Diversity and Structure of Social Wasps Community (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Polistinae) in Neotropical Dry Forest

摘要

In the northeastern part of Brazil, located 90% within the semi-arid region of the country, we can find areas that present quite peculiar characteristics, amongst these the Caatinga.This biome is characterized by the floristic composition formed of dry forest and in this semi-arid environment there is an increase in the supply of resources during the rainy season.This is a region lacking in research, particularly in the State of Paraíba, where no survey studies of social wasp were carried out yet.Social wasps are an important predator of plagues species.The objective of this study was to conduct a survey of the community of social wasps (Polistinae species) that inhabit in the neotropical dry forest of Paraiba, in the municipalities of Sumé and Prata, and to compare the richness and abundance of wasps located in areas of Caatinga with those inhabiting areas intercropping plantation with organic farming.The present study sampled 10 Polistinae species distributed in six genera.Two new species were registered for the state.The comparison between the community of social wasps of the Caatinga There was not statistical difference in the richness and abundance between the natural vegetation and organic intercropping.This means that agroecosystem attracted community of Polistinae, promoting the maintenance of social wasps in anthropic environmental and favoring the biological control.