Biology, parasitoids, and damage of Leptoglossus zonatus and Leptoglossus gonagra (Heteroptera: Coreidae) on citrus

Abstract

The appearance of watery lesions on citrus fruits in Santander–Colombia, coincided with high densities of Leptoglos­sus zonatus (Dallas) and L. gonagra (F.) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) adults present on citrus groves in the same area. The current information on the biology and natural enemies of these coreids in Colombia is scarce, therefore, we report the life cycle of both species, the role of parasitoids of both pests, and their alternative host plants. The first instar nymph of both species survived on C. tangelo fruits, but the second instar failed to survive on these hosts. The life cycle of L. zonatus and L. gonagra using Phaseolus vulgaris as a substrate for the first and second instar and C. tangelo Ingram & Moore (Sapindales: Rutaceae) for the third to fifth instar resulted on the development of L. zonatus in 69.11 ± 3.4 d and the development of L. gonagra, on 69.7 ± 3.6 d. Several parasitoids were observed: the encyrtid Hexacladia sp. was found parasitizing 1.6% adults of L. gonagra; the syrphid Eristalis sp. was observed laying-eggs in a male of the same coreid and the tachinid fly, Trichopoda sp parasited 11% adults of L. zonatus. The alternant host plants were Solanum americanum Mill. (Solanales: Solanaceae), Melothria guadalupensis (Spreng.) Cogn, Momordica charantia (L.) (Cu­curbitales: Cucurbitaceae), Zea mayz (L.) (Poales: Poaceae), Psidium guajava (L.) (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), C. reticulata and C. tangelo. Statistical analysis of induced lesions to C. tangelo fruits, suggests that the presence of L. zonatus and L. gonagra are related to the presence of watery lesions on citrus fruits in the study area.