Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in New Zealand: pheromone trapping for delimitation and phenology

A synthetic sex pheromone trapping survey of the leaf skeletonizer Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) demonstrated the unexpectedly widespread distribution of the insect across > 40,000 ha of urban Auckland, New Zealand. A survey of eucalyptus trees planted in parks and other public areas showed a significant spatial correlation between trap catch and breeding populations, validating the trap survey results. Traps in trees showing damage had four-fold higher catches than traps placed in undamaged or nonhost trees, and < 1% of damaged trees with traps failed to catch adult moths. Damage by larval feeding was correlated with male trap catch in the previous generation, offering good prospects for a pest management decision support system, provided that an economic threshold is developed. Catches increased by 3.4-fold in the same georeferenced trapping grid between November and December 2003 and between March and April 2004 across two generations, over the summer. A vertical transect showed that catches increased with height up to the top trap at 13 m (60% of mean tree height). Options for managing the insect will need to overcome the high rate of increase, the rate of spread, and the vertical distribution of the insect on tall eucalyptus trees.     

Identification of olfactory receptor neurons in Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) and its implications for host range

Phytophagous insects detect volatile compounds produced by host and non-host plants, using species-specific sets of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). To investigate the relationship between the range of host plants and the profile of ORNs, single sensillum recordings were carried out to identify ORNs and corresponding active compounds in female Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), an oligophagous eucalypt feeder. Based on the response profiles to 39 plant volatile compounds, 13 classes of sensilla containing 40 classes of ORNs were identified in female U. lugens. More than 95% (163 out of 171) of these sensilla contained 16 classes of ORNs with narrow response spectra, and 62.6% (107 out of 171) 18 classes of ORNs with broad response spectra. Among the specialized ORNs, seven classes of ORNs exhibited high specificity to 1,8-cineole, (±)-citronellal, myrcene, (±)-linalool and (E)-β-caryophyllene, major volatiles produced by eucalypts, while nine other classes of ORNs showed highly specialized responses to green leaf volatiles, germacrene D, (E)-β-farnesene and geranyl acetate that are not produced by most eucalypts. We hypothesize that female U. lugens can recognize their host plants by detecting key host volatile compounds, using a set of ORNs tuned to host volatiles, and discriminate them from non-host plants using another set of ORNs specialized for non-host volatiles. The ORNs with broad response spectra may enhance the discrimination between host and non-host plants by adding moderately selective sensitivity. Based on our finding, it is suggested that phytophagous insects use the combinational input from both host-specific and non-host specific ORNs for locating their host plants, and the electrophysiological characterization of ORN profiles would be useful in predicting the range of host plants in phytophagous insects.     

Hyperparasitoids of the gum leaf skeletoniser, Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), with implications for the selection of a biological control agent for Uraba lugens in New Zealand

Abstract  The hyperparasitoids reared from three species of primary parasitoids of the gum leaf skeletoniser, Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) collected in South Australia and Tasmania are recorded and discussed. Seven hyperparasitoids were reared. Diatora sp. and ? Paraphylax sp. (Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae); Tetrastichus sp. (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae); Megadicylus dubius (Girault) (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) and Elasmus sp. (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) were reared from Cotesia urabae Austin and Allen (Braconidae: Microgastrinae). Megadicylus dubius , Elasmus sp. and Anastatus sp. (Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae) were reared from Dolichogenidea eucalypti Austin and Allen (Braconidae: Microgastrinae). Pediobius bruchicida (Rondani) (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) was reared from Euplectrus sp. (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae). This appears to be the first record of the cryptine ichneumonid genus Diatora Förster from Australia. Of the seven hyperparasitoid species reared, only one ( P. bruchicida ) is known to be present in New Zealand. Implications for the selection of a biological control agent for U. lugens in New Zealand are discussed. Some prior misidentifications of associated hyperparasitoids are noted.     

Dispersal behavior of the parasitic wasp Cotesia urabae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): A recently introduced biocontrol agent for the control of Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in New Zealand

Estimates of the dispersal range of a recently introduced biocontrol agent in its new environment are vital to understanding its relative searching capacity, and to foresee the maximum area that could be covered in a release event. In New Zealand, the solitary endoparasitoid Cotesia urabae Austin and Allen (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was first released in January 2011 as a biological control agent for the gum leaf skeletoniser, Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae). The objective of this study was to utilize an experimental approach to quantify the dispersal behavior of one generation of C. urabae. In our experiment, which used sentinel larvae as target hosts, parasitoids dispersed up to 20 m away from the release point but parasitism was highest within 5 m of the release site. A high level of parasitism was observed at the release tree (87.6%) which suggests that most of the females released may have stayed there. According to the dispersal model developed from the data collected, Cotesia would be able to disperse up to 53 m in one release event. In addition, significant differences were found between the different directions tested for dispersal, showing a clear downwind effect on dispersal suggesting that wind has a direct effect on the dispersal behavior of C. urabae in the field.     

