Peppered Moth Research Articles

Detection and Early Warning of Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Using an Automatic Monitoring System

In traditional pest monitoring, specimens are manually inspected, identified, and counted. These techniques can lead to poor data quality and hinder effective pest management decisions due to operational and economic limitations. This study aimed to develop an automatic detection and early warning system using the European Pepper Moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), as a study model. A prototype water trap equipped with an infrared digital camera controlled using a microprocessor served as the attraction and capture device. Images captured by the system in the laboratory were processed to detect objects. Subsequently, these objects were labeled, and size and shape features were extracted. A machine learning model was then trained to identify the number of insects present in the trap. The model achieved 99% accuracy in identifying target insects during validation with 30% of the data. Finally, the prototype with the trained model was deployed in the field for result confirmation.

Dispersal Capacity of Trichogramma for the Management of Duponchelia fovealis

The European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) is predominant in the main strawberry production areas, including Brazil, as an important invasive pest and causes substantial damage to the crop. This damage is mainly attributed to the lack of effective management strategies. A promising alternative for managing this pest is implementing biological control through releasing natural enemies. This study determined the dispersal capacity of Trichogramma pretiosum for the management of D. fovealis in a strawberry crop in a low tunnel system 24, 48, and 72 h after parasitoid release. The experiments were carried out on strawberry farms in the mountainous region of Espírito Santo. Tunnels measuring 1.20 m wide by 50 m long were selected, in which artificial infestations of 30, 60, 90, and 120 eggs of D. fovealis were made on both sides of the strawberry tunnel at distances of 3, 7, 11, and 15 m, respectively, from the central point where the parasitoids were released. After the initial 24 h, new eggs were placed to replace the infested ones; the replacement was repeated at 48 and 72 h. The results indicated that, in strawberry plantations, T. pretiosum was efficient in parasitism. There was no difference between parasitism 24 and 48 h after parasitoid release, but parasitism was substantially lower after 72 h. The dispersion capacity of T. pretiosum was 14.21 linear meters, corresponding to an area of 17.05 m2. It is recommended that 93,000 T. pretiosum females be released per hectare every three days.

Biston betularia carbonaria Repopulating Maps with Climate Monsters

The monster appears in geographical texts throughout the ages as a ‘guardian of the border’ that defines the limits of the possible, inducing action or averting behavior and restricting movement for political or economic purposes. Through a philosophy that uses unorthodox means, I intend to present a climate monster by which, based on a possible imagery about the current climate crisis, an invitation for a change in our habits is produced. I propose that repopulating maps with situated imaginary monsters can deploy specific education of attention that invites focusing on concrete aspects of our surroundings. To do this I will present the mixed media art project Biston betularia carbonaria, an eco-distopia created in collaboration with the photographer Valeria Scrilatti.

Geometrids (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and other natural areas of the Kamchatka Peninsula

An overview of geometrid moth species (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve is presented. Additionally, materials from the Bystrinsky and Nalychevo Nature Parks, the Yuzhno- Kamchatsky and Kol River protected natural areas, as well as from the Bering Island (Commander Islands National Park). An annotated list has been compiled, including 79 species, of which Biston betularia (Linnaeus, 1758) and Scotopteryx chenopodiata (Linnaeus, 1758) are listed for the fi rst time for Kamchatka. Seventy species have been recorded in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, 39 of which are new to the reserve. About 80% of geometrid moth species known on the peninsula inhabit the reserve. For all 79 species, we provided data on the collected material, distribution in the reserve and Kamchatka Krai, relative abundance, food plants for caterpillars and other ecological features.

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

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.

:Observing Evolution: Peppered Moths and the Discovery of Parallel Melanism

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Evidence of antibiosis resistance of four strawberry cultivars against Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an invasive polyphagous pest that causes economic losses in strawberry production. This study assessed the preference and performance of D. fovealis on four strawberry cultivars (Albion, Aromas, Portola, and San Andreas) and an artificial diet to determine resistance mechanisms against this pest. Duponchelia fovealis completed its life cycle on the four strawberry cultivars, with differences in development time and reproduction. Larval stage was longer on ‘Albion’ (27.00 ± 0.37 days). The lowest pupal weights were recorded for males on ‘San Andreas’ (24.3 ± 0.4 mg) and for females on ‘Portola’ (27.3 ± 0.4 mg). The shortest longevity of females was observed on ‘Aromas’ (11.14 ± 1.44 days). The net reproductive rates of D. fovealis were lower on ‘Albion’ (150.2 ± 4.8), ‘Aromas’ (178.0 ± 16.3) and ‘Portola’ (164.5 ± 13.2) when compared to the artificial diet (206.8 ± 14.0). Approximately a third of the larvae fed with strawberry leaves had an additional instar (sixth instar), whereas those fed on the artificial diet only had five instars. The highest foliar consumption was observed on ‘Albion’ (6.37 ± 0.82%). In a no-choice test, oviposition was reduced in ‘Albion’ (7.83 ± 1.85 eggs/leaf), which had the highest number of glandular trichomes (28.87 ± 1.99 trichomes per 1.7 mm2 of leaf). Evidence of antibiosis resistance was observed in the Albion, Aromas, and Portola strawberry cultivars (longer egg-adult development time, lower pupal weights and an additional larval instar), while evidence of antixenosis could not be confirmed. This is the first report of host plant resistance to D. fovealis in four strawberry cultivars.

