Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduced species displace native species and alter ecological communities, affect agriculture as well as human health and are economically costly to eradicate. Long term monitoring of introduced species including the documentation of levels of genetic variation is therefore of the utmost importance. This study investigated the distribution of genetic variation in two introduced species distributed across South Africa the bud gall-forming wasp Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae and the Argentine ant Linepithema humile. The bud gall-forming wasp was introduced into South Africa as a biological control agent to curb the spread of the invasive long-leaved wattle Acacia longifolia. In addition to the intended (target) host, the bud gall-forming wasp has also colonised A. floribunda, a noninvasive ornamental plant. Limited genetic variation was found across South Africa based on the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Only 3 haplotypes characterized 53 individuals collected from 23 localities (nucleotide diversity £k = 0.002 ¡Ó 0.001, haplotype diversity h = 0.482 ¡Ó 0.045). No significant partitioning of genetic variation was found across South Africa including between host plants (target host = A. longifolia, non target host = A. floribunda) or between the core (sites of introduction) and edge (naturally dispersed) sites (ƒ¶ST = 0.094, P = 0.288). The limited genetic variation and the absence of significant genetic structure are congruent with patterns described for many other introduced species and may suggest that propagule pressure plays only a minor role in species establishment and spread of the gall-forming wasp across South Africa. Mitochondrial and nuclear markers were used to describe the distribution of genetic variation within Argentine ants across their introduced range in South Africa. For the mitochondrial DNA, low genetic diversity was found for the COI gene with only five haplotypes, separated by single mutational changes, characterizing 101 specimens from 35 localities (nucleotide diversity π = 0.001 ± 0.001, haplotype diversity h = 0.151 ± 0.048). Notwithstanding the low levels of genetic diversity, mitochondrial variation was significantly structured (ST = 0.54, P < 0.001) across the landscape. In contrast, microsatellite analyses of 230 ants from 23 localities, employing six polymorphic microsatellite markers, revealed a relatively high amount of genetic diversity (HE = 0.51 ± 0.22). Significant population structure was similarly evident (RST = 0.14, P < 0.001) with the localities of Elim2, Porterville2 and Bloemfontein2 clustering as a distinct population from the remainder of the localities. Importantly, individuals from these localities also had a unique mitochondrial haplotype and, when taken with the nuclear results, may indicate the occurrence of more than one introduction event (and possibly more than one colony) in South Africa. This is further underscored by the presence of unique microsatellite alleles in these three populations. In an attempt to establish the source populations for the introduction of Argentine ants into South Africa, mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences were generated for a subset of ants representing the two major genetic clades across South Africa. A comparison with the published data from across the world including the native range of the Argentine ant in South America grouped Argentine ants from South Africa with three potential source populations namely Ocampo and Rosario in Argentina and Passo do Lontra in Brazil. The results of this study underscore the role of human-mediated dispersal in shaping the levels of genetic variation in both species. Human-mediated dispersal can lead to genetic homogenization across populations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Indringer spesies verplaas of verander ekologiese gemeenskappe, beinvloed landbou asook menslike gesondheid en is ekonomies duur om te verwyder. Langtermyn monitering van indringer spesies asook die dokumentasie van genetiese variasie is dus baie belangrik. Hierdie studie bestudeer die verspreiding van genetiese variasie in twee indringer spesies wat regoor Suid-Afrika voorkom, naamlik die kroongal-vormende wespe Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae en die Argentynse mier Linepithema humile. Die kroongal-vormende wesp is na Suid Afrika gebring as biologiese beheeragent om die verspreiding van indringer lang-blarige wattle Acacia longifolia te beveg. Die kroongalvormende wespe het sowel die teiken spesies, asook A. floribunda, ‘n nie-indringer ornamentele plant gekoloniseer. Beperkte genetiese variasie is gevind regoor Suid Afrika gebasseer op die mitochondriale DNA sitokroom-oksidasie subeenheid I (COI) geen. Slegs 3 haplotipes karakteriseer 53 indiviue van 23 bevolkings (nukleotied diversiteit π = 0.002 ± 0.001, haplotiep diversiteit h = 0.482 ± 0.045). Geen beduinde groepering van genetiese variase is gevind regoor Suid Afrika nie (ST = 0.094, P = 0.288). Hierdie bevinding geld onafhanklik van die gasheer plant (teiken gasheer = A. longifolia, nie-teiken gasheer = A. floribunda). Ook is geen beduidende genetiese groepering gevind tussen die sentrale (plek van inisiele blootstelling) en perifêre (natuurlik verspreide) lokaliteite nie. Die kleinskaalse genetiese variase en die afwesigheid van beduidende genetiese struktuur wat hier gevind is, verskil van die patrone wat voorheen vir baie ander indringer-spesies beskryf is. Dit mag daarop dui dat ‘propagule’ druk slegs ’n klein rol speel in spesies-vestiging en verspreiding van die galvormende wespe regoor Suid-Afrika. Mitochondriale asook kern merkers is gebruik om die verspreiding van genetiese variasie in Argentynse miere in Suid Afrika te beskryf. Vir die mitochondriale DNA is lae genetiese variase gevind vir die COI geen, met slegs 5 haplotipes, gedifferensieer deur enkele mutasie veranderinge wat 101 monsters van 35 lokaliteite karakteriseer (nukleotied diversiteit π = 0.001 ± 0.001, haplotiep diversiteit h = 0.151 ± 0.048). Desondanks die lae genetiese variasie, is gevind dat mitochondriale variasie beduidend gestruktureerd is (ST = 0.54, P < 0.001) oor die landskap. Hierteenoor het mikrosatelliet analises van 230 miere van 23 lokaliteite, deur gebruik te maak van ses polimorfiese mikrosatelliet merkers, ’n relatiewe hoë hoeveelheid genetiese diversiteit aangedui. Beduidende bevolkingstruktuur was ook gevind (RST = 0.14, P < 0.001) in die areas Elim2, Porterville2 en Bloemfontein2 wat saam groepeer as eiesoortige bevolkings vergeleke met die res van die areas. Ook van belang is dat individue van die areas ’n unieke mitochondriale haplotipe besit, en in kombinasie met die kern resultate, mag dit die voorkoms van meer as een blootstellingsgeleentheid (en moontlik meer as een kolonie) in Suid Afrika aandui. Hierdie bevinding word verder beklemtoon deur die teenwoordigheid van unieke mikrosatelliet allele in die drie bevolkings. In ‘n poging om die oorsprong van die oorsprong-bevolking vir die blootstelling van Argentynse miere in Suid Afrika vas te stel, is mitochondriale sitokroom b volgordes gegenereer vir ’n substel miere wat die twee hoof genetiese klades in Suid Afrika voorstel. Vergelyking met gepubliseerde data van regoor die wêreld, insluitende die endemiese gebied van die Argentynse mier in Suid Amerika, het die Argentynse mier van Suid Afrika met drie potensiele oorsprong-bevolking verbind, naamlik Ocampo en Rosario in Argentina en Passo do Lontra in Brazil.

