All on Lake Todos los Santos, Chile - Part III: Fauna

Mammals

Mammals are warm-blooded, vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of sweat glands, including milk producing sweat glands, Native mammal species in the Lake region number around 30. It is not easy to see any of these, except perhaps for the passing shadow of a bat in a clear summer night. A bilingual Spanish-English illustrated identification pocket guide of terrestrial mammals living in Chile was in its second edition in 1996. Of course, there is also Walker's Mammals of the World - but one has to search among thousands entries.

Mammals: Marsupialia

The Marsupialia, marsupials, are mammals that do not have a placenta; for this reason their newborn are tiny. Presence of a marsupium, a marsupial poach, is incidental. The lake region is the habitat of two species of the marsupials.

Rincolesta, comadrejita trompuda, raton runcho, Rincholestes raphanurus, Chilean shrew oppossum, is a member of the marsupial family of the Caenolestidae. It is largely unknown to local people and therefore has no genuine vernacular name. Discovered for science in 1922, few individuals have been captured, some of them on the slopes of the Osorno. Its biology is unknown, but it is assumed to have a forestal habitat - after all, that is where it was found. It's teeth suggest at a diet based on small invertebrates. Rincolesta has no marsupium (marsupial pouch) and an unusual trait for mammals: it has an uneven number of mammae. This species is considered to be endangered as a consequence of the destruction of its forest habitat.

Monito del monte, Dromiciops gliroides (formerly Dromiciops australis) belongs to the Microbiotheridae marsupials. It weighs not much more than 30 gr for a size of 9 to 13 cm. It has a prehensile tail and thumbs in opposition to the other fingers, which would justify its popular name (little forest monkey). Of course, this marsupial is not a monkey. Dromiciops leads an arboreal life, is active at night and feeds on fruits and insects. Dromiciops stores fat at the base of the tail and uses these energy savings to hibernate. The female bears 3 to 5 offspring which she rears in her poach provided with four mammae and later, when they are strong enough, carries on her expeditions clinging to her fur. Native people had for this animal and other nocturnal ghosts the name "colocolo" or kodkod.

Mammals: Chiroptera

Chiroptera, the order of bats, is with around 1000 species a globally highly diversified group. The species of bat present in the region belong all to the family of the Vespertilionidae. The vespertilionid bats have worldwide more than 350 species. Their eyes are minute and the ears large. These bats feed on insects captured in flight. Vespertilionids living in temperate climate hibernate over the cold months when insects in the aerial phase are not present. Beyond generalities, very little knowledge is available about the biology and ecological position of the bats present in the Lake region. Most local people do not recognize more than the generic word for bat: "murciélago". Superstitions about bats are deeply rooted. When a bat is captured, it often is subject to inquisition, torture and execution under accusation of being an agent of hell.

Three species of bats are almost certainly present in the Lake region. Murciélago colorado, Lasiurus borealis, measures around 11 cm and has reddish fur. It's habit is solitary and, unlike many bats that prefer caves, over day sleeps hanging in trees. It belongs to the genus Myotis. Murciélago oreja de raton, Myotis chiloensis, measures about 9 cm in lenght and weighs 7 to 9 gr. This bat has been reported from Navarino island (south of Tierra del Fuego) and is thus the southernmost of any bat. Murciélago orejudo, Histiotus montanus, has bigger ears than other bats. It occurs over a wide area that includes high elevations. They are rarely seen. The species appears to have a solitary habit. It belongs to the genus Histiotus.

Mammals: Rodentia

The species of rodents, Rodentia, are numerous and their taxonomic relations complex. For geological circumstances, the South American continent is home to many rodents of the Cricetidae group. Superficially, Cricetids look like variations of ordinary rats but they are not rats altogether. New mehods and technology for determining their status in the "tree of life" have become available, entailing changes in the scientific names. These changes are not crucial for our purpose. We point out the names of the rodents that are or could reasonably be present in the Lake region. With the name, whether valid or deprecated, we can always look up in the Web to find out the phylogenetic position of the animal in question according to current wisdom. Vernacular names are of limited help in identifying small rodents. The bigger species have clearly univocal popular names but for the small rodents the popular name is little more than a vague hint at the relative size of the animal.

Viscacha del sur, Lagidium wolffsohni, Wolffsohn's viscacha, also called "rock squirrel". These viscachas inhabit rocky, dry and mountainous areas and are adapted to a cold climate with however intense radiation. Body length is of 30 to 45 cm with a tail of 20 to 40 cm. Weight can be of about 3 kg. Viscachas feed on vegetal matter and live in colonies. Usually the tribe has an appointed watch-viscacha that warns the group about any approaching danger. Viscacha meat is appreciated and the fur of a related species (not present in the Lake region), the plains viscacha, has been "harvested" in large quantities. "Harvesting" in this case means trapping or shooting wild animals to skin them, no prisoners taken. The Lagidium colonies in the mountains around the Lake have not been much disturbed because it is hard to get to their territory above the timber line. They are also protected by the National Park status.

The coipo, Myocastor coypus, may measure one meter in length and weigh 8 kg. Coipos are vegetarian and spend most of their life in the water, with a terrestrial base in a burrow on the banks. It is at home in habitats with plenty vegetation such as in slow-flowing rivers, estuaries and lakes. Coipos spend most time floating, swimming and diving for food. Females have their mammae sideways so they can nurse their offspring while floating. Coipo was a subject in economic history. A strong demand for otter fur led these mustelid carnivores close to extinction. In accordance with the "laws of the market" that postulate substitution of one resource by another, fur traders renamed the fur of coipo, a rodent, as nutria, which means otter in Spanish. This expedient resulted in deflecting the hunt for the scarce territorial carnivorous otter towards the social and prolific rodent whose coat became as valuable as otter. Hunting pressure on coipos caused severe depletion of the species and probably the extinction of sub-species. Prices for coipo "nutria" fur led to the establishment of coipo "nutria" fur farms. Coipo meat, which is quite palatable, because the animal looks like a very big rat, is despised for cultural reasons. Coipo farming, if compared to farming of carnivorous animals like mink, is an easy and low-cost activity because coipos, never mind their large orange incissors, are docile and feed on vegetable matter. Coipos escaped from farms established feral populations both in Europe and North America. These rodents are not appreciated by river bank maintenance staff because they excavate the banks to establish a home. In Louisiana, feral coipos thrive in the flooded delta swamps; there, this rodent continues to be known as "nutria". Coipos have also become feral in Europe and are common in France and Italy.

Rata arborea, Irenomys tarsalis, is an inhabitant of the humid temperate forest. Its body length is of 10 to 14 cm, and the tail has about the same length again. Body weight ranges from 30 to 70 gr. Irenomys is a good climber and spends most of its time on trees, where it is prone to be picked by owls. Its nutrition is said to be based on fruits, seeds and green vegetation. Irenomys is credited with being a main actor of "mouse plague", the large variation in the number of small forest rodents in response to flowering and seed-shedding of bamboo. But mouse plagues have never been studied applying the tools of science. This phenomenon was observed in the Lake region in the late 1930s and again in the early 1990s. Irenomys tarsalis belongs to the Sigmodontine rodents in the Cricetid family. A feature that makes Irenomys different is grooving of the upper incissors. Scientists have been intrigued by this animal and created the genus Irenomys for it alone.

