Vanegas-Rico, J.M., Lomeli-Flores, J.R., Rodriguez, E.R., Perez-Panduro, A., González-Hernández, H., & Marin-Jarillo, A. 2015 Hyperaspis trifurcata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) y sus parasitoides en el centro de México. Revista Colombiana de Entomología 41(2): 194-199

Keywords:

  • natural enemies
  • Notes: In this study, ladybird predators associated with Dactylopius opuntiae in Central Mexico were studied as potential natural enemies to be used in future biological control programs. Collections were concentrated at the principal prickly pear crop production areas (Tlalnepantla, Morelos), where high population density of the pest is common. Hyperaspis trifurcata was the major predator collected in Tlalnepantla, Morelos, Mexico. Three hymenopteran species were obtained from larvae and pupae of this predator. Homalotylus cockerelli was the most abundant parasitoid, acting as the primary parasitoid; others species found were Pachyneuron sp. and Tetrastichus sp., which were infrequently collected and acted as hyperparasitoids. Four new Coccinellidae species associated with cochineal insect pests in central Mexico were found in the non-systematic collections undertaken in this study and the INIFAP-Celaya collection.