Análisis de la predación de semillas Espeletia killipii ocasionada por un artrópodo de la familia Curculionidae en el valle del Tunjo-Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza

Abstract

The herbivory carried out by arthropods of the Curculionidae family on inflorescence of Espeletia killipii was determined experimentally through field and laboratory measurements. The samples of flowers were collected according to ex-perimental design in two areas that present high and low anthropic alteration in the Tunjo river valley, into Chingaza Natural Park, jurisdiction of Calera-Cundinamarca. The insect feeds on the seeds causing a natural predation of this frailejon. The flow-ers were analyzed in the laboratory to quantify seed predation and the presence of the animal in its different stages of growth: larvae, pupae, worms and adults. The damage caused by the arthropod to the seeds of Espeletia killipii, added to the anthropogenic disturbances in the area and the increase in temperature due to climate change, can further alter the delicate balance of Espeletia killipii with the environment.