Matteo DAL ZOTTO - personale UniMoRe

Nuova ricerca

Matteo DAL ZOTTO

Assegnista di ricerca
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita sede ex-Biologia

Pubblicazioni

2023 - Density Estimates and Habitat Preferences of Two Sympatric Bird Species as Potential Bioindicators of Tropical Forest Alterations [Articolo su rivista]
Lopez, D; Fonda, F; Monti, F; Dal Zotto, M
abstract

Forestry management can shape the structure of habitat types and have important biological consequences on the composition of biodiversity. This study focused on Momotus lessonii and Eumomota superciliosa, two potential bioindicators of local and wide scale tropical forest alterations. The study took place in the Karen Mogensen Wildlife Refuge (Costa Rica), a protected area characterized by two main forest habitats where the two species coexist, i.e., primary moist and second-growth dry forest. A distance sampling method was used to obtain density estimates for each species. A spot mapping approach showed an apparent partitioning of the two species at the site. The Kilometric Abundance Index (KAI) and statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the two habitats, i.e., E. superciliosa tended to be more abundant and preferred the dry forest, whilst M. lessonii favored moist environments. The development of arid and semi-arid environments characterized by open areas will probably lead to a numerical increase in E. superciliosa with a consequent expansion, while the decline of moister and homogeneously forested environments will likely affect negatively M. lessonii. We argue that these birds will act as bioindicators of local and global environmental changes, and their monitoring will enable appropriate forest management decisions for conservation purposes.

2023 - Towards a standardisation of morphological measurements in the phylum Kinorhyncha [Articolo su rivista]
Gonzalez-Casarrubios, A.; Cepeda, D.; Pardos, F.; Neuhaus, B.; Yamasaki, H.; Herranz, M.; Grzelak, K.; Maiorova, A.; Adrianov, A.; Dal Zotto, M.; Di Domenico, M.; Landers, S. C.; Sanchez, N.
abstract

2022 - Analysis of Prey Composition in Eurasian Reed Warblers' Acrocephalus scirpaceus Droppings at Four Breeding Sites in Italy [Articolo su rivista]
Ientile, R; Tuliozi, B; Campobello, D; Borghi, S; Sala, L; Dal Zotto, M; Massa, B
abstract

Our aim was to investigate the among-populations diversity of prey composition in Eurasian Reed Warblers' diets via their droppings, both to assess the ecological validity of this sampling method and to test whether the prey species most abundant in fecal samples were also the most present in the Italian study site. We collected fecal samples at four sites throughout Italy, for a total of 144 samples. Within reedbeds, the breeding habitat of the Eurasian Reed Warbler, we also collected arthropods by carrying out entomological sweepings at one of the study sites. Within the fecal samples, we identified dozens of prey species, belonging mainly to Araneae, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera and Aphidoidea taxa, whose compositions were not statistically different among sites. The commonest prey species were Coleoptera in the droppings (68.5%) and Diptera in the reedbeds (31.3%), although the latter was less numerous in the fecal samples. The diets of different Italian populations of Eurasian Reed Warbler emerging from our study underline a strong Coleopteran presence, without differences across Italy. Fecal samples appear to be an exhaustive method to study variation in Eurasian Reed Warbler diet and its ecological importance; however, although potential caveats do exist, such as the possible under-representation of Diptera.

2022 - Habitat selection of the roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in an agroforestry system|Selezione dell’habitat del capriolo Capreolus capreolus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in un sistema agroforestale [Articolo su rivista]
Zorzi, P.; Nardotto, A.; Bottazzo, M.; Dal Zotto, M.
abstract

The present study aimed at assessing the habitat preferences of the most widespread and abundant ungulate in Italy, the roe deer, in the Vallevecchia protected area (Venice). This area has been the object of naturalistic management and continuous environmental improvements in the last decades. Currently, the area is characterized by a high habitat heterogeneity, including deciduous woodlands, pine forests, wetlands, and farmlands. The study was carried out during the summers of 2017 and 2020. Data were collected along standardized transects, and the geo-localized records were divided into the corresponding habitats to calculate the Jacobs Index. In addition, chi-square test was applied, with the calculation of Pearson residuals to estimate the significance of associations to the habitats. The analyses show that in Vallevecchia the roe deer prefers woods and permanent meadows. Conversely, this ungulate avoids pine forests, wetlands and farmlands, despite their potential as sources of food and shelter. In line with other studies on agroforestry systems, wooded areas were most likely preferred because they provide shelter from disturbing factors and thermal stress, while meadows were likely chosen for trophic reasons. In this respect, we point out that in the studied area the preference for meadows was most likely due also to the availability of sprouts all year round, deriving from the constant mowing activities implemented in this habitat. In addition, our investigation underlines that the roe deer normally avoids maize and wheat crops, in accordance with similar studies. Moreover, the analyses highlight the preference for farmlands only if woods and grasslands are not present in the adjoining areas. Conversely, the proximity of these habitats results in a low impact on crops. In addition to encouraging the enforcement of current management actions in Vallevecchia, our results represent a contribution to a more effective management of the roe deer in agroforestry systems, aimed at limiting its impact in anthropized contexts and at achieving the conditions for a better coexistence of this deer with human activities.

2022 - Investigating Ecotourism impacts on mammal activity in a Costa Rican protected area [Abstract in Rivista]
Fonda, F.; Vezzani, L.; Mena Aguilar, L. A.; Romeo, G.; Sonetti, D.; Dal Zotto, M.
abstract

Costa Rica belongs to one of the 36 world biodiversity hotspots, representing one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the world and providing huge socio-economic and environmental benefits. However, tourism may have an impact on biodiversity which should be investigated thoroughly, giving priority to poorly studied areas. The Karen Mogensen Wildlife Refuge (KMWR) is part of the Biological Corridor of the Nicoya peninsula (NW Costa Rica), among the least studied regions of the country in terms of mammalian fauna. In the past, this area underwent significant human-alterations, but most habitats were restored thanks to the establishment in 1996 of a private protected area, owned by ASEPALECO association. Inside the KMWR, ecotourism and the establishment of an eco-lodge represent a fundamental income for the economic sustainability of the protected area. Through a camera trapping survey, we investigated the mammal community of the KMWR and we assessed the influence of tourists on their diel activity patterns. The survey was carried out from mid-January to mid-April 2019 using six camera traps placed close to the paths and sources of water, with the aim to improve animal detectability. A species accumulation curve was built to assess if our survey effort was sufficient to describe the community. To assess if mammal community was disturbed by human presence, we tested if the presence of tourists changed the diel activity patterns of i) the most common species (>50 detections), ii) the entire community, iii) nocturnal vs. diurnal species, and iv) strictly terrestrial vs. predominantly or semi-arboreal species. We described the diel patterns with a probability density function (Kernel Density Estimate), and we calculated the coefficient of overlap i to compare the activity variation in relation to tourists’ presence/ absence; we tested the statistical significance of the difference through theWatson’s two-sample test. Tourist presence/absence data were provided by ASEPALECO, which records all the entrances in the protected area. In 537 trap-days we recorded 467 independent detections of 12 mammals: Odocoileus virginianus, Dicotyles tajacu, Puma concolor, Leopardus pardalis, Conepatus semistriatus, Eira barbara, Nasua narica, Didelphis marsupialis, Tamandua mexicana, Cebus imitator, Cuniculus paca, Dasyprocta punctata. The accumulation curve indicated that we reached a plateau after 219 trap-days, i.e., no new mammals recorded after this period. During the sampling, tourists were present for 52 days, and absent for 50 days, with little difference in the number of camera-trap detections (239 and 228, respectively). The presence/absence of tourists did not produce any significant change (e.g., i>0.77) in the temporal activity patterns all species and groups considered. Our results showed that the number of large mammals in the KMWR is comparable to that recorded in other protected area of Costa Rica, including some rare and elusive species; this suggests that habitat restoration was effective for mammal conservation. Interestingly, during our survey, we documented the first reproductive event of the top-predator Puma concolor in the area, an encouraging indication of the recovery of the food-web, after years of protection. There is a large literature documenting the impact of tourism on wildlife activity patterns, showing an increase of nocturnality. However, our results showed little effects of tourists on the activity patterns of species and groups. This suggests that present tourism management in the KMWR is compatible with mammal conservation and provides a nice example of sustainable touristic exploitation.

2022 - L’ornitologia di Pietro de Nobili [Capitolo/Saggio]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Sala, L
abstract

2021 - Decoupled Acoustic and Visual Components in the Multimodal Signals of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) [Articolo su rivista]
Esposito, M; Ceraulo, M; Tuliozi, B; Buscaino, G; Mazzola, S; Sala, L; Dal Zotto, M; Campobello, D
abstract

Because of its parasitic habits, reproduction costs of the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) are mostly spent in pre-laying activities. Female costs are limited to searching host nests and laying eggs, whereas, males spend time in performing intense vocal displays, possibly with territorial purpose. This last aspect, together with a sexual plumage dimorphism, points to both intra- and inter-sexual selections operating within this species. One element triggering sexual selection is a differential fitness accrued by different phenotypes. Before analyzing possible sexual selection mechanisms operating in cuckoos, it is therefore necessary to verify whether there is a variability among male secondary characters by describing and quantifying them. Here we aimed to quantitatively characterize the main two potential candidates of sexual selection traits, i.e., calls and displays, shown by males at perches. During the 2019 breeding season, in a site within the Po Plain, we both audio and video recorded cuckoo males at five different perches. We analyzed acoustic variables as well as display sequences searching for potential correlations. We found a significant variation among calls that could be clustered into four vocal types. We also found that no visual displays were associated with vocal displays; cuckoo males were either vocal and motionless or soundless and active. We discuss our results under the perspective of the potential value of sexual selection in brood parasites and its role in its parasitic habit.

2020 - Analysis of the macrozoobenthic community of a perifluvial buffer of the Secchia river (Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna) [Articolo su rivista]
Benassi, A; DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

Analysis of the macrozoobenthic community within a perifluvial buffer zone of the River Secchia (northern Italy). In April 2018, a biological study of a foothill perifluvial buffer zone of the River Secchia at Tressano di Castellarano (province of Reggio Emilia) was carried out. First investigations focused on the macrozoobenthic community of a pond located within the study area. Benthic macroinvertebrates are considered excellent bioindicators of the quality of the aquatic environment: so, both the richness and abundance of species were assessed. In addition to the morphological determination of macroinvertebrates, quali-quantitative data underwent multivariate analyses. Finally, water chemical-physical parameters were recorded during the study. The preliminary data allowed a qualitative picture of the pond to be obtained, which can be useful for future environmental improvement projects.

2020 - PRESENZA DEL RARO MACCABEUS TENTACULATUS POR, 1973 (PRIAPULIDA) NEL MAR LIGURE [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, M. A.; DAL ZOTTO, M.; Rebecchi, C.
abstract

An adult female specimen, an exuvia and several larvae of Priapulida identified as Maccabeus tentaculatus were found off Livorno (Ligurian Sea). Specimens were collected at about 100 m water depth and show morphological traits that match the original description. The finding widens the geographic range of the species, which previously was known only from the eastern Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. The actual population appears viable but scarce. These rare animals assume particular relevance in phylogenetic analyses aimed at shedding light on the in-group relationships of the Priapulida.

2020 - Studio della meiofauna nei pressi di un rigassificatore offshore [Articolo su rivista]
Dal Zotto, M.; De Biasi, A. M.; Pacciardi, L.; Pertusati, M.; Bianchi, V.; Giannetti, M.; Rebecchi, C.; Todaro, M. A.
abstract

We report herein an investigation of spatial and temporal variations of meiofauna around an offshore regasification terminal located about 22 km offshore the coast of Livorno and Pisa (Ligurian Sea). Samples were collected in 12 sites located at three different distances from the plant. A total of six surveys were carried out, starting before the installation of the terminal. The investigation revealed the presence of 29 major taxa, with total meiofauna average densities ranging from 69 to 360 ind./10 cm2. The meiobenthic community varied significantly over years, irrespective to the distance from the terminal. No significant spatial variations of meiofauna around the regasification terminal were detected.