Estudos de ecologia de comunidade e conservação são importantes para entender quais áreas com diferentes fitofisionomias podem manter maior número de espécies coexistindo. Também é possível compreender o nicho trófico das abelhas, sendo este relacionado com a diversidade de recursos alimentares disponíveis e a sobreposição entre espécies de uma guilda. Uma ferramenta que atualmente vem sendo utilizada em estudos ecológicos de interações inseto-planta são as redes mutualísticas e suas métricas. Com essas ferramentas é possível inferir ou até prever as consequências da extinção de espécies e as perturbações ambientais, além de variações nos padrões para a comunidade como um todo, e a ecologia das abelhas e plantas. A partir disso o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar e analisar a estrutura da comunidade de abelhas e vespas e o nicho trófico da comunidade de abelhas que nidificam em cavidades preexistentes em áreas de Cerrado e Mata semidecídua. A área de estudo foi a Estação Ecológica Jataí que apresenta diferentes fitofisionomias. Os dados foram obtidos com a utilização do método de ninhos-armadilha instalados em seis pontos, três no cerrado e três na mata semidecídua, em agosto de 2015. Foi utilizado o método de análise polínica e redes mutualísticas para o estudo do nicho trófico das abelhas. Foram amostradas 11 espécies de abelhas e oito de vespas, e essas comunidades apresentaram espécies com ampla distribuição geográfica o que confere a condição de generalistas por explorarem uma alta diversidade de ambientes. Elas tiveram mais nidificações no período chuvoso, refletindo na maior sobreposição temporal das abelhas nesse período. Entretanto na estação seca, a sobreposição temporal das vespas foi maior. Os dados obtidos de riqueza e abundância das abelhas amostradas na mata foram diferentes do cerrado, o que indica que, realmente, as espécies podem ter suas populações mudando significativamente de um ambiente para o outro como consequência de mudanças nos vários fatores abióticos e bióticos. A dieta das abelhas amostradas se mostrou bastante variada, um grande número de tipos polínicos de 14 famílias de plantas. A família mais importante para Anthidiini e Euglossini foi Fabaceae. Como já conhecida, a relação entre Centris e plantas que disponibilizam óleo, Malpighiaceae foi a família mais utilizada por C. analis. Já para as espécies de Tetrapediini, a família Euphorbiaceae foi mais frequente. As espécies se mostraram, de maneira geral, com comportamento generalista uma vez que suas amplitudes de nichos foram altas. Por outro lado, em alguns momentos, como foi possível perceber na sobreposição de nicho, essas fêmeas adotaram comportamentos mais especialistas. As Tetrapedia tiveram as maiores sobreposições de nicho entre elas mesmas, mas também utilizaram as espécies de plantas mais abundantes. Ludwigia foi o tipo polínico mais importante na dieta das abelhas para o cerrado enquanto que Gliricidia, Dalechampia, Serjania e Desmodium foram centrais na dieta da mata. As redes para ambas fitofisionomias e anos de coletas foram aninhadas e não-modulares, como esperado para redes mutualísticas. Além disso, provavelmente pelo bom estado de preservação, as redes foram robustas, indicando que a comunidade não está frágil à perda de espécies. A comunidade apresentou um comportamento mais especialista no cerrado e não alterou muito em relação aos dois anos. A especialização das populações foi maior, de maneira geral, para a área de cerrado, com exceção de Epanthidium erythrocephalum. A grande diferença nos parâmetros como composição, abundância e métricas de rede em comparação com outros estudos mostra a importância de se conhecer a dinâmica de cada área para pensar de maneira mais eficiente em estratégias específicas de recuperação e preservação de áreas naturais / Studies on community ecology and conservation are important to understand which areas with different phytophysiognomies can maintain a great number of species coexisting. It also understand the trophic niche of bees and this is associated with the diversity of food resources available and with the overlap between species of a guild. A tool that currently is being used in ecological insect-plant studies, mutualistic networks and their metrics. With these tools, it is possible to infer or even predict the consequences of the species extinction, the environmental disruption of the community as a whole, variations in community patterns and bee-plant ecology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize and analyze the community structure of bees and wasps and the trophic niche of bees that nest in preexisting cavities in Brazilian savannah and semideciduous mesophytic forest. The study area was the Estação Ecológica de Jataí that presents different phytophysiognomies. The data were obtained from the method of trap-nests installed in six areas, three in the brazilian savannah and three in the semideciduous mesophytic forest, in August 2015. The methodology of pollen analysis and mutualistic networks was used to study the trophic niche of bees. Eleven species of bees and eight wasps species were sampled and this community showed species with high geographic distribution that confers the status of generalists by exploring a great variety of environments. They nested more in the rainy season reflecting in the larger temporal overlap of the bees in that period. Besides that, the wasps were higher time ovelap in the dry season. The richness and abundance of bees in the forest was different from Brazilian savannah, what can indicate that the species can have their populations changing significantly from one environment to another because of changes in the various abiotic and biotic factors. The diet of bees showed a variety of pollen types of 14 plants families. The most important family to Anthidiini and Euglossini was Fabaceae. As well documented, the relationship between Centris and plants that provide oil, Malpighiaceae was the most used family for C. analis. For the Tetrapediini species, the family Euphorbiaceae was the most frequent. All species showed a generalist behavior once their breath niche was high. On the other hand, in a few moments, as it was possible to observe in the niche overlap, the species adopted a more specialist behavior. Tetrapedia had the highest overlap niche among them, but they used the most abundant plants in the area. Ludwigia was the most important pollen type in the bees` diet in the Brazilian savannah, while Gliricidia, Dalechampia, Serjania e Desmodium were the most central in the diet of bees in the forest. The networks for both phytophysiognomies and year of sampling, was nested and not modular, as expected in mutualistic networks. Besides, probably, because of the good state of conservation of the study area, the networks were robust, indicating that the community is not fragile to the loss of species. The community showed a more specialist behavior in the Brazilian savannah and did not change much over the two years. The specialization of populations was greater, in the most cases, in the Brazilian savannah, except Epanthidium erythrocephalum. The important difference among the parameters such as composition, abundance and network metrics compared to other studies shows the importance of knowing the dynamics of each area to think more efficiently about specific strategies for recovery and preservation of natural areas

