Leopard Moth Research Articles

Evaluation of biocontrol agents along with pesticide against leopard moth, Zeuzera multistrigata moore (lepidoptera: cossidae) in apple

Leopard moth Zeuzera multistrigata (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a xylophagous insect whose larval stages are cryptic woodborers in apple and many other horticultural and forestry crops. The present study was carried out to test effectiveness of some biocontrol agents along with most effective pesticide against this pest on apple (cv. Royal Delicious) in Himachal Pradesh, India, for three consecutive years by injecting biocontrol agents/chemicals directly into galleries made by pest larvae. Investigations were conducted to observe the effect of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Steinernemma feltiae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and azadirachtin along with a synthetic pesticide chlorpyriphos. The application of chlorpyriphos (0.04%) caused a 100%%larval mortality, whereas among the biocontrol agents H. bacteriophora (5000 IJs/gallery) exhibited the highest mortality of 66.7 to 80.0%% during these three years, which was significantly at par with application of azadirachtin (Neem baan) 1500 ppm @ 2 ml/Litre and S. feltiae @ 5000 IJs/gallery. The lowest mortality (33.3%) was observed with B. bassiana (5 g/Litre) for the first two years and with M. anisopliae (5 g/L) in the third year i.e. 40.0%. Application of entomopathogenic nematode H. bacteriophora (5000 IJs/gallery) is proven to be best among all biocontrol agents.

Influence of climate factors on population density and damage of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L., in walnut orchards, Iran.

The effect of climate factors (temperature, humidity, precipitation, and frost days) on the population changes, damage, and infestation area of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L., was studied during 2006-2018 in four parts of Iran including Saman, Arak, Najaf-abad, and Baft. For trend analysis, the Mann-Kendall test was run on time series data of both climate and pest population. According to the results, the annual mean (Kendall's statistics, T = 0.64 and 0.48), annual minimum (T = 0.60 and 0.42), and January mean (T = 0.64 and 0.61, respectively) temperatures showed increasing trends in Saman and Najaf-abad. Moreover, the annual mean minimum and January temperatures (T = 0.41 and 0.45, respectively) in Arak and the annual mean maximum temperature (T = 0.79) in Baft showed increasing trends. The number of frost days/year (Kendall's statistics, T = -0.63, -0.53, -0.32 and -0.37) and annual mean relative humidity (T = -0.43, -0.63, -0.64 and -0.42, respectively) showed decreasing trends in Saman, Arak, Baft, and Najaf-abad stations. Trend analysis indicated significant increases in the mean number of moths caught (T = 0.59, 0.76 and 0.90), the percentage of infested branches/tree (T = 0.66, 0.58, and 0.90), the number of active holes/tree (T = 0.79, 0.55, and 0.68) and the infested areas (T = 0.99, 0.73, and 0.98, respectively) in Saman, Arak and Najaf-abad stations. According to stepwise regression, the mean temperatures of January, autumn, and winter were the most effective variables for increasing Z. pyrina damage and population, while relative humidity and the number of frost days played the major role in reducing it.

Features and dynamics of species composition of entomoacarosystems in plum orchards

The long-term analysis of the entomocomplex of plum orchards, carried out in Krasnodar Territory, revealed variations in the quantitative composition of entomofauna of harmful species and the level of their harmfulness. It was established that, in the period from 2005 to 2021, the rotation of dominant and secondary species occurred. The main species included plum Grapholitha funebrana Treitschke and oriental Grapholitha molesta Busck fruit moths, plum black Haploca minuta Christ. and yellow Hoplocampa flava L. sawflies, plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni Geoffr. and twospotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. Associated species included plum gall Acalitus phloeocoptes (Nal.) and hawthorn Tetranuchus viennensis Zacher. mites, fruit-tree Tibicina haematodes Scopoli and citrus flatid Metcalfa pruinosa (Say) planthoppers and leaf roller moths of Tortricidae family. The group characterised by a limited distribution area includes the Californian Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comst. and Turanian Diaspidiotus prunorum Laing. scales, plum Sphaerolecanium prunastri Fonsc and European brown Parthenolecanium corni Bouche. scales, seed wasps Eurytoma amygdali End., brown marmorated stinkbug Halyomorpha halys (Stål) and secondary insects (unequal bark beetle Xyleborus dispar F., fruit tree bark beetle Scolytus rugulosus (P.W.J. Müller), wood leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina L). When considering the structure formation of phytophage complex according to phylogenetic specialization, taking into account trophic relationships, it was established that the proportion of polyphages is 2.5 times higher than that of oligophages and 8.5 times higher than that of monophages from the total number of registered pest species. In the past decade, a reduction of pesticide load in plum agrocenoses has been observed due to the wider use of agrotechnical methods and the inclusion of bioregulatory and biological insecticides into protection systems, which contributed to the preservation and increase of beneficial fauna. Entomophages constitute 7–10% of the total number of entomoacrocenosis dominated by Hymenoptera and Coleoptera classes and mites of Acari subclass. The long-term monitoring of species composition, rotation of dominant and secondary pest species and entomophages, variations in their number and harmfulness, seasonal dynamics, trophic relationships of plum entomoacrocenosis under varying environmental conditions and increasing intensification of agricultural production expand the possibility of phytosanitary optimisation strategy of perennial agrocenoses in the south of Russia. This contributes to the preservation of regional biodiversity, as well as to the stable production of high-quality ecologically safe products with minimal negative impact on the environment.

