Bothrideres cactophagischwarz (coleoptera: bothrideridae) asociado a Metamasius spinolae (Gyllenhal)(coleoptera: curculionidae) bajo condiciones de laboratorio

Abstract

Abstract. The production and quality of prickly pear cactus is seriously affected by the incidence of Metamasius spinolae (Gyllenhal), so alternatives for the management of this pest, through the study of their natural enemies are searched. We collected a total of 130 puparia of M. spinolae on prickly pear cactus in Zapotitlán, Tlahuac, Distrito Federal. After 17 days, the puparia without emergency were observed and Bothrideres cactophagi Schwartz (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) was found in 20 pupae (18.34 %). Individuals of this parasite were found in ten prepupae, seven preimagos and two adults of M. spinolae. The results obtained increase the knowledge on the biology and distribution of B. cactophagi in Mexico, in addition to the possibility as a biological control agent for M. spinolae.