O objetivo desse estudo foi examinar a composição de espécies e a abundância de vespas solitárias que nidificam em cavidades preexistentes no Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta, Ubatuba, SP, Brasil. As amostragens foram feitas durante dois anos, de setembro de 2007 a agosto de 2009, utilizando como ninhos-armadilha gomos de bambu e tubos feitos com cartolina preta. Os ninhos-armadilha foram inspecionados uma vez por mês e aqueles contendo ninhos completos foram coletados e levados para o laboratório. Para cada ninho-armadilha retirado, outro similar foi disponibilizado. No laboratório, os ninhos foram mantidos à temperatura ambiente e foram observados diariamente para a coleta dos indivíduos conforme eles emergiam. Foram obtidos um total de 142 ninhos com 457 células de cria construídos por fêmeas de 14 espécies: nove espécies foram da família Crabronidae, duas espécies da família Vespidae, subfamília Eumeninae, duas espécies da família Pompilidae e uma espécie da família Sphecidae. Além desses ninhos, de outros 112 contendo 311 células todos os imaturos estavam mortos ou apenas emergiram inimigos naturais. Nesses casos, apenas o gênero ou subfamília puderam ser identificados. Crabronidae foi a família mais abundante em número de células de cria construídas (67,6%), seguida por Vespidae (Eumeninae), Sphecidae e Pompilidae. As espécies mais abundantes foram: Trypoxylon lactitarse, Pachodynerus nasidens, Trypoxylon sp 2 aff nitidum e Podium denticulatum e Trypoxylon albitarse, Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) sp2, Trypoxylon punctivertex e Auplopus pratens foram as espécies mais pobremente representadas. Os inimigos naturais associados com os ninhos incluíram: Hymenoptera (Chrysididae, Ichneumonidae e Chalcididae) e Diptera (Sarcophagidae). O inimigo mais abundante foi o parasitóide Amobia floridensis (Diptera) responsável por 58.3% de todas as células de cria atacadas e foi encontrado em ninhos de Trypoxylon, Pachodynerus e Podium enquanto crisidídeos atacaram somente ninhos de Trypoxylon. As maiores freqüências de nidificação ocorreram durante o período mais quente e mais chuvoso do ano e uma correlação significativa foi encontrada entre os números mensais de ocupações dos ninhos-armadilha e os valores de temperatura. A razão sexual para Pachodynerus brevithorax e P. denticulatum não foi significantemente diferente de 1:1, mas para Trypoxylon lactitarse e Trypoxylon sp2 aff nitidum ela foi fortemente desviada para machos enquanto para Trypoxylon sp5 aff nitidum e P. nasidens ela foi fortemente desviada para fêmeas. / The aim of this study was to examine the species composition and the abundance of solitary wasps that nest in preexisting cavities at Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta (Anchieta Island State Park), Ubatuba, SP, Brazil. Sampling was made during two years, from September 2007 to August 2009, utilizing bamboo canes and tubes made of black cardboard as trap-nests. The traps were inspected once a month and those containing completed nests were collected, replaced with empty ones and taken to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the nests were kept at room temperature and observed daily until the adults emerged. A total of 142 nests with 457 individual brood cells of 14 species were obtained: nine species of digger wasps (Crabronidae), two species of mason wasps (Eumeninae, Vespidae), two species of spider wasps (Pompilidae), and one species of the roach-hunting wasps (Sphecidae). The most abundant family were digger wasps with 67.6% of all brood cells, followed by mason wasps (23.6%), roach-hunting wasps (5.9%) and spider wasps (2.9%). The most abundant species were: Trypoxylon lactitarse, Pachodynerus nasidens, Trypoxylon sp 2 aff nitidum, Podium denticulatum and Trypoxylon albitarse, Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) sp2, Trypoxylon punctivertex and Auplopus pratens were the rare species. The natural enemies associated with the nests included Hymenoptera (Chrysididae, Ichneumonidae and Chalcididae) and Diptera (Sarcophagidae). The most abundant enemy was the parasitoid Amobia floridensis (Diptera) accounting for 58.3% of all attacked brood cells and it was found in nests of Trypoxylon, Pachodynerus and Podium, whereas the chrysidids were found only in nests of Trypoxylon. The highest nesting frequencies occurred during the hottest and wettest period of the year and a significant correlation was found between the number of occupied trap-nests per month and the values of temperature. The sex ratio for Pachodynerus brevithorax and P. denticulatum was not significantly different from 1:1. On the other hand, for Trypoxylon lactitarse and Trypoxylon sp2 aff nitidum the sex ratio was strongly male-biased whereas for Trypoxylon sp5 aff nitidum and P. nasidens the sex ratio was strongly female-biased.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi inventariar a diversidade de espécies de abelhas e vespas solitárias que nidificam em cavidades preexistentes em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica, componente da paisagem urbana de Salvador, Bahia, ocupado pelo Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas (PZBGV) e pelo campus da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Ondina. Além disso, foi feita a identificação dos recursos florais utilizados por duas espécies de abelhas, Centris (Heterocentris) analis e Centris (Heterocentris) terminata, para aprovisionamento das suas células de cria. A amostragem foi realizada durante o período de maio de 2014 a outubro de 2015, e os ninhos-armadilha utilizados consistiam de tubos de cartolina preta, blocos de madeira e gomos de bambu. Foram instalados no campo 1.192 ninhos-armadilha, distribuídos em oito suportes, sendo quatro colocados na área do Parque Zoobotânico e quatro colocados na área ocupada pelo campus da UFBA. As inspeções aos ninhos foram feitas mensalmente e os ninhos concluídos foram coletados e substituídos por novos ninhos-armadilha vazios. Os ninhos ocupados foram levados para o laboratório. No laboratório, os ninhos foram mantidos à temperatura ambiente e observados diariamente até a emergência dos adultos. Foram amostrados 409 ninhos pertencentes a sete espécies de vespas e cinco de abelhas, sendo 189 coletados no campus da UFBA e 220 no PZBGV. Do total de ninhos obtidos, 234 ninhos foram colonizados por cinco espécies de abelhas pertencentes a família Apidae: Centris analis, Centris terminata, Xylocopa frontalis, Euglossa sp. e Tetrapedia diversipes. As abelhas nidificaram com maior frequência no PZBGV (127 ninhos) do que no campus da UFBA (107 ninhos). Em relação às