Composition and distribution of the Orthoptera assemblage (Insecta) in an arid basin in North-Central Chile

La cuenca del valle del río Elqui (Región de Coquimbo, Chile) es un importante foco de actividad agrofrutícola y turística dentro de la zona norte-centro de Chile cuyas condiciones climáticas se caracterizan por el aumento de la temperatura y la disminución de la precipitación. En el contexto del calentamiento global es esperable que la hoya hidrográfica del río Elqui experimente una tendencia ascendente en la aridez, alteraciones en la fenología de plantas y artrópodos y cambios en la riqueza y biodiversidad local de los ecosistemas. En este sentido, en el presente trabajo, mediante colectas manuales en sectores de secano y cultivo de las localidades de Marquesa, Diaguitas y Pisco Elqui en el valle de Elqui, se documentó la composición taxonómica y abundancia del ensamble de Orthoptera (Insecta) en la cuenca del valle del Elqui, se analizó la distribución espacial de las especies constituyentes del ensamble mediante SIG y se documentó la importancia de Orthoptera como potenciales plagas dentro de esta cuenca árida del norte-centro de Chile. Se capturó un total de 204 ejemplares, correspondientes a cuatro familias y seis especies, de las cuales cinco especies fueron capturadas en sectores de secano y cultivo. Acrididae fue la familia más abundante y diversa dentro de los sitios de estudio (65,2% del total capturado) y Trimerotropis ochraceipennis la especie más abundante dentro del sitio de estudio. Las familias Gryllidae, Ommexechidae y Tristiridae estuvieron representadas por una sola especie. La presencia de estas especies en los sectores de secano puede constituir un factor de riesgo para la agricultura, al considerarse potenciales focos irruptivos frente a determinadas condiciones climáticas, y además ocasionar daños en cultivos agrícolas, plantaciones y pastizales. La relación entre la microdistribución del ensamble de Orthoptera presente en el valle de Elqui y el índice NDVI mostró una clara preferencia por la vegetación densa y poco densa (NDVI = 0,1 - 0,49). El presente trabajo es una primera aproximación al estudio de los ortópteros considerados plagas potenciales para el valle del Elqui.The Elqui river basin (Coquimbo Region, Chile) is an important fruit-growing and tourist center in the North and Central area of Chile, where climate conditions are characterized by a rise in temperature and decrease in precipitation. Within the context of global warming, the hydrographical basin of the Elqui River is expected to show a rising trend toward aridity, as well as alterations in the phenology of plants and arthropods, and changes in the local biodiversity and richness of ecosystems. In this respect, this research analyzes the taxonomic composition, abundance and distribution of the assemblage of Orthoptera (Insecta) through hand-collecting in rangeland and farmland of the localities of Marquesa, Diaguitas, and Pisco Elqui in the Elqui valley. We documented the taxonomic composition and abundance of the Orthoptera assemblage (Insecta), and analyzed the spatial distribution of its component species by using SIG. We also documented the potential orthopterans have to become a plague in this arid watershed of North-Central Chile. A total of 204 specimens were captured, belonging to four families and six species, five of which were common to rangeland and farmland. Acrididae was the most abundant and varied family among the study sites (65.2% of the total captured) and Trimerotropis ochraceipennis the most abundant species. The families Gryllidae, Ommexechidae and Tristiridae were represented by only one species. The presence of these species in the rangeland can be a risk factor for agriculture, considering potential irruptive outbreaks under certain climate conditions, and can also cause damage to crops, plantations and grasslands. The relationship between microdistribution of the Orthoptera assemblage present in the Elqui valley and the NDVI index showed a clear preference for dense and not so dense vegetation (NDVI = 0.1 - 0.49). This is a first approach to the study of orthopterans which are considered potential plagues to the Elqui valley.Fil: Alfaro, Fermín M.. Universidad de La Serena (Chile)Fil: Pizarro-Araya, Jaime. Universidad de La Serena (Chile)Fil: Cepeda-Pizarro, Jorge. Universidad de La Serena (Chile)Fil: Bodini, Andrés. Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (La Serena, Chile

Estimación de la riqueza de coleópteros epigeos de la Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt (Regiones de Atacama y Coquimbo, Chile)

