This thesis deals with selection and verification of suitable mitochondrial markers for species identification of Cepaea molluscs. Optimisation of genomic DNA extraction method, PCR amplification using the 12S and 16S mitochondrial markers and automated sequencing of PCR products were performed. Data was evaluated using SeqScape Software v2.7, Sequence Scanner Software v1.0, MEGA7 programs and BLAST database. The aim of this thesis is to determinate whether the mitochondrial markers 12S and 16S are suitable for DNA barcoding of Cepaea.

Subterranean arthropod communities are important components of North American ecosystems, contributing numerous ecosystem services and essential food-web functions. Despite this, fundamental information about species diversity in these communities remains unknown, and their taxonomic composition and ecological diversity have scarcely been assessed. Subterranean pitfall traps are a commonly used method for sampling endogean and hypogean soil habitats in Europe but have never been widely implemented in North America. Here, I employed this method to sample subterranean arthropod communities in the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge ecoregions of Virginia, USA in the winter and spring. In total, 2,260 arthropod specimens were collected constituting 319 distinct species. I extracted and purified DNA and amplified the mitochondrial gene: cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) from each recovered morphospecies and derived a unique COI barcode for each species sequenced. Objective sequence clustering was used to establish molecular operational taxonomic units (mOTUs) for downstream diversity analyses and establishment of dynamic identification resources. Total species richness and average species richness per site were assessed and compared for both regions and seasons. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Hutcheson's t-test, and effective numbers of species (ENS) were employed to compare regional subterranean arthropod diversity. The richness, Shannon-Wiener, and ENS comparisons indicated that both ecoregions encompass highly diverse subterranean arthropod communities with those of the Ridge and Valley being significantly more diverse than those of the Blue Ridge. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Arthropods are invertebrate animals with hard exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed paired appendages, and include insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and myriapods. Arthropods make up the majority of animal species on the planet and are important parts of ecosystems, making it important for researchers to study them. While we know a fair amount about North American arthropods that live above-ground, relatively little is known about those that live deep within the soil and underlying rock substrate. Subterranean pitfall traps are a common method used for collecting arthropods from subterranean habitats in various regions of the world but have rarely been used in the USA. As a result, much of the life beneath our feet may be unknown. I used these traps to collect subterranean arthropods in the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge regions of the Appalachian Mountains. A total of 2,260 individual arthropods were collected, belonging to 319 different species. I used DNA sequencing to establish a unique fingerprint-like "barcode" for each species. These barcodes serve as helpful identification resources, and will help name new species in the future. They also allowed me to measure the number of species (diversity) of subterranean arthropods collected from each region, and compare the two to determine which region is more diverse. I used common statistical metrics of diversity including species richness (number of species) and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index to compare regional subterranean arthropod diversity. My results show that both the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge regions of Virginia, USA are home to highly diverse subterranean arthropod communities and those of the Ridge and Valley are significantly more diverse than those of the Blue Ridge.

Mushrooms and insects are both integral components of ecosystems worldwide. Interactions between these two groups of organisms are particularly interesting to study due to the transient nature of mushroom fruiting bodies, which form for a short period of time when environmental conditions are optimal to allow the fungus to distribute its spores. Despite this unpredictability in where and when mushrooms will grow, a variety of insect species use mushrooms as a food source and a substrate on which to lay their eggs. Interactions between these two groups of organisms have been documented extensively in Europe. However, little is known about the diversity of insects that associate with mushrooms in Canada. In this study, 1,017 mushrooms were collected from forests in Hamilton and the Tillsonburg, Ontario regions between fall 2018 and fall 2019. Mushrooms and their associated insects were identified through DNA barcoding using sequences of the nuclear ITS region and the mitochondrial CO1 gene for the mushrooms and insects, respectively. In total, more than 100 insect species from at least 35 families and five orders were identified from the approximately 200 mushroom species collected. While some insect species displayed evidence of specificity in their choice of mushroom host, the larger network of associations was moderately generalized and many insect species inhabited mushrooms from multiple families and orders. This study highlights the incredible diversity of organisms that rely on mushrooms for survival and contributes to our overall understanding of mushroom-insect associations in this region of Southern Ontario. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Mushrooms and insects are both highly important organisms within ecosystems around the world. Mushrooms play key roles in breaking down organic matter within forests and contributing to plant health, while insects are important decomposers and pollinators. This project involved collecting over 1,000 mushrooms from two regions in Southern Ontario and identifying the insect species found living within these mushrooms in order to examine patterns in the interactions. To our knowledge, this is the first time a survey of mushroom-insect associations has been conducted in Canada. The collected mushrooms were inhabited by a diverse range of insect species, which included mostly flies and beetles, and each of the main sampling locations had their own unique mushroom and insect communities. Some insect species displayed preference in their choice of mushroom host. Overall, this study contributes greatly to our current understanding of mushroom and insect diversity in this part of Canada.

