Diversity and structure of social wasps community (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Polistinae) in neotropical dry forest.

Social wasps are potential predators of agricultural pest species. The objective of this study was to conduct a survey of the community of social wasps (Polistinae species) that inhabit the neotropical dry forest named Caatinga of Paraiba, Northeast of South America (Brazil), and to compare the richness and abundance of wasps located in areas of Caatinga with those inhabiting areas of organic intercropping farming. The present study sampled 10 Polistinae species distributed in six genera. Two new species were registered for the state. The comparison between the community of social wasps of the Caatinga showed that there was not statistical difference in the richness and abundance between the natural vegetation and organic intercropping. This means that agroecosystem attracted community of Polistinae, promoting the maintenance of social wasps in anthropic environment and possibly favoring biological control