Diversidade de Chrysopidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) do estado do Maranhão

Abstract

Chrysopidae is the second largest family in number of species of the Neuroptera order, however, it is the first in diversity in Brazil, with 182 species and 19 genera distributed throughout the country. These insects, commonly known in Brazil as bicho-lixeiro, have great potential in studies of biological control of agricultural pests. Despite its economic importance, there are stillfew studies on this family in Brazil, mainly in the Northeast region, including the state of Maranhão. Based on the importance of Chrysopidae, on the scarce studies of the family, and on the importance for Maranhão, this work aimed to know the diversity of Chrysopidae species in the state. Thus, with a detailed taxonomic study of thisfauna, it would be possible to provide important data to be used in future studies of biological pest control and to help combat regional and national taxonomic impediments. For this, specimens from the Zoological Collection of Maranhão (CZMA/ UEMA) were studied and collections were carried out in different areas of the state. The specimens were collected with an entomological net and sheet-type, Malaise and Suspension light traps and, later, identified through the structuresof their genitalia. The study resulted in 17 species, six genera and three tribes of Chrysopidae for the state of Maranhão, with 16 new records of species, five of genera and two of tribes. Allspecies were morphologically characterized and illustrated with images of both sexes; a distribution map of the genera, as well as an identification key for the species of Chrysopidae from Maranhão were provided. Thus, it waspossible to conclude that Maranhão has a rich diversity of Chrysopidae, especiallyin the Cerrado biome. The results of this study make a great contribution to combating gaps in biodiversity knowledge, especially Linnean and Wallacean.