First Report of Pyrearinus Larvae (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Clayish Canga Caves and Luminous Termite Mounds in the Amazon Forest With a Preliminary Molecular-Based Phylogenetic Analysis of the P. pumilus Group

Author(s)

Viviani, V. R. ; Amaral, D. T.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America; v. 109, n. 4, p. 534-541, JUL 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Luminescent termite mounds caused by colonization of the luminescent larvae of the click beetle Pyrearinus termitilluminans (Costa, 1982) are well reported in Cerrado ecosystems (savannas) in central west Brazil (Costa 1982). Although luminous termite mounds were occasionally reported in the Amazon forest, they have not been studied as extensively. Here we report for the first time, luminescent larvae of Pyrearinus sp. living inside Canga (clayish) caves in the National Forest of Carajas near an iron mine in Para state. The luminescence display in the cave is very similar to that of luminous termite mounds infested by P. termitilluminans larvae, and is apparently used to attract flying insects. We also report the occurrence of luminous termite mounds inside the Amazon forest inhabited by larvae of Pyrearinus fragilis (Costa 1978) and P. termitilluminans in three different localities (Caseara-TO, Canaa do Carajas-PA, and Juruena-MT) and in a forested area in Cerrado (Novo Santo Antonio-MT). The distinct habitats and molecular phylogenetic analysis indicate the occurrence of two lineages of P. termitilluminans, which are adapted to savanna and forest termite mounds. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/19427-9 - Bioluminescent beetles from the Atlantic Rain Forest, Cerrado and transition to Amazon Forest: biodiversity, molecular evolution and phylogeny, and use as bioindicators
• Grantee: Vadim Viviani
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants