Gypsy Moth Research Articles

Phytoplasma Infection of Cranberries Benefits Non-vector Phytophagous Insects

Despite increasing knowledge about the impacts of pathogens on interactions between plants and insect vectors, relatively little is known about their effects on other, non-vector, organisms. In cranberries, phytoplasma infection causes false blossom disease, which is transmitted by leafhoppers. We hypothesized that changes in plant chemistry induced by phytoplasma infection might affect the performance and feeding behavior not only of vectors but also of other phytophagous insects. To test this, we measured growth, survival, and the number of leaves damaged by larvae of three common non-vector herbivores: spotted fireworm (Choristoneura parallela Robinson), Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens), and gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) on phytoplasma-infected and uninfected cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We also assessed the effects of phytoplasma infection on nutrients and phytochemistry related to defenses. In general, larvae of all three herbivore species grew 2–3 times bigger, and damaged 1.5–3.5 times more leaves, while feeding on infected vs. uninfected plants. Survival of Sparganothis fruitworm larvae was also ~1.5 times higher on infected plants, while spotted fireworm and gypsy moth larval survival was not affected. In a long-term (5-week) assay, gypsy moth larval survival and mass were enhanced when feeding on phytoplasma-infected leaves. Levels of important plant nutrients (e.g., N, P, K, Ca, S, Mn, Fe, B, Al, and Na) were higher in infected plants, while levels of defensive proanthocyanidins were reduced by 20–40% compared to uninfected plants. In contrast, levels of Mg were lower in infected plants, while concentrations of Cu, Zn, and defensive flavonols were not affected. Taken together, these findings suggest that phytoplasma infection enhances plant nutritional quality, while reducing plant defenses in cranberries. These effects, in turn, may explain the observed enhancement of non-vector herbivore performance, as well as the higher number of damaged leaves, on infected plants. Improved understanding of the ecology of pathogen-plant-herbivore interactions could aid efforts to enhance plant resistance and suppress disease transmission in agricultural settings.

Developing an integrated plan of harvest protection as a tool of improving food supply security in Kyrgyzstan

The article shows that apricot plants in the South of Kyrgyzstan are wide spread in the Batken Region. This region is favorable for growing apricots sold both in the domestic and in the foreign markets. It is here where they cultivate many varieties of apricots which are subsequently exported in dried form to CIS and non-CIS states. Heat-resistant and drought-resistant rare varieties of apricots are cultivated in the Batken Region, such as: Kandak, Mirsanjeli, Khurmai, Subkhoni, Babai, Akhrori, Arzami, Isfarak, Kursadyk, Ak Uriuk (Sovetskiy). 22 species of insect pests of apricot plants were found; they are conveniently classified into five orders. The dominant pests of apricot plants are as follows: apricot seed wasps (Eurytoma samsonovi Vass.), plum seed wasps (Eurytoma schreineri Schr.), apricot snout-beetle (Rhynchites auratus ferghanensis News.), gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.), casebearer (Coleophora hemerobiolla Fil.), European leaf roller (Archips rosana L.), acacia lecanium - (Parthenolecanium corni Bouche). The most common apricot diseases in the climate of the Batken Region of Kyrgyzstan are shot-hole disease (Clasterosporium carpophilum Aderh.), frostly pod rot (Monilia cinerea Bon.), bacterial blight (Gummi.), verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.), twig die-back (Cytospora arphosperma Fr.).

Evolutionary genomics of gypsy moth populations sampled along a latitudinal gradient.

The European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) was first introduced to Massachusetts in 1869 and within 150years has spread throughout eastern North America. This large-scale invasion across a heterogeneous landscape allows examination of the genetic signatures of adaptation potentially associated with rapid geographical spread. We tested the hypothesis that spatially divergent natural selection has driven observed changes in three developmental traits that were measured in a common garden for 165 adult moths sampled from six populations across a latitudinal gradient covering the entirety of the range. We generated genotype data for 91,468 single nucleotide polymorphisms based on double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing and used these data to discover genome-wide associations for each trait, as well as to test for signatures of selection on the discovered architectures. Genetic structure across the introduced range of gypsy moth was low in magnitude (FST =0.069), with signatures of bottlenecks and spatial expansion apparent in the rare portion of the allele frequency spectrum. Results from applications of Bayesian sparse linear mixed models were consistent with the presumed polygenic architectures of each trait. Further analyses indicated spatially divergent natural selection acting on larval development time and pupal mass, with the linkage disequilibrium component of this test acting as the main driver of observed patterns. The populations most important for these signals were two range-edge populations established less than 30 generations ago. We discuss the importance of rapid polygenic adaptation to the ability of non-native species to invade novel environments.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of USP-1 by RNA interference in the Asian gypsy moth Lymantria dispar

