Diversidade e hábito alimentar de espécies lepidópteras associadas ao cajueiro no Brasil

Abstract

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a plant that originates in the northeastern region of Brazil. It is a tropical fruit tree with an economic expression due to the commercialization of chestnut and peduncle products rich in vitamin C and consumed "in natura" or Industrialized to obtain juices, sweets and wines. However, the way in which it has been explored has brought consequences such as the increase of phytosanitary complications. Among the pests that affect the productivity of this crop, the order Lepidoptera, after the order Coleoptera, occupies the second place in number of species associated to the cashew tree. The objective of this work was to describe the morphological characteristics of the families belonging to the order Lepidoptera, as well as to cite the food habit of the species found in association with the cashew tree in Brazil. To this end, several sources of study were consulted, as well as research on articles, communiqués and technical bulletins. Considering the results, we can conclude that in total there are 31 species, distributed in 12 different families, that feed on leaves, new shoots, inflorescences, chestnuts and stored almonds. The Saturniidae family has the largest number of associated species, 13 in total, all of which are philophagous or leafless. The two species of Gelechiidae are small branches / inflorescence and / or chestnut borers. Some species have the habit of buoying in the aerial part, in the interior of branches or chestnut, in the trunk or soil. Among all Lepidoptera species, only Plodia interpunctela is a pest of benefited almonds.