Insect galls from Amazon rainforest areas in Rondônia (Brazil)

Abstract

This study aimed at survey insect galls of an Amazon rainforest area in Rondônia, Brazil. We found 152 gall morphotypes in 103 plant species. Fabaceae were the host with the greatest gall richness. Leaves were the most galled organ. Globose and glabrous galls were the most frequent. Cecidomyiidae were responsible for most of the galls. This is the first record of 110 galls morphotypes and 23 host plants species in this biome. Ten gallers are endemic in Brazil. Five genera of Cecidomyiidae were first recorded in Rondônia as well as Schismatodiplosis lantanae Rübsaamen, 1908.

Insect galls of the Chapada Diamantina, Rio de Contas, Bahia, Brazil

“…Gall inventories are essential to know the richness of gall-inducing insects and their host plants, moreover they provide reliable data on the identification of the host plants and of gall-inducing insects, plus the detailed characterization of the gall. As example, we can mention some recent inventories: Campos et al (2021), Maia & Mascarenhas (2022), and Proença & Maia (2023). Furthermore, new species of gall-inducing insects (as Clinodiplosis cecropiae Proença & Maia, 2020 and Distinctamyia matogrossensis Proença & Maia, 2021, for example), as well as the associated fauna, can be discovered during these inventories (Campos et al, 2021;Maia & Mascarenhas, 2022;Proença & Maia, 2023), thus contributing to knowledge about the biological interactions between different guilds.…”

“…As example, we can mention some recent inventories: Campos et al (2021), Maia & Mascarenhas (2022), and Proença & Maia (2023). Furthermore, new species of gall-inducing insects (as Clinodiplosis cecropiae Proença & Maia, 2020 and Distinctamyia matogrossensis Proença & Maia, 2021, for example), as well as the associated fauna, can be discovered during these inventories (Campos et al, 2021;Maia & Mascarenhas, 2022;Proença & Maia, 2023), thus contributing to knowledge about the biological interactions between different guilds. In addition, these studies increase knowledge of regional biodiversity and help in the search for patterns of distribution of the gall-inducing species involved; these data can be used in the preparation of management plans and biodiversity conservation of both natural and priority areas for conservation of flora and fauna (Silva et al, 2011).…”