Title: Description of a New Tortricid Pest (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) of Litchi (Litchi Chinensis) in Southern Florida, with a Review of Tortricid Pests of Litchi Worldwide
Authors
Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2001
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: The moth family Tortricidae, also known as leafrollers, includes many economically important pests of agricultural commodities. This paper reports a new leafroller pest of litchi, an oriental fruit grown in southern Florida. The larvae or caterpillars have a significant negative impact on fruit production. While the exact identity of the species remains unknown, we present descriptions and illustrations that will help producers and pest managers recognize this pest. Other pests of litchi worldWide are reviewed briefly. This work will be valuable to those involved in the production of litchi and management of litchi pests.
Technical Abstract:
The early stages of Crocidosema species, a new pest of litchi in southern Florida, are described and illustrated. Although the specific identity of the moth remains unknown, the species is clearly a member of C. longipalpana (Moschler) complex. Since 1993 an increase in the abundance of the Crocidosema species in southern FLorida has resulted in significant damage to commercially grown litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonnerat; Sapindaceae). The larvae feed on the inflorescences and buds of the host plant, significantly reducing crop yield. Details are presented on the life history. In addition, a list of tortricid pests of litchi worldwide is presented.
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