First characterization of a taxonomically well resolved trophic network composed by host plants and gall midges (Diptera Cecidomyiidae) in the Neotropical region

ABSTRACT

In the present study we described the structure of a trophic network composed by gall-midge species (Diptera Cecidomyiidae) and their host plants in the Restinga of Barra de Maricá (Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Species data were retrieved from literature and different topological descriptors (links per species, connectance, and modularity of interactions) were used. All gall-midge species were monophages, with connectance of 2.8% of the 2,016 possible interactions. The network of host plants and gall midges had low number of links per species and high modularity, which indicates high specificity and specialization of plant-galling interactions in the area. This is the first characterization of a trophic network with good taxonomic resolution for the Neotropical gall midges.(AU)