Diversity and spatial distribution of predacious Dolichopodidae (Insecta: Diptera) on organic vegetable fields and adjacent habitats in Brazil
Abstract
Adults of the fly family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) are general predators on small soft-bodied invertebrates, and often are abundant in agroecosystems. However, information about their diversity and spatial distribution in agricultural landscapes are scarce. Using structured sampling, we identified the species of Dolichopodidae associated with organic vegetable crops, fallow, agroforestry, and native vegetation in the Federal District of Brazil, and evaluate their richness and abundance. We collected 70 species Dolichopodidae distributed in 17 genera and 9 subfamilies. Of these, some 80% of the specimens belong to the following 5 taxa: Chrysotus spectabilis (Loew), Thrypticus violaceous Van Duzee, Condylostylus depressus (Aldrich), Condylostylus “caudatus group” females, and Condylostylus erectus Becker (all Diptera: Dolichopodidae). Habitats with vegetable crops harbored a higher abundance and number of species (diversity α), with a gradual reduction towards more forested environments of native vegetation. This is an inverse gradient with the general patterns of community studies with other taxa. We also verified the importance of less disturbed habitats over time in the agricultural landscape, such as agroforestry and native vegetation, as complementary habitats for the maintenance and conservation of dolichopodid species in particular, a scenario to be tested for other insect groups.
Resumo
Os adultos da família das moscas Dolichopodidae (Diptera) são predadores generalistas de pequenos invertebrados de corpo mole, sendo geralmente abundantes em agroecossistemas. No entanto, informações sobre sua diversidade e distribuição espacial em paisagens agrícolas são escassas. A partir de amostragens locais, identificamos as espécies de Dolichopodidae associadas a hortaliças orgânicas, pousio, agrossilvicultura e vegetação nativa no Distrito Federal, Brasil, e avaliamos sua riqueza e abundância. Foram coletadas 70 espécies de Dolichopodidae distribuídas em 17 gêneros e 9 subfamílias. Destes, cerca de 80% dos espécimes pertencem aos seguintes 5 táxons: Chrysotus spectabilis (Loew), Thrypticus violaceous Van Duzee, Condylostylus depressus (Aldrich), Condylostylus “grupo caudatus” e Condylostylus erectus Becker (todos dípteros: Dolichopodidae). Habitats com hortaliças abrigavam a maior abundância e número de espécies (diversidade α), com uma redução gradual em direção a ambientes mais florestados de vegetação nativa. Este é um gradiente inverso com os padrões gerais de estudos comunitários com outros táxons. Também verificamos a importância de habitats menos perturbados ao longo do tempo na paisagem agrícola, como agrofloresta e vegetação nativa, como habitats complementares para a manutenção e conservação de espécies de diclopodídeos em particular. Este é um cenário a ser testado para outros grupos de insetos.
Key Words: biological control; Neotropical region; Cerrado; habitat management; species richness; organic agro-ecosystems
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