The efficiency of deltamethrin and permethrin was evaluated against caterpillars and moths of the eucalyptus leaf caterpillars species Thyrinteina arnobia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and Nystalea nyseus (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae). Five sampling points were established in each experimental unit and the evaluations were performed after 24, 48 and 72 hours after insecticide aplication. A high dosage spraying was made after the last evaluation and the number of dead insects was counted in each sampling point and the efficiency (%) calculated in relation to the mortality in the control. It was observed a high and fast larvicidal effect of deltamethrin and permethrin against these defoliator species. These insecticides however, were not efficient against the adults of these species and showed low selectivity in relation to other insects, mainly parasitoid Hies.
Lepidoptera; control; monitoring of insects,; Nystalea nyseus; Thyrinteina arnobia; deltamethrin; permethrin