Entomofauna associated to the Peppertree (Schinus areira L.) in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

Abstract

The Pepper tree, Schinus areira (Anacardiaceae), is a valuable species to native inhabitants because of its multiple applications. The lack of knowledge on biotic factors that could affect the health of this resource motivated the present study. The objectives were: to identi fy and evaluate the presence, trophic role and abundance of the insects associated with S. areira in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy. Eight seasonal samples were carried out at five localities in Quebrada de Humahuaca. Each random sample consisted of 10 twenty-cm-long S. areira branches from 10 plants, recording the presence and abundance of each species in relation to the molle phenological stages. Six hundred and seventy nine specimens were collected: Hemiptera (396), Lepidoptera (122), Thysanoptera (104), Hymenoptera (34), Diptera (13), Coleoptera (9) and Neuroptera (1). The most relevant species in terms of abundance of specimens, distribution and degree of damage caused to foliage of the plant were: Calophya schini (Hemiptera), a cecidogenous species found on leaves, and the defoliating species Tolype guentheri (Lepidoptera). Anthophilous species were represented by Thysanoptera, such as Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella australis, F. gemina, F. occidentalis and F. valdiviana. Fruits were attacked by Megastigmus sp. (Hymenoptera) and Lithraeus sp. (Coleoptera). Among beneficial species, the parasitoid Horismenus sp. (Hymenoptera) of T. guentheri was observed. Among predators of thrips, aphids and scale insects, specimens of Anthocoridae (Hemiptera), Hyperaspis sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Hemerobiidae (Neuroptera) were recorded.