Raton de los espinos, Oligoryzomys longicaudatos, the long-tailed rice rat, is said to feed on seeds, small fruit and insects and appears to adapt to very diverse environments, from arid to very humid. This rodent is said to be a vector of the Hanta virus. It is also supposed to be one of the causes of the periodic bamboo rat plague. Little is known about biology and ecological role of this species.

Raton topo valdiviano, Geoxus valdivianus, also known as Notiomys valdivianus, the long-clawed mole mouse, meaures a total length of a bit less than 15 cm with a relatively short tail of 5 cm, and weighs around 50 gr. It is a burrowing species endowed with powerful, sharp claws that spends most of its life under ground. The burrows of this species have a diameter of less than 5 cm and a little heap of ground before the front entrance is a good indicator of active occupancy.

Ratoncito, Abrothrix sp. or Akodon sp., field mice, grass mice. Present in the Lake region could be ratoncito comun, Akodon olivaceus, ratoncito lanudo, Akodon longipilis, and ratoncito lanudo negro, Akodon sanborni. These animals measure about 20 cm all included, and weigh about 50 gr. Animals of this genus are reported to feed on grass seeds, fruits and insects but all in all little is known about their biology, ecological role and habitat sharing.

Lauchon orejudo, pericote, Phyllotis sp. Leaf-eared mice present in the Lake region could be lauchon orejudo de Darwin, Phyllotis darwinii and lauchon de pie chico, Phyllotis micropus. These animals measure 7 to 15 cm with again as much tail and weigh 20 to 100 gr. As their popular name suggest, they have large ears. The species of this genus appear to be more attached to a rocky environment than to forest. Their nutrition is said to be based on seeds, green plant material and lichens, but their specific biology and role in ecology is largely unknown.

The three main species of cosmopolitan rats follow closely on the pantry, larder and sewers of man. Effective rat poison that is not detected by rats is a recent acquisition of veterinary technology. Oceanic navigation requires to store large amounts of food for crew and passengers, and so the cosmopolitan rats, which are of diverse origin, took to globalize. Rats are reputed to disembark first when ships sink; however that may be, arriving at port after navigation, rats get ashore climbing along the boat's ropes or by swimming, if necessary, and start an old way of life in a new place. The cosmopolitan rats are present in the Lake region. These are: Rata negra, Rattus rattus, the black rat or rat rat, as its scientific name insists, a companion of the Conquistadores; Guarén, Rattus norvegicus, the brown rat; and the small but marvelously fertile laucha, Mus musculus, the mouse, travelling in cabin cases and trunks. In the Lake region, these rats linger around human housing but seem to be absent in the dog-free wilderness, where food is scarce and predators keen.

A couple of rodent species were introduced for profit to the southern tip of the continent: Castor, Castor canadensis, the North American beaver, a species that strongly intervenes the hydrological regime through the construction of dams; and rata almizclera, Ondatra zibethicus, the muskrat. They have not yet been recorded in the Lake region but are expected to arrive sooner or later, causing shockwaves to the existing ecological system. Native predators may not be effective in controlling these exotes.

Rabbits and hares were traditionally classified as rodents but more recently taxonomists put them in the order Lagomorpha. There are no Lagomorpha native to South America, but two species were introduced. Conejo, Oryctolagus cuniculus, the rabbit, was released in the Lake region but feralization was not successful. The rabbits multiplied and caused havoc in the ecological systems of places like Australia and Patagonia. They were eventually brought under control, not by hunters but through the release of a viral disease, the myxomatose - not what one assumes to be good sport. Liebre, Lepus capensis, hare, was released in Patagonia for the fun of hunters. Feralization took place with the species remaining fairly discrete. Hare appears to be present in mountain sectors of the Lake region with sparse low vegetation, such as fields of volcanic ashes.

In the following section we address herbivorous animals of the Artiodactyla.

Artiodactyla: Deer

Pudu is a deer 60 to 85 cm long and 25 to 43 cm tall. It weighs between 6 and 15 kg and has antlers of less than 10 cm, sometimes hidden in the male's hairdo. This miniature deer occurs in the forest from sea level to about 1700 meters altitude. It's short legs suggest that it survives more by its skill in hiding and climbing than by running fast. It is active both by night and by day. It appears to be sedentary, using a territory of less than 30 ha, and seems to be of solitary habit. Pudus browse a variety of tree sapplings, shrubs and vines including buds, blossoms, fruits and nuts. Shy and discrete, living under cover at the fringe of the forest, this animal appears to be still frequent around the Lake but is disturbed and sometimes run down by domestic dogs. Pudus have been succesfully kept in captivity as a park pet. It is however unlawful to keep in captivity individuals taken from the wild.

There could be questions about the presence in this area of huemul, Hyppocamelus bisulcus, a fabled animal half camel and half horse but with split hooves ("bisulcus") that decorates the Chilean coat of arms. The reply has two parts: (i) an animal called huemul does indeed exist. It is a member of the family of deers; and (ii) huemul is not present in the Lake region and there is no good evidence it was in historical times. There appears to be an ecological reason for the huemul's absence: the altitude pasture on which huemul relies for a livelihood is not present in sufficient quantity. Huemuls live in the neighbouring Nahuel Huapi NP East of the Andes in Argentina.

Ciervo colorado, Cervus elaphus, the European red deer, was introduced in various parts of Chile and Argentina for the pleasure of sport- and trophy-hunters. It is present in the Lake region, in particular in the Rio Blanco sector. It lives on forest resources and is known to have an impact on the pattern of forest renewal. Ciervo axis, Axis axis, Axis deer, reportedly was introduced with success into the Nahuel Huapi National Park and may already have, or may in the future, spread its habitat to the Lake region. This stately deer originary of India and Nepal can carry trophy antlers, unlike the modest native pudu. The ecological consequences of the presence of this large forest dweller has not been assessed in depth.

Artiodactyla: cattle (baguales)

Baguales, Bos taurus, feral cattle, were at some time reported for the Sierra de Santo Domingo sector. Apparently, these have been hunted down meanwhile. No regrets for baguales.

Artiodactyla: suidae (wild boar)

Jabali, Sus scrofa, the European wild boar, was introduced into the South American southern rainforest, reportedly just for the pleasure of it, by hunters for sport. This strong and smart hog is fierce when cornered. It has since continuously expanded its range and is now present to roost in the Lake region. Gentleman boar hunters have become extinct or recycled themselves into other sports, and ordinary poachers have not been effective in controlling the wild hog population. There are no native predators for animals the size and strength of an adult wild hog, although the puma, local king of the jungle, could presumably get away with stealing sucklings. Male wild hogs lead a solitary life. The sows associate in herds and watch collectively about the safety of the young ones. The environmental impact of the introduction of wild hogs has been superficially assessed. Getting rid of the hogs is an unlikely prospect. Hunting in national parks is unlawful and, at large in over a million hectares of mountains and forests, wild Sus scrofa lead a comfortably protected life. Residents discreetly harvest wild hogs if and when they can. A local trick is to lure wild boars into mating with domestic sows; the resulting bastard offspring is domesticated and has a reputation for delivering good lean ham.

We now turn to the Carnivora, meat-eating animals. Three groups of the Carnivora are present in the Lake region: dogs (Canidae), cats (Felidae) and mustelids (Mustelidae).

