Abstract

VANOYE-ELIGIO, Maximiliano et al. Diversity of predatory wasps in two types of vegetation of the State of Yucatán in Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2019, vol.90, e902885.  Epub Dec 30, 2019. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2019.90.2885.

Predatory wasps or hunters are important in ecosystems because they regulate the populations of other insects and spiders. In the state of Yucatán, these insects have been studied very little and in this work, their spatial and temporal diversity was determined in the 2 main vegetation types of Yucatán, low deciduous forest and the medium subcaducifolia forest. The material reviewed comes from Malaise traps placed in areas of vegetation types, which were active one year and from collections with aerial networks. We reviewed 877 individuals belonging to 4 families of predatory wasps (Crabronidae, Pompilidae, Sphecidae and Vespidae), 68 species were identified, being Crabronidae the richest family (26) and Pompilidae the most abundant (458 individuals). In the low deciduous forest, the highest abundance and species richness was found (86% and 91%, respectively) than in the medium subcaducifolia forest (48% and 13%). There were no differences in species richness and abundance between seasons of the year but the composition of species had low similarity. Ten new species records were found for Yucatán. Other studies of these wasps are suggested in the neotropics, especially in Mexico, and the importance of their biodiversity in the studied ecosystems is indicated for their conservation and possible use.

Keywords : Crabronidae; Pompilidae; Sphecidae; Vespidae; Species richness; Yucatán.