HYMENOPTERA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATED WITH HORTICULTURAL AGROECOSYSTEMS IN CERRO PUNTA, CHIRIQUI, PANAMA

Abstract

Order Hymenoptera is one of the most diverse groups of insects, performing multiple functions in the ecosystem. However, they are also vulnerable to the action of synthetic pesticides frequently used in potato, onion and leafy vegetable crops in Cerro Punta, Tierras Altas District, Chiriqui Province, Panama. The aim of this study was to identify the Hymenoptera community associated with these horticultural agroecosystems. For this, as evaluation proposal periodic field trips were made from July 2019 to January 2023, until completing the sighting of 100 Hymenoptera specimens. Plant species associated with these taxa were recorded and a linear regression analysis was performed between the number of associated plant species and the number of sightings per taxon. The Simpson index was applied to estimate the Hymenoptera diversity. According to the results, a total of 14 taxa were found, predominantly Apis mellifera L. (Apidae) (36%), followed by genera Cryptanura (Ichneumonidae) (10%) and Pepsis (Pompilidae) (8%); the presence of the genus Pseudometoca (Mutillidae) was recorded for the first time in Cerro Punta and more than 17 plant species associated with Hymenoptera were found. The linear regression analysis had a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.88 and the Simpson diversity index was 0.84. In conclusion, the Hymenoptera community associated with horticultural crops in Cerro Punta is made up of at least 14 taxa related to more than 17 plant species, and A. mellifera was the dominant species.