Distribution and Importance of Heterolaccus grandis1 as a Parasite of the Boll Weevil2, 3

Abstract

The known distribution of Heterolaccus grandis Burks, a pteromalid parasite of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, was extended from the original type locality in Nicaragua to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and 3 States in Mexico. Observations since 1961 indicate that H. grandis may be the most important parasite of the boll weevil on the Pacific slope of Mexico and Central America. The most recent record establishes the occurrence of H. grandis in the humid east coast of Mexico in Veracruz, where it was found parasitizing boll weevils on a newly discovered host plant, Hampea sp. Association of H. grandis with H. hunteri (Crawford) and with Urosigalphus schwarzi Crawford is mentioned.