Major lineages of Nolidae (Lepidoptera,Noctuoidea) elucidated by molecular phylogenetics

To elucidate the evolutionary relationships of the major lineages within the moth family Nolidae, we analysed a molecular dataset comprising eight independent gene regions (6.4 kbp), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from the mitochondrial genome, and elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α), ribosomal protein S5 (RpS5), carbamoylphosphate synthase domain protein (CAD), cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and wingless genes from the nuclear genome, using parsimony and model‐based evolutionary methods (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference). Our analyses revealed a well‐resolved phylogenetic hypothesis, again recovering the six previously recognized families within Noctuoidea (i.e. Oenosandridae, Notodontidae, Euteliidae, Erebidae, Nolidae and Noctuidae), and monophyly of the quadrifid Noctuoidea (i.e. Euteliidae, Erebidae, Nolidae and Noctuidae). The family Nolidae is diagnosed and characterized by two synapomorphies from morphology: construction of a ridged boat‐shaped cocoon that bears a vertical exit slit at one end; and two other morphological character states: elongation of the forewing retinaculum into a bar‐like or digitate condition and possession of a postpiracular counter‐tympanal hood. We present a new phylogenetic hypothesis for Nolidae consisting of eight strongly supported subfamilies, two of which are erected here: Diphtherinae, Risobinae, Collomeninae subfam. nov., Beaninae subfam. nov., Eligminae, Westermanniinae, Nolinae and Chloephorinae. Where we are able, each monophyletic lineage is diagnosed by morphological autapomorphies and within each subfamily, monophyletic tribes and subtribes are circumscribed, most of which are also diagnosable by morphological apomorphies. We also describe two new taxa: Gelastocerini trib. nov. and Etannina subtrib. nov. The Neotropical subfamily Diphtherinae, here newly circumscribed, is considered to be the plesiomorphic sister lineage to the rest of Nolidae. Diphtherinae are characterized by loss of the proximal pair of metatibial spurs in males and by the presence of a frontal tubercle, which is presumably associated with a derived strategy of emergence from the cocoon.     

Effects of neem-based insecticides on beet armyworm （Lepidoptera： Noctuidae）

Abstract Three commercial neem [ Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae)]-based insecticides, Agroneem, Ecozin, and Neemix, and a non-commercial neem leaf powder, were evaluated for oviposition deterrence, antifeedant effect on larvae, and toxicity to eggs and larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on cotton leaves in the laboratory. Oviposition deterrence in no-choice, and two- and fivechoice assays, was observed for the neem-based insecticide treatments when compared with a non-treated control. Neem-based insecticides also deterred feeding by beet armyworm larvae. Direct contact with neem-based insecticides decreased the survival of beet armyworm eggs. Survival of beet armyworm larvae fed for 7 days on leaves treated with neembased insecticides was reduced to 27, 33, 60, and 61% for neem leaf powder, Ecozin, Agroneem, and Neemix, respectively. Possibilities for adoption of neem-based insecticides in commercial cotton for beet armyworm control are discussed.     

Stage-specific control of grape berry moth, Endopiza viteana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), by selective and broad-spectrum insecticides

The insect growth regulators (IGRs) tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide and the broad-spectrum insecticides azinphosmethyl, carbaryl, and fenpropathrin were compared for their activity against adult, egg, and larval stages of the grape berry moth, Endopiza viteana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), under laboratory and vineyard conditions. Adult mortality was not affected by exposure to field-equivalent rates of tebufenozide or methoxyfenozide on grape clusters, whereas all the broad-spectrum compounds significantly reduced adult survival, compared with the untreated controls. Surviving adult moths laid significantly more eggs on berries treated with the IGRs than on berries treated with any of the broad-spectrum insecticides. Survival of these eggs through to late larval and pupal stages was significantly lower on methoxyfenozide-treated grapes than on untreated grapes, and no pupae were found when grapes were treated with azinphosmethyl or fenpropathrin. Neither of the growth regulator insecticides limited egg eclosion or larval development by E. viteana when insecticides were applied before egg laying, whereas broad-spectrum insecticides were effective against both eggs and neonates at this timing. When applied after egg eclosion, all insecticide treatments significantly reduced survival of grape berry moth larvae. Under vineyard conditions, berries with 1-d-old residues of tebufenozide or methoxyfenozide received more E. viteana eggs than berries treated with broad-spectrum compounds. After aging for 7 or 14 d, no significant effects on E. viteana survival were detected among treatments. Whereas broad-spectrum insecticides provide control of multiple life stages of E. viteana, integration of tebufenozide or methoxyfenozide into vineyard management programs for control of this pest will be most successful if applications are timed for egg hatch.     

