Diversity of wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in conventonal and organic guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) crops in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Diversity of wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in conventonal and organic guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) crops in the Brazilian Amazon. The present study aimed to determine the diversity of wasp species associated with the guarana crop and the difference in compositon of species associated to organic and conventonal crops, as well as among environments established in each management (adjacent forest, crop edge and guarana crop). We collected 977 individuals and 59 species, in 23 genera of Vespidae, sixteen of Polistnae (52 species) and seven Eumeninae (seven species). Polybia was the most abundant and rich genus with 553 specimens and 15 species, followed by Agelaia (139, nine) and Protopolybia (103, five). In organic management crop, 686 individuals allocated in 18 genera and 47 species were collected, whereas in conventonal management crop 291 individuals allocated in 18 genera and 41 species were collected. According to the three sampling points, in both management types, the edge of the crop field shows the highest abundance of wasps with a total of 519 individuals allocated in 19 genera and 45 species. Given the intense use of both environments (forest and crop) by the wasps, it is important to grow crops in regions near natve forests, where the chances of social wasp colonies to be founded are increased.