Carnivora: Canidae (Pseudalopex)

Chilla, Pseudalopex griseus, looks like a small fox. Taxonomists state that this animal is as different from a fox as it is from a dog and have allocated it to a special group: Pseudalopex. The chilla measures about 90 cm total length, of which 35 cm of bushy tail, with a weight of around 4 kg. The fur color is usually referred as grey although individual hairs have various colors and gray is only an impression at a distance. Little is known about the biology and ecological role of this pseudo-fox; hunters have been more intent on killing the little beast than contributing to the knowledge of its biology. Chilla appears to generally follow a nocturnal pattern of activity, to live on the fringe of the forest and on land cleared by man but distant from human dwellings and dogs, and to have a mixed diet of small animals and some vegetals such as various berries and the fruit of Aextoxicon punctatum. The species is legally protected but people are generally unsympathetic to chilla and kill it wherever they can.

Culpeo, Pseudalopex culpaeus, like its taxonomical cousin the chilla, is usually called "zorro", with "culpeo" added to clear ambiguity. It's presence in the Lake region does not appear to be demonstrated but it is likely that the species exists around viscacha and hares in the sandy areas of volcano slopes. Its size is a bit larger than the chilla, with 110 cm of total length, of which 40 cm correspond to tail, with a weight of around 7 kg.

Carnivora: Felidae (cats)

The next two carnivores belong to the family of cats.

Puma, Puma concolor, cougar, mountain lion, has many local names and subspecies in its vast habitat extending from Alaska to the southern straits. The word "puma" stems from the quechua language; its mapudungun name, applicable in the Lake region, is pangue, while the popular designation is león. The scientific name has also undergone change, from Felis concolor to Panthera concolor to the current Puma concolor. The most recent taxonomic restructuring puts puma in the group of the small cats; with this, the puma has earned the award of "biggest small cat". The body size of adult pumas shows a large spray: they may weigh from 25 to 100 kg. Body length may be up to 190 cm, plus 80 cm of tail.

In the Lake region, the natural prey of a predator the size of a puma is the pudu deer, but pudus are small, solitary and good at hiding. Small rodents hardly make a mouthful and when roaming hungry pumas stumble on farmer's sheep and goats, they take this easy prey. For local farmers, pumas are unwelcome. Puma specimens that reached the end of their careers in the Lake region appear to belong to two different races or subspecies. The bigger specimens are of a lighter color, described as yellow; these are called "argentino", meaning their origin is attributed to the region East of the mountains. East of the Andes, on the fringe of the Southern Rainforest, the puma's natural prey would be guanaco (Lama guanico) and huemul (Hyppocamelus bisulcus). Guanacos and huemules are not present in the Lake region. The pumas reputed to be of local origin, that is, forest dwellers, are smaller and have a darker color. The large uninhabited mountain area and the contiguous national parks in Chile and Argentina provide habitat for a consistent puma population, probably sufficient to avoid genetic isolation. In the future, there could be a selective advantage for the bigger subspecies, as large prey (wild hogs, red deer) has become available. Pumas have at times been kept as domestic pets; they make lovely kittens but disquieting adults.

Huiña, Leopardus guigna, also Oncifelis guigna, formerly Felis guigna is called "kodkod" for no good reason: local people invariably and univocally call them "huiña", and so did Juan Ignacio Molina who first described this species for science in the 18th century. New taxonomical findings put huiña close to the ocelot in the tree of life. Its habitat is roughly coincident with the Southern Rainforest. Huiñas have arboreal habits but are also found in rocky environments and in shrub vegetation. With not much more than 2 kg of body weight, huiñas are similar or smaller than the average domestic cat, and can lay claim to the award of "smallest of all wild cats", or if the name Leopardus guigna holds, the smallest leopard of the world. However small, huiñas are stocky and strong. Rarely seen, huiñas are said to sometimes pray on poultry. In fact, instead of consuming hens, huiñas seem generally to be more adept at consuming eggs, infant chicken, small rodents and pigeons. Lacking tastier and healthier food, huiñas (and domestic cats) capture and eat the iguana lizard Liolaemus pictus, which leads to the fatal and sad end of hungry cats: the lizard is prone to transmit a parasite that causes spinal paralysis and a miserable end for the animal. Flies take up the parasites eggs from the cat carcass and become, in due course, prey to the "lagartija".

Domestic cats, said to descend from North African wild cats, are kept by residents to control rats and as pets. Domestic cats have not succeeded in establishing a feral population in the Lake region, neither are there known cases of hybridation with huiñas, as one could expect with many millions of years of separate evolution.

Carnivora: Mustelidae

Three native species of mustelids inhabit the Lake region, using very different resources. To these one exotic mustelid that established itself successfully must be added.

Huillin, Lontra provocax, the Southern River Otter, a challenged species, is present in the Lake. Huillines are about 1 meter long, of which 40 cm are tail. They weigh 5 to 6 kg. Inspecting the Lake shores, its feces are often visible, even close to inhabited places (but hardly on beaches used for mooring boats). Otters require a level of privacy and abandon places where they are disturbed by racing motorboats, waterscooters, roaming dogs and assorted noises. Keeping quiet and discrete, one may be able to observe an otter family busy looking for food or playing as kitten in the water. Otters are usually said to feed on fish. Otter feces in this region show that their diet is almost exclusively composed of crustaceans, in particular the ubiquitous Aegla sp.

Quique, grison measures about 64 cm overall and has a relatively longer body and shorter legs than other mustelids. The quique's body form and alimentary preferences make it an efficient depredator of small rodents. Where rabbits are present, the quique contributes to control their demography. It penetrates the burrows and consumes the young as well as the adults if they do not find timely escape. The quique, who is not good at burrowing himself, often lives in burrows confiscated from his prey. Small animals, such as lizards and ground-dwelling birds, are also prey for the quique. Except for occasional transgressions on poultry, the quique is generally seen as useful, or at least neutral, by local people. According to 19th century reports, quiques were held as reasonably tame domestic animals appreciated for controlling rodents in and around the house. No explanation was given about how peace and cooperation was established between quiques and dogs. This animal is not frequently seen but this does not necessarily mean that it is effectively scarce. As carnivorous animals generally, quiques surely control its own population so as to remain in balance with the local environment. Quiques have a reputation for fierce temper when disturbed. Thus, Chileans say of an ill-tempered person that he or she is "like a quique".

Chingue, Conepatus chinga, hog-nosed skunk, is a cute animal the size of a cat. It wears a dark pelt with a white stripe, and is adorned with a bushy tail. Chingues live in the rain forest with some preference for sunny clearings. Their area of distribution also includes bushland and steppes. They feed on insects, larvae, worms, frogs and infant rodents and go about their business peacefully and discreetly but not really hiding. Chingues are not fierce and not hurried for an undignified escape. Persons and dogs that penetrate the chingue's security perimeter expose themselves to get sprayed from the peri-anal glands of the animal. This scent is as displeasing as it is persistent. When the hognose, while keeping the eyes fixed on you, cocks its bushy tail and turns its rear aiming at your direction, it's probably too late and you'll have to seclude from social life for a few days. In short, you are advised to keep a safe distance.

Vison, Mustela vison, American mink, settled in the Lake region in the 1990s. They originated from escaped or freed inmates on mink farms, of which there existed a number. The total impact of the addition of mink to the ecological system is not yet known as the ecological system itself has not been subject to a baseline study. The visible negative impact of mink concerns locally nesting water birds, whose nests are easily devastated by the mustelid. We are not aware of studies or efforts to re-introduce the disappeared species and to protect those that are endangered. Mink has settled in, is there to stay, and does way more damage to domestic poultry and water birds than chilla, culpeo and huiña together. Unlike wild hogs, it makes no contribution to the table, while pelts collected from isolated individuals are as much as worthless.

