Weed flora in forage maize fields as an attraction for entomophagous insects

Abstract Background Phytosanitary problems, particularly insect pests, frequently threaten forage maize crops. However, spontaneous weed flora associated with these crops may provide key ecological functions by hosting entomophagous insects that contribute to biological pest control. This study aimed to evaluate the role of six weed species flowers— Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson, Datura quercifolia Kunth, Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. Helianthus laciniatus A. Gray, Setaria adhaerens (Forssk.), and Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook—in attracting predatory and parasitoid insects within maize agroecosystems in Durango, Mexico. Results A total of 2,364 insects were collected, of which 404 (17.08%) were identified as entomophagous insects, comprising 211 predators and 193 parasitoids. The predators genera and species identified were: Hippodamia Dejean, 1837; Scymnus Kugelann, 1794 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae); Toxomerus Macquart, 1855 and Allograpta Osten Sacken, 1875 (Diptera: Syrphidae); Chrysoperla Steinmann, 1964 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae); Orius tristicolor (White, 1879) and Orius insidiosus (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae); Nabis (Latreille, 1802) (Hemiptera: Nabidae); Spanagonicus albofasciatus (Reuter, 1907) (Miridae); Geocoris uliginosus (Say, 1831) (Lygaeidae); and Zelus tetracanthus Stål, 1862 (Reduviidae). While the genera and species of parasitoids were: Lysiphlebus testaceipes Cresson, 1880 (Braconidae); Aphelinoidea Girault, 1911; Oligosita Walker 1851, Trichogramma Westwood, 1833 and Paracentrobia Howard, 1897 (Trichogrammatidae); and Eretmocerus Haldeman 1850 (Aphelinidae). A. palmeri attracted the highest number of predators (150 specimens of Orius tristicolor ), although it showed low diversity due to strong dominance by Anthocoridae (86.7%). In contrast, D. quercifolia and V. encelioides harboured the most diverse communities, with Shannon indices of 1.98 and 1.84 for parasitoids, respectively. Furthermore, H. laciniatus supported the highest abundance of parasitoids (64 individuals, 33% of total parasitoids), and, according to Generalized Linear Models ( p < 0.05), this species exhibited significantly greater attraction than most other weed species. Conclusions Certain weed species, particularly those from the Asteraceae family, offer critical resources that support diverse communities of natural enemies in maize systems. H. laciniatus , D. quercifolia , and V. encelioides showed strong potential to enhance conservation biological control in arid agroecosystems. Integrating selected weed species into pest management strategies not only helps stabilize arthropod populations but also inspires the promotion of sustainable agriculture in the region.