Description and biology ofPaectes longiformis(Lepidoptera: Euteliidae), a new species from Brazil and potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida

Abstract

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), native to South America, has invaded different habitats throughout south and central Florida. In recent surveys of natural enemies conducted in Salvador, Brazil (native range), a new species in the genus Paectes (Lepidoptera: Euteliidae) was found feeding on foliage of Brazilian peppertree. The objectives of this study were to describe the adult, larva and pupa and to examine the life history parameters of the new species, Paectes longiformis Pogue, a potential biocontrol agent of Brazilian peppertree. Survival and development of immature stages were examined at six constant temperatures (ranging from 16 to 348C). All stages of P. longiformis were exposed to 08C for 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 d, and lethal times were calculated (Ltime 50 , Ltime 90 ). Paectes longiformis laid eggs singly on the plant foliage and completed five instars including a non-feeding pre-pupal stage that moved to the soil where it spun a cocoon. Complete development occurred at temperatures from 19 to 318C, the lower developmental threshold was estimated to be 11.58C and 454 degree-days were required to complete development from egg to adult. The lethal times at 08C (Ltime 50 01 d, Ltime 90 05 d) were used to construct isothermal lines to predict areas of establishment in the continental US. The predicted distribution includes the southeastern states including Florida, in addition to southern Texas and Arizona, and California. Overall, this study provides a species description, along with baseline information about the biology and temperature requirements of P. longiformis, a potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree.

Inventário das espécies de insetos associados ao cajueiro presentes na coleção entomológica da Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical

“…Paectes longiformis (Euteliidae) (Tabela 3) são mariposas de cores cinza para marrom, obtendo uma aparência "ferruginosa"; suas larvas, quando jovens, tendem a se alimentarem das folhas mais novas e tenras; já porém quando mais desenvolvidas, são capazes de buscarem folhas das mais diversas idades, inclusive sendo mais vorazes (MANRIQUE et al, 2012).…”

A review of the Paectes arcigera species complex (Guenée) (Lepidoptera, Euteliidae)

“…As a potential biological control agent against the Brazilian peppertree in Florida, baseline data was developed about the biology and temperature requirements of Paectes longiformis (Manrique et al 2012). …”

“…Specimens originated near the airport in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Originally thought to be Paectes obrotunda (Guenée), it proved to be a new species (Manrique et al 2012). …”