| Popis: |
Understanding the diversity of insect galls is pivotal to the establishment of conservation planning in different Brazilian ecosystems. Here, we (1) characterize the insect galls found on plant host species, (2) identify the gall-inducing insects to the lowest taxonomic level, and (3) record the presence of gall-associated fauna. Our study was carried out along trails in Serra da Bandeira, which is located in an area of Cerrado stricto sensu over a year. We found 48 distinct gall morphotypes, belonging to 12 botanical families. The host botanical families holding the highest number of galls were Fabaceae (26), Malpighiaceae (5) and Anacardiaceae, Combretaceae and Euphorbiaceae (3). For the first time in Brazil, we recorded the occurrence of galls on flowers of Manihot caerulescens, on inflorescences of Mimosa acutistipula and flower buds of Anacardium humile, which were induced by Cecidomyiidae. Inducers of the order Diptera (Family Cecidomyiidae) were the most abundant, found in 14 morphotypes of galls. Regarding the associated fauna, we found insects primarily belonging the order Hymenoptera, and identified them as parasitoids. The information provided can be used highly by decision makers for conservation programs, as well as in other strategies for the conservation of biological diversity in the Brazilian Cerrado. |
