cochineals

Description:

_In Central Mexico cochineals (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) are primary pest of ―nopalitos‖, which are immature edible cactus pads (Opuntia ficus-indica), and there is not an important tool for its management. On the other hand, taxonomic identity, natural enemies and populations dymamics about this pest are rare in many places in Mexico, including those where the crop has an economic impact on the population such as Tlalnepantla, Morelos. The objective of this work was to identify Dactylopius species, its natural enemies and population dynamics at Tlalnepantla. We also wanted to correlate some climatic factors on the insect population. We selected 30 sites all along that region to collect an to identify Dactylopius species. In order to monitor its natural enemies we visited and collected them systematically at five places, every other week, from February 2008 to February 2009. Specimens of pest and natural enemies were sent to identify with specialists of each group. We collected data on temperature and precipitation and we did some correlations on abiotic factors and insect population dynamics. Dactylopius opuntiae was the only species recovered. It was present any time of the year, but it began to increase on February, it reached its highest populations between March and May, and it declined on January. Following abundanceDactylopius predators (%), we found Leucopis bellula (44.74), Sympherobius barberi (25.12), Laetilia coccidivora (17.89), Hyperaspis trifurcata (12.25), Salpingogaster cochenillivorus (0.18), Sympherobius angustus (0.03) y Chilocorus cacti (0.03). L. bellula y S. barberi were the most abundant any time the year. High temperatures correlated with high populations of D. opuntiae, but rain and management practices, such as pesticides used and pruning, were important to affect the pest and natural enemies populations.

Habitat:

Tampico urban area .