Birds

Knowing a bird is fairly obvious, even for birds that do not fly, like ostrich. For the identification of birds, ornithologists use morphological aspects and also certain traits that one would tend to consider cultural but are inherited, such as the way the nest is made. A list of birds observed in the Lake region was established in 1974 by Braulio Araya and others. That list includes 11 forest species, 26 wetland species, and 47 species that inhabit open land. Many of these birds are more or less incidental visitors. For our purpose, we focus mainly on species that reproduce in the Lake region, including those that migrate and are absent in winter. The selection is by necessity a bit arbitrary because the biology of most species is known only in an approximative way. The species are grouped according to their family. For further description and identification we refer to easily acessible birder's guides. "Birders" means here gentle people keen on seeing birds and opposed to shooting them. Birders are even gentler and nicer when they contribute 10% of what they spend on travel to the protection of endangered bird species, because some birds are in serious trouble. Many birders keep a list of birds from where they tick off a bird species once a specimen has been seen and identified without killing it, as is the rule of the game. Globally, there exist close to 10 000 species of birds; many bird species are endangered by deforestation and environmental poisoning undertaken by the human species. The South American continent is home to the most diversified bird fauna of the globe. Many taxa of birds are represented in the Southern Rainforest but usually by few or only one species.

We start with the Passeriformae, the passerines, globally the most diversified taxon of birds. As the scientific name indicates, they have the general form of sparrows.

Chucao, Scelorchilus rubecola, chucao tapaculo, measures some 19 cm and is active on the forest ground where it scratches with its big feet for insectivorous sustainance. It can be assumed that its action on the forest ground, like that of its taxonomical cousin the huedhued, has an ecological significance. Chucao wears its tail cocked. It modulates several voices and, as a bird mated for life, keeps aural contact with its partner. The voices of the chucao may be a reason, as already observed by Charles Darwin in Chiloe Island, that local people attribute oracle inspiration to this bird. Chucao is frequent in the Lake region and anybody can point it out by the call. It is not difficult to see and experience it: just visit his forest and stay comfortable and very quiet in the bird's territory; the bird will come to inspect the intruder. It has been reported that hogs abuse the confident behaviour of the bird.

Chucao belongs to the family of the Rhinocryptidae, popularly recognized as "tapaculos". A birder's target and, to a point, a birding speciality of the region, is huethuet, huerhueta, Pteroptochos tarnii, black-throated huethuet, a taxonomical cousin of chucao. Huethuet is, with 22.5 cm, a bit larger than chucao. This species is unfrequent at Lake level and usually one has to get into mature forest with dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets to get sight of a huethuet. On meeting, huethuet emits an irregular salve of huethuet-huethuethuet-huet-, etc. This bird is not as cheerfully confident as chucao and, as observed by one ornithologist, "usually manages to keep to the other side of a thicket when approached".

Churrin, patrás, Scitalopus magellanicus, Andean tapaculo, is a 10 cm bird. Its song can be heard as pa-trás, which may be understood as "go back". In winter, patrás inhabits Nothofagus shrub while in summer it prefers humid grassland. Often hides in rodent burrows. There exist many varieties and subspecies of Scitalopus; ornithologists refer to the song for identification.

Rayadito, Aphrastura spinicauda, thorn-tailed rayadito, 14 cm long, is an engaging, curious and restless but confident bird that usually moves in flocks, searching bark, lichens and mosses for insects. Sometimes in mixed-species flocks.

Colilarga, Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii, Des Murs' wiretail, is about 23 cm long, but of this only 7 cm are body and the rest is tail. The tail is composed of six feathers reduced to almost mere shafts. The role of this tail, which looks as an encumbrance, is not yet understood. Forages in dense humid forest and second growth thickets; feeds on insects. Constructs globular stick nests with side entrance, placed in low bush. This form of nest denounces its pertaining to the Furnaridae.

Tijeral, Leptasthenura aegithaloides, plain-mantled tit-spinetail, is 15 cm long with a long tail with pointed feathers. Forages in forest and bushes, in pairs or small groups. Belongs to the Furnaridae.

Comesebo, Pygarrhichas albogularis, White-throated treerunner is 16 cm long. Inhabitant of humid tall Nothofagus forest. Creeps along stems and branches with body held against the bark. Sometimes climbs down head first. Nest in a hole, usually excavated by the bird in decaying wood. Belongs to the Furnaridae.

Churrete, Cinclodes patagonicus, dark-bellied cinclodes, a 20 cm bird, usually seen foraging along lakeshores, rivers and rocky streams, one of the easy-to-see birds. Belongs to the Furnaridae.

We now consider a number of diverse species of the Passeriformes, most of them more comfortable in open space than in the forest. Many are migratory.

Golondrina de rabadilla blanca, Tachycineta leucopyga, Chilean swallow, a 12.5 cm swallow of stout build and forked tail. Often seen around human habitations where it harvests in the excess of flying insects associated with human presence. Often forages low over water. Nests in trees, for example in abandoned woodpecker nests, and in human habitations. This swallow migrates during the non-breeding season.

Other swallows present in season around the Lake are golondrina de rabadilla negra, Nothiochelidon cyanoleuca, blue-and-white swallow, a 12 cm bird of wide distribution in South America; a patagonica race or subspecies possibly breeds in the Lake region. The region is visited by the North American swallows golondrina barranquera, Riparia riparia, Sand martin; and possibly by Hirundo rustica, the barn swallow.

Fiofio, Elaenia albiceps, white-crested Elaenia, is about 13 cm long. This bird has an extended habitat in South America. It appears to carry out a wide migration, the details of which are not known. It's monotonous, slightly sad whistle announces the end of winter, when it returns to nest. It can be defined as a resident species that migrates away during the rainiest and coldest of winter. Fiofio is common all the way down to the straits and the Cape islands. Its diet is based on flying insects but these birds also eat berries and have been seen libating nectar from notro. One of the easy bird sightings around the Lake and its nest is not so difficult to spot.

Viudita, Coloramphus parvirostris, Patagonian chat-tyrant, a 12.5 cm bird. Feeds mainly on insects. Breeds in the Nothofagus forest.

Cachudito, Anairetes parulus, tufted tit-tyrant, a 9.5 cm bird, has a tuft of feathers on the head, which earns it the name "cachudito". A restless bird, catching insects and often seen chasing one another.

Rara, Phytotoma rara, Rufous-tailed plantcutter, an 18 cm bird local people dislike because it cuts sprouting garden vegetation, such as peas in springtime. It inhabits forest clearings and cultivated fields. Does not seem to have a resident population.

Chercán, Troglodytes aedon, the house wren, is common in the region. This bird is a common inhabitant around houses, constantly scolding but actually quite tame and cheerful. The bird usually follows the construction of human dwellings and is present in all the South American continent.

Zorzal, Turdus falcklandii, the Austral thrush, 26 cm bird, is common in gardens as well as sub-urban and agricultural areas in most of Chile and Patagonia. Its rich and varied song is appreciated by people. Zorzal is as common in the Lake region as elsewhere.

Loica, Sturnella loyca, the Long-tailed meadowlark, a 25 cm bird. Recognized in the Lake region by its red underparts, lives in some pasture fields. Not comfortable with forest, probably migrants or individuals trying to set foot and stay.

Tordo, Curaeus curaeus, Austral blackbird, a 25 cm glossy black bird. Usually in small flocks. Sing in concert at dawn and dusk at their roosting site. Does not seem to be resident.

