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Title: Biology and host range of Tecmessa elegans (Lepidoptera:Notodontidae) a leaf-feeding moth evaluated as a potential biological control agent for Schinus terebinthifolius (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in the USA

Author
item OLEIRO, MARINA - Universidad De Buenos Aires
item MC KAY, FERNANDO - South American Biological Control Lab(SABCL)
item Wheeler, Gregory

Submitted to: Environmental Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2011
Publication Date: 6/1/2011
Citation: Oleiro, M., Mc Kay, F., Wheeler, G.S. 2011. Biology and host range of Tecmessa elegans (Lepidoptera:Notodontidae) a leaf-feeding moth evaluated as a potential biological control agent for Schinus terebinthifolius (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in the USA. Environmental Entomology. 40(3):605-613.

Interpretive Summary: During surveys for natural enemies that could potentially be used as classical biological control agents of Brazilian pepper which is invasive in the USA, a caterpillar was found feeding on the leaves of the shrub in South America. Descriptions of the biology and larval and adult host range of this species were conducted to determine the insect’s suitability for biological control of this invasive weed in North America. Biological observations indicate that the larvae have five instars. When disturbed, the larvae emit formic acid from a gland which may protect larvae from predators. Tests conducted both in South and North America indicated that the larvae of this species feed and complete development primarily on some species of the Cashew family. When given the choice in large cages the adult moth will select the Brazilian pepper over Pistachio plants to lay eggs. However, considering the many valued plant species in its host range, especially several North American natives, this moth will not be considered further for biological control of Brazilian pepper in the USA. Further studies on the field host range could confirm preliminary observations that this insect is a specialist on only a few species of the Cashew family from South America.

Technical Abstract: During surveys for natural enemies that could potentially be used as classical biological control agents of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Brazilian pepper) which is invasive in the USA, the caterpillar, Tecmessa elegans Schaus (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), was recorded feeding on the leaves of the shrub in South America. Descriptions of the biology and larval and adult host range of this species were conducted to determine the insect’s suitability for biological control of this invasive weed in North America. Biological observations indicate that the larvae have five instars. When disturbed, the late instar larvae emit formic acid from a prothoracic gland which may protect larvae from generalist predators. Larval host range tests conducted both in South and North America indicated that this species feeds and completes development primarily on members of the Anacardiaceae within the tribe Rhoeae. Oviposition tests indicated that when given a choice in large cages the adults will select the target weed over Pistacia spp. However, considering the many valued plant species in its host range, especially several North American natives, this species will not be considered further for biological control of S. terebinthifolius in North America. Further studies on the field host range could confirm preliminary observations that this insect is a specialist on only a few species of Schinus and Lithrea.