2020 - The soil fauna of a perifluvial buffer of the Secchia river (Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna) [Articolo su rivista]
Benassi, A; DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

2019 - An Introduction to the Study of Gastrotricha, with a Taxonomic Key to Families and Genera of the Group [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, M. Antonio; Sibaja-Cordero, Jeffrey Alejandro; Segura-Bermúdez, Oscar A.; Coto-Delgado, Génesis; Goebel-Otárola, Nathalie; Barquero, Juan D.; Cullell-Delgado, Mariana; Dal Zotto, Matteo
abstract

Gastrotricha is a group of meiofaunal-sized, free-living invertebrates present in all aquatic ecosystems. The phylum includes over 860 species globally, of which 505 nominal species have been recorded in marine sandy sediments; another 355 taxa inhabit the freshwater environments, where they are recurrent members of the periphyton and epibenthos, and, to a lesser degree, of the plankton and interstitial fauna. Gastrotrichs are part of the permanent meiofauna and, in general, they rank among the top five groups for abundance within meiobenthic assemblages. The diversity, abundance, and ubiquity of Gastrotricha allow us to suppose an important role for these animals in aquatic ecosystems; however, ecological studies to prove this idea have been comparatively very few. This is mainly because the small size and transparency of their bodies make gastrotrichs dicult to discover in benthic samples; moreover, their contractility and fragility make their handling and morphological survey of the specimens rather dicult. Here we oer an overview, describe the basic techniques used to study these animals, and provide a key to known genera in an attempt to promote easy identification and to increase the number of researchers who may be interested in conducting studies on this understudied ecological group of microscopic organisms.

2019 - Esperienze di “MusicaBiologica” in musei scientifici e luoghi di natura protetta [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Rebecchi, Christian; Dallai, Daniele; Barbieri, Giovanna; Bosi, Giovanna; Buldrini, Fabrizio; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Pederzoli, Aurora
abstract

A project of “biological” music was proposed as a new expressive language to promote a better fruition of thematic itineraries of scientific museums and natural reserves. The use of rigorously acoustic musical instruments, the choice of sounds that do not require electric energy to be produced, the creation of unique events where the original composition is focused to the context, together with readings evocating and celebrating nature and its relationship with man, were intended as a stimulus to an unusual sharing among people present to such events, which become a real moment of listening and participation.

2019 - Integrated data analysis allows the establishment of a new, cosmopolitan genus of marine Macrodasyida (Gastrotricha) [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, M. Antonio; Dal Zotto, Matteo; Kånneby, Tobias; Hochberg, Rick
abstract

Macrodasyida (phylum Gastrotricha) comprises 365 species distributed across 34 genera and 10 families. However, current classification is under revision due to the contradictory results of molecular and morphological cladistic analyses. Studies aimed at bridging the gaps took advantage of supplementary assessments of poorly known species and particularly from observations of new taxa showing original traits that could help to identify plesiomorphic character states in these anatomically diverse micrometazoa. We follow this path by describing three new interesting macrodasyidan species respectively from Italy, Brazil and Sweden. In many respects, the new species resemble most closely species of the genus Macrodasys; however, details of the external morphology, in combination with the different lay-out of the reproductive system and the tiny spermatozoa lacking a visible flagellum, suggest they belong to a new genus, possibly in the family Macrodasyidae. These hypotheses are supported by the phylogenetic relationships of 47 taxa inferred from analyses of the 18S rRNA gene, which found the new species clustering with Thaidasys tongiorgii in a subset of a larger clade containing Macrodasys. Accordingly, the establishment of the following taxa is proposed: Kryptodasys gen. nov., K. marcocurinii sp. nov., K. carlosrochai sp. nov. and K. ulfjondeliusi sp. nov.

2019 - Investigation of echinoderid kinorhynchs described 90 years ago: redescription of Echinoderes capitatus (Zelinka, 1928) and Echinoderes ferrugineus Zelinka, 1928 [Articolo su rivista]
Yamasaki, H; Dal Zotto, M
abstract

The two kinorhynch species Echinoderes capitatus (Zelinka, 1928) and Echinoderes ferrugineus Zelinka, 1928 are redescribed herein, based on specimens collected at different Mediterranean locations. Echinoderes capitatus is characterized by the presence of middorsal acicular spine on segment 4 and lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6e9; at least three pairs of tubes on segment 2 (subdorsal, midlateral, and ventrolateral); subdorsal tubes on segment 8; laterodorsal tubes on segment 10; lateral accessory tubes on segments 5 and 8; subdorsal sensory spots on segments 1 and 3e11; and ventromedial sensory spots on segments 2 and 5e7, often additionally on segment 8; occurrence of subdorsal tubes on segments 6 and 7, laterodorsal tubes on segment 2, midlateral tubes on segments 7 and 8, and ventromedial tubes on segment 8 showing intraspecific variation; and the absence of the type-2 gland cell outlets. The pattern of the additional tubes is relatively well-preserved within a population but differs among populations. Echinoderes ferrugineus is characterized by the presence of middorsal acicular spines on segment 4e8; lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6e9; lateral accessory tubes on segment 5; type-2 gland cell outlets in subdorsal, laterodorsal, sublateral, and ventrolateral position on segment 2, subdorsal and midlateral position on segment 4, midlateral position on segment 5, and midlateral position on segment 8; long lateral terminal spines (ca. 140e180 mm, 45e63% of trunk length). Comments are provided on the intraspecific variation in tube pattern in E. capitatus, and its potential importance in a speciation and evolutionary context.

2019 - Marine gastrotrichs from Lanzarote, with a description of a phylogenetically relevant species of Urodasys (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello; Cesaretti, A.; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo
abstract

Sampling campaign took place in October 2011 and included 7 locations and 16 stations along the eastern coast of the island of Lanzarote (Spain). Samples yielded 61 species for a total of 96 records. Thirty-six species (27 genera and 11 families) belong to Macrodasyida while 25 species (18 genera, 7 families) to Chaetonotida. Thirty-two are known species while 29 appear to be undescribed taxa or putatively so. The finding at Lanzarote of some of the known species bear particular significance: Oregodasys cirratus and Tetranchyroderma canariense are recorded for the second time ever, while Musellifer delamarei and Urodasys acanthostylis were previously known only from the Mediterranean, and Urodadys mirabilis was acknowledge only for northern Europe. Furthermore, the presence in the island of Chaetonotus apechochaetus, C. apolemmus, C. siciliensis, Heterolepidoderma loricatum, Lepidodasys unicarenatus, Musellifer delamarei, Thaumastoderma mediterraneum, and Urodasys acanthostylis, strongly suggest them to be part of the temperate/warm fauna that invaded the Mediterranean basin after the Missinian crisis during the different climate eras. Of the new species, one is described as its characteristics widen substantially our knowledge on the entire genus. Urodasys completus sp. nov. is unique in that it possesses, among others, two testes and a sclerotic stylet. Results of a phylogenetic analysis indicated that the sequence of the evolutionary transformation that have occurred in the reproductive system of the species of Urodasys are likely dissimilar from the ones proposed thus far. The overall results testify the need to continue the exploration in the Canary Islands.

2019 - Patterns of diversity and endemism of soft-bodied meiofauna in an oceanic island, Lanzarote, Canary Islands [Articolo su rivista]
Martínez, Alejandro; Di Domenico, Maikon; Leasi, Francesca; Curini-Galletti, Marco; Todaro, M. Antonio; Zotto, Matteo Dal; Gobert, Stefan; Artois, Tom; Norenburg, Jon; Jörger, Katharina M.; Núñez, Jorge; Fontaneto, Diego; Worsaae, Katrine; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo
abstract

Oceanic islands, characterized by high levels of endemism and distinct faunas when compared to neighbouring continents, represent natural evolutionary laboratories for biologists to understand ecological and evolutionary processes. However, most studies on oceanic islands have focused on terrestrial and marine macrofaunal organisms, and ignored microscopic animals. We present here an inventory of all soft-bodied meiofaunal organisms collected during a 2-week workshop on the oceanic island of Lanzarote, Canary Islands. Our checklist included 239 species, with 88 of them endemic to the archipelago. The number of endemic species was lower in groups with a higher proportion of parthenogenetic species, while it was not significantly affected by body size and percentage of species with dispersal stages. A higher percentage of endemic species was found in isolated habitats and environments, with only annelids showing significantly higher number of endemic species in anchialine caves. Our results might be biased by the high number of indeterminate species found in our samples and the lack of knowledge of the meiofauna of the African coast. Our findings, however, provide the first insight of patterns of diversity of soft-bodied meiofauna in Atlantic oceanic islands, suggesting that island endemic species might also exist amongst microscopic animals.

2019 - Revision of Condyloderes (Kinorhyncha, Cyclorhagida) including description of Condyloderes shirleyi sp. nov [Articolo su rivista]
Neuhaus, B; Dal Zotto, M; Yamasaki, H; Higgins, Rp
abstract

The description of a new representative of the species-poor genus Condyloderes Higgins, 1969 from the Northeast Pacific (Alaska) is reported. The analyzed specimens of Condyloderes shirleyi sp. nov. showed a significant variation of numerous morphological characters, along with female-specific traits known also from other congeneric species. These findings stimulated the re-investigation of the type material of the six species of Condyloderes described so far, i.e., C. kurilensis Adrianov & Maiorova, 2016, C. megastigma Sorensen, Rho & Kim, 2010b, C. multispinosus (McIntyre, 1962) Higgins, 1969, C. paradoxus Higgins, 1969, C. setoensis Adrianov, Murakami & Shirayama, 2002, and C. storchi Higgins, 2004 in Martorelli & Higgins, 2004. Our study allowed to reveal various morphological novelties and to emend the diagnosis of these species and of the genus Condyloderes. Furthermore, our analysis led to synonymize C. megastigma with C. setoensis. The results of our investigation about the significant variation in C. shirleyi sp. nov. raise a wider question on species identity within Kinorhyncha, underscoring the necessity, if possible, to describe new species from a higher number of specimens and to concentrate on the morphological variation of the going-to-be-described species.

2019 - Studio della meiofauna nei pressi di un rigassificatore off shore (Mar Ligure) [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; De Biasi, A M; Pacciardi, L; Pertusati, M; Bianchi, V; Giannetti, M; Rebecchi, C; Todaro, M A
abstract

We report herein an investigation of the potential effects on meiofauna of the regasification terminal "FSRU Toscana" (OLT Offshore LNG Toscana), located about 22 km offshore the coast of Livorno and Pisa (Ligurian Sea). Samples were collected in 12 sites located at three different distances from the plant. A total of six surveys were carried out, starting before the installation of the terminal. The investigation revealed the presence of 29 major taxa, with total meiofauna average densities ranging from 69 to 360 ind./10 cm2. The meiobenthic community varied significantly over years, irrespective to the distance from the terminal. No significant effects on meiofauna originated by the presence and operativity of the regasification terminal were detected.

