INCIDENCE OF NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE, LEPTINOTARSA-DECEMLINEATA [COLEOPTERA - CHRYSOMELIDAE] ON A NATIVE HOST IN MEXICO

In central Mexico, the center of origin for Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) and its principal host plants, L. decemlineata is associated with a diverse complex of natural enemies. Observations during 2 years in Morelos, Mexico revealed 4 species of asopine pentatomids, 7 species of foliar searching carabids, and 2 coccinellids among the predators of L. decemlineata. Parasitoids include 3 species of tachinids and Edovum puttleri Grissel, an eulophid egg parasitoid. These natural enemies include several predators that have not previously been reported attacking L. decemlineata.