Community structure of Neuroptera (Insecta) in a Mexican lime orchard in Colima, Mexico

Abstract

The present study provides information on the composition and seasonal abundance of the families Chrysopidae, Coniopterygidae and Hemerobiidae associated with Mexican lime trees [ Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle] in Tecomán, Colima. The study was conducted in a Mexican lime orchard, untreated chemically. Field surveys were carried out during 13 months, from May 2013 to June 2014. Sampling was carried out monthly using 5 collecting techniques: Malaise trap, sweeping net, aerial net, yellow pan traps, and canopy fogging. A total of 508 specimens were collected, placed in 3 families and 21 species, 6 of those are new citrus records worldwide, 7 are new distribution records for Colima state, and 7 are new citrus records in Mexico. The most abundant and frequent species were Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen, 1861), Ceraeochrysa cincta (Scheider, 1851) and Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861). Diversity of order 1, including the species of the 3 families and their relative abundance, was 7.1 effective species; and during the first period of vegetative sprouting of Mexican lime trees, the 3 families share maximum values of diversity. The results have implications for the conservation and use of the diversity of Neuroptera associated with citrus trees in the state.