Primer registro de Cactophagus spinolae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) sobre dos especies de Stenocereus (Cactaceae) en el centro de México

Abstract

The presence of Cactophagus spinolae in 2 Cactaceae not previously recorded is reported here: pitayas Stenocereus pruinosus and S. stellatus in 2 regions of central Mexico. Damage on stems is produced by larvae of this weevil. In general, damage is exhibited in low frequency, bit it is statistically higher in S. stellatus, and in the Tehuacán Valley region. When it attacks the main branch, the whole plant dies. This damage represents a serious threat to pitayas of central Mexico, because of their recognized ecological, cultural, and economical values. Despite this weevil is considered a strong pest in many species of Opuntia, and there are few records of its presence in other cacti, it is possible that it has adopted new hosts. This stresses the necessity to continue recording its presence in other cacti in Mexico.