Faunistic analysis of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in diverse orchards in the eastern Amazon

In Brazil, studies have revealed significant diversity of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae); however, there is still a lack of information about these insects in biomes such as the Brazilian Amazon. Considering their importance as pests of fruit-bearing plants, this study aimed to characterize diversity and perform a faunistic analysis of tephritids in the Eastern Amazon region. The research was conducted in the municipality of Castanhal, Pará (S1°17'53.51" W47°55'1.83") from January to December 2014. Collections were made using 15 McPhail traps, each containing 400 mL of 5% hydrolyzed corn protein as an attractant, and installed 1.5 meters above the ground in diversified domestic orchards across five localities. Diversity indices, including Shannon's diversity, Simpson's dominance, and Hill's equitability (modified), were evaluated, along with frequency, constancy, richness, and the number of dominant species. A total of 6,322 adult tephritids were collected, with 70.5% females and 29.5% males, distributed across 13 species: 12 from the genus Anastrepha and one specimen of Ceratitis capitata. Anastrepha obliqua was the dominant species, occurring most frequently (89.60%), followed by A. distincta (5.97%) and A. leptozona (1.37%). The Simpson index was high (0.81), while the Shannon (0.49) and Hill (0.62) indices showed intermediate values, influenced by the high frequency of A. obliqua, resulting in low equitability among species. The study also reports, for the first time in Pará, the occurrence of A. bahiensis, A. manihoti, and A. pickeli.