Showing papers on "Lepidoptera genitalia published in 2018"

Bacterial Symbionts in Lepidoptera: Their Diversity, Transmission, and Impact on the Host

Abstract: The insect’s microbiota is well acknowledged as a “hidden” player influencing essential insect traits. The gut microbiome of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) has been shown to be highly variable between and within species, resulting in a controversy on the functional relevance of gut microbes in this insect order. Here, we aim to (i) review current knowledge on the composition of gut microbial communities across Lepidoptera and (ii) elucidate the drivers of the variability in the lepidopteran gut microbiome and provide an overview on (iii) routes of transfer and (iv) the putative functions of microbes in Lepidoptera. To find out whether Lepidopterans possess a core gut microbiome, we compared studies of the microbiome from 30 lepidopteran species. Gut bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae families were the most widespread across species, with Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, and Enterococcus being the most common genera. Several studies indicate that habitat, food plant, and age of the host insect can greatly impact the gut microbiome, which contributes to digestion, detoxification, or defense against natural enemies. We mainly focus on the gut microbiome, but we also include some examples of intracellular endosymbionts. These symbionts are present across a broad range of insect taxa and are known to exert different effects on their host, mostly including nutrition and reproductive manipulation. Only two intracellular bacteria genera (Wolbachia and Spiroplasma) have been reported to colonize reproductive tissues of Lepidoptera, affecting their host’s reproduction. We explore routes of transmission of both gut microbiota and intracellular symbionts and have found that these microbes may be horizontally transmitted through the host plant, but also vertically via the egg stage. More detailed knowledge about the functions and plasticity of the microbiome in Lepidoptera may provide novel leads for the control of lepidopteran pest species.

Occurrence of the new invasive pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in the maize fields of Karnataka, India.

Abstract: We report here the occurrence of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in India, which is a devastating pest in American continent on several crops 1 . S. frugiperda is a polyphagous pest that causes significant losses to agricultural crops.

First report of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), natural enemies from Africa

Abstract: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major pest of maize in North and South America. It was first reported from Africa in 2016 and currently established as a major invasive pest of maize. A survey was conducted to explore for natural enemies of the fall armyworm in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania in 2017. Smallholder maize farms were randomly selected and surveyed in the three countries. Five different species of parasitoids were recovered from fall armyworm eggs and larvae, including four within the Hymenoptera and one Dipteran. These species are new associations with FAW and were never reported before from Africa, North and South America. In Ethiopia, Cotesia icipe was the dominant larval parasitoid with parasitism ranging from 33.8% to 45.3%, while in Kenya, the tachinid fly, Palexorista zonata, was the primary parasitoid with 12.5% parasitism. Charops ater and Coccygidium luteum were the most common parasitoids in Kenya and Tanzania with parasitism ranging from 6 to 12%, and 4 to 8.3%, respectively. Although fall armyworm has rapidly spread throughout these three countries, we were encouraged to see a reasonable level of biological control in place. This study is of paramount importance in designing a biological control program for fall armyworm, either through conservation of native natural enemies or augmentative release.

Lepidoptera genomes: current knowledge, gaps and future directions.

Abstract: Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are one of the most ecologically diverse and speciose insect orders. With recent advances in genomics, new Lepidoptera genomes are regularly being sequenced, and many of them are playing principal roles in genomics studies, particularly in the fields of phylo-genomics and functional genomics. Thus far, assembled genomes are only available for <10 of the 43 Lepidoptera superfamilies. Nearly all are model species, found in the speciose clade Ditrysia. Community support for Lepidoptera genomics is growing with successful management and dissemination of data and analytical tools in centralized databases. With genomic studies quickly becoming integrated with ecological and evolutionary research, the Lepidoptera community will unquestionably benefit from new high-quality reference genomes that are more evenly distributed throughout the order.