O presente trabalho utiliza marcadores moleculares para auxiliar na caracterização e filogenia das espécies de macroalgas vermelhas do gênero Hypnea na costa do Brasil. O gênero Hypnea Lamouroux (1813) apresenta cerca de 67 espécies descritas e possui distribuição geográfica em águas quentes ao redor do mundo. Além disso, o gênero possui grande importância econômica e ecológica, como fonte de alimento e produção industrial de carragenana. Porém, a identificação das espécies de Hypnea com base exclusivamente em dados morfológicos é dificultada em virtude da plasticidade fenotípica presente no grupo, de sua morfologia relativamente simples e da ampla distribuição geográfica de suas espécies. Em vista disso, utilizamos a técnica de \"DNA barcoding\" que permite a análise de um grande número de amostras. Neste trabalho foram utilizados dois \"DNA barcodes\" (a região 5\' do gene mitocondrial cox1 e o \"universal plastid amplicon\" UPA), e para as análises filogenéticas foi utilizado o gene plastidial rbcL. Além disso, estudos morfológicos foram feitos a fim de delimitar o real valor dos caracteres morfo-anatômicos citados na literatura para a separação de espécies do gênero Hypnea. Ao todo, foram obtidas 230 amostras brasileiras de Hypnea, provenientes de 11 estados brasileiros, e 10 amostras de outros países. Um total de 367 sequências de marcadores moleculares foi obtido neste trabalho. Confirmamos a ocorrência de nove espécies para o gênero: H. cervicornis, \"H. flexicaulis\", \"H. musciformis\", H. spinella, \"H. stellulifera\", Hypnea sp. 1, Hypnea sp. 2, Hypnea sp. 3 e Hypnea sp. 4. As amostras coletadas e previamente identificadas em campo como H. cornuta revelaram-se, pelos estudos da biologia molecular, serem \"H. stellulifera\". As espécies H. musciformis, H. nigrescens, H. valentiae foram consideradas variações morfológicas de uma mesma espécie, denominada de \"H. musciformis\". A identificação das espécies com base apenas em características morfológicas mostrou-se insatisfatória, devido principalmente a plasticidade fenotípica presente no grupo, além da existência de espécies com morfologias convergentes. A técnica de \"DNA barcode\", principalmente com relação ao marcador cox1, mostrou-se essencial na identificação e delimitação das espécies, revelando cenários que passariam despercebidos com o uso apenas da morfologia / This study uses molecular markers to aid in the characterization and phylogeny of species of the genus Hypnea, a red macroalgae, on the coast of Brazil. The genus Hypnea Lamouroux (1813) presents about 67 described species and has geographical distribution in warm waters around the world. Furthermore, the genus has great economic and ecological importance as a source of food and industrial production of carrageenan. However, the identification of the species of Hypnea based solely on morphological data is difficult due to phenotypic plasticity present in this group, its relatively simple morphology and broad geographical distribution of its species. In view of this, we use the technique of \"DNA barcoding\" that allows the analysis of a large number of samples. In this work we used two \"DNA barcodes\" (the 5 \'region of the mitochondrial gene cox1 and universal plastid amplicon UPA), and for phylogenetic analysis the plastid gene rbcL was used. In addition, morphological studies were made in order to delimit the actual value of morpho-anatomical caracters cited in the literature for the separation of species of Hypnea. Altogether, 230 Hypnea samples were obtained from 11 Brazilian states, and 10 samples from other countries. A total of 367 sequences of molecular markers were obtained in this study. We confirm the occurrence of nine species of the genus: H. cervicornis, \"H. flexicaulis\", \"H. musciformis\", \"H. spinella, \"H. stellulifera\", Hypnea sp. 1, Hypnea sp. 2, Hypnea sp. 3 and Hypnea sp. 4. Samples collected in the field and previously identified as H. cornuta based on molecular data, proved to be \"H. stellulifera\". The species H. musciformis, H. nigrescens and H. valentiae were considered morphological variations of the same species, named \"H. musciformis\". The identification of species based on morphological characteristics proved unsatisfactory, mainly due to phenotypic plasticity in this group and the existence of species with convergent morphologies. The technique of \"DNA barcode\", especially with respect to cox1 marker, was essential for the identification and definition of species, revealing scenarios that would go unnoticed by using only morphology

