Cactus weevil (Metamasius spinolae Gyllenhal) florivore and frugivore of Opuntia cantabrigiensis Lynch (cactaceae)

Metamasius spinolae is a phytophagous insect that attacks the vegetative structures of some genera of the Cactaceae family. The objective of this study is to report the florivore and frugivore habits of M. spinolae. Between 2017 and 2018, monthly observations were carried out to record the incidence of attack, and to describe the damage of this beetle to the vegetative and reproductive structures of Opuntia cantabrigiensis. It was observed that M. spinolae has herbivorous habits because it feeds on the young cladodes and the areoles. It is a florivore that consumes partially the perianth and eliminates the whole gynoecium of the floral buds. This damage prevents the successful reproduction of individuals. It acts as a frugivore when feeding on the pulp of ripe fruits. It is important to follow the predatory behavior of M. spinolae, because its eating habit is no longer restricted to the vegetative structures of the hosts it attacks.