Nitrogen enrichment in host plants increases the mortality of common Lepidoptera species

Abstract: The recent decline of Lepidoptera species strongly correlates with the increasing intensification of agriculture in Western and Central Europe. However, the effects of changed host-plant quality through agricultural fertilization on this insect group remain largely unexplored. For this reason, we tested the response of six common butterfly and moth species to host-plant fertilization using fertilizer quantities usually applied in agriculture. The larvae of the study species Coenonympha pamphilus, Lycaena phlaeas, Lycaena tityrus, Pararge aegeria, Rivula sericealis and Timandra comae were distributed according to a split-brood design to three host-plant treatments comprising one control treatment without fertilization and two fertilization treatments with an input of 150 and 300 kg N ha−1 year−1, respectively. In L. tityrus, we used two additional fertilization treatments with an input of 30 and 90 kg N ha−1 year−1, respectively. Fertilization increased the nitrogen concentration of both host-plant species, Rumex acetosella and Poa pratensis, and decreased the survival of larvae in all six Lepidoptera species by at least one-third, without clear differences between sorrel- and grass-feeding species. The declining survival rate in all species contradicts the well-accepted nitrogen-limitation hypothesis, which predicts a positive response in species performance to dietary nitrogen content. In contrast, this study presents the first evidence that current fertilization quantities in agriculture exceed the physiological tolerance of common Lepidoptera species. Our results suggest that (1) the negative effect of plant fertilization on Lepidoptera has previously been underestimated and (2) that it contributes to the range-wide decline of Lepidoptera.

Flying between raindrops: Strong seasonal turnover of several Lepidoptera groups in lowland rainforests of Mount Cameroon.

Abstract: Although seasonality in the tropics is often less pronounced than in temperate areas, tropical ecosystems show seasonal dynamics as well. Nevertheless, individual tropical insects' phenological patterns are still poorly understood, especially in the Afrotropics. To fill this gap, we investigated biodiversity patterns of Lepidoptera communities at three rainforest localities in the foothills of Mount Cameroon, West Africa, one of the wettest places in the world. Our multitaxa approach covered six lepidopteran groups (fruit-feeding butterflies and moths, the families Sphingidae, Saturniidae, and Eupterotidae, and the subfamily Arctiinae of Erebidae) with diverse life strategies. We sampled adults of the focal groups in three distinct seasons. Our sampling included standardized bait trapping (80 traps exposed for 10 days per locality and season) and attraction by light (six full nights per locality and season). Altogether, our dataset comprised 20,576 specimens belonging to 559 (morpho)species of the focal groups. The biodiversity of Lepidoptera generally increased in the high-dry season, and either increased (fruit-feeding moths, Arctiinae, Saturniidae) or decreased (butterflies, Sphingidae) in the transition to the wet season in particular groups. Simultaneously, we revealed a strong species turnover of fruit-feeding Lepidoptera and Arctiinae among the seasons, indicating relatively high specialization of these communities for particular seasons. Such temporal specialization can make the local communities of butterflies and moths especially sensitive to the expected seasonal perturbations caused by the global change. Because of the key role of Lepidoptera across trophic levels, such changes in their communities could strengthen this impact on entire tropical ecosystems.

Annotated checklist of the moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) of Canada and Alaska

Abstract: The first comprehensive checklist of the Lepidoptera of Canada and Alaska is presented. Taxonomic papers, historical regional checklists, and many collections were consulted to prepare the list. The known distributions of species are listed for the provinces and territories of Canada and the state of Alaska in the USA. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is further divided into separate listings. A total of 5431 species belonging to 82 families are confirmed as occurring in Canada and Alaska, as well as 53 species that have been reported from the region but not yet verified, 19 species listed as interceptions or unsuccessful introductions, and 52 species listed as probably occurring in the region. A total of 318 species have been reported in error in historical works, and they are listed as well, clearly indicated as erroneous records. All erroneous records and uncertain listings are detailed with notes. All Nearctic subspecies and synonyms are included in the list, except for butterfly subspecies (and their synonyms) that do not occur in the region.

Morphological Characterization of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae).