The estimate of the richness is an essential element in the characterization of biodiversity, so that regional inventories of certain groups of taxa as epigean coleopterans are important for planning conservation efforts in protected natural areas. By using accumulation curves and non-parametric estimators, the quality of various samples on estimating the richness of epigean coleopterans of the Pingüino Humboldt National Reserve (Atacama and Coquimbo Regions, Chile) was evaluated. The asymptotic models tested showed theoretical species richness close to that observed in the Choros and Damas islands, however in Chañaral Island no clear asymptote was observed, suggesting an incomplete inventory. All estimators evaluated showed richness values greater to the observed values for all the studied islands, however its accumulation curves did not stabilize in any island except for ICE and Jack 2 in Choros and Damas. We propose to conduct additional sampling in particular habitats of this reserve, as well as to include other seasons of the year and different years in order to register rare species not recorded to date by our sampling.La estimación de la riqueza constituye un elemento esencial en la caracterización de la biodiversidad tanto a nivel local como regional. Evaluar el grado de completitud de los inventarios de riqueza locales es una tarea clave para dirigir de manera eficaz los esfuerzos de muestreo en áreas naturales protegidas. Mediante el uso de curvas de acumulación y estimadores no paramétricos, evaluamos la calidad de diversos muestreos sobre la estimación de la riqueza de coleópteros epigeos de la Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt (Regiones de Atacama y Coquimbo, Chile). Los modelos asintóticos evaluados mostraron una riqueza teórica de especies cercana a la observada en las islas Choros y Damas; sin embargo, para Isla Chañaral no se observó una asíntota clara, lo que sugiere un inventario incompleto. Todos los estimadores no paramétricos evaluados mostraron valores de riqueza sobre lo observado para todas las islas estudiadas; sin embargo, sus curvas de acumulación no se estabilizaron en ninguna isla a excepción de ICE y Jack 2 en Choros y Damas. Nosotros proponemos dirigir muestreos adicionales en hábitats particulares de esta reserva, así como también incluir otras estaciones del año y diferentes años con el objetivo de registrar especies raras no registradas a la fecha por nuestros muestreos

Arthropods of the Limarí River basin (Coquimbo Region, Chile): taxonomic composition in agricultural ecosystems

The Limarí valley, located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, is an important agricultural area that is immersed in the transverse valleys of the Norte Chico. In recent decades, the continuous expansion of agriculture towards dry land zones has favored the migration and establishment of potential pests, such as arthropods, that may affect crops or be zoonotic agents. Based on the limited knowledge we have about the arthropod group present in the Limarí basin, our objective is to describe the taxonomic composition of the assemblage of economically important arthropods inhabiting this basin of the semiarid region of Chile. After reviewing historical data, specimen collections, and the specialized literature, a total of 414 arthropod species were recorded. Of the total number of species recorded, 92.5% were insects, the most diverse taxon, with 11 orders. Arachnids, in turn, were represented only by Acari with 31 species. The most widely represented orders of insects were Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera. Within Coleoptera the most species-rich families were, in decreasing order of importance, Curculionidae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Scarabaeidae, Chrysomelidae (Bruchinae), Ptinidae, and Bostrichidae; within Hemiptera these were Aphididae, Diaspididae, Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, Pentatomidae and Rhopalidae; and within Lepidoptera they were Noctuidae and Tortricidae. We hope this study serves as a starting point for identifying the most diverse arthropod groups and developing pest monitoring and control programs. Highlights: A large percentage of phytophagous species, mainly belonging to Acari, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera, were registered in the Limarí basin. Some families of agricultural importance (Aleyrodidae, Aphididae, Coccidae, Diaspididae, Margarodidae, Pseudococcidae), were observed in large agricultural crops in the basin (e.g., vines, oranges, mandarins, lemon trees, avocado trees, walnuts, olive trees, vegetable crops). A smaller fraction corresponded to the group of predators and parasitoids, mainly represented by Coleoptera (Coccinellidae), Neuroptera (Chrysopidae) and Hymenoptera (Braconidae, Encyrtidae, Ichneumonidae, Platygastridae, Signiphoridae). The richness and spatial records of arthropods were mostly concentrated between the city of Ovalle and the estuary of Punitaqui - the areas with most intense agricultural activity in the Limarí basin.The Limarí valley, located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, is an important agricultural area that is immersed in the transverse valleys of the Norte Chico. In recent decades, the continuous expansion of agriculture towards dry land zones has favored the migration and establishment of potential pests, such as arthropods, that may affect crops or be zoonotic agents. Based on the limited knowledge we have about the arthropod group present in the Limarí basin, our objective is to describe the taxonomic composition of the assemblage of economically important arthropods inhabiting this basin of the semiarid region of Chile. After reviewing historical data, specimen collections, and the specialized literature, a total of 414 arthropod species were recorded. Of the total number of species recorded, 92.5% were insects, the most diverse taxon, with 11 orders. Arachnids, in turn, were represented only by Acari with 31 species. The most widely represented orders of insects were Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera. Within Coleoptera the most species-rich families were, in decreasing order of importance, Curculionidae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Scarabaeidae, Chrysomelidae (Bruchinae), Ptinidae, and Bostrichidae; within Hemiptera these were Aphididae, Diaspididae, Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, Pentatomidae and Rhopalidae; and within Lepidoptera they were Noctuidae and Tortricidae. We hope this study serves as a starting point for identifying the most diverse arthropod groups and developing pest monitoring and control programs. Highlights: A large percentage of phytophagous species, mainly belonging to Acari, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera, were registered in the Limarí basin. Some families of agricultural importance (Aleyrodidae, Aphididae, Coccidae, Diaspididae, Margarodidae, Pseudococcidae), were observed in large agricultural crops in the basin (e.g., vines, oranges, mandarins, lemon trees, avocado trees, walnuts, olive trees, vegetable crops). A smaller fraction corresponded to the group of predators and parasitoids, mainly represented by Coleoptera (Coccinellidae), Neuroptera (Chrysopidae) and Hymenoptera (Braconidae, Encyrtidae, Ichneumonidae, Platygastridae, Signiphoridae). The richness and spatial records of arthropods were mostly concentrated between the city of Ovalle and the estuary of Punitaqui - the areas with most intense agricultural activity in the Limarí basin

