[Banana tree pests attacking Heliconia latispatha Benth. (Heliconiaceae)]

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Plant Pathology

Context:

• Observations were made in Jaguariuna, SP, Brazil, in mid-May 2005.
• Heliconia latispatha Benth. stalks, aged six months, were found infested.
• The affected Heliconia were planted in proximity to a banana tree plantation.

Purpose:

• To document an unusual pest attack on Heliconia plants.
• To record the first occurrence of Calligo illioneus (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) as a pest of Heliconia in Brazil.

Summary:

• Antichloris eriphia (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) and Calligo illioneus caterpillars, known banana pests, were observed feeding on Heliconia latispatha stalks.
• This represents a novel host plant interaction for these lepidopteran species.
• The discovery highlights potential shifts in pest behavior and host range.

Impact:

• Expands the known host range for Antichloris eriphia and Calligo illioneus.
• Raises awareness of potential new threats to Heliconia cultivation.
• Informs future pest management strategies for both banana and Heliconia crops.