News about an outbreak of the oak cockatoo (Pelidnota Sp. rutelidae) in the region of San Agustín, Huila

Abstract

In March 1990, the inhabitants of the region of the San Agustin Archaeological Park, in the area between the Mazamorras, Magdalena and Sombrerillos rivers in the department of Huila, were surprised by an extraordinary profusion of the Cucarron de los Robles (Pelidnota Sp.) that completely defoliated the trees that serve as shade for the coffee plantations. This beautiful bright light green beetle feeds preferentially on the shoots and tender leaves of the oak tree (Quercus humboldtii) and is known from many parts of the country in zones between 1000 and 2500 m of altitude.