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Puerto Rico harbors a diverse vertebrate fauna with high levels of endemism. However, while several books for vertebrate diversity and local checklists for birds have been published, checklists of amphibians, reptiles, and bats are lacking or nonexistent at both local and regional scales. In this study, we documented the amphibian, reptile, and bat faunas at Mata de Plátano Field Station and Nature Reserve, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. We document four species of amphibians, seven lizards, three snakes, and nine bats. Despite prior works using samples from this nature reserve, this represents the first vertebrate checklist for the Mata de Plátano Field Station and Nature Reserve. We provide additional natural history observations based on our survey results and highlight the importance of including local and regional checklists of species for downstream research and conservation.

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A new troglobitic species of Chelodesmidae, Cayenniola albaserratan. sp., from the Água Clara cave system, Caatinga Domain, Bahia, Brazil is described. The new species is only the sixth known troglobitic chelodesmid, the first troglobitic species in the Priodesmini, and the first member of the tribe recorded from the state of Bahia. Unique among the Priodesmini, male C. albaserratan. sp. possess greatly elongated pre-gonopodal tarsal claws and differ from the only congener, Cayenniola styliger (Jeekel, 1963),by a combination of gonopodal and somatic characters including classical troglomorphic traits such as a nearly unpigmented body and remarkably long antennae, legs, and tarsal claws. Cayenniola styliger is only known from the type locality in the Amazon rainforest of coastal French Guiana, suggesting that C. albaserratan. sp. may represent a relictual species from the Caatinga Domain of Brazil. We provide ecological notes and evaluate the potential threats to the habitat of C. albaserratan. sp., considering both the subterranean environment and the surrounding areas.

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Spelaeometra Polhemus & Ferreira, 2018 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Hydrometridae) is a monotypic and troglobitic genus, recently described based on material collected in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From specimens collected in the Gruna do Enfurnado Cave in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, municipality of Coribe, state of Bahia, Brazil, we describe Spelaeometra hypogea Cordeiro & Moreira, sp. nov. and compare it with Spelaeometra gruta Polhemus & Ferreira, 2018. The new species is diagnosed by the general body color being pale-yellow to light-brown; antennal segments I and II being subequal in length; the reduced gular lobe, not covering any labial segment; the male proctiger without apical projections; and the male paramere with convex dorsal margin after the curvature, with a narrow hook-like apex.

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Background: This study aimed at improving a real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (qPCR) assay for the detection of Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungal pathogen that can cause severe respiratory infections in humans, in clinical and soil samples. Methods: Primer and probes were in-silico designed, in-silico and in-vitro evaluated including clinical biopsy materials and finally subjected to a real-world application with collected soil samples. Results: Applying the qPCR assay with liver and lung biopsies from 71 patients each, including 59 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as with Sabouraud (SAB) agar culture as the diagnostic reference standard, diagnostic accuracy of the qPCR assay of 100% (5/5) sensitivity and 96% (63/66) specificity for liver samples and 100% (4/4) sensitivity and 94% (63/67) specificity for the lung samples was recorded. When applying the assay with soil samples from caves near of Presidente Figueiredo city, Amazonas, Brazil, one sample from the Maroaga cave was confirmed as positive. Conclusions: The improved qPCR assessed in this study was successful in detecting H. capsulatum with high efficiency and accuracy in in-vitro evaluation, including the identification of the target pathogen in both clinical and environmental samples.

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ABSTRACT Pseudochthonius lubueno sp. nov., a new obligatory cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species is described from Gruna da Altina cave, the fifth species of the genus in the region of Serra do Ramalho karst area, southwestern Bahia, Brazil. This genus occurs in South and Central America, sub-Saharan central Africa, and in the Arabian Peninsula. The new species can be identified by the following combination of characters: eyes or eyespots absent, coxa I with two and coxa II with 4-5 coxal spines, without microdenticles on the fixed pedipalpal finger, rallum with five blades, ratio ist-est/ist-esb = 1.9. With this new description, the genus now includes 15 species from Brazil: P. biseriatus Mahnert, 2001, P. brasiliensis Beier, 1970, P. diamachi Prado & Ferreira, 2023, P. gracilimanus Mahnert, 2001, P. heterodentatus Hoff, 1946, P. homodentatus Chamberlin, 1929, P. koinopoliteia Prado & Ferreira, 2023, P. lubueno sp. nov., P. orthodactylus Muchmore, 1970, P. olegario Schimons ky, 2022, P. pali Prado & Ferreira, 2023, P. ramalho Assis, Schimonsky & Bichuette, 2021, P. ricardoi Mahnert, 2001, P. strinatii Beier, 1969 and P. tuxeni Mahnert, 1979. The new species shows troglomorphic characteristics such as the depigmentation of the carapace and the absence of eyes. In addition, illustrations, diagnoses, an identification key for cave-dwelling species of the genus, and distribution maps for all Brazilian species of Pseudochthonius are provided.

