Estudo do ataque da mariposa Hyblaea puera Cramer (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeiidae) em árvores de siriúba (Avicenia germinans L. - Verbenaceae) em manguezais do estado do Pará, Brasil

Abstract

The moth Hyblaea puera Cramer is a herbivore of economic importance mainly for its defoliating attack. The attack of this moth has been observed on siriuba trees (Avicenia germinans L. - Verbenaceae), one of the dominant plants in Brazilian mangroves. This work aims to contribute to the development of the dynamics of coastal ecosystems by studying the seasonal fluctuation of H. puera associated with A. germinans plants in parallel with the seasonal fluctuation of shrimp species in the mangroves of the Pará coast. This is an attempt to prove the trophic relationship, as observed by traditional artisanal fishermen communities, probably due to the large drop in biomass of the trees (leaves, larval remains, pupae, feces, etc.) during the attack of the moths. The experiment is being conducted in the municipality of São Caetano de Odivelas. The attack of herbivores on A. germinans trees is being studied periodically, calculating the leaves attacked by the different species. For shrimp sampling a collection methodology is being tested using a 0.5cm mesh net. Suspended traps are being used to sample the population of moths and other insects in the study area. Data on the periodic attack of several herbivores was obtained. The leaves of A. germinans are being attacked in larger proportions on adult plants than on young plants. An attempt is being made to relate the types of attacks on the leaves to the respective species of herbivores. During the period studied (January 2000 to May 2001) only in March 2001 the attack of H. puera was detected.