The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) adjudicated to the academic of the Hémera Earth Observation Center, Dr. Paul Amouroux, the public tender commissioned by its Department of Forest, Soil and Water Management to molecularly identify native insect defoliators of Nothofagus, with special emphasis on the genus Heterobathmia (Lepidoptera) and its natural enemies.

The work will consist of two stages, the first will be carried out during the spring with the sequencing of a limited number of individuals to validate DNA extraction and amplification methods. The second stage, which will begin in late summer, will consist of sequencing the rest of the insects sent by CONAF. In total, at least 100 insect samples will be sequenced for identification over a period of six months starting in December 2023.


The results obtained will serve to better understand the diversity of phytophagous species of Nothofagus and their natural enemies, with the aim of proposing future biological control measures for these phytophagous species that are harmful to Chile's native forests.


Paul Amouroux is an entomologist in biological control and integrative taxonomy, specialized in Coccoidea (Hemiptera).