DIETS FOR REARING SCYPHOPHORUS ACUPUNCTATUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE).

Abstract

The weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhall, is a pest of several species of economically important century plants, Agave spp. (Aspargales: Asparagaceae), and of Mexican tuberose, Polianthes tuberosa L. (Aspargales: Asparagaceae). Larvae feed in the tuberose bulb, and damage 35 to 69% of the crop (Camino et al. 2002). In the field, Hernández (2003) observed that S. acupunctatus larvae feeding on tuberose bulbs form a series of galleries or tunnels and complete their development within a cocoon from which the adult emerges. Copulation is carried out among the bulbs, where the female lays her eggs. Due to the economic importance of S. acupunctatus, the scarcity of information on its biology, and the urgent need to accelerate both basic and applied research, it is essential to develop meridic diets for immature stages as alternatives to the natural diet.