Since 2009, increasing populations of Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) have been observed in cultivated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) at the Lageado Experimental Farm, belonging to the FCA/UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Defoliations around 80% and 50% were observed in the common bean cv. Pérola and castor bean cv. IAC-2028, respectively. Samples of individuals (caterpillars and pupae) were collected in the field, and kept in laboratory until adult emergence aiming to confirm the species. These are new observations for common bean in São Paulo State and, in the case of castor bean, unpublished in Brazil. It suggests that C. includens has adapted to attack other agricultural crops, demanding attention of common bean and castor bean producers.
herbivory; alternative hosts; soybean looper
