Habitos alimentares e coloração de advertencia em alguns alticineos (coleoptera : chrysomelidae)

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

1984

RESUMO

This study concerns several aspects of the feeding ecology and difensive adaptations in twelve species of flea beetles. The species Homophoeta octoguttata, H. personata, H. cf. quadrinotata, Alagoasa cf. apicata, A. areata, A. decemguttata, A. florigera, A. cf. pantina, A. scissa and Asphaera auripennis were collected in Southwest Brazil (States of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro of São Paulo). Two other species, A. sexplagiata and A. trifasciata were collected mainly in the North of Brazil (State of Amazonas). Most field observations and experiments concerned H. octoguttata. The feeding habits of the adults were observed in the field and during feeding observations and preference experiments in laboratory. The Homophoeta and Asphaera species concentrate their diet mainly on various Labiatae whereas Alagoasa species feed mainly on Verbenaceae. Various Acanthaceae Bignoniaceae and Compositae, although also acceptable, are shown to have a secondary role as food plants. The flea beetle species studied showed different levels of oligophagy varying almost from monophagy to poliphagy. Host plant choice by these flea beetles seems to depend on chemical (especially essential oil components) and physical features of the plants. In palatability experiments with predators (chicks) in captivity, 73% of Homophoeta octoguttata were rejected whereas the other less studied species of flea beetles showed equal or higher levels (Homophoeta spp. And Aphaera auripennis) or lower levels (Alagoasa spp.)... Note: The complete abstract is available with the full electronic digital thesis or dissertations

ASSUNTO(S)

inseto - microbiologia relação inseto-planta

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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