The lithobiomorph centipedes Lithobius (Lithobius) forficatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Lithobius (Lithobius) obscurus Meinert, 1872 are here reported for the first time in Colombia. We examined 193 individuals from collections kept in several universities and natural history museums from Bogotá city were examined. Lithobius forficatus (191 specimens) was recorded up to 2746 m above sea level in areas with some amount of anthropic disturbance. Lithobius obscurus (2 specimens) was recorded at 2700 m above sea level in a rural area near Sogamoso, Boyacá. We note morphological variation and habitats for both species. These are the first records of introduced centipedes belonging to the genus Lithobius Leach, 1814 in Colombia.
In Andean high montane areas, the establishment of exotic tree forests changes the soil dynamics and its biodiversity. Soil macrofauna act as indicators of ecosystem successional processes, and may have an important role in ecological restoration processes after clear cutting exotic tree plantations. The aim of the present study was to understand how soil macrofaunal assemblies change in areas with different ages post clear cutting of Pinus patula, and to identify the soil physico-chemical variables that better explain these variations. The macrofauna in a high montane forest was evaluated along with that of three areas with different ages post clearcutting: 0, 2.5, and 5 years after clearcutting (Yac). The effect of soil physico chemical variables on macrofauna abundance was also evaluated. Macrofauna composition changed after clearcutting. Macrofauna abundance, richness, and diversity were lower in the 0 Yac area than in the other areas. Moreover, the macrofuna similarity to the reference forest did not increase with the years after clearcutting. This is due to the changes in soil characteristics, triggered by clearcutting. Slope, temperature, bulk density, real density, loam, pH, P, Na and K were the soil variales with a positive effect on the macrofauna abundance. These physico-chemical variables should be considered when designing restoration plans for Andean forest ecosystems. Moreover, Diplopoda, Coleoptera and Chilopoda might be useful to monitor and evaluate restoration processes after Pinus spp. clearcutting, because of their high abundance, diversity and relationship with environmental conditions.
Taeniolinum neusicus sp. n. is described based on 148 specimens collected at the eastern Colombian Andes. Detailed data on environmental and biological preferences are included in the description. The validity of characters such as the number of labral teeth and the clypeal setae to separate Taeniolinum species is also evaluated.
A new monotypic subgenus Newportia (Andeocryptops) subgen. n is described based on 18 specimens of N. (A.) shelleyi sp. n. This form is endemic to the Colombian Andes showing the following unique combination of morphological features: very short and thin, a cylindrical and not segmented ultimate tarsus 2, a “spinning-spur” (see below) on the ultimate tarsus 1, short paramedian sutures close to the anterior and posterior margins of cephalic plate, a tibial lateral spur and a glandular pore fields in the ultimate femur. An identification key to the Newportia subgenera, as well as a key to the Ectonocryptops, Ectonocryptoides and Andeocryptops species are included.
Callaspidia defonscolombei Dahlbom, 1842, is a figitid wasp with a widespread distribution. In South America, it has been reported from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Here we report the first record of this species in Colombia, where it was associated with two species of trees in urban parks of Bogotá. We also report the presence of unknown pollen in the examined individuals. Future studies need to be conducted to identify the local impact of this species as a possible parasitoid and/or pollinator in the green spaces of the city of Bogotá.
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