Diversity and seasonality of Cydnidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in different ecosystems of Pará state, northern Brazil

Abstract

Seasonal variations in the abundance and richness of Cydnidae species are little studied in tropical regions all over the world. We aimed to evaluate the seasonal distribution of Cydnidae in several ecosystems with different degrees of impact in Uruará municipality, Pará state, northern Brazil. The study was conducted in areas with native vegetation, secondary forests at different stages of regeneration, agricultural lands, and pastures for extensive livestock farming. Sampling was performed during the rainy, intermediary (i.e., late rainy season and early dry season), and dry seasons. We collected a total 1310 Cydnidae individuals distributed in ten species/morphospecies. The collected Cydnidae species show patterns of habitat preference as well as a seasonal distribution. Taking abundance and richness as ecological measures, the rainy season and native vegetation showed the highest values. In contrast, the more impacted ecosystems and drier seasons showed the lowest values. We also observed a significant positive correlation of rainfall and humidity with the abundance and richness of Cydnidae. Conversely, abundance and richness showed a significant negative correlation with temperature.