Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 13, 2011
Publication Date: November 30, 2011
Citation: Pogue, M.G. 2011. Using DNA barcoding and genitalia to place “Leucochlaena” hipparis (Druce) in Spodoptera Guenee (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 113(4):497-507.
Interpretive Summary: Owlet moth caterpillars are serious agricultural pests of crops and many forest trees and annually cause billions of dollars of economic loss worldwide. In this study a species was determined to belong in a genus that includes many pest species by using a technique called DNA barcoding. The DNA analysis showed that this species belongs to the pest genus. Male and female genitalia are described and illustrated to provide tools to distinguish the species from other closely related species. This information will be important to all researchers working with owlet moths of agricultural importance and aid quarantine personnel to identify these species that are often intercepted at U.S. ports on cut flowers.
Technical Abstract:
Using the 658 bp ‘barcode’ region of cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene, the species “Leucochlaena” hipparis (Druce) was placed in the genus Spodoptera. A neighbor-joining tree placing “Leucochlaena” hipparis within Spodoptera is illustrated. Adult and male and female genitalia are illustrated.
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