Publications
A new genus and a new species in the tribe Eryciini (Diptera, Tachinidae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in north-western Costa Rica
Researchers have identified a new genus and species of tachinid flies (Diptera, Tachinidae) within the tribe Eryciini from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. The discovery, Santarosamyia woodorum, was made using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological analysis, life history data, and DNA barcoding. Additionally, two new species combinations were proposed: Santarosamyia erecta and Santarosamyia unipilum. A lectotype was designated for Exorista loxostegae, and an identification key for the new genus was provided. The study contributes to the understanding of tachinid diversity in Costa Rica, highlighting the importance of comprehensive biodiversity inventories in protected areas like ACG.
Caterpillar diet breadth in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, a large and diverse Neotropical wildland in northwestern Costa Rica: toxins, silica, aluminum, and sclerophylly
A comprehensive analysis of caterpillar–food plant interactions over nearly four decades in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, reveals that dietary specialization is strongly influenced by plant defenses. The study, based on 431,212 rearing records spanning 7,160 Lepidoptera and 2,489 plant species, found that unpalatable, aposematic herbivores tend to be specialists while highly toxic plant families, such as Aristolochiaceae and Zamiaceae, host many monophagous caterpillars. Biochemical and structural defenses in plants appear to mediate herbivore diet breadth, with defended plant families hosting fewer polyphagous species compared to less-defended ones. The research also highlights that while plant species composition remained relatively stable, caterpillar communities showed significant changes over time, particularly in rainforest and dry forest habitats.
Cryptic diversity of Leurus wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Metopiinae), parasitoids of caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Researchers uncovered significant cryptic diversity among Leurus wasps, revealing ten new sympatric species within the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Initially assumed to be a single species, L. caeruliventris, these wasps were identified through COI barcoding and morphological analysis of hundreds of specimens, each matched with their host caterpillars from the Crambidae family. The study, led by Zuñiga & Valerio, describes these new species—L. billeberhardi, L. henrytownesi, L. hugokonsi, L. iangauldi, L. jesusugaldei, L. marjorietownesae, L. maryjanewestae, L. pammitchellae, L. sondrawardae, and L. wahli—along with an illustrated key to distinguish them. This discovery sheds light on the ecological complexity of these parasitoids, challenging previous assumptions about their species boundaries.
Forty-Five Years of Caterpillar Rearing in Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) Northwestern Costa Rica: DNA Barcodes, BINs, and a First Description of Plant–Caterpillar–Ichneumonoid Interactions Detected
A groundbreaking 45-year study at Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in Costa Rica reveals unprecedented insights into tropical insect community ecology, documenting over 2,400 caterpillar species and their interactions with 1,352 host plants and 26,000 parasitoid rearings, including ichneumonoid wasps. The research, leveraging DNA barcoding and Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), found no asymptotic trends in bi- or tritrophic interactions after 1983 due to climate change impacts on caterpillar densities. Notably, ichneumonoid parasitoids show a preference for larger-bodied hosts, and introduced plant species are utilized by endemic parasitoids. The study highlights the complexity of tropical food webs and suggests new avenues for ecological research.
Amphibian diversity across three adjacent ecosystems in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Amphibian species richness in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, has declined by 45% since the late 1980s, coinciding with global amphibian population declines. Rainforest ecosystems within ACG exhibit significantly higher amphibian diversity than dry forests, with up to three times more species. This study compared contemporary data from five sites—Murciélago, Santa Rosa, Maritza, San Gerardo, and Cacao—to historic records from 1987-88, revealing stark differences in biodiversity. ACG's unique compression of tropical ecosystems into a small protected area offers an unprecedented opportunity to study the resilience—or lack thereof—of these habitats to climate change and disease. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to address ecosystem-level vulnerabilities.
Revision of Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Tachinidae) and 33 new species from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica with a key to known North and Mesoamerican species
A groundbreaking revision of the fly genus Belvosia (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste reveals 33 new species, significantly expanding our understanding of this diverse group. This work, part of an ongoing inventory of wild-caught caterpillars across multiple lepidopteran families, provides detailed morphological descriptions, molecular data, and photographic documentation for each species. The study also redefines the genus Belvosia with a comprehensive identification key for North and Mesoamerican species, while proposing new synonyms and combinations that clarify taxonomic relationships. Notably, it records Belvosia canalis from the region and provides updated host information. This research underscores the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems and contributes critical data to conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Bosques de coral negro del Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica: especies y distribución
Black coral forests, previously thought to be rare and limited to Isla del Coco, have been discovered in multiple sites within the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG) in Costa Rica's north Pacific. This study identifies two dominant species, Myriopathes panamensis and Antipathes galapagensis, with distinct depth distributions: M. panamensis thrives between 15-35 meters, while A. galapagensis is found at 30-45 meters. The research involved visual censuses and laboratory analysis of samples to characterize these ecosystems, revealing no significant morphological variations compared to other regions. Associated fauna, including the anemone Nemanthus californicus, bivalve Pteria sterna, and longnose hawkfish Oxycirrhithes typus, were documented but require further study to understand their ecological roles. The findings underscore the ACG's critical role in marine biodiversity conservation, particularly for these understudied antipatharian ecosystems.
Revison of Metaplagia Coquillett (Diptera: Tachinidae) with description of five new species from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica
A taxonomic revision of the tachinid fly genus Metaplagia reveals five new species from Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG). These discoveries, derived from an ongoing inventory of Sphingidae caterpillars, integrate morphological, molecular, and life history data to redefine the genus and provide a revised identification key for Metaplagia species. Additionally, the study proposes a new combination for Plagiomima latifrons, expanding our understanding of this fly group's biodiversity in ACG.
A new genus and new species in the tribe Uramyini (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica
Researchers have identified a new genus and species within the tribe Uramyini (Diptera: Tachinidae) from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. This discovery, documented through morphological analysis, life history observations, molecular data, and photographic evidence, expands our understanding of biodiversity in this region. The study also provides an updated key to the Uramyini tribe, aiding in the identification of related species. The findings contribute valuable insights into the taxonomic diversity of flies in ACG, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ecological significance.
Asturodes Amsel (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae): Three New Species from the Western Hemisphere and Food Plant Records from Area de ConservaciÓn Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Researchers have identified three new species of the Neotropical moth genus Asturodes (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in Costa Rica, bringing the total to four recognized species. A key discovery was a unique petaloid scale structure in the male genitalia's androconial organs, previously undescribed in Pyraloidea. The study also documented larval food plant records for three species, all associated with Rhamnaceae, contributing to a long-term inventory of ACG caterpillars, their hosts, and parasitoids, which includes DNA barcoding for species identification.
Daniel H. Janzen: Forever the Rebel
Daniel H. Janzen, an internationally renowned entomologist and evolutionary ecologist, has made groundbreaking contributions to biodiversity research and conservation, particularly in Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG). His pioneering work with DNA barcoding revealed over 45,000 species in ACG, including hundreds of cryptic species such as the neotropical skipper butterfly Astraptes fulgerator, significantly increasing species estimates from 9,500 to more than 15,000. Janzen's research approach combines fieldwork with genetic analysis, focusing on tropical biodiversity and its societal interface. His efforts have also been instrumental in habitat restoration and community outreach, earning him numerous prestigious awards, including the Crafoord Prize (1984) and the Blue Planet Prize (2014).
Primate life history, social dynamics, ecology, and conservation: Contributions from long‐term research in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Long-term primate research in Sector Santa Rosa, Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, reveals critical insights into the life history, social dynamics, and ecology of white-faced capuchins, Geoffroy's spider monkeys, and mantled howler monkeys. This study, one of the longest continuous primate studies globally, demonstrates that decades-long monitoring is essential for understanding long-lived species' reproductive success, familial relationships, behavioral repertoires, and dietary patterns. The research highlights significant inter- and intra-annual variations in forest productivity, providing a unique lens to study ecological and social interactions. Notably, this longitudinal approach has directly contributed to the conservation of the critically endangered dry forest biome, supporting education, community initiatives, and forest restoration efforts.
Revision of the species of Lytopylus from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Agathidinae)
A groundbreaking study reveals the diversity of Lytopylus wasps (Agathidinae) in Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste, describing 32 new species. This revision provides detailed morphological descriptions and an interactive key for identification, alongside comprehensive ecological data linking these wasps to their host caterpillars and food plants. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial COI barcodes supported species delimitation, offering a robust taxonomic framework. The findings significantly advance our understanding of wasp biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed region, highlighting the importance of integrating molecular and ecological approaches in systematics.
Two new species of Erythromelana Townsend, 1919 (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica
Scientists have identified two new species of the fly genus Erythromelana within the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. These discoveries, Erythromelana jimmychevezi and Erythromelana glenriverai, were made by rearing flies from wild-caught caterpillars of the moth family Geometridae. The research integrates morphological descriptions, life history observations, molecular data, and photographic documentation to characterize these species. This study highlights the biodiversity of ACG and contributes new insights into the taxonomy of Tachinidae flies, which are important predators in ecosystems.
Integrative taxonomy of New World Euplectrus Westwood (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), with focus on 55 new species from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica
A groundbreaking integrative taxonomy study identifies 55 new species of Euplectrus wasps (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, bringing the total treated to 90 species. This research, led by C. Hansson, provides detailed descriptions and illustrations for all species, including 20 previously known ones found in ACG. The study also establishes one new synonym and designates lectotypes for eight species with uncertain status due to damaged type material. Host records are available for 74 Euplectrus species, contributing significantly to the understanding of their natural history. Two identification keys—one for females and one for males—facilitate species differentiation, enhancing taxonomic precision in this region.
Three new species of Trigonospila Pokorny (Diptera: Tachinidae), from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, with a key for their identification
Researchers have identified three new species of Trigonospila flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, bringing the total known in the New World to ten. These discoveries—Trigonospila edwinbermudezi, T. uniformis, and T. josemariamoragai—were made through a comprehensive study integrating morphological analysis, photographic documentation, life history data, and molecular evidence. The study also describes the previously unknown male of Trigonospila panamensis. All species were reared from ACG caterpillars during an ongoing inventory of caterpillar-parasitoid interactions across dry, rain, and cloud forests, contributing to biodiversity documentation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Review of Apanteles sensu stricto (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, with keys to all described species from Mesoamerica
A groundbreaking study from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in Costa Rica reveals the extraordinary diversity of Apanteles wasps, a critical group of caterpillar parasitoids. Researchers identified 186 new species and redefined the genus Apanteles sensu stricto, providing keys to all 205 described species from Mesoamerica. This work leverages a unique dataset of over half a million Lepidoptera caterpillars reared for their parasitoids, combining traditional taxonomy with molecular techniques like DNA barcoding and interactive software (Lucid 3.5) to distinguish cryptic species. The study also highlights the host preferences of these wasps, with about 90% exhibiting monophagous or oligophagous behavior, attacking primarily Hesperiidae, Elachistidae, and Crambidae caterpillars. This comprehensive review accelerates the understanding of hyperdiverse parasitoid groups and their ecological roles.
Hyperparasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Trigonalidae) reared from dry forest and rain forest caterpillars of Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A study of hyperparasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Trigonalidae) in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, identified five species associated with dry and rain forests. These generalist hyperparasitoids, including Lycogaster apicipennis, Taeniogonalos woodorum sp. n., Taeniogonalos fasciatipennis, Trigonalys championi, and Trigonalys maculifrons, were reared from caterpillars parasitized by Ichneumonidae and Tachinidae. Morphological and DNA barcoding data confirmed species separation, while Taeniogonalos gundlachii was found to be restricted to eastern North America, with the Costa Rican population reclassified as T. fasciatipennis. The research clarifies taxonomic confusion and highlights habitat-specific distributions of these hyperparasitoids in ACG's diverse ecosystems.
Lytopylus Förster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Agathidinae) species from Costa Rica, with an emphasis on specimens reared from caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste
A comprehensive taxonomic study identifies twelve species of Lytopylus wasps from Costa Rica, including ten newly described species and two reclassified from other genera. Over 32 years of caterpillar inventory in Area de Conservación Guanacaste yielded critical specimens, revealing the diversity and ecological significance of these parasitoids. The research transfers nine species to the Lytopylus genus, providing updated taxonomic keys—one interactive and one static—to facilitate identification. This work advances our understanding of wasp biodiversity and their role in tropical ecosystems.
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