Identification of host plants of the avocado borer, Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) in Rio Grande do Sul

Fruits of Nectandra megapotamica Mez and Cinnamomum camphora (L.) (Lauraceae) were collected in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2004. Species of five families of insects were found inside the fruits: two fly species (Diptera: Drosophilidae: Drosophila spp.), six beetle species, Heilipus sp., Conotrachelus sp. (Curculionidae), Hypothenemus sp. (Scolytidae) and three species of Carpophilus (Nitidulidae), and moths (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae). The moth especimes were identified as Stenoma catenifer Walsingham, the avocado borer. The occurrence of the moth was predominant from early April until middle May. The natural larval infestation level was low. Two new host plant of the pest were identified.