Determination of Harmful Insect Species in Zivzik Pomegranate Production Areas of Siirt Province

Zivzik pomegranate is an important source of income for producers in Siirt province. There are many harmful insect species that cause loss of yield and quality in pomegranate. This study was carried out to determine the pest insect species in Zivzik pomegranate production areas in Siirt province and its districts in 2018 and 2019. The study was conducted total in 38 orchards in 12 villages in 3 districts (Central, Şirvan and Pervari). To determine the insect species, samples were collected with pheromone trap, shoot cutting, visual inspection, Japanese umbrella and cultivation methods. As a result of the studies, a total of 24 harmful insect species belonging to 7 orders and 19 families were identified. Among these species, Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller, 1839)), Pomegranate aphid (Aphis punicae Passerini, 1863) and Chrysobothris affinis (Fabricius, 1794) were found to be important species. dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus spp.) fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830), Ash whitefly (Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday, 1835)), leopard moth borer (Zeuzera pyrina Linnaeus, 1761) and Tenuipalpus granati Sayed, 1946 were determined as secondary pests. Furthermore, Chrysobothris affinis (Fabricius, 1794) detected in this study is the first record for the pomegranate fauna of Turkey

The genome sequence of the Leopard Moth, Zeuzera pyrina (Linnaeus, 1761).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Zeuzera pyrina (the Leopard Moth, Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Cossidae). The genome sequence is 687 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 22,738 protein coding genes.

Spatio-temporal distribution and mass-trapping of leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina in walnut orchards

Leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a serious pest of walnut orchards in Iran. This study was conducted during two growing seasons, 2019 and 2020 in walnut orchards located in Ajabshir County, East Azarbaijan Province of Iran. At the beginning of the growing season, pheromone delta sticky traps (baited with female sex pheromone) were placed in the canopy of the treatment trees at 6 m above the ground (16 traps per hectare). The traps were checked weekly and the captured insects were counted and removed. Geostatistics was used to determine the spatial distribution pattern of male adults captured by pheromone traps. At the end of the growing season, damage of leopard moth larvae was assessed in 60 trees chosen from the control and treatment plots. Eight terminal branches were taken from each tree stratified in four cardinal directions (N, E, S, and W) and two canopy levels (upper and lower halves of the tree crown). The number of larval galleries in each sample was counted. The male trapping effect was not significant in the first year of the study, but it reduced leopard moth damage significantly in the second year (p < 0.01). Effects of cardinal direction, canopy level and their interactions were not significant on leopard moth damage (p > 0.05). The geostatistical analysis indicated that leopard moth male adults had random distribution at low populations, and were aggregated during flight peak with moderate to strong spatial autocorrelation. It can be concluded that distribution maps, prepared for spatially autocorrelated datasets, can be used for precision mass-trapping during the flight peak of leopard moth, as a safe method for the environment and natural enemies.

Impacts of climatic changes on the worldwide potential geographical dispersal range of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)

Climate change is a crucial element propelling shifts in pest dispersals. Accurate evaluation of pest potential distributions for determining their establishment risks can lead to development of more efficacious pest management strategies. The leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), is a devastating pest with increasing significance particularly due to increasing frequency and severity of drought episodes in the context of global warming. In light of invasiveness and economic importance of this pest, it would be imperative to study the impact of climate changes on its worldwide distribution. In the current study, Maximum Entropy models were utilized to predict appropriate habitats for Z. pyrina under current and future climate scenarios averaged from four global climate models under two representative emission pathways in 2050 and 2070. Totally, 13,703 presence occurrence records were compiled. The results indicated that at the present time, out of the total world’s land, 16.91% is climatically appropriate for the species including nearly 74% of Europe, greater than 19% of America, and more than 37% of Asia and Oceania. Under future climate conditions, the risk area of Z. pyrina in the northern and southern hemispheres were projected to expand northward and downward, respectively. The impacts of the global climatic changes on potential geographical distribution of Z. pyrina should be considered prior implementing any management program in the future. Moreover, our findings can be enlightening for biosecurity organizations in decision-making and serve as an early alerting to safeguard unaffected regions against the leopard moth invasion.

