EFEITO DA COR DE ARMADILHAS ADESIVAS PARA MONITORAMENTO DE Thaumastocoris peregrinus CARPINTERO & DELLAPÉ (HEMIPTERA: THAUMASTOCORIDAE) NO CAMPO

Abstract

The bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus is native from Australia and has been detected in Brazil since 2008, causing damages in eucalypt plantations. This insect feeds on the phloem-sap, preferentially on the oldest leaves, that evolves into chlorotic spots and later in bronze spots. In high infestations, plant defoliation may occur. Although the feeding damage results in losses, the efforts for monitoring are still scarce. Therefore, by using adhesive traps colored differently we sought to determine which color would be the best for monitoring this insect in eucalypt plantations. White and yellow traps are efficient for field monitoring and should be installed in the top of the trees located in the edge of the plots.