Chlorostrymon telea

Chlorostrymon telea is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. In several agricultural regions of the Americas, this insect is recognized as a significant pest affecting the production of various leguminous crops.

Taxonomically, it is classified under the order Lepidoptera. While many species within the Lycaenidae family are harmless, the larval stage of Chlorostrymon telea has evolved to feed specifically on the reproductive structures of plants, making it a subject of agricultural concern.

The pest primarily targets members of the Fabaceae family. It is particularly noted for causing damage to common beans, where the larvae bore into the pods to feed on the developing seeds, thereby reducing the yield and quality of the harvest significantly.

The life cycle of the pest consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female lays eggs on the floral buds or young pods. Once hatched, the larvae immediately burrow into the plant tissue, which protects them from environmental factors and standard insecticide treatments.

Effective management strategies rely on integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Key measures include:

• Frequent field scouting during the flowering stage.
• The use of biological control agents such as predatory wasps.
• Targeted application of insecticides at the time of egg-hatching.
• Crop rotation and removal of alternative wild legume hosts near fields.