vespas, do total de 175 ninhos, 82 foram coletados na UFBA e 93 no PZBGV, tendo emergido indivíduos de sete espécies pertencentes a três famílias: Podium denticulatum e Podium sp. (Sphecidae); Auplopus pratens e Auplopus subaurarius (Pompilidae); Trypoxylon sp.1, Trypoxylon sp.2 e Trypoxylon lactitarse (Crabronidae). Entre as espécies de abelhas, C. analis foi a mais abundante, seguida por C. terminata. As espécies de vespas mais abundantes foram Trypoxylon sp.2 e P. denticulatum. As maiores frequências de atividade de nidificação das espécies de abelhas e vespas ocorreram nos meses com temperaturas elevadas e baixos índices pluviométricos (janeiro-março). Das espécies vii analisadas, apenas C. analis, P. denticulatum e Trypoxylon sp. 2 apresentaram diferenças significativas na razão sexual, as quais foram enviesadas para machos. A taxa de mortalidade para as espécies de abelhas e vespas foi maior na UFBA (55,08%) do que no PZBGV (44,92%). A mortalidade foi ocasionada, na grande maioria dos casos, por causas desconhecidas. Para identificação das fontes dos recursos florais utilizados por C. analis e C. terminata foi realizada a análise polínica a partir de 53 ninhos de C. analis e 20 ninhos de C. terminata fundados durante o período de maio de 2014 a abril de 2015. A análise do conteúdo polínico residual dos ninhos foi realizada pelo método de acetólise convencional. Foram identificados 12 tipos polínicos, pertencentes a sete famílias vegetais: Malpighiaceae, Bignoniaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Polygalaceae e Sapindaceae. Destas famílias, Malpighiaceae foi a que teve os tipos polínicos mais frequentes nos ninhos de ambas as espécies de abelhas. Nos ninhos de C. analis foram encontrados 12 tipos polínicos e nos ninhos de C. terminata 8 tipos polínicos. Os tipos polínicos com as maiores frequências de utilização por C. analis e C. terminata foram: Malpighia emarginata, Byrsonima sericea, Stigmaphyllon cavernulosum e Aeschynomene paucifolia.Os resultados encontrados são de extrema relevância para o conhecimento das plantas fornecedoras de recursos florais utilizados para aprovisionamento larval, consumo e construção dos ninhos, elaboração de plano de manejo, conservação das abelhas do gênero Centris e das plantas visitadas pelas mesmas. Os resultados sugerem que a área estudada funciona como refúgio para espécies de abelhas e vespas solitárias. / The aim of this study was to inventory the diversity of species of solitary bees and wasps that nest in artificial cavities in an Atlantic Forest fragment in the urban landscape of Salvador, Bahia. This area is occupied by the campus of the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) and by the Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas (PZBGV). We also identified the food resources collected by Centris analis and Centris terminata females. The samples were collected from May 2014 to October 2015 using artificial cavities made of black cardboard, wooden blocks, and bamboo canes (trap-nests methodology). We installed 1.192 trap-nests in the field, distributed in eight stands, four for each area. Inspections were made monthly and occupied nests were removed and brought to the laboratory. The empty cavities were filled with new nests. In the laboratory, the nests were kept at room temperature and observed daily until adult emergence. We sampled seven wasp species and five bee species in the two areas of this study, in a total of 409 nests: 189 nests in UFBA and 220 in PZBGV. Of these, 234 nests were made by five bee species from four genera of Apidae family: Centris analis, Centris terminata, Xylocopa frontalis, Euglossa sp. and Tetrapedia diversipes. Bees nest more frequently in PZBGV (127 nests) than on the campus of UFBA (107 nests). In relation to the wasps, we collected 175 nests, 82 were collected in UFBA and 93 in PZBGV, and emerged individuals from seven species of three families: Podium denticulatum and Podium sp. (Sphecidae); Auplopus pratens and Auplopus subaurarius (Pompilidae); Trypoxylon sp.1, Trypoxylon sp.2 and T. lactitarse (Crabronidae). Among the bee species, C. analis was the most abundant, followed by C. terminata. The most abundant wasp species were Trypoxylon sp.2, followed by P. denticulatum. The highest frequency of nesting activity of the species of bees and wasps occurred in the months with high temperatures and low rainfall (January to March). Only C. analis, P. denticulatum and Trypoxylon sp. 2 showed significant differences in the sex ratio, which were male-bias. The mortality rate was higher in the UFBA (55.08%) than in the PZBGV (44.92%) for both, bees and wasps. Unknown causes were the main causes of mortality. To identify the pollen resource used by C. analis and C. terminata, we analyzed 53 C. analis nests and 20 C. terminata nests, collected from May 2014 to April 2015. We found 12 pollen types belonging to seven families: ix Malpighiaceae, Bignoniaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Polygalaceae and Sapindaceae, where Malpighiaceae was the most common for both species. We found 12 pollen types for C. analis and 8 for C. terminata, and the highest frequency pollen species were Malpighia emarginata, Byrsonima sericea, Stigmaphyllon cavernulosum, Aeschynomene paucifolia for both species analyzed. The results are extremely important for the knowledge of supplier plants of food resources used for larval supply, consumption and construction of nests, preparation of management plan, conservation of the genus Centris bees and plants visited by them.The studied forest fragment serve as refuge for species of bees and solitary wasps.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-12-07Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:19:44Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 saidemberg_dm_dr_rcla.pdf: 1615145 bytes, checksum: 92ac7814050532bc681c040810a6efc1 (MD5) / Consideráveis esforços estão sendo feitos no sentido de isolar e identificar compostos neuroativos presentes em secreções de Artrópodes, resultando na descoberta de muitos peptídeos e moléculas pequenas com ação bloqueadora de receptores de glutamato e/ou canais de cálcio. Tendo isso em vista, a secreção de muitos desses animais tornaram-se ferramentas úteis para os estudos fisiológicos de diversas funções neurais, e muitos dos compostos neurotóxicos produzidos por suas secreções agressivas/defensivas podem se tornar modelos estruturais e funcionais para o desenvolvimento racional de agentes neuroprotetores para diversas desordens neurológicas. Assim, os venenos das vespas Agelaia pallipes pallipes, Agelaia vicina e Polybia paulista foram fracionados em HPLC, e as frações puras, mais abundantes, foram investigadas por espectrometria de massas e ressonância magnética nuclear para elucidação estrutural das mesmas; e posteriormente, estas frações foram submetidas a diversos ensaios para a determinação de suas atividades biológicas, principalmente daquelas atividades relacionadas à neurotoxicidade/ neuroproteção, tanto em artrópodes como em