Harvestmen exhibit substantial responses to environmental conditions, disturbances, and modifications of their habitat. We examined the abundance and species distribution of harvestmen along an elevational gradient in the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF) on Puerto Rico 6–12 weeks before and 9–10 months after Hurricane Maria passed over the island in September, 2017. This provided a unique opportunity to examine the effects of a major storm on litter-dwelling arthropod populations, as the storm led to a much greater abundance of leaf litter and downed branches. The abundance of harvestmen was measured in quadrat samples from 300 to 1,000 m elevation using Winkler samplers. We observed greater harvestmen abundance post-storm, which was similar to the results for most other arthropod groups. Pre-storm, harvestmen showed greater abundance in palm habitat, as compared to forests that were a mix of broadleaf and palm vegetation. Across all sampling periods, harvestmen were most abundant at low to medium elevations (300–600 m), especially for the two dominant taxa (Stygnomma spinula and Metacynortoides obscura obscura). Our findings are similar to results obtained from manipulative studies in the LEF several years prior to the hurricane. A challenge for the future is to understand the ways that the projected increase in storm severity due to climate change can affect various invertebrate groups such as harvestmen, and how tropical forests can remain resilient to such disturbances.

A specimen of Holothuria arenicola was recorded off the port of Dzilam de Bravo, Yucatan, Mexico. This finding represents the first formal record of H. arenicola in the shallow waters of the southern Gulf of Mexico, confirming the distribution projections of the species issued by FAO for the Banco de Campeche region, Mexico, and formalizing its presence in the region. The discovery was made by scientific divers conducting fishery surveys for commercially important benthic resources in a shallow area. The organism had a dorsal length of 13 cm and weighed 227 g (after releasing water). The finding of this specimen is interesting because it suggests that the species may be colonizing areas with high densities of commercially important holothurians.

Se registró un espécimen de Holothuria arenicola cerca del puerto de Dzilam de Bravo, Yucatán, México. Este hallazgo representa el primer registro formal de H. arenicola en aguas someras del sur del Golfo de México, lo cual confirma las proyecciones de distribución de la especie emitidas por la FAO para la región del Banco de Campeche, México, y formaliza su presencia en la región. El descubrimiento fue realizado por buzos científicos que realizaban estudios pesqueros de recursos bentónicos de importancia comercial en una zona poco profunda. El organismo tenía una longitud dorsal de 13 cm y pesaba 227 g (tras liberar agua). El hallazgo de este espécimen es interesante porque sugiere que la especie puede estar colonizando áreas donde había altas densidades de holoturias de importancia comercial.

This checklist of the cacti of Hispaniola and adjacent islands accepts 43 native taxa (42 species and one inter-generic hybrid) in 15 genera and one hybrid genus (×Opulea, Consolea × Opuntia). A total of 27 of the 42 species (64%) are endemic to Hispaniola, indicating a high degree of endemism. An additional three non-native but naturalised species are encountered on Hispaniola and are briefly discussed. Species only found under cultivation in gardens are ignored. For each native species, the following are supplied: type designations, selected synonyms, a description, habitat and locality data, conservation status (IUCN Red list Category), and distribution maps. All but one species is illustrated. A key to the genera and keys for genera with more than one species are included. A further six names are noted which are said to have originated from Hispaniola but cannot be assigned to one of the accepted species. The new species Consolea intermedia is described. One neotype and six lectotypes are designated.

A scanning electron microscopy investigation of the antennae of three Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy (Peckia (Euboettcheria) nicasia (Lopes, 1941), Peckia (Sarcodexia) dominicana Lopes, 1982, and Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830)) species of potential forensic relevance, is presented for the first time. The collection of the three species was done using baited traps. The antennae of each species consist of three parts: the scape, the pedicel, and the postpedicel/funiculus, where the arista is located. The distribution and location of sensilla found on the antennae are described. Six types of sensilla were observed. The scape has only chaetic sensilla, the pedicel has chaetic sensilla and setiferous plaques, and the postpedicel bears trichoid, five subtypes of basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla and clavate sensilla. The study also identifies a post-pedicellar button on P. chrysostoma only. The study adds to ultrastructure studies on the antennae of Sarcophagidae, increasing the information available for comparison in phylogeny adaptations and synapomorphy.

This study presents a geological survey of the Miocene sedimentary record from Old Providence Island (Western Caribbean, Colombia). New fossil material, primarily consisting of coralline remains, bivalves, gastropods, and echinoids, was collected and analyzed. Despite the varying degrees of preservation, a taxonomic description and some paleobiogeographic remarks are provided. The coralline fragments represent specimens of Siderastrea siderea, Acropora spp., Orbicella spp., and the families Caryophylliidae, Poritidae, Turbinoliidae, Mussidae, Pocilloporidae, and Agariciidae. The gastropods are represented by the genera Turritella, Solariella, Calliostoma, and Polinices, while the bivalves included Cardita, Chlamys, Pecten, Crenella, Trivia?, Ostrea, Argopecten, and Caribachlamys. In general, these macrofossils suggest a shallow reef environment, consistent with preliminary reports from Old Providence and more comprehensive descriptions from neighboring islands (San Andrés Island and Jamaica) and Miocene sites across the Caribbean (Panama and Colombia). Additionally, an assessment of the localities, as geological sites of interest, was conducted to promote interest given the limited awareness of the island's natural history among local communities and tourists. The collected paleofauna and our evaluation of the Miocene localities present a promising opportunity for promoting the biological and geological heritage of this region within the Caribbean realm.