A few more passeriform birds that are seen in the lake region: Diuca, Diuca diuca, common diuca-finch; Diucon, Xolmis pyrope, fire-eyed diucon; Mero cordillerano, Agriornis montana, Black-billed shrike-tyrant; Dormilona, Muscisaxicola macloviana, Dark-faced ground-tyrant; Colegial, Lessonia rufa,, Rufous-backed negrito; Chanchito, Phrygilus patagonicus, Patagonian sierra-finch; Jilguero, Carduelis barbata, Black-chinned siskin; Chincol, Zonotrichia capensis, Rufous-collared sparrow; Bandurrilla, Upucerthia dumetaria, Scale-throated earthcreeper; and an introduced species: Gorrion, Passer domesticus, House sparrow.

So far we have reviewed the presence of Passeriformes in the Lake region. The birds that follow belong to other groups.

Picaflor, Sephanoides sephaniodes, Green-backed firecrown (hummingbird). This 8 cm bird (including the beak) belongs to the Apodiformes, Trochilinae. This hummingbird is the only representative in this region of an otherwise diversified group with over 100 species in South America. It lives as far south as Tierra del Fuego, associated with flowering plants such as Embothrium coccineum. Firecrown is an intense and energetic bird, a star personality with a song that is the dominant sound in the forest. Males are territorial and rise steeply in aerial display. To keep humming, this bird takes a diet rich in sugar provided by flowers. Hummingbirds feed from Embothrium, Fuchsia and a number of other plants flowering with hanging, tube-shaped red or orange flowers. The bird easily discovers and libates also from other nectarious tube-shaped flowers such as the introduced garden plant Kniephofia uvaria. Hummingbirds are not only on sweet nectar; they are also observed picking small spiders and other sources of protein from the leaves of the plants they visit. Within the firecrown pasha's territory, females pursue alone and diligently the tasks of incubating and rearing the chicks. The tiny but well-crafted and comfortable nests often hang over water. Flowers visited by hummingbirds are showy, usually red, and have no scent. The association of various vegetal species with the hummingbird for pollinization services may also explain the long duration of the flowering period of certain plant species, from early spring to late autumn.

The following species belong to the Piciformes, the group of the woodpeckers, prime inhabitants of old growth forest and prime victims of forest destruction.

Pitio, Colaptes pitius, Chilean flicker. A 30 cm bird, forages on the ground, often in small flocks. The flock raises a pee-teew, pee-teew racket when alarmed. Appears to be very interested in ants.

Carpinterito, Picoides lignarius, Striped woodpecker, a 15 cm woodpecker, gleans, probes, pries, taps and excavates on trees. Met on scattered trees and around clearings.

Carpintero grande, Campephilus magellanicus, Magellanic woodpecker. A stately bird, 36 cm long, black, males have an entirely red head, females deep red around the base of the bill. Forages in mature forest and makes it a noisy affair.

The Temperate Southern Rainforest is the habitat of parrots: Cachaña, Encicognathus ferrugineus, Austral conure, is a 33 cm olive-green parrot, usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Large wandering flocks do not seem to be supported by the ecoregion. This parrot inhabits the southern rainforest all the way down to Cape Horn. Cachaña feeds on seeds, berries and leaf buds, and is fairly common in Nothofagus forest but also favours Drymis winteri. Nests in tree holes. Its somewhat larger cousin Encycognathus leptorhynchus also shows at some times in the Lake region but appears to be more attached to forest with Araucaria in the Puyehue National Park and further north.

We turn to nocturnal birds of pray: Strigiformes, the owls. Their habitat extends well beyond the Lake region. Their role in controlling the population of small mammals is well known. The feces of some owls are a good indicator of the species of small mammals present in the owls hunting grounds.

Chuncho, Glaucidium nanum, Austral pygmy owl, a 17 cm miniature owl, inhabits forest. It breeds in tree holes.

Other owls: Lechuza, Tyto alba, Barn owl; and Nuco, Asio flammeus, Short-eared owl.

The Caprimulgidae are a group of nocturnal birds somewhat similar and related to owls. One representative in the region: Gallina ciega, Caprimulgus longirostris, Band-winged Nightjar. 22 cm. A nocturnal insectivorous bird.

Diurnal raptors, Falconiformes. All these birds have a wide range beyond the Lake region.

Peuquito, Accipiter bicolor, Bicolored hawk. Hawks of the Accipiter genus are secretive and very fast forest raptors. Females are much bigger than males: 42 cm to 35 cm in the case of peuquito. Other raptor by daylight are:

Bailarin, Elanus leucurus, White-tailed kite; Aguila, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, Black-chested buzzard eagle; Aguilucho, Buteo polyosoma, Red-backed hawk; Traro, Polyborus plancus, Crested caracara; Tiuque, Milvago chimango, Chimango caracara; Cernicalo, Falco sparverius, American kestrel; Peuco, Parabuteo unicinctus, Bay-winged hawk; Halcon peregrino, Falco peregrinus, Peregrine falcon.

Vultures travel widely riding the wind. Their eyes are very sharp. They remain unseen until rotting carrion attracts their attention. Vultures are in the group of the Cathartidae. The following species of vultures show up in the Lake region: Jote, Coragyps atratus, plain Black vulture; Gallinazo, Cathartes aura, Turkey vulture; Condor, Vultur gryphus, Condor. With wingspan over 300 cm, condor is common in the region but appears to be interested mostly in carrion events above the timber line and so is seen only when mountaineering.

Next we address birds living in and around water. Many of these are migrants, but some are faithful residents.

Martin pescador, Cerile torquata, Ringed kingfisher is, with 40 cm length, the largest member of the family of the Alcedinidae in South America, and the only kingfisher in this region. A very handsome solitary bird. It often has a permanent perch over the water, to where it returns after each fishing venture to consume its pray and dry its feathers. This bird dives but its feathers get wet.

Huala, Podiceps major, Great grebe, a 70 cm bird with a long sinuous neck. Usually on open water, easy to watch - at a distance. For a good picture you need a good tele. Normally dives head first but uneasy birds quietly dive folding in-middle. The chicks are seen riding on top of parents, saving calories and making a nice family scene. Hualas, with their feet set far back, can hardy walk. Their nests are made of floating reeds, so the bird can jump on it. Reproduction in the Lake fails frequently because the Lake is subjet to sudden water level changes. Settling in of the American vison has further reduced reproductive success of this magnificent and largest of grebes.

Other grebes (Podicipediformes, Podicipedidae) present on the Lake are: pimpollo, Rollandia rolland, White-tufted grebe; and Podilymbus podiceps, picurio, Pied-billed grebe.

Cuervo, cormoran olivaceo, Phalacrocorax olivaceous, Neotropic cormorant, is a slim 70 cm bird of the Pelecaniformes, Phalacrocoracidae. The species is common over all the continent, from the Caribbean to Tierra del Fuego. This bird is not a specialist of the rainforest: it is attracted by availability of fish. Cormorants often are gregarious but in this region usually solitary. When swimming, cormorants lift their beak and are thus easily differentiated from Great Grebe, which is about the same size. Cormorants are often seen extending their wings to dry their feathers. This is because, unlike most water birds, the feathers of the cormorant are not oiled and get soaked, so that after a dive and swim, the bird has to dry its garment.

