First occurrence of Terastia meticulosalis preying on seeds of Erythrina crista-galli in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed at identifying which insect species damages seeds of Erythrina crista-galli L. From November 2012 to January 2013, six E. crista-galli trees were selected in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and six pods were taken from each tree. Such pods, properly packaged and identified, were taken to UFSM´s forest pest laboratory and stored in plastic containers until the adults emerged. The emerged specimens were identified as Terastia meticulosalis, which consumed 15.42% of the seeds. This is the first reported occurrence of T. meticulosalis preying on seeds of E. crista-galli in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.