Se presentan los resultados de la prospección geológica del registro sedimentario del Mioceno en la Isla de Providencia (Caribe Occidental, Colombia). Material fósil fue colectado y analizado, correspondiendo principalmente a fragmentos coralinos, bivalvos, gasterópodos y equinodermos. A pesar del heterogéneo estado de preservación del material colectado, observaciones taxonómicas y paleobiogeográficas fueron realizadas. Los fragmentos coralinos comprendieron especímenes de Siderastrea siderea, Acropora spp., Orbicella spp., así como las familias Caryophylliidae, Poritidae, Turbinoliidae, Mussidae, Pocilloporidae y Agariciidae. Los gasterópodos correspondieron a especímenes de los géneros Turritella, Solariella, Calliostoma y Polinices, mientras que los restos de bivalvos estuvieron representados por Cardita, Chlamys, Pecten, Crenella, Trivia?, Ostrea, Argopecten y Caribachlamys. En general los macrofósiles colectados sugieren un ambiente marino somero, coincidiendo con interpretaciones previas en Providencia, y descripciones más detalladas en las sucesiones miocénicas de islas cercanas (San Andrés y Jamaica) y de localidades en el caribe continental (Panamá y Colombia). Adicionalmente, fue realizada una valoración de las secciones estudiadas en Providencia como sitios de interés geológico y su futura conservación. Teniendo en cuenta el tipo de información encontradas, y las particularidades de la isla, el material miocénico de la Providencia comprende una oportunidad prometedora para promover el patrimonio biológico y geológico de esta parte de la región Caribe.

Anurans play vital roles within their ecosystems, acting as both predators and prey, and as such they are key food web components in many regions. the La Loma Robber Frog, Pristimantis caryophyllaceus, is found in Costa Rica and Panama, from sea level to 1,900 m elevation. We found one of these frogs being preyed upon by a Rhinoceros spear Bearer, Copiphora rhinoceros, a cone-headed katydid known from Nicaragua to Panama. It is a large (up to 73 mm long body and wings), yellow-green, heavily spined insect. It is an omnivore, having sharp and powerful mandibles. there are plenty of cases of arthropods predating amphibians, mainly in freshwater systems, however there are very few reports of insects feeding on adult amphibians. this is the first reported case that we know of in which an orthopteran insect is predating and feeding on a frog.

Los anuros desempeñan papeles vitales en sus ecosistemas donde actúan tanto como depredadores como presas, y como tal, son componentes clave en las redes tróficas de muchas regiones. El sapito de lluvia, Pristimantis caryophyllaceus, se distribuye en Costa Rica y Panamá, desde el nivel del mar hasta una elevación de 1,900 m. Encontramos a uno de estos sapitos siendo presa de un Copiphora rhinoceros, un tetigónido conocido desde Nicaragua hasta Panamá. Este es un insecto grande (de hasta 73 mm de longitud de cuerpo y alas), de color verde-amarillento, con espinas abundantes. Este insecto es omnívoro y posee mandíbulas afiladas y poderosas. Hay numerosos casos de artrópodos que depredan sobre anfibios, principalmente en sistemas de agua dulce, sin embargo, hay muy pocos informes de insectos que se alimenten de anfibios adultos. Este es el primer caso registrado que conocemos de un insecto ortóptero que depreda y se alimenta de un anuro.

Invasive plants can cause drastic changes in their new ecosystems, and these changes might depend also on future climatic conditions. Buffelgrass is an African C₄ bunchgrass that has been introduced outside its native range for rangeland improvement and livestock feed. In the Caribbean region, it has been introduced to supplement managed pasturelands and can have an effect on the surviving native flora. To determine the potential range where these populations might be present in tropical dry forest biomes in the next decades, we ran species distribution models for the Puerto Rican bank. We found that buffelgrass will remain present in the tropical dry forest biome of the main island of Puerto Rico as well as nearby islands with equal or greater biodiversity refuges. With the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases, more areas of Puerto Rico's coasts and nearby islands will become suitable habitat for this invasive grass. Those areas should be actively monitored for control and removal of this invasive grass.

