Insects associated with perishable vegetables in supermarkets, in Tabasco, Mexico.

Publication Type:Journal Article
:2011
Authors:L. Cordova Ballona, Soto, S. Sanchez, Lopez, E. Garcia, Garcia, C. Fredy Orti
Journal:Boletin del Museo de Entomologia de la Universidad del Valle
Volume:12
Pagination:25-32
Date Published:Julio
:1909-2822; 0121-733X
:Sitophilus zeamais
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The aim of this study was to determine the species of insects associated with vegetable perishable products for human consumption, displayed on shelf in supermarkets of the state of Tabasco, Mexico. Samples were taken in 12 supermarkets located at six locations, under uncontrolled temperature conditions, in five municipalities of the state. A total of 58 samples from 14 plant species were examined and 3529 insect specimens were sepa- rated. They corresponded to 24 species belonging to the following orders: Coleoptera (15), Hymenoptera (4), Lepidoptera (2), Blattodea (1), Psocoptera (1) and Hemiptera (1). Zabrotes subfasciatus (30.5%) and Sitophilus zeamais (28.7%) displayed the highest percentages of specimens. Rhizopertha dominica, Tribollium cas- taneum and Cadra cautella were the species found in various products. Products with higher number of insect species were associated with the paste soup (Triticum durum), the dried chile (Capsicum annuum) and maize (Zea mays). The species found in the five municipalities were S. zeamais, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, T. cas- taneum and C. cautella. Lasioderma serricorne, Araecerus fasciculatus, Conotelus stenoides, Ectopsocus richardsi and Lyctocoris campestris are recorded for the first time in Tabasco.

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