2019 - STUDIO DELLA MEIOFAUNA NEL MONITORAGGIO DEL TERMINALE DI RIGASSIFICAZIONE DI OLT OFFSHORE LNG TOSCANA (MAR LIGURE) [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
DAL ZOTTO, M; De Biasi, A M; Pacciardi, L; Pertusati, M; Bianchi, V; Giannetti, M; Rebecchi, C; Todaro, M A
abstract

2019 - The genus Condyloderes (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida) in the Mediterranean Sea, including the description of two new species with novel characters [Articolo su rivista]
Dal Zotto, M.; Neuhaus, B.; Yamasaki, H.; Todaro, M. A.
abstract

Two new species of Kinorhyncha belonging to the genus Condyloderes (Cyclorhagida: Centroderidae) are described herein. The specimens were collected in the Gulf of Castellammare (Tyrrhenian Sea, Sicily, Southern Italy) and off Livorno (Ligurian Sea, Tuscany, Central Italy), respectively. The new taxa represent the first species of Condyloderes described from the Mediterranean basin. Condyloderes agnetis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by bearing cuspidate spines on segment 3 e a character never reported before for Cyclorhagida e in subdorsal position, paradorsally and sublaterally on segment 7, an extremely short midterminal spine, and a combination of cuspidate spines in lateral accessory position on segments 2 and 9, ventrolaterally slightly displaced ventromedially on segment 5, and ventrolaterally on segment 8. Condyloderes clarae sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of cuspidate spines on segments 5, 8, and 9 only, cuspidate spines ventrolaterally on segment 8 and in a lateral accessory position on segment 9, ventromedial appendages on segments 5, 6, and 7 in females. Both species exhibit the recently described type-6 sensory spots. Furthermore, the female morphology and data on the distribution of Condyloderes multispinosus (McIntyre, 1962) within the Mediterranean Sea are reported, along with the record of the co-occurrence of different species of Condyloderes at the same site. We report a certain degree of intraspecific variation of taxonomically diagnostic characters like the presence or absence of cuspidate spines and sensory spots on some segments in C. agnetis sp. nov. and C. multispinosus. The presence of regularly arranged cuticular hairs on most trunk segments and of an acicular spine in lateral accessory position on segment 1, along with the absence of an area of micropapillae on segment 9 in females of C. agnetis sp. nov. and C. clarae sp. nov., unique within the genus, suggest the existence of distinct evolutionary lines within Condyloderes. The discovery of the two new species highlights the potential species richness of a genus considered species-poor until recently. Our findings underscore the importance of promoting further studies even in rather well investigated areas, such as the Mediterranean basin. Beyond the taxonomic and biogeographical interest, the data reported herein provides additional insights for ongoing taxonomic and phylogenetic investigations on the Centroderidae and allies, and on the whole Cyclorhagida.

2019 - The restocking of populations of tench (Tinca tinca (Linnaeus, 1758)): a case study in the territory of Modena (Emilia-Romagna) [Articolo su rivista]
Sala, L.; Luzzara, M.; DAL ZOTTO, M; Pagliai, D.
abstract

The tench is a cyprinid generally considered of least conservation concern, even though extinct in the majority of the waters of Emilia-Romagna region; the species was the target of a project aimed at the restoration of new populations from the few surviving on the Modena Apennines (lakes Pratignano, Santo, and Cavo). The homogeneity of the three nuclei along with the Lake Garda’s and other European populations, proven by a preliminary genetic characterization, allowed to collect individuals indifferently from the three areas and translocate them to another two lowland (84 and 78 specimens, respectively) and one foothill (54 specimens) biotopes, previously selected for their potential suitability based on the water quality and on the hydrological, vegetational and faunistic conditions, as well as for logistical and operational considerations. A three-year investigation (2014-2017) highlighted a complete success, with the creation of a structured population, only at the foothill site, which was characterized by the exclusively meteoric supply, by the absence of other fish species and of Procambarus clarkii.

2018 - A new species of Turbanellidae (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) from Jamaica, with a key to species of Paraturbanella [Articolo su rivista]
Dal Zotto, M.; Leasi, F.; Todaro, M. A.
abstract

The study falls within the framework of a wider research programme aimed at investigating the gastrotrich diversity of the Tropical North-Western Atlantic (TNWA). A new macrodasyidan gastrotrich is described from fine-medium sand collected at Duncans Bay, Jamaica. The description is based on observations carried out on living specimens using differential interference contrast microscopy. Paraturbanella xaymacana sp. n., the third gastrotrich taxon reported from Jamaica, is a mid-sized species, up to 564 μm long, with a feeble peribuccal swelling. The most obvious autapomorphic traits pertain to the testes and the male pore, both of which are located approximately at mid body, rather than at- or near the pharyngo-intestinal junction as occur in the other species of the genus. Additional differences with congeners are discussed and a key to the Paraturbanella species is provided, in the hope it will be useful to both gastrotrich experts and marine ecologists who discover these microscopic metazoans during their research.

2018 - At the edge of meridionalization: the case of alien lizards Podarcis siculus Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810 (Sauria: Lacertidae) around lake Garda [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Nardelli, A; Iversen, D; Tabarelli de Fatis, K; Bombieri, G; Corradi, L; Bin, S; Pederzoli, A; Toscano, Y; DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

Alien species constitute a serious threat to biodiversity, also contributing to reduce the ecological resilience of ecosystems to global climate changes. The Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810 (Sauria: Lacertidae) represents at this regard a case point since it has established exotic populations on three different continents, seeming capable of adapting to a variety of habitats, temperature ranges and food sources, also competing with native lizards through species substitution and/or hybridization. Even though endemic and nearly ubiquitous to most of the Italian peninsula, P. s. is considered relatively rare north of the Po’ river and its occurrence around Lake Garda was enlightened only very recently (2016), when authors discovered “new” P. s. populations in the municipality of Arco (TN), in the touristic area of Limone s/G (BS), in three garden centres in Padenghe s/G (BS), Peschiera d/G and Castelnuovo d/G, in Valeggio sul Mincio inside the historical garden park “Sigurtà” and in the pre-alpine hilly area Colline Veronesi (VR). We have re-confirmed the presence of P. s. on Trimelone islet (VR) as well, while we failed verifying all the other historical data regarding the southern edges of Lake Garda and nearby areas; our intensive surveys in the localities of Calliano, Rovereto, Spino and Ala (TN), Castellaro Lagusello (MN) and Mt. Maddalena (BS) lead us to sadly assess, albeit with some obvious misgivings, the local extinction of the species. We did not find the species even in other nearby historical localities cited by literature on the Astico river (Breganze, VI), on the Oglio river (Orzinuovi, BS) and in Montorio, Parona and Marcellise (VR). With the aim to better understand the conservation status of P. siculus in the southern Alps around Lake Garda, we have inferred the geographical origin of these newly discovered populations. Preliminary analysis of chromatic dorsal patterns, ventral scales number and SVL evidenced an extremely high inter-, and, in some cases intra-, population variability, together with typical traits of southern P. siculus lineages, not naturally occurring in the Po Plain. In addition, lizards exclusively inhabit restricted man-made areas as olive orchards, parks, private gardens, factories or garden centres increasing the chance for human mediated introductions. We used phylogenetic analyses sequencing 935 bp of the mitochondrial cyt-b gene and comparing our results with those from Podnar et al. (2005) and Senzuck (2017). Lizard’s DNA was obtained with non-invasive methods extracting it from fecal pellets or pieces of dead skin collected in the field. As expected, our results suggest an exotic origin of most of the analyzed populations. The central-southern Adriatic coast, together with the Province of Agrigento (Sicily) represent the two main areas from where alien P. s. have been imported. The presence of different haplotypes ensure the occurrence of multiple separated colonization events even in the same locality. In at least two sites, this phenomenon has realistically brought to hybridization, probably offsetting the negative consequences of the low genetic diversity typically occurring in newly established lizard populations. Aged olive trees trading activities clearly represent the main way by which P. s. was imported from southern to northern Italy. These old plants perfectly host P. s. acting as a Trojan horse for the colonization of new hostile environments, representing an all-in-one microhabitat, where lizards can find food and basking sites, lay eggs and survive to cold climate conditions during winter. Aged olive trees are frequently sold to private citizens for ornamental purposes, so garden centres act as stepping stones for a rapid and unpredictable lizard invasion, which will affect a large portion of northern Italy, firstly south of the 46° parallel. The presence of P. siculus exotic lineages brings

2018 - At the edge of meridionalization: the case of alien lizards Podarcis siculus Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810 (Sauria: Lacertidae) around lake Garda [Poster]
Nardelli, A; Iversen, D; Tabarelli de Fatis, K; Bombieri, G; Corradi, L; Bin, S; Pederzoli, A; Toscano, Y; DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

2018 - Preliminary results on an avian brood parasite system in Mirandola Valley wetlands (Po Plain, Northern Italy) [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Borghi, S; Giannella, C; DAL ZOTTO, M; Sala, L; Campobello, D
abstract

Brood parasitism is an alternative reproductive strategy adopted by several avian species. The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is the predominant avian brood parasite in Europe and recently indicated as an important indicator of biodiversity. This parasitic species has been declining over the last years, even though a study using satellite devices showed that individuals migrating across the Italian Peninsula have a higher survival than those migrating across Spain. Our study area is right within the Po Plain (Northern Italy) and therefore ideal to investigate the beneficial features suggested to occur on a stop-over site of the cuckoo. Here we present the results of a pilot study addressing three main questions. (1) Verify whether the cuckoo and its hosts were still abundant as reported from another investigation held approximately 10 years ago. We quantified the abundance of the cuckoo and some of its hosts, such as the reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and the great reed warbler (A. arundinaceus) by using the IPA census method. (2) Analyze parasitism frequency. We searched for nests and checked them regularly to record any potential parasitism occurrence, recording also micro-environmental features such as water depth, and height and diameter of reeds around the nests. (3) Investigate the difference in prey delivery by adults depending on the chick species to raise. We used cameras placed in front of the nests to verify whether this method could be suitable for our goal and therefore able to detect delivery frequencies and prey size.

2017 - A Tribute to William Hummon – Gastrotrich Biologist Extraordinaire [Articolo su rivista]
Hochberg, R.; Todaro, M. A.; Araujo, T. Q.; Atherton, S.; Balsamo, M.; Chang, C. Y.; Di Domenico, M.; Garraffoni, A. R. S.; Guidi, L.; Känneby, T.; Kieneke, A.; Kirk, J. J.; Leasi, F.; Lee, J. M.; Nesteruk, T.; Dal Zotto, M.; Bownes, S. J.; Cesaroni, L.; Kim, Il-hoi; Münter, L.; Perissinotto, R.
abstract

Tributo a Bill Hummon

2017 - Italian Kinorhyncha: status of Biodiversity and distribution [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

Kinorhyncha are microscopic marine metazoans constituting a phylum that comprises more than 250 described species living from intertidal to abyssal depths. Studies on the Italian kinorhynch fauna have been rather erratic in space and time, with most records originating in the first decades of the XX century from the Gulfs of Naples and Trieste. Here, we provide information based on a careful taxonomic revision of published material but mainly on new data from recent surveys carried out in areas of Ligurian Sea (4), Tyrrhenian Sea (8), Ionian Sea (1), and Adriatic Sea (3 localities). New data derives from qualitative as well as from quantitative samples. During our surveys, 30 species in 11 genera and 6 families were recorded. Of the species found, 16 appear new to science or new to the national fauna, while 14 were previously known from Italian waters. Particularly relevant is the finding of two new species of the rare genus Condyloderes, unreported before from the Mediterranean Sea. The new faunistic information, along with novelties in the systematics of the phylum, prompted us to prepare an updated checklist, which brings to 37 species, 11 genera and 6 families the number of kinorhynch taxa known from the Italian seas. The most speciose genus is Echinoderes, followed by Pycnophyes, with 11 and 10 species, respectively. The former genus includes the species showing the highest abundances, E. capitatus, with recorded densities up to 184 ind./10 cm2, while the latter includes the most common species P. communis, found in 12 localities from the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, and Adriatic Seas. Concerning distribution, it appears that five species only can be considered ubiquitous in the four Italian sea basins, whereas the other species seem to be restricted to one or two basins. However, many sectors of the national waters remain unexplored. Further research should concentrate especially on peculiar habitats, such as coarse biogenic sediments, submarine caves, and lagoons, which our studies indicated as biodiversity hotspots for the ‘mud dragons’.