Abstract: The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is a widespread lepidopteran pest found in various crops worldwide. This highly polyphagous species, commonly found both in the Old and New World, has caused significant economic damage as an invasive agricultural pest in Brazil since 2013. The goal of the present study is to provide a detailed morphological assessment of adults and immature stages of H. armigera, as this species is often confused with H. zea (Boddie), a congeneric species that is native to the New World. The biology data were acquired during four full life cycles, and observations on general behavior, nocturnal habits of larvae and adults, and sensitivity of larvae to humidity were recorded. Larval chaetotaxy differs between the first and the remaining instars, which bear L2 on the meso- and metathorax and L3 on A3 through A6, along with conspicuous chalazae and longitudinal bands. Important morphological characters of this species include the following: eggs with four micropylar openings, lined with 12 cells arranged in the shape of a rosette; pupa adecticous and obtect, with prominent spiracles; adults with the distal antennomere striate. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in the number of setae on the frenulum and spines on the prothoracic leg. Illustrations of the critical morphological features of this species are provided.

Seed inoculation with beneficial rhizobacteria affects European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) oviposition on maize plants

Abstract: Larvae of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) cause significant damage to maize ears and reduce market value of fresh sweet corn. Females rely on volatile cues to locate and oviposit preferentially on maize plants. In addition, oviposition behavior of females is influenced by soil management practices as they usually lay more eggs on maize plants grown on conventional soil than on organic soils that harbor rich microbial diversity. Since some plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to mediate plant health via suppression of soil pathogens and enhanced uptake of nutrients; we hypothesized that inoculation of maize seeds with PGPR will alter emission of maize volatile and reduce the attractiveness of plants to ovipositing O. nubilalis. Plants treated with the single PGPR strain Bacillus pumilus INR‐7, two PGPR mixtures (Blend‐8 or Blend‐9) or untreated plants were presented to O. nubilalis females in oviposition choice bioassays. Headspace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the plants were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Ostrinia nubilalis laid significantly fewer eggs on PGPR‐treated plants compared to untreated plants. In two‐choice oviposition experiments, significantly higher numbers of eggs were laid on untreated plants compared to PGPR‐treated plants. PGPR‐treated plants emitted fewer VOCs than untreated plants which, in part, explains the relatively fewer eggs on PGPR‐treated plants. These results indicate that selected PGPR treatments can alter maize plant volatiles with important ramifications for plant‐insect interactions. The implication of this finding is discussed in the context of integrated management of soil health to improve crop resistance to biotic stressors.

Fungi isolated from insects in strawberry crops act as potential biological control agents of Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract: Entomopathogenic fungi were collected from insects, belonging to orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera, with signs of infection. Single-spore colonies were identified based on morphological traits and ribosomal ITS sequences. The most commonly found fungi were Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendal and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin. Isolation of Trichoderma atroviride Bisset, Aspergillus flavipes (Bainier and Sartory) Thom and Church, Aspergillus iizukae Sugiyama, Penicillium mallochii Rivera, Urb and Seifert, Penicillium adametzioides S. Abe ex G. Smith, and Mucor nidicola Madden, Stchigel, Guarro and Starks associated to insects is reported for the first time. Tests with B. bassiana isolates against Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), showed high larval mortality in vitro and in greenhouse, demonstrating its potential as biological control agent. Understanding the fungal microbiota from insects can provide promising isolates for use in integrated pest management programs. This is the first report characterizing the mycobiota in insects collected in strawberry crops, and evaluating the pathogenicity of B. bassiana against D. fovealis, a pest that causes severe losses to farmers.

A new Indian species of shoot and capsule borer of the genus Conogethes (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), feeding on cardamom.

Abstract: A new species, Conogethes sahyadriensis sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), feeding on cardamom, is described from India. The species status is supported by diagnostic morphology as well as by genetic data. A phylogenetic analysis based on the publicly available Conogethes COI barcode sequences finds C. sahyadriensis as sister to C. pluto, and it further reveals a number of clades that potentially represent additional undescribed species.The new species is delineated from closely related and superficially similar species of Conogethes.

Characterisation of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from South Africa

Abstract: Phylogenetic analyses based on the COI gene region, for 19 South African specimens of the fall armyworm (FAW), separated them into two well-supported clades. These clades indicated significant intraspecific variation and support the hypotheses that maize and rice strains of FAW are present in South Africa.