mamíferos. Através desta abordagem foi possível identificar alguns dos compostos de baixas massas moleculares mais abundantes nos venenos das vespas sociais citadas acima, como a Histamina, a Serotonina, que são comuns a todos estes venenos e possuem como principal função, a potencialização da dor e inflamação, além de outros efeitos no SNC de vertebrados. Também foi isolado um novo tripeptídeo de sequência Gly-Leu-Leu-OH a partir do veneno da vespa A. vicina, cuja função ainda não é conhecida e a síntese e ensaios biológicos do mesmo serão realizados em algumas ramificações dessa tese. A partir do veneno da vespa P. paulista foi isolada 2-feniletilamina, um composto... / Considerable research efforts have been mounted to isolate and identify neuroactive compounds in Arthropods secretions, resulting in the discovery of many peptides and small molecules which block glutamate receptors and/or calcium channels. Thus, the secretion of many of these animals proved to be useful tools for physiological studies of neuronal function, and several of the neurotoxic compounds produced by their defensive/aggressive secretions may become structural and functional models for the rational development of neuroprotective agents for different neurological disorders. Thus, the venoms of Agelaia pallipes pallipes, Agelaia vicina e Polybia paulista were fractionated in a HPLC system, and the most abundant and pure fractions were investigated by Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for structural elucidation, and then, these compounds were assayed for biological activity determination, focusing the neuronal activities for these compounds, both in Arthropods and mammals. Considering this approach, it was possible to identify some of the most low molecular mass compounds in the venoms of the social wasps cited above, such as: Histamine and Serotonin, which were common to all of these species, presenting as main function to increase the pain and inflammation, in addition to other effects in the CNS of vertebrates. It was also isolated from the venom of the wasp A. vicina a new tripetide which had its sequence determined as Gly-Leu-Leu- OH, and whose function has not been determined. From the venom of the wasp P. paulista it was isolated 2-phenylethylamine, an amphetamine-like compound, whose occurrence is uncommon in animal venoms, and which has stimulatory effects on the CNS primarily related to dopaminergic neurotransmission. It caused effects of paralysis on Africanized bees, probably by hyper-excitability in the CNS of this organism. We have also observed locomotor... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Submitted by Franciele Moreira (francielemoreyra@gmail.com) on 2018-04-12T12:45:11Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Vinícius Silva de Alvarenga - 2018.pdf: 1904835 bytes, checksum: bbe0e840d010a67f148c91a849dbbf10 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-04-13T11:08:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Vinícius Silva de Alvarenga - 2018.pdf: 1904835 bytes, checksum: bbe0e840d010a67f148c91a849dbbf10 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-13T11:08:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Vinícius Silva de Alvarenga - 2018.pdf: 1904835 bytes, checksum: bbe0e840d010a67f148c91a849dbbf10 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Understanding how interactions between trophic levels structure species composition is one of the main goals of ecological studies. Mechanisms that explain the compositional structure of parasitoid insects usually neglect the direct and indirect effects of plants’ characteristics, which can also determine the compositional structure of their host herbivore insects. In this context, our goal was to evaluate how plants’ characteristics (abundance, floral phenology, and phylogenetic distance) and herbivores’ compositional similarity determine parasitoids’ compositional similarity. As study system, we used Asteraceae species, flower-head feeding insects, and parasitoids. Using path analysis, we considered parasitoids and herbivores’ similarities, in qualitative (Sørensen similarity), quantitative (Bray-Curtis similarity), and phylogenetic proximity (taxonomic Sørensen similarity) terms. In general, we demonstrated that herbivores’ similarity is the major predictor of parasitoids’ similarity. Even though the effects of plants’ characteristics explained the smallest part of the variation in parasitoids’ similarity, these characteristics had inconsistent relative importance among the similarity indexes used here. Thus, our results indicate that although plant species constitute a potential additional barrier for the parasitoids of endophagous herbivores to find their insect hosts, herbivore parasitoids in flower heads of Asteraceae do not see the plant species in this way. The parasitoids respond mainly to the compositional variation of their insect hosts in the plant species that the latter consume. Therefore, we show how the composition of the upper trophic levels in this tri-trophic system is structured directly and indirectly by antagonistic interactions. / Entender quais fatores influenciam a variação na composição de espécies em sistemas multitróficos é um objetivo fundamental em ecologia. Entretanto, estudos sobre a composição local de insetos parasitoides geralmente negligenciam a importância relativa das características de plantas consumidas por seus insetos herbívoros hospedeiros. Neste contexto, nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos diretos e indiretos, mediados pela similaridade de herbívoros, da distância filogenética, da sincronia do período de floração e da similaridade de abundância das plantas sobre a similaridade de parasitoides. Como sistema de estudo, usamos espécies de Asteraceae, herbívoros endófagos de capítulos e insetos parasitoides. Usando análises de rotas, consideramos as similaridades de herbívoros e parasitoides entre pares de espécies de plantas em termos qualitativos (similaridade de Sørensen), quantitativos (similaridade de Bray-Curtis) e filogenéticos (similaridade de Sørensen taxonômica). Em geral, demonstramos que a similaridade de herbívoros é o principal determinante da similaridade de parasitoides. Mesmo que as características das plantas tenham explicado a menor parte da variação na similaridade de parasitoides, essas características tiveram importâncias relativas inconsistentes entre os índices de similaridade usados. Dessa forma, nossos resultados indicam que, apesar das espécies de plantas constituírem uma barreira adicional potencial para os parasitoides de herbívoros endófagos encontrarem os seus hospedeiros, os parasitoides de herbívoros em capítulos de Asteraceae não as enxergam dessa forma. Estes parasitoides respondem principalmente à variação composicional dos seus hospedeiros nas plantas que estes últimos consumem. Logo, demonstramos como as composições dos níveis tróficos superiores nesse sistema tri-trófico é estruturado diretamente e indiretamente por interações antagônicas.