2017 - Italian Kinorhyncha: status of biodiversity and distribution [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

2017 - Long-term bird monitoring at the SCI-SPA Manzolino (Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy), biodiversity hotspot and site of high conservation relevance [Abstract in Rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Leoni, G; Sala, L; Drappi, I; Miani, G; Roteglia, L; Rossi, G
abstract

The Site of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) Manzolino, Po Plain, Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, spans over approximately 300 hectares, and comprises canals, detention basins, small wetlands, reforested areas, hedge- and tree rows, and grasslands (Regione Emilia Romagna 2017). A constant monitoring of the avian community, started in 1983 (LIPU 1987; Chiossi & Leoni 1990; Leoni et al. 2012), brought to the record of over 270 species, half of which are waterbirds. Sixty-seven species are breeding and other 17 may have reproduced within the site. Eighty-two species are wintering or show wintering contingents along with resident populations, 67 species are observed during migrations only, and the remnant 64 have been observed only occasionally during the investigation period (cf. Brichetti & Fracasso 2015 for species phenologies). We report the presence of 70 species considered critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened at a national scale according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Rondinini et al. 2013; IUCN 2016); 21 of these resulted breeding in the area. In addition, 72 of the reported species (of which 10 breeding) are mentioned in the Annex I of the European Birds Directive (2009/147/CE; European Parliament and the Council 2009), hence requiring special conservation measures concerning their habitat. The first use in Emilia-Romagna of the conservation status (Gustin et al. 2016) in the evaluation of the avifauna of a SPA allowed to reveal the presence of 101 species (33 breeding) with populations characterized at a national scale by limited abundances and distribution, decreasing, and/or connected to scarcely widespread or declining habitats. These results stress the richness of the site in terms of biodiversity and its strategic importance for bird conservation within the European Community, encouraging the local continuation of the monitoring activities started almost 35 years ago. Furthermore, we trust that the data reported will constitute a solid cognitive basis for the implementation of actions functional to an effective conservation of the species and habitats that confer to this area the titles of SCI and SPA.

2017 - Long-term bird monitoring at the SCI-SPA Manzolino (Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy), biodiversity hotspot and site of high conservation relevance [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Leoni, G; Sala, L; Drappi, I; Miani, G; Roteglia, L; Rossi, G
abstract

2017 - Novelties in the Evolution of the Urodasys reproductive system (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cesaretti, A; DAL ZOTTO, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

Macrodasyidan gastrotrichs are hermaphrodites with complex accessory reproductive organs that function in sperm transfer and receipt. Unfortunately, homology among the organs of members of different clades is largely undetermined, troubling a clear understanding of the evolutionary trends in the reproductive biology of these animals. The present study investigates the evolution of reproduction in species of the peculiar genus Urodasys, quite popular among researchers working on meiofauna in virtue of their very long tail. These gastrotrichs are extremely interesting also because they show a wide range of structures, modes, and reproductive strategies. It is likely that a phylogenetic study of these taxa may shed light on the evolutionary trends in the reproductive biology of the genus and possibly of the entire phylum. Urodasys presently consists of 15 species, one of which, U. viviparus, is parthenogenetic and ovoviviparous, while the others are hermaphroditic and oviparous. Four of the latter species show paired ovaries and testes, but no accessory sexual organ, whilst 10 possess two ovaries, a single testis and a sclerotic, copulatory organ called a stylet. Recently, a new species bearing a stylet but two testes was found at Lanzarote (Canary Islands). All this data was opportunely coded and cladistically analyzed. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the 18S rDNA gene obtained from representative species were concurrently carried out. The results of the two analyses are widely overlapping and substantially separate the investigated species into two clades, with the new species that appears as an early divergent line along the evolutionary branch of the stylet-bearing taxa. However, U. viviparus appears to be allied with the stylus-lacking species in the morphological analyses, while the molecular analyses place it amongst the stylet-bearing species. In any case, regardless of the position of U. viviparus, the results indicate that the sequence of evolutionary transformations occurred in the reproductive system of the species of Urodasys is likely dissimilar from those previously proposed by other authors.

2017 - Novelties in the Evolution of the Urodasys reproductive system (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) [Poster]
Cesaretti, A; DAL ZOTTO, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

2017 - The avian community of the karen mogensen reserve, a wealth of biodiversity within the poorly investigated and threatened environments of northwestern costa rica [Articolo su rivista]
Dal Zotto, Matteo; Romeo, Giuseppe; Mena Aguilar, Luis A.; Sonetti, Dario; Pederzoli, Aurora
abstract

Despite being characterized by some of the most threatened forest ecosystems of Mesoamerica, the Nicoya Peninsula is among the least known regions of neotropical Costa Rica in terms of its birdlife. Within this region, in the framework of an ongoing international cooperation program between Italy and Costa Rica, we had the opportunity to investigate the Karen Mogensen Reserve, a protected area distinguished by the presence of a variety of habitats, including tropical dry forest and moist forest. Species richness in the Reserve was relatively high compared with similar areas in northwestern Costa Rica. A series of surveys carried out over a 20-year period documented an avian community consisting of 207 species, of which 115 were breeding in the zone and another 14 were potentially breeding. We recorded five IUCN globally Vulnerable or Near-Threatened species, along with six species reported for the first time from the Nicoya Peninsula, each representing range extension of more than 100 km. Twenty-six species, mostly breeding in the area, are at their southernmost range borders, and are likely susceptible to global environmental alterations, such as the effects of climate change. Furthermore, our study revealed the presence of two species endemic to a restricted area of Central America and four subspecies endemic to Costa Rica, along with breeding populations of two species that are geographically isolated from the main ones. The present analysis led to the ecological characterization of the resident avian community, showing that 65% of the species are strictly associated with forested environments, and especially with the understory or middle tree level, hence more vulnerable to environmental change (climatic, anthropogenic, etc.) and susceptible to local extinction. These results underscore the importance of the Karen Mogensen Reserve for bird conservation within a vulnerable environmental context, and warrant the continuation of periodic bird surveys, taxonomic study of isolated populations or endemic taxa, and improvement of local conservation measures. The data collected will be an important tool for future studies aimed at evaluating the consequences of habitat fragmentation and to monitor the effects of climate change on the resident avifauna. We exhort the creation of programs that integrate bird monitoring, ecological research, conservation initiatives, and the involvement of the local communities, by promoting environmental education, capacity-building, and income generation. To this purpose, the Karen Mogensen Reserve may represent a convincing model and valuable example to apply in similar neotropical contexts.

2017 - THE AVIAN COMMUNITY OF THE KAREN MOGENSEN RESERVE, WEALTH OF BIODIVERSITY WITHIN THE POORLY INVESTIGATED AND THREATENED ENVIRONMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN COSTA RICA [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Romeo, Giuseppe; Mena, LUIS A.; Sonetti, Dario; Pederzoli, Aurora
abstract

Northwestern Costa Rica is among the least known districts of the country in terms of ornithic fauna, despite being characterized by some of the most threatened forest ecosystems of Mesoamerica. Within this region, in the framework of an ongoing international cooperation program, we had the opportunity to investigate the Karen Mogensen Reserve, a protected area distinguished by the presence of a great variety of habitats. Surveys carried out over a 20-year period revealed an avian community composed of 204 species, a high species richness compared to similar areas of northwestern Costa Rica, of which 115 breeding in the zone and other 14 potentially breeding. We recorded four IUCN globally Vulnerable or Near-Threatened species, along with five species reported for the first time from the region, with range extensions of more than 100 km. Twenty-six species, mostly breeding in the area, are at their southernmost range borders, hence greatly susceptible to global environmental alterations, such as climate change. Besides, our study revealed the presence of two species endemic to a restricted area of Central America and four subspecies endemic to Costa Rica, along with breeding populations of two species that are geographically isolated from the main ones. Our analysis led to the ecological characterization of the resident avian community, showing that the 65% of the species is strictly associated to the understory or middle tree level, therefore more vulnerable to environmental change and susceptible of local extinction. These results stress the importance of the area for bird conservation within a vulnerable environmental context, and prompt the continuation of periodic bird surveys and the improvement of local conservations measures. The data collected will be an important tool for future studies aimed at evaluating the consequences of habitat fragmentation and to monitor the effects of climate change on the resident avifauna. We exhort the creation of programs that integrate bird monitoring, ecological research, conservation initiatives, and the involvement of the local communities, by promoting environmental education, capacity-building, and income generation. On this aim, the Karen Mogensen Reserve may represent a convincing model and valuable example to apply in similar contexts of the Neotropics. Eventually, the present study is a promising starting point for an exchange of ornithological knowledge between Italian and Costa Rican researchers.

2017 - The avian community of the Karen Mogensen Reserve, wealth of biodiversity within the poorly investigated and threatened environments of Northwestern Costa Rica [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Romeo, Giuseppe; Mena, Luis A.; Sonetti, Dario; Pederzoli, Aurora
abstract

Northwestern Costa Rica is among the least known districts of the country in terms of ornithic fauna, despite being characterized by some of the most threatened forest ecosystems of Mesoamerica. Within this region, in the framework of an ongoing international cooperation program, we had the opportunity to investigate the Karen Mogensen Reserve, a protected area distinguished by the presence of a great variety of habitats. Surveys carried out over a 20-year period revealed an avian community composed of 204 species - a high species richness compared to similar areas of northwestern Costa Rica - of which 115 breeding in the zone and other 14 potentially breeding. We recorded four IUCN globally Vulnerable or Near-Threatened species, along with five species reported for the first time from the region, with range extensions of more than 100 km. Twenty-six species, mostly breeding in the area, are at their southernmost range borders, hence greatly susceptible to global environmental alterations, such as climate change. Besides, our study revealed the presence of two species endemic to a restricted area of Central America and four subspecies endemic to Costa Rica, along with breeding populations of two species that are geographically isolated from the main ones. Our analysis led to the ecological characterization of the resident avian community, showing that the 65% of the species is strictly associated to the understory or middle tree level, therefore more vulnerable to environmental change and susceptible of local extinction. These results stress the importance of the area for bird conservation within a vulnerable environmental context, and prompt the continuation of periodic bird surveys and the improvement of local conservations measures. The data collected will be an important tool for future studies aimed at evaluating the consequences of habitat fragmentation and to monitor the effects of climate change on the resident avifauna. We exhort the creation of programs that integrate bird monitoring, ecological research, conservation initiatives, and the involvement of the local communities, by promoting environmental education, capacity-building, and income generation. On this aim, the Karen Mogensen Reserve may represent a convincing model and valuable example to apply in similar contexts of the Neotropics. Eventually, the present study is a promising starting point for an exchange of ornithological knowledge between Italian and Costa Rican researchers.

2017 - Two new interesting species of Macrodasyida (Gastrotricha) from KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, M. A.; Dal Zotto, M.; Bownes, S. J.; Perissinotto, R.
abstract

This study is part of a larger research program aimed at shedding light on meiofauna and macrofauna communities of the subtropical Eastern Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Previous articles on the phylum Gastrotricha have detailed faunistic and preliminary taxonomic data on marine and freshwater species found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Here, two new interesting marine macrodasyidan species, in the families Cephalodasyidae and Turbanellidae, are reported from a wider area of the KZN coast. Descriptions are based on observations carried out on living specimens using differential interference contrast microscopy. Pleurodasys incomptus new species is the second species in the genus; surprisingly, it lacks the peculiar gravireceptor organs (pharyngeal knobs) thought to be an autapomorphic trait of the genus. Paraturbanella africana new species is a mid-sized species (up to 520 µm in length), showing a peribuccal swelling; its most obvious autapomorphic trait pertains to the testes, which are located well passed half the body rather than at- or near the pharyngo-intestinal junction as occur in the other species of the genus. The relevant anatomical novelties shown by the two new species testify that current knowledge about gastrotrich basic morphology is far from complete. This holds true also for taxa that are considered to be well-known (e.g. the speciose genus Paraturbanella), and stresses once again the importance of investigating new geographic areas in order to improve our understanding of global gastrotrich morphological diversity and species richness.

