First inventory of Pimplinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) diversity along the latitudinal gradient of the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Resumen

Abstract: The family Ichneumonidae is considered one of the largest groups of parasitoid insects and is known for being a classic example of an exception to the greatest richness in the tropics. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity trend of subfamily Pimplinae (Ichneumonidae) along the latitudinal gradient of the Atlantic Forest (07o06’S – 26o19’S); and test hypotheses of anomalous patterns of Ichneumonidae in the two life strategies found in Pimplinae, as well as associate diversity patterns with forest conservation. From the material collected in eighteen points of Dense Ombrophilous Forest, richness and diversity of these parasitoids were analyzed. Twelve genera and 61 morphospecies were found, with the genera Neotheronia, Xanthopimpla, Zatypota, and Pimpla being the most frequent. Idiobionts were more abundant than koinobionts, but morphospecies richness was similar between the two types of strategies. The Southeastern and Southern Atlantic forest regions showed greater diversity and similarity of morphospecies than the Northeast region. The diversity and richness of morphospecies (Northeast to South regions), as well as idiobionts and koinobionts strategies, increased at higher latitudes. Despite this, there was a trend of decreasing diversity and richness from the Southeast to the South region, and the low diversity/richness in the Northeast region may be related to habitat destruction. However, we recognize that there should be a greater sampling effort to better understand the factors that influence the distribution of these parasitoids.