Utilization of Heliconia (Musaceae) by the Beetle Xenarescus monocerus (Oliver) (Chrysomelidae: Hispinae) in a Venezuelan Forest

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Abstract
The hispine beetle X. monocerus feeds on parts of 3 spp. of Heliconia plants in a Venezuelan premontane wet forest: the immature rolled leaves of H. bihai and H. revoluta and the flower bracts of H. bihai and H. aurea. The larvae prefer leaves over bracts but grow most rapidly on H. bihai bracts, where they may suffer the effects of competition from another hispine beetle, Cephaloleia neglecta. The result of this competition is the feeding of X. monocerus larvae on the youngest bracts and the rapid migration of these larvae from bracts to leaves.

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