The preimaginal stages and bionomics of Scythris sinensis (Felder and Rogenhofer, 1875) (Lepidoptera, Scythrididae), a Borer in Chenopodium album L. (Chenopodiaceae)

Abstract

The bionomics and distribution of Scythris sinensis (Felder and Rogenhofer, 1875) were studied in Hungary from 2004 to 2018. The host plant was found to be Chenopodium album L. The larva feeds on the leaves in a loose web. The length of the larval stage varies from 12 to 15 days, that of the pupal stage from 7 to 10 days of the summer generation. The species is generally bivoltine in Hungary, but in the southern, warmer areas a third partial generation may occur. Adults of the second and third generations have characteristic yellow patches on the forewing. The species overwinters as pupa in a white cocoon near the host plant. The immature stages and the adult are illustrated and a map of the Hungarian records is given with two Figures.