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Geographic variation of the fox Lycalopex culpaeus (Mammalia, Canidae) in Chile: taxonomic implications. We studied the geographic variation of skulls of Lycalopex culpaeus using qualitative and quantative analyses. The sampling area covered Chile, from its northern portion, to Tierra del Fuego and the neighbouring Hoste island, as well as part of Argentina. Five subespecies are currently recognized from this large area. We found two morphotypes that are segregated geographically. Both groups mostly differ by morphometric attributes, followed by qualitative features. Specimens from northern Chile (Tarapacá and Antofagasta) have small skulls, short rostrum, a liriform sagital zone, and lack the interparietal crest. The second group is formed by specimens from north-western and central Argentina, central-south Chile, Patagonia, and the austral islands of Tierra del Fuego and Hoste. This group presents a strong sagital crest, large rostrum, and a large skull. Our results agree with observed patterns of mitochondrial DNA variation. We propose to retain the name L. c. andinus for the populations of northern Chile and to synonymize L. c. magellanicus, L. c. lycoides, and L. c. smithersi under L. c. culpaeus. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 421-432. Epub 2009 June 30.

Double Periodic Variables (DPV) are among the new enigmas of semi-detached eclipsing binaries. These are intermediate-mass binaries characterized by a long photometric period lasting on average 33 times the orbital period. We present a spectroscopic and photometric study of the DPV V495 Cen based on new high-resolution spectra and the ASAS V-band light curve. We have determined an improved orbital period of 33.492 ± 0.002 d and a long period of 1283 d. We find a cool evolved star of M2 = 0.91 ± 0.2M , T2 = 6000 ± 250K and R2 = 19.3 ± 0.5R and a hot companion of M1 = 5.76 ± 0.3M , T1 = 16960 ± 400K and R = 4.5 ± 0.2R . The mid-type B dwarf is surrounded by a concave and geometrically thick disc, of radial extension R d = 40.2 ± 1.3R contributing ∼ 11 percent to the total luminosity of the system at the V band. The system is seen under inclination 84.• 8 ± 0.• 6 and it is at a distance d = 2092 ± 104.6 pc. The light curve analysis suggests that the mass transfer stream impacts the external edge of the disc forming a hot region 11% hotter than the surrounding disc material. The persistent V < R asymmetry of the Hα emission suggests the presence of a wind and the detection of a secondary absorption component in He I lines indicates a possible wind origin in the hotspot region.