Feeding by the coccinellid Psyllobora rufosignata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the Asian grapevine leaf rust fungus Phakopsora euvitis (Basidiomycota: Uredinales)

Abstract

Feeding by the coccinellid Psyllobora rufosignata on the rust fungus Phakopsora euvitis was confirmed by observing uredospores of P. euvitis in gut contents of Ps. rufosignata. This is the first record of Ps. rufosignata feeding on P. euvitis and the first record of any Halyziini species feeding on any species of Basidiomycota.

Keywords:

• Coccinellidae: Halyziini
• mycophagy
• beneficial insect
• natural enemy
• biological control
• biodiversity

Acknowledgements

We thank Pedro C. Cani, Secretaria de Estado da Agricultura, Abastecimento, Aqüicultura e Pesca, Espírito Santo, for help in obtaining the sample for this study.