Diversity and Community Structure of Opiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) in Mediterranean Landscapes of Spain

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to analyse the diversity of Opiinae (Hymenoptera) in three Spanish protected Mediterranean natural parks affected by bioclimatic conditions: La Font Roja, Las Lagunas de la Mata-Torrevieja and La Tinença de Benifassà. Sampling was conducted between 2004 and 2005. During this period, 226 specimens, belonging to 32 different species, were captured. Eleven species captured are new records for Spain: Ademon urinator, Biophthora rosica, Biosteres analis, Biosteres spinaciae, Eurytenes (Xynobiotenes) scutellatus, Opius (Agnopius) tirolensis, Opius (Misophthora) bulgaricus, Opius (Nosopoea) cingulatoides, Opius (Nosopoea) speciosus, Opius (Nosopoea) viennensis and Xynobius caelatus. Alpha, beta and gamma diversities, as well as the structure of the communities were subsequently analysed. Our results indicate that Tinença de Benifassà and Torrevieja have higher diversity than Font Roja. Based on analysis of structural models, the latter communities were observed to be unstable and are composed of only a few abundant species and a large number of rare species.