Using DNA barcodes to test the association of sexes and morphs in Calodesma spp. (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Arctiini, Pericopina) of Trinidad, West Indies, with an overview of the genus, taxonomic changes and a new species.

Phalaena militta Stoll, [1781], currently in the combination Thyrgis militta, is transferred to the new combination Calodesma militta. Phalaena militta is the type species of Thyrgis Walker, 1854, and so Thyrgis is a junior synonym of Calodesma Hübner, [1820]. The reinstated genus Seileria Dognin, 1923 is the next available name for the genus previously known as Thyrgis, and the remaining eight species and their subspecies currently in Thyrgis are transferred to new combinations as species of Seileria: S. angustifascia (Hering, 1925), S. basipunctata (Hering, 1926), S. constrictifascia (Dognin, 1919), S. flavonigra (Dognin, 1910), S. investigatorum (Toulgoët, 1988), S. marginata (Butler, 1875), S. meres (Druce, 1911), S. phlegon (Druce, 1885), S. phlegon ruscia (Druce, 1895), S. tenuifascia (Hering, 1930) and S. tenuifascia daguana (Hering, 1930). Eucyanoides Toulgoët, 1988, currently a synonym of Thyrgis, is made a new subjective synonym of Seileria. Based on DNA barcodes, we recognise three very similar, sexually dimorphic and in two cases polymorphic South American species of Calodesma with some phenotypes in common but very similar male genitalia: C. militta (BOLD:AAK1660), C. sp. cf. collaris (BOLD:ABZ2392) and C. pseudocollaris Cock new species (BOLD:AEI2170). Calodesma militta is widespread in South America, with two male morphs (collaris and dioptis) and two female morphs with variable markings (white and orange morphs). Centronia plorator Kaye, [1923] and Thyrgis lacryma Dognin, 1919 are variants of the white female morph and are new synonyms of Calodesma militta. A third female morph with red markings was not sequenced and could not be allocated to a species. Calodesma sp. cf. collaris (BOLD:ABZ2392) occurs in southern South America with both male morphs but only a white female morph. Calodesma pseudocollaris new species (BOLD:AEI2170) is only known from Trinidad, with one male morph (collaris) and the white female morph. Although more than ten morphs relating to this complex have been described as species, they cannot be synonymised without more data on distribution of the different species or DNA barcodes from the type specimens. Collated life history information indicates species of this group are split between Malpighiaceae feeders and Bromeliaceae feeders, but more work is needed to define these differences. The morphism patterns observed are discussed in terms of Müllerian mimicry and mimicry rings, and we suggest that in Trinidad (and elsewhere) there is a loose mimicry ring of diurnal black species with white spots or transparent patches on the wings which are most conspicuous and frequently observed when feeding on white Asteraceae flowers.

Taxonomic changes in the Neotropical wasp moths, Euchromiina and Ctenuchina (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Arctiini) relating to the fauna of Trinidad & Tobago, with descriptions of new species.

The following new species are described: Calonotos flemingi new species from Trinidad; Valvaminor jacerda new species from Trinidad and Venezuela. The following species are made subspecies new status: Calonotos tripunctata Druce, 1898 of C. aterrima (Sepp, 1847); Calonotos craneae Fleming, 1957 of Calonotos helymus (Cramer, 1775). The following subspecies is raised to species new status: Cosmosoma bolivarensis Klages, 1906 (formerly Cosmosoma achemon var. bolivarensis). The following are new combinations: Myrmecopsis kenedyae (Fleming, 1957) (Euchromiina) (formerly Pseudosphex kenedyae Ctenuchina); Valvaminor endoleuca (Druce, 1905) (formerly Mesothen endoleuca); Xanthyda beebei (Fleming, 1957) (formerly Pheia beebei); Eucerioides obliquifascia (Rothschild, 1912) (formerly Eucereon obliquifascia); Uranophora andrei (Rothschild, 1912) (formerly Ctenucha andrei). A lectotype is designated for Calonotos tiburtus trinidadensis Strand, 1915, which is a new synonym of Calonotos aterrima (Sepp, 1847). Aethria jacksoni Kaye 1925 is a new synonym of Aethria aner Hampson 1905.

Taxonomic changes in the Neotropical Arctiinae, Arctiini (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) relating to the fauna of Trinidad and Tobago.

In preparation for a general account of the Trinidad and Tobago Arctiini, the following taxonomic changes are made and justification provided. A lectotype is designated for Castrica sordidior Rothschild, 1909. Castrica oweni Schaus, 1896, stat rev. is returned to species rank. The following new synonyms are established: Castrica sordidior Rothschild, 1909 syn. nov. of Castrica oweni Schaus, 1896; Automolis nigroapicalis Gaede, 1923, Automolis semicostalis Rothschild, 1909, Automolis alboatra Rothschild, 1909, Automolis alboatra borussica Seitz, 1922, Sallaea unifascia Druce, 1899, Automolis hamifera Dognin, 1907, and Automolis apicata Schaus, 1905 syn. nov. of Pryteria costata Mschler, 1883; and Sphinx Adfeit. psamas Cramer, [1779] syn. nov. of Phalaena Noctua onytes Cramer, [1