Importance of animal-plant integration in the composition and structure of the epiphytic arthropod fauna in extensive systems of the southeast of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Abstract

Biodiversity in agroecosystems is key to providing ecological services. The composition and
structure (relative dominance) of the arthropod community in mixed and agricultural systems of
SE Bonaerense, Argentina were studied. The epiphytic entomofauna was studied in different
environments (network traps). The percentage distribution of the different groups was calculated
on the total of the captured individuals. A similar abundance was found in both systems, relatively
complex community structures and presence of the same groups, albeit with different dominance.
In the mixed systems, a greater proportion of natural enemies were found. This study
shows that the environments associated with the presence of the animal component, contribute
with a greater number of environments that favor the presence of beneficial arthropods.