Laboratory life history and field observations of Poliopaschia lithochlora (Lower) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a potential biological control agent for Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae)

Abstract  Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake, Australian broad-leaved paperbark, has become a serious weed in southern Florida. Poliopaschia lithochlora (Lower) is a promising candidate as a potential biological control agent, and this study describes laboratory and field observations of the life history of this moth. Eggs are laid in small batches, mainly on the surface of leaves, and larvae are voracious leaf feeders, concealed in tubes that are usually found in small colonies attached to leaves and stems. Larvae move from these tubes to feed on surrounding leaves, and saplings and suckers are frequently defoliated. Prepupae form sealed bulbs in the larval tubes in which they pupate. Adult females are mainly active and oviposit at night. Development from egg to adult occurs in approximately 80 d. Field populations appear to be regulated by several egg and larval parasites. Because this moth severely damages saplings and suckers of M .  quinquenervia , prefers low-lying humid sites, and can be successfully mass reared, it is rated highly for its potential as a biological control agent.     

Taxonomic study of the genus Stericta Lederer (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae) from China

The genus Stericta Lederer,1863 is reviewed in China.Of the ten species treated,two species are described as new:S.corollina sp.nov.and S.digitata sp.nov.Photographs of adults and genitalia are provided.Keys to the available species are given,based on superficial characters and male genitalia.     

中国丛螟亚科三种幼虫记述（鳞翅目：螟蛾科）

本文详细记述了中国丛螟亚科樟叶瘤丛螟Orthaga achatina Butler,橄榄锄须丛螟Macalla sp．和漆树缀叶丛螟Locastra muscosalis（Walker）幼虫的形态特征,并绘制了形态特征图,记述了为害习性。所有标本均保存在中国计量学院生命科学学院标本室。