Maruca Vitrata (Fabricius, 1787), senior valid name for Maruca Testulalis (Geyer , 1832), a worldwide pest of leguminaceous crops

Authors: Solis, M Alma

Submitted to: Newsletter of the Brazilian Entomological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/2003
Publication Date: 4/30/2003
Citation: Solis, M.A. 2003. Maruca Vitrata (Fabricius, 1787), senior valid name for Maruca Testulalis (Geyer , 1832), a worldwide pest of leguminaceous crops. Newsletter of the Brazilian Entomological Society. 28:3.

Interpretive Summary: Insect pests cost U.S. farmers and consumers millions of dollars each year. In order for research on these pests to move forward it is vital that everyone agree on the scientific name used for each pest species. My research found an older, valid name for the bean pod borer, a pest of lima beans, string beans and garden peas, was discovered and published in 1995. This note explains the change in the scientific taxonomic name. This information is of worldwide significance to scientists, quarantine personnel, and biological control biologists that need to identify and communicate about this pest species.

Technical Abstract: This note explains the new status of Maruca testulalis (Geyer) that is now a junior synonym of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius). M. testulalis is the name previously used worldwide for a pest of leguminaceous crops.