A new species of Uliosoma Warren (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Chrysauginae) from the Western Hemisphere discovered in rambutan bark (Nephelium lappaceum L.)

Authors: Solis, Maria

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/26/2026
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The United States imports over 363 metric tons of rambutan fruit with a value of $872 M annually. Although many insect orders and families of moths have been found to feed on rambutan in other tropical areas of the world, including Hawaii, no moth species had been reported on rambutan in the Western Hemisphere. I report and describe a new species of snout moth discovered on rambutan in Mexico. Information about this new species and its novel association in the Western Hemisphere will be used in the United States by quarantine staff at U.S. ports to identify potential invasive species and pests.

Technical Abstract: A new species of the genus Uliosoma Warren was discovered living in rambutan bark, Nephelium lappaceum L. (Sapindaceae), in Mexico. It is the first reported plant association for Uliosoma and Pyraloidea in the Western Hemisphere on the non-native rambutan with an Asian origin. In the superfamily Pyraloidea, the moth genus Uliosoma is uniquely defined by clusters of long, lateral setae on the adult male abdomen. Uliosoma rhodoesis Dyar, 1914, from Panama is elevated to full species, revised status. The identity and placement of five Uliosoma species described by Hampson from South America is also discussed.