Coraliomela brunnea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a new pest in Cocos nucifera in the state of Alagoas

Abstract

The fruit of Cocos nucifera Linnaeus (Aracales: Arecaceae) is widely marketed in Brazil, especially in the Northeast Region, where it is consumed in natura and is a raw material from products used in cooking (flour, milk and oil) in addition to water being appreciated as a drink. Factors such as diseases and pests compromise the production of C. nucifera, e.g., beetles (e.g., defoliators). The aim of this study was to report the first occurrence of Coraliomela brunnea Thunberg, 1821 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) insulting plants of the C. nucifera variety dwarf-green in the state of Alagoas, Northeast China, and its current distribution. The occurrence of defoliation caused by C. brunnea in a young plant, C. nucifera var. Green dwarf, is a warning to small farmers and producers, as it is one of the main beetle species that infests and causes damage to young plants of this species. The record of the species in the state of Alagoas expands its area of occurrence and is now reported in almost the entire Northeast Region.