Seasonal abundance and diversity of arthropods on Acacia mangium (Fabales: Fabaceae) trees as windbreaks in the cerrado

Abstract

Our aim was to assess the seasonal abundance and diversity of arthropods on Acacia mangium Willd. (Fabales: Fabaceae) trees. Phytophagous arthropods, natural enemies and pollinators were quantified biweekly in 20 trees during 3 years. The Shannon biodiversity index (H') of arthropods was greater in the summer and smaller in the winter and spring on A. magium. The diversities of species and abundances of individuals of all arthropod taxa were greater in the autumn and smaller in the winter and in the spring. The H' index of arthropods was greater in 2005 and smaller in 2007. The diversity of species and abundance of individuals of phytophagous taxa were greater in 2005 and 2006, respectively, whereas those of natural enemies and pollinators was greater in 2006. Aethalion reticulatum L. (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) was the most abundant phytophagous species found in the various seasons, while Camponotus sp.2 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini), Tetragonisca angustula Latreille (Hymenoptera: Meliponinae, Meliponini) and Polistes sp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were the most abundant natural enemies and pollinators. The great diversity of predators on this tree species can explain the little damage to its leaves. These results may be applied to support programs of pest control and maintenance of natural enemies and pollinators in future plantations of A. mangium.