Checklist of anthophilous entomofauna from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil

ABSTRACT

We present a checklist of the anthophilous entomofauna of Mato Grosso do Sul state (MS) based on information compiled from 17 studies, most of them achieved in Cerrado vegetation (n = 11) and less frequently in the Pantanal (n = 6). We recorded 10 groups of insects, belonging to six orders, 80 families and 411 species. Higher richness was sampled for Cerrado (307 spp.) compared to Pantanal (147 spp.), with only 43 species (10.4%) common to both biomes. Anthophila was the richest group (155 spp.), followed by beetles (82), butterflies/moths (53) and wasps (45), which totalized 81.5% of species. The highest richness of bees is related to the fact the most studies are concentrated in this group, besides the specialization of this group in utilization of floral resources. Surprising was the beetles occupying second place compared to others more “active” and “habitual” visitors, such as butterflies and flies. The entomofauna collections and research teams in MS are limited and/or incipient and they should be strenghtened through partnerships, exchange and capacity building in this biological group.

KEYWORDS
Insect biodiversity; floral visitor; BIOTA MS Program