The sharpshooter genus Cavichiana Mejdalani et al., 2014 included so far only two species of about 6-8 mm in length: C. bromelicola (type species) and alpina Quintas 2020. Both are bromeliad specialists from southeastern southern Brazil. Here a third species, caelivittata sp. nov., is described illustrated based on males females the Serra dos Órgãos massif state Rio de Janeiro, new specialist c...

Reproductive isolation is of fundamental importance for maintaining species boundaries in sympatry. Here, we examine the genetic and morphological differences between two closely related bromeliad species: Vriesea simplex and Vriesea scalaris. Furthermore, we examined the occurrence of natural hybridization and discuss the action of reproductive isolation barriers. Nuclear genomic admixture sug...

Water reservoirs formed by the leaf axils of bromeliads are a highly derived system for nutrient and water capture that also house a diverse fauna of invertebrate specialists. Here we investigate the origin and specificity of bromeliad-associated insects using Copelatinae diving beetles (Dytiscidae). This group is widely distributed in small water bodies throughout tropical forests, but a subse...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vascular epiphytes have to acquire nutrients from atmospheric wash out, stem-flow, canopy soils and trapped litter. Physiological studies on the adaptations to nutrient acquisition and plant utilization of nutrients have focused on phosphorus and nitrogen; potassium, as a third highly abundant nutrient element, has received minor attention. In the present study, potassium up...

We analyzed the genetic diversity of populations of two sympatric species of Lymania (Bromeliaceae), both endemic to the Atlantic rainforest of southern Bahia (Brazil). Lymania azurea has a restricted occurrence, while Lymania smithii has a wider distribution. Our aim was to provide genetic data to contribute to the design of more efficient conservation strategies for these bromeliads, possibly...

Surveys of rare or cryptic species may miss individuals populations that are actually present. Despite the increasing use environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to survey in ponds, rivers, and lakes, very few studies have attempted eDNA for detection using small water bodies such as those accumulated within plants. Our aim was investigate feasibility an sampling method detecting Crossodactylodes ita...