Palafitas: proteção contra as enchentes do Pantanal e refúgio para insetos construtores de armadilhas (Myrmeleon sp)

Abstract

In the Pantanal, in response to periods of drought and flood, human dwellings occur in structures known as palafita. These structures have the function of elevating the houses and guaranteeing protection against flooding. Insects known as antlion use palafitas as shelter. The objective of this work was to describe the occurrence of antlion in an area of the Pantanal, highlighting the importance of stilts for these insects. Antlion sampling took place under and around the palafita. As a result, 3040 antlion were counted, with 2813 under the palafita and 227 in the surrounding area. The density of insecr under the palafita was 2.05 individuals/m² and in the surrounding area it was 0.013 individuals/m². The greater occurrence of these insects under palafita demonstrates that this environment is advantageous, and that although it is artificial, it is largely colonized by the antlion insects.