Revision of the genus Luispenaia Martínez (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Tanyproctini), with description of three new species from the Atacama Desert, Chile

Mondaca, José, Pizarro-Araya, Jaime, Alfaro, Fermín M. (2019): Revision of the genus Luispenaia Martínez (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Tanyproctini), with description of three new species from the Atacama Desert, Chile. Zootaxa 4615 (3): 549-562, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4615.3.

A Fine-Scale Hotspot at the Edge: Epigean Arthropods from the Atacama Coast (Paposo-Taltal, Antofagasta Region, Chile)

The Atacama Desert at its margins harbors a unique biodiversity that is still very poorly known, especially in coastal fog oases spanning from Perú towards the Atacama coast. An outstand-ing species-rich fog oasis is the latitudinal fringe Paposo-Taltal, that is considered an iconic site of the Lomas formation. This contribution is the first to reveal the knowledge on arthropods of this emblematic coastal section. We used pitfall traps to study the taxonomic composition, richness, and abundance of terrestrial arthropods in 17 sample sites along a 100 km section of the coast between 24.5 and 25.5 southern latitude, in a variety of characteristic habitats. From a total of 9154 individuals, we were able to identify 173 arthropod species grouped into 118 genera and 57 families. The most diverse group were insects, with 146 species grouped in 97 genera and 43 families, while arachnids were represented by 27 species grouped into 21 genera and 14 families. Current conservation challenges on a global scale are driving the creation and evaluation of potential conservation sites in regions with few protected areas, such as the margins of the Atacama Desert. Better taxonomic, distributional, and population knowledge is urgently needed to perform concrete conservation actions in a biodiversity hotspot at a desert edge.Fil: Pizarro Araya, Jaime. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Alfaro, Fermín M.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Ojanguren Affilastro, Andres Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Departamento de Invertebrados. Area de Entomologia; ArgentinaFil: Moreira Muñoz, Andrés Sergio. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso; Chil

Composition and structure of the epigean tenebrionid assemblage (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of continental and insular ecosystems of the transitional coastal desert of Chile

Se estudió la composición taxonómica, riqueza, abundancia y estructura espacio-temporal del ensamble de tenebriónidos epigeos en diferenteshábitats continentales e insulares del desierto costero transicional de Chile. Los muestreos se realizaron en el borde continental de Punta de Chorosy en el archipiélago de Los Choros durante los a?nos 2005 y 2006 mediante el uso de trampas de intercepción. Se capturó un total de 982 individuospertenecientes a 7 tribus, 9 géneros y 17 especies, siendo Praocis Eschscholtz y Gyriosomus Guérin-Méneville los géneros más diversos. Se realizóel análisis Anosim que encontró diferencias significativas entre estaciones (R = 0.31; p = 0.01) pero no entre hábitats (R = 0.1872; p = 0.12), aunquecon un bajo efecto de estos factores. La mayor riqueza y diversidad se observó en los hábitats estepa costera interior y estepa costera Choros,mientras que la mayor abundancia se registró en estepa costera interior (26.5%). No se observó una estructura estacional, pero los datos mostraronuna mayor abundancia en primavera tanto en el continente como en las islas, a excepción de la isla Choros, donde la mayor abundancia se registróen invierno. Se discuten estas diferencias en relación con las características pedológicas y vegetacionales de los ambientes estudiados.Pitfall traps were used to study the taxonomic composition, richness, abundance, and spatio-temporal structure of the assemblage of epigean tenebrionids in continental and insular habitats of the transitional coastal desert of Chile. Samplings were conducted on the coastal area of Punta de Choros and in the Archipelago Los Choros in 2005 and 2006. A total of 982 specimens were captured, belonging to 7 tribes, 9 genera, and 17 species. The most diverse genera were Praocis Eschscholtz and Gyriosomus Guérin-Méneville. The Anosim analysis showed statistically-significant differences between seasons (R= 0.31; p = .01) but not among habitats (R= 0.1872; p = .12), although the effect of these factors was low. The highest richness and diversity was observed in the interior coastal steppe and the coastal steppe of Los Choros, whereas the highest abundance occurred in the interior coastal steppe (26.5%). Seasonal structure was not observed; however, the data showed increased abundance in spring both in the continent and on the islands, with the exception of Choros island, where the highest abundance occurred in winter. This paper discusses the differences in the soil and plant characteristics of the ecosystems under studyFil: Alfaro, Fermín M.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Pizarro Araya, Jaime. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Flores, Gustavo Ernesto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

