Apuntes sobre la distribución geográfica de Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) en Colombia

Authors: DIAZ, A. - Centro De Investigacion; Solis, M Alma; BROCHERO, H. - National University Of Colombia

Submitted to: Revista Colombiana de Entomologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/12/2011
Publication Date: 6/1/2011
Citation: Diaz, A.E., Solis, M.A., Brochero, H.L. 2011. Apuntes sobre la distribución geográfica de Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) en Colombia. Revista Colombiana de Entomologia. 37(1):73-78.

Interpretive Summary: The tomato fruit borer is a major pest of tomatoes in Central and South America. It is a member of a group of species of which very little is known about or the biology. The accurate identification of this group of species is critical to quarantine because none of the included species occur in the U.S. Because the United States produced over 3,976 million pounds of tomatoes in 2004 these species could threaten an important agricultural commodity. This paper describes the distribution of the tomato fruit borer that feeds on several species of the tomato plant family in major tomato production areas in Colombia. This information will be useful to scientists, action agencies or quarantine identifiers, and biological control workers.

Technical Abstract: Neoleucinodes elegantalis is considered the most limiting pest for production and merchandising of solanaceous fruit and vegetables in the Neotropics. The present study updates the geographic distribution of N. elegantalis in areas of major agricultural production of Solanum lycopersicum, S. melongena, S. betaceum, S. quitoense and Capsicum annuum in Colombia. Its distribution is increased to 18 departments with species distributed in cold, warm, and temperate weather in six of the Holdridge life zones.