Braconidae (Hymenoptera) communities of Iranian alfalfa fields at high altitudes

Abstract

Braconidae (Hymenoptera) communities at high altitudes in alfalfa fields of Kerman province (Iran) were analyzed. The communities were sampled by sweep netting in 2014 and 2015. Samples were taken from three altitudinal transects: 1900–2300 m, 2400–2700 m and 2800–3100 m. A total of 1773 braconid specimens belonging to seven subfamilies were collected. Alpha, beta and gamma diversities were analyzed. The samples from 1900–2300 m and from2400–2700 m showed similar diversity, but from 2800-3100 m had the highest number of specimens and differed considerably in diversity.

Keywords

• parasitoid wasps
• braconidae
• diversity
• medicago sativa
• kerman province