Management of pindo palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana, Arecaceae) in rearing of Coleoptera edible larvae by the Guarani of Northeastern Argentina

Abstract

Rearing of coleopteran larvae on palm tree stems as a food source is extended among Amerindian groups is as a food source as coleopteran larvae are reared on their stems. Guarani groups settled in the province of Misiones, in northeastern Argentina, consume three species of Dryophthoridae larvae (Metamasius hemipterus, Rhynchophorus palmarum and Rhinostomus barbirostris) which are rear in the stipes of Syagrus romanzoffiana palm. This work deals with the management of the different stages of growth of this palm to promote the development of the three edible larvae species. Field observation suggests a great knowledge of these insects ecology and of the differential characteristics of the palm tree wood anatomical structure throughout its ontogenic development. This constitutes the first record of the use of Metamasius hemipterus as food for the Mbya Guarani people.