Reconhecimento e teste de preferência de plantas hospedeiras de Omophoita octoguttata (Fabricius, 1775) (Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)

Abstract

Omophoita octoguttata (Fabricius, 1775) (Galerucinae, Alticini) is a chrysomelid easily found in forest fragments and forest edge areas in Paraná, however, information about its natural history is scarce. Recognizing the host plants is essential to understand the ecological role of O. octoguttata in the environment, but the association of this species is difficult since it is not observed to feed easily in the field. The objective of this study was to identify the host plants of O. octoguttata, in addition to testing their food preference. A test with no chance of choice was carried out, where different species of plants found in the environment where O. octoguttata occurs were offered, recognizing their possible host plants. From these results, a test with a chance to choose was carried out, where the plants initially consumed were offered, pair by pair, recognizing the food preference. A total of 61 species of plants tested, O. octoguttata consumed seven species, from two different families, Lamiaceae and Verbenaceae, belonging to four genera Hyptis, Ocimum, Aloysia and Mentha. Hyptis mutabilis, Ocimum selloi and Ocimum basilicum were the most consumed, therefore identified as the natural host plants of O. octoguttata, confirming the oligophagous characteristic of this species.