Os Bombyliidae constituem uma das maiores famílias de Diptera, com mais de 5.000 espécies conhecidas em todo mundo, sendo o grupo de moscas com maior representatividade nas regiões desérticas da Terra, atualmente divididos em 17 subfamílias e 19 tribos. A subfamília Phthiriinae inclui duas tribos, 12 gêneros e 134 espécies válidas presentes em todas as regiões biogeográficas, são caracterizadas por serem moscas pequenas, variando de 3 mm a 12 mm de comprimento, com um acentuado dimorfismo sexual, pela presença de prolongamento dorsal no flagelo e presença de saco basal localizado na base do bulbo espermático na espermateca. Esta tese tem como objetivo central contribuir para a compreensão do padrão evolutivo em Bombyliidae por meio da realização de análise filogenética da subfamília Phthiriinae utilizando caracteres morfológicos. De modo específico, esta pesquisa realiza um estudo comparativo da morfologia externa e interna de Phthiriinae, testa a monofilia da subfamília, das tribos e dos gêneros incluídos, propõe uma nova classificação para a subfamília e delimita as espécies que apresentam dimorfismo sexual com base em ferramentas morfológicas e moleculares (DNA Barcoding). Foram estudados espécimes de todos os gêneros de Phthiriinae, totalizando 937 espécimes pertencentes a 74 espécies, das quais sete representam o grupo externo e 67 o grupo interno. A análise cladística baseada em 216 caracteres morfológicos, recupera a monofilia de Phthiriinae, com a inclusão do gênero Elektrophthiria + Nel, 2006 em uma nova subfamília aqui proposta, Elektrophthiriinae + subfam. nov., uma vez que este aparece fora do clado. Com essa alteração, a tribo Phthriini também passa a ser considerada monofilética. A maioria dos gêneros são recuperados como monofiléticos, no entanto Phthiria Meigen,1820, Poecilognathus Jaennicke, 1867, Relictiphthiria Evenhuis, 1986 e Tmemophlebia Evenhuis, 1986, com suas atuais composições, mostraram-se parafiléticos. Para recuperar a monofilia de Phthiria, um novo gênero é eregido para reunir as espécies Afrotropicais. Com relação ao gênero Poecilognathus, sua monofilia só pode ser recuperada após a remoção de Po. philippianus Rondani, 1863 e Po. xanthogaster Hall, 1976, que passam a compor dois novos gêneros monotípicos, pertencentes a Phthiriini e Poecilognathini, respectivamente, e, desse modo, a monofilia da tribo Poecilognathini também é recuperada. Além disso, Tmemophlebia é considerado sinônimo junior de Relictiphthiria. Esta tese propõe pela primeira vez a utilização do DNA Barcoding para a associação de machos e fêmeas de uma mesma espécie de Bombyliidae. Esse estudo possibilita a associação de machos e fêmeas pertencentes a 12 diferentes espécies sexualmente dimórficas, garantindo sua inclusão na análise cladística. / The Bombyliidae constitutes one of the largest family of Diptera, with more than 5.000 species known worldwide, being the group of flies with the largest representativeness in desertic regions of Earth, currently divided into 17 subfamilies and 19 tribes. The subfamily Phthiriinae comprises, two tribes, 12 genera and 134 valid species present in all biogeographic regions, are characterized by being small flies, varying from 3 mm to 12 mm, with accentuated sexual dimorphism, for the presence of dorsal prong on flagellum and presence of basal sac on spermathecae This thesis has the main goal to contribute for comprehension of the evolutionary pattern in Bombyliidae, performing a phylogenetic analysis of Phthiriinae based on morphological characters. Specifically, this research aims to realize a comparative study of external morphology of Phthiriinae, test the monophyly of the subfamily, tribes and included genera, propose