In Panama, the need to continue with the conservation of our forests, reserves and national parks is urgent, emphasizes the importance of carrying out biological, ecological and taxonomic studies that contribute to knowing the entomofauna of our country. The objective of this work is to make known the feeding habit of Conocephalus angustifrons (Redtenbacher, 1891) (Orthoptera, Tettigonidae) on the grass Brachiaria brizantha (A.Rich.) Stapf (1919) in the protected area of Palo Seco protective forest, at coordinates 17P 0368943 N and 0970737 W; at 775 meters above sea level. We walked in a zigzag way, approximately 500 m away from the place where the B. brizantha grass was distributed, during three days in the month of July 2018. Day and night tours were carried out during two continuous hours; in the morning (9:00 am -12: 00 pm), evening (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm) and night (7:00 pm - 10:00 pm). The adult specimens and nymphs of C. angustifrons were collected with an entomological long handle network and introduced in a wide-open glass jar (800 ml), immobilized with toxic vapors of ethyl acetate; for later mounting on entomological pins No. 2 and labeled with the collection and identification data. Photographs of the specimens were taken in the field. To corroborate their identification, they were taken to the laboratory to compare with the Nichle identification key, (1992) and The National Insect Reference Collection of the G.B. Fairchild Invertebrate Museum of the University of Panama. Sampling of B. brizantha grass was collected to corroborate its identification in the Herbarium of the University of Panama. A total of 45 specimens of C. angustifrons, 41 adults (35 females and 6 males) and 4 nymphs were collected. The individuals observed were feeding on the seeds of B. brizantha grass. He fed more often during the night. C. angustifrons is not a harmful insect or pest; on the contrary, we consider that it is a beneficial species for producers and agricultural systems; since they can control some unwanted weeds and grasses that invade these agro-ecosystems, consuming their seeds and preventing these unwanted plants from spreading easily.
Este obra está bajo una licencia de Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial-CompartirIgual 4.0 Internacional.
