New records of social wasps in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

The state of Paraíba is included in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil, called Caatinga, and this region is characterized by low and irregular rainfall, with xerophilous vegetation. Social wasps are an important ecological group, which has been utilized for biological control and as bioindicators of environmental quality. Few studies about the diversity of social wasps were accomplished in the Caatinga and there is no survey of social wasps in the state of Paraiba. This study used data collected from city of Sumé, through field research and analysis of previously deposited material from surveys realized by Brazilian Corporation of Agricultural Research (EMBRAPA). Two species of social wasps, Polistes simillimus and Mischocyttarus cearensis, were recorded for the first time in state of Paraiba.