Ecdysteroids play an important role in regulating diverse physiological processes in arthropods, such as molting, metamorphosis, reproduction and diapause. Ecdysteroids mediate the response by binding to a heterodimeric complex of two nuclear receptors: the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle (USP). To investigate the role of USP in development of the Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), a USP cDNA was obtained from the transcriptome of L. dispar and verified by PCR. In-depth profiling of transcript levels of L. dispar USP-1 (LdUSP-1) at different developmental stages and over time in third-instar larvae and different tissues isolated during the third-instar stage of L. dispar was then carried out. Transcript levels of LdUSP-1 were relatively high before 72 h in the third-instar larvae after ecdysis and in the adult male. The function of LdUSP-1 in molting was analyzed by knockdown of LdUSP-1 in third instar larvae using RNA interference. Silencing of LdUSP-1 significantly downregulated the transcript level of E75, an ecdysone-inducible gene, and of Sad, a Halloween gene. In addition, the duration of the third-instar stage was slightly shortened and larval mortality increased after the LdUSP-1 knockdown.

Global phylogeography reveals the origin and the evolutionary history of the gypsy moth (Lepidoptera, Erebidae)

We examined the global phylogeography of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) using molecular data based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Populations from all biogeographic regions of the native and introduced range of L. dispar, were sampled to fully document intraspecific and subspecies variation, identify potential cryptic species, and to clarify the relationships among major phylogeographic lineages. We recovered three major mtDNA lineages of L. dispar: Transcaucasia; East Asia + Japan; and Europe + Central Asia. The circumscription of these lineages is only partially consistent with the current taxonomic concept (i.e., L. dispar dispar; L. dispar asiatica; L. dispar japonica), with the following important discrepancies: (1) north-central Asian populations, including topotypical populations of L. dispar asiatica, may be more closely related to European rather than Asian segregates, which would require the synonymization of the taxon asiatica and establishment of a new name; (2) the Japanese populations (L. d. japonica) are not distinct from east Asian populations; (3) the presence of a distinct, unnamed mitogenomic lineage endemic to the Trancaucasus region. We demonstrated that the population from Transcaucasia contains the highest mitochondrial haplotype diversity among L. dispar, potentially indicative of an ancestral area for the entire dispar-group. Our study corroborates the endemic Hokkaido, Japan taxon Lymantria umbrosa (Butler) as the sister group to all other L. dispar populations, but the applicability of the names umbrosa versus hokkaidoensis Goldschmidt needs to be re-evaluated. The ancestral area analysis suggest that Japan was likely colonized via Sakhalin ∼1 Mya, in contrast to previous studies which have suggested colonization of the Japanese archipelago via the Korean Peninsula. Lastly, mitogenomic variation within L. dispar is incongruent with phylogenies based on nuclear DNA, as nDNA gene phylogenies did not recover the three major mtDNA lineages, and also failed to recover L. dispar and L. umbrosa as reciprocally monophyletic.

DNA insecticide developed from the Lymantria dispar 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene provides a novel biotechnology for plant protection

Having observed how botanicals and other natural compounds are used by nature to control pests in the environment, we began investigating natural polymers, DNA and RNA, as promising tools for insect pest management. Over the last decade, unmodified short antisense DNA oligonucleotides have shown a clear potential for use as insecticides. Our research has concentrated mainly on Lymantria dispar larvae using an antisense oligoRING sequence from its inhibitor-of-apoptosis gene. In this article, we propose a novel biotechnology to protect plants from insect pests using DNA insecticide with improved insecticidal activity based on a new antisense oligoRIBO-11 sequence from the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene. This investigational oligoRIBO-11 insecticide causes higher mortality among both L. dispar larvae grown in the lab and those collected from the forest; in addition, it is more affordable and faster acting, which makes it a prospective candidate for use in the development of a ready-to-use preparation.

