Search Results (48)

Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 is an important genus of fruit piercers and blood feeders with 18 described species worldwide. Both sexes of all Calyptra species pierce fruit. Adults feed upon and damage soft-skinned (e.g., Rubus and Vitis) and thicker-skinned fruits (e.g., Ficus and Citrus) in subtropical and tropical Asia. These moths are rare examples of a lepidopteran lineage that uses its fruit-piercing mouthparts to pierce the skin of vertebrate animals occasionally. In China, 10 species of this genus have been reported. Here, we identified seven species of the genus Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 from Chinese fauna, including C. gruesa, C. thalictri, C. hokkaida, C. albivirgata, C. orthograpta, C. fletcheri, and C. lata. Detailed illustrations of male and female external morphology and genital structures are provided. A comprehensive worldwide checklist of the genus Calyptra is also included. This study highlights significant taxonomic revisions and morphological features for this genus within Chinese fauna. Full article

In this paper, we present the results of field investigations on the suitability of three types of trunk traps (‘Commercial 1’, ‘Commercial 2’, and ‘Prototype’) for capturing spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae in two areas with different climates and forest ecosystems. In areas of NE Slovenia, which were characterized by Pannonian climate and regular rainfall during the research period (2022–2024), the ‘Commercial 2’ trap was the most suitable for the capture of old larvae. In a forest with 20–30 m tall trees with the dominant species Quercus robur, Carpinus betulus, and Pinus sylvestris, it proved easy to set ‘Commercial 2’ on trunks and change their parts upon inspection for captures. ‘Commercial 1’ traps proved to be less suitable, since their bags quickly were filled with water during downpours and consequently fell out of the traps. ‘Prototype’ traps proved to be the most suitable in an area with a Mediterranean climate (Greece), where the trees (Quercus spp.) were smaller (3–4 m) and both younger and older larvae could more easily come into contact with the sticky surface of the inner part of the trap, of which longer-lasting effectiveness was possible in a drier climate. For the mass trapping of larvae in urban areas with a more humid climate, we therefore suggest the use of ‘Commercial 2’ traps, and in areas with a drier climate, the use of ‘Prototype’ traps. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aloa lactinea, class Insecta, order Lepidoptera, superfamily Noctuoidea, family Erebidae, and subfamily Arctiinae, is a polytrophic agricultural pest. However, there are still many sequences missing for Arctiinae from mitochondrial whole-genome sequences. Methods: In this study, we determined and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of A. lactinea. Furthermore, based on the sequencing results, we used the Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum reduction methods to analyze the phylogenies of 18 species of the Hypophora subfamily. Results: The mitochondrial genome was found to be a circular double-stranded DNA with a length of 15,380 bp and included 13 protein-coding genes (PCG_S), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and one control region. With the exception of tRNA^Ser(AGC), all the tRNA genes could form conventional clover structures. There were 23 intergenic spacer regions with lengths of 1–52 bp and six gene overlaps with lengths of 1–8 bp. The control region was located between rrnS and tRNA^Met genes and comprised 303 bp and an AT content of 74.25%. Conclusions: The results showed that A. lactinea is closely related to Hyphantria cunea. Our results suggest that Syntomini is phylogenetically distinct from Arctiini and may warrant separate tribal status within Arctiinae. This study is dedicated to researching the mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationships of A. lactinea, providing a molecular basis for its classification. Full article

The taxonomic positions of species in the genus Setina are poorly known and not well established, with ongoing uncertainties in their classification. In this work, the distribution of Setina irrorella pseudoirrorella Freina and Witt, 1985, and Setina cantabrica Freina and Witt, 1985, in Spain and Portugal is updated, expanding their distribution area based on revised bibliographic data and information provided by researchers and public or private collections. The taxonomic status of the binomial flavicans–irrorella and cantabrica–roscida are discussed, and their specific validity is analysed, comparing the differences observed between these taxa, which are studied on the basis of external morphological characteristics, genitalia, and molecular genetics. An updated distribution map is presented. The authors conclude that S. cantabrica and S. i. pseudoirrorella are the only two species of the genus Setina present in the Iberian Peninsula. Full article

Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is considered a potentially internationally invasive forest pest with limited knowledge about its phototactic behavior. This study investigated the phototaxis of L. xylina males and females using various insecticidal lamps in the field. The results showed that all lamps attracted both males and females, but females were captured in a very low numbers, with a female-to-male ratio of 1:322. The insecticidal lamp with a peak wavelength of 363 nm was most effective for male trapping. Males exhibited a distinct light-trapping rhythm, peaking around midnight (23:00–0:00), with 29.5% capture, while females were most active at dusk (19:00–20:00), with 44.4% capture. Light-trapped females were smaller and lighter than indoor-emerged females and had lower egg-carrying capacity. Females, when laying eggs, did not exhibit phototactic behavior. Only 14.6% of non-ovipositing females showed phototactic behavior, and only 0.6% flew directly toward the lamp. These findings suggest that while non-ovipositing females can exhibit phototaxis, only a small proportion will, potentially reducing the risk of long-distance dispersal of L. xylina via ocean-going freighters. The results showed that the non-ovipositing females could fly under phototaxis, but their phototaxis was limited. This study provides a basis for the risk assessment of the long-distance dispersal of L. xylina via ocean-going freighters through female moth phototactic flight. Full article

Hyphantria cunea is a widespread pest that causes significant issues in forestry and agriculture, with a far-reaching global impact. However, ultramorphological studies of H. cunea, especially in terms of ultramorphological changes, are far from in-depth. Therefore, we investigated the ultrastructure of its eggs, larvae, and pupae using scanning electron microscopy, focusing on ultrastructural changes in larvae across different instars. The eggs have rough surfaces, and the micropylar region consists of rosette cells. The larval head chaetotaxy is symmetrically arranged, and there are three types of sensilla on the antennae and mouthparts. The abdominal and anal prolegs feature a uniordinal heteroideus midband of crochets. The pupal abdomen has ten segments; in females, the genital slit (Fgs) is located at the anterior edge of abdominal segment VIII, while in males, the genital slit (Mgs) is situated in the middle of abdominal segment IX. First-instar larvae exhibit only primary setae, and secondary setae emerge in the second instar. As the larvae mature, the head, thoracic legs, and abdominal and anal prolegs all become larger overall. The surface of the verrucae is initially smooth, with microtrichia appearing from the fourth instar onwards, and the setae on the verrucae gradually increase in size. These findings provide additional features for larval species identification and contribute to the morphological study of H. cunea. Full article

The biological characteristics of Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), a moth that threatens coastal forests in Fuzhou, China, are closely linked to its spread risk. To characterize these traits, we primarily investigated emergence, reproductive, and flight behaviors. Our findings show that females typically emerge, mate, and copulate during specific times of day. The peak hours of emergence, courtship, and copulation are 13:00–14:00, 19:00–21:00, and around 0:00, respectively. The starting time of oviposition was concentrated before dawn and during the daytime. They preferentially lay eggs on columnar objects, including artificial ones. On average, females laid 361 eggs, lived for 4.5 days, and weighed 0.74 g. Non-ovipositing females were observed to fly for short distances, especially during the evening. Field observations suggest that these females can potentially travel up to 184.5 m in total and 34.5 m continuously. While this indicates a theoretical risk of long-distance dispersal, our findings suggest that the overall risk is limited. These results contribute to our understanding of the biology and dispersal potential of L. xylina. Full article

The European spongy moth, Lymantria dispar dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), originating from Eurasia, is found in Europe, Africa, and North America. Its polyphagous larvae infest deciduous and coniferous trees, causing severe damage during mass outbreak years. Thus, it is listed as one of the top 100 invasive alien species worldwide. The management and containment of this pest vary significantly between Europe and North America, with North America exhibiting a more robust response regarding the containment of the outbreaks. This study evaluates the current state of the European Union (EU-27) forests’ legal, political and cooperative protection frameworks concerning L. dispar dispar. We identified active and potential new stakeholders to assess the level of national and international collaboration in forest protection. We conducted a SWOT analysis to propose new strategies and solutions, aiming for enhanced cooperation in protecting EU forests from L. dispar dispar outbreaks. Our findings highlight the potential of new monitoring and reporting technologies and the importance of increased social and political awareness through social media and public campaigns. These measures would enable more centralized and coordinated efforts among member states. A few of the most significant results in each category of SWOT analysis are as follows: for strengths, a well-established network of EU and national stakeholders exists; for opportunities, emerging innovative technologies, such as IoT, AI, and 5G, are transforming our approach to forest protection; for weaknesses, there is a lack of informed choices regarding proactive measures to contain the outbreak due to a lack of centralized EU coordination and the inefficiencies of national state policies. Finally, the numerous threats to the well-being of EU forests competing for the attention of institutions and relevant stakeholders is by far one of the most important parameters regarding the threats to the EU’s forest protection. The study advocates for a unified, technologically advanced approach to manage and mitigate L. dispar dispar impacts in European forests, emphasizing the need for strengthened international cooperation and the strategic implementation of innovative solutions. Full article

