Damage of Oncideres saga in Albizia lebbeck in Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

Ringing insects, Oncideres saga (Dalman, 1823) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), are a unique species found in the Americas, known for their tendency to ring branches and stems of several tree species, including Albizzia lebbeck Benth, often in afforestation contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of O. saga in A. lebbeck trees in Seropédica, analyzing the attacked branches, the number of postures, and the emergence holes. In November 2018, eight fallen branches were randomly selected based on girdling attributed to O. saga, along Estrada Dutra (BR-116). These branches were collected, duly identified, and sent to the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Forest Products of the Forestry Institute of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, where they were monitored until the emergence of adults to confirm the species. In these same branches, the postures and number of emergence holes of adults were evaluated nine months after collection. Of the eight branches examined with O. saga postures, adults emerged from six of them. The average number of ringed branches was 147 per sample. The average base-apex dimensions were recorded as 3.25 by 2.32, respectively. An average of 71 postures per branch were recorded. Pearson correlation analyses revealed a strong relationship between the size of the base and the apex of the branches, as well as between the apex and the occurrence of emergence holes. The results indicated a preference on the part of O. saga to deposit its postures on ringed branches with wider base and apex dimensions.