2016 - First data from bird monitoring at Karen Mogensen Reserve, northwestern Costa Rica [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Romeo, Giuseppe; Carnevali, Maurizio; Bisanti, Matteo; Sonetti, Dario; Mena, Luis; Pederzoli, Aurora
abstract

Due to its high sensitiveness, tropical biodiversity is a privileged target for the study of the effects of climate change; furthermore, birds (Aves) are considered excellent bioindicators, as climatic alterations strongly affect their life-cycle. The project CLIMBIO (Climate & Biodiversity), funded by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Modena, is aimed at the study of tropical ornithic fauna, together with the registration of weather parameters, in order to analyze the potential short and long term effects of climate change on birds. Within this project, we had the opportunity to undertake a periodic bird monitoring at Karen Mogensen Reserve, a protected area located in the Nicoya Peninsula, northwestern Costa Rica (Central America). This region is among the least known of the country in terms of ornithic fauna. The surveyed Reserve, an area of approximately 1,000 square hectares located between 100 and 500 m a.s.l., exhibits a complex of two main habitats: the widespread tropical dry forest and the moist forest surrounding some rivers and streams. These features make the area very suitable to host well diversified animal communities. For our study, fixed points and transects crossing the different habitat typologies and altitudes were identified and geolocalized with a GPS. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected based on direct observations and/or identification of bird songs. Here we provide results from a recent survey along with previous data collected over a 20 years period. The current checklist is made up of over 200 species, stressing the presence of a high species richness compared to similar areas in Costa Rica. We recorded 3 IUCN globally vulnerable or threatened species (Crax rubra, Procnias tricarunculatus, Passerina ciris) and reported for the first time 6 taxa from the Nicoya Peninsula, among which the icterid Molothrus bonariensis, a potential invasive species never observed before on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica. In addition, we revealed the presence of Ortalis vetula and Catharus aurantiirostris, two species that are characterized by isolated populations, restricted to the hills of the Nicoya Peninsula, and whose taxonomy needs further investigation. The information provided suggests that the Reserve represents a very important area for bird conservation within the country, and is confirmed as a suitable site for the continuation of the study on the influence of climate change on tropical biodiversity.

2016 - Invasive alien species of European Union concern: the use of a faunistic database for the knowledge and future management at a local scale [Poster]
Sala, Luigi; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Luzzara, Mirko; Ruocco, Matteo; Cocetti, Francesco
abstract

A research group of the Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, with the contribution of the Province of Modena and the Emilia-Romagna Region, implemented a faunistic database named Darwin. The database gathers information chiefly on the vertebrate fauna of the province of Modena (Northern Italy). To date, over 20,000 historical and recent records have been collected, regarding 535 vertebrate species and 7 invertebrates (Bivalvia and Crustacea) of high managing interest. Darwin allows to register the modification of the local fauna, with regards to the most problematic taxa and especially to the allochthonous species, which are mainly organisms living in the lowlands that became invasive at different levels. Some of these assumed the role of key species in a variety of ecosystems (e.g., Pseudorasbora parva), some threaten certain autochthonous species already at risk (e.g., Trachemys scripta and Procambarus clarkii), others give rise to economic issues (e.g., Myocastor coypus), whilst the remaining ones have progressively lost their invasivity, becoming rare or sporadic (e.g., Ameiurus melas and Lepomis gibbosus). The database represents a strongly effective tool for the basic knowledge functional to the actions deriving from the European Regulation 2014/1143, regarding the recent “List of invasive alien species of Union concern” (EU 2016/1141). Overall, Darwin collects information on the local distribution of 32 invasive allochthonous species, 7 of which of Union concern, namely: Lithobates catesbeianus, Myocastor coypus, Procambarus clarkii, Pseudorasbora parva, Trachemys scripta, Threskiornis aethiopicus, and Oxyura jamaicensis. The first four species are established within the province, while T. scripta is diffused but not definitively confirmed as breeding, T. aethiopicus is present but not breeding, and O. jamaicensis is observed only occasionally. Thanks to the database the autochthonous species of EU interest comprised in the national IUCN Red list and their competitors could be brought into focus. For instance, we revealed the presence of merely 8 local populations of Emys orbicularis, threatened by the wide distribution of T. scripta, which is reported from over 20 sites within Modena’s territory. Furthermore, we found Austropotamobius pallipes at 122 mid-elevation sites (100-1100 m a.s.l.), whilst its direct competitor P. clarkii, currently expanding to the foothills, was recorded from 101 locations from 10 to 100 m a.s.l. These preliminary results highlight the necessity of control plans towards the two alien species, which could be developed on the basis of the already available distribution patterns. Our research group aims at the constant implementation of the database by adding information from ongoing and forthcoming studies on species of major interest. The existing data, presently used in various control plans, will pave the way to more specific investigations on the invasive alien fauna and increase the effectiveness of future managing actions.

2016 - Kinorhyncha from Italy, a revision of the current checklist and an account of the recent investigations [Articolo su rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello
abstract

Except for the noticeable investigations carried out in 1928 by Karl Zelinka in the Gulf of Naples and Gulf of Trieste, research on the Italian kinorhynch fauna has been rather erratic in space and time. According to the current checklist of the Italian marine biota, 48 species of Kinorhyncha were reported up to 2008 along the Italian coastlines. However, 31 of them are considered nomina dubia and hence of doubtful utility. Here we point out those taxa and provide new information based on recent publications and on novel investigations carried out in selected areas of the Adriatic Sea (3 localities), Ligurian Sea (4), Tyrrhenian Sea (8), and Ionian Sea (1). New data derives from qualitative as well as from quantitative samples. The analysis of the new samples yielded 6 families, 9 genera, and 29 species, of which only 16 were previously recorded from peninsular waters. In summary, we recorded one new genus and two new species for Italy, together with 13 additional species that appear new to science. Particularly interesting is the finding of two new species belonging to rare genus Condyloderes, as it represents the first record of this taxon in the Mediterranean Sea. The most speciose genus is Echinoderes, followed by Pycnophyes with 10 and 8 species, respectively. The former genus includes the taxon showing the highest abundance, Echinoderes capitatus, with recorded densities up to 184 ind./10cm2, while the latter includes the most common species Pycnophyes communis, found in 7 out of the 16 new investigated localities. New faunistic information prompted the revision of the checklist, which in the new version includes 36 species in 9 genera and 6 families. Old and new data were utilized for a preliminary discussion on the geographic distribution of the recorded fauna, from which it appeared that five species only can be considered ubiquitous in the four Italian sea basins, whereas the other taxa appear to be restricted to one or two seas. However, many sectors of the Italian coastline remain unexplored. Besides those areas (e.g., mid Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts), future research should be focused on peculiar habitats, such as submarine caves, lagoons, and coarse biogenic sediments, as many species and species records come from these neglected biotopes, often representing biodiversity hotspots.

2016 - Organic enrichment effects on a marine meiofauna community, with focus on Kinorhyncha [Articolo su rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Santulli, A.; Simonini, Roberto; Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello
abstract

Within the framework of a programme aimed at monitoring the impact of fish farming on the marine biota, we have had the opportunity to study the effect of the organic enrichment caused by the fish farm on meiofauna abundances and Kinorhyncha communities’ structure over two farming cycles. Up to now, studies on kinorhynchs have focussed mostly on the taxonomy, biogeography, and the ultrastructure, and, more recently, on the phylogenetic aspects of the taxon. Only few studies have dealt with the ecology of these creatures and studies focusing on the response of these animals to disturbances of anthropogenic origin are rare. The study took place in the Western Mediterranean and fauna was investigated based on three replicate cores collected from eight sites: one beneath the farm, four along a transect with increasing distances from the farm, and three control sites. Density data from beneath the cage and the three control sites was analysed within a beyond-B.A.C.I. (Before-After, Control-Impact) with asymmetrical sampling design, while a Before-After approach was used to analyse data from other sites. The latter approach was applied also to investigate the environmental variables from all the surveyed sites. Overall, 21 major meiofaunal groups were found in the area, with total densities ranging from 595 to 6818 ind/10cm2. We recorded a variation of the densities of several taxa after each cycle. In particular, we observed a significant increase of the total meiofauna and nematodes abundances, and a marked decrease of kinorhynchs diversity and density at the sites beneath and near the farming ‘Cage’. Conversely, kinorhynch density increased at sites far from the farm. Kinorhynchs were present with ten species, including a representative of the rare genus Condyloderes, and densities up to more than 245 ind./10cm2. Analyses indicate that kinorhynchs are particularly sensitive to sulfides. Accumulation of organic matter and high concentration of sulfides caused a marked reduction or even the disappearance of kinorhynchs. If confirmed by additional studies, the nematodes/kinorhynchs ratio could be used as simple and useful tool for the assessment of organic enrichment in marine environments, especially in muddy bottoms.

2015 - An Integrated Morphological and Molecular Approach to the Description and Systematisation of a Novel Genus and Species of Macrodasyida (Gastrotricha) [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello; Dal Zotto, M.; Leasi, F.
abstract

Background Gastrotricha systematics is in a state of flux mainly due to the conflicts between cladistic studies base on molecular markers and the classical systematisation based on morphological traits. In sandy samples from Thailand, we found numerous macrodasyidan gastrotrichs belonging to an undescribed species of difficult taxonomic affiliation. The abundance and original nature of the specimens prompted us to undertake a deep survey of both morphological and molecular traits aiming at a reliable systematisation of the new taxon. Methodology/Principal Findings Using several microscopical techniques we investigated the external and internal anatomy, including the muscular and nervous systems of the new species. Additional specimens were used to obtain the 18S rRNA gene sequence; molecular data was analysed cladistically in conjunction with data from additional species belonging to the near complete Macrodasyida taxonomic spectrum. Specimens are vermiform, up to 806 μm in total length, and show a well-defined head equipped with peculiar leaf-like sensorial organs and a singlelobed posterior end. The adhesive apparatus includes anterior, ventrolateral, dorsal and posterior tubes. Pharynx is about 1/4 of the total length and shows pores at its posterior 3/4. Adult specimens exhibit maturing eggs and a bulky, muscular caudal organ, but do not show sperm nor the frontal organ. Musculature and nervous system organisation resemble the usual macrodasyidan plan; however, the somatic circular muscles of the intestinal region surround all other muscular components and a third FMRFamide-IR commissure ventral to the pintestinal junction appear to be an autoapomorphic traits of the new species. Conclusions/Significance While the anatomical characteristics of the Asian specimens appear so unique to grant the establishment of a new taxon, for which the name Thaidasys tongiorgii gen. et sp. nov. is proposed, the result of phylogenetic analyses based on the 18S rRNA gene unites the new genus with the family Macrodasyidae.

2015 - Antygomonas caeciliae, a new kinorhynch from the Mediterranean Sea, with report of mitochondrial genetic data for the phylum [Articolo su rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

Kinorhyncha is a phylum of microscopic marine metazoans living from intertidal to abyssal depths. More than 200 species are known; nevertheless, recent studies have pointed out that most of this group's diversity has not been revealed. A survey of the peculiar Meloria Shoals seabed (Ligurian Sea, Italy) led to the discovery of a new kinorhynch named Antygomonas caeciliae sp. nov. A cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA gene is reported for the new species; hence, a morphological and molecular approach is used for the description of this new taxon, and a comparison with related species is proposed, including a key to the species of Antygomonas. Some additional COI sequences are reported for other taxa of the phylum, with the aim of developing molecular tools which will be useful for species identification, particularly when dealing with juvenile stages.

