The effect of agricultural management on the distribution and abundance of arsenura armida (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in Chiapas, Mexico
Arsenura armida plays an important ecological role in the development of woods and forests throughout Latin America. It is also consumed in several rural communities of Mexico. At present, there is no information on the host preferences of this species of moth, habitat type or the effects of human consumption on population numbers. This paper determines the effect of agricultural management on the distribution, occupation and abundance of larvae of A. armida in order to promote strategies for its sustainable exploitation. Six observation plots, each with an area of 4 km², were established in three localities of the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Three plots were subject to agricultural management (La Pimienta, La Ilusion and La Loma) and three without management (Carrizal, Huachinadero and Mirador). All host plants together with their diameter at breast height (DBH) were quantified. In order to estimate host preference, occupation, distribution and abundance, the number of larvae per tree were recorded over two consecutive years (between March and October). The occupation and abundance of A. armida varied among plots and the six tree species observed. Both variables presented a relationship with the mean DBH of the host species. A preference for the host species Heliocarpus appendiculatus and Rollinia mucosa was observed. The greatest abundance of larvae and host occupation was found in plots subject to agricultural management during the first year. Abundance decreased during the second year due to tree mortality. The insect presented a clustered distribution that depended on the distribution and development of host trees (highest DBH). It is suggested that host management is considered for the control of populations of A. armida in agricultural areas and its sustainable exploitation for human consumption.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Texto biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | Arsenura armida armida, Lepidópteros, Insectos comestibles, Plantas huéspedes, Preferencias del hospedero, Heliocarpus appendiculatus, Rollinia mucosa, Artfrosur, |
| Online Access: | http://www.bioone.org/doi/10.18473/lepi.71i4.a6 |
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