Characterizing and Simulating the Movement of Late-Instar Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Regulatory Practices.

The European gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., is an invasive insect in North America that feeds on over 300 species of trees and shrubs and occasionally causes extensive defoliation. One regulatory practice within quarantine zones to slow the spread of this insect recommends that wood products (e.g., logs, pulpwood) originating from quarantine areas are staged within 100 foot-radius buffer zones devoid of host vegetation before transport outside the quarantine boundary. Currently, there are little data underpinning the distance used. We conducted field experiments in Wisconsin to assess buffer zone efficacy in reducing risk of larval gypsy moth encroachment on wood staging areas. We released late-instar gypsy moth larvae in groups around the perimeter of a 100-ft radius zone and tracked their movements for 10-h periods using harmonic radar and tested whether host vegetation staged around the perimeter or food availability before release altered movement patterns. Three larvae moved over 300 ft in 10 h, but 93% of larvae moved <100 ft total. The presence of host vegetation reduced the likelihood of larvae entering the buffer zone by 70%. Food availability before release did not affect movement. Using these field data, we parameterized a Monte Carlo simulation model to evaluate risk of larvae crossing zones of different sizes. For zones >100 ft in radius, <4% of larvae reached the center. This percentage decreased as zone size increased. Implications of these results for the regulatory practices of the gypsy moth quarantine are discussed.

우리나라 주요 항구주변에서 매미나방 발생과 령기별 약제 반응 비교

우리나라 주요 항구주변에서 매미나방 발생과 령기별 약제 반응 비교

The effect of population density of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) on its fitness, physiology and activation of the covert nucleopolyhedrovirus

After high population densities of insect defoliators there is often a dramatic decrease in their abundance due to various limiting factors. Here, we compared gypsy moth larvae (Lymantria dispar L.) reared singly and in crowded conditions. We compared a number of physiological parameters of these insects and the effect of L. dispar population density on the activation of covert baculovirus infections in the larvae. It was found that the population density of gypsy moth larvae did not affect the mortality due to the activation of the covert virus infection or the total mortality. On the other hand, solitary-reared larvae were heavier, took longer to develop, and showed a four-fold higher concentration of dopamine in their haemolymph than larvae reared in groups. Thus, we demonstrated that an increase in the population density of larvae per se facilitates some changes in fitness and innate immunity traits but is not related to the activation of covert baculovirus infection. We suggest that an increase in population density does not increase the risk of epizootics triggered by the activation of covert baculovirus infection and that researchers should pay more attention to studying density-associated factors, such as starvation.

Increased nutrient availability decreases insect resistance in cranberry

AbstractHerbivorous insects are considered to be a major problem in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) production. Spraying chemical pesticides is common practice, although beneficial insects could also be affected. We aimed to strengthen the resistance mechanisms that cranberry plants themselves use to combat insect pests by manipulating available nutrient levels. We hypothesized that cranberry genotypes respond differently from nutrient availability with regard to growth and defence against multiple herbivores. In the present study, six cranberry varieties (i.e. genotypes) were subjected to four different fertilizer rates. In a greenhouse setting, we assessed soil and leaf nitrogen concentrations; weight gain of the native pests spotted fireworm (Choristoneura parallela Robinson), sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens) and the invasive pest gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.); levels of leaf proanthocyanidins (PACs); and plant growth. The results obtained showed that cranberry varieties differ in their insect resistance qualities, although this depended on the insect species identity; genotypic variation was observed in resistance against the invasive pest L. dispar but not against the two native insect pests. Overall, increased nutrient availability decreased plant resistance to the three herbivores (i.e. increased larval weight gain and reduced PAC levels), regardless of the cranberry genotype. Nutrient availability correlated negatively with PAC levels and positively with herbivore weight gain and plant growth, indicating a potential trade‐off between growth and defence. Fertilization management to strengthen insect resistance in cranberry may contribute to the development of more sustainable pest management practices, especially for organic production.