a new classification for the subfamily and also delimit the species with sexual dimorphism based on molecular and morphological data (DNA Barcoding). Were studied specimens of all Phthriiinae genera, in a total of 937 specimens, belonging of 74 species, of which seven represents the outgroup and 67 the ingroup. The cladist analysis based in 216 morphological characters, recover the monophily of Phthirrinae, with the inclusion of the genus Elektrophthiria + Nel, 2006 in a new subfamily, Elektrophthiriinae + subfam. nov., once was positioned outside the group. With this change, Phthiriini tribe also becames monophyletic. Most genera are recovered as monophyletic, however, Phthiria Meigen,1820, Poecilognathus Jaennicke, 1867, Relictiphthiria Evenhuis, 1986 and Tmemophlebia Evenhuis, 1986, with the current composition, were shown to be paraphyletic. To recover the monophily of Phthiria, a new genus is erected to gather the Afrotropical species. Concerning the Poecilognathus genus, its monophyly can only be recovered with the withdrawal Po. philippianus Rondani, 1863 and Po. xanthogaster Hall, 1976, which begins to compose two new monotipic genera, belonging to Phthiriini and Poecilognathini, respectively, thus the monophily of Poecilognathini tribe is also recovered. Therefore, it is proposed Tmemophlebia as a junior synonym of Relictiphthiria. This thesis proposed for the first time the use of DNA Barcoding for the association of males and females of the same species of Bombyliidae. This study allows the association of males and females belonging to 12 different sexually dimorphic species, ensuring their inclusion in the cladistic analysis.

Submitted by Angela Maria de Oliveira (amolivei@uepg.br) on 2017-10-27T12:45:54Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Dissertação Geize.pdf: 2675219 bytes, checksum: 90ad2edda2ef72b5d73979929c6cca53 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-27T12:45:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Dissertação Geize.pdf: 2675219 bytes, checksum: 90ad2edda2ef72b5d73979929c6cca53 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Loricariidae é uma das maiores famílias de peixes de água doce com 931 espécies válidas distribuídas em 100 gêneros. As espécies pertencentes a essa família são popularmente conhecidas como cascudos que possuem um corpo achatado, coberto por placas ósseas, e boca ventral em forma de ventosa. Pertencente à família Loricariidae e a subfamília Neoplecostominae, o gênero Neoplecostomus compreende espécies de tamanho pequeno que habitam riachos da região sul e sudeste do Brasil. O gênero apresenta interesse em estudos genéticos, visto que é composto por espécies vágeis e que, por raramente migrarem, podem acumular diferenças genéticas entre populações. Das dezesseis espécies válidas descritas até o momento para este gênero, oito foram descritas para a bacia do rio Paraná e há evidências da ocorrência de novas espécies para esta bacia. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo estudar a diferenciação cariotípica e a diversificação genética no gênero Neoplecostomus das bacias hidrográficas dos rios Iguaçu, Itararé, Cinzas e Tibagi com vistas ao entendimento da evolução cariotípica e descrição da biodiversidade. Para isso, foram realizas coletas em quatro localidades: rio Pinhão (Neoplecostomus sp. 1), rio Samambaias (Neoplecostomus cf. botucatu), rio das Pedras (Neoplecostomus sp. 2) e rio São João (Neoplecostomus yapo). Os dados citogenéticos revelaram um número diploide de 54 cromossomos para as quatro populações, poucas regiões heterocromáticas e sítios cromossomo independentes para os genes ribossomais 5 e 18S. Os resultados citogenéticos evidenciam uma alta estabilidade cariotípica, observado também na subfamília Neoplecostominae. Foram realizadas análises moleculares envolvendo o gene mitocondrial citocromo c oxidase subunidade 1 (COI) e todas as distâncias genéticas foram superiores a 4,7 %. Além disso, contrários à estabilidade cromossômica, os dados de distância genética evidenciaram ausência de fluxo gênico e estruturação populacional, além de sugerir uma provável espécie de