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.
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20 May 2012
Lepidopterans as Potential Agents for the Biological Control of the Invasive Plant, Miconia calvescens
Elisangela G.F. Morais,
Marcelo C. Picanço,
Altair A. Semeão,
Robert W. Barreto,
Jander F. Rosado,
Julio C. Martins
Journal of Insect Science
Vol. 12 • No. 63
May 2012
Vol. 12 • No. 63
May 2012
caterpillar
host specificity
leaf roller
Salbia lotanalis
weed