Lema quadrivittata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): morphological description and its use as a biological control agent of Commelina benghalensis L.

Weed infestation is one of the main challenges in crop management. The environmental, economic and social impacts attributed to pesticides lead search for new sustainable possibilities management these plants, especially Commelina benghalensis, which considered worst weeds world. This work consists a description external morphology insect Lema quadrivittata its potential use as biological regulator C. weed plant, suffers effective injuries by this natural enemy. Plots with high benghalensis were inspected find plant damage possible causes. Upon identifying occurrence L. quadrivittata, it was decided cultivate greenhouse order observe interaction plant. In sense, during study, we identified describing morphological structures adults larvae control agent. an approach attack on benghalensis. Future studies are needed indicate from knowledge behavior, evaluations hosts.