Neoplecostomus não descrita para o rio Pinhão, bacia do rio Iguaçu. / The Loricariidae family is one of the largest families of freshwater fishes, with 931 species distributed in 100 genera. Loricariidae members are popularly known as armored catfishes and characterized by a depressed body, covered by bony plates and a ventral sucker mouth. Inside the subfamily Neoplecostominae, the genus Neoplecostomus comprises small species that inhabit streams of south and southeast regions of Brazil. This genus is interested in genetic studies because they rarely migrate and can accumulate genetic differences between populations. Of the sixteen valid species described so far for this genus, eight were described for the Paraná river basin and there is evidence of new species occurring in this basin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the karyotype differentiation and genetic diversification in the genus Neoplecostomus from Iguaçu, Itararé, Cinzas and Tibagi river basins, with the goal of understand the karyotype evolution and biodiversity. The specimens were captured at four localities: Pinhão river (Neoplecostomus sp. 1), Samambaias river (Neoplecostomus cf. botucatu), Pedras river (Neoplecostomus sp. 2) and São João river (Neoplecostomus yapo). Cytogenetic data revealed a diploid number of 54 chromosomes to the four populations, few heterochromatic regions and independent chromosome sites for 5S and 18S ribosomal genes. The cytogenetic results revealed a high karyotypic stability, which is also observed for the subfamily Neoplecostominae. Also, were performed molecular analyzes by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) amplification, where all genetic distances were higher than 4.7%. In addition, contrary to chromosome stability, genetic distance data also showed absence of gene flow, population structure and suggested a probable Neoplecostomus species not described yet for Pinhão river at Iguaçu basin.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The mitochondrial gene COI is widely used as a molecular marker, and the region used for DNA barcoding is getting more and more popular to species delimitation and identification. However, the evolution patterns can vary along the genes depending on factors as the gene position in genome and taxonomic group, among others. Using one unique delimited region for all groups may not be suitable to a certain targeted taxon, or to answer its evolutionary questions. We examined the patterns of COI intra- and interspecific nucleotide divergence for aeglid crustaceans and we found highly variable divergence profiles along the COI gene; a possible evolutionary pattern for the Jerry-Pat region; lacking of evolutionary pressures by concentrated divergence; intra- and interspecific divergence levels overlap, but no overlapping in substitution profiles along the gene; a putative new COI region to access the total COI diversity in aeglids. We conclude that the barcoding region does not accurately reflect the evolution of the gene COI in aeglids. / O gene mitocondrial COI é amplamente utilizado como marcador molecular, sendo a região de DNA barcoding cada vez mais popular para delimitação e identificação de espécies. No entanto, os padrões de evolução variam ao longo dos genes dependendo de fatores como posição do gene no genoma, grupo taxonômico, entre outros. O uso de uma única região delimitada para qualquer grupo pode não ser adequado para o táxon de interesse ou para responder suas questões evolutivas. Nós examinamos os padrões de divergência nucleotídica intra e interespecíficas no gene COI de crustáceos eglídeos e obtivemos: perfis de divergência altamente variáveis ao longo de todo COI; possível padrão de evolução na região de Jerry-Pat; ausência de pressões evolutivas por divergência concentrada; sobreposição de níveis de divergência intraespecífica e com interespecífica, mas sem sobreposição dos perfis de substituição ao longo do gene; sugestão de nova região para acessar a diversidade total de COI em eglídeos. Concluímos que a região de barcoding não reflete acuradamente a evolução do gene mitocondrial COI em eglídeos.

