G. it. Ent., 7 (39): 231-245
April 30, 1995
Lophopoeum timbouvae Lameere, 1884 and
L. bruchi Monné & Martins, 1976
(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Acanthocinini):
their relation to fruits of Leguminosae
by
OSVALDO R. DI IORIO
Abstract - Adults of Lophopoeum timbouvae were reared from fruits of Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Gleditsia amorphoides, G. triacanthos and Acacia caven (the last two are new host plant records): the larvae feed on the dried mesocarpium and occasionally on a few seeds. The range of the species extends from northeastern Brazil, through Paraguay, to Argentina, where it is present peripherally to the Chaco: west in the Tipa-Pacará Forests (Yungas district) and east in the Gallery Forests of the Paranaense phytogeographic province. Lophopoeum bruchi develops in the fruits of Prosopis alba, P. kuntzei, P. affinis, P. nigra, P. hassleri, P. hassleri var. nigroides, P. caldenia, P. chilensis and Acacia aroma (the last five are new host plant records); the larvae feed on the mesocarpium and seeds, but not on those of Prosopis kuntzei. The species in present in the Chaco, Monte and Espinal phytogeographic provinces (the South American area of Prosopis) and in the transitional forests. A potential use of L. bruchi for biological control is here proposed, based on the high percentage of consumed seeds, host range and reproduction in captivity. Emergence dates are provided for both species; larval tunnels, pupal chambers and emergence holes are described and illustrated.
