Leonardo Rivera-Pedroza1, Viviana Marcela Aya2, Antonella Sardi-Saavedra3, Juan D Pérez4, John Jaime Riascos2 and Carolina Camargo2
1Biology Department, Universidad del Valle- Meléndez, Cali, Colombia
2Colombian Sugarcane Research Center – Cenicaña, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
3Agricultural Sciences Department, Universidad Nacional, Palmira, Colombia
4Biology Department, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
Biological corridors in agricultural landscapes connect patches of natural vegetation, linking areas with similar environmental characteristics. These corridors are crucial for preserving agroecosystem biodiversity benefiting beneficial insects. This study conducted in the Cauca River Valley region in Colombia examined the richness and abundance of three key arthropod groups: larval parasitoids of Diatraea, ants and other predators such as spiders and their spillover from biological corridors into adjacent sugarcane fields, and the presence of bees in different vegetation patches. These three topics aimed to (1) understand the potential of native parasitoids for the biological control of Diatraea larvae, (2) assess how other beneficial arthropods move into sugarcane fields, and (3) identify pollinators that may contribute to the reproduction of plants in vegetation corridors. The wild parasitoid Genea jaynesi, associated with Diatraea and found in biological corridors, played a significant role as a biological control agent. In 2023, it represented between 20% and 60% of the parasitized Diatraea larvae. Moreover, ant species richness declined with increasing distance from natural vegetation, and predators were less abundant in sugarcane fields. A total of 3,013 predatory arthropods from 310 morphospecies were recorded, with higher diversity observed in vegetation strips. Finally, a total of 208 bees from 38 species were found, with Halictidae being the most abundant family. Bees visited 25 plant species, emphasizing the importance of natural vegetation as a source of floral resources and habitat for wild bees. These findings suggest that preserving alternative host plants and biological corridors as food sources and refuges helps support insect richness and abundance in sugarcane agro-landscapes, providing essential ecosystem services such as pest control and pollination without reducing productive land. Strategies to enhance these corridors focusing on sustainable pest management and ecological restoration are discussed.