The sharpnose pufferfish Canthigaster rostrata is one of the members of the coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean, however, there are no studies on its histology. The pufferfish has been affected periodically by episodes of mortality in the Caribbean since 2008. Histological studies provide information on system conditions, and indicate parasite presence or other alterations such as diseases that may cause the fish to perish. On September 2017, 102 sharpnose pufferfish were collected from four localities, three in the Mexican Caribbean: Punta Herrero (PH), Xcalak (XC), and Santuario Manati (SM). The forth locality is from Belize, in Bacalar Chico (BC). During the monitoring, mortality occurred at XC. No external signs of disease were detected in any fish. The histology analysis showed no males, only female and undifferentiated organisms in the sampled localities. Furthermore, trematodes were observed in pufferfish from XC, SM, and BC. In one fish from XC, an epitheliocystis-like inclusion was detected. In fishes from XC, degraded arthropods were found in the stomach lumen. Gill and kidney tissue alterations were observed in specimens from all localities, possibly related to the tissue fixation process. Abundant lipids in the liver seem to be a normal characteristic. No histological or parasitic differences between fishes where mortality was observed and fishes from the other localities were detected that allow us to find an association with massive mortalities in the area. This is the first histology study of C. rostrata on the Caribbean coast showing data on reproduction, parasites, and other tissue alterations.

El pez globo de nariz afilada Canthigaster rostrata es uno de los integrantes de los ecosistemas de arrecifes coralinos del Caribe; sin embargo, no existen estudios sobre su histología. El pez globo se ha visto afectado periódicamente por episodios de mortalidad en el Caribe desde 2008. Los estudios histológi-cos brindan información sobre las condiciones del sistema, e indican presencia de parásitos u otras alteraciones como enfermedades que pueden provocar la muerte del pez. En septiembre de 2017 se recolectaron 102 peces globo de nariz afilada en cuatro localidades, tres del Caribe mexicano: Punta Herrero (PH), Xcalak (XC) y Santuario Manatí (SM). El cuarto es de Belice, en Bacalar Chico (BC). Durante el seguimiento se presentó un evento de mortalidad en XC. No se detectaron signos externos de enfermedad en ningún pez. El análisis histológico no mostró la presencia de machos, sólo de hembras y organismos indiferenciados en las localidades muestreadas. Además, se observaron trematodos en peces globo de XC, SM y BC. En un pez de XC se detectó una inclusión similar a epiteliocistis. En peces de XC se encontraron artrópodos degradados en la luz del estómago. Se observaron alteraciones del tejido branquial y renal en ejemplares de todas las localidades, posiblemente relacionadas con el proceso de fijación del tejido. La abundancia de lípidos en el hígado parece ser una característica normal. No se detectaron diferencias histológicas ni parasitarias entre los peces donde se observó mortalidad y los peces de las otras localidades que permitan encontrar una asociación con mortalidades masivas en la zona. Este es el primer estudio histológico de C. rostrata en la costa Caribeña que muestra datos sobre reproducción, parásitos y otras alteraciones tisulares.

Caribbean coral reefs have been declining at unprecedented rates, with about 50% of live coral cover lost over the past 50 years. The description of benthic and associated fish assemblages in remote areas, supposedly less vulnerable to human stressors, is necessary to better understand the spatial extent of declining trends, and to target areas for special management and protection. We present results from an expedition to Silver Bank (SiBa), Dominican Republic, aimed at providing the first quantitative assessment of benthic and fish assemblages in the area in the last 20 years. In April 2022, seven sites were surveyed using the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment protocols, to determine benthic composition, coral richness, prevalence of diseases, invertebrates, and fish assemblages. Contrary to our expectations, reefs showed severe signs of deterioration, with coral cover seldom exceeding 11% on average, with no more than 14 species (from the more than 60 for the Caribbean region). Turf algae and macroalgae dominated the reefs (37–90%). Coral disease prevalence did not exceed 1–2%, and no evidence of epizootic Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) was noticed. Clear signs of overfishing were recorded, with carnivores above 15 cm being scarce across all sites. Furthermore, herbivorous species also depicted sizes below 15 cm, with no more than eight species. Our results change the previous conception that reefs at Silver Bank are healthier than coastal reefs because they benefit from low anthropogenic pressures. This serves as an alert to local environmental authorities to improve surveillance and management actions to preserve this area.

The morphology and feeding ecology of the ground croaker, Bairdiella ronchus, in a shallow bay on the south coast of Jamaica was studied. Morphological assessments revealed that the species displays positive allometric growth. Their bodies become thicker and deeper as they grow in length. Stomach content analyses were performed, and the feeding indices of the two size classes (juvenile and sub-adults) of B. ronchus were determined. Juveniles and sub-adults were shown to prefer amphipods (Hyallela sp.) Both classes consumed Sargassum and amorphous organic matter. The consumption of Sargassum, particularly by the sub-adults, is noteworthy as this species is generally considered to be a carnivore, preferring to feed on fish and crustaceans. It is likely that the species ingests Sargassum as they feed on amphipods that colonise these Sargassum blooms.