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Radon gas concentrations in ferruginous, quartzitic/conglomeratic and carbonatic caves were measured and the results obtained in each lithology were compared. Three representatives of each formation (nine caves in total) were studied. The caves are located in three environmental preserved areas in the Ferriferous-Aquifer Quadrangle and in its regional surrounding, in the center-south portion of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. It was found that the average concentration in quartzitic/conglomeratic caves (4,759 Bq/m3) was much higher than those obtained in carbonatic (844 Bq/m3) and ferruginous (945 Bq/m3) caves. This result most likely reflects differences in the uranium content of the rock types. Also, for a better understanding of the radon distribution inside the caves, concentration maps with their interpolated values were generated using geospatial analysis tools.

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In Brazil, 19 species of the genus Ornithodoros (Acari: Argasidae) have been reported. The medical and veterinary importance of Ornithodoros ticks has increased substantially in recent decades, with the discovery of various relapsing fever Borrelia infecting Ornithodoros ticks. Herein, argasid ticks were collected during 2019-2020 from caves, abandoned nests and homes in various regions of Ceará State, Brazilian semiarid-Caatinga biome. In total, 289 ticks were collected and identified into five species: Ornithodoros cavernicolous (176 specimens), Ornithodoros fonsecai (81), Ornithodoros mimon (12), Ornithodoros rietcorreai (4), and a fifth species provisionally retained as Ornithodoros sp. Ubajara. Tick identifications were corroborated by a phylogenetic analysis inferred using the 16S rRNA gene. To extend the molecular characterization, DNA samples were tested by an additional PCR assay targeting the nuclear Histone 3 (H3) gene. Because there were no H3 sequences of argasids in GenBank, we extended this PCR assay for additional Ornithodoros species, available in our laboratory. In total, 15 partial sequences of the H3 gene were generated for 10 Ornithodoros species, showing 0% intraspecific polymorphism, and 1.5-11.6% interspecific polymorphism. Phylogenetic analyses inferred segregated Ornithodoros sp. Ubajara as a potential novel species. Our results also highlight the potential of the H3 gene for deeper phylogenetic analyses of argasids. The present study provides new data for argasid ticks of the genus Ornithodoros in the Caatinga biome. Because some of these tick species are human-biting ticks, active surveillance for the incidence of human infection due to Ornithodoros-borne agents is imperative in the Caatinga biome.

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A new species of the recently described genus Habeas is described. The genus is the single urocoptid representant in Brazil. The new species is named as Habeas centroris, occurring in Paz de Salobro, Canarana, Bahia, Brazil. It is mainly characterized by its dense, delicate sculpture, peristome slightly centrally positioned. Its anatomy is similar to what is currently known, differing mainly by small pallial gland, short stomach, presence of anterior duct to digestive gland, vas deferens very posteriorly originated, prostate lying further the vas deferens origin, and visceral ganglia connected directly to pleural ganglia. The new species is another example of how weak the knowledge on the land mollusks in central Brazilian semi-dry region is, a biome that deserves protection.(AU)

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The family Leeuwenhoekiidae has a worldwide distribution. In Brazil, it is represented by five genera and 10 species parasitising all groups of terrestrial vertebrates. Examination of material housed in the Acari Collection of the Instituto Butantan revealed undescribed species belonging to this family. In the present study, we describe a new genus, Caramuruacarus gen. nov., with the type species Caramuruacarus carnavalesca sp. nov. from the Minas Gerais State and a new species for the genus Whartonia, Whartonia parauapebensis sp. nov., from Pará State, both from the soil of Brazilian caves. In addition, a discussion of the genus Whartonia and its subgenera is provided.

A família Leeuwenhoekiidae tem distribuição mundial. No Brasil, é representado por cinco gêneros e 10 espécies parasitando todos os grupos de vertebrados terrestres. O exame do material alojado na Coleção Acari do Instituto Butantan revelou espécies não descritas pertencentes a esta família. No presente estudo, descrevemos um novo gênero, Caramuruacarus gen. nov., com a espécie-tipo Caramuruacarus carnavalesca sp. novembro do Estado de Minas Gerais e uma nova espécie para o gênero Whartonia, Whartonia parauapebensis sp. nov., do Estado do Pará, ambos do solo de cavernas brasileiras. Além disso, é fornecida uma discussão sobre o gênero Whartonia e seus subgêneros.

