Morphology of the immature stages and biology of Cactoblastis doddi (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Prepuna in Jujuy (Northwestern Argentina). In argentinian Northwestern five species or biotypes of the genus Cactoblastis Ragonot are recognized on cacti: C. cactorum (Berg), C. Bucyrus Dyar, C. mundelli Heinrich, C. doddi Heinrich and C. ronnai (Brèthes). Cactoblastis doddi feeds on Opuntia sulphurea, a native cactus. The objectives of this study were to morphologically characterize immature stages of C. doddi and to know bioecological aspects (duration of the development, distribution, larval parasitoids) to understand the insect-plant interaction. Sampling were conducted at seven sites located at different altitudes (2 100-3 100 meters) in Jujuy's prepuna, Argentina. Each sample consisted of five infested cladodes of O. sulphurea in each site. In the laboratory, lepidopteran breeding was performed under the following conditions: temperature 23 ± 3°C, relative humidity 69 ± 11 % and photoperiod of 12 hours light-12 hours dark. Under previous conditions, Cactoblastis doddi had two generations: a long one in winter (> 258 days) and a short one in summer (147 days), both with seven larval instars. Each immature stage and instars were morphologically characterized. Two larval parasitoids were detected Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez y Berta, and Habrobracon sp.

Chlosyne lacinia saundersii (Doubleday) is a polyphagous lepidopteran that produces a great defoliation in its host plants. The objective of this work was to determine the development and survival time of C. lacinia saundersii and to report aspects of its natural history on “Cuban grass” Tithonia tubaeformis (Jacq.) Cass. (Asteraceae). Caterpillars from the field were kept in cages in a rearing chamber under controlled conditions and fed with leaves of T. tubaeformis until adults’ emergence. To the latter, a honey solution and T. tubaeformis flowers was given. The life cycle duration was 48 days (egg: 8.0 days; larva: 24.9; pupa: 6.9 days; adult: 8.3 days) with six larval stages. The survival of each stage of development was high (> 70%) but considering the period from egg to pupa, only 52% of the individuals reached adulthood. Larval gregariousness was observed. In relation to the sexes there is a predominance of females (1.1:1). Female pupae were heavier than males. This work represents the first contribution to the knowledge of the biology of C. lacinia saundersii under laboratory conditions on T. tubaeformis. Cuban grass is confirmed as a new alternative host plant for C. lacinia saundersii