The closely related Naupactini species Naupactus leucoloma, Naupactus peregrinus and Naupactus minor are collectively known as “white-fringed weevils” and, along with some other species, form a monophyletic group known as the “leucoloma group”. For the first two, parthenogenesis has been identified and males have been observed, while for N. minor, there have been no signs of sexual reproduction. All three are distributed in the Argentinean Mesopotamia, with an overlap observed in their geographical ranges. This, added to the intermediate morphology of N. minor between the other two and the absence of males, led to postulation of the hybrid origin of this species. Recently, after several decades, males have been found that could belong to N. leucoloma or N. minor. Using mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS1) DNA sequences and SNPs (obtained through dd-RAD-Seq), we aimed to survey the levels of genetic variation in the leucoloma group and unveil hybridization traces.

The three datasets yielded consistent results regarding the number of evolutionary groups, indicating that the presumed males constitute an independent evolutionary unit. Additionally, preliminary analysis with the SNAPP program suggests a close relationship to N. minor. A principal component analysis showed high levels of nuclear variability for N. leucoloma, in contrast to low mitochondrial variability, which could account for repeated hybridization events. On the other hand, N. minor presented high variation for both types of markers. Split tree analysis pointed out possible hybridization within the group. Altogether, our results suggest a complex evolutionary history within this group of neotropical weevils.

The rodent families Echimyidae and Cricetidae are among the most diverse groups of mammals in Neotropical forests. There are 267 species of rodents in Brazil, of which 72 are endemic to the Brazilian Amazon. These rodents play a crucial role in forest dynamics as sensitive indicators of habitat and landscape change, as well as displaying a wide range of karyotypic diversity, including diploid numbers (2n) from 10 to 118 and autosomal fundamental numbers (FNa) from 14 to 168. The current study focused on the chromosomal diversity of rodents from the Echimyidae and Cricetidae families from the Hydro mining area in Paragominas, Pará, Brazil. Cytogenetic analysis was conducted using conventional staining, C-banding, and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) with telomeric probes on the species collected. We obtained the karyotypes of seven species: Calomys tener (2n=66/FNa=66), Hylaeamys megacephalus (2n=54/FNa=62), Necromys lasiurus (2n=34/FNa=34), Oligoryzomys sp. (2n=62/FNa=60), Pseudoryzomys simplex (2n=56/FNa=54) (Cricetidae), Makalata didelphoides (2n=66/FNa=84), and Proechimys roberti (2n=30/FNa=56) (Echimyidae). FISH using telomeric probes revealed only distal signals in all the seven species’ chromosomes. The karyotypes of all of the species are consistent with those previously described in the literature. We increased the distribution area of Calomys tener and Pseudoryzomys simplex to the Belém area of edemism, a species which can typically be found in the Cerrado region. This is evidence that the Amazon has become increasingly open due to deforestation and environmental degradation. The cytogenetic data from these species provide valuable insights for fauna mapping, conservation efforts, and evolutionary history.

Introduction: Zooplanktonic communities can be found in a wide variety of freshwater bodies. Often, the main groups represented are rotifers, cladocerans, copepods, protozoa, and fish larvae. Other groups of animals may also occur and are collectively referred to as tychoplankton or neuston. Records on planktonic communities in aquatic environments of Corrientes, Argentina, are scarce so far. The objective of this research is to study the zooplankton communities in a lentic environment of the northern Corrientes to elucidate their diversity in this ecosystem. Methodology: Sampling was carried out in April 2024 (autumn) at the Totorá Lagoon (27° 22' S, 58° 30' W), San Cosme (Corrientes, Argentina). Water samples were taken with plastic buckets from the littoral zone. Floating and submerged macrophyte plants were extracted. In situ measurements of physicochemical water parameters were recorded. In vivo samples were observed by examining macrophyte leaves and roots using a stereoscopic binocular loupe and a compound microscope. Results: Oxygen levels were 7 mg/L, conductivity was 91 µS/cm, and pH was 7.6. The water temperature reached 27.1 °C, with 46 ppm of dissolved solids. A total of 14 phyla and 46 genera were identified. The most diverse groups wereciliophora, rotifers, and amoebozoa. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the presence of a remarkable diversity of species in the Totorá lagoon. Additionally, indicator species for specific environmental conditions were identified. This study represents the first record of planktonic communities in a lentic environment in Corrientes, Argentina, contributing to regional diversity. These findings could prove valuable for future research in the fields of ecology, biogeography, and biology.

