A new species and species distribution records of Neoleucinodes (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae) from Colombia feeding on Solanum spp.

Authors: Solis, M Alma; DIAZ, ANA ELIZABETH - CORPOICA, C.I. PALMIRA,CO

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2007
Publication Date: 10/5/2007
Citation: Solis, M.A., Diaz, A. 2007. A new species and species distribution records of Neoleucinodes (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae) from Colombia feeding on Solanum spp.. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 109(4):897-908.

Interpretive Summary: The tomato fruit borer is a major pest of tomatoes in Central and South America. It is a member of a group of species of which very little is known about or the biology. The accurate identification of this group of species is critical to quarantine because none of the included species occur in the U.S. Because the United States produced over 3,976 million pounds of tomatoes in 2004 these species could threaten an important agricultural commodity. This paper describes a new species closely related and externally very similar to the tomato fruit borer that feeds on a species of the tomato plant family in Colombia. We describe the adult and caterpillar and distinguish it from the tomato fruit borer. This information will be useful to scientists, action agencies or quarantine identifiers, and biological control workers.

Technical Abstract: Neoleucinodes silvaniae, n. sp., from Colombia, is described. The larvae feed on the fruit of a wild Solanum pseudolulo Heisser. The adults and larvae of the new species are figured and compared with Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée), a major pest of tomatoes throughout South America. Neoleucinodes prophetica, N. imperialis, and N. torvis are reported from Colombia for the first time.