Zeuzera pyrina (wood leopard moth)

Zeuzera pyrina (wood leopard moth)

The efficiency of systemic insecticides and complete fertilizer by trunk injection method against leopard moth in infested walnut trees

BackgroundLeopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L., is a key pest of walnut trees in arid and dry areas. It severely damages walnut tree gardens with limitations on irrigation water in the growing season. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of trunk injections of three systemic insecticides: imidacloprid, oxydemeton-methyl, thiamethoxam and a complete fertilizer, Nutreeno® against the leopard moth. Trunk injection was done by drilling. The walnut annual shoots of 60 cm in length were sampled from four directions of the treated and control trees in 4 months after treatments.ResultsThe results showed that all treatments including the insecticides and the complete fertilizer at higher concentrations had acceptable efficacy on the leopard moth, and thiamethoxam was the best treatment.ConclusionsTrunk injections by neonicotinoid insecticides and Nutreeno can be a safer control method against leopard moth larvae in old walnut trees around residential areas.

Monitoring of Leopard Moth, Zeuzera pyrina, on Apple Trees in Albehira Governorate

Monitoring of Leopard Moth, Zeuzera pyrina, on Apple Trees in Albehira Governorate

Comparative infectivity and biocontrol potential of Acrobeloides k29 and entomopathogenic nematodes on the leopard moth borer, Zeuzera pyrina

The leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a serious pest of walnut trees in Iran. Due to special habitat of this cossid, the application of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) may offer an efficient strategy in suppressing populations of this pest. The efficacy of two commercially available EPNs Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, as well as a local insect-killing nematode (Acrobeloides K29) were investigated against Z. pyrina larvae in laboratory, semi-field, and field conditions. Laboratory experiments included pathogenicity assessment of aforementioned nematodes in plates using a range of concentrations [5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 infective juveniles (IJs) per larva], as well as evaluation of their reproduction potential on Z. pyrina larvae with concentrations of 5 and 20 IJs per larva. Application of increasing concentrations of nematodes induced higher mortality on Z. pyrina larvae with mean mortality ranging from 28.3% to 100% after 72 h. All three nematodes successfully reproduced and recovered from pest’s cadavers. The highest reproduction was recorded for H. bacteriophora at 5 IJs larva−1 in Z. pyrina. Semi–field experiments using potted walnut seedlings and field trials in a heavily infested walnut orchard during two consecutive years revealed the ability of the aforementioned nematodes to infect and kill Z. pyrina larvae inside the galleries of walnut branches. Overall, this research highlights the ability of all three examined nematodes to find, invade, recycle and effectively infect Z. pyrina larvae; however, S. carpocapsae is comparatively more effective than H. bacteriophora and Acrobeloides K29 under laboratory, semi–field and field conditions. Of significance, the free-living nematode causes high to moderate levels of mortality in Z. pyrina larvae in laboratory and natural conditions.

Inhibition of angiogenesis and improvement of the anti-angiogenic activity of paclitaxel by three insect sex pheromones in chicken chorioallantoic membrane

Background: Insect sex pheromones contain long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Some types of unsaturated fatty acids have been showed anticancer effects. Angiogenesis is considered as a fundamental process in cancer growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis inhibitory effect of three insect-free pheromones alone and the incremental anti-angiogenic effect of each of them with paclitaxel were evaluated on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick in the current experimental study. Methods: Ninety fertilized eggs of Ross race were arranged into 9 groups as follows: control, dexamethasone, paclitaxel, pheromones of currant borer (Synanthedon tipuliformis); leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L.) and pistachio twig borer (Kermania pistaciella)-alone, and each sex pheromones plus paclitaxel. On day 8 of chick embryo incubation, 50 µl of each compound were applied to CAMs, and their effects were evaluated on day 9. Results: Compared with controls, application of each of the pheromones alone is equally effective in reducing vessel length and branching points by 88% and 71%, respectively. Angiogenesis was suppressed (82%) by paclitaxel and stimulated (20%) by dexamethasone. Inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on vascular branching points was further increased (7%) after combination treatment with each of three pheromones. Pheromones of Z. pyrina and K. pistaciella were able to enhance (7%) antiangiogenic effect of paclitaxel. Conclusion: The direct anti-angiogenic effects of these insect pheromones and the incremental anti-angiogenic effect of each of them with paclitaxel. This antiangiogenic effect seems independent from anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, we suggest that the effect of these pheromones with paclitaxel be studied on patients with paclitaxel-resistant tumors.

Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Alkalophilic Cellulase from the Symbiotic Bacillus subtilis BC1 of the Leopard Moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)

In the current study,an extracellular cellulase belonging to symbiotic Bacillus subtilis Bc1 of the leopard moth is purified and characterized. The molecular mass of enzyme was 47.8kDa using SDS-PAGE. The purified enzyme had optimum activity in temperature and pH around 60°C and 8, respectively. The purified cellulase was introduced as a stable enzyme in a wide variety of temperature (20-80°C) and pH (4-10) and remained active to more than 74% at 80°C for 1h. Moreover, the cellulase extremely was stabled in the presence of metal ions and organic solvents and its activity was increased by acetone (20% v/v), CaCl2 and CoCl2 and inhibited by MnCl2 and NiCl2. The values of enzyme's Km and Vmax were found to be 1.243mg/mL and 271.3µg/mL/min, respectively. The purified cellulase hydrolyzed cellulose, avicel and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and the final product of CMC hydrolysis was cellobiose using thin-layer chromatography analysis. Consequently, owing to exo/endoglucanase activity and organic solvent, temperature and pH stability of the purified cellulase belong to B. subtilis BC1, it can be properly employed for various industrial purposes.

Efficacy of the Egg Parasitoids Trichogramma evanescens West. (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) for Controlling the Leopard Moth Borer, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) in Apple and Pomegranate Orchards in Egypt

The Experiment was conducted at Al-Nubariya district, Al-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, during three successive years 2016, 2017 and 2018. Trichogramma evanescens was released (twice a year) in the selected orchards to control the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.). Z. pyrina was recorded with high numbers in the first year that decreased in positive relation with the parasitoid in the second and the third year. The parasitoid numbers showed significant variation between all months more than the variation observed in Z. pyrina monthly numbers. in the first year, T. evanescens showed high activity only in pomegranate trees but in second and third year no significant variation appeared between the two orchards. Moreover, data resulted significant variation between each years and Z. pyrina reduction in numbers by the time. Generally, the parasitoid recorded 2.74±0.58, 4.65 ±1.00 and 5.08 ±0.59 in year 2106, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Meanwhile, Z. pyrina recorded mean number of 3.22 ±0.45, 1.99± 0.37and 1.35 ±0.23 in year 2106, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Seasonal prevalence and histopathology of Beauveria bassiana infecting larvae of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)

The natural epizootic potential of the fungus, Beauveria bassiana, against larvae of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) was investigated under natural conditions in two different locations for two seasons (2015–2016 and 2016–2017) in Rasheed, Behiara Governorate, Egypt. In an orchard, located in the old cultivated land, Beauveria infected 1.9–5.6% of larvae of Z. pyrina in autumn (September to November), increased to 3.4–7.2% in winter (December to February). The infection did not exceed 3.1% in spring (March to May), and no infection was recorded in summer (June to August). While in an olive farm, located in a newly reclaimed land, in both seasons of survey, no infections were recorded from May to September, while in winter, the epizootics ranged from 1.4–3.1%, from 0.4 to 1.3% in spring, and from 0.3 to 2.1% in autumn. Histopathological analysis revealed that Beauveria most commonly penetrated larvae directly through the intersegmental integument and the first symptoms were observed 3 to 4 days later. Hyphae radiated inward from the point of ingress and the fungus developed sparsely within the body cavity prior to the death of the larva. Hyphal bodies were concentrated around the point of ingress, but some were found at distance from this site. Only in the vicinity of penetration, the hypodermis showed signs of histolysis. The saprophytic phase developed rapidly and the fungus invaded all internal organs. The conidiophores seemed to rupture the cuticle by mechanical pressure and emerged all over the host cadaver, with sporulation occurring 48 h later. Pathological changes in the hemolymph appeared to be the primary cause of larval mortality.

