Pseudonannolene leopoldoi Iniesta & Ferreira 2014

Iniesta, Luiz Felipe Moretti & Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, 2014, New species of Pseudonannolene Silvestri, 1895 from Brazilian limestone caves with comments on the potential distribution of the genus in South America (Spirostreptida: Pseudonannolenidae), Zootaxa 3846 (3), pp. 361-397 : 365-369

Pseudonannolene leopoldoi Iniesta & Ferreira 2014 , new species

( Figs. 3 , 4 , 14 b)

Material examined. Holotype: 1 male ( ISLA 4123) from Lapa do Zu cave (17º01’17.79”S 44º29’59.84”W), São João da Lagoa/MG, Brasil, 25/IX/2013. Collected by R. L. Ferreira.

Paratypes: 2 males ( ISLA 4124, 4125) from Lapa do Zu cave, São João da Lagoa/MG, Brasil, 25/IX/2013. Collected by R. L. Ferreira. 3 females ( ISLA 4126, 4127, 4128) from Lapa do Zu cave, São João da Lagoa/MG, Brasil, 25/IX/2013. Collected by R. L. Ferreira.

Etimology. The specific epithet is in honor of the biospeleologist Leopoldo Ferreira de Oliveira Bernardi for his contribution to our knowledge of Brazilian subterranean biology, especially cave mites.

Comparative diagnosis. Body and eyes pigmented. Labrum with 6 supralabral setae; 18–22 labral setae. Mandibles with 10–11 rows of pectinate lamellae (difficult to see). P. leopoldoi has an internal branch of the gonopod similar to those observed in the species P. taboa , besides the P. ambuatinga ( Iniesta & Ferreira 2013b), P. spelaea ( Iniesta & Ferreira 2013a), P. rolamossa , P. gogo ( Iniesta & Ferreira 2013c), P. chaimowiczi , P. imbirensis , P. tocaiensis ( Fontanetti 1996b) and P. microzoporus ( Mauriès 1987) . The bifurcated form of the solenomere and the presence of a seminal spine on the internal apex of the branch are similar to what is observed in the species P. taboa , P. chaimowiczi , P. imbirensis , P. rolamossa , P. gogo , P. anapophysis ( Fontanetti 1996a) , P. strinatii ( Mauriès 1974) and P. tricolor ( Brölemann 1902) . About the pre-femoral process, that is rounded: its size is shorter when compared to the pre-femur, and similar to those occurring in the species P. imbirensis , P. silvestri e P. tricolor ( Fontanetti 2002) and P. s p e l a e a ( Iniesta & Ferreira 2013a).

Description of adults. Measurements: Length from 48 up to 55 mm; maximum midbody diameter between 2.9 to 3.3 mm; body rings ranging between 62 to 64; length of antennae ranging from 3 to 3.2 mm (relation to diameter ranging 1 to 1.03); length of legs 2.3 to 2.5 mm (relation to diameter ranging 0.75 to 0.79); length of tarsal claw 0.14 to 0.16 mm (relation to diameter ranging 0.04 to 0.05).

Color: Visualization after fixation in 70% alcohol. Reddish color, with the anterior region of each ring darker and posterior ranging from light brown to reddish.

Head ( Fig. 3 a): Head glabrous and pigmented. Labrum with a row containing 18–22 labral setae, and above a row with 6 supralabral setae. Mandibles slightly pigmented, with 2 external teeth, 4 internal teeth and 10–11 rows of pectinate lamellae. Eyes with 28–36 ocelli arranged in 5 rows. Antennae pigmented and densely setose. First antennomere small, second and third similar, fourth, fifth and sixth lower and similar, being the last larger. Presence of basiconic sensilla in latter edge of fifth and sixth antennomere. Gnatochilarium typical of the genus.

Trunk: Body pigmented. Prozone dark and metazone ranging from light brown to reddish. Lateral region of each ring with transverse striae. Telson, anal shield and anal valve pigmented.

First male pair of legs ( Fig. 3 b): Coxae (Cx) larger; densely setose; square-shaped. Prefemur (Prf) with shorter oral process parallel (P) to the coxae. Bristles arranged on base of P.

Gonopod ( Fig. 3 c, d): Gonopod stout and sclerified. Coxae reduced; glabrous and adhered to basal region of gonopod. Presence of a process supporting a seta. Basal section (Bs) with width little larger than half of length; Basiconic bristles arranged in rows along the entire the base of gonopod. Shoulder (Sh) evident and rounded. Distal section (Ds) little shorter than the length of Bs and with width little larger than half of length. Solenomere (S) elongated and with trunk wide; shorter squamous region; bifurcated, with an acute external tip and rounded internal. Internal branch (Ib) wide, starting right below the Sh line on Bs; like a shield of S and bristles not exceeding the S.

