DIVERSITY OF INSECTS IN PITFALL TRAPS IN THE CITY OF UBERABA/MG

Abstract

Insects play roles in society, ranging from threats to health and agricultural production to vital contributions to the economy and the environment. The study of entomology encompasses several areas and provides subsidies to understand ecosystem processes. The investigation of insect biodiversity in urban areas is relevant to promote appropriate management and control practices. The use of traps, such as pitall traps, offers an effective approach to collecting data on insect fauna, allowing for the identification of species and the assessment of potential environmental impacts. The research was carried out in three different locations in Uberaba/MG, characterized by a tropical climate with higher rainfall in the summer. The collection of insects was carried out using pitfall traps in three locations: Campus I of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Triângulo and residence near a conservation area with Vereda vegetation. For a week, the traps were positioned near light sources. After collection, the insects were counted and identified in the laboratory. The research showed a high presence of arthropods of the megadiverse Orders, such as Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Hemiptera. The predominance of these Orders was favored by the presence of developed wings, ease of dispersal and an anthropophilic relationship. Notably, the city's central building (UFTM Campus I) had the highest density of arthropods. The study points to the importance of monitoring arthropod biodiversity to understand the impact of human activities and changes in the environment.