Neosilba (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) no neotrópico e riqueza na Serra da Bodoquena

Abstract

The Diptera of the families Lonchaeidae and Tephritidae form a group known as fruit flies, since their larvae use fruits of commercial interest as food resources. Tephritidae species are commonly reported as important pests for fruit growing and have their biology and ecology deeply studied. The species of Lonchaeidae, although associated to several fruits of agricultural interest, are little studied. At the same time, this taxonomic inconsistency discourages studies with the group, making the natural history of these flies unknown. Thus, this work aims to survey the fauna of Neosilba, the main genus of Lonchaeidae of Brazil, through data from the literature, expanding and consolidating the knowledge about the group in the country; In addition to registering the diversity of species of Lonchaeidae distributed in the Serra da Bodoquena National Park, Bonito, southwest of Mato Grosso do Sul. In Chapter 1, we conducted a review focusing on diversity, distribution and host plants of the 40 species of Neotropical Neosilba genus. In chapter 2, we studied the diversity of fruit species of the Neosilba genus in 34 cultivated fruit species in five areas in the Serra da Bodoquena National Park, and in the surrounding area. We conclude in the review that Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine & Steyskal is the species that presents the largest number of host plants. In the survey in the Serra da Bodoquena National Park, Neosilba certa (Walker) was the one that had the highest occurrence, followed by N. glaberrima (Wiedemann) and N. pendula (Bezzi). We obtained two first associations between the genus studied and two host species, Randia ferox (Cham. & Schltdl.) (Rubiaceae) and Cascabela thevetia (L.) (Apocynaceae), besides a wasp of the Eurytomidae in Guarea kunthiana A.Juss. (Meliaceae). This work adds unprecedented information to the genus Neosilba and the compilation of data about this group intends to stimulate the entry of new researchers in order to fill the existing gaps in the taxonomy, systematics, biology and ecology of this taxon.