Notes on the natural history and habitat. The Lapa do Zu cave ( Fig. 15 c) comprises a limestone cave of considerable volume. It presents a single entry and receives organic material from the external environment, especially due to floods that occur during the rainy season. Thus, a large amount of plant debris is noticeable in various parts of the cave. In its distal portion, there is a large gap that leads to a drain (a small stream) that appears and disappears amid blocks of rock. This considerably increases the humidity of this portion of the cave. Individuals of P. leopoldoi were observed throughout the entire cave, and were associated with plant debris and deposits of bat guano. The fact that several specimens were associated with the large carcasses of a grasshopper (Caelifera), left in the cave by insectivorous bats ( Fig. 3 ) is noteworthy. Such individuals, in many cases, clustered on one carcass, apparently feeding on fungus that developed in profusion in these carcasses.

Pseudonannolene robsoni Iniesta & Ferreira 2014 , new species ( Figs. 5 , 6 , 14 c)

Material examined. Holotype: 1 male ( ISLA 4080) from Gruta Água Limpa cave (20º27’06.99”S 45º39’10.58”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 28/V/2009. Collected by R. Zampaulo.

Paratypes: 1 male ( ISLA 4083) from Gruta do Bicho Desconhecido cave (20º24’20.04”S 45º35’24.70”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 04/IV/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4084) from Gruta Loca dos Negros cave (20º24’05.99”S 45º39’49.49”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 21/III/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4085) from Gruta Duas Bocas cave (20º22’07.15”S 45º41’10.10”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 01/IV/2009. Collected by R. Zampaulo.

Other material examined. 1 male ( ISLA 4079) from Gruta Zé da Fazenda cave (20º22’10.78”S 45º40’07.44”W, Pains/MG, Brasil, 09/III/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4081) from Gruta das Cerâmicas cave (20º24’15.21”S 45º35’51.15”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 28/V/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4082) from Gruta Fumaça III cave (19º28’29.68”S 44º19’41.31”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 12/II/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4086) from Gruta Tio Rafa II cave (20º24’47.04”S 45º39’52.73”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 24/I/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4087) from Gruta Ninfeta de Baixo cave (20º20’18.69”S 45º36’55.67”W), Doresópolis/MG, Brasil, 25/I/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4088) from Gruta Ninfeta de Baixo cave (20º20’18.69”S 45º36’55.67”W), Doresópolis/MG, Brasil, 25/I/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4089) from Gruta Cinderela cave (20º26’45.51”S 45º35’59.83”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 18/IX/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4090) from Gruta Dolina dos Angicos cave (20º25’05.92”S 45º40’43.74”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 25/VI/2009; 1 male ( ISLA 4091) from Gruta Capoeirão cave (20º21’55.34”S 45º40’15.”W), Pains/MG, Brasil, 22/I/2009.

Etimology. The specific epithet is in honor of the biospeleologist Robson de Almeida Zampaulo for his contribution to our knowledge of Brazilian subterranean biology. It is noteworthy that the work of this biologist, developed in the region of Pains, has contributed significantly to the expansion of knowledge of the subterranean fauna of this important Brazilian karst region.

Comparative diagnosis. Body and eyes pigmented. Labrum with 6 supralabral setae; 19–23 labral setae. Mandibles with 10 rows of pectinate lamellae (difficult to see). P. robsoni has the internal branch of the gonopod slightly similar to a shield, being its medium-distal portion twisted over the solenomere, besides the presence of an elongated apical projection on the branch. The pre-femoral process is similar to that observed in the species P. leopoldoi , P. imbirensis , P. silvestri , P.tricolor e P. spelaea due to the reduced size compared to the pre-femur ( Fontanetti 2002; Iniesta & Ferreira 2013a).

Description of adults. Measurements: Length from 70 up to 88 mm; maximum midbody diameter between 4.8 to 5.8 mm; body rings ranging between 65 to 70; length of antennae ranging from 5.2 to 5.8 mm (relation to diameter ranging 1.07 to 0.99); length of legs 3.2 to 4 mm (relation to diameter ranging 0.66 to 0.68); length of tarsal claw 0.16 to 0.32 mm (relation to diameter ranging 0.03 to 0.05).

Color: Visualization after fixation in 70% alcohol. Bicolor, with the anterior region of each ring darker and posterior reddish yellow.