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) play a fundamental role in managing and treating municipal and industrial wastewater to protect public health and the environment. However, a major environmental concern related to WWTPs is their role in the release of microplastics (MPs) into aquatic ecosystems. While WWTPs are designed to remove pollutants, their effectiveness in capturing MPs varies. The treatment process typically involves several stages, from the physical separation of large particles, through biological processes to break down organic matter, to advanced treatment methods, such as filtration and disinfection, aimed at removing finer particles and pathogens. Despite these treatments, a considerable portion of MPs can still pass through and be released into receiving water bodies. Consequently, WWTP effluents containing these emerging elements at various concentrations are discharged into aquatic environments, affecting ecosystem biodiversity and health.

On the other hand, microalgae are single-celled photosynthetic organisms found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater systems. They play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems and are often used as indicators of water quality due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. Monitoring microalgae communities provides crucial information for assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems, detecting pollution, and guiding water management practices.

The objective of this work is to analyse two target rivers in the Principality of Asturias, northern Spain, which are subjected to different anthropogenic pressures: the Sella and Nalón rivers. The rivers were sampled from their sources to their mouths, quantifying and analysing the composition of MPs using the FTIR technique, as well as assessing the microalgae community using eDNA tools. These results will be related to the various anthropogenic pressures in order to develop practical guides for improved water management and to maintain ecosystem health.

The Brazilian Amazon faces environmental degradation due to inadequate forest management practices. This study evaluated the post-logging influence on the structure and dynamics of the species Jacaranda copaia in degraded Amazonian forest, aiming to improve sustainable forest management. Horizontal structure, mortality and recruitment dynamics, annual periodic increment in diameter, and diameter distribution were assessed in two blocks within the same area, over different monitoring intervals. Data were obtained from 50 permanent plots, each with 25 subplots of 10 x 10 m of continuous forest inventory (12.5 ha). This included 20 control plots (5.0 ha) and 30 logging plots (7.5 ha) for all trees with DBH ≥ 5 cm. Measurements were taken in 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2020 for Block I, and in 2011, 2015, and 2020 for Block II. The J. copaia population showed variations in the structure and dynamics over the years, influenced by logging. In Block I, the population increased by approximately 16.00% between 2014 and 2020, following the 2013 harvest; the basal area also increased 0.311 m² ha^-1 or 76.41%. In Block II, after logging, the population decreased approximately 11.11% between 2015 and 2020, while the basal area increased 0.221 m² ha^-1 or 33.18%. The recruitment rate exceeded the mortality rate throughout the study period, indicating a continuous process of regeneration and population growth of J. copaia. Diameter growth in Block I was 0.72 cm year^-1 over a period of 11.2 years, while in Block II, growth was 0.58 cm year^-1 over a period of 9 years. Thus, forest management benefited the J. copaia population, with a positive impact on the population structure and dynamics, demonstrating its post-logging recovery capacity.

Introduction: Wildfires, mostly caused by human activities, represent a growing threat in Argentina and are aggravated by climate change, which increases favorable conditions for their spread. In addition to their devastating effects on vegetation, they generate smoke emissions that negatively affect human health and fauna, especially insects. This study focused on El Impenetrable National Park, where bee and wasp populations were compared before and after the fires that occurred in 2022. Methods: Traps were set in different areas of the park to capture these insects in November 2021 (before the fires) and November 2023 (after the fires). Results: Seventeen species/morphospecies of bees and wasps were identified, and a decrease in species richness was evidenced after the fires. Beta diversity revealed a particular species composition each year, with a significant loss of species after the fires. This decrease in richness and diversity can be attributed not only to the direct effects of the fires but also to the effect of smoke on the behavior of flying insects. Conclusions: Wildfires negatively affected the assembly of bees and wasps in El Impenetrable National Park in 2022, initiating a post-fire period with low levels of richness and diversity. The importance of monitoring these insects and studying the fire regime of the region is emphasized to better understand the complex interactions in ecosystems and propose actions for the conservation and sustainable usage of the resources.

