Insect galls of the Reserva Biológica Estadual da Praia do Sul (Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, RJ)

Abstract

Thirty-six morphotypes of insect galls were recorded for the first time in the Reserva Biológica Estadual da Praia do Sul (Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, RJ), being the majority of them comprised of leaf galls (64%). Stem and bud galls were also found (25 and 14%, respectively). Myrtaceae were the plant family with the greatest richness of insect galls. Mikania sp. (Asteraceae) and Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) were the super host plant species. The most important galling group was the Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), responsible for 75% of the gall morphotypes. Hemipteran and Lepidopteran galls were also recorded (11 and 2.8%, respectively).