Pagiocerus frontalis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) Associated with Avocado Persea americana Miller (Lauraceae) Fruit in Nayarit, Mexico

Abstract

Pagiocerus frontalis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is known to feed on stored grains, especially corn Zea mays L. (Poaceae). No reports are available of this borer feeding on avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.; Lauraceae), which is one of the most economically important crops exported by Mexico. In 2019, this coleopteran was extraordinarily abundant (about 30 adults per avocado seed) in an avocado orchard located in Nayarit, Mexico. We found that this insect feeds on mature fallen avocados. Biological and behavioral aspects of P. frontalis still are largely unknown on avocado fruits. This study documented the natural occurrence of this species on avocado seeds in Nayarit, Mexico.