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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Systematic Entomology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #317408

Title: First record of Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in South America

Author
item ZAWADNEAK, M. A. - Federal University - Brazil
item BARBOZA, GONCALVES - Federal University - Brazil
item CHAPAVAL, PIMENTEL - Federal University - Brazil
item SCHUBER, J. - Federal University - Brazil
item SANTOS, B. - Federal University - Brazil
item POLTRONIERI, A. - Federal University - Brazil
item Solis, M Alma

Submitted to: IDESIA
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/11/2016
Publication Date: 7/5/2016
Citation: Zawadneak, M.C., Barboza, G.R., Chapaval, P.I., Schuber, J.M., Santos, B., Poltronieri, A.S., Solis, M.A. 2016. First record of Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in South America. Idesia. 34:91-95. doi:10.4067/S0718-34292016000300011.

Interpretive Summary: Many snout moths can become invasive species when introduced into new areas. The European pepper moth has 35 known hosts of economic importance, such as peppers, tomatoes, corn, cucumber, and squash. The moth is native to Europe where it has been reported as a pest to strawberries. The European pepper moth is reported for the first time from South America where high infestations by larvae on strawberries is now reported in Brazil. The adult moth, eggs, larvae and damage on strawberries are figured. The results of this study will be used by farmers and biological control workers to monitor and implement pest control methods.

Technical Abstract: Originally from the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands, European pepper moth Duponchelia fovealis Zeller was reported for the first time in the State of Paraná, Brazil. This is the first record of this species in South America. D. fovealis causes damage to strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) and weakens the plants. High infestations can lead to the death of plants.