Insects associated with the composting process of solid urban waste separated at the source

Abstract

Insects associated with the composting process of solid urban waste separated at the source ABSTRACT. Insects associated with the composting process of solid urban waste separated at the source. Sarcosaprophagous macroinvertebrates (earthworms, termites and a number of Diptera larvae) enhance changes in the physical and chemical properties of organic matter during degradation and stabilization processes in composting, causing a decrease in the molecular weights of compounds. This activity makes these organisms excellent recyclers of organic matter. This article evaluates the succession of insects associated with the decomposition of solid urban waste separated at the source. The study was carried out in the city of Medellin, Colombia. A total of 11,732 individuals were determined, belonging to the classes Insecta and Arachnida. Species of three orders of Insecta were identified, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Diptera corresponding to 98.5% of the total, was the most abundant and diverse group, with 16 families (Calliphoridae, Drosophilidae, Psychodidae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Milichiidae, Ulidiidae, Scatopsidae, Sepsidae, Sphaeroceridae, Heleomyzidae, Stratiomyidae, Syrphidae, Phoridae, Tephritidae and Curtonotidae) followed by Coleoptera with five families (Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Ptiliidae, Hydrophilidae and Phalacaridae). Three stages were observed during the composting process, allowing species associated with each stage to be identified. Other species were also present throughout the whole process. In terms of number of species, Diptera was the most important group observed, particularly Ornidia obesa, considered a highly invasive species, and Hermetia illuscens, both reported as beneficial for decomposition of organic matter.KEYWORDS. Compost; Diptera; diversity; urban entomology.RESUMEN. Insectos asociados al proceso de compostaje de residuos sólidos urbanos separados en la fuente. Los macroinvertebrados saprófagos (lombrices de tierra, termitas y numerosas larvas de de dípteros) contribuyen con la generación de cambios en las propiedades físicas y químicas de la materia orgánica durante los procesos de degradación y estabilización que se llevan a cabo durante el compostaje, lo cual causa una disminución de los pesos moleculares de los compuestos. Esta actividad hace estos organismos excelentes recicladores de la materia orgánica. Este estudio estuvo orientado a evaluar la sucesión de insectos asociados a la descomposición de residuos sólidos urbanos separados en la fuente, el cual fue realizado en una compostera ubicada en el Municipio de Medellín, Colombia. Se determinaron un total de 11732 individuos, pertenecientes a la Clase Insecta y Arachnida. Se identificaron especies de 3 órdenes de insecta: Diptera, Coleoptera e Hymenoptera. Diptera correspondió al 98.5 % del total, fue el grupo mas abundante y diverso con 16 familias (Calliphoridae, Drosophilidae, Psychodidae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Milichiidae, Ulidiidae, Scatopsidae, Sepsidae, Sphaeroceridae, Heleomyzidae, Stratiomyidae, Syrphidae, Phorid...

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