Impact of Eucalyptus Plantations in Different Regions of Brazil on the Distribution and Abundance of Defoliating Caterpillars

Eucalyptus species are cultivated in homogeneous plantations in Brazil, mainly to supply wood for the cellulose and steel industries, which favors the establishment of insect pests. The objective was to determine the geographical distribution and structure abundance of Lepidoptera defoliators of eucalypt. Primary pest species of eucalypt of the order Lepidoptera were found in all areas sampled and their populations were correlated with the age of the eucalypt plants, rainfall, and monthly average temperature. They presented population peaks between February and July (Tres Marias and Niquelandia) and July to November (Monte Dourado) during periods of lower rainfall. The highest population peaks of these species were recorded when the eucalypt plants were three to six years old. The area of Guanhaes presented better stability and fewer possibilities for the occurrence of eucalyptus Lepidoptera primary pests.