Two new scorpion species from protected areas in Antofagasta Region, Chile (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae, Brachistosternus)

We describe two new scorpion species of genus Brachistosternus from protected areas of Antofagasta Region in northern Chile. Brachistosternus chimba n. sp. has only been collected in La Chimba National Reserve, in the Chilean Coast Range. Brachistosternus llullaillaco n. sp. is a high altitude Andean species of the Lullaillaco National Park. Both species were collected as part of the first survey of the terrestrial arthropods of the protected areas of Antofagasta Region, in the frame of the First National Biodiversity Inventory of Chile of the Integrated System for Monitoring and Evaluation of Native Forest Ecosystems (SIMEF) and Project FIC-R Recovery Plan for La Chimba National Reserve.Fil: Ojanguren Affilastro, Andres Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Alfaro, Fermín M.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Pizarro Araya, Jaime. Universidad de La Serena; Chil

Distribution and Conservation Status of Gyriosomus granulipennis Pizarro-Araya and Flores, 2004 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

(Tenebrionidae: Nycteliini), is an apterousspecies endemic to Choros Island, which belongs to the archipelago of LosChoros in IV Regio, Chile. To analyze the data about the distribution and conservationstatus of . granulipennis, we conducteda study using pitfall in Choros Island. In this paper, weanalyze the distribution and conservation status of . granulipennis and propose actions to monitor and ensure thepreservation of the species populations. The restricted distribution of granulipennis on Choros Islandmay be considered an indicator of species rarity, a basic criterion to identify species in need of conservation. Monitoring the status and dynamics of thepopulation of. granulipennis in thelong term is essential to develop effective protection and conservation plansthat take into account the loss of habitat and help eradicate invading andintroduced species.Fil: Pizarro Araya, Jaime. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Alfaro, Fermín M.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Flores, Gustavo Ernesto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Letelier, Luis. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Méxic

Distribución geográfica de los ortópteros (Insecta: Orthoptera) presentes en las provincias biogeográficas de Atacama y Coquimbo (Chile)

By means of reference material and literature reviews, as well as entomological surveys, we documented the taxonomic composition of the order Orthoptera within the biogeographic provinces of Atacama and Coquimbo, and identified the relationships between the spatial distribution of species and the plant formations described from these provinces. We recorded the presence of 68 species, 37 genera, and 9 families. The most diverse family was Tettigoniidae, followed by Proscopiidae and Acrididae. High species richness was observed in only 4 of the 23 plant formations analyzed. The areas with the highest number of species were the coastal shrubby steppe (47 species), the interior shrubby steppe (28 species), the shrubby steppe of the precordillera of Coquimbo (14 species), and the coastal desert of Huasco (13 species). This georeferenced survey is a first attempt to identify the distribution patterns of orthopteran species within these biogeographic areas.Mediante la revisión de material de referencia, literatura y prospecciones entomológicas se documentó la composición taxonómica del orden Orthoptera para las provincias biogeográficas de Atacama y Coquimbo y se estableció la distribución espacial de sus especies en relación a las formaciones vegetales descritas para dichas provincias. Se registró la presencia de 68 especies, 37 géneros y 9 familias. Tettigoniidae fue la familia más diversa, seguida de Proscopiidae y Acrididae. La mayor riqueza específica se observó solo en cuatro de las 23 formaciones vegetales analizadas. El mayor número de especies se registró en el matorral estepario costero (47 especies), seguido del matorral estepario interior (28 especies), estepa arbustiva de la precordillera de Coquimbo (14 especies) y desierto costero del Huasco (13 especies). El presente catastro georreferenciado constituye una primera aproximación de los patrones distribucionales de las especies de Orthoptera pertenecientes a estas áreas biogeográficas