In Guatemala, three million people are at risk of contracting cutaneous leishmaniosis, primarily in the northern regions. Despite this alarming epidemiological situation, few faunistic studies of phlebotomine sand flies have been conducted in this country, which is the most populous in Central America. An entomological survey of phlebotomine sand flies was carried out from March to September, 2018 in rural, mountainous, and forested areas of six northern Guatemalan departments with active transmission of human leishmaniosis: Petén, Huehuetenango, Quiché, Alta Verapaz, Izabal, and El Progreso. CDC miniature light traps were deployed in and around homes with recent cases of leishmaniosis in children under 10 years of age. A total of 2,605 specimens of sand flies were captured and identified, belonging to three subtribes, nine genera, and 14 species (13 of which were able to be determined), with a balanced sex ratio of 0.95 males per each female. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the most abundant species in the survey, accounting for 62.61% of the total catches; however, this species was restricted to El Progreso and Huehuetenango, with Huehuetenango having the highest capture percentage (55.54%). This vector was predominantly found outdoors, mostly in extra-domicile areas (62.29%). The male/female ratio for this species was 1.94. This study, and the entomological data we present, can aid in enhancing vector control interventions in these northern departments, thereby decreasing the incidence of leishmaniosis in humans.

En Guatemala, tres millones de personas se encuentran en riesgo de contraer leishmaniosis cutánea, principalmente en las regiones del norte. A pesar de esta alarmante situación epidemiológica, se han realizado pocos estudios faunísticos sobre los flebotomos en este país, el más poblado de América Central. Se llevó a cabo un estudio entomológico de los flebotomos desde marzo hasta septiembre de 2018 en áreas rurales, montañosas y forestales de seis departamentos del norte de Guatemala con transmisión activa de leishmaniosis en seres humanos: Petén, Huehuetenango, Quiché, Alta Verapaz, Izabal y El Progreso. Se colocaron trampas de luz tipo mini-CDC dentro y alrededor de viviendas con casos recientes de leishmaniosis en niños menores de 10 años de edad. Se capturaron e identificaron un total de 2,605 ejemplares de flebotomos, que pertenecieron a tres subtribus, nueve géneros y 14 especies (13 de las cuales pudieron determinarse), con una proporción de sexos equilibrada de 0.95 machos por cada hembra. La especie más abundante en el estudio fue Lutzomyia longipalpis, que representó el 62.61% del total de capturas; sin embargo, esta especie se limitó a El Progreso y Huehuetenango, siendo Huehuetenango el lugar con el porcentaje de capturas más elevado (55.54%). Este vector se encontró predominantemente en exteriores, sobre todo en el extradomicilio (62.29%). La proporción de machos/hembras para esta especie fue de 1.94. Este estudio y los datos entomológicos que presentamos pueden contribuir a mejorar las intervenciones de control de vectores en estos departamentos del norte, reduciendo así la incidencia de leishmaniosis en seres humanos.

The invasive alien species Pterois sp. has strongly invaded the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea since the 1980s. Many studies have been set up to monitor this species. This study is the first to carry out a follow-up of these populations by capture-marking-recapture with photo-identification in a natural environment. The monitoring was carried out over a period of five months at two sites to the south of Martinique. The photo-identification technique showed a high efficiency of the method with important recapture rates (36.51% on Acropora and 43.59% on Trois Rivières). The study allowed an estimation of the population sizes and density on the sites (619 individuals per hectare on Acropora and 341 individuals per hectare on Trois Rivières). The recolonization of individuals according to their size class was also studied and showed greater movements of small individuals and a high site fidelity of larger ones.

Changes in the genome of an organism can cause changes in phenotype. Its phenotype can then determine how well-suited the organism is to its environment. The hologenome concept expands this view by suggesting instead, that it is not only the host genome at play in natural selection, but also the genome of endosymbiotic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, and fungi) associated with their hosts. The concept is an area of growing interest. It directs the study of biology from an individual-centric approach to one that is more community-centric. This approach opens more opportunities to carefully examine host-community interactions and strategies to ensure a balance between counterparts. However, more intriguing is the potential that the hologenome concept may provide a glimpse into the biological mechanisms of speciation. This paper is a literature review presenting cases in endosymbiont interactions that affect reproductive competence of host and hence, may be an important mechanism of speciation.

The Red lionfish Pterois volitans was introduced into the western Atlantic Ocean more than 30 years ago, but in the Gulf of Mexico it was first recorded in 2010. Given its population spread in the region, the lionfish has become a biological invasion that threatens the marine ecosystem. The objective of this work was to describe some basic reproductive traits of this fish for the first time in the southern gulf, off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Samples were collected as part of a citizen-science program, in which lobster diver-fishers speared lionfish between 2010 and 2018. Lionfish's length-frequency distribution was significantly different between sexes, with males larger than females. Sex ratio showed a significant predominance for males. Histological analysis revealed the smallest mature female and male were 160 mm TL and 196 mm TL_, respectively. Females achieved 50% sexual maturity at a slightly smaller size compared to that of males. Both sexes were in the spawning capable phase during all months sampled (June to December), with female gonadosomatic index peaking in June, September and December. Spawning interval is estimated to be every four days. In the southern gulf, lionfish mature at a larger size than that from both the northern gulf, and other invaded regions in the western Atlantic Ocean, with the exception of Bermuda. Although sample size in our study is limited, the opportunity to identify a maturation size is helpful to establish a baseline for lionfish life history in the southern gulf.

