Abstract

SOSA, Francisco  and  DIAZ, Francisco. Two new lepidoptera species defoliating oil palm plantations Elaeis guineensis  Jacq. in Venezuela. Bioagro [online]. 2008, vol.20, n.1, pp.73-75. ISSN 1316-3361.

This study was undertaken to asses defoliating lepidoptera in oil palm (Elaeis guinnesis Jacq.) plantations located in Yaracuy State, Venezuela. Samples were taken twice a month, from May to August 2006. Inmature stages were collected from field, placed in plastic bags in refrigerated containers, and transported to the laboratory. Among other previously reported defoliators, two new species attacking the crop were identified: Pseudautomeris irene (Cramer 1779) and Pseudodirphia agis (Cramer 1775) (Saturniidae).

Keywords : Pseudordirphia agis; Pseudautomeris irene; Saturniidae.