Abstract
We surveyed social wasps (Polistinae) present in forest fragments of northwest of São Paulo state with different surroundings composed of a matrix of citrus crops and sugarcane in the expectation that the former matrix would be more diverse than the latter. We collected specimens actively using attractive liquids. We obtained 20 species in Magda, 13 in Bebedouro, 13 in Matão, and 19 in Barretos. The most common genus wasAgelaiain all of the areas. The greatest Shannon-Wiener index of diversity was obtained in Magda (H′=2.12). Species such asBrachygastra moebiana,Metapolybia docilis,Mischocyttarus ignotus,M. paulistanusandM. consimilishad not been recorded on recent surveys in the state. FurthermoreM. consimilisis a new record for the state. We concluded that, with our data, a relation between the occurrence of social wasps and the surrounding matrix was not detected.
Highlights
Forest fragments may be treated as islands, and the surrounding area, the matrix, is treated as an ocean
Twenty-nine species of social wasps belonging to 10 genera were collected in the four areas of study totalling 1460 individuals (Table 1)
Barretos, with a small area and citrus crops on its surrounding, had almost many species as Magda, the second largest area and the fragment that showed the greatest richness of social wasps
Summary
Forest fragments may be treated as islands, and the surrounding area, the matrix, is treated as an ocean. The matrix area is considered to be ecologically uniform, exerting little influence on populations inside the fragments [1, 2]. The use of pesticides and insecticides reduces the diversity of pollinators [7]. Pimentel et al [10] show a great richness of arthropod species on many crops. Survey works are important because the survey of species in an area is the first step to its conservation and rational use. Two of the most important monocultures in São Paulo state are sugarcane (Saccharum spp) and citrus (Citrus spp). Sugarcane is the main crop of São Paulo state with about 5.5 million hectares in 2007/2008 [13]. It would be useful to know if a survey of insects at a high trophic level reflects the matrix nearby with respect to the sterility (or toxicity) of some crops,
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