Record of Scarabaeoidea Larvae and Adults Associated withAmaranthus hypochondriacusL. and Living Fences

Abstract

Abstract. White grubs of several species are known to plague crops such as amaranth. White grubs of the subfamily Melolonthinae significantly damage amaranth production. Agroecology theory suggests that natural fence rows provide food and cover for wildlife and help control soil erosion, which could help control plagues. However, there is no information regarding larvae and adults associated with amaranth crops in relation to natural fences. Here we record adults and larvae of Scarabaeoidea associated with Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. crop, adjacent to a deciduous forest and living fences. Results showed the occurrence of 12 species grouped in two families and seven genera. Phyllophaga obsoleta and P. ravida were the most abundant species. Larvae were collected in the growing area near the fence and in the natural zone.