This research sought to gain a deeper understanding of innovation in the Western Australian State Public Sector. It achieves this by exploring the perceptions of Leaders, Experts and lnfluencers regarding innovation, enablers and barriers to innovation, and examples of innovation in the sector. In this study, 'Leaders' were employees in the State Public Sector selected from the top two tiers of the Senior Executive Service position. 'Experts and lnfluencers' were individuals who were recognised as having specialized knowledge, skills and / or success regarding innovation and / or recognised as having the power to affect or influence innovation in the Western Australian Public Sector. In addition, the research also aimed to determine ways in which innovation can be enhanced in the sector. The context of this study is the Western Australia State Public Sector (WASPS) which includes departments, trade concerns, instrumentalities, agencies and state bodies run by the WA State Government. This study is significant because there is little exploration and description of the perception of innovation in the Public Sector of Australia and a lack of common understanding of innovation in the WASPS. This study enables a much greater understanding of the depth, extent and success of innovation in this sector. Innovation is vital for a public sector needing to respond to Western Australia's growth and prosperity. The description of innovation and strategies for enhancing innovation will assist in the further development of a responsive sector. / This study adopts a qualitative methodology to explore the meaning given by Leaders, Experts and lnfluencers and their perceptions of innovation in the public sector. The qualitative paradigm provides rich meaning to the research questions for the study which are: I . What are the perceptions of innovation in the Western Australian State Public Sector amongst Leaders? 2. What are the perceptions of innovation in the Western Australian State Public Sector amongst Experts and lnfluencers? 3. What are the barriers and enablers to innovation in the Western Australian State Public Sector 4. How can innovation in the Western Australian State Public Sector be enhanced? A phenomenological approach is adopted for the study which allows the structure and essence of the phenomena of innovation within the public sector to be explored. Data was collected using semi structured, in-depth interviews and data analysis using a phenomenological approach was conducted. This ensured that the experience and meaning of the phenomena of innovation is described and explained as faithfully as possible. The key findings of the study indicate that while there are pockets of innovation within the WASPS there is an overall need to enhance the capacity for innovation. / An 'emergent model' is proposed as a framework that can provide an enhanced capacity for innovation in the WASPS. This is achieved by addressing the cultural, structural and human resource barriers that exist and by simultaneously enhancing the enablers that were identified in this study. The 'emergent model' takes a strategic view with special consideration for the context for innovation within the WASPS. Inherent in this model is the need for a clear and shared definition of innovation; the creation of ideal conditions for innovation; and the development of an innovation action plan. Superimposed on this model is the need for greater capacity for, and commitment to, meaningful public consultation. In addition the study highlighted a need for strong and effective leadership throughout the Western Australia State Public Sector to enhance innovation. In making these conclusions it is recognised that this study is specific to the state public sector of Western Australia. This study opens the possibility of more extensive research within the public sector, specific to innovation. In particular, there is significant scope to explore the relationship between political and public sector leadership and the effect of this relationship on innovation. In addition, further exploration of successful innovation in the sector could better inform the type of agency in which innovation is successful and an analysis of the leadership factors that influence successful innovation. Further research regarding the ability of leaders to create an environment to enhance innovation within the sector, recruitment practices of the WASPS, and of resource allocation and its effect on innovation capacity is advocated in this study.