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Understanding the factors underpinning species abundance patterns in space and time is essential to implement effective cave conservation actions. Yet, the methods employed to monitor cave biodiversity still lack standardization, and no quantitative assessment has yet tried to optimize the amount and type of information required to efficiently identify disturbances in cave ecosystems. Using a comprehensive monitoring dataset for tropical iron caves, comprising abundance measurements for 33 target taxa surveyed across 95 caves along four years, here we provide the first evidence-based recommendations to optimize monitoring programs seeking to follow target species abundance through time. We found that seasonality did not influence the ability to detect temporal abundance trends. However, in most species, abundance estimates assessed during the dry season resulted in a more accurate detection of temporal abundance trends, and at least three surveys were required to identify global temporal abundance trends. Finally, we identified a subset of species that could potentially serve as short-term disturbance indicators. Results suggest that iron cave monitoring programs implemented in our study region could focus sampling efforts in the dry season, where detectability of target species is higher, while assuring data collection for at least three years. More generally, our study reveals the importance of long-term cave monitoring programs for detecting possible disturbances in subterranean ecosystems, and for using the generated information to optimize future monitoring efforts.

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Two new species of Cyphoderus are described; full body chaetotaxy is given. Cyphoderus pataxo sp. nov. and Cyphoderus palaciosi sp. nov. were originally found in metalogenic areas covered with transitional vegetation of savanna and subtropical forest from Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. Both new species are part of the "bidenticulati-group," with mucronal formula 'Aa' and show remarkable plurichaetosis on posterior manubrium and dens.

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Photosynthetic cave communities ("lampenflora") proliferate in Carlsbad Cavern and other show caves worldwide due to artificial lighting. These biofilms mar the esthetics and can degrade underlying cave surfaces. The National Park Service recently modernized the lighting in Carlsbad Cavern to a light-emitting diode (LED) system that allows adjustment of the color temperature and intensity. We hypothesized that lowering the color temperature would reduce photopigment development. We therefore assessed lampenflora responses to changes in lighting by monitoring photosynthetic communities over the course of a year. We measured photopigments using reflected-light spectrophotometric observations and analyzed microbial community composition with 16S and 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Reflected-light spectrophotometry revealed that photosynthetic biofilm development is affected by lighting intensity, color temperature, substrate type, and cleaning of the substrate. Gene sequencing showed that the most abundant phototrophs were Cyanobacteria and members of the algal phyla Chlorophyta and Ochrophyta At the end of the study, visible growth of lampenflora was seen at all sites. At sites that had no established biofilm at the start of the study period, Cyanobacteria became abundant and outpaced an increase in eukaryotic algae. Microbial diversity also increased over time at these sites, suggesting a possible pattern of early colonization and succession. Bacterial community structure showed significant effects of all variables: color temperature, light intensity, substrate type, site, and previous cleaning of the substrate. These findings provide fundamental information that can inform management practices; they suggest that altering lighting conditions alone may be insufficient to prevent lampenflora growth.IMPORTANCE Artificial lighting in caves visited by tourists ("show caves") can stimulate photosynthetic algae and cyanobacteria, called "lampenflora," which are unsightly and damage speleothems and other cave surfaces. The most common mitigation strategy employs bleach, but altering intensities and wavelengths of light might be effective and less harsh. Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico, a U.S. National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, has visible lampenflora despite adjustment of LED lamps to decrease the energetic blue light. This study characterized the lampenflora communities and tested the effects of color temperature, light intensity, rock or sediment texture, and time on lampenflora development. DNA amplicon sequence data show a variety of algae and cyanobacteria and also heterotrophic bacteria. This study reveals microbial dynamics during colonization of artificially lit surfaces and indicates that while lowering the color temperature may have an effect, management of lampenflora will likely require additional chemical or UV treatment.

