Biologia e controle microbiano de Urbanus acawoios (Williams, 1926) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae): I. descrição morfológica e aspectos Bio-ecológicos

Abstract

Due to the lack of informations concerning Urbanus acawoios (Williams, 1926) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), and the severe damage caused by it in Clitoria racemosa trees in Manaus, AM, the present research was conducted, under semi-natural conditions, in order to obtain data about its biology and development. The occurrence of phytophagous pests in urban environments, in addition to causing troubles and problems, it needs special control methods, at least safety for the public health. Three consecutive generations were studied in the present work. As a multivoltine insect, the whole life cycle was observed to vary between 36 and 50 days, with an average of 41.89 ± 0.98 days. The oviposition behaviour, as well as the egg morphology were described. The embryonic development lasted between 3 and 4 days. External and internal alterations during the egg development were determined. The initial larval instars showed to be of aggregated habit, while the others were solitary. The larval stage, consisting of 5 instars, lasted an average of 18.46 ± 1.28 days, with a minimum of 19 and a maximum of 26 days. The biology of each instar and its duration time were also determined. The mid-gut pH of the larval stage varied between 8.4 and 9.2, with an average of 8,7. The pupal stage lasted an average of 9.96 ± 1.05 , with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 days for its development. The mated adult longevity varied between 9 and 22 days, with an average of 13.47 ± 0.27 days.