Abstract

GONZALEZ-GAONA, Ernesto et al. First documented record of Neodiprion abietis (Harris, 1841) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) for Mexico. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.64, pp.115-126.  Epub May 21, 2021. ISSN 2007-1132.  https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v12i64.837.

Neodiprion abietis is a diprionid that has a transcontinental distribution in North America and feeds on tree foliage of the genera Abies, Pseudotsuga, and Pinus. A 1995 scientific reference mentions the presence of this insect species in Mexico; however, it lacks data of location. This study aimed to determine the species of a diprionid that, in 2016, was found defoliating Abies concolor, within the Campo Verde Plant and Wildlife Protection Area, in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico. Through field explorations made in 2019, sawfly larvae were collected directly from host foliage. An adult was collected from the foliage and several cocoons from the ground as well. The larvae were confined within entomological cages and fed with host foliage until they spun their cocoons. Insect rearing was completed by placing the cocoons inside a growing chamber which was maintained at a temperature of 26 ±2 ºC and at 14L:10D photoperiod, until adults emerged. The species was determined through the observation of external characters as well as the form of the ovipositor, based on specialized taxonomic keys and photographic references from scientific sources. The examined specimens corresponded to N. abietis complex and this finding confirms the presence of this species in northern Mexico.

Keywords : Abies concolor (Gordon) Lindley ex Hildebr; Natural Protected Area; insect defoliation; Diprionidae; Balsam fir sawfly; forest pests.