TAXONOMIC IDENTIFICATION OF Mocis latipes Guenée (LEPIDOPTERA: EREBIDAE) IN FORAGE PASTURES OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

Background. Cultivation of forage grasses is an important component in the dual-purpose cattle production system; however, insect pests can decrease fresh material yields. Objective. To taxonomically identify the causal agent that damages the cultivars Panicum maximum (Jacq.) cv. Mombasa and Panicum maximum cv. Zuri. Methodology. In two locations in the central region of Veracruz, specimens of an insect in the larval and pupal stages were collected using the quadrant method in an area of 50 ha. Subsequently, in the laboratory, larvae were boiled for two minutes and preserved in 70% alcohol. Meanwhile, pupae were placed in a brood chamber with foliage to obtain adults and to extract their genitalia, which represents the most important morphological structure for the identification of a species. Results. The total number of collected larvae was 650, and 65 pupae, all reaching the adult stage. Based on the taxonomic morphology, the species Mocis latipes or striped grassworm was determined. Damage was estimated at approximately 40% per hectare. Implications. Correct identification of the pest insect allows the implementation of a strategy for proper management. Conclusion. The species M. latipes was identified in forage grasses P. maximum cv. Mombasa and P. maximum cv. Zuri in Veracruz.

Keywords

• cultivares
• falso medidor
• taxonomía.