The adult feeding behavior of Liriomyza huidobrensis and L. trifolii was studied in beans of the variety “Catarino.” The insects were placed on a bean leaf and its behavior observed and recorded on DVD for a period of 30 min.
An ethogram was constructed based on the different behavior parameters that were identified. The time that each species used in each behavior parameter was registered and compared between the two species. When placed in the arena the two species behaved in a similarmanner, although some differences
were observed. The adaptation of the leafminers species to the “Catarino”
bean variety under these experimental conditions and the possibility to use
some behavioral parameters as indicators of the preference of these insects in
relation to the host plant are discussed.