Tagua, coico, Fulica leucoptera, White-winged coot, was frequent in reed beds but has not been seen since the introduction of American mink. Other Gruiformes, the Rallids Pidén, Rallus sanguinolentus, the Plumbeous rail, and Pidencito, Rallus antarcticus, the Austral rail, are also extinct in the Lake region.

Bandurria, Theristicus melanopis, Black-faced ibis, a 75 cm conspicuous but shy bird. Feeds walking and probing into grass tussocks. Groups fly in lines, overnights perched on trees.

Huairavo, Nycticorax nycticorax, Night heron, a 60 cm apparently neckless heron with short legs. At least partly nocturnal. Its range is all over the continent. Other Ciconiiformes present in the region are: Garza mayor, , Ardea alba, Casmerodius albus, Great white egret; Garza cuca, Ardea cocoi, White-necked heron; Garza boyera, Bubulcus ibis, Cattle egret.

Here we turn to ducks, geese and swans. Most of these birds are migratory.

Pato correntino, Merganetta armata, Torrent duck, a 40 cm slender duck with great ability to negotiate torrent rapids. See at Petrohue Falls. In season you could see them with chicks. It belongs to the Anatidae, Tadorninae.

Quetro, Tachyeres patachonicus, Flying steamer duck, a heavy 60-70 cm bird. When alarmed, quetro prefers diving than flying, but once in the air its flight is rapid. It feeds on crustaceans and molluscs by diving. Quetro lives in salt water on the Atlantic and Pacific coast and in inland waters up to 1800 meters altitude. This interesting duck is not frequently seen because it provides the matter for a consistent roast and is much persecuted by hunters.

A variety of ducks is present in season in the reeds of the estuaries of Rio Negro and Rio Blanco. These may include: pato real, Anas sibilatrix, Chiloe wigeon; pato jergon chico, Anas flavirostris, Speckled teal; pato jergon grande, Anas georgica, Yellow-billed pintail; pato anteojillo, Anas specularis, Spectacled duck. Other species that could be present but have as yet not been birdlisted are: Anas specularoides, Anas bahamensis, Anas versicolor, Anas cyanoptera, Anas platalea, Oxyura vitata. Domestic ducks kept by farmers are: Anser anser, Anas platyrhynchos and Cairina moscata.

Two birds of the family of geese, are present in the Lake region and breed there. These are sheld-geese of small conical bills that graze on shore meadows. Both parents share attending the chicks. These handsome slender geese are: caiquen, Chloephaga picta, Magellan goose; and avutarda, Chloephaga rubidiceps, Ruddy-headed goose.

Also Anseriformes, two species of swans alight on the Lake. These are: cisne de cuello negro, Cygnus melanocoryphus, Black-necked swan, a 125 cm bird; and coscoroba, Coscoroba coscoroba, Coscoroba swan, a white 100 cm bird. Some authors consider coscoroba to be more of a duck than a swan.

Queltehue, treile, Vanellus chilensis, Southern Lapwing, is a vocal inhabitant of humid pasture. When queltehues raise a racket, local people know that somebody, human, dog or lion, is approaching.

Ocasionally seen on a stopover: pato yunco, Pelecanoides magellani; and playero de Baird, Calidris bairdii, Baird's sandpiper.

Reptiles

Few reptile species live in this region, and no snakes at all. The most visible reptile is Liolaemus pictus, a small iguanid, called lagartija, which means as much as "little lizard". Other small iguana species may be present in the region.The gastronomic habits of Liolaemus pictus in the Lake region were examined by Ortiz (1974). Animals preyed are insects, spiders, acarids, caterpillars and larvae, and slugs. Smaller lagartijas eat more ants, while the bigger ones prefer more yummy coleoptera and spiders. In short: if it crawls and is not much bigger than its mouth, the little lizard will swallow it.

Amphibians

Amphibians - frogs and toads - exist in a considerable variety, as one would expect in such a humid environment. Many amphibian species are endemic to the Southern Rainforest, but specific information about their biology is woefully scarce. General information on the Class Amphibians in Chile is contained in a book by Cei (1962). Cei complains about the loss of type material in the National Museum and sloppy work by earlier taxonomists. A survey of batracians in the Perez Rosales NP was published by Silva et al. in 1968. The amphibian fauna is generally defined as highly endemic and particularly adapted to life in the Nothofagus forest. Overall, if a number of species now have a name, little if anything is known about their biology. Vernacular names do not help. Amphibians go generally as "sapo", which can be taken as "toad". In a more nuanced way, "sapo" may be those that look big and fat, such as often the Bufonidae, while "rana", which one might translate as "frog", tend to be the relatively slender ones (but these also qualify as "sapito"). The terms "rana" and "sapo" are used so loosely that in practice they are of no guidance whatsoever. The larvae are called "renacuajo" or "guarisapo".

Frogs and toads that are, or could be, present in the Lake region belong to three families: Bufonidae, 3 species; Leptodactylidae, about 25 species; and Pipidae, 2 species). The amphibians of the Southern Rainforest have been generally neglected and there is not much that can be seriously reported about them. Several species are reported to be in danger of extinction and at least one endemic species: Eupsophus coppingeri, is extinct already. It does not appear to have ever been present in the Lake region. Amphibians live in and around water, and are in trouble when their habitat is destroyed by "reclamation" and when persistent chemicals, such as those use for pest control, get in touch with their humid skin.

At this time we introduce Sapito de Darwin, Rhinoderma darwinii. This frog is highly specialized for life in the Nothofagus forest. The male takes care of the offspring in its mouth.

A Leptodactylid frog: Caudiverbera caudiverbera is a giant among frogs. Never recorded on this Lake but used to be common in Lake Llanquihue and was on display in the pool of the plaza in Puerto Varas. Not any more.

Fish

The native species of freshwater fish are few and the fish-scape is dominated by a diversity of banal exotes. Fisherpersons for sport represent a rich market for the accessories and services industries that depend on them. Fish that take the bait and resist energetically with a hook in their mouth are a necessity to attract the fisher for sport, and serving the desired commodity has been a priority development action for public and private powers. Escapees from fish farms situated on the Rio Petrohue downstream of the NP limits, all carnivorous fish, further extend the list of exotic fish present in the Lake.

There are several concurrent resons for the limited diversity of fish. One is the fact that all rivers in Chile flow only a short distance from their source in the Andes mountains to their outlet into the ocean. There is no freshwater communication from one river basin to another. In large river systems fish may have a chance to retreat in some sectors while conditions are unfavourable in others. Unfavourable conditions existed during the last ice age episode only a few thousand years ago, when the river valleys carried ice and did not provide habitat for any fish species that may have existed previously. River basins did not offer any sector for fish to withdraw and most or all freshwater fish became extinct. When the ice withdrew, there was no easy way for fish to repopulate the re-emerged water habitat. Freshwater fish species may derive from saltwater fish through adpatation in estuarine areas, but such adaptation requires more than a few thousand years. Then came human intervention. Not finding the species they used to fish, settlers tried to introduced such species, and sometimes were successful. Later, the state took over introduction of fish with long-term programs for population and re-population of every stream and lake in the country with fish that would attract fisherpersons for sport and thus strengthen the tourist attraction of the country. Trouts were released into about every river and brook of the country and have severely depredated whatever native fish fauna could have been there, to the expense of both native and earlier introduced fish. In more recent years (1990s) various species of salmon were introduced in fish farms in the Petrohue River downestram of ther NP and in Reloncavi sound. Escaped specimens find their way into the Lake.