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A new cricket species of the genus Endecous Saussure, 1878 is described in the present work found in the speleological province of Arcos-Pains-Doresópolis, which belongs to the limestone group Bambuí, Brazil. Moreover, the spatial distribution of the new species was related to the species Eidmanacris sp., which co-occurs with the former in several caves. Relationships between species abundance and horizontal projection, number of entrances and environmental stability of the caves where these species coexist were evaluated. The presence of bilateral symmetry in individuals of Endecous painensis n. sp. perhaps due to environmental stress caused by mining activities surrounding the cave was also tested. Endecous crickets are commonly observed in the caves, for which the preference by distinct microhabitats and generalist strategies may be key factors explaining colonization and segregation in relation to other cricket species in subterranean habitats. The generalist lifestyle of the here described species may attenuate the effects environmental stresses over development.

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Introduction: Reproduction is a critical phase for most living organisms and in bats the reproductive strategies exhibit considerable complexity and variability. Objective: To describe the reproductive patterns and population dynamics of seven bat species (Artibeus toltecus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Mormoops megalophylla, Pteronotus fulvus, Pteronotus mesoamericanus and Natalus mexicanus) that roost in one mine (La Mina) and two caves (El Apanguito and Cerro Huatulco) in the State of Oaxaca, in Southeastern México. Methods: Sampling was conducted monthly from July 2016 to June 2017. Bats were captured using a harp trap, which was placed at the entrance of the roosts. The captured bats were identified using taxonomic keys, marked with an aluminum ring, sex and age class were also determined. Reproductive activity was modeled through 63 GLMs for each species (504 in total). The best model was selected according to the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results: A total of 5 836 bats were captured and marked, classified into 14 species, 10 genera, and five families. The most abundant species were: P. fulvus and P. mesoamericanus, representing 41 % and 32.3 % of the captures, respectively. The mormopids M. megalophylla, P. fulvus, P. mesoamericanus,together with N. mexicanus showed a restricted seasonal monoestrous pattern, while the phyllostomids A. toltecus, C. perspicillata, and G. soricina showed a seasonal bimodal polyoestry pattern. The monthly abundance of species fluctuated significantly (H= 13, df= 11, P= 0.044) in the three roosts throughout the entire study period and the best supported GLM that included the seven species showed that the six chosen variables (season, sex, roost, temperature, precipitation and humidity) were positively associated with reproductive activity. Conclusions: The reproductive activity of each species seems to be synchronized with the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season, as well as influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity and roost site.

Introducción: La reproducción es una fase crítica para la mayoría de los organismos vivos y en los murciélagos las estrategias reproductivas exhiben considerable complejidad y variabilidad. Objetivo: Describir los patrones reproductivos y la dinámica poblacional de siete especies de murciélagos: Artibeus toltecus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Mormoops megalophylla, Pteronotus fulvus, Pteronotus mesoamericanus y Natalus mexicanus, que se refugian en una mina (La Mina) y dos cuevas (El Apanguito y Cerro Huatulco), en el estado de Oaxaca, sureste de México. Métodos: El muestreo se realizó una vez al mes de julio 2016 a junio 2017. Los murciélagos se capturaron utilizando una trampa de arpa que fue colocada en la entrada de los refugios. La especie de los murciélagos capturados fue determinada con claves de identificación taxonómica, además fueron marcados con un anillo de aluminio y también se determinó el sexo y la clase de edad. La actividad reproductiva fue modelada a través de 63 GLMs para cada especie (504 en total). El mejor modelo fue seleccionado según el Criterio de Información de Akaike (AIC). Resultados: Se capturaron y marcaron 5 836 murciélagos, incluidos en 14 especies, 10 géneros y cinco familias. Las especies más abundantes fueron: P. fulvus y P. mesoamericanus, que representaron el 41 y el 32.3 % de las capturas, respectivamente. Los mormópidos M. megalophylla, P. fulvus, P. mesoamericanus junto con N. mexicanus mostraron un patrón monoéstrico estacional,mientras que los filostómidos A. toltecus, C. perspicillata y G. soricina mostraron un patrón poliéstrico estacional bimodal. La abundancia mensual de las especies fluctuó significativamente (H= 13, df= 11, P= 0.044) en los tres refugios a lo largo del periodo de estudio y el GLM mejor respaldado que incluyó las siete especies mostró que las seis variables elegidas (temporada, sexo, refugio, temperatura, precipitación y humedad) se asociaron positivamente con la actividad reproductiva. Conclusiones: La actividad reproductiva de cada especie parece estar sincronizada con el final de la temporada seca y el comienzo de la temporada de lluvias, e influenciada por factores como temperatura, humedad y el sitio de refugio.

