Taxonomic Identity of Lepidopteran InsectsAssociated with Mangrove Mortality in the“La Encrucijada” Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas,Mexico

Resumen

Objective: To provide the responsible authority, CONANP Encrucijada, with the taxonomic identity of the folivorous larvae found on mangrove species and associated with their mortality.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Through field surveys in affected areas, larval specimens were collected for confinement, rearing, and observation until their metamorphosis into adults. External morphological characters were then reviewed, focusing on wing vein patterns, dorsoventral coloration, the presence of light and dark bands, and circular markings such as ocelli, to determine taxonomic identity using keys and image comparisons.
Results: The taxonomic identity of the collected larvae corresponded to two families within the order Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae and Hyblaeidae, and the species Junonia evarete (Cramer) and Hyblaea puera (Cramer), respectively.
Study Limitations/Implications: The presence of both species, each capable of consuming large amountsof foliar biomass while exploiting the same host, implies more severe damage to leaf tissue. This necessitates ongoing evaluation and monitoring to understand their impact on the optimal development and recovery of Avicennia germinans.
Findings/Conclusions: The results represent the first report of the distribution of these two Lepidoptera species in the La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve. A comprehensive study on the impact of folivory on Avicennia germinans and its relationship with environmental degradation is urgently needed.