Biological parameters and damage by Macrosoma tipulata Hübner (Lepidoptera: Hedylidae), in cupuaçu tree

Abstract

Biological aspects of the caterpillar Macrosoma tipulata Hübner and its damage to young leaves of Theobroma grandiflorum (Wild ex Spreng Schum) were studied under laboratory conditions of 24.5 ± 0.7°C, UR 61.6 ± 9.1% and 12h photophase. The larval stage presented five instars with a total duration of 15.9 ± 4.31 days, and survival of 98%. The pupal period stage was 7.0 ± 0.56 days for males and 6.9 ± 0.56 days for females, with 99% survival for both sex. The pupal mean length was 18.9 ± 0.89 mm for males and 19.1 ± 1.13 mm for females. The mean longevity of the adult was 10.3 ± 2.25 days. The vertical distribution of damage was relatively uniform, with a tendency of greater defoliation in the middle of the treetop, but without significant difference among the three positions.