Potential of betabaculoviruses to control the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)

Abstract: The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) is a devastating pest, causing losses of up to 100%. An interesting tool for its control is the use of the insect specific viruses of Baculoviridae family. Despite its high potential, its use on T. absoluta larvae has been poorly studied. In this work, Colombian granuloviruses VG013 and VG003 isolated from T. absoluta and Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) larvae sampled in tomato and potato crops, respectively, were morphologically, biologically and molecularly characterized. Occlusion bodies showed ovoid shape containing one nucleocapsid. Restriction endonuclease analysis revealed a pattern similar to Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus and bioinformatics studies showed that both isolates are variants of that baculovirus specie. Similar mean lethal concentrations (LC50) on T. absoluta larvae were estimated for both viruses, although VG013 exhibited shorter mean time to death than VG003. The latter reached a higher OBs yield in comparison with VG013. These results demonstrated an interesting potential of evaluated betabaculoviruses to control T. absoluta populations and pointed key features to its use under field conditions.

Within-Host Competition between Two Entomopathogenic Fungi and a Granulovirus in Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Abstract: We provide insights into how the interactions of two entomopathogenic fungi and a virus play a role in virulence, disease development, and pathogen reproduction for an economically important insect crop pest, the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). In our model system, we highlight the antagonistic effects of the co-inoculation of Beauveria bassiana and granulovirus (DisaGV) on virulence, compared to their single counterparts. By contrast, combinations of Metarhizium anisopliae and B. bassiana, or M. anisopliae and DisaGV, have resulted in additive effects against the insect. Intriguingly, most cadavers that were derived from dual or triple infections, produced signs/symptoms of only one species after the death of the infected host. In the combination of fungi and DisaGV, there was a trend where a higher proportion of viral infection bearing conspicuous symptoms occurred, except when the larvae were inoculated with M. anisopliae and DisaGV at the two highest inoculum rates. Co-infections with B. bassiana and M. anisopliae did not affect pathogen reproduction, since the sporulation from co-inoculated larvae did not differ from their single counterparts.

Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera) of Thrace Region of Turkey

Abstract: The Zygaenidae fauna of the Thrace Region (European Turkey) was studied by using attractant traps as well as by netting specimens in biotopes. Esters of 2-dodecenoic acid and stereoisomers of 2-butanol were used as sex attractants. Sixteen Zygaenidae species from five genera were found: Theresimima Strand, 1917 (1 species), Rhagades Wallengren, 1863 (2 species), Adscita Retzius, 1783 (3 species), Jordanita Verity, 1946 (4 species), and Zygaena Fabricius, 1775 (6 species). Rhagades (Rhagades) pruni (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Jordanita (Jordanita) globulariae (Hübner, 1793) were found as new for Turkey. The two species of the same genus Rh. (Rh.) pruni and Rh. (Wiegelia) amasina (Herrich-Schӓffer, 1851) were discovered in proximity to each other in different localities of the same Province Tekirdağ.

Occurrence of Parthenogenesis in Potato Tuber Moth

Abstract: Parthenogenesis, a natural form of asexual reproduction produced from unfertilized eggs, occurs in many insects in Hemiptera and Hymenoptera, but very rarely in Lepidoptera. The current study aimed to test the larval density dependent occurrence of parthenogenesis in potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller; Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under laboratory conditions. More than 10% of females out of 25 tested females that developed from the high larval density treatment at 45 larvae per tuber were capable to reproduce asexually. Both male and female offspring were produced parthenogenetically. The sexually reproductive offspring of a laboratory parthenogenetic population had a lower egg hatch rate, shorter larval stage, and shorter male life span when compared with the non-parthenogenetic population. This suggests that the sexually reproductive offspring of parthenogenetic population have a decreased overall fitness compared to the sexually reproductive offspring of non-parthenogenetic population.