O presente trabalho utiliza marcadores moleculares para auxiliar na caracterização e filogenia das espécies de macroalgas vermelhas do gênero Hypnea na costa do Brasil. O gênero Hypnea Lamouroux (1813) apresenta cerca de 67 espécies descritas e possui distribuição geográfica em águas quentes ao redor do mundo. Além disso, o gênero possui grande importância econômica e ecológica, como fonte de alimento e produção industrial de carragenana. Porém, a identificação das espécies de Hypnea com base exclusivamente em dados morfológicos é dificultada em virtude da plasticidade fenotípica presente no grupo, de sua morfologia relativamente simples e da ampla distribuição geográfica de suas espécies. Em vista disso, utilizamos a técnica de \"DNA barcoding\" que permite a análise de um grande número de amostras. Neste trabalho foram utilizados dois \"DNA barcodes\" (a região 5\' do gene mitocondrial cox1 e o \"universal plastid amplicon\" UPA), e para as análises filogenéticas foi utilizado o gene plastidial rbcL. Além disso, estudos morfológicos foram feitos a fim de delimitar o real valor dos caracteres morfo-anatômicos citados na literatura para a separação de espécies do gênero Hypnea. Ao todo, foram obtidas 230 amostras brasileiras de Hypnea, provenientes de 11 estados brasileiros, e 10 amostras de outros países. Um total de 367 sequências de marcadores moleculares foi obtido neste trabalho. Confirmamos a ocorrência de nove espécies para o gênero: H. cervicornis, \"H. flexicaulis\", \"H. musciformis\", H. spinella, \"H. stellulifera\", Hypnea sp. 1, Hypnea sp. 2, Hypnea sp. 3 e Hypnea sp. 4. As amostras coletadas e previamente identificadas em campo como H. cornuta revelaram-se, pelos estudos da biologia molecular, serem \"H. stellulifera\". As espécies H. musciformis, H. nigrescens, H. valentiae foram consideradas variações morfológicas de uma mesma espécie, denominada de \"H. musciformis\". A identificação das espécies com base apenas em características morfológicas mostrou-se insatisfatória, devido principalmente a plasticidade fenotípica presente no grupo, além da existência de espécies com morfologias convergentes. A técnica de \"DNA barcode\", principalmente com relação ao marcador cox1, mostrou-se essencial na identificação e delimitação das espécies, revelando cenários que passariam despercebidos com o uso apenas da morfologia / This study uses molecular markers to aid in the characterization and phylogeny of species of the genus Hypnea, a red macroalgae, on the coast of Brazil. The genus Hypnea Lamouroux (1813) presents about 67 described species and has geographical distribution in warm waters around the world. Furthermore, the genus has great economic and ecological importance as a source of food and industrial production of carrageenan. However, the identification of the species of Hypnea based solely on morphological data is difficult due to phenotypic plasticity present in this group, its relatively simple morphology and broad geographical distribution of its species. In view of this, we use the technique of \"DNA barcoding\" that allows the analysis of a large number of samples. In this work we used two \"DNA barcodes\" (the 5 \'region of the mitochondrial gene cox1 and universal plastid amplicon UPA), and for phylogenetic analysis the plastid gene rbcL was used. In addition, morphological studies were made in order to delimit the actual value of morpho-anatomical caracters cited in the literature for the separation of species of Hypnea. Altogether, 230 Hypnea samples were obtained from 11 Brazilian states, and 10 samples from other countries. A total of 367 sequences of molecular markers were obtained in this study. We confirm the occurrence of nine species of the genus: H. cervicornis, \"H. flexicaulis\", \"H. musciformis\", \"H. spinella, \"H. stellulifera\", Hypnea sp. 1, Hypnea sp. 2, Hypnea sp. 3 and Hypnea sp. 4. Samples collected in the field and previously identified as H. cornuta based on molecular data, proved to be \"H. stellulifera\". The species H. musciformis, H. nigrescens and H. valentiae were considered morphological variations of the same species, named \"H. musciformis\". The identification of species based on morphological characteristics proved unsatisfactory, mainly due to phenotypic plasticity in this group and the existence of species with convergent morphologies. The technique of \"DNA barcode\", especially with respect to cox1 marker, was essential for the identification and definition of species, revealing scenarios that would go unnoticed by using only morphology

