Atopozelus opsimus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Preying on Mastigimas anjosi (Hemiptera: Calophyidae), a Pest of Tropical Cedar, Cedrela fissilis (Meliaceae).

Insects pests such as Mastigimas anjosi Burckhardt (Hemiptera: Calophyidae), native to Brazil, limit the establishment of commercial plantations of the tropical cedar Cedrela fissilis Vell. (Meliaceae), reducing growth and affecting tree shape. Insecticides have been used to suppress M. anjosi outbreaks, but sustainable alternatives should be developed to manage this pest. The objective of this work was to report, for the first time, the predator Atopozelus opsimus Elkins (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) preying on M. anjosi attacking C. fissilis trees in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Trees of this plant were observed between Apr and May 2018 in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Atopozelus opsimus adults preyed on M. anjosi nymphs and adults, and fed on their honeydew. This predator did not eliminate the damage to C. fissilis, which may be related to the temperatures of the region, and which may have affected reproduction and increased its development period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]