First record of Phidotricha erigens (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) feeding on Furcraea spp. in Colombia

Abstract

Fique (Furcraea spp., Agavaceae) is source of natural fiber commuly used for packing in Colombia. However, the crop faces phytosanitary limitations that affect production, with scarce information published in this regard. In an ex situ biological collection of Furcraea spp. larvae of an unidentified species of Pyralidae were found feeding on the reproductive structures of the plants. Then, the aim of this work was to identify and report the species and damage of a potential Furcraea spp. pest in Colombia. The study done in the Research Center La Selva of AGROSAVIA, in the Municipality of Rionegro Antioquia, Colombia (6°07´46"N; -75°24´55" W; 2,100 m elavation). The immature stages were collected from infested bulbils and capsules of Furcraea plants and reared under laboratory conditions (17 °C and 65% relative humidity) until adults emerge. The species was identified as Phidotricha erigens Ragonot, 1888 using specialized keys for larva and adult. These larvae adversely affect the sanitary quality of fique seeds, which could affect the expansion of cultivated areas.This paper presents a description of some characters useful for identifying the species in the field.