First report of Garella musculana (Erschov, 1874) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in Italy with insights into its identity

The Asian walnut moth, Garella musculana (Erschov, 1874) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), is a major pest of walnut. Native to Central Asia, it was found to be invasive in 2008 in Sevastopol (Crimea) and nowadays widespread in Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Russia. Here, we account for the finding of G. musculana in NE Italy (Veneto region) in 2021, where adults were found in a light lamp, representing the first record of the Asian walnut moth for this country and Western Europe. Adult specimens were identified morphologically on both external characters and genitalia features. G. musculana larvae and damage were also observed on a plantation of Juglans regia L. (Fagales: Juglandaceae) located in Veneto in October 2021. A COI-barcoding analysis was performed to attain a molecular characterization of our specimens and probate our morphological identification. However, because no sequence of G. musculana was present in major gene databases and the similarity of our sequences with those attributed to Garella ruficirra (Hampson, 1905) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) made clear that these taxa deserved further scrutiny regarding their specific distinction. Some subtle differences in the male terminalia could be found between them and their vast geographic distributions, but the strong similarity in most features calls for further morphological and genetical insights on a broad set of samples to assess whether they represent two closely related, substantially parapatric species, or a unique, geographically varying entity. Solving this issue may turn out crucial in the identification and proper management of walnut moths of the genus Garella.     

Candidate insecticides for the control of larvae of Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera) (Noctuidae)

Fifteen insecticides were tested in the laboratory against larvae of Mamestra brassicae, a chrysanthemum pest. Seven of these, methomyl, chlorpyrifos, leptophos, iodofenphos, methamidophos, mephosfolan and fenitrothion were significantly more potent than carbaryl, the standard adopted. The performance of the insecticides is discussed in relation to selective action against insects and to mammalian toxicity, to identify those which might be suitable for integrated control or chemical control of noctuid larvae under glass. A technique for monitoring the amount of pesticide deposited on to a target by a Potter Tower sprayer is described.     

中国东北目夜蛾科(部分)、尾夜蛾科、瘤蛾科和夜蛾科(鳞翅目)分类学研究进展

通过文献整理和标本材料,根据现行分类系统,综述东北三省夜蛾总科传统夜蛾科的分类学研究进展,直观简要地阐明其自然环境、动物地理、研究简史和夜蛾种类等相关研究的发展过程。     

Temperature-dependent variation in toxicity of insecticides against Earias vitella (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The toxicity of synthetic pyrethroids was found to be negatively correlated with temperature, whereas contrasting correlation was observed with the toxicity of organophosphorous compounds chlorpyriphos and quinalphos, which was most toxic at higher temperature. A similar phenomenon was observed in endosulfan at higher temperature and humidity combination. The insecticide molecules indoxacarb and spinosad were effective among the insecticides tested. Indoxacarb was effective at lower temperature, and spinosad was effective at all the temperature and relative humidity combinations with minor difference in LD50 values. During both the years, however, the levels of resistance were higher in second year compared with previous year.     

Evaluating new insecticides for the control of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on capsicum and zucchini

Abstract  The efficacy of insecticides in controlling Helicoverpa spp., predominantly H. armigera (Hübner), on capsicum and zucchini was tested in small plot trials. Indoxacarb, methoxyfenozide, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and novaluron provided control, as measured by the percentage of damaged fruit, equal to or better than standard treatments of methomyl or methomyl alternated with methamidophos on capsicum. The Helicoverpa nucleopolyhedrovirus gave control equivalent to the standard treatment, as did Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai , but B. thuringiensis kurstaki was ineffective. Helicoverpa armigera larvae were present in zucchini flowers but did little damage to the fruit. None of the insecticides significantly reduced the percentage of damaged zucchini fruit compared with the untreated control. Bifenthrin, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and methoxyfenozide were effective in controlling larvae in flowers, while methomyl, B. thuringiensis aizawai , B. thuringiensis kurstaki and novaluron were not effective. Data indicated that all the insecticides effectively controlled larvae of Diaphania indica (Saunders), cucumber moth, in the zucchini flowers. There has been a limited range of insecticides available to manage Helicoverpa spp. in these vegetable crops, but these trials demonstrate the effectiveness of a number of newer insecticides that could be used and that would be compatible with integrated pest management programs in the crops.     

