Sexual dimorphism, diagnosis and damage caused by Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

The European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an invasive and polyphagous species that has spread to several countries around the world. Currently there is little information in Mexico on this species. This paper describes and illustrates the characteristics of adults and pupae of both sexes, the male genitalia, and the damage caused by larvae in strawberry plantations. Adults possess several distinctive features that make them recognizable from other pest Lepidoptera, such as the transverse distal line on the forewings, which forms a finger-like figure. The abdomen of females is wide, contrary to males which is thin, tubular and elongated beyond the wings. The sexual differences in pupae are observed in the genital slits located in the 9th abdominal segment. The male slit presents a lobe on each side, while the female lacks these structures. The larvae feed on the roots, stems and fruits of strawberry plants, also allowing the entry of opportunistic pathogens. This information is useful to initiate research that requires live sexed insects, to support species identification and improve monitoring methods.