OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE ATTACK OF Azochis gripusalis (WALKER, 1859) (PYRAUSTIDAE - LEPIDOPTERA) IN Ficus carica (L.) (MORACEAE)

Abstract

This paper about Azochis gripusalis Walker, 1859 (Pyraustidae — Lepidoptera) was the first to describe the occurrence of this pest in Paraná State, Brazil. It was observed initially that larvae were attacking F. carica trees in one of the districts of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and subsequently a survey of their occurrence was carried out in 14 municipal districts near Curitiba. The observations began in February 1972, and continued until March 1973, when complete biological cycle of two generations, in winter and summer, was obtained. In the same area a survey was carried out of the damage caused by A. gripusalis, in the winter and summer generations; by comparing the number of attacks and bealty growing points it was observed that in the winter the attacks were 46.6% and in the summer, 43.4%. It was also found that the same larva can attack more than one growing point during life, causing considerable damage.