We report a new altitudinal record for Rhinella kuka Köhler et al., 2023. This species is registered in the departments of Cochabamba and La Paz in Bolivia from 800 and 1650 m asl. In this work we present the lowest record for this endemic species to Bolivia at 307 m asl.

Tephritid fruit flies are major pests of fruits and vegetables in tropical regions, causing significant economic losses. Effective monitoring using male lure-based traps, such as methyl eugenol (ME) and cue-lure (CL), is essential for integrated pest management. This study evaluated the influence of lure type, trap height, storage condition, and seasonal dynamics on fruit fly captures at two sites (AERE and Jahangirnagar University) in the Savar region of Bangladesh. Methyl eugenol (ME) and cue-lure (CL) traps were deployed at three heights (2, 3, and 5 ft) over a one-year period (August 2023-July 2024). A total of 36,107 male fruit flies, representing nine Bactrocera, Dacus and Zeugodacus species, were recorded. ME traps consistently captured significantly more males than CL traps (p < 0.05), confirming strong lure-specific selectivity—B. dorsalis and B. zonata dominated ME catches, whereas Z. cucurbitae and Z. tau predominated in CL traps. Trap height showed no significant effect on captures, suggesting that low-level deployment (~1-1.5 m) is adequate for field monitoring. Fruit fly abundance peaked during summer (June-July) and declined in winter (December-February), reflecting climatic influences on population activity. Lure longevity tests demonstrated that cold storage (4°C) substantially prolonged lure efficacy compared to storage at room temperature or sunlight exposure. Collectively, these findings highlight that lure type, seasonal timing, and proper storage are key determinants of trapping success, while trap height plays a minor role. The results provide practical recommendations for optimizing fruit fly surveillance and integrated pest management strategies in Bangladesh.

Los sistemas fluviales de regiones áridas y semiáridas están sometidos a estrés hídrico debido a la variabilidad de precipitaciones, eventos extremos y presión antrópica. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la composición de los ensambles de macroinvertebrados bentónicos en arroyos serranos de San Luis, Argentina, para establecer una comunidad de referencia que sirva de base para el desarrollo de un índice biológico adaptado a ecosistemas áridos y semiáridos. Se muestrearon cinco ríos en períodos de aguas altas y bajas, en sitios clasificados como de referencia o perturbados, según nivel de impacto, parámetros fisicoquímicos y evaluación ecológica. La selección de sitios de referencia se realizó mediante el protocolo CERA, complementado con variables fisicoquímicas (pH, conductividad, temperatura, oxígeno disuelto, DBO5, turbidez, nitratos y fosfatos) integradas en el índice ISQA. Los macroinvertebrados se recolectaron con redes tipo D y Surber, totalizando 86 muestras identificadas a nivel de familia. Se calcularon métricas de diversidad y el índice IBSSL. Los sitios de referencia presentaron altos valores de CERA (94–100), buena calidad de agua según ISQA y escaso impacto según IBSSL, junto con mayor riqueza y diversidad que los perturbados. El análisis discriminante diferenció claramente ambos tipos de sitios y destacó a familias de Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera y Diptera como indicadores clave. La comunidad de referencia definida en este estudio representa una herramienta fundamental para el desarrollo futuro de índices bióticos adaptados a regiones semiáridas, con potencial para optimizar programas de monitoreo, manejo y conservación de ecosistemas fluviales de las serranías pampeanas.

Forest fires significantly alter the biodiversity of Mediterranean ecosystems, particularly butterfly communities, which are sensitive bioindicators of environmental changes. This study compares the diversity and structure of diurnal butterflies in two cork oak forests of the Edough Massif (Algeria): a natural forest and a post-fire forest, based on surveys conducted from March to July 2023. Butterfly sampling was carried out using two complementary methods: a modified linear transect approach based on the British Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS) and the Kilometric Abundance Index (KAI). Species abundances were recorded along predefined transects under standardized conditions. The results show a significant decline in species diversity after the fire, with only 11 species recorded in the burned habitat compared to 31 in the natural forest. Abundance analysis reveals that some sensitive species disappear or become rare, while others, more fire-resistant, benefit from the newly created ecological conditions. The Bray-Curtis index highlights a moderate but notable transformation of butterfly communities. These findings confirm that fire acts as an ecological filter, structuring populations according to their tolerance to disturbances. The study emphasizes the need for adapted management and restoration strategies to mitigate the effects of wildfires and promote the resilience of Mediterranean ecosystems.

El estudio de la biodiversidad de mamíferos en la provincia de La Rioja, y específicamente en la Sierra de Velasco, ha sido históricamente limitado. Sin embargo, a partir se iniciaron investigaciones sistemáticas que han contribuido a subsanar este vacío de conocimiento. Actualmente, se registran 70 especies de mamíferos de La Rioja; no obstante, aún no existe un listado especifico para la Sierra de Velasco. Entre los años 2017 y 2022, se realizaron muestreos en la región utilizando trampas tipo Sherman para la captura de micromamíferos y cámaras trampa para mesomamíferos, complementados con registros obtenidos por observación directa y aportes de terceros. Como resultado, se registraron un total de 36 especies de mamíferos no voladores, presentes en la Sierra de Velasco, las cuales representan aproximadamente el 51% del total de especies de mamíferos no voladores de la provincia. Entre estas especies, se incluyen cinco especies catalogadas en las categorías de mayor riesgo para su conservación. Siendo sus principales amenazas la alteración del hábitat, la presión de especies exóticas, la caza ilegal y la expansión de actividades urbanas y agrícolas. Este estudio representa el primer listado de mamíferos para la Sierra de Velasco, destacando la relevancia de esta región para la conservación de especies. A su vez, resalta la necesidad de realizar investigaciones adicionales con el fin de obtener una comprensión más completa de la biodiversidad de mamíferos de la región.