The native fish species are: Perca trucha, Percichtys trucha, perch trout; Bagre, Trichomycterus sp., T. areolatus? or Diplomystes sp., catfish; and Peladilla, Aplochiton taeniatus. Peladillas have not been recorded for a while in the Lake. Globally, freshwater galaxiid species are gravely threated by exotic salmonid species, particularly exotic trout species, which predate upon galaxiids and compete with them for food. Exotic salmonids have been recklessly introduced to many different landmasses (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina), with no thought as to impacts on native fish, or attempts to preserve salmonid-free habitats for them. Numerous localised extinctions of galaxiid species have been caused by the introduction of exotic salmonids and a number of freshwater galaxiid species are threatened with overall extinction by exotic salmonids (McDowall, 2006). The peladilla may be extinct for the Lake region. Pejerrey, Basilichtys australis, Chilean silverside, is an omnivorous pelagic fish that inhabits rivers and lakes from 33 to 42 southern latitude. It is a very good fish for the table (pejerrey means "fish for kings"). It has not been fished for a while and could be extinct for the Lake. All diplomystid catfish are considered to be potentially or actually threatened or endangered due to habitat deterioration and predation or competition by introduced trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta. The species Diplomystes chilensis may be extinct altogether.

A partial list of introduced species: Salmo salar, Atlantic salmon; Oncorhynchus kisutch, Coho (Pacific) salmon; and Oncorhynchus mykiss, Rainbow trout.

Molluscs

The phyllum Mollusca contains soft-bodied invertebrates with a muscular foot, a calcareous shell (that may be absent) and a mouth provided with quitineous teeth. It is a very diverse phyllum using a variety of habitats. Although taxonomicalla far away from fish, we insert molluscs here for convenience in realtion with the lacustrian habitat.

A water snail of the genus Chilina is very common in the Lake and appears to be one pillar in the food chain.

The clam Diplodon chilensis is common on muddy grounds around reeds. This clam surely contributes to clear the water. It is edible but considered to be insipid if compared to saltwater clams.

At least one land snail of undetermined affiliation is present in the forest.

Decapods

Camaron de agua dulce, Samasthacus spinifrons, crayfish. It inhabits burrows in silt and dead wood underwater. Forages over night.

Pancora, Aegla abtao, crab. This lake crab is a favourite of otters but too small and crusty for human consumption. The crabs of this lineage are ubiquitous in South America. Turning over a stone or a piece of submerged wood, there is a good chance to see one or more pancoras withdrawing sidewise. Aegla crabs appear to have wintered well the ice age. A number of species using various habitats have been discovered for science in recent years. These crabs have been found to be a main link in the food chain: they ere identified as the main fare of the river otter, and also of the host of exotic carnivorous fish unleashed on Chilean freshwaters. Sportsfisher often turn to pancoras as bait to tempt carnivorous fish.

Insects (Hexapoda)

Insects are an order within the class of the Arthropoda. "Arthropoda" stands for "articulated legs" and is a good short description of these animals: the familiar insects, spiders and crabs fit into the category. Insects have clearly differentiated body parts: a forepart which we see as head, a thorax (chest) and an abdomen (belly). Insects normally have three pairs of legs. Arthropoda that are not insects have more legs. The different species of insects count into the millions, and many have not yet been described, not to speak of understanding their biology and livelihood strategies. A certain amount of knowledge is available about the biology of a few very visible "charismatic" insects, and about insects that are "pests", attacking directly the human body or human agriculture and food storage. In this place we review very briefly a few insects that are met in the Lake region and for some reason call attention, either because of their bizarre beauty or because they are prone to strike strolling or sleeping humans. The remainder, that is, more than 99.99% of insects, remains undiscussed.

Coleoptera (beetles)

In Coleoptera, the beetles, the fore pair of wings, called elytra, does not serve to fly but is hard and protects the body. Some species have hard elitra welded together and do not fly; they go about their business walking. Other species of coleoptera have no need for the armour and their elitra are reduced to stumps, leaving the abdomen unprotected. To fly, the typical beetle lifts its elytra and unfolds the rear wings, which do the flying trick. In many flying species, flight preparation (lifting the elitra and pumping up the operational wings) takes a noticeable time, while other are pretty fast at it. An illustrated book on Chilean coleoptera was published in 2000 by Elizabeth Arias. We recommend this book to collectors of beautiful books; it was composed with sound knowledge, an attentive eye, the support of an outstanding artist, and love for beetles.

More than 400 000 species of coleoptera have been described, and many more have still to be discovered, hopefully before human activities and consequent environmental poisoning and logging of old growth forest drive them into extinction. Entomologists working at the edge of science focus on specific groups of beetles because the entire order is way too vast.

Coleoptero del coihue, Cheloderus childreni, is a beetle that belongs to the group of the Cerambicidae, a name that refers to its long curved antennae, seen as "horns". This species appears to be specific to coihue, N. dombeyi. The larvae of Cerambicid beetles chew wood in the way of a drilling machine. In doing this, they leave behind a tunnel in the log, a fact that is not appreciated by loggers. Cerambicid beetles are considered to be pests. In the case of Cheloderus childreni one cannot but admire its stunning beauty, which has made it a target for insect collectors.

Ciervo volante, Chiasognathus grantii, Stag beetle, is a spectacular big beetle with strong sexual differentiation. Males have huge mandibles ("stags"), which are used to fight with other males for the privilege to mate. Females have normal mandibles. A curious case of balance in evolution can be observed in these beetles. In each generation, the size of the stags of individual males varies considerably: some are big, like 5 cm long, others are small, about 1 cm long. The bigger, stronger males defeat the weaker ones in a stag fight by lifting it from the branch and throwing it down the tree, and then proceed to mate with the awaiting female. There are males with modestly sized or outright small stags that do not take the risk of engaging in a loosing fight but await in the background until two big ones are engaged in battle, which can be a noisy and protracted process. This is the opportunity for the the small male to mate with the awaiting female. By the time the winner returns for his price, the reproductive job is already done. This observation contradicts the assertion that there is a subspecies Chiasognathus grantii pygmeae. Stag beetles are found libating resin exuded by coihue (N. dombeyi).

We copy here what Darwin said about this magnificent animal: "The great mandibles of the male Lucanidae are extremely variable both in size and structure, and in this respect resemble the horns on the head and thorax of many male lamellicorns and Staphylinidae. A perfect series can be formed from the best-provided to the worst-provided or degenerate males. Although the mandibles of the common stag-beetle, and probably of many other species, are used as efficient weapons for fighting, it is doubtful whether their great size can thus be accounted for. We have seen that they are used by the Lucanus elaphus of N. America for seizing the female. As they are so conspicuous and so elegantly branched, and as owing to their great length they are not well adapted for pinching, the suspicion has crossed my mind that they may in addition serve as an ornament, like the horns on the head and thorax of the various species above described. The male Chiasognathus grantii of S. Chile- a splendid beetle belonging to the same family- has enormously developed mandibles (see fig. 24); he is bold and pugnacious; when threatened he faces round, opens his great jaws, and at the same time stridulates loudly. But the mandibles were not strong enough to pinch my finger so as to cause actual pain. Sexual selection, which implies the possession of considerable perceptive powers and of strong passions, seems to have been more effective with the lamellicorns than with any other family of beetles. With some species the males are provided with weapons for fighting; some live in pairs and show mutual affection; many have the power of stridulating when excited; many are furnished with the most extraordinary horns, apparently for the sake of ornament; and some, which are diurnal in their habits, are gorgeously coloured."