A needle in a haystack: a multigene TaqMan assay for the detection of Asian gypsy moths in bulk pheromone trap samples

The Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is considered a very serious invasive threat in North America. For this reason, it is subjected to a bio-surveillance program that includes an extensive network of pheromone traps. For regulatory purposes, the term “AGM” designates a group of Asian Lymantria species and subspecies, comprising two L. dispar subspecies (L. d. asiatica and L. d. japonica), and three closely related species (L. umbrosa, L. albescens and L. postalba). These moths are attracted to the same pheromone as the European gypsy moth (EGM), L. dispar dispar, which is already established in North America and typically makes up the bulk of moths caught in gypsy moth pheromone traps. These different Lymantria taxa are difficult to distinguish from one another using morphological characters alone. Here, we designed a TaqMan triplex assay capable of detecting AGM in bulk pheromone trap samples. The assay targets SNPs found in three different mitochondrial genes. Using a DNA dilution series, we show that the assay can detect AGM taxa at AGM:EGM dilution ratios ≥ 1:1000. The assay was validated using batch DNA extractions of moth legs tested at a 1:100 AGM:EGM leg ratio, a proportion that is around the operational limit for a single pheromone trap. The assay provided correct identification for all AGM taxa tested. An experiment examining the integrity of DNA extracted from gypsy moths left in pheromone traps under field conditions for up to 4 months indicated that DNA quality remains sufficient, during that period, for the present assay to remain accurate.

Sexual Transcription Differences in Brachymeria lasus (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a Pupal Parasitoid Species of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae).

Sex differences in gene expression have been extensively documented, but little is known about these differences in parasitoid species that are widely applied to control pests. Brachymeria lasus is a solitary parasitoid species and has been evaluated as a potential candidate for release to control Lymantria dispar. In this study, gender differences in B. lasus were investigated using Illumina-based transcriptomic analysis. The resulting 37,453 unigene annotations provided a large amount of useful data for molecular studies of B. lasus. A total of 1416 differentially expressed genes were identified between females and males, and the majority of the sex-biased genes were female biased. Gene Ontology (GO) and Pathway enrichment analyses showed that (1) the functional categories DNA replication, fatty acid biosynthesis, and metabolism were enhanced in females and that (2) the only pathway enriched in males was phototransduction, while the GO subcategories enriched in males were those involved in membrane and ion transport. In addition, thirteen genes involving transient receptor potential (TRP) channels were annotated in B. lasus. We further explored and discussed the functions of TRPs in sensory signaling of light and temperature. In general, this study provides new molecular insights into the biological and sexually dimorphic traits of parasitoids, which may improve the application of these insects to the biological control of pests.

Влияние дефолиации древостоев во время вспышки массового размножения непарного шелкопряда (Lymantria dispar (L.)) на их санитарное состояние на северной границе ареала филлофага

Влияние дефолиации древостоев во время вспышки массового размножения непарного шелкопряда (Lymantria dispar (L.)) на их санитарное состояние на северной границе ареала филлофага

Underestimated mitochondrial diversity in gypsy moth Lymantria dispar from Asia

Abstract The gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (L.) (Erebidae) is one of the most important agricultural and forest insect pests. It currently includes three subspecies: Lymantria dispar dispar (L.), Lymantria dispar asiatica Vnukovskij and Lymantria dispar japonica (Motschulsky). The first subspecies is known as the European gypsy moth (EGM), whereas the latter two are collectively referred to as the Asian gypsy moth (AGM). Asian gypsy moth possesses traits that include a strong female flight capability and broader larval host range, which make it a more threatening pest than EGM when invading new areas. To better understand the genetic structure within AGM and in particular among Chinese populations, we reconstructed a mitochondrial gene tree based on four mitochondrial protein‐coding genes (ND2, ND6, ATP6 and ATP8) from 17 Chinese locations and 21 locations from other countries. None of the three subspecies of gypsy moth is recovered as monophyletic on the mitochondrial gene tree, likely as a result of human‐mediated transportation and a high level of cryptic genetic diversity. Chinese populations are split into four mitochondrial clusters. Surprisingly, China I is nested within EGM and China II is the sister group of sampled EGM. China III grouped with samples from South Korea and the Russian Far East to represent the typical L. d. asiatica. China IV formed a sister relationship with the former group. The results of the present study confirm that the recently discovered genotype from the Black Sea‐Caspian region consists of an independent mitochondrial genetic lineage from other subspecies.

