Predation of eggs of Lincus lobuliger Breddin (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on coconut trees by Hololepta (Leionota) quadridentada (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Histeridae)
Abstract
Coconut trees of the cv. Green Dwarf of Jiqui in Bahia, northeastern Brazil, that displayed hartrot symptoms were cut and inspected for the presence of insect vectors in the leaf axils. Eggs, nymphs and adults of Lincus lobuliger Breddin (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), vector of the protozoan causing hartrot, were collected together with an abundance of adults of the predatory beetle Hololepta (Leionata) quadridentada (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Histeridae). In the field, both were placed in a plastic container for transport, and the predation of L. lobuliger eggs by the histerid was observed. The predation was subsequently confirmed under controlled laboratory conditions. Here, we report for the first time H. quadridentada preying on L. lobuliger eggs, suggesting that the histerid contributes to the natural biological control of this vector. Moreover, our results could contribute to the development of biologically sound control strategies against L. lobuliger or other Lincus species.
Sumario
Plántulas de cocotero de la variedad enano verde de Jequi ubicados en el estado de Bahía, Nordeste de Brasil, que presentaban síntomas del hartrot, fueron cortados y inspeccionados en cuanto a la presencia de insectos en las axilas de las hojas. Huevos, ninfas y adultos de Lincus lobuliger Breddin, 1908 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), vector del protozoario del hartrot, fueron colectados en asociación con una grande abundancia de adultos de lo escarabajo depredador Hololepta (Leionata) quadridentada (Olivier, 1789) (Coleoptera: Histeridae). En campo, estos fueron acomodados en un recipiente plástico para transporte, siendo observada la predación de huevos de L. lobuliger por el histerídeo. Posteriormente, la predación fue confirmada en condiciones controladas de laboratorio. Este es el primer relato de H. quadridentada depredando huevos de L. lobuliger, sugiriendo que el histerídeo contribuye para el control biológico natural de este vector. Además, este conocimiento podría contribuir al desarrollo de estrategias ecológicas de control de L. lobuliger y otras especies de Lincus.
Key Words: Cocos nucifera; phytomonas; hartrot, insect vector; predator
View this article in BioOne https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0221
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