Pollinators are believed to have played a key role in the radiation of flowering plants. The Grant-Stebbins model of pollinator-mediated speciation, in which evolutionary shifts between pollinators result in phenotypic diversification and enforce reproductive isolation, is one of the most compelling hypotheses for the rapid diversification of angiosperms. A key principle in this model is that plant pollination systems tend towards specialization, resulting in convergent suites of floral traits (syndromes) associated with particular types of pollinators. However, the expectation of pollination system specialization is not always supported by ecological data and has also been questioned on theoretical grounds. In this thesis, I examine pollination by Hemipepsis spider-hunting wasps (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae, Pepsinae) and use this system to address questions about levels and proximal mechanisms of floral specialization, floral shifts and convergent evolution of floral traits. Specialized pollination by Hemipepsis wasps is a newly described pollination system within the angiosperms. I document pollination by these wasps for the first time in 15 South African grassland plant species, including two species of Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) and 13 asclepiads (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae). In one of the asclepiads, Xysmalobium undulatum, I describe a bimodal pollination system involving both Hemipepsis wasps and a cetoniine beetle. I also describe an unusual and potentially antagonistic pollination mechanism whereby wasps are systematically dismembered during the insertion of pollinia in the two asclepiads Pachycarpus asperifolius and P. appendiculatus. I have used these and previous case studies to establish the existence of a new pollination guild, consisting of at least 21 plant species (across 10 genera and three families), that are reliant on four functionally similar species of Hemipepsis wasp for pollination. Plants in the guild are distributed throughout the moist grasslands of eastern South Africa and flower from September through until early May, peaking in December/January. The Hemipepsis-wasp pollination guild is characterized by high levels of functional specialization (17 of the 21 known guild members are pollinated exclusively by Hemipepsis wasps), despite the absence of morphological adaptations to prevent non-pollinating insects from accessing nectar. I used field and laboratory based experiments to explore the function of floral traits in enforcing specialization. These showed that Hemipepsis wasps primarily use scent, rather than visual cues, to locate flowers, but I was unable to firmly identify specific compounds responsible for the attraction of these wasps (compounds that elicited antennal responses in preliminary GC-EAD experiments did not attract wasps in bioassays). The chemical composition of the floral scents of guild members was examined for 71 individuals representing 14 species in addition to previous studies, and found to comprise complex blends of volatiles (usually containing between 30 and 50 compounds), typically dominated by aliphatics and monoterpenes with small amounts of aromatics. I also showed that the floral colours of guild members are similar to background vegetation, suggesting that floral colours are adapted for crypsis to avoid detection by non-pollinating insects. Palatability choice experiments with honeybees showed that non-pollinating insects find the nectars of at least three of the asclepiad guild members distasteful. Plants in this guild thus appear to achieve specialization through biochemical filters (scent as an attractant and differentially palatable nectar) and cryptic coloration. Pollinator-mediated convergence in floral traits is the fundamental basis for pollination syndromes, but has seldom been rigorously analyzed. Flowers in the Hemipepsis-wasp pollination guild share several qualitative traits, including dull greenish- or brownish-white colour, often with purple blotches, exposed sucrose dominant nectar with a relatively high sugar concentration (typically over 50% sugar by weight) and a sweet/spicy fragrance to the human nose. To test for convergent evolution in guild members, I compared scent, nectar and colour traits of guild members to those of congeners with different pollinators. Although traits often differed between guild members and their congeners, I found little evidence for overall convergence in floral scent profiles and nectar properties, but floral colours in the guild were significantly closer to the colour of background vegetation than those of congeners. At this stage, the lack of knowledge about specific floral volatiles that influence Hemipepsis-wasp behaviour and secondary nectar constituents that limit non-pollinator visits makes it difficult to identify the extent of biochemical convergent evolution within the guild. The directions and functional traits involved in evolutionary transitions between pollination by Hemipepsis wasps and other vectors are currently difficult to ascertain as there is limited phylogenetic data for the plant families concerned. In the genus Eucomis, fly and Hemipepsis-wasp pollinated species are very similar in floral morphology and colour, but differ strongly in floral scent. Using manipulative field experiments in conjunction with detailed analyses of colour, scent and morphology, I was able to show that a shift between wasp and fly pollination could be induced simply by manipulating oligosulphides in the scent emission from inflorescences. When considered in combination with other experiments highlighting the importance of scent as a pollinator attractant for all guild members, this suggests that scent properties may have played a key role in the evolutionary transitions between pollination by Hemipepsis wasps and other vectors. This research has established that pollination by Hemipepsis spider-hunting wasps is more geographically and phylogenetically widespread than was previously known, and has confirmed that these wasps are important and consistent pollinators in southern African grassland ecosystems. I have shown that a distinct guild of plants is specialized for pollination by these wasps. The high levels of specialization within this guild highlight the effectiveness of biochemical filters and cryptic coloration in limiting the spectrum of flower visitors. The major challenge ahead will be to identify the floral volatiles that attract Hemipepsis wasps and the non-sugar constituents that make the nectars of some guild members differentially palatable. These would both contribute greatly to our understanding of floral specialization and the mechanisms involved in the radiation of the angiosperms. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-17T14:55:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1145467 bytes, checksum: c728d8e2b9bf1205710f19f317acdccc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-19 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The use of trap nests supplies important biological information about nesting bees and wasps. However, the knowledge about the factors influencing on management of these groups is still scarce. This work aimed to analyze some community structure parameters (species abundance, richness, composition and predominance) in two agricultural areas in the Zona da Mata macro region of Paraiba State: Shading, block material (wood or vermiculite), and tubs opening diameter and cardinal orientation. It was verified the influence of these four factors in the community structure parameters. Both sites where similar in species richness and composition. Alhandra site had an accentuated abundance, due Trypoxylon aurifrons e Centris analis. In shaded area most species where more abundant than in sunny one. Otherwise, in Alhandra site the sunny area had higher species richness. Wood blocks where more expensive and difficult to manufacture. Meanwhile, they had more attractiveness than vermiculite blocks, especially for bees. Number of nests was smaller in predominant wind direction trap nests. The two most abundant species where diameter-generalists. The results and the Trypoxylon aurifrons behavior observed suggest that this species should compete by trap nests holes with bees. / A utilização de ninhos-armadilha provê informações importantes acerca da biologia das espécies abelhas e vespas nidificantes. Entretanto, o conhecimento sobre os fatores que influenciam o manejo dessas espécies ainda é escasso. O presente estudo analisou parâmetros da estrutura da comunidade (abundância, riqueza, composição e predominância de espécies) em duas áreas agrícolas dentro da Zona da Mata paraibana (Alhandra e EMEPA). Quatro variáveis foram avaliadas: grau de sombreamento dos ninhosarmadilha, tipo de bloco usado como substrato (madeira ou vermiculita), direção para a qual a entrada dos tubos encontrava-se voltada e diâmetro do tubo. Desse modo, foi verificado o grau de influência dessas quatro variáveis nos parâmetros da estrutura da comunidade estudados. As duas áreas se mostraram semelhantes quanto à riqueza e composição. Entretanto, em Alhandra foi observada uma abundância acentuada, ocasionada por Trypoxylon aurifrons e Centris analis. Apesar da maioria das espécies ter sido mais abundante na área sombreada, observou-se uma maior riqueza de espécies na área ensolarada em Alhandra. Quanto ao material, observou-se que os blocos de madeira, apesar de mais caros e de difícil manejo, foram mais atrativos que os de vermiculita, especialmente para as espécies de abelhas. O número de nidificações foi menor na direção voltada para os ventos predominantes nas áreas. As duas espécies mais abundantes foram mais generalistas quanto à utilização de diferentes diâmetros. Os resultados obtidos e o comportamento de Trypoxylon aurifrons sugerem que essa espécie pode competir com as espécies de abelhas pelos tubos de ninhos-armadilha agrupados.