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el consumo trófico de Liolaemus darwinii en la localidad El Encón, provincia de San Juan, Argentina. Se realizaron 3 muestreos aleatorios mediante trampas de caída en un sitio arenoso, formado por médanos, durante el año 2019. El sitio se caracterizaba por estar altamente degradado por actividades humanas. Se capturaron y analizaron un total de 40 ejemplares adultos. En total, se contabilizaron 371 presas que variaron entre estadios adultos e inmaduros de insectos, arácnidos y materia vegetal. La riqueza de ítems- presas fue de 11 categorías. Liolaemus darwinii es una especie insectívora, con un modo de búsqueda activo y especializado en el consumo de hormigas. Este es el primer estudio trófico en esta especie de lagartija en esta localidad El Encón, provincia de San Juan, Argentina.

The research on the population dynamics of vicuñas in three habitats within the regions of Puno and Moquegua aimed to: a) Quantify the population fluctuation of vicuñas and flora diversity in the Sandy, Wetlands, and Grasslands habitats. b) Estimate the population density of vicuñas and flora biomass in the Sandy, Wetlands, and Grasslands habitats. To conduct this investigation, linear transect methodology was employed, utilizing the Hayne estimator for each mentioned habitat and random quadrants. The results revealed a trend towards an increase in the number of individuals and family groups in the sandy dune habitat, while lower values were recorded in the wetlands and grasslands habitats. However, it is worth noting that population density was higher in the Wetlands habitat, with a value of 0.699 indiv/ha, followed by the Sandy habitat with 0.275 indiv/ha, and the Grassland with 0.163 indiv/ha. Additionally, a higher number of females than males were observed, with groups of up to 34 male individuals forming herds. Furthermore, the Sandy habitat exhibited lower flora diversity and biomass (1653.89 kg), whereas greater flora diversity and biomass were recorded in the wetlands (24773.76 kg), and the Grasslands calculated at 25524.48 kg. These findings provide valuable information regarding the population dynamics of vicuñas, flora diversity, and biomass in the analyzed habitats, crucial for their conservation and proper management in the regions of Puno and Moquegua.

Dysdercus albofasciatus, Berg 1878 (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) is a phytophagous bug native to South America and present in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is of economic interest as a pest of cotton Gossypium spp. and other Malvaceae. Last summer, in Buenos Aires province in Argentina, it has been spotted in forensic samples, rapidly colonising decomposing meat baits and feeding on them. In this article, we discuss possible causes that explain this opportunistic and occasional behaviour of D. albofasciatus when feeding on forensic baits during a prolonged dry period. This work is of great relevance since it presents the first record of this bug in forensic samples of decomposing meat baits, which it colonises rapidly and feeds on.In view of this curious record, we discussed the possible causes that could explain this behaviour. In this way, we analysed the climatic conditions of the region where the event was recorded. We were able to suggest that the high temperatures and lack of rainfall in the area generated water stress in the plants, which in this situation would have fewer resources available for their development and, consequently, would represent a food source of lower nutritional value for the bugs. In this case, the availability of a food resource rich in amino acids and with high humidity, such as decomposing meat bait, led to opportunistic and occasional feeding behaviour by D. albofasciatus.

This study focuses on endemic Corydoradinae species from the northwestern La Plata River basin, specifically Urkumayu micracanthus, Urkumayu gladysae, Urkumayu petracinii, and Hoplisoma osvaldoi, inhabiting piedmont high-altitude, fast-flowing Andean rivers. Using direct behavioral observations and morphometric analyses, we characterized their swimming behavior and its relationship to the morphology and their habitat conditions characterized by intense seasonal flooding during the summer. The findings reveal that Corydoradinae from these environments exhibit unique swimming behaviors, such as energy-efficient tripod-like resting postures, driven by negative buoyancy and streamlined body shapes. Morphological traits such as reduced pectoral and dorsal-fin spines and lower body depth enhance hydrodynamic efficiency. Comparisons with congeners from low-flow environments highlight evolutionary convergence within the species from different lineages. Conservation assessments reveal significant threats to these species, including habitat degradation, pollution, and anthropogenic disturbances, particularly for U. petracinii and U. gladysae, which are classified as Critically Endangered. This study underscores the critical importance of conserving these ecosystems, providing insights into the interplay between morphology, behavior, and environmental pressures, and advancing our understanding of species diversification in Neotropical freshwater ecosystems.

We report the first record of Ischnothele annulata (Mygalomorphae: Ischnothelidae) for the province of San Juan, Argentina. This finding extends its known distribution, marking a new western limit with the nearest locations being Chepes and Quines in La Rioja and San Luis, respectively. The observed population is within the arid region of central-western Argentina, at the ecotone between the Arid Chaco and the Monte Desert.