The distribution of immatures of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 was studied on the levels of leaves and shoots of Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck var. Valencia plants, in Montenegro County (29°68'S; 51°46'W), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The presence of P. citrella eggs, caterpillars and/or chrysalids (live and dead) was recorded according to the surface (abaxial and adaxial) and the third (proximal, median and distal) of the leaf in which they occurred. Leaves were classified and numbered according to their position relative to shoot apex, as well as to measurements of their greater length. Eggs and caterpillars (including pupae) presented aggregated distribution at the leaf and shoot levels. The mean length of the leaves in which pupae occurred was greater than those where caterpillars occurred. The eggs were observed in the leaves with the smaller median length. Most eggs were found on the median third of the leaves, in both surfaces, whereas caterpillars and pupae where found mostly on median and proximal thirds.
Citrus leafminer; distribution; Citrus sinensis; shoots
