First record of Cadra cautella (Walker, 1853) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) infesting Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) in Nova Califórnia, Rondônia, Brazil

This study presents the first record of Cadra cautella (Walker, 1853) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) infesting Brazil nut kernels (Bertholletia excelsa Humboldt & Bonpland) in the Nova Califórnia district, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil. In April 2024, microlepidopterans were found in stored Brazil nuts. A sample of infested nuts was collected and sent to the Entomology Laboratory at Embrapa Acre. From these samples, six adult lepidopterans emerged, which were identified as C. cautella, a cosmopolitan pest that infests food products during storage. This polyphagous insect causes significant damage to stored products by creating holes and galleries in the kernels, which favors the development of filamentous fungi and contamination by mycotoxins, rendering the nuts unsuitable for consumption. Identifying pests and understanding their economic impact is essential for developing control strategies and preventing losses. This record represents an initial step toward studies to mitigate infestations in Brazil nuts and preserve the quality of stored products.