2015 - Phylogeny of Kinorhyncha Based on Morphology and Two Molecular Loci [Articolo su rivista]
Sorensen, Mv; DAL ZOTTO, M; Rho, Hs; Herranz, M; Sanchez, N; Pardos, F; Yamasaki, H
abstract

The phylogeny of Kinorhyncha was analyzed using morphology and the molecular loci 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA. The different datasets were analyzed separately and in combination, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference. Bayesian inference of molecular sequence data in combination with morphology supported the division of Kinorhyncha into two major clades: Cyclorhagida comb. nov. and Allomalorhagida nom. nov. The latter clade represents a new kinorhynch class, and accommodates Dracoderes, Franciscideres, a yet undescribed genus which is closely related with Franciscideres, and the traditional homalorhagid genera. Homalorhagid monophyly was not supported by any analyses with molecular sequence data included. Analysis of the combined molecular and morphological data furthermore supported a cyclorhagid clade which included all traditional cyclorhagid taxa, except Dracoderes that no longer should be considered a cyclorhagid genus. Accordingly, Cyclorhagida is divided into three main lineages: Echinoderidae, Campyloderidae, and a large clade, 'Kentrorhagata', which except for species of Campyloderes, includes all species with a midterminal spine present in adult individuals. Maximum likelihood analysis of the combined datasets produced a rather unresolved tree that was not regarded in the following discussion. Results of the analyses with only molecular sequence data included were incongruent at different points. However, common for all analyses was the support of several major clades, i.e., Campyloderidae, Kentrorhagata, Echinoderidae, Dracoderidae, Pycnophyidae, and a clade with Paracentrophyes+ New Genus and Franciscideres(in those analyses where the latter was included). All molecular analyses including 18S rRNA sequence data furthermore supported monophyly of Allomalorhagida. Cyclorhagid monophyly was only supported in analyses of combined 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA (both ML and BI), and only in a restricted dataset where taxa with incomplete information from 28S rRNA had been omitted. Analysis of the morphological data produced results that were similar with those from the combined molecular and morphological analysis. E.g., the morphological data also supported exclusion of Dracoderes from Cyclorhagida. The main differences between the morphological analysis and analyses based on the combined datasets include: 1) Homalorhagida appears as monophyletic in the morphological tree only, 2) the morphological analyses position Franciscideres and the new genus within Cyclorhagida near Zelinkaderidae and Cateriidae, whereas analyses including molecular data place the two genera inside Allomalorhagida, and 3) species of Campyloderes appear in a basal trichotomy within Kentrorhagata in the morphological tree, whereas analysis of the combined datasets places species of Campyloderes as a sister clade to Echinoderidae and Kentrorhagata.

2014 - Three Sika deer Cervus nippon recently hunted in the Emilia-Romagna’s area of “A.C.A.T.E.R. West” question the management of Italian Cervus elaphus population [Abstract in Rivista]
Ferri, M; DAL ZOTTO, M; Sala, L; Todaro, M A; Barančekovà, M; Fontana, R; Lanzi, A; Armaroli, E; Musarò, C; Andina, L; Allegri, M; Adorni, P L; Peloso, F; Gelmini, L; Levrini, M; De Pietri, A
abstract

The European Red deer (Cervus elaphus) population of ACATER West (northern Appennines, Emilia-Romagna) is the target of censuses since 2009, and under hunting plan since 2012. In February 2011, a deer was tentatively identified as Sika deer (Cervus nippon) and after several attempts of trapping it was finally shot by the Provincial officers in March 2012, in the same locality where it was observed one year before. The details of the event, involving an adult male of 72 kg weight, have been reported in a poster presented at the VIII National Congress of Teriology (ATIt, Piacenza, 9-11 May 2012), where the case was described as the first in Italy. Only after the meeting a previous case was brought to our knowledge, having occurred in October 2010 in the province of Bolzano also concerning an adult male of 73 kg. A second Sika deer was hunted in Modena, in October 2012, at the same site of the previous killing; also this time it was an adult male weighting 113 kg. After these cases an investigation has started in order to identify farms or detention sites of Sika deer from which the specimens could have escaped. The survey, particularly challenging and often frustrating, has excluded recent escapes from Sika farms of the Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Lombardia and Liguria regions. However 3-4 specimens escaped in 1999 from a farm in the mountains of southern Emilia-Romagna region. A variable degree of hybridization between Scottish Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Sika deer has been reported in several European areas, therefore, additional concern for the ACATER West Red deer population derives from the existence of potential hybrids of Cervus elaphus x Cervus nippon purchased in Scotland and bred since 40 years in central Italy and Emilia Romagna, some of which have escaped from captivity and settled near the site of the Sika deer shot. Morphological variability due to potential hybridization and degree of introgression may make difficult to distinguish between Sika and Red deer. Consequently, it was proposed to the Emilia-Romagna Region and Modena’s Province the implementation of an information sheet (made with the coordination of ISPRA) concerning the morphological characters of Cervus nippon and its similarities and differences with Cervus elaphus and Dama dama (Fallow deer), with the aim of raising awareness in the volunteer staff in charge of biometrics. The circulation of information has in fact contributed to alert several hunters and volunteers of ACATER West, with interesting feedbacks and rising questions regarding cases deemed suspect or doubtful. Among these, could be the case of a Sika deer hunted in January 2014 in the province of Parma, about 30 miles far from Modena’s site, but still included in the same . As in the past, the animal was an adult male, weighting 123 kg. The collaborative attitude of the hunters allowed to start collecting samples for genetic tests aimed at determining if the three Sika deer so far shot were pure species or hybrids. Additional tests will determine whether some apparently pure European deer shot may in fact derive from introgression from Sika or not. The genetic surveys based on microsatellites analysis, in cooperation between Czech and Italian laboratories, are in progress.

2013 - Franciscideres gen. nov - a new, highly aberrant kinorhynch genus from Brazil, with an analysis of its phylogenetic position [Articolo su rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Di Domenico, M; Garraffoni, A; Sorensen, Mv
abstract

A new genus and species of Kinorhyncha, Franciscideres kalenesos gen. et sp. nov., is described from tidal and subtidal sandy habitats in Brazil. The new genus and species is characterized by an extremely flexible trunk without pachycycli that appears perfectly circular in cross-section, segments 1, 2 and 11 consisting of closed rings and 3 to 10 of single, bent plates with midventral articulations, a neck without placids that resembles an additional segment, densely packed scale-like, cuticular hairs, and a terminal segment with a middorsal spine and two sets of lateral terminal spines, but no midterminal spine. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA of Franciscideres kalenesos gen. et sp. nov. and 47 other kinorhynch ingroup taxa suggest that the new genus is a basal homalorhagid, whereas comparison of morphological characters indicates affinities between the new genus and the peculiar cyclorhagid Cateria. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:64E29D97-DE1D-4511-8683-C969DD2EED43

2013 - Phylogeny of Kinorhyncha, based on analyses of molecular data, supplemented with information from morphology [Poster]
Sørensen, M V; Rho, H S; DAL ZOTTO, M; Herranz, M; Yamasaki, H
abstract

The kinorhynch interrelationships were analyzed using molecular sequence data, supplemented with information from morphology. The molecular taxon sampling included 18S rRNA data (18S) from a diverse set of taxa, and 28S rRNA data (28S) from a more restricted taxon sample. The 18S rRNA taxon sample included in total 61 OTU, representing at least 54 distinct species (some OTU may have been conspecific), and covering all kinorhynch genera, except Fissuroderes, Polacanthoderes, Cateria and Neocentrophyes. Included were also representatives of two, yet undescribed genera (description of one genus is currently in review). The 28S rRNA data set included 26 OTU, representing at least 22 distinct species, and covering 15 kinorhynch genera, including one of the undescribed ones. Sequence data from the two molecular loci were analyzed separately and combined (analyses of combined data sets included only taxa for which information from both loci were available), using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). Subsequently, it was attempted to establish the phylogenetic positions of the four genera for which molecular sequence data were unavailable, by character tracing of morphological information from a data matrix that was assigned to a tree topology defined by ML analysis of 18S rRNA. Analyses of 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA data in combination or separately produced very similar tree topologies, and also the analytical approaches, ML or BI, produced very congruent results. All analyses formed two clades with some correspondence to the two commonly recognized orders, Cyclorhagida and Homalorhagida. Differences from traditional classification included the inclusion of Dracoderes into Homalorhagida. Furthermore, the two yet undescribed genera appeared surprisingly to be homalorhagid ingroup taxa, even though they show clear morphological affinities to the otherwise cyclorhagid taxon Cateria. Most analyses supported Campyloderes as the most basal cyclorhagid clade (only BI analysis of 18S rRNA data was unable to recover this position, and placed Campyloderes in a polytomy with Homalorhagida and other cyclorhagids). The analyses supported a monophyletic group consisting of all remaining cyclorhagids. These formed two clades, one including all echinoderid species and the other all taxa (except Campyloderes) with midterminal spine, i.e., species of Centroderes, Condyloderes, Wollunquaderes, Semnoderes, Sphenoderes, Antygomonas, Tubulideres, Triodontoderes, and Zelinkaderes. The other main group included in all analyses species of the homalorhagid genera, of Dracoderes and of the two undescribed genera in all analyses. Internal relationship of the last group differed between the analyses though. ML analysis of 18S, rRNA and ML and BI analyses of the combined loci supported Dracoderes as the most basal clade, whereas BI analyses of 18S rRNA supported a clade with Paracentrophyes and the two undescribed genera as most basal. All analyses with 18S rRNA data included supported Pycnophyes as a paraphyletic group that with nested nesting Kinorhynchus inside it. Only analyses of 28S rRNA alone recovered Pycnophyes and Kinorhynchus as monophyletic. Character tracing of morphological data from a matrix with 33 characters (2 additive, 31 non-additive, representing 86 character states) on a tree topology based on ML analyses of the combined molecular datasets, allowed us to recover the positions of representatives for the four genera from which molecular data were unavailable. Species of Fissuroderes and Polacanthoderes could easily be assigned to the clade with all other echinoderid taxa. With species of Fissuroderes and Polacanthoderes included, the clade is still supported by several morphological characters, inclusive presence of trichoscalid plates, restriction of middorsal spines to segments 4 to 8, and gender determined presence of lateral accessory terminal spines. Species of Cateria possess several cha

2013 - Un aberrante nuovo genere di Chinorinchi, con analisi della sua posizione filogenetica e delle relazioni interne al phylum [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Sørensen, M V
abstract

Il phylum Kinorhyncha è costituito da circa 200 specie meiobentoniche rinvenute nei mari di tutto il mondo. La sistematica del gruppo è fondata unicamente su caratteristiche morfologiche e poche sono state finora le indagini filogenetiche, tra le quali una sola, preliminare, ha utilizzato dati di genetica molecolare. La recente scoperta, in sabbie provenienti dal Brasile, di una specie di particolare interesse, poiché non ascrivibile a nessun genere noto, ha fornito lo spunto per intraprendere uno studio approfondito sulle relazioni interne del phylum. Gli esemplari brasiliani sono caratterizzati da un tronco molto flessibile e circolare in sezione trasversa. I segmenti 1, 2 e 11 sono formati da anelli cuticolari interi, mentre i segmenti dal 3 al 10 presentano placche articolate ventralmente. Il collo, privo di placidi, ha l’aspetto di un segmento addizionale. Il segmento terminale porta una spina mediana dorsale e due coppie di spine laterali. Poiché le caratteristiche anatomiche rendono difficile la collocazione del nuovo genere nell'ambito del phylum, le sue relazioni filogenetiche sono state indagate utilizzando come marker il gene nucleare 18S rRNA; nella ricerca sono state coinvolte altre specie raccolte durante studi paralleli. Complessivamente sono state analizzate le sequenze di 48 specie, appartenenti a 15 generi e 8 famiglie ripartite nei due ordini in cui il phylum viene suddiviso: Homalorhagida e Cyclorhagida. Le analisi, condotte con tre metodi diversi, Maximum Likelihood, Massima Parsimonia e Inferenza Bayesiana, evidenziano chiaramente che il nuovo genere è un homaloragide basale, sebbene le sue caratteristiche morfologiche sembrassero in prima istanza indicare affinità con il cicloragide Cateria. Le topologie rivelano inoltre importanti differenze rispetto alla sistematica tradizionale, di fatto indicando come non monofiletici i due ordini oggi riconosciuti. Le novità più eclatanti riguardano l’inclusione nel clade degli Homalorhagida della famiglia Dracoderidae, attualmente affiliata ai Cycloragida, e alcune alleanze tra taxa anch’essi inclusi al momento nell’ordine Cycloragida. I risultati ottenuti, nel dimostrare che molti aspetti dello scenario evolutivo corrente sono da riconsiderarsi, suggeriscono una rivalutazione in chiave evoluzionistica di alcuni caratteri morfologici finora negletti negli studi filogenetici.