El pez león Pterois volitans fue introducido en el Océano Oeste Atlánico desde hace más de 30 años, pero fue registrado por vez primera en el Golfo de México en 2010. Dada su expansión poblacional en la región, el pez león se ha convertido en una invasión biológica que amenaza el ecosistema marino. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir algunas características reproductivas básicas de este pez por vez primera para el sureste del golfo frente a la costa norte de la península de Yucatán, México. Las muestras fueron recolectadas a través de un programa de ciencia ciudadana, en el cual los pescadores buzos-langosteros arponearon pez león entre 2010 y 2018. La distribución de frecuencias de talla del pez león fue significativamente diferente entre sexos, con los machos más grandes que las hembras. La proporción en sexos fue signitificativa con predominancia de machos. Los análisis histológicos revelaron que la hembra y macho maduros más pequeños tuvieron 160 mm LT and 196 mm LT_, respectivamente. Las hembras alcanzaron una madurez sexual (50%) a una talla menor comparada con los machos. Ambos sexos estuvieron en fase de desove capaz durante todos los meses de muestreo (junio a diciembre), con picos de índice gonadosomático en junio, septiembre y diciembre en las hembras. La estimación del intervalo de desove es cuatro días. En el sureste del golfo, el pez león madura a una talla mayor que el pez león del norte del golfo y el de otras regiones en el Océano Atlántico Oeste, con la excepción de Bermuda. Aunque el tamaño de muestra en nuestro estudio es limitado, la oportunidad para identificar la talla de madurez es útil para establecer una línea base para la historia de vida del pez león en el sureste del golfo.

Documenting how storms and environmental variability affect the population dynamics, trends, and abundance of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) on short temporal scales is important for improving dolphinfish resource monitoring, conservation, and management. Here, a multifaceted technique was used to document an abrupt increase in fishing success among small-scale fishing sectors off the north coast of Puerto Rico during the 2018 Hurricane Leslie event. Seven datasets were used to document this event, and each provided substantiating information, but the combination of vessel catch and effort and seven-day averages of floating-algae density (FD), derived from the satellite-based alternative floating algae index (AFAI) imagery, present the newest technique to monitor dolphinfish fishing success on short and near-real time scales. Results revealed vessel effort and FD co-occurrence, with several vessel tracks within FD coverage of .01%-0.4%. Catch records from outings confirmed landings of dolphinfish from Sargassum and during the episode, 87% of total dolphinfish catch occurred at Sargassum habitat, with the remaining associated with nearby fish aggregating devices (FADs). Scuba visual census and fish tracking provided additional evidence of dolphinfish abundance and movements associated with Sargassum and nearby FADs. The combination of these methods provided a new technique to support insight into documenting changes in fishing success for dolphinfish, a key pelagic fishery. Expanding the spatiotemporal coverage of these methods could lead to the underpinnings of robust dolphinfish (and other pelagic fish, e.g., tuna and billfish) resource monitoring, improving data collection, and enhansing regulatory and data reporting compliance among small-scale fisheries.

Reptarenavirus is an arenavirus known to infect mostly captive snakes. It is considered the etiological agent for Boid Inclusion Body Disease (BIBD), which is deadly to members of the Boidae and Pythonidae families. Boa constrictor was introduced to Puerto Rico during the 1990s, mainly through the pet trade. The establishment of a monitoring program for this virus is essential because Boa constrictor individuals could potentially act as vectors, spreading the virus to endemic snakes, especially the endangered Puerto Rican Boa, Chilabothrus inornatus. We conducted the first survey for Reptarenavirus in Puerto Rico, sampling introduced Boa constrictor individuals from the western part of the island. To quantify the incidence of the pathogen in wild environments, Reptarenavirus RNA was extracted and amplified from 34 fresh liver samples. We found one positive result, an adult female captured in the municipality of Hormigueros. Attempts were made to confirm the positive results, however, these were negative, potentially due to RNA degradation. We cannot definitively conclude that the virus is present in wild-caught snakes in Puerto Rico. However, we will continue monitoring, in hopes of early detection of the virus. Yet this report represents the first incident of this dangerous environmental pathogen in Puerto Rico.

