First report of Exorista xanthaspis (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tachinidae), a larval-pupal parasitoid on invasive pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in maize from India

Abstract

For the first time, the tachinid fly, Exorista xanthaspis (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tachinidae), was found to parasitize the larvae of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected from maize fields in Karnataka, India. The field survey conducted during 2018-19 revealed the occurrence of E. xanthaspis on the larvae of S. frugiperda with the parasitism rate of 1.85 to 4.55% in maize fields. The identity of tachinid parasitoid was confirmed by amplifying Cytochrome Oxidase I gene (CO1-658 bp) and DNA

Natural Enemies of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) and comparing Neem aqueous extracts with its larvae, Gurage zone, central Ethiopia

“…Among the observed parasitoids, E. xanthaspis was the most prevalent and the primary cause of general parasitism. Similar observations have been made in maize farms in India, where E. xanthaspis was found to parasitize S. frugiperda larvae and pupae [ 37 ]. CABI [ 9 ] also supports this finding, stating that E. xanthaspis is a parasitic fly found in Africa, Asia and Europe, known to parasitize the larvae and pupae of various agricultural pests.…”

“…During a span of approximately 9–12 days, the emerging parasitoids were observed, numbered, and carefully preserved for further identification. The identification process involved by observing and matching the morphological characteristics for each parasitoid species, as well as references from previously published works by Sari et al [ 36 ], Navik et al [ 37 ], and Prasanna et al [ 38 ]. It is important to note that no dissections were performed to search for dead parasitoids within the dead larvae or pupae.…”

Population Dynamics of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda and its Natural Enimies in Maize

“…Which were found attacking larvae of S. frugiperda. Navik et al [9] reported for the first time the E. xanthaspis as a parasitoid of fall armyworm in India.…”

Seasonal incidence of fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda in maize

“…xanthaspis (Navik et al, 2020) known on S. frugiperda. An entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium rileyi was also observed during kharif, and not during rabi, with maximum infection being in Hirekerur taluka (3.56 %).…”