Besides that, in contrast to previous studies (Janzen, 1971; Wright, 1983; Henderson, 2002), and in accordance to Pimentel and Tabarelli (2004), my results also pointed out that endocarp infestation by bruchids may occur even in the absence of
exocarp removal by vertebrates.
Exocarp is the cutinized layer of epidermal cells forming the outer layer of the pericarp.
The uniseriate
exocarp of both species shows cells with thin walls and cuticles.
Fragments of
exocarp were found at the feeding station on numerous occasions during both periods of the study.
We used seeds in fully ripe stage when the
exocarp has turned red.
Scatter-hoarded seeds had the
exocarp previously removed and were buried 1-4 cm deep, with the germinative pore turned down.
Fruit obovoid to 2 cm high and 1.8 cm in diameter, often with abortive carpels visible and more or less developed,
exocarp nearly smooth when fresh, red at maturity, dotted with lenticels, perianth with triangular petals, staminodes triangular, obtuse at apex, to 2 mm long, sometimes with abortive anther.
A physical dormancy might be facilitated by the existence of a hard
exocarp (Baskin & Baskin 1989) as observed in C.
Food categories applied to stomach contents were: (1) fruits and seeds-remains of testa, endosperm,
exocarp, or individual minute seeds; (2) green foliage-leaf or stem tissues; (3) larval insects-nonsclerotized soft-bodies; (4) adult insects-sclerotized parts such as antennae, elytra, mouthparts, wings, or appendages; and (5) animal matter-primarily muscle tissue and hair.
In some cases European terms are used rather than their North American equivalents (epicarp vs
exocarp).