Diversity of Anastrepha spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Chaco Biome

Abstract

Species of the genus Anastrepha cause injuries to several fruits and vegetables in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Among these species, many are present in Brazil. In this study, we surveyed the existing Anastrepha species in the Brazilian Chaco Biome. And we evaluated possible influences of climate and vegetation on the occurrence of Anastrepha spp. For this, we used McAlpine traps and hydrolyzed corn protein as bait. Collections were carried out in three distinct floristic compositions in the Chaco biome, from permanently dry areas to flooded sites. We identified Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830), A. sororcula Zucchi 1979, A. undosa Stone 1942d daciformis Bezzi 1909. The dry and flooded environment did not influence the occurrence of Anastrepha species. The highest probability of occurrence was in vegetation with an intermediate density of the distribution of plants, between 25 and 75%. Being 25% low and 25% high of the total. The presence of multiple hosts increases the number of species. The richness and abundance of Anastrepha species are low in the Brazilian Chaco when compared to other native environments.