Extraction optimization of insecticidal compounds from Lysurus mokusin by response surface methodology

We optimized the extraction process of Lysurus mokusin (L.) Fr. insecticidal compound (LMIC) using response surface methodology with ultrasonic extraction (UE). The surface morphologies of maceration extract (ME) and UE residues were compared by scanning electron microscopy, and then the activity of LMIC on Lymantria dispar (Asian gypsy moths) larvae was determined. Results showed that the optimal condition of UE was followed by 80 min of extraction time, 60% of ethanol concentration and 80 mL g−1 of liquid–solid ratio. The surface morphologies of UE residue were looser and rougher than ME residue. The corrected mortalities of LMIC on L. dispar larvae was 59.77%. This result indicated that L. mokusin was a good candidate as pesticide for pest management.

Allee effects under climate change

Understanding how climate change affects population dynamics is crucial for assessing future of biodiversity. Here I ask how can Allee effects, occurring when mean individual fitness is reduced in rare populations, respond to increasing temperature. Despite the role Allee effects play in ecology of invasive, threatened and harvested populations, impacts of climate change on Allee effects are practically unknown. Analysis of two population models reveals that whereas the Allee effect driven by predation generally weakens as temperature increases, the Allee effect due to need of finding mates is predicted to become stronger when warming occurs. For the former model, the metabolic theory suggests that with increasing temperature prey growth rate should increase faster than predator attack rate. Increasing temperature thus weakens the Allee effect. In the latter, gypsy moth population model, mating rate increases with warming due to enhanced female−male encounter rate and temperature‐induced modifications in female and male adult emergence distributions. However, male and female mortality rates increase, too and the net effect is strengthening of the Allee effect. These results have repercussions also for pest control, indicating that augmentation of biocontrol agents may perhaps be not as effective as using pesticides or disrupting mating.

Cu/ZnSOD always responded stronger and rapider than MnSOD in Lymantria dispar larvae under the avermectin stress

Metalloenzyme SODs play important roles in insects dealing with environmental stress. Here, we cloned the Cu/ZnSOD (LdCZS) and MnSOD (LdMS) mRNA of Lymantria dispar by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Afterwards their expression patterns were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) after bioinformatic analysis. We found that both LdCZS and LdMS were widely detected in all gypsy moth larvae and all five tissues that we analyzed, and both of them were up-regulated after larvae were fed with avermectin of sublethal concentration and LC10. The LdCZS expression value are always higher than LdMS after treating with avermectin of sublethal concentrations. In addition, temporal expression profile in avermectin treated larvae showed that LdCZS expressed highest at 2nd hour, and LdMS expressed highest at 6th hour. The cuticulas transcribed LdCZS and LdMS significantly higher than heads, fat bodies, Malpighian tubes, and midguts after spraying avermectin of sublethal concentration. These results suggested that both Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD are important antioxidant enzymes in L. dispar defensing against pesticide stress, and LdCZS always responded rapider and stronger than LdMS.

Specificity of Herbivore Defense Responses in a Woody Plant, Black Poplar (Populus nigra)

The specificity of woody plant defense responses to different attacking herbivores is poorly known. We investigated the responses of black poplar (Populus nigra) to leaf feeding by three lepidopteran species (Lymantria dispar, Laothoe populi and Amata mogadorensis) and two leaf beetle species (Phratora vulgatissima and Chrysomela populi). Of the direct defenses monitored, increases in trypsin protease inhibitor activity and the salicinoid salicin were triggered by herbivore damage, but this was not herbivore-specific. Moreover, the majority of leaf salicinoid content was present constitutively and not induced by herbivory. On the other hand, volatile emission profiles did vary among herbivore species, especially between coleopterans and lepidopterans. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were induced in damaged and adjacent undamaged leaves, while the emission of green leaf volatiles, aromatic and nitrogen-containing compounds (known to attract herbivore enemies) was restricted to damaged leaves. In conclusion, indirect defenses appear to show more specific responses to attacking herbivores than direct defenses in this woody plant.

