Redescription of Apomyelois cognata (Staudinger, 1871) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Phycitinae) with first record from the South Urals

Until recently, Apomyelois cognata (Staudinger, 1871) was known only from the type series collected 150 years ago in the Lower Volga region, as well as old records from Iran and Cyprus (the latter unconfirmed). In 2011 and 2020, more specimens of this little-known species were collected in the South Urals (Russia), presenting a new record for the area. The species identity was confirmed via examination of syntypes preserved in the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin. A lectotype designation for the species is made and a detailed redescription with illustrations of male and female genitalia is given.

Control Potentials of Three Entomopathogenic Bacterial Isolates for the Carob Moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Pomegranates

Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the primary pest of pomegranates in Saudi Arabia and is mostly controlled using broad-spectrum pesticides. Providing environmentally sound choices to limit reliance on chemical management is a major challenge in the control of E. ceratoniae and, as a consequence, in the protection of pomegranate crops from its invasion. Entomopathogenic bacteria (EPB) symbiotically associated with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are well-known biocontrol agents of soil-dwelling or aerial pests. The bacterium symbiont (EPB) is the real insect-killing biocontrol agent, while the nematode (EPN) serves as a vector. We wondered whether the EPB vector, which is extremely vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions, like drought, high temperatures, and repellent soil microorganisms, could be omitted. We intended to evaluate the biocontrol potential of directly applied EPB cells and cell-free culture media (CFCM) on the larval instar E. ceratoniae. Xenorhabdus budapestensis DSM 16342 (EMA), X. szentirmaii DSM 16338 (EMC), and Photorhabdus luminescens ssp. laumondi (TT01) strains were used. After three days of exposure, the cells of EMA, EMC, and TT01 strains resulted in 100%, 88%, and 79.3% larval mortality rates, respectively. The applied EMA CFCM resulted in 53.7% larval mortality, indicating the presences of (at least) one extremely strong component produced by EMA. We concluded that the direct application of either the EPB cells or the CFCM must be a prospective alternative biocontrol of E. ceratoniae, especially to protect the important fruit (pomegranate, Punica granatum) cultivars. Especially, newly identified local EPB isolates could be applied as bio-pesticides for integrated management practices or organic pomegranate production.

Taxonomic review of the genus Lista Walker, 1859 from China (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Epipaschiinae), with descriptions of five new species

The genus Lista Walker, 1859 from China is reviewed. Of the eighteen species treated, five species are described as new: L. furcellata Li & Rong, sp. nov., L. serrata Li & Rong, sp. nov., L. strumiformis Li & Rong, sp. nov., L. yunnanensis Li & Rong, sp. nov. and L. zhengi Li & Rong, sp. nov. Photographs of adults and genitalia of the new speices are provided. A key based on male genitalia to all Chinese species is provided.

Hypsipyla grandella. [Distribution map].

A new distribution map is provided for Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller). Lepidoptera: Pyralidae. Hosts: Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), American mahogany (S. mahagoni), African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis). Information is given on the geographical distribution in North America (Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Florida), South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Acre, Amapa, Amazones, Distrito Federal, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Para, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela).

The incidence of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (FAW) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a newly invasive corn pest in Indonesia

Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (FAO) (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae), is one of a newly Invasive armyworms on corn in Indonesia has been quickly spreading recently. S. frugiperda attack in Indonesia was first discovered in March 2019, in West Sumatra and Lampung. These pests have caused major damage on corn in the United States, which has become one of the important invasive pests that are polyphagous, however, its main host is corn. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of eggs, larvae, pupae and its adults’ stage, as well as the attacks, and the distribution area of Spodoptera frugiperda in Indonesia. Observations and sampling were carried out at locations affected by S. frugiperda attack from March 2019 to May 2020. The characteristics of eggs and larvae were observed in the laboratory using a stereomicroscope (Olympus SZX 12) while pupae, and the adult stage was observed visually. The field observations were carried out on 50 plant samples at each location, using the scouting method, the data collected were the number of larvae and the percentage of attacks. The S. frugiperda was observed placing the eggs in groups under the surface of the leaf, sometimes the eggs are covered with fine hairs. The defining characteristics of S. frugiperda larvae are the inverted Y shape on its caput, and four black dots on the eighth abdominal segment, and the larvae consisting of 5 stages of instars. These characteristics were found at all observation sites (West Sumatra, Lampung, South Sulawesi, South Kalimantan, and East Java. Based on field observations, it is known that S. frugiperda has spread and attacked several regions in Indonesia, namely: Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java and South Sulawesi, with an average between 1.26 - 3 individuals/plant and an average percentage of attacks between 60.12 - 87, 05%. In accordance with the development of FAW attacks in the field that are increasingly widespread, it is better to design and test to support a continuous FAW control program in accordance with IPM principles.