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting coleus, 2022

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting coleus, 2022

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting lantana, 2021

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting lantana, 2021

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting poinsettia, 2022

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting poinsettia, 2022

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting begonia, 2022

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting begonia, 2022

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting poinsettia, 2021

Impact of selected insecticides against European pepper moth larvae infesting poinsettia, 2021

Observing Evolution: Peppered Moths and the Discovery of Parallel Melanism

Observing Evolution: Peppered Moths and the Discovery of Parallel Melanism

Observing Evolution: Peppered Moths and the Discovery of Parallel Melanism. By Bruce S.Grant. Johns Hopkins University Press (2021).

Observing Evolution: Peppered Moths and the Discovery of Parallel Melanism. By Bruce S.Grant. Johns Hopkins University Press (2021).

The peppered moth Biston betularia

Hannah Rowland and colleagues introduce the peppered moth whose industrial melanism was an early evidence for evolution.

Observing Evolution: Peppered Moths and The Discovery of Parallel Melanism By Bruce S. Grant

Observing Evolution: Peppered Moths and The Discovery of Parallel Melanism By Bruce S. Grant

Aftercarbonaria: melanic moth frequencies in the Rothamsted Insect Survey

AbstractMelanic frequencies in three species of moths during the 21st century are examined using data collected by the Rothamsted Insect Survey for the purpose of monitoring insect distribution and abundance. The classical industrial melanic morph carbonaria in the moth Biston betularia (L.) is no longer present in the samples. Melanic forms in two other species, Odontoptera bidentata (Clerck) and Apocheima pilosaria (Denis &amp; Schifferműller), and the insularia form of B. betularia, all sometimes referred to as industrial melanics, continue to be found and are widely distributed in Britain. Views on why that should be so are discussed.

The genome sequence of the peppered moth, Biston betularia Linnaeus, 1758.

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Biston betularia (the peppered moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 405 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly (99.99%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the Z sex chromosome assembled.Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 12,251 protein coding genes.

Annona (Annonaceae) by-products derivatives: Toxicity to the European pepper moth and histological assessment

Obtaining derivatives with insecticidal properties from abundant plant biomass (waste) represents a good opportunity to transform environmental problems into innovative solutions for pest management programs. In the present study, we evaluated the toxicity of the aqueous emulsions of the ethanolic extract of Annona mucosa and Annona sylvatica (Annonaceae) seeds on the European pepper moth Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a major pest of strawberry plants. In addition, we evaluated anti-feeding and developmental inhibitory effects, as well as macro and microscopic damage to the excretory and nervous systems of European pepper moth larvae. In the contact bioassay, the aqueous emulsion of A. mucosa extract provided the fastest action on larvae with LT50 of 6.10 h, followed by chlorfenapyr (Pirate®) (LT50 = 8.2 h) and the aqueous emulsion of the A. sylvatica extract (LT50 = 10.3 h). In contrast, the commercial bioinsecticide based on acetogenins (Anosom® 1 EC) had a higher LT50 (32.8 h). In addition to the lethal effects, the aqueous emulsions tested caused significant phagodeterrence (>90%) and inhibited the development of D. fovealis. Macroscopic observation revealed the presence of edemas as well as the darkening on the surface of the larvae's cuticle. Histological analyses detected alterations. Our results suggest that aqueous emulsions produced from ethanolic extract of A. mucosa and A. sylvatica seeds, a residue in fruit processing industrial complexes (pulp factories), are alternatives for the management of D. fovealis, especially in organic and/or ecological strawberry production systems.

Pheromone-Baited Traps Confirm the Presence of Duponchelia fovealis1 in Strawberry Crops in Mexico

We confirmed the presence of European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in Mexico. Pheromone-baited traps caught D. fovealis males, and larvae were collected from strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne) fruit in the state of Michoacán.