Resumo: | Host plant associations of diabroticite beetles were observed under field conditions (June 1 993-August 1 994). Adult insects were sampled in four locations in two climatic zones in the State of Veracruz, México. Incidence of parasitism and predation was recorded. Seventeen species of diabroticites were found. The two climatic zones differed in numbers of species present, Acalymma spp. were exclusively collected from cultivated and wild cucurbits, whereas Diabrotica spp. showed distinct host plant assocíations. The most important factor influencing insect presence and abundance was the phenolotjical stage of the host plant. Flowering stage and number of flowers of cucurbits determined the number of insects and species diversity. The most abundant parasitoid encountered was a tachinid fiy, Celatoria compressa Wulp. Parasitism by nematodes (Mermithidae) and fungi (laboulbeniales) occurred. Predation by several hemipteran species (Reduviidae) and spiders (Oxyipidae) was observed at several occasions.
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