The fungal order Entomophthorales occurs worldwide, with most species infecting arthropods as pathogens. Species in this order can cause epizootics and change the behavior of infected hosts. Molecular data are available only for 20% of the known species, and distributions of species are seldom summarized. Significant diversity of hosts, poor molecular data availability, and poor resolution of the phylogenetic relationships within this fungal order suggest that the diversity of these fungi is not sufficiently described. The subfamily Erynioideae includes 111 arthropod pathogens, divided among six genera, with the genus Pandora being one of the most diverse genera. Sequences of 18S, 28S, and ITS for two species are used to place these Pandora species in a phylogenic tree of the subfamily; this tree also supports our synonymy of the genus Furia with Pandora. Among the two species specifically covered in this paper, Pandora gloeospora was observed during epizootics occurring in mushroom flies (Diptera: Sciaridae) on Agaricus bisporus cultures in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland (US) mushroom farms and also in Florida on Pleurotus sp. Outside the US, P. gloeospora was found infecting several Nematocera (Diptera) in Europe (France) and Asia (China). Pandora sylvestris n. sp. was collected during epizootics occurring in larvae of hickory tussock moths, Lophocampa caryae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), in hardwood forests in Michigan and Vermont. Full article

The endoparasitoids Chouioa cunea Yang and Tetrastichus septentrionalis Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) are both gregarious pupal parasitoids of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). In order to analyze the competitive interactions between both parasitoids exploiting H. cunea, we assessed both extrinsic and intrinsic competition. The search time, oviposition duration, and oviposition frequency were used as evaluation criteria for extrinsic competition. The number of survival days, female ratio, and number of parasitoids emerging from the host were used as evaluation criteria for intrinsic competition. The results indicated that both parasitoid species were able to parasitize hosts that were already parasitized by competitors. The first released species consistently emerged as the superior competitor in multiparasitized hosts. Both parasitoid release orders and time intervals between oviposition affect the competition of parasitoids and the parasitic efficiency. The results emphasize the parasitic abilities of both parasitoid species and provide a basis for future research on competition mechanisms and biological control of H. cunea. Full article

Exploitation of the symbiotic relationship between endophytic fungi and ryegrass is a crucial technique for reducing the incidence of insect pests. This is primarily due to the production of alkaloids, such as peramine, by the fungi. This alkaloid has been reported as both a deterrent and toxic to a variety of insects. However, insects have developed various strategies to counteract plant defenses. One of the most studied methods is their ability to sequester toxic compounds from plants. In this study, we examined the feeding preferences and adaptation to peramine in Chilesia rudis, a native Chilean larva. Using a no-choice assay, we assessed larval feeding preferences and mass gain on seven experimental lines and two commercial cultivars of endophyte-infected and non-infected ryegrass. Pupal development time and adult performance were evaluated post-assay. Additionally, we measured peramine content in larval carcasses, feces, and ryegrass leaves. Jumbo was the most preferred cultivar with 32 mm² of leaf tissues consumed. The longest pupal development time was observed in L161 and ALTO AR1, both at 28 days. Wing length in adults was greatest in the Jumbo and L163 cultivars, measuring 1.25 cm and 1.32 cm, respectively. Peramine concentrations were detected in the bodies of C. rudis. In conclusion, this larva can adapt to endophyte-infected ryegrass and develop counter-adaptation mechanisms to mitigate the effects of peramine. Full article

Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a potentially invasive pest, similar to Lymantria dispar asiatica Vnukovskij and Lymantria dispar japonica Motschulsky (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). To evaluate its potential for spread and flight distance related to egg deposition on vessels at ports, we employed a flight mill to assess the flight capabilities of its adults under varying conditions. Our findings revealed that females primarily flew short distances and ceased flying after 3:00 AM, whereas males covered much longer distances throughout the day. Sex, age, and flight duration significantly influenced flight ability. Females exhibited weaker flight capability than males, and their ability declined with increasing age or flight duration. Notably, 1-day-old moths displayed the strongest flight ability, with average flight distances of up to 3.975 km for females and 8.441 km for males. By the fifth day, females no longer flew, and males experienced reduced flight ability. After continuous hanging for 16 h, females lost most of their flight capacity, while males remained capable of flight even after 32 h. Additionally, female flight ability decreased significantly after mating, possibly due to factors such as egg-carrying capacity, weight, and load ratio. This study provides a foundation for assessing the risk of long-distance dispersal of L. xylina via ocean-going freighters, considering female moths’ phototactic flight and oviposition. Full article

Insects’ growth and development are highly dependent on energy supply, with sugar metabolism playing a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating physiological processes. The present study investigated the effects of exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, on the growth, development, glycolysis, and energy metabolism of fourth-instar larvae of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea. We determined the impact of exendin-4 on larval growth and nutritional indices, analyzed the responses of glycolytic and metabolic pathways, and revealed the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Exendin-4 treatment significantly decreased growth and nutritional indices, influenced the activity of digestive enzymes, and induced changes in metabolite profiles, particularly affecting energy substance metabolism. We observed an increase in the glycogen content and a decrease in glucose and trehalose levels in the hemolymph, suggesting a regulatory effect on blood sugar homeostasis. Furthermore, exendin-4 promoted glycolysis by enhancing the activities and expressions of key glycolytic enzymes, leading to an increase in pyruvate production. This was accompanied by a reduction in ATP levels and the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which may underlie the growth arrest in larvae. Our findings provide novel insights into the effects of exendin-4 on insect responses from an energy metabolism perspective and may contribute to the development of GLP-1R agonists for pest management. Full article

Resin is a plastic-like product of trees. Older occurrences of such resin are referred to as amber and are considered fossil resin. Younger resins are termed copals. Even younger ones have been dubbed defaunation resins. Non-fossil resins remain in a terminological limbo, often referred to as “sub-fossils”. We report two lepidopteran caterpillars preserved in non-fossil resin: one from Madagascar, one from Brazil. Prominent hairs (=setae) and spines (=spine-like setae) of the specimens make it likely that they represent larvae of Erebidae (e.g., tussock moths and others). So far, most known caterpillars preserved in resins are either “naked” or bear protective cases; only few are armoured with spines or hairs. In particular, long-haired caterpillars such as the ones reported here are so far almost absent. Only one specimen with comparable setae has been reported from 15-million-year-old Dominican amber, but no significant details of this specimen are accessible. We briefly also review the record of caterpillars known from the Holocene, recognising that it is very sparse. The new specimens demonstrate that very hairy caterpillars can readily be preserved in resins in fine detail. Furthermore, the specimens increase the known size range of caterpillars preserved in resins, with one measuring more than 12 mm. Full article

The fall webworm (FWW), H. cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae), is an extremely high-risk globally invasive pest. Understanding the invasion dynamics of invasive pests and identifying the critical factors that promote their spread is essential for devising practical and efficient strategies for their control and management. The invasion dynamics of the FWW and its influencing factors were analyzed using standard deviation ellipse and spatial autocorrelation methods. The analysis was based on statistical data on the occurrence of the FWW in China. The dissemination pattern of the FWW between 1979 and 2022 followed a sequence of “invasion-occurrence-transmission-outbreak”, spreading progressively from coastal to inland regions. Furthermore, areas with high nighttime light values, abundant ports, and non-forested areas with low vegetation cover at altitudes below 500 m were more likely to be inhabited by the black-headed FWW. The dynamic invasion pattern and the driving factors associated with the fall webworm (FWW) provide critical insights for future FWW management strategies. These strategies serve not only to regulate the dissemination of insects and diminish migratory tendencies but also to guarantee the implementation of efficient early detection systems and prompt response measures. Full article