Abstract

DE LA RIVA, Polo; PALABRAL, Arely; APAZA, Martín  and  ALTAMIRANO, Noel. The role of weevils (Metamasius sp.) in foliar damage due to phytophagous insects inferred from the foliar damage in Munnozia hastifolia. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2005, vol.40, n.2, pp.5-9. ISSN 1605-2528.

Interactions among different insect groups that that allow them to avoid plant chemical responses induced through herbivory are not yet well understood. We evaluate the damage produced by phytophagous insects at the petiole and leaf blades in Munnozia hastifolia (Asteraceae) at the Tunquini Biological Station, Bolivia. Our results have proved that the damage produced in the petiole is caused only by one group of insects: Metamasius sp. Then, the damage at the leaf blade is followed by three different insects feeding guilds: chewers, gallmakers and miners. Damage conditions at the leaf is previously caused by the attack of Metamasys sp. at the petiole. Our research suggests that weevils play a critical role in diminishing the chemical response capacity in M. hastifolia, making it more vulnerable to the other insect’s groups. Due to feeding mechanisms of weevils it is possible that they, while absorbing the sap, limit the transport in to the leaf blade of key chemical compounds that are part of the defense strategy of Munnozia hastifolia.

Keywords : Herbivory; petiole; Metamasius sp.; Munnozia hastifolia; Bolivia.

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