The aim of this work was to study some characteristics of oviposition of citrus root weevils. The insects and vegetal substrats (fruits, leaves, branches and debris) were colected in citrus groves, in Itapetininga, SP, Brazil, and conducted to Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos ESALQ/USP, in Piracicaba-SP, Brazil. The species Naupactus cervinus Boheman, Naupactus versatilis Hustache, Naupactus tarsalis Boheman, Parapantomorus fluctuosus (Boheman) and Teratopactus nodicollis (Boheman) were reared, and the oviposition was observed. Six assays were conducted, all in plastic boxes (10.0 x 20.0 x 30.0cm), at a 25 ± 1ºC, 60 ± 10% RU. The preference was evaluated by leaves, fruits and vax paper, with free choice Assay A and without chance Assay B; preference for three fruit color (green, yellow-green and yellow), at Assay C; three distances from husk to chalice (adhered, intermediate (=1,5mm) and far (=1,5mm) Assay D, and by leaf, fruit and wet soil and vegetal debris Assay D. The species showed differences in oviposition characteristics. They oviposit in fruits with no preference by color and in vax paper. The latter is an alternative for eggs collect at laboratory. Some species oviposit in the soil or in debris at soil surface.
Curculionidae; Naupactus; Parapantomorus; Teratopactus; oviposition; citrus