2013 - Un aberrante nuovo genere di Chinorinchi, con analisi della sua posizione filogenetica e delle relazioni interne al phylum [Abstract in Rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Sørensen, M V
abstract

2012 - Gastrotricha: A Marine Sister for a Freshwater Puzzle [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello; Dal Zotto, M.; Jondelius, U.; Hochberg, R.; Hummon, W. D.; Kanneby, T.; Rocha, C. E. F.; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo
abstract

Background: Within an evolutionary framework of Gastrotricha Marinellina flagellata and Redudasys fornerise bear specialinterest, as they are the only Macrodasyida that inhabit freshwater ecosystems. Notwithstanding, these rare animals arepoorly known; found only once (Austria and Brazil), they are currently systematised as incertae sedis. Here we report on therediscovery of Redudasys fornerise, provide an account on morphological novelties and present a hypothesis on itsphylogenetic relationship based on molecular data.Methodology/Principal Findings: Specimens were surveyed using DIC microscopy and SEM, and used to obtain the 18 SrRNA gene sequence; molecular data was analyzed cladistically in conjunction with data from 42 additional speciesbelonging to the near complete Macrodasyida taxonomic spectrum. Morphological analysis, while providing newinformation on taxonomically relevant traits (adhesive tubes, protonephridia and sensorial bristles), failed to detectelements of the male system, thus stressing the parthenogenetic nature of the Brazilian species. Phylogenetic analysis,carried out with ML, MP and Bayesian approaches, yielded topologies with strong nodal support and highly congruent witheach other. Among the supported groups is the previously undocumented clade showing the alliance between Redudasysfornerise and Dactylopodola agadasys; other strongly sustained clades include the densely sampled familiesThaumastodermatidae and Turbanellidae and most genera.Conclusions/Significance: A reconsideration of the morphological traits of Dactylopodola agadasys in light of the newinformation on Redudasys fornerise makes the alliance between these two taxa very likely. As a result, we createAnandrodasys gen. nov. to contain members of the previously described D. agadasys and erect Redudasyidae fam. nov. toreflect this novel relationship between Anandrodasys and Redudasys. From an ecological perspective, the derived position ofRedudasys, which is deeply nested within the Macrodasyida clade, unequivocally demonstrates that invasion of freshwaterby gastrotrichs has taken place at least twice, in contrast with the single event hypothesis recently put forward.

2011 - Approccio molecolare alla risoluzione di sistematizzazioni controverse: il caso di Acanthodasys caribbeanensis Hochberg & Atherton (Gastrotricha: Thaumastodermatidae) [Poster]
Ghiviriga, C S; DAL ZOTTO, M; Nicolini, V; Todaro, M A
abstract

Lo status tassonomico di alcuni gastrotrichi caraibici recentemente descritti come Acanthodasys caribbeanensis è incerto poiché alcune importati caratteristiche morfologiche li avvicinerebbero piuttosto al genere Diplodasys. La scoperta in Sardegna di gastrotrichi simili ha offerto l'opportunità di intraprendere uno studio filogenetico su base molecolare al fine di chiarirne la collocazione sistematica. I gastrotrichi sardi sono stati rinvenuti nell'isola di Budelli nel settembre 2010 a 30 metri di profondità. Le ricostruzioni filogenetiche derivano da analisi MP, ML e inferenza Bayesiana condotte su sequenze del gene 18S rDNA provenienti dagli esemplari sardi e 40 altre specie inclusa A. caribbeanensis raccolta nelle US-Virgin Islands. Gli alberi filogenetici ottenuti mostrano topologie ampiamente sovrapponibili e in generale ben supportate statisticamente. Ipotesi, classiche e recenti, circa i rapporti filogenetici all'interno della famiglia Thaumastodermatidae risultano confermate. Nell'ambito dei Diplodasyinae, Acanthodasys caribbeanensis e gli individui sardi appaiono riuniti in un sottoclade mai strettamente alleato con Acanthodasys. Nell'indicare una maggiore affinità degli animali investigati con specie del genere Diplodasys i risultati rendono manifesta l'opportunità di provvedere ad una loro ri-collocazione sistematica. Prima di intraprendere i passi formali riteniamo tuttavia necessario aggiungere robustezza alle analisi migliorando il campionamento tassonomico con il coinvolgimento di altre specie di Diplodasyinae.

2011 - First records of Gastrotricha from South Africa, with description of a new species of Halichaetonotus (Chaetonotida, Chaetonotidae) [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello; Dal Zotto, M.; Bownes, S. J.; Perissinotto, R.; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo
abstract

During a survey of the biota of the St. Lucia Estuary in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa, a number of Gastrotricha were found among samples of meiofauna. Fresh, marine sediment yielded several specimens belonging to a total of seven species. Of these, two are already known from other regions (i.e., Dactylopodola australiensis and Heteroxenotrichula squamosa), one is described as new to science (Halichaetonotussanctaeluciae sp. n.), while the remaining four (Pseudostomella sp., Halichaetonotus sp.1, Halichaetonotus sp. 2, Xenotrichula sp.) require further collections and analysis, in order to establish the extent of their affiliation to species already described. General appearance, shape of hydrofoil scale and the occurrenceof three long spines on the dorsal side make the new species most closely related to H. australis and H. marivagus. The key differences from these taxa and between Halichaetonotus sanctaeluciae sp. n. and H. aculifer are discussed.

2011 - Gastrotricha: un sister marino per un taxon dulciacquicolo [Poster]
Todaro, M A; DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

2011 - Phylogeny of Thaumastodermatidae (Gastrotricha:Macrodasyida) Inferred from Nuclear and Mitochondrial Sequence Data [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello; Kånneby, T.; Dal Zotto, M.; Jondelius, U.; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo
abstract

Background: Phylogenetic relationships within Gastrotricha are poorly known. Attempts to shed light on this subject usingmorphological traits have led to hypotheses lacking satisfactory statistical support; it seemed therefore that a differentapproach was needed.Methodology/Principal Findings: In this paper we attempt to elucidate the relationships within the taxonomically vastfamily Thaumastodermatidae (Macrodasyida) using molecular sequence data. The study includes representatives of all theextant genera of the family and for the first time uses a multi-gene approach to infer evolutionary liaisons withinGastrotricha. The final data set comprises sequences of three genes (18S, 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA) from 41 species,including 29 thaumastodermatids, 11 non-thaumastodermatid macrodasyidans and a single chaetonotidan. Molecular datawas analyzed as a combined set of 3 genes and as individual genes, using Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches.Two different outgroups were used: Xenotrichula intermedia (Chaetonotida) and members of the putative basalDactylopodola (Macrodasyida). Thaumastodermatidae and all other sampled macrodasyidan families were foundmonophyletic except for Cephalodasyidae. Within Thaumastodermatidae Diplodasyinae and Thaumastodermatinae aremonophyletic and so are most genera. Oregodasys turns out to be the most basal group within Thaumastodermatinae inanalyses of the concatenated data set as well as in analyses of the nuclear genes. Thaumastoderma appears as the sistertaxon to the remaining species. Surprisingly, Tetranchyroderma is non-monophyletic in our analyses as one group of speciesclusters with Ptychostomella while another appears as the sister group of Pseudostomella.Conclusions/Significance: Results in general agree with the current classification; however, a revision of the more derivedthaumastodermatid taxa seems necessary. We also found that the ostensible COI sequences from several species do notconform to the general invertebrate or any other published mitochondrial genetic code; they may be mitochondriallyderived nuclear genes (numts), or one or more modifications of the mitochondrial genetic code within Gastrotricha.

2010 - A new Tetranchyroderma (Gastrotricha, Thaumastodermatidae) with triancres from the Mediterranean Sea. [Articolo su rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Ghiviriga, S.; Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello
abstract

As part of a project dealing with the meiofauna diversity of three Italian Marine Protected Areas (MPA), a new species of gastrotrich is described. Tetranchyrodermn aapton n. sp. is characterized by the cuticular armature made up of triancres whose shape approaches those of T.tribulosumcrathercthanctheancresof T. adeleaeorT.gausancrum the only other congeners exhibiting a triancrous covering. The new species is from the MPA Capo Caccia-Isola Piana (Northwestern Sardinia, Italy) where it was found in organogenous sediment collected at 20 m water depth,together with 17 other gastrotrich species, most of which appear undescribed. The results call for widening thesurvey to deeper sediments, usually neglected in gastrotrich faunistic surveys.

2010 - An integrate approach to the description and systematization of a new genus and species of marine Gastrotricha [Poster]
Leasi, F; DAL ZOTTO, M; Ghiviriga, C S; Todaro, M A
abstract

In sandy samples from South-West Thailand we found numerous macrodasyidan gastrotrichs belonging to an undescribed species. The abundance and originality of the specimens prompted us to undertake a deep survey of both morphological and molecular traits aiming at the unbiased systematization of the new taxon. Using several microscopical techniques (DIC, SEM and CLSM) we investigated the external and internal anatomy plus the muscular and nervous systems. The Thai gastrotrichs are vermiform, up to 800 μm in total length; the head is well defined and, provided at its posterior edges with a pair of leaf-like sensorial organs; the posterior half of the body appears slightly wider than the anterior region and terminates in a single lobe. The adhesive apparatus includes tubes of the anterior, ventrolateral, posterior and dorsal series. Pharynx is about ¼ of the total body length and shows pores at its posterior 3/4. Adults exhibit maturing eggs and a bulky, muscular caudal organ but, surprisingly, not the frontal organ nor the (usual) spermatozoa. Falloidin reaction indicated that the muscular system organization follows the usual macrodasyidan plan. The nervous system, revealed with antibodies against RF-amide and serotonin (5HT), is present in the central, peripheral and stomatogastrich compartments. The brain consists of paired RF-positive perikarya connected by three dorsal- and a single ventral commissures, plus paired 5HT-positive cells joined by a dorsal commissure. Paired RF- and 5HT-positive neurites run ventrally along all the body length and coalesced at the posterior end. While the anatomical details of the new species appear unique among known genera, ongoing molecular analysis will help (us) clarify its phylogenetic position within the order.