Head ( Fig. 5 a): Head glabrous and pigmented. Labrum with a row containing 19–23 labral setae, and above a row with 6 supralabral setae. Mandibles slightly pigmented, with 2 external teeth, 4 internal teeth and 10 rows of pectinate lamellae. Eyes with 36–43 ocelli arranged in 5 rows. Antennae pigmented and densely setose. First antennomere small, second and fourth similar, third longer, fifth and sixth little smaller than second and fourth, being the sixth larger. Presence of basiconic sensilla in latter edge of fifth and sixth antennomere. Gnatochilarium typical of the genus.

Trunk: Body pigmented. Prozone dark and metazone reddish yellow. Lateral region of each ring with transverse striae. Telson, anal shield and anal valve pigmented.

First male pair of legs ( Fig. 5 b): Coxae (Cx) larger; densely setose; square-shaped. Prefemur (Prf) with shorter oral process parallel (P) to the coxae. P with bristles arranged on base and base width equal to the distal region.

Gonopod ( Fig. 5 c, d): Gonopod short, stout and sclerified. Coxae reduced; glabrous and adhered to basal region of gonopod. Basal section (Bs) with width little larger than half of length; basiconic bristles arranged in rows along the entire the base of gonopod. Shoulder (Sh) evident and rounded. Distal section (Ds) slightly longer than wide and little smaller than half of length of Bs. Solenomere (S) trianguliform; elongated and little wide; trunk elongated and glabrous. Distal region squamous and slightly bifurcated, with an acute external tip and rounded internal with a seminal spine (Sp). Internal branch (Ib) with small base and a thin distal region, starting right below the Sh line on Bs. Ib projecting in order to interlace the S and exceeding his length. Longer bristles arranged on edge of Ib; presence of a swollen apical projection

Notes on the natural history and habitat. The karst region where populations of P. robsoni were found is considered an area of environmental, historical and economic importance. Furthermore, this region stands out in terms of harboring the greatest concentration of limestone caves known in Brazil at the present moment (over 1,200 recorded caves). However, since the 1960s the area has undergone intense changes due to mining activities, which remove the limestone to produce cement and lime. Such activities are causing irreversible impacts on the landscape. In addition, it also highlights the intense changes suffered by the vegetation of the area (especially due to the expansion of agricultural activities), which has resulted in a rather fragmented landscape, where remaining vegetation is associated with only the tops of outcrops (inappropriate areas for human use). There are alterations in drainages near many caves, that in association with the loss of the original vegetation, may be leading to an intense change in import of organic resources to many caves (primarily dependent on imported organic resources from the external environment). The extraction of limestone has also often led to direct changes in the caves, ranging from partial destruction of conduits to the complete destruction of caves ( Zampaulo 2010). This species is well distributed in caves in the region, although populations of every cave are often reduced. Exception is made for Brega cave ( Fig. 15 i), where numerous individuals were found associated with the guano of hematophagous bats ( Desmodus rotundus ) and rodent feces ( Fig. 6 ).

Figures

FIGURE 3. Pseudonannolene leopoldoi sp. n. (holotype, ISLA 4123): a) Anterior region; b) Pre-femoral process; c) Caudal view of gonopod; d) Oral view of gonopod. Scale bar: a) 1 mm; b) 700 µm; c) 300 µm; d) 300 µm.

FIGURE 4. Individuals of Pseudonannolene leopoldoi observed feeding on fungi that developed in carcass of grasshopers.

FIGURE 5. Pseudonannolene robsoni sp. n. (holotype, ISLA 4080): a) Anterior region; b) Pre-femoral process; c) Caudal view of gonopod; d) Oral view of gonopod. Scale bar: a) 2 mm; b) 500 µm; c) 700 µm; d) 700 µm.

FIGURE 6. Grouping of individuals of Pseudonannolene robsoni feeding on rodent feces.

FIGURE 14. Live specimens: a) Pseudonannolene xavieri sp. n.; b) Pseudonannolene leopoldoi sp. n.; c) Pseudonannolene robsoni sp. n.; d) Pseudonannolene marconii sp. n.; e) Pseudonannolene rosineii sp. n.; f) Pseudonannolene caatinga sp. n.; g) Pseudonannolene taboa sp. n.; h) Pseudonannolene fontanettiae sp. n.

FIGURE 15. Caves where the specimens were found: a) Paranoá cave (P. rosineii sp. n.); b) Rei do Mato cave (P. erikae sp. n. and P. longisima sp. n.); c) Lapa do Zu cave (P. leopoldoi sp. n.); d) Casa da Pedra cave (P. fontanettiae sp. n.); e) Taboa cave (P. taboa sp. n.); f) Milagrosa cave P. marconii sp. n.); g) Toca dos Ossos cave (P. caatinga sp. n.); h) Lapa do Baio cave (P. xavieri sp. n.); i) Brega cave (P. robsoni sp. n.).