Abstract

MOURA, LA  and  GRAZIA, J. Record of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) preying on Metrogaleruca obscura degeer (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Neotrop. entomol. [online]. 2011, vol.40, n.5, pp. 619-621. ISSN 1519-566X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1519-566X2011000500016.

Asopines are predators of insects, with several species with potential as biocontrol agents of a number of pests. Metrogaleruca obscura (Degeer), a neotropical species of Galerucini, was introduced in Malaysia, Asia, and Mauritius, Africa, to control the spread of Cordia curassavica (Boraginaceae), a native plant of the neotropics. The occurrence of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) preying on M. obscura is recorded, and Cordia verbenacea (Boraginaceae) is mentioned as a host plant for M. obscura. A list of Chrysomelidae attacked by asopines in the neotropical region is also presented.

Keywords : Cordia; Heteroptera; black sage.