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Recently, a barcoding study and a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Cuban species of the cave-fish genus Lucifuga Poey, 1858 revealed the existence of different evolutionary lineages that were previously unknown or passed unnoticed by morphological scrutiny (i.e., cryptic candidate species). In the present study, Lucifuga gibarensis is described as a new species restricted to anchialine caves in the northeastern karst region of the main island. The species was earlier described as a variety of Lucifuga dentata, but since the name was introduced as a variety after 1960, it is deemed to be infrasubspecific and unavailable according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature Art. 15.2. The new species differs from L. dentata by pigmented eyes vs. eyes absent and lack of palatine teeth vs. present. Lucifuga gibarensis seems to be most similar to the Bahamian species L. lucayana by showing pigmented eyes, 13 or 14 precaudal vertebrae and ten caudal fin rays. However, differs from it by a larger size of the pigmented eye (1.1-1.9 vs. 0.9-1.0% SL) and number of posterior lateral line neuromasts (30-33 vs. 34-35).

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The lateral line is the primary modality fish use to create a hydrodynamic image of their environment. These images contribute to a variety of behaviors, from rheotaxis to escape responses. Here we discern the contributions of visual and lateral line modalities in hunting behavior of larvae that have developed under different photic conditions. In particular, cave animals have a hypertrophied sense of mechanosensation, and we studied the common animal model cavefish Astyanax mexicanus and its closest related surface relative. We raised larvae in a diurnal light-dark regimen and in complete darkness. We then examined the distribution of neuromasts in their lateral lines, and their hunting performance in light and dark conditions, with and without the contribution of the lateral line. We report that all larva depend on the lateral line for success in hunting and that surface fish raised in the dark have a greater dependency on the lateral line.

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Herein, eyeless Pseudosinella species from Brazilian caves are reviewed, including the description of 23 new species, new records plus additional notes on the descriptions of P. ambigua Zeppelini, Brito, and Lima and of P. guanhaensis Zeppelini, Brito, and Lima. We also provide an identification key to 27 eyeless species recorded from Brazil. To organize the 26 Brazilian eyeless taxa analyzed in this work, we organize them in apparently artificial groups: 11 species have one larger tooth on the unguiculus outer lamella (petterseni group); one presents unguiculus outer lamella smooth or serrated (never with a larger tooth), with 9 held prelabral chaetae undivided and the last 6 held prelabral chaetae bifurcated. The Brazilian species of eyeless Pseudosinella herein described present a remarkably conservate dorsal chaetotaxy; therefore, the main diagnostic characters are related to other features like prelabral, labral, and ventral head chaetotaxy and empodial complex morphology. In addition, our study suggests that Brazilian caves possibly shelter a great diversity of Pseudosinella taxa, several of them potentially cave dependent.

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Although the arachnids of the order Palpigradi are very common in subterranean habitats, no species has yet been recorded from siliciclastic caves. During a survey of cave invertebrates conducted in quartizitic caves in southern Minas Gerais state (Brazil), the occurrence of a new troglobitic palpigrade was revealed. Accordingly, in this paper we describe Eukoenenia ibitipoca sp. nov. which is readily distinguished from most species of this genus by the presence of eight pairs of setae on propeltidium.

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In this paper a new species of Cryptachaea Archer, 1946 based on males and females is described from Brazilian caves: Cryptachaea pilar Santanna Rodrigues, new species from the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. The females of Cryptachaea parana (Levi, 1963) and C. schneirlai (Levi, 1959) are described and illustrated for the first time. Cryptachaea uviana (Levi, 1963) is synonymized with C. migrans (Keyserling, 1884). The species Cryptachaea alacris (Keyserling, 1884), C. benivia Rodrigues Poeta, 2015, C. parana (Levi, 1963) and C. schneirlai (Levi, 1959) are recorded for the first from Brazil; and C. migrans for the first time from Bolivia. Additionally, new records from Brazilian caves are provided for Cryptachaea parana, from the states of Tocantins, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo; C. schneirlai and C. alacris from the state of Pará; C. dea (Buckup Marques, 2006) and C. rioensis (Levi, 1963) from Pará and Minas Gerais, C. jequirituba (Levi, 1963) from Minas Gerais and C. benivia from São Paulo.

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Schendylops janelao sp. n. is described from a limestone cave located in eastern Brazil. There are several reports of geophilomorphs in Brazilian caves, however, the new species represents the first troglobite species for South America and the first for Gruta do Janelão Cave, northern Minas Gerais State. Schendylops janelao sp. n. is described based on a male specimen and differs from its congeners by a combination of 10 characters. We discuss the character-states related to subterranean life and the conservation status of the species.

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