Orientador: Claudio Oliveira / Resumo: A família Serrasalmidae é endêmica da região Neotropical, amplamente distribuída na América do Sul, e possui 97 espécies válidas distribuídas em 16 gêneros recentes e um fóssil. Embora a monofilia de Serrasalmidae seja bem estabelecida, assim como dos três clados que a compõe, várias relações entre os subgrupos são ainda conflitantes, há confusão sobre as posições dos gêneros dentro destes clados e restam dúvidas sobre a monofilia, composição e validade dos gêneros e espécies. Ainda, a imprecisão da descrição de muitas das espécies e seus atuais status taxonômicos dificultam o entendimento e o estudo para diversas áreas. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho visou elucidar as relações filogenéticas da família através de análises filogenômicas utilizando elementos ultraconservados (UCEs) e delimitar espécies de Catoprion e Pygocentrus através de análises integrativas, morfológicas e moleculares. Os resultados corroboram a monofilia da família, bem como dos três clados principais: (1) Colossoma, Mylossoma e Piaractus, (2) o “clado Myleus” formado por Acnodon, Myleus, Mylesinus, Myloplus, Ossubtus, Tometes e Utiaritichthys e (3) o “clado piranha”, composto por Catoprion, Metynnis, Pristobrycon, Pygocentrus, Pygopristis e Serrasalmus. As relações dentro do clado “Colossoma+Mylossoma+Piaractus” são bem suportadas, com Piaractus irmão do clado Colossoma e Mylossoma, sendo este clado grupo irmão de todos os outros serrasalmídeos. O “clado Myleus” apresenta gêneros não-monofiléticos, como... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Serrasalmidae is an endemic Neotropical fish family, broadly distributed in South America, with 97 valid species allocated in 16 extant genera and one fossil. Even though the monophyly of the family is well stablished, as the formation of three major clades composing it, several aspects of relationships between subgroups are discordant among authors and are observed conflicts in the interrelationships and monophyly of some genera, and in the validity of some species. Furthermore, the imprecision of the species description and its current taxonomic status make it difficult the understanding and study for several areas. Thus, the present study aimed to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships within the family through a phylogenomic analysis using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and to delimit species of Catoprion and Pygocentrus through morphological and molecular integrative analysis. The results corroborate the monophyly of family as well as the three main clades: (1) Colossoma, Mylossoma and Piaractus, (2) the “Myleus clade” composed by Acnodon, Myleus, Mylesinus, Myloplus, Ossubtus, Tometes and Utiaritichthys, and (3) the “piranha clade", composed by Catoprion, Metynnis, Pristobrycon, Pygocentrus, Pygopristis and Serrasalmus. The relationships within the “Colossoma+Mylossoma+Piaractus” clade are well supported, with Colossoma and Mylossoma as sister group of Piaractus, and this clade sister to all other Serrasalmids. The “Myleus clade” contains several non-monophyletic gene... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are among the most dominant and conspicuous insects in the decomposition process. They are important in forensic entomology to determine time of death and, in certain situations, cause of death or relocation of a body. Insects are now included as standard operating procedures in crime scene investigations in many countries, however, this is not standard procedure in the Caribbean area due to lack of knowledge of insects involved in cadaveric decomposition. Successful application of forensic entomology depends on solid underlying data. Our main goal is to advance the knowledge of Calliphoridae in the Caribbean to enable forensic entomology studies. We performed a mega-transect across the Caribbean and extensively collected flies attracted to rotten meat baits during five years from 2011 to 2015. Overall we collected 61,332 flies of which 34,650 were Calliphoridae. We sampled 16 of the 18 species of forensically important Caribbean Calliphoridae and three continental species. We determine the diversity and distribution of Calliphoridae in the Caribbean. We also present a thorough DNA barcode dataset, covering the geographic range of most species in the region. Finally we established phylogenetic relationships among Calliphoridae species and test biogeographical hypotheses, and patterns of diversification and endemism in the Caribbean. In sum, this is the most comprehensive study of the family Calliphoridae from the Caribbean that will open the door for future research on forensic entomology in the region.