Evolution of the Biosynthetic Pathway for Cyanogenic Glucosides in Lepidoptera

Abstract: Cyanogenic glucosides are widespread defence compounds in plants, and they are also found in some arthropods, especially within Lepidoptera. The aliphatic linamarin and lotaustralin are the most common cyanogenic glucosides in Lepidoptera, and they are biosynthesised de novo, and/or sequestered from food plants. Their biosynthetic pathway was elucidated in the burnet moth, Zygaena filipendulae, and consists of three enzymes: two cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP405A2 and CYP332A3, and a glucosyl transferase, UGT33A1. Heliconius butterflies also produce linamarin and lotaustralin and have close homologs to CYP405A2 and CYP332A3. To unravel the evolution of the pathway in Lepidoptera, we performed phylogenetic analyses on all available CYP405 and CYP332 sequences. CYP332 sequences were present in almost all Lepidoptera, while the distribution of CYP405s among butterflies and moths was much more limited. Negative purifying selection was found in both CYP enzyme families, indicating that the biosynthesis of CNglcs is an old trait, and not a newly evolved pathway. We compared CYP405A2 to its close paralog, CYP405A3, which is not involved in the biosynthetic pathway. The only significant difference between these two enzymes is a smaller substrate binding pocket in CYP405A2, which would make the enzyme more substrate specific. We consider it likely that the biosynthetic pathway of CNglcs in butterflies and moths have evolved from a common pathway, perhaps based on a predisposition for detoxifying aldoximes by way of a CYP332. Later the aldoxime metabolising CYP405s evolved, and a UGT was recruited into the pathway to establish de novo biosynthesis of CNglcs.

Morphometric variation in the species of two subfamilies of lycaenid butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) of Bangladesh

Abstract: A laboratory examination was done on the morphometric variation of lycaenid butterflies. Identifying characteristics, viz. forewing length (FWL), hind wing length (HWL), body length (BdL) and antennal length (AntL) were used for the analysis. A total of 514 individuals of lycaenid butterflies was identified under two subfamilies Polyommatinae and Theclinae. Among them 265 individuals were placed under 19 species of Polyommatinae and 249 individuals under 25 species of Theclinae. ANOVA tests were conducted to find differences between the butterfly species of the two subfamilies through identifying characters like FWL (F=10.37, P=0.005), HWL (F=3.81, P=0.067), BdL (F=5.78, P=0.027) and AntL (F=2.77, P=0.114). A linear regression analysis of FWL, HWL, BdL and AntL of the species under the two subfamilies showed significant differences between Polyommatinae and Theclinae. These differences stand among the species of both the subfamilies and produced good results to identify the species more correctly.

An effective method for the close up photography of insect genitalia during dissection: a case study on the Lepidoptera

Abstract: Characters of male and female genitalia in insects in general, especially in Lepidoptera, are essential for species identification as they display extensive morphological variation. In embedded genitalia, due to the positioning of the genitalia and the pressure of the cover glass, the appearance of some diagnostic characters might be confusing. This potentially leads to taxonomic misinterpretation. Additionally, the photography of genitalia structures in ethanol is difficult, due to drift or hardening of genitalia. A method is presented here to fix the position of the genitalia in ethanol, which allows comparative close up photography. The advantage of the method is demonstrated by illustrating the sacculus projection of three Triphosa species.

Effect of resistance elicitors on the biology and feeding preference of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn

Abstract: This study searches for efficient and low environmental impact alternatives to control Spodoptera frugiperda. Application of elicitors capable of inducing resistance in plants has already been highlighted. The elicitors trigger the plant's defense capacity against attack of herbivores and phytopathogenic organisms. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance elicitors on some biological aspects and food preference of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in corn in laboratory conditions. The treatments consisted of: Control (distilled water); Biofertilizer (25 mL L -1 ); Acibenzolar-S-methyl-ASM (2 mg mL -1 ); Potassium silicate (10 mL L -1 ) and T5: Potassium silicate (10 mL L -1 ) + ASM (2 mg mL -1 ). The treatments were foliar application of elicitors with adjustable jet pressure sprayer to the whole plant with an amount of 20 mL of the solution per plant. The larval phase (weight at 7 and 14 days, duration and viability); pupal phase (weight after 24 h, duration and viability) and adult phase (number of eggs / female, number of eggs/posture/female and longevity of adults) were evaluated. Free-choice and no-choice food preference test experiments were also carried out on 1st and 3rd instar caterpillars, after which the leaves collected at 5 and 10 days after spraying. The results showed that Acibenzolar-S-methyl induces resistance in corn plants when applied either alone or together with potassium silicate. Therefore, it adversely affects development of S. frugiperda. The leaves treated with Potassium Silicate + ASM were less preferred and consumed by 1st and 3rd instar caterpillars in free-choice food preference test.

