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The Biology of <i>Casmara subagronoma</i> (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), a Stem-Boring Moth of <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> (Myrtaceae): Descriptions of the Previously Unknown Adult Female and Immature Stages, and Its Potential as a Biological Control Candidate
oleh: Susan A. Wineriter-Wright, Melissa C. Smith, Mark A. Metz, Jeffrey R. Makinson, Bradley T. Brown, Matthew F. Purcell, Kane L. Barr, Paul D. Pratt
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2020-09-01 |
Deskripsi
<i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> is a perennial shrub native to Southeast Asia and is invasive in South Florida and Hawai’i, USA. During surveys of <i>R. tomentosa</i> in Hong Kong from 2013–2018 for potential biological control agents, we collected larvae of the stem borer, <i>Casmara subagronoma</i>. Larvae were shipped in stems to a USDA-ARS quarantine facility where they were reared and subjected to biology studies and preliminary host range examinations. <i>Casmara subagronoma</i> is the most recent <i>Casmara</i> species to be described from males collected in Vietnam and Indonesia. Because the original species description was based on only two male specimens, we also provide a detailed description of the female, egg, larva, and pupa. Finally, we conducted preliminary host range trials utilizing <i>Myrtus communis</i>, <i>Myrcianthes fragrans</i>, and <i>Camellia sinensis</i>. <i>Casmara subagronoma</i> emerged from <i>M. fragrans,</i> a Florida-native shrub, and larvae were able to survive in non-target stems for over a year (>400 days). Based on these findings and difficulty in rearing, we do not believe <i>C. subagronoma</i> is a suitable insect for biological control of <i>R. tomentosa</i> at this time, but may warrant further study. This investigation also illustrates the importance of host surveys for conservation and taxonomic purposes.