The 1974 VPRNP survey specifically looked for beetles of the genus Staphylinidae. Staphylinid beetles generally live under the surface of the soil and remain unseen until one digs for them. They are recognized (until serious determination is made) at their short elytra, which do not cover all the abdomen. These beetles are an important factor in recycling vegetal matter such as dead leaves. The author identified 34 species and reports these in relation with the vegetal association in which they were collected.

The 1974 survey also looked for beetles of the genus Cleridae. Clerid beetles have an elongated body and tend to be brightly colored with red and yellow. Some clerids are known to eat pollen and to predate on the larvae of other coleoptera. The author of the survey found 19 species distributed over four groups. His collection of specimens was particularly productive in relation with quila (Chusquea quila) and ulmo (muermo)(Eucryphia cordifolia).

Diptera, Flies

Diptera, as their name indicates, have only two wings, that is, one pair. A second pair of wings was morphed through evolution into a pair of vibrating organs. Everybody is familiar, if not pleased, with domestic flies. The flies are part of a diversified group of insects. We introduce two distinct species that are prone to bother us while in season: tabano negro and petro.

Diptera, Tabanidae

Tabano negro, colihuacho, Scaptia lata, Black deerfly, is a robust fly about 16 to 20 mm. It has a shiny black body with orange red hair trimmings. Males are slightly smaller and do not bite. Colihuacho enters into scene on the first sunny day around first of January and exits with the first good rain around first of February. These flies are numerous around Lake beeches and aggressive during the hot hours of the day, and are the main cause of the restricted number of tourists that venture a vacation in the Lake region in January. Tabanos do not sting like wasps but saw a hole in the skin and take in the following blood. The bite hurts but, unlike domestic flies, tabanos are "clean" and usually no infection follows; neither do tabanos inject any anesthetic substance. Their activity is bothersome and disquieting but no transmission of disease by tabanos has been recorded so far. Tabanos are relatively "dumb" and easy to catch; it is their overwhelming number that makes them hard to bear. Local experts catch the tabano while she is still assessing her prey or beginning to probe the skin, and destroy it by crunching the torax; greenhorns smash the entire animal and make a sticky mess of it. A part of their life cycle was uncovered in recent years. The females lay their eggs in decomposing wood, in the side that is in contact with the ground. The larvae measure from 20 to 25 mm. They remain under wood and rocks in a humid environment. The larvae themselves can be quite active and feed on invertebrates living in the same humid environment. It has also been found that the nematode Pelliodotis pellio parasitizes the larvae of Scaptia lata (Acta Entomol. Chilena 8: 73-75). Some tabanos show up covered with what looks like pollen; what this means, and the general ecological role of the species remains unknown in detail. Deer flies can have an important role in pollinization. One may wonder what their source of blood was before humans settled with their domestic animals. A yet unproved thesis is that tabanos thrive as a consequence of human activities. Certainly, humans may be influencing the evolution of the tabano when killing the slower specimens, leaving successful reproduction to the fiercer ones. Cattle is prone to provide the blood supply necessary for reproductive success of the species.

Diptera, Simuliidae

Petro, Simulium varipes, is a small and fast black fly that in season bothers tourists in places like Petrohue and Saltos del Petrohue. The bite of this fly hurts and the perpetrator is fast at escape. The larvae of Simulid flies live in water flowing at a speed of around 60 cm per second, which is the case of the Rio Petrohue in Petrohue. Petro has been the subject of a curious case of spurious etimology. Simulid flies are generally known as "jején"; it is only in Petrohue that they are called petro. The name "Petrohue" is of indigenous origin and appears to have applied first to hot thermal water emerging next to the river close to the Ralun locality in Reloncavi. The indigenous word "petro" refers to smoke or vapour, and the thermae were called "Petrohue", meaning "place of vapours". The name stuck to the river and was later used for the station at its origin in the Lake. Anybody in Chile and Argentina knows that the suffix "hue" in the language of the Mapuche first nation stands for "place"; an undisclosed amateur etimologist seems to have been mulling about what could be a "petro", and concluded that it could only be that local pest, and thus Petrohue the place of petro, the little biting fly. Consequently, in Petrohue, "jején" became "petro".

Phantom insects

The famous palote, a stick insect, belongs to the family Phasmidae or Phasmatidae of the order Phasmatodea. Phasmid insects are amazing masters in disguise and their scientific name suggests that they are like phantoms. Palote looks like a 15 cm long stick, softly balancing in the wind. Recognizing the stick as an animal is usually a surprise and may be a cause for the fear caused to some people by this phantom insect. These harmless animals are thought to be terribly poisonous. The specimens one stumbles upon are usually flightless females; males are much smaller and have wings to fly, looking for females. The full cycle of this stick insect is not specifically known but, by similarity with other Phasmids, it can be set, as un unproved thesis, that the female drops the eggs from the branches where she lives, and further development takes place on the ground. Phasmids have an incomplete matamorphosis: from the eggs hatch nymphae who care for themselves and shed their their skin as they grow.

Spiders

The members of the Araneae, the taxon of spiders, are endowed with four pairs of legs. While in insects the head is clearly separated from the thorax, spiders have a cephalothorax, that is the head and thorax in one piece. It is also peculiar of spiders to have eight eyes (but their sight does not seem to be very good), and no stomach as we would understand it: spiders inject digestive juice into their prey and suck in the prey's already "digested" innards, discarding the exoskeleton (the hard skin), which is what you see around that spiderweb. Unlike Spiderman, who exudes a sticky cord from his wrist, the four glands that produce the spider filament are situated around the rear end of real spiders. Spiders have various uses for this filament: to weave a web in which to catch flying little beasts, to attach their prisoners before consuming them, to pad their home and, for the young and slender ones, to take a windborne ride into who knows where. These animals derive from a very old lineage. Spider evolution "invented" the sticky cord and sailing the wind on a cord whereas insects "invented" wings. As insects became successful, many spider species specialized in catching them for food. If spiders would not harvest the excess insects, we would be in serious trouble. Be kind to spiders, we are not on their diet list.

The 1974 report contains an inventory of spiders in the VPRNP. Samplings were carried out between 1966 and 1974, and 1123 spider specimens were collected, of which 373 adults; the other were youngsters. This collection yielded 58 species distributed over 19 families. We do not copy the list of species here - unless some information on the biology of them can be gathered. What remains is the impression that the Southern Rainforest is rich in insects: we already found that most bird species present in the region feed principally on insects.

Araña peluda, Grammostola sp, Chilean Rose, a spider the size of a newborn chicken but with more and longer legs. This handsome spider with red trimmings is met in sunny clearings of the forest. They set up residence in a hole padded with their web. Their food of choice appears to be the big Chilean red cricket Cratomelus armatus. The Rose does not go into much effort to capture its food: it awaits the unsuspecting cricket to come its way and then embraces it very fast to inject its digestive juice. After a short while, the cricket is cooked, its carcass ready to be slurped out. Grammostola sp. has become a favourite in terraria and is one of the cheaper species traded by the specialized shops. It is fairly tame and predictable, although always a free-minded spider. Be aware of the urticating hairs which the spider launches when feeling molested.

Other animals

With the animals introduced so far we have hardly scratched on the surface of biological diversity present in the Lake region. For example, te 1974 survey identified six species of millipedes and four species of centipedes, belonging toi another phyllum of the arthropods, the Myriapoda. These pages are open to assemble information of specific interest for the Lake region.