Elisangela G.F. Morais, Marcelo C. Picanço, Altair A. Semeão, Robert W. Barreto, Jander F. Rosado, Julio C. Martins
Journal of Insect Science 12 (63), 1-17, (20 May 2012) https://doi.org/10.1673/031.012.6301
KEYWORDS: caterpillar, host specificity, leaf roller, Salbia lotanalis, weed
This work investigated eight species of Lepidoptera associated with Miconia calvescens DC. (Myrtales: Melastomataceae) in Brazil, including six defoliators, Salbia lotanalis Druce (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Druentia inscita Schaus (Mimallonidae), Antiblemma leucocyma Hampson (Noctuidae), three Limacodidae species, a fruit borer Carposina cardinata Meyrick (Carposinidae), and a damager of flowers Pleuroprucha rudimentaria Guenée (Geometridae). Based on host specificity and the damage caused to plants, S. lotanalis and D. inscita are the most promising species for biological control of M. calvescens. Furthermore, if C. cardinata and P. rudimentaria have host specificity in future tests, these caterpillars could also be considered as appropriate biocontrol agents.