New records of predation of Samea multiplicalis (Guenée, 1854) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) by social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) on Salvinia auriculata (Aublet, 1775) (Salviniales: Salviniaceae) in Brazil

Abstract

Social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) are well known for their potential in the biological control of crop pests. However, there is a lack of information about the role of these insects in maintaining trophic balance in natural ecosystems. This study reports new records of predation of Samea multiplicalis by social wasps on Salvinia auriculata (Salviniaceae) plants in Campos das Vertentes, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Five species of social wasps were found predating on S. multiplicalis: Polybia scutellaris, P. ignobilis, P. fastidiosuscula, Brachygastra lecheguana, and Protonectarina sylveirae, the last four of which represent unpublished records of this interaction.