惠州地区褐飞虱对几种药剂的抗药性监测

2009年采用稻茎浸渍法测定广东省惠州地区褐飞虱Nilaparvata lugens(Stl)种群对吡虫啉、噻嗪酮、异丙威、丁烯氟虫腈、烯定虫胺和毒死蜱等杀虫剂的敏感性,测定结果表明:当地褐飞虱种群对吡虫啉产生了极高水平抗性(抗性倍数为422.2倍),对噻嗪酮、异丙威产生了中等水平抗性(抗性倍数分别为11.0和14.0倍),对丁烯氟虫腈仍处于敏感性降低(抗性倍数为3.7倍),对烯定虫胺和毒死蜱敏感(抗性倍数<3倍)。基于褐飞虱对这6种药剂抗性的明显差异,对田间治理褐飞虱合理使用药剂进行了讨论。     

Baseline monitoring of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larval response to benzoylhydrazine insecticides

A diet-incorporation larval bioassay was developed to measure the response of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), to the benzoylhydrazine insecticides tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide. The bioassay tested neonates and third, fourth, and fifth instars from a laboratory colony and neonates and fourth instars from a pooled population collected from five certified-organic apple orchards. Bioassays were scored after 6 and 14 d. No differences between the laboratory and field population were found for either insecticide. Significant differences were found in the response of third and fifth instars between the 6 and 14 d bioassays, primarily due to a high proportion of moribund larvae in the shorter assay. Larval age had a significant effect in bioassays and was more pronounced in 6- versus 14-d tests. Fifth instars were significantly less susceptible to both insecticides than other stages, while responses of third and fourth instars were similar. The response of neonates was significantly different from third and fourth instars to tebufenozide but not with methoxyfenozide in the 14-d test. Field bioassays excluded the use of fifth instars and were scored after 14 d. LC50s estimated for 18 field-collected populations varied five- and ninefold for tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide, respectively. The responses of all but six field-collected populations were significantly different from the laboratory strain. Five of these six populations were collected from orchards with no history of organophosphate insecticide use. The LC50 for methoxyfenozide of one field-collected population reared in the laboratory for three generations declined fourfold, but was still significantly different from the laboratory population. These data suggest that transforming current codling moth management programs in Washington from a reliance on organophosphate insecticides to benzoylhydrazines may be difficult.     

Susceptibility of Oriental fruit moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae to selected reduced-risk insecticides

To determine their baseline susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, spinosad, and acetamiprid, oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), neonates were placed on diet cubes containing a range of concentrations of each insecticide. Mortality was assessed after 96 h. Two populations-a long-term laboratory colony from Rutgers University and a colony established in 2007 from a southwestern Illinois (Calhoun County) field population-were tested. We used probit and logit analyses to compare the responses of Calhoun colony neonates from parents reared on 'Gala' apples (Malus spp.) with those of Calhoun colony neonates from parents reared on lima bean, Phaseolus lunatus L., diet. We also compared the responses of Calhoun colony neonates with those of Rutgers colony neonates (all from parents reared on apples). LC50s (ppm in diet) for Calhoun colony progeny of adults reared on apples were 0.08, 0.06, 0.41, and 0.30, respectively, for chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, acetamiprid, and spinosad. Parental food source (apples versus lima bean diet) did not consistently influence the concentration-mortality relationships for neonates. Based on LC50s and toxicity ratio tests, Calhoun colony neonates were slightly but significantly less susceptible to spinetoram and acetamiprid than were Rutgers colony neonates. Similarly, LC90s and toxicity ratio tests indicated that Calhoun colony neonates were slightly but significantly less susceptible to chlorantraniliprole as well. However, toxicity ratios (Calhoun/Rutgers) were low in all instances, and the highest ratio was 1.73 at LC90 for chlorantraniliprole. Overall, the two colonies responded similarly to these insecticides. Results reported here provide baseline data for future monitoring of resistance development.     

