Mating behavior and sexual dimorphism of the Lobiopa insularis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) strawberry pest

Comportamento de cópula e dimorfismo sexual da praga do morangueiro Lobiopa insularis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Abstract

The objective of this work was to describe the sexual dimorphism and mating behavior of Lobiopa insularis for the development of pest control and management programs. The morphological characteristics for separating males and females were described with the aid of a stereomicroscope. Mating sequence was recorded over 72 hours with a digital camera. There are differences between males and females in the last abdomen segments, and males maintain a guarding position after mating. The obtained data can be used in monitoring programs to precisely identify the sex of the insects, also shedding light on the ecological features of this pest and Nitidulidae.

Index terms
Lobiopa insularis; crop pest; morphology; Neotropical region; oviposition