Biology of Hylesia nigricans (Berg) (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae, Hemileucinae)

Abstract

The species of Hylesia Hübner, [1820] detach from other lepidopterous due to its urticant spines in larval (erucism) and adult (lepidopterism) stages. Hylesia nigricans (Berg, 1875) occurs from southeast of Brazil to Argentina and Uruguay, the species has been related to plague of many fruit crops and forest essences and they have also been associated with several lepidopterism cases since the beginning of last century. Due to its importance, this study aimed to detail the main biological aspects of this species with observations in the nature and in laboratory, they were also related behavioral aspects and host plants observed in field and referred in bibliography.