23 Kas 2024 Cumartesi
The effect of agriculture on wasps diversity and abundance (Hymenoptera: Apocrita)
Abstract : The wasps, belonging to suborder Apocrita of order Hymenoptera, are a very diverse and complicated group. Wasps have many roles in nature, such as parasitoids, predators, and pollinators. Global change experienced in different parts of the world due to human-induced factors seriously affects insect populations. Here, we compared wasp abundance and diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural areas in Diyarbakır and Bingöl provinces of eastern Türkiye. In total, 7011 individuals, including 291 species in 124 genera of 16 families belonging to the wasp group, were examined. Overall, wasps were more abundant in non-agricultural areas. According to biodiversity, while wasps were very few in agricultural areas, individuals from the apiformes group were quite abundant. Our results suggest that wasp biodiversity and abundance are quite low in agricultural areas than in non-natural areas. Additionally, our findings of higher wasp abundance in non-agricultural areas suggest that diversification in agriculture should be increased, pesticide use should be reduced, and natural habitats should be created where wasps can live.