First of report of occurrence and damage of Synoeca cyanea (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) on Mangifera indica L. in Brazil

Abstract

Social wasps are important biological pest control agents. Members of the families Vespidae, Pompilidae, Sphecidae, Crabronidae, use territorial arthropod as food supply for their offspring. Social wasps from the Vespidae family can feed on pests, such us, tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), great southern white, Ascia monuste orseis Latreille (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella Guérin- Méneville (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) and fruit fly Zaprinus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Here, Rocha et al observed Synoeca cyanea (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), breaking the skin of fruits of mango Mangifera indica L and causing severe loss. This behavior suggests that this species may become a pest in some environments due to its potential to damage fruits. Investments in mango crop with fertilization for greater field and quality cannot neglect agents that cause losses. Thus, it is necessary to better understand the damage and economic injury (EI) to verify the best control method.