Distributional Extension of Peltophorus polymitus (Boheman 1845)1 at Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Consumption of mezcal in Mexico and its international exportation is increasing. Potential pests of agave, the plant distilled for this alcoholic beverage, need to be studied. Durango is the second state in mezcal production in Mexico. It is important to contribute to the knowledge of potential pests of agaves. Peltophorus polymitus (Boheman 1845) has been historically registered as pest at three municipalities in the State of Durango. However, little is known of the biology or ecology of P. polymitus, a potential pest of the agave crop. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the distribution of the weevil of agave (P. polymitus) in Durango. Here, the distribution of P. polymitus was extended to 13 additional municipalities in an altitudinal range from 1,104-2,094 m above sea level, across all the ecoregions of the State.