Chalcids (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in Vitaceae Seeds of Mexico

Abstract. Prodecatoma cooki (Howard) is reported for the first time as a seed borer in Vitaceae in Mexico. The insect was collected on different Vitaceae species between 2009 and 2012 in 10 regions of West-Central and Southeast Mexico to know their hosts and basic aspects of the biology of this species. The borer was recorded only in Jiquilpan, Sahuayo, and Tinguindin of Michoacan State, and Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco. Vitis vinifera L., Partenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch, Vitis sp., and Cissus tiliacea H.B.K. were recorded as host plants for this species. This is the first record of this phytophagous insect on C. tiliacea. P. cooki was recorded all year in Jiquilpan, and presumably P. quinquefolia is the most important host for this insect in the region; it seems the different fruiting dates of the other hosts play an important role in insect permanence during the year. Although the insect has not been reported in vine-growing areas of Mexico, it is important to consider P. cooki as a potential pest.