Reptarenavirus es un arenavirus que mayormente ha sido detectado en serpientes en cautiverio. Se cree que el mismo es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad conocida como Boid Inclusion Body Disease (BIBD), la cual es mortal para los miembros de las familias Boidae y Pythonidae. En Puerto Rico, la boa de cola roja (Boa constrictor) fue introducida durante la década de los 1990 a través de la trata de mascotas. Establecer un programa de monitoreo para este virus es esencial debido a que individuos de Boa constrictor podrían actuar como vectores y propagar el virus a serpientes endémicas, algunas en peligro de extinción, como la Boa Puertorriqueña, Chilabothrus inornatus. En este estudio, se realizó la primera encuesta sobre el Reptarenavirus en Puerto Rico, utilizando muestras de Boa constrictor del oeste de la isla. Para cuantificar la incidencia del patógeno en entornos silvestres, se extrajo y amplificó el ARN del Reptarenavirus a partir de 34 muestras de hígado frescas. Un resultado positivo fue identificado, una hem-bra adulta capturada en el municipio de Hormigueros. Se realizaron intentos para confirmar el resultado; sin embargo, ambos fueron negativos, posiblemente debido a la degradación del ARN. Considerando esto, no podemos definitivamente concluir si el virus está presente en Puerto Rico. Sin embargo, continuaremos el monitoreo para la detección temprana del virus en la isla. Este análisis representa el primer reporte de este peligroso patógeno ambiental en la isla de Puerto Rico.

The small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) is a rabies reservoir on several Caribbean Islands including Puerto Rico. In the continental United States, oral rabies vaccination (ORV) has been used to control and locally eliminate rabies viruses targeting meso-carnivores including raccoons (Procyon lotor), grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and coyotes (Canis latrans), and has more recently been proposed to mitigate and control mongoose rabies in Puerto Rico. A fundamental understanding of the population density of the target species is an important factor in planning bait application rates prior to ORV operations. In Puerto Rico, most ecological studies on mongooses have been restricted to the rainforest region in the northeastern portion of the island. We calculated population density estimates for mongooses at seven sites representing four habitat types in Puerto Rico. We marked 445 unique mongooses across 593 capture events during 12,530 trap days during 2016–2021. Mean (SE, 95% CI) population densities were greater in closed to open broadleaved evergreen forest habitat (0.79 ±0.13, 0.67–0.92 mongooses/ha) compared to grasslands (0.43 ± 0.10; 0.35–0.55 mongooses/ha), rainfed croplands (0.26 ±0.10, 0.18–0.38 mongooses/ha), and shrub/herbaceous habitat (0.19 ±0.05, 0.15–0.25 mongooses/ha). We did not detect seasonal variation in mongoose population density (0.48 [0.06; 0.35–0.62] and 0.39 [0.06; 0.27–0.50] mongooses/ha measured in the wet (May–November) and dry (December–April) seasons, respectively. Multiple ORV applications may be needed annually for adequate population immunity, particularly in habitats with high mongoose population densities and rapid population turnover.

Geophis hoffmanni and Ninia sebae belong to a group of snake species informally referred to as “goo-eaters” due to their diet consisting entirely of soft-bodied invertebrates. Geophis hoffmanni is a nocturnal, terrestrial, and fossorial snake often found in herbaceous vegetation and leaf litter near humid areas. Ninia sebae is both terrestrial and fossorial, and is commonly found under logs, boards, leaf piles, and various types of cover objects. One of the most formidable predators in many tropical forests are army ants, which forage in “raids” involving large numbers of ants searching for food simultaneously in confined areas. The most prevalent species is Eciton burchelli, widely distributed across the Neotropics. In Costa Rica, Labidus spininodis is also common, primarily inhabiting wet forest areas. On January 2, 2022, we observed a colony of Eciton burchellii attacking a Geophis hoffmanni individual at Selva Verde Lodge. The ants killed the snake, but we couldn't observe what happened afterward. On September 23, 2022, we encountered a swarm of Labidus spininodis ants attacking a Ninia sebae individual at Soltis Center. We couldn't determine whether the ants killed the snake, but it remained motionless after approximately 40 minutes of ant attacks, and some ant workers were seen cutting pieces from the snake's body. Both incidents occurred in the northern lowlands of the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica. These are two unprecedented cases of predation on Neotropical dipsadid snakes by two species of army ants. These instances mark the first reported cases of these emblematic terrestrial predators capturing relatively large vertebrates.

Geophis hoffmanni y Ninia sebae pertenecen al grupo de serpientes “comedoras de gusanos” pues su dieta consiste exclusivamente en invertebrados de cuerpo blando. Geophis hoffmanni es nocturna, terrestre, fosorial y se encuentra frecuentemente en la vegetación herbácea y la hojarasca de áreas húmedas. Ninia sebae es terrestre, fosorial y se encuentra comúnmente debajo de troncos, montones de hojas y tablas entre otros. Uno de los depredadores más formidables en bosques tropicales son las hormigas guerreras, que se alimentan en grandes grupos en áreas confinadas. Eciton burchelli está ampliamente distribuida en toda la región neotropical. En Costa Rica, Labidus spininodis también es común y habita principalmente áreas de bosque húmedo. El 2 de enero de 2022, observamos una colonia de Eciton burchellii atacando y matando a una Geophis hoffmanni en Selva Verde Lodge, aunque no pudimos observar qué sucedió después. El 23 de septiembre de 2022, encontramos un grupo de Labidus spininodis atacando a una Ninia sebae en el Centro Soltis. No pudimos determinar si las hormigas mataron a la serpiente, pero esta permaneció inmóvil después de aproximadamente 40 minutos de ataques de las hormigas, e incluso se observó a algunas obreras cortando trozos del cuerpo de la serpiente. Los dos sitios mencionados se ubican en las tierras bajas de la vertiente norte de Costa Rica. Estos son dos casos sin precedentes de depredación de serpientes dipsádidas neotropicales por dos especies de hormigas guerreras. Estas instancias marcan los primeros casos documentados de estos emblemáticos depredadores terrestres capturando vertebrados relativamente grandes.