Iterative Models for Early Detection of Invasive Species across Spread Pathways

Species distribution models can be used to direct early detection of invasive species, if they include proxies for invasion pathways. Due to the dynamic nature of invasion, these models violate assumptions of stationarity across space and time. To compensate for issues of stationarity, we iteratively update regionalized species distribution models annually for European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) to target early detection surveys for the USDA APHIS gypsy moth program. We defined regions based on the distances from the invasion spread front where shifts in variable importance occurred and included models for the non-quarantine portion of the state of Maine, a short-range region, an intermediate region, and a long-range region. We considered variables that represented potential gypsy moth movement pathways within each region, including transportation networks, recreational activities, urban characteristics, and household movement data originating from gypsy moth infested areas (U.S. Postal Service address forwarding data). We updated the models annually, linked the models to an early detection survey design, and validated the models for the following year using predicted risk at new positive detection locations. Human-assisted pathways data, such as address forwarding, became increasingly important predictors of gypsy moth detection in the intermediate-range geographic model as more predictor data accumulated over time (relative importance = 5.9%, 17.36%, and 35.76% for 2015, 2016, and 2018, respectively). Receiver operating curves showed increasing performance for iterative annual models (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.63, 0.76, and 0.84 for 2014, 2015, and 2016 models, respectively), and boxplots of predicted risk each year showed increasing accuracy and precision of following year positive detection locations. The inclusion of human-assisted pathway predictors combined with the strategy of iterative modeling brings significant advantages to targeting early detection of invasive species. We present the first published example of iterative species distribution modeling for invasive species in an operational context.

Occurrence, Seasonal Abundance, and Superparasitism of Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) as an Egg Parasitoid of the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in North America

The occurrence of egg parasitoid Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) on its new host, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)), was surveyed at 4 study plots in 2016 and 10 additional plots in 2017 in Pennsylvania through field collection and laboratory incubation. O. kuvanae adults were found on L. delicatula egg mass surfaces at two plots (ODSouth and Lutz) in 2016, but at none in 2017. The results of laboratory incubation showed that O. kuvanae adults were only recovered from host eggs collected at plot ODSouth in 2016, with adults emerging between 22 April and 2 May 2016 at 22 ± 1 °C, 40% ± 5% relative humidity (RH), and a 16:8 h photoperiod (light/dark). The overall parasitism at this study plot was 6.0% by egg mass and 1.2% by egg. Two oviposition sites contained parasitized L. delicatula eggs, with 12.3% (9.5–15.0%) host egg masses and 3.1% (1.3–5.0%) host eggs utilized by the parasitoid. O. kuvanae parasitism by egg was significantly higher on oviposition site ODSouth #7 than on ODSouth #8. No O. kuvanae adults were reared out of field-collected host eggs from the 10 plots in 2017. Seasonal abundance and superparasitism of O. kuvanae was examined at plot ODSouth in 2017. O. kuvanae-parasitized L. delicatula eggs were found on all four oviposition sites based on field monitoring of parasitoid adult emergence, resulting in a parasitism of 35.4% (18.8–55.6%) by egg mass and 2.2% (0.5–3.9%) by egg. No significant difference in parasitism by egg was observed among oviposition sites. O. kuvanae adults emerged in the field between 2 May and 1 June 2017. Superparasitism was confirmed for O. kuvanae on L. delicatula eggs based on parasitoid production (1.0–3.3 adults/parasitized egg) and adult exit holes (1–3 exit holes/parasitized egg). As the first parasitoid recorded from L. delicatula in North America, O. kuvanae has the potential to become an important biological control agent for L. delicatula in North America, with its well-synchronized life history in the spring, century-long field establishment, superparasitism, and female-biased progeny population. L. delicatula complements the gypsy moth well as an alternative host for O. kuvanae in the field.