Mechanisms of resistance in groundnut genotypes against leaf bud borer, Anarsia ephippias (Meyrick)

Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate plant resistance in groundnut genotypes to groundnut leaf bud borer, Anarsia ephippias (Meyrick) (Gelechiidae; Lepidoptera), an emerging insect pest of groundnut. Out of forty one genotypes that were screened, the genotypes ASK-2013-1, K-1563 and TCGS-894 were found to be resistant; TCGS-1156 and K-1628 were found to be moderately resistant and Narayani and K-6 were found to be susceptible for their reaction to leaf bud borer. Biology, larval preference and ovipositional preference of leaf bud borer on these groundnut genotypes were studied and were correlated to plant biophysical and biochemical characters.

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT OPTIONS OF FALL ARMYWORM, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) AND ASSESSMENT OF ITS PARASITOIDS IN SOME PARTS OF ETHIOPIA

Abstract: The fall armyworm (FAW) is a major pest of maize in America and its outbreaks in 2017 in Africa threatened maize, a staple food crop in the region. The effect of parasitoids, nine synthetic insecticides, eleven botanicals, five entomopathogens and pheromone lures have been studied against FAW in 2017 and 2018. Survey conducted in Jimma, Awash Melkasa, Hawasa, East and West Gojam identified three different species of parasitoids from FAW larvae belonging to Hymenoptera and Diptera. Cotesia icipe (Braconidae) was the dominant larval parasitoid in Hawassa, Jimma and Awash Melkassa with parasitism ranging from 33.8 to 45.3%. Tachinid fly, Palexorista zonata (Tachnidae), was the main parasitoid with 6.4% parasitism in Hawassa whilst, Charops ater (Ichneumonidae) commonly occurred in Jimma with 4.6% parasitism. In laboratory, Karate 5% EC, Radiant 120 SC and Tracer 480SC caused 100% larval mortality 48 and 72hrs after treatment application. In greenhouse experiment, all insecticides significantly reduced foliar damage to maize compared to the untreated check. Among the botanicals tested, Azadirachta indica, Schinnus molle and Phytolacca dodecandra resulted in the highest percentage larval mortality (96-100%) 72 hrs after treatment application. The result of entomopathogenic fungi study also showed Beauveria spp. (APPRC-44BC and B4 strains) and Metarrhizium spp. (APPRC-34 GM strain) highly pathogenic inducing 100% and 80% mortality five days and six days after treatment application, respectively. The trapping experiment showed higher number of male moths in the lure E,7-12 OAC, Z-9-12OAc and Z-11-16OAc. The effective parasitiods, synthetic insecticides, botanicals, entomopathogenic fungi and pheromone lures can be used as a component in an integrated management of FAW under smallholder farmers’ condition in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa with further field studies.