The antennae of two Oxysarcodexia species were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of the antennae is typical of cyclorrhaphan flies with the proximal scape, intermediate pedicel, and distal flagellum. The flagellum of Oxysarcodexia corolla has a pronounced waist due to the thickening of its proximal and distal ends. The postpedicel of O. peltata does not have a distinct waist and maintains a uniform thickness from proximal to distal ends. The postpedicel of both Oxysarcodexia species bears trichoid, basiconic, clavate, auriculate, and coeloconic sensilla. Bottle-like sensilla were observed on the female of O. peltata. We seek to add to the knowledge of morphology of antennae of Sarcophagidae species in the Caribbean.

The Dry Forest Toad, Incilius coccifer, is a relatively large species, with males reaching up to 69 mm in standard length and females growing up to 99 mm. This toad species exhibits a preference for relatively open and disturbed environments within various forest types and semi-open areas, although sightings in forested habitats have occasionaly been noted. Similar habitat types are inhabited by the Blue-diademed Motmot, Momotus lessonii, an omnivorous bird that consumes fruits, insects, and several small vertebrates. On October 15, 2023 at 06:02 h, we observed a Dry Forest Toad being preyed upon by a Blue-diademed Motmot in the Tropical Premontane Moist Forest at Palmares, Alajuela, Costa Rica, at an elevation of 1,145 meters. This toad possesses toxins on its skin and parotid glands; however, apparently, this does not deter the motmot from preying on it. Nevertheless, further information is needed about the frequency and impact of this ecological interaction.

El sapo de bosque seco, Incilius coccifer, es relativamente grande, los machos alcanzan hasta 69 mm de longitud estándar y las hembras hasta 99 mm. Este sapo prefiere hábitats relativamente abiertos y perturbados dentro de varios tipos de bosques y áreas semiabiertas o abiertas, aunque ocasionalmente es observado en hábitats boscosos. Tipos de hábitats similares son habitados por el momoto de diadema azul, Momotus lessonii, un ave omnívora que consume frutas, insectos y varios pequeños vertebrados. El 15 de octubre de 2023 a las 06:02 h observamos un sapo de bosque seco siendo depredado por un momoto de diadema azul en el Bosque Húmedo Premontano Tropical en Palmares, Alajuela, Costa Rica, a una altitud de 1,145 metros. Este sapo posee toxinas en su piel y glándulas parótidas; sin embargo, aparentemente, esto no impide que el momoto lo deprede. No obstante, se necesita más información sobre la frecuencia e impacto de esta interacción ecológica.

The objectives of this study were to provide detailed information on the morphometrics and reproductive biology of the Australian native redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, outside its native range, and to study its diet and interactions with a review of potential biocontrol of invasive thiarid snails. Crayfishes were collected monthly using baited traps from two major river systems in Jamaica over a 12-month period (June 2003 to May 2004). Cherax quadricarinatus displayed sexual dimorphism with significant variation in carapace and chela lengths as well as chela widths between males and females. Fecundity was size-dependent. Ovigerous females were found year-round in Jamaica. Cherax quadricarinatus is an opportunistic omnivore with little difference in diet across sex and size classes, temporally or spatially. While size-specific gastropod predation was displayed in experiments, with introduced snails (of the family Thiaridae) chosen over native snails (of the family Physidae), stomach content analysis revealed that gastropods were not a major component of crayfish diet in the wild. Detritus was the main component of C. quadricarinatus diet in both river systems. However, under experimental conditions, the species exhibits a preference for macrophytes; this may indirectly affect the benthic invertebrate communities in rivers by reducing the available food and vegetative substrate.

Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), commonly known as the root weevil, is a pest feeding on more than 300 species of plants in tropical areas of the Caribbean and the United States. The principal control method is chemical pesticides, which negatively impact the environment and human health. Because it has been shown that the development and growth of many insects may be influenced by the microbiome, safer control methods are being tested by targeting digestive processes. However, data on the gut and fecal microbiota of D. abbreviatus remain scarce. We characterized the fecal microbial profiles of D. abbreviatus fed only one of three types of leaves, namely lemon, guava, or passion fruit. Amplification, sequencing and analysis of sequences of the variable region 4 (V4) region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed from collected feces. Results indicated that Novosphingobium and Pseudomonas were the most abundant bacterial genera in the feces of insects fed guava and lemon diets, respectively. On the other hand, Lactococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium were the most abundant bacterial genera in the feces of insects fed the passion fruit leaves. The data suggest differences in bacterial relative abundance and diversity that could be based D. abbreviatus diet. These data can also aid to understand the digestion process of polyphagous insects, and eventually develop biocontrol tools.