Effect of insecticides on the diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and its parasitoid Diadegma insulare (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Studies were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of insecticides to adult Diadegma insulare (Cresson) and its host the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). Leaf-dip and direct-dip bioassays for diamondback moth larvae and residual bioassays for adults of diamondback moth and D. insulare were used to assess mortalities. Larval mortalities at field rates were significantly higher with carbaryl, permethrin, spinosad, and tebufenozide when compared with Bacillus thuringiensis, or imidacloprid in the larval-dip bioassay 72 h after treatment. In the leaf-dip and residual bioassays, both permethrin and spinosad caused 100% mortalities to diamondback moth larvae and adults, respectively, 72 h after treatment. Of all the materials tested, only B. thuringiensis and tebufenozide were not toxic to D. insulare 24 h after treatment. Spinosad was not toxic to D. insulare 30 min after treatment. However, 100% mortality was observed 8 h after treatment.     

褐飞虱对五种杀虫剂抗性的快速检测技术

【目的】建立褐飞虱Nilaparvata lugens对常用杀虫剂抗性的快速检测技术,实时掌握田间褐飞虱种群的抗药性水平,以指导褐飞虱防控合理用药。【方法】基于玻璃瓶药膜法,研制褐飞虱3龄若虫对吡虫啉、啶虫脒、醚菊酯、毒死蜱和异丙威5种杀虫剂抗性的快速检测试剂盒;利用试剂盒测定的死亡率与稻苗浸渍法测得的抗性倍数进行相关性分析,并验证利用试剂盒快速测定褐飞虱田间种群对5种杀虫剂 抗性水平的准确性。【结果】处理1 h时吡虫啉、啶虫脒、醚菊酯、毒死蜱和异丙威对褐飞虱室内敏感种群3龄若虫的LD₉₀分别为：30.96, 92.05, 117.24, 514.21和1.24 ng/cm²。在吡虫啉、啶虫脒、醚菊酯、毒死蜱和异丙威相应诊断剂量下,贵州省不同田间种群褐飞虱3龄若虫的校正死亡率分别在23.75%~78.75%, 25.00%~78.75%, 43.75%~88.75%, 36.25%~85.00%和18.75%~67.50%之间。相关性分析表明,上述田间种群褐飞虱3龄若虫的死亡率与稻苗浸渍法测定的抗性倍数呈显著负相关,相关系数在0.8751~0.9754之间。通过快速检测试剂盒获得的死亡率及相关性方程计算得到贵州安龙地区(AL)褐飞虱种群对吡虫啉、啶虫脒、醚菊酯、毒死蜱和异丙威的推测抗性倍数分别为7.23, 3.68, 4.14, 4.12和31.18,采用稻苗浸渍法测得上述5种杀虫剂的实测抗性倍数分别为6.33, 5.24, 3.71, 4.50和26.56,表明推测抗性倍数与实测的抗性倍数结果表现一致。【结论】该快速检测试剂盒可以通过测定褐飞虱田间种群的死亡率,快速评估褐飞虱田间种群对杀虫剂的抗性水平。     

Reduced-risk insecticides for control of grape berry moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and conservation of natural enemies

A 3-yr field study was conducted at commercial grape (Vitis spp.) farms to evaluate insect management programs for control of the grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and conservation of natural enemies. At each farm, one vineyard received only reduced-risk insecticides for control of second and third generation P. viteana, whereas the comparison vineyard received conventional insecticides. Both vineyards received a conventional insecticide application for control of first generation P. viteana and other insect pests. Monitoring with pheromone traps showed no differences between programs in the total number of adult male moths trapped in vineyards, and oviposition by P. viteana was similar between the two programs in all 3 yr. During weekly samples of crop infestation, both programs had a similar percentage of clusters infested by P. viteana larvae. Berries infested by P. viteana were collected from vineyard borders during the second and third P. viteana generations and held under controlled conditions. In eight of the nine berry samples, survival of larvae was significantly lower in berries collected from vineyards managed under the reduced-risk insecticide program compared with the conventional program. Parasitism of P. citeana larvae in these samples was not consistently different between the two insecticide programs over 3 yr, and similar captures of natural enemies were found on yellow sticky traps in the two programs throughout the study. Our results indicate that integrated pest management programs incorporating reduced-risk insecticides for control of P. viteana can obtain similar or greater control of P. viteana compared with programs based solely on conventional insecticides, but they may not lead to measurable long-term increases in parasitism of P. viteana.