Gall-inducing insects, also called cecidogens, are regarded as more specialized because they present direct interaction with internal tissues of the plant, modifying them in its benefit and because of that, becoming more dependent of the host species. The present study investigated the fauna of gall-inducing insects in plants from environments with different intensities of anthropic action in the Caatinga. The areas were selected according to an ecological succession scale (preserved, intermediate and anthropic areas), with three replicates each, totaling nine areas. Eight 10 m² plots were sampled in each area, separated by an interval of 10 m. It was found 25 morphotypes of galls in 18 host species of eight plant families. The family Fabaceae bears the largest number of morph-species of gall, with six morphotypes and Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. presents four morphotypes. The majority of galls was found on leaves (68%) followed by stems (28%) and bud flowers (4%). The galls occurred isolated (84%), glabrous (56%), most are spherical (32%), amorf (28%), discoids (12%) and globoids (12%). The greatest richness of galls was found in the tree layer, with sixteen morphotypes followed by shrub (7) and herbaceous (2). The richness of galls was influenced by the degree of conservation of the studies areas. There were differences between the preserved and anthropic areas.
Environment impact; Bioindicator and Herbivory