This work is part of a wider project than it seeks to make risings, revise, describe, publish the taxonomy and help on the systematic, with publication of the illustrations of species morphology of parasitoids species acurring the Rio Grande do Sul. The data of the parasitoids associated were related with Brassolis astyra Godart, 1824 and Opsiphanes invirae amplificatus Stichel (1904) bionomy, from observations and capture in four places of the state of Rio Grande do Sul: São Martinho da Serra (SMS), Tupanciretã (TP), Santa Maria (SM) and Camobi-Berleze (BE). The parameters analyzed to Brassolis astyra were: postures biometry, pupae longevity average, adults' average emergency rates, adult s body wight and volume, pupae and wings morfometrics from anatomic landmarks. Eggs collected in Tupanciretã (TP), urban area, hatched 46%, and were parasited 43% and 11% failure. However, eggs of the São Martinho da Serra (SMS), natural area, 4% hatched, 95% were parasited and 1% failure. With base in the adults emergency from pupae 77% of males and females presented a normal morphology (viable) and 23% were malformed. Xanthozona melanopyga was registered (Wiedmann, 1830) (Diptera: Tachinidae) as parasite of Brassolis astyra pupae. In Opsiphanes invirae amplificatus the parasitoids observed were: Conura maculata (Fabricius, 1787) and Cotesia alius (Muesebeck, 1958) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae). Conura maculata, pupae parasitoid, is the first record to the Rio Grande do Sul. Are presented too data about the emergency time, the adults' longevity and sexual rate. It is presented, also, an ilustrated description of the main external morphologic characteristics of the species. Cotesia alius, caterpillar parasitoid, is the first record for Rio Grande do Sul state, also. The study present data about the cocoons and average cocoons number, by posture, and the emergency time elapsed, the adults' longevity and sexual rate. Four Eulophidae family species were observed hyperparasiting C. alius cocoons: Horismenus opsiphanis Schrottky, 1909 and Horismenus sp. (Entedoninae), a new specie according to Dr. Christer Hansson (Lund University, Sweden); and the Oomyzus Sokolowskii Kurdjumov, 1912 and Aprostocetus sp., (Tetrastichinae), new specie also, according to Dr. John La Salle (Commonwealth Scientific Industrial and Research Organisation, Australia), can be considered a new specie too. Diagnoses of all parasitoids are presented, including the new species. / Este trabalho faz parte de um projeto mais amplo que visa efetuar levantamentos, revisar, descrever, divulgar a taxonomia e auxiliar na sistemática com a publicação de ilustrações da morfologia das espécies de parasitóides ocorrentes no Rio Grande do Sul. Neste estudo são analisados dados relacionados á bionomia de Brassolis astyra Godart, 1824 e Opsiphanes invirae amplificatus Stichel (1904) e dos parasitóides associados, com base em observações e coletas em quatro localidades do estado do Rio Grande do Sul: São Martinho da Serra (SMS), Tupanciretã (TP), Santa Maria (SM) e bairro Camobi - Berleze (BE). Em Brassolis astyra os parâmetros analisados foram: biometria das posturas, longevidade média das pupas, taxa média de emergência de adultos, massa das pupas e dos adultos, volume das pupas, e morfometria das pupas e das asas a partir de marcos anatômicos. Dos ovos coletados em Tupanciretã (TP), área urbana, 46 % eclodiram, 43 % foram parasitados e 11% malograram. Entretanto, dos ovos coletados em São Martinho da Serra (SMS), área natural, 4% eclodiram, 95% foram parasitados e 1% malograram. Com base nos adultos emergidos a partir das pupas, verificou-se que 77% dos machos e das fêmeas apresentaram uma morfologia normal (viável) e 23% eram malformadas. Neste estudo foi registrada Xanthozona melanopyga (Wiedmann, 1830) (Díptera: Tachinidae), parasita de pupas de Brassolis astyra. Em Opsiphanes invirae amplificatus os parasitóides observados foram: Conura maculata (Fabricius, 1787) e Cotesia alius (Muesebeck, 1958) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae). Conura maculata, parasitóide de pupas, é o primeiro registro para o Rio Grande do Sul. São apresentados dados sobre o tempo de emergência, longevidade dos adultos e proporção sexual. Apresentada, também, uma descrição ilustrada das principais características morfológicas externas da espécie. Cotesia alius, parasitóide de larvas é, também, primeiro registro para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Neste estudo são apresentados dados sobre o número de casulos e número médio de casulos por postura e dados sobre o tempo e emergência, longevidade dos adultos e proporção sexual. Além destas duas espécies, foram observadas quatro espécies de Eulophidae hiperparasitando casulos de C. alius: Horismenus opsiphanis Schrottky, 1909 e Horismenus sp. (Entedoninae), espécie nova, segundo Dr. Christer Hansson (Lund University, Suécia) e, ainda, Oomyzus Sokolowskii Kurdjumov, 1912 e Aprostocetus sp. (Tetrastichinae), que segundo Dr. John La Salle (Commonwe a l th Sc i ent i f i c and Indus t r i a l Re s e a r ch Organi s a t ion, Aus t r á l i a ) pode s er t ambém uma nova e spé ci e . São apresentadas diagnoses de todos os Hymenopteros e Dipteros coletados, incluindo as espécies novas.