Fluctuación de la población de parásitos y predatores de Perileucoptera coffeella (Guérin-Mèneville, 1842) en tres localidades del estado de Sao Paulo

Abstract

The fluctuation of parasites and predators of the coffee leaf miner Perileucoptera coffeella (Guérin-Mèneville, 1842) (Lepidoptera-Lyonetiidae) was studied in Campinas, Franca and Pindorama in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 1975 to 1977. The objetive of this research was to identify the species as well as to study the frequency of their occurrence in those three localities. The highest populational levels ocurred from September to February, during the rainy season. A variation was observed among the parasitic species (Braconidae, Eulophidae) and their frequencies according to the geographic region. This pattern was not observed among the predators (Vespidae). It seems that alterations have occurred among parasites and predators species of the coffee leaf miner in the last years. The possibility of a higher incidence of the coffee leaf miner due to the destruction of natural enemies by inadequate use of pesticides on the coffee plantations is discussed, based on the results of this period of study.