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An Investigation of the Possibilities of Biological Control of Melittomma insulare Fairm. (Coleoptera, Lymexylonidae), a serious Pest of Coconut in the Seychelles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

F. J. Simmonds
F. J. Simmonds
Affiliation:
Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control.
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Extract

The biology and general ecology of Melittomma insulare Fairm. in the Seychelles is briefly described and the difficulties in the biological control of this pest are stressed.

As much information as possible was obtained concerning the species of the little-known family Lymexylonidae, particularly with regard to their biology, which in most cases has not been investigated. Several species might warrant further investigation with a view to providing natural enemies for use against M. insulare, but in general what is known of their biology does not afford much hope that an effective parasite or predator will be found.

The biology of Atractocerus brasiliensis Lep. & Serv. was investigated in detail in Trinidad but no natural enemy was found.

The only possibility is that Rhizophagus dispar (Payk.), recorded as attacking Hylecoetus dermestoides (L.) in England, might also attack the eggs of M. insulare.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 47 , Issue 4 , December 1956 , pp. 685 - 702
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1956

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