Introduction: Polybia ruficeps is a eusocial wasp from South America, commonly known as the Red-Headed Camoatí. These insects are quite docile and are characterized by collecting and storing sugary substances such as nectar, extra-floral nectar, or excretions from aphids for honey production. Also, they play a role as pollinators of native flora. Methods: In this study, the digestive tract of these wasps was examined to determine their foraging behavior (endo-entomopalynology) in a national park in northern Argentina. Specimens were collected from 'El Impenetrable' National Park (Chaco, Argentina) in November 2021. The gut contents were analyzed using safranin staining for observation under an optical microscope. Pollen grains and spores were subsequently identified. Results: Preliminary results show that in November, these wasps fed on Quebracho trees (Anacardiaceae) and Palm trees (Arecaceae), which are characteristic plants of the phytogeographic region. A large number of ascospores, didymospores, and phragmospores from fungi belonging to the Agaricaceae, Chaetomiaceae, and Pleosporaceae families were also observed. Conclusions: The same pattern was observed in other regions of Latin America concerning this wasp and the typical vegetation of the areas they inhabit. The fact that they feed on both trees and fungi that only inhabit the soil or dead wood suggests a possible preference for foraging these resources. Thus, they can play a role as dispersers of pollen and spores, which is important for the recovery of the forests that they inhabit.

Introduction: Flower color is an essential characteristic for attracting pollinators, as many of them exhibit innate preferences for certain colors. These preferences vary according to geographical environments, where the most commonly highlighted colors include violet, yellow, white, blue, and orange. This research aims to address the following question: what are the color preferences of different floral visitors in one of Argentina's most important national parks? Methods: Various orders of insects were collected using 80 pan traps of blue, white, red, and yellow colors. The samples were transported to the laboratory for identification and classification. Results: Nine orders of insects were identified, with Hymenoptera and Diptera being the most abundant. The colors yellow and white were found to be the most attractive for different groups of insects. Specifically, yellow primarily attracted bees and dipterans, while white was more attractive to bees and wasps. On the other hand, red and blue were not effective in attracting insects in the study area. Conclusion: The different groups of insects showed clear preferences for certain colors of the traps, reflecting their behavior in relation to the flowers they visit. This study used colored traps for the first time in this National Park and demonstrated that they are an effective sampling method for recording the color preferences of flower visitors. These contributions help us to understand plant--pollinator interactions in this ecosystem, providing information that can be used for conservation strategies and habitat management.

The European wildcat Felis silvestris and Pallas’s cat Otocolobus manul are listed as Least concern on the IUCN Red List. However, both cats face the same threats due to anthropogenetic activity worldwide, and another threat is a lack of ecological knowledge. In this study, we investigated threats to both cats through interviews and an online questionnaire. We gathered data on wildcats from 206 respondents through Game Management Units in Hungary, and 107 herders were interviewed on a Pallas’s cat survey in Mongolia in 2022. The results showed that the primary threat to wildcats was hybridization with domestic cats (Felis catus) 32%, followed by a lack of habitat 31%, and disease 12%. Roadkill and predators accounted for 6%, and poisoning and hunting 4% were other concerns. Meanwhile, lack of prey (13%) and lack of habitat (11%) were major threats to Pallas’s cats in addition to herding dogs (7%). Nonetheless, 65% of respondents believed that there was no threat to Pallas’s cats in the area. Our study suggests that a lack of habitat is a main threat for wildcats and Pallas’s cats, and hybridization is thought to be a critical threat to wildcats, whereas Pallas's cats face a lack of prey. A robust understanding of small Felid's threats is paramount to defining sound conservation plans for future management in Hungary and Mongolia.

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a common high-impact ungulate species in Europe. It has a big influence on forest management and agricultural crop production, but it also plays a crucial role in the ecological processes of forested and open grassy areas. In Hungary, the wild boar lives in high densities in forested areas, but it has also established a dense population in the wetland area of Kolon lake, Kiskunság region, in central Hungary. There, the patterns of the diverse herbaceous vegetation is under pressure from this omnivorous species, especially due to their rooting. To obtain better knowledge about the level of this wild boar's impact, our aim was to determine the extent of rooted ground surface. In April–May 2023, we flew a drone over 11 areas totalling 261 ha (min.: 0,36; max.: 85 ha). Analysing the ortophotos, we revealed that 8,85±7,65 % of the surface was disturbed by wild boar foraging activity. However, using a grid established using cells of 20x20 m, we found that 84±18 % of those cells contained some rooted surface, meaning that wild boar affected most parts of the areas by means of patchily distributed rootings of various sizes. We conclude that wild boar has a great importance in driving the dynamics of vegetation changes by establishing bare ground that is available for both competitive native pioneer species and invasive ones. Reliable prediction of the consequences of wild boar rooting in marshlands and other grassy areas on the vegetation composition based on monitoring of rooted patches is crucial for adequate habitat management.