The Impact of the Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina L., (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) Infestation in Casuarina Trees on the Neighboring Pear Orchards in Egypt

The impact and relative susceptibility and monitoring of the Leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina L., (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) infestation in pear orchards neighboring and non-neighboring to casuarina trees were evaluated at Borg el-Arab district, Alexandria Governorate , Egypt, during the two successive years 2015 and 2016. The mean rate of Z. pyrina infestation in pear trees neighboring to casuarina trees were 15 – 21% (mean, 18%). However, pear trees far away and not neighboring to casuarina trees showed significantly lower rate of the borer infestation (7 - 9%, mean 8%). On the other hand, the rate of Z. pyrina infestation in casuarina trees neighboring to pear trees 13 – 18% (mean, 15.5%). The degree of Z. pyrina infestation in casuarina trees surrounding pear trees was high (0.42 – 0.57, mean 0.5 moths / tree / year). The degree of infestation in pear trees surrounded by casuarina wind break trees was high (0.55 – 0.77, mean 0.66 moths / tree / year). The degree of infestation in pear trees not-surrounded by casuarina wind break trees was almost half degree (0.28 – 0.37, mean 0.325 moths / tree / year). In all cases, and during the two years of study, moths started to emerge in April and sometimes in May and continued mostly until November sometimes in October. Peaks of moths’ emergency were mostly in August. Summer months showed that, the majority of moths’ activity. Less mean numbers of emerged moths / tree were noticed in spring months, while autumn showed few numbers, and moths stopped emergence during winter months. The seasonal cycle of Z. pyrina moths consisted of 7 – 8 months of moths’ activity in casuarina trees and pear orchards. Generally, infestation in pear orchards rabidly multiplied and increased more than twice at the end of only two years. These rapid increases impose the urgent need of control Z. pyrina in casuarina trees as well as in pear orchards especially when they are surrounded by infested casuarina wind break trees.

Leopards and giants, tigers and woolly bears: casting a broader net in exploring heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns

Background: Studies of heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns have been restricted to a small number of species. I report observations from experiments on a broader range of taxa, including first results from swallowtails, tiger moths and microlepidoptera. Methods: Heparin injections were made in prepupal and early pupal stages of the following species representing several Lepidoptera lineages: Junonia coenia, Agraulis vanillae, Asterocampa clyton (Nymphalidae); Heraclides cresphontes, Pterourus troilus, Eurytides marcellus (Papilionidae); Hypercompe scribonia, Estigmene acrea, Hyphantria cunea (Erebidae); and Glyphodes sibillalis (Crambidae). Heparin-induced changes in wing pattern are illustrated, and advantages of using prepupal vs. pupal stages for this type of pharmacological manipulation of wing patterns are discussed. Results: In buckeyes, heparin-induced changes consisted of loss of orange parafocal elements as marginal and submarginal bands shifted basally. In gulf fritillaries, changes in black and silver markings were similar to those found in wild aberrant individuals. In tawny emperor, intermediate and extreme levels of transformation were achieved, pointing to homology of this species’ unusual eyespots to those of other nymphalids. In swallowtails, heparin-induced changes were much more restricted and proved harder to achieve, possibly indicating higher levels of stability and compartmentalization of wing patterns in this butterfly family. In tiger moths, elongation of black markings occurred so that normally distinct spots sometimes merged; in leopard moth, these changes were restricted to areas adjacent to discal spot. In pyraloid moth, changes were mostly restricted to expansion of wing marginal bands and hindwing border. Conclusions: Variation in wing pattern response to heparin found between different species and families in this study warrants further taxonomic widening of exploration of wing pattern formation mechanisms in Lepidoptera. While there are many similarities, there also seem to be very significant differences in the ways wing patterns are formed in different families of butterflies and moths.

Leopard Moth Borer, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) Threat to Olive Trees, Olea europaea L. (Lamiales: Oleaceae) in Fayoum Governorate and Its Suppressing Trials Using IPM Tactics

Olive tree, Olea europaea L. (Lamiales:Oleaceae) is an economically important and strategic crop which widely spreadsthroughout the Mediterranean basin countries including Egypt. It suffers fromseveral serious insect pest attacks especially those arising from wood-boringinsects such as leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae).Present study concerns with the dispersion power of this cossid borer attackingolive groves at several localities in Fayoum governorate. Additionally,population fluctuation, infestation rates and degrees have been studied

Internal Morphology and Comparison between the Reproductive Systems of Solitary Carpenter Moth, Paropta paradoxa (Herrich-Schaffer) and Leopard Moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera :Cossidae).

Internal Morphology and Comparison between the Reproductive Systems of Solitary Carpenter Moth, Paropta paradoxa (Herrich-Schaffer) and Leopard Moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera :Cossidae).

Interaction between the leopard moth borer and olive varieties: Associational resistance at work

Interaction between the leopard moth borer and olive varieties: Associational resistance at work