Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 6, 1998
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: Cutworm moths in the family Noctuidae are major agricultural pests causing billions of dollars of damage annually. Larvae and pupae of three species in the genus Eulepidotis are described for the first time. One species, Eulepidotis merricki, is documented as a pest on Spanish-lime in Puerto Rico. Spanish-lime is cultivated throughout the Caribbean and used as a ornamental and fruit tree. The other species attack tropical rainforest trees. The results of this paper will be important to scientists, ecologists, economic entomologists, horticulturists, and fruit growers. Also, APHIS, PPQ inspectors and identifiers will use this information.
Technical Abstract:
Larvae and pupae of the genus Eulepidotis Hubner are described for the first time. The species are E. merricki (Holland), E. juncida (Guenee), and E. superior (Guenee), all of Neotropical distribution. The larval host of E. merricki was Spanish-lime, Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. (Sapindaceae), which is cultivated as an ornamental and fruit tree throughout the Caribbean. Larvae of E. juncida were reared from Inga fagifolia (L.) Willd. ex Benth. (=Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd.) (Mimosaceae). Larvae of E. superior were defoliating Quararibea asterolepis Pitt. (Bombacaceae).
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