Beta diversity of four braconid subfamilies (Braconidae, Agathidinae, Braconinae, Doryctinae and Macrocentrinae) of the Ria Lagartos Biosphere reserve in Yucatan, Mexico, with some considerations on biological habits

Roger Cauich-Kumul,Pablo Manrique-Saide,Abdiel Martín-Park,Hugo Delfín-González,Víctor López-Martínez

doi:10.3897/jhr.67.28982

Roger Cauich-Kumul, Pablo Manrique-Saide + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.67.28982

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Abstract

The species diversity composition and phenological behaviour of four braconid subfamilies (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae, Braconinae, Doryctinae and Macrocentrinae) were monitored in three vegetation communities (dune vegetation, tropical deciduous forest and savannah) of the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve (RLBR) in Yucatan, Mexico. Braconid wasps were collected with Malaise traps every 15 days over one year (June 2008 to June 2009). A total of 2,476 specimens were inventoried comprising 233 species and 63 genera. The composition of braconids and their lifestyles differed among the three vegetation communities studied. Doryctinae was the most diverse and abundant subfamily in RLBR (40 genera, 145 species, 990 specimens) and the tropical deciduous forest recorded the maximum abundance and diversity (H’= 4.1; alpha value= 1.059), with 61 exclusive species. Phenological sequence indicates an influence of the rainy season in braconid diversity, but its effects differed among braconid subfamilies and among the vegetation communities. Finally, the importance of the RBRL as a conservation site for this hymenopterous wasp is discussed.

Highlights

Parasitic Hymenoptera are extremely rich in species of terrestrial ecosystems, especially in tropical areas, and they are a group with a principally parasitoid lifestyle (Noyes 1989, Shaw and Hochberg 2001)
The Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is in the state of Yucatan, in the Southern Mexico (21°37'29.56"N and 21°23'00.96"N; 88°14'33.35"W and 87°30'50.67"W; 60,347.82 hectares, 100 masl) (Fig. 1)
The two subfamilies constitute 78.9% of all species and 78% of all specimens collected in the RLBR (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Parasitic Hymenoptera are extremely rich in species of terrestrial ecosystems, especially in tropical areas, and they are a group with a principally parasitoid lifestyle (Noyes 1989, Shaw and Hochberg 2001). Their sensitivity to environmental perturbations makes them good indicators of diversity and environmental stability (Delfín-González and Burgos 2000, Shaw and Hochberg 2001). Certain braconid females, called Idiobiont, feed on the host immediately, preventing further development, while others, called Koinobiont, allow the host to continue to reach maturity at a delayed rate. Another feeding habit reported in braconids is phytophagy as gall formers (Marsh 1991, Infante et al 1995, Wharton and Hanson 2005, Penteado-Dias and de Carvalho 2008, Chavarria et al 2009, Centrella and Shaw 2010, 2013)

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