Arthroschista Hilaralis: The Biology and Emerging Threat to Kadam (Anthocephalus Cadamba) Sapling in Sylhet, Bangladesh

In Sylhet, nursery owner facing a lepidopteran pest problem namely Arthroschista hilaralis on kadam saplings. Therefore, our research was articulated to find out the insect biology and damage severity of A. hilaralis on kadam saplings. Larvae of A. hilaralis folding the kadam leaves and make it entirely skeletonize. Whitish round shaped eggs were laid in cluster at both upper and lower surface of kadam leaves. Eggs were hatched after 6.4±0.2 days and the larval stage remained 12.8±0.3 days which was the main dangerous stage for kadam saplings. The full-grown caterpillars were around 21.5 mm to 25.0 mm in length. Pupal stage required around 6.4±0.6 days to became an adult moth. These insects damaged tender branches and young leaves of kadam saplings in June to October, 2018. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49(1): 83-90, 2021

Archedontia agnesae gen. n., sp. n., a new sterrhine species from Tadjikistan (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Sterrhinae)

A new geometrid species, Archedontia agnesae sp. n. is described from Tadjikistan. The new genus Archedontia gen. n. is assigned to the sterrhine tribe Rhodometrini, aside genus Ochodontia Lederer. Adult moth, male and female genitalia are figured and described, and COI barcode data analysed.

To pupate or not to pupate: a case study of an obligate pollination mutualism in Glochidion ferdinandi (Phyllanthaceae) and Epicephala colymbetella (Gracillariidae)

Obligate pollination mutualisms have recently been recorded in the Glochidion genus with Epicephala moth associates (leaf-flower and leaf-flower moths). There is limited literature on Australian Glochidion species and their pollinators. Glochidion ferdinandi occurs predominantly across the east coast of Queensland, Australia and has an obligate pollination association with Epicephala colymbetella. Early descriptions of G. ferdinandi describe the encapsulation of the adult moth within the fruit. In the present study, observations and fruit dissections were recorded to analyse the role of symbionts within this mutualism, pollinator life history and the flowering phenology of the host. Our study confirmed this rare behaviour in which E. colymbetella pupated within G. ferdinandi fruit in which adult moths were retained until fruit dehiscence. Fruit dissections identified two other species alongside E. colymbetella, a seed consuming Spilomelinae moth and parasitoid Bracon wasp. Although both moth species were found to reduce the number of surviving ovules in the fruit, E. colymbetella also provided a pollination benefit to G. ferdinandi. Furthermore, the life histories of E. colymbetella and phenology of G. ferdinandi were observed to be highly synchronous, with larvae developing concurrently with ovules after flower fertilisation. Retention of the adult moth in fruit has only previously been recorded in one other Epicephala (lanceolaria).

Insect growth regulatory activities from oils of camphor and clove against Spilosoma obliqua

The present study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal and growth regulatory activities of clove oil, Syzygium aromaticum and camphor oil, Cinammomum camphora against Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua. The fourth instar larvae were subjected to topical application by microapplicator syringe with doses of 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 μl/larva. Camphor oil was most effective at 2.5, 2.0 and 1.5μl dose causing death of larvae ranging from 76-90%. It showed a strong growth regulatory activity with no adult emergence at the highest concentration. Clove oil was effective in reducing adult moth population to 27% at highest dose of 2.5 μl. Only this dose could cause larval mortality of about 60%. The study shows potential of these oils to be utilized as insecticides or antibiosis mechanism to suppress the population of S. obliqua.

Identification and Distribution of Sugarcane Stem Borer in Bangladesh

Field surveys were conducted during the cropping season of 2010-2011 to assess the distribution of Sugarcane stem borer species in 12 AEZs of Bangladesh. These surveys documented abundance and their distribution and results clearly showed the existence of the stem borer at all locations surveyed, but with a higher incidence in the Atwary (36%) and initiation of infestation was observed on 20 May. Stem borer incidence and distribution varied significantly among the different locations. Second highest rate of infestation (32%) was recorded in Bashudebpur followed by Dinajpur (31%), Pabna and Akandabaria farm (30%). The lower infestation was recorded in Kaliganj. The percentage of stems attacked at the Kaliganj has never exceeded 23% followed by Rajshahi (28%), Thakurgaon and Faridpur (29%). The rate of infestation of stem borer (Chilo tumidicostalis) in different locations varied from 23-36%. While morphological characteristics of stem borer species were identified with standard keys and species composition was only predominated by Chilo tumidicostalis Hampson, though previous workers found other borers in addition to this species. The sex ratio of adult moth Chilo tumidicostalis was 1:1.42 after emergence from the reared collected pupae from different locations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18406 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 103-116 (2013)

First report of Dryadaula caucasica (Zagulajev, 1970) from Central Europe and records of further rare tineids (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) in Białowieża Primeval Forest

First report ofDryadaula caucasica(Zagulajev, 1970) from Central Europe and records of further rare tineids (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) in Białowieża Primeval ForestDryadaula caucasica(Zagulajev, 1970) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae: Dryadaulinae) is recorded for the first time in Central Europe. Two specimens were collected in Białowieża Forest, NE Poland, by rearing from the sporocarp of bracket fungus and by intercepting the adult moth with the use of a barrier trap. This record ofD. caucasicafrom Poland is the fourth known locality of this species, and is situated more than 1700 km the nearest other known location. Characteristics of the species' habitat, notes on its biology, and a distribution map are presented. New records ofAgnathosia mendicella(Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775),Montescardia tessulatellus(Zeller, 1846) andTriaxomera fulvimitrella(Sodoffsky, 1830) from Białowieża Forest are also given.

The discrepancy between food plant preferance and suitability in the moth <i>Dysauxes ancilla</i>

Growth responses to and preference for different food plants were studied in larvae of the geographically isolated Swedish population of the moth Dysauxes ancilla. Laboratory rearing of D. ancilla larvae showed that, besides a mixed diet, four species from different plant families supported development to the adult moth. There was a significant suitability order among these species according to higher female adult weight and shorter development time; mixed diet and Calluna vulgaris > Hieracium pilosella > Thymus serpyllum > Brachytecium sp. However, these species were not top ranked in preference trials by the larvae. Instead larvae preferred Rumex acetosella, a plant that did not support development to adult moth as a single food source. This discrepancy between larval performance and preference may be explained by advantages from food mixing by the polyphagous larvae; an improved nutrient balance, a possibility of diluting toxic secondary substances and of switching foods to fit changing physiological needs. In Nature other factors such as microclimatic conditions, predators and parasitoids probably also influence the foraging behaviour of D. ancilla larvae.

Systematics of Schinia cupes (Grote) complex: Revised status of Schinia crotchii (Hy. Edwards) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae)

The revised status of Schinia crotchii is based on differences in male and female genitalic structures and distribution of larval host plant. Schinia navarra Dyar remains a synonym of S. cupes (Grote). Genitalia of both sexes of S. crotchii, S. cupes, and S. deserticola Barnes and McDunnough are described and illustrated for the first time. Distributions of larval hosts of both S. crotchii and S. deserticola are mapped and compared with adult moth distributions.