Forensic entomology is a growing field within the Caribbean, but lacks practical application. There remains room for further growth inclusive of primary baseline information, such as determining the identity of flies of forensic importance on the various Caribbean islands. Descriptions of morphology and biology of immature stages of some flies are also lacking, especially for the family Sarcophagidae. Described here is the morphology of the third larval stage of two species of Sarcophagidae of forensic importance, Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) and Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) plinthopyga (Wiedemann, 1830). The two species were found to colonise and breed in decomposing pig meat. Specimens collected were reared and dissected using light microscopy. Key larval features are illustrated for use in identification, as an alternative or addition to adult morphology. Structures described include the anterior and posterior spiracle, anal segment, and cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Both species are considered to be of forensic importance and have been shown to colonise human corpses in a review of the literature.

Giant constrictor populations in Florida and the Caribbean have top-down impacts on prey that are still poorly understood. We report opportunistically documented predation events by introduced Boa imperator (Central American Boa Constrictor) on four species of native birds on St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands, compare these to more detailed dietary studies from Aruba, and encourage detailed studies of Boa imperator diet on St. Croix to better understand population and community-level impacts of predation by this invasive snake.

The occurrence of Eurema daira daira (Godart, 1819) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) on Cuba is documented for the first time. This is based on adult specimens, eggs, and pupa observed and collected in Varadero, Hicacos Peninsula, Matanzas, during November 2023. The implications of this discovery are discussed.

Culebrones cave is well known among Puerto Rican herpetologists as a bat hunting ground used by the Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus). As such, their foraging ecology has been previously studied. However, multiple strong hurricanes have impacted the island reducing the number of natural vines around the cave directly affecting the population of snakes foraging at the cave entrance. We compared the foraging ecology between snakes using natural hunting structures and those using artificial perches provided in Culebrones cave. During March to July of 2021, we performed 30 visits to observe successful hunts and the prey handling time of every individual snake. Observations were repeated during the same period of the following year after the addition of artificial vines. The addition of artificial vines to the entrance of Culebrones cave had a positive effect on the snakes that visited the cave to hunt, observing an increase of three snakes on average per night. Prey handling time was longer when snakes hunted on rock walls when compared to those on vines, suggesting an advantage of vines over rocks as hunting perches. Continued monitoring of the foraging ecology in Culebrones cave should be conducted to determine if the addition of more artificial vines can be beneficial to the snake population at this location.

This study examines the impact of environmental conservation activities on the awareness of residents of a small rural community in Jamaica. Millbank lies in the buffer zone of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park and is partially surrounded by a Forest Reserve. The community is considered a model for community conservation, however, there has never been a comprehensive study of the community's knowledge and awareness of biodiversity and conservation, important components for sustainable management of the natural resources on which the community largely depends. The general trend in conservation awareness is positive for Millbank due to the varied efforts of stakeholders from sectors including academia, community based organizations, government and nongovernment organizations. While public awareness efforts and strategies have yielded increased knowledge including the heightened awareness of protected species and pesticide poisoning of the river systems, reports of insufficiencies in public awareness strategies, limited funding and ineffective enforcement threaten the potential for successful conservation. Overcoming these limitations require greater consistency and sustained efforts in community engagement. The legacy of projects resonates in signs that display images of biodiversity and positive conservation messages. However, greater effort is needed to improve their effectiveness which has diminished over time as many signs fade and the messages become illegible. Stakeholders should utilise a wide range of communication methods and devices while recognizing the benefits of using layman terms in public education for greater understanding of conservation concepts. This will strengthen the stakeholder-community relationship and foster greater cooperation for long term conservation.

A systematic survey was conducted in 2013 to identify the plant species composition of the sand flats of Guana Island, British Virgin Islands. A total of eight species were enumerated on the sand flat: broadleaf panicum (Brachiaria adspersa (Trin.) Parodi), Indian bluegrass (Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A.Camus), thin paspalum (Paspalum setaceum Michx.), goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.), common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.), southern sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus L.), crowfootgrass (Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Beauv.), and tropical fimbry (Fimbristylis cymosa R.Br.). The greatest Species Relative Density (RD) was observed for Bothriochloa pertusa (76%) and Fimbristylis cymosa (10%), while the RD of all remaining species was ≤ 5%. The Shannon Diversity Index of the sand flat was 0.93, while the Shannon Equitability Index was 0.45, indicating moderate species diversity present within the sand flat. Although all eight species identified were previously reported on the island, characterization of their presence on the sand flat may provide further insights into their conservation significance, potential invasiveness, impacts on the ecosystem, and possible need for management/control. Continued monitoring of Cenchrus echinatus may be highly warranted due to previous documentation as an invasive species capable of displacing native vegetation in tropical regions.