First Record of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in Rwanda

Abstract: In March 2017, during field inspections in Rwanda, a number of maize (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) plants were found to be infested with armyworm larvae. Based on morphological characteristics the larvae were tentatively identified in situ as fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The larvae were observed in six districts of Rwanda: Nyamagabe (2°28’14.5”S 29°27’35.4”E), Huye (2°31’10.9”S 29°40’12.0”E), Gisagara (2°36’01.4”S 29°49’58.8”E), Nyanza (2°20’04.9”S 29°42’00.7”E) and Ruhango (2°16’20.3”S 29°46’45.5”E) in the Southern Province and Gatsibo (1°31’21.7”S 30°14’07.8”E) in the Eastern Province. Sixty larvae were collected for molecular identification (10 from each district), from maize and sorghum, stored in 70 % ethanol and then shipped to CABI’s Diagnostic and Advisory Service in the U.K. The larvae were subsequently identified as S. frugiperda based on markings at both posterior and anterior ends and longitudinal banding patterns, as well as DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (CO1). The barcodes obtained provided a 100 % match to voucher specimen sequences of S. frugiperda, including the rice strain haplotype 1 (GenBank accession number U72977). This is the first confirmed record of FAW in Rwanda and adds to confirmed FAW records for 10 other African countries, Nigeria (Goergen et al. 2016), São Tomé and Príncipe (Goergen et al. 2016), Benin (Goergen et al. 2016), Togo (Goergen et al. 2016), Ghana (CABI 2017), Zimbabwe (FAO 2017), Swaziland (IPPC 2017a), Kenya (Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries 2017), Zambia (IPPC 2017b) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (IPAPEL-FAO 2017). There are also preliminary reports from Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa (BBC 2017). To date, the main crop affected in Africa is maize; however, FAW is polyphagous and other important food crops are at risk, particularly rice (Oryza spp.), sorghum (Sorghum spp.) and sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). For the African countries where FAW has been confirmed, losses are estimated to be approximately $13 383 m (~£10 400 m), excluding the costs of subsequent seed losses (Abrahams et al. 2017). Fall armyworm is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and was reported for the first time on the African continent in 2016, in Nigeria (Goergen et al. 2016). Genetic research has shown that there are two FAW races, a ‘rice strain’ and a ‘corn strain’. These two strains are morphologically identical but differ genetically and both feed on maize. Ghana and Zambia are so far the African countries in which both strains have been recorded (Abrahams et al. 2017). Fall armyworm has been recorded on more than 80 plant species including maize, rice, sorghum, sugarcane, cotton (Gossypium spp.) and a number of vegetable crops (Invasive Species Compendium 2017). Sparks (1979) provided a review of the life cycle of FAW. To summarise, female moths can lay up to 1000 eggs in batches of 150–200. The eggs are laid on the underside of leaves when FAW densities are low, but indiscriminately when populations are high. Egg hatch takes 2–4 days at optimal temperatures. Larvae generally feed at night and complete their six (occasionally five) instars in 14–21 days depending on diet and temperature. Larvae are green at the early instar stages but can become darker, sometimes near-black, when mature. Late instar larvae have a characteristic inverted Y-shape on the head, white subdorsal and lateral lines along the body and four black spots arranged in a square on the eighth abdominal segment (Fig. 1). Fully grown larvae are approximately 3–4 cm long. The pupal stage takes 9–13 days

Immature Stages of the Masked Birch Caterpillar, Drepana arcuata (Lepidoptera: Drepanidae) With Comments on Feeding and Shelter Building

Abstract: Abstract The masked birch caterpillar, Drepana arcuata (Lepidoptera: Drepanidae) is an excellent model for studying vibratory communication and sociality in larval insects. Vibratory communication occurs throughout development, but the functions of signals are reported to change as larvae change from gregarious to solitary lifestyles. To better understand the sensory ecology of these caterpillars, it is important to study their life history. Here, we describe the morphological and behavioral characteristics of larvae by confirming the number of instars, identifying their distinguishing morphological features, and noting changes in feeding and shelter construction. Five instars were confirmed based on the number of head capsules collected for individuals throughout development, and by using Dyar’s rule, which predicts the number of instars based on geometric growth patterns of head capsules. Frequency distributions of head capsule widths showed five separate peaks, indicating that this is a useful parameter for distinguishing between instars. Other morphological features including body length, shape, and banding patterns of head capsules, and morphology of thoracic verrucae are helpful in distinguishing among instars. Feeding behavior changes from leaf skeletonization in first and second instars to leaf cutting in fourth and fifth instars, with third instars transitioning between these feeding styles as they grow. Early instars typically construct communal silken shelters whereas late instars live solitarily in leaf shelters. These results provide essential life history information on the masked birch caterpillar that will enable future investigations on the proximate and ultimate mechanisms associated with social behavior and communication in larval insects.