2010 - An integrate approach to the description and systematization of a new genus and species of marine Gastrotricha [Abstract in Rivista]
Leasi, F; DAL ZOTTO, M; Ghiviriga, C S; Todaro, M A
abstract

2010 - Fish farming effects on meiofauna: focus on copepods and kinorhynchs [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

The expansion of intensive marine aquaculture caused a general concern about possible adverse effects on the ecosystem health; meiofauna has been proposed as bioindicator to monitor the impact of such activities on benthic biota; however, results appear contrasting, so far. The present research analyzed a fish farm located in Sicily (Southern Italy), producing ca 450 tons of Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) per year. Samples were collected over two farming cycles at different distances from the cages, following the direction of the dominant sea current. Effects on meiofauna community structure were investigated by means univariate and multivariate analyses. In the area, meiobenthic community was constituted by more than 20 major groups, the most abundant being the Nematoda, Harpacticoida and Kinorhyncha. Fish farm activity caused a significant increase of nematodes density beneath the cages along with a sharp increase in abundance of two species of Cletodidae (Harpacticoida) and the noticeable decrease of kinorhynchs under and in the proximity of the cages (0-25 m). SIMPER analysis pointed out that the main contribution to the dissimilarity among samples, grouped according to the distance from the cages, was due to kinorhynchs and nauplii. ANOSIM showed a clear distinction between the community below the cages and those of other investigated sites. Finally, BIOENV analysis found a significant correlation among meiofauna, total organic matter and sulphide content in bottom sediment. The high kinorhynch diversity allowed the use of taxonomic biodiversity indexes for this group in this research and initiate a larger inventory of species of this group along the Italian coastline. The study indicates an impact of fish farming on meiofauna even though restricted to a limited area and encourages to further research on copepods and kinorhynchs species as indicators of organic enrichment.

2010 - Fish farming effects on meiofauna: focus on copepods and kinorhynchs [Abstract in Rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

2010 - Probing gastrotrich taxonomy with DNA barcoding [Abstract in Rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Ghiviriga, C S; Kånneby, T; Jondelius, U; Todaro, M A
abstract

Gastrotrichs represent a phylum of basal metazoans, living both in marine and freshwater environments, dimensionally comprised between 80 µm and 3 mm. Though taxonomic and biogeographic knowledge has been improved in the last years, little is known about the molecular aspects of this group. The aim of this study was to analyze these organisms by means of DNA barcoding which is a well-known technique consisting in the use of a gene sequence to affiliate an organism to a known species or to a new taxon. In this research, mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was used to identify gastrotrichs. It’s important to notice that no Gastrotrich COI sequence has been deposited in GenBank so far. Sampling of different populations of Turbanella cornuta and Paraturbanella teissieri, species considered to have a wide distribution, was carried out in Adriatic, Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy), Baltic Sea (Sweden), Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands) and Arabian Gulf (Kuwait). DNA was extracted from some specimens, COI sequence amplified through PCR, and in the end the product was purified and sequenced. The obtained sequences were analyzed with NJ, MP and Bayesian Inference. It was possible to group in monophyletic clades, morphologically similar specimens belonging both to the same population and to diversely geographically distant populations. In particular, analyses revealed that specimens of T. cornuta from Adriatic, Ligurian, and Baltic Sea and Arabian Gulf can be considered distinct species, although similar. These results show that barcoding allows a more precise specific identification of Gastrotrichs; therefore this technique appears to be clearly useful when dealing with cryptic species, not easily distinguishable just by means of morphological characters. The wide application of this method will be of true interest also in reconsidering on new bases the paradoxical cosmopolitan distribution of several species.

2010 - Probing gastrotrich taxonomy with DNA barcoding [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Ghiviriga, C S; Kånneby, T; Jondelius, U; Todaro, M
abstract

2009 - A NEW SPECIES OF ANTYGOMONAS (KINORHYNCHA: CYCLORHAGIDA) FROM THE TUSCANY COAST [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

A new species of the rare genus Antygomonas (Kinorhyncha) is reported from the Meloria shoals (Leghorn, Italy). While the finding represents the first record of this genus in Italian waters, the high number of specimens recovered will contribute to the development of molecular tools useful for species identification, a difficult task especially when dealing with juveniles.

2009 - A new species of Aspidiophorus (Gastrotricha, Chaetonotida) from the Russian Far East with a key to marine species of the genus. [Articolo su rivista]
Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello; DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Maiorova, A. S.; Adrianov, A. V.
abstract

The Russian gastrotrich fauna is virtually unknown, particularly the marine fauna. In the ocean, investigations have beenrestricted to the White Sea, from where only three fully described species have been reported so far. In this study we describea new species of Aspidiophorus found in a sandy sample collected from off of Vladivostok (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan).Aspidiophorus oculatus n. sp. is the first marine chaetonotid gastrotrich described from Russia and the first representative of theorder Chaetonotida reported from the Sea of Japan. Specimens of the new species are characterized by a body up to 147.5 mmin total length; enveloped by 57 alternating columns of 6570 keeled, elongate scales. Pharyngeo-intestinal junction at U27;the head bears cephalion, hypostomion, pleuria and a pair of eye-spots; the furca is 20 mm long including the 12-mm longadhesive tube; the ventral interciliary field is naked, with the exception of a pair of elliptical, keeled scales occurring near theanus. Morphological differences between the new species and the other 13 marine con-generic taxa are discussed. A key tothe known marine species of the world based on easily identifiable traits, visible in both living and formalin-fixed specimens isprovided.

2009 - Una nuova specie di Antygomonas (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida) dalla costa toscana [Articolo su rivista]
Dal Zotto, M; Todaro, M A
abstract

2008 - Chinorinchi dalla Sicilia nord-occidentale [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Neuhaus, B; Todaro, M A
abstract

Il phylum Kinorhyncha include più di 160 specie esclusivamente marine, rinvenute dall'intertidale fino alle profondità abissali. Per il nostro Paese sono note circa 50 specie, segnalate esclusivamente da autori stranieri. Il rinvenimento di numerosi Chinorinchi nel Golfo di Castellammare (Trapani), durante indagini volte a valutare l’effetto di allevamenti ittici sulla comunità meiobentonica, ci ha offerto l’opportunità di intraprendere uno studio tassonomico/sistematico di questi micrometazoi. I campioni, raccolti negli ultimi due anni, sono stati ottenuti sottocampionando il sedimento pelitico prelevato a 30-50 m di profondità con una benna Van Veen; la fauna è stata fissata in situ con formalina al 10% ed estratta in laboratorio mediante centrifugazione in gradiente di Ludox. I Chinorinchi sono stati montati in glicerina e studiati al microscopio ottico (DIC) oppure preparati per l’osservazione al SEM. In più della metà dei siti analizzati (17) i Chinorinchi sono risultati terzi per abbondanza numerica (max 369,3 ± 110,9 ind./10 cm2) preceduti solo da Nematodi e Copepodi. In tutto sono state identificate una decina di specie, appartenenti a sette generi e cinque famiglie. Di particolare rilevanza è la scoperta di alcune specie nuove per la scienza ed il primo rinvenimento in Mediterraneo del genere Condyloderes. Importante è inoltre il ritrovamento di alcuni esemplari del raro genere Semnoderes, poiché ciò consentirà una migliore valutazione delle caratteristiche morfologiche del taxon basate su indagini al SEM. In considerazione anche della limitata area investigata i risultati della nostra ricerca costituiscono certamente uno stimolo ad approfondire le conoscenze di questo taxon nel nostro Paese.

2008 - Cycliophora. In Relini, G. (Ed) Checklist della flora e della fauna dei mari italiani [Articolo su rivista]
DAL ZOTTO, Matteo; Todaro, Mary Antonio Donatello
abstract

non disponibile

2007 - I Gastrotrichi dell’Area Marina Protetta di Capo Caccia-Isola Piana (Sardegna) [Poster]
DAL ZOTTO, M; Tongiorgi, P; Todaro, M A
abstract

2007 - Marine Gastrotricha from the State of Kuwait (Arabian Gulf) [Poster]
Todaro, M A; Faraj, M N; Al-Kady, S; DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

Within the framework of a meiofauna monitoring programme endorsed by the EPA of Kuwait, we conducted a faunistic survey aimed at shedding light on the diversity of marine gastrotrichs along the coast of the State of Kuwait; results will also represent the first contribution to the knowledge of these microscopic protostomes from the Arabian Gulf. During three sampling campaigns carried out in the early spring of 2005-2007 we sampled twelve locations, seven along the central and south regions of the State and five on the islands of Failaka and Qarooh. Samples, consisting of fine to coarse sand, were collected during low tide from the littoral and/or the shallow sublittoral areas and brought ASAP to the EPA’s laboratory in Salmiya (Kuwait) or to Modena (Italy); gastrotrichs were studied in vivo or surveyed after being prepared for Scanning Electron Microscopy. Faunistic analysis found 30 putative species from fifteen sites, yielding a total of 82 records (species x site) and an average of 6.0 ± 3.5 species per location. Higher species richness was found at the southern locations and at SE Failaka. Eighteen species in eleven genera and five families belong to the Macrodasyida and twelve species in seven genera and two families belong to the Chaetonotida. Apart from a handful of cosmopolitan taxa (e.g., Urodasys viviparus, Draculiciteria tesselata, Chaetonotus apolemmus) most of the Kuwaiti species appear undescribed taxa. The shallow sedimentary basin witch form the Arabic Gulf only re-flooded during the Holocene transgression, so that the present day marine biota is only of recent origin (ca 20000 y); therefore, it seems unlikely that the new species represent taxa endemic to the Gulf; future research in the Arabian Sea should unveil the original stock.

2007 - Marine Gastrotricha from the State of Kuwait (Arabian Gulf) [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Todaro, M A; Faraj, M N; Al-Kady, S; DAL ZOTTO, M
abstract

2004 - Marine gastrotrichs from west-Mediterranean calcareous sediment [Poster]
Todaro, M A; Rossaro, S; DAL ZOTTO, M; Giere, O
abstract

In the western Mediterranean Sea conspicuous patches of calcareous soft bottoms are quite rare, one exception being the surroundings of Pianosa, a small Italian island, that for long served as a State high security penitentiary. In 1998 the island changed its status, becoming part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, thus allowing in small contingents of visitors and researchers. This novelty gave us the opportunity to survey the gastrotrich community of calcareous habitats, whose knowledge outside the tropical coralline realm is scarce. Thus, in July 2003, we sampled qualitatively more than 15 sites in front of the north-eastern coast of the island. Samples consisting of either coarse biogenic or medium clastic sand were collected manually by SCUBA diving at depths between -1.5 m and –16.5 m isobaths. Additionally, we collected quantitative samples, in four replicates, from three sites along a transect, at 1.5 m, 5.0 m and 12 m water depth respectively. Faunistic analysis revealed 40 species from the eighteen sites explored, yielding a total of 146 records (species x site) or 8.1  4.7 species per site. Twenty-six species in twelve genera and five families belong to the order Macrodasyida, and fourteen species in five genera and two families belong to the order Chaetonotida. All but four appear undescribed species, with two endemic to the island, so far. Particularly interesting is the simultaneous presence of the three described species of the uncommon genus Lepidodasys. Higher species richness resulted in sites characterised by medium, clastic sediments compared to the coarse, biogenic ones, 11  3.8 spp vs 4.5  2.6 spp. Density was higher in the finer sediment too, 211.9  115.0 ind.·10 cm-2 vs 6.7  4.6 ÷ 9.3  2.9 ind.·10 cm-2. Gastrotrichs ranked third in abundance among meiofauna taxa in sites of medium granulometry, making up 5.5% of total meiofauna, whereas they resulted only seventh or lower in sites characterized by coarse sand, accounting just for 0.9-1.2% of the total multicellular meiobenthos. As a working hypothesis we link the generally poor gastrotrich fauna found in the coarser sediments to the limited extension of the sandy patches from which the samples were taken e.g., small areas in Posidonia meadow. Preliminary comparisons indicate that clastic calcareous sediments of medium granulometry host a gastrotrich community richer then siliceous sand of corresponding grain size. Studies on a broader scale indicate that this difference in biodiversity in the different sediment types can be generalized (see contribution by Giere et al.), clarification of the reasons is the aim of a special project.

Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Pubblicazioni