Cyclodontina tapuia sp. nov. e pode ser facilmente identificada por sua concha de cor marrom, espira cônica, voltas convexas, escultura composta por fortes costelas e uma abertura com quatro barreiras: um dente parietal, um dente palatal, um dente basal e uma forte lamela columelar. A presente descoberta atua como um lembrete de quão pouco é conhecida a malacofauna continental brasileira e também da urgência em estudar e preservar a rica (mas comumente negligenciada) fauna da Caatinga.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A remarkable new species of pulmonate land snail was found in the collection of the Senckenberg Forschungninstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) and is described here as Leiostracus faerie sp. nov. It can be easily identified by its small and translucent shell with fine axial light brown bands and its protoconch sculpture. It was collected in the Rio Doce (“Doce River”) region in Espírito Santo, Brazil, an area known for a high diversity and endemicity of land snails. This discovery shows how little this fauna is known and reinforces the importance of museum collections in the study of biodiversity and conservation.(AU)

Uma extraordinária espécie nova de gastrópode pulmonado foi encontrada na coleção do Senckenberg Forschungninstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt (Frankfurt am Main, Alemanha) e é aqui descrita como Leiostracus faerie sp. nov. Esta espécie pode ser facilmente identificada por sua concha diminuta e translúcida, com finas faixas axiais marrom-claras, e pela escultura de sua protoconcha. Ela é originária da região do Rio Doce, Espírito Santo, uma área conhecida por sua grande diversidade e endemicidade de gastrópodes terrestres. Esta descoberta mostra quão pouco é conhecida essa fauna e também reforça a importância das coleções de museus no estudo da biodiversidade e em medidas de conservação.(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A new species of pulmonate snail was recently collected in a small forest fragment in the city of Bom Jesus da Lapa, Bahia state, Brazil. Bahia is known for a high diversity of land snails and Bom Jesus da Lapa is an interesting locality, since it is close to the interface between two major Brazilian biomes: Cerrado and Caatinga. The new species is described as Cyclodontina tapuia sp. nov. and can be easily identified by its brown shell, conical spire, convex whorls, a sculpture comprised of strong ribs, and an aperture with four barriers: a median parietal tooth, a median palatal tooth, a median basal tooth and a strong columellar lamella. This discovery is also a reminder of how little the Brazilian continental molluscan fauna is known and of the urgency in studying and preserving the rich (though usually overlooked) fauna of the Caatinga.(AU)

Uma nova espécie de gastrópode pulmonado foi coletada recentemente em um pequeno fragmento de mata em Bom Jesus da Lapa, Bahia, Brasil. O estado da Bahia é conhecido por sua alta diversidade de moluscos terrestres e Bom Jesus da Lapa é uma localidade particularmente interessante, pois localiza-se na interface entre os biomas Cerrado e Caatinga. A nova espécie é descrita como Cyclodontina tapuia sp. nov. e pode ser facilmente identificada por sua concha de cor marrom, espira cônica, voltas convexas, escultura composta por fortes costelas e uma abertura com quatro barreiras: um dente parietal, um dente palatal, um dente basal e uma forte lamela columelar. A presente descoberta atua como um lembrete de quão pouco é conhecida a malacofauna continental brasileira e também da urgência em estudar e preservar a rica (mas comumente negligenciada) fauna da Caatinga.(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

We report the first evidence for a nesting colony of mesozoic birds on Gondwana: a fossil accumulation in Late Cretaceous rocks mapped and collected from within the campus of the National University of Comahue, Neuquén City, Patagonia (Argentina). Here, Cretaceous ornithothoracine birds, almost certainly Enanthiornithes, nested in an arid, shallow basinal environment among sand dunes close to an ephemeral water-course. We mapped and collected 65 complete, near-complete, and broken eggs across an area of more than 55 m(2). These eggs were laid either singly, or occasionally in pairs, onto a sandy substrate. All eggs were found apparently in, or close to, their original nest site; they all occur within the same bedding plane and may represent the product of a single nesting season or a short series of nesting attempts. Although there is no evidence for nesting structures, all but one of the Comahue eggs were half-buried upright in the sand with their pointed end downwards, a position that would have exposed the pole containing the air cell and precluded egg turning. This egg position is not seen in living birds, with the exception of the basal galliform megapodes who place their eggs within mounds of vegetation or burrows. This accumulation reveals a novel nesting behaviour in Mesozoic Aves that was perhaps shared with the non-avian and phylogenetically more basal troodontid theropods.

Asunto(s)