Curculionid beetles in aborted flower buds and immature fruits of Ceiba pentandra (Bombacaceae).

摘要

We determined the incidence of curculionid beetles of the genus Lonchophorus on aborted and not aborted flower buds and developing fruits of the tree Ceiba pentandra in southeastern Costa Rica. Beetle larvae were found in reproductive parts of all trees sampled trees. The frequency of beetle larvae was greater in aborted buds and immature fruits. A positive correlation between larvae development and flower bud development indicates that female oviposition occurred in an early flower developmental stage and time until bud abortion is variable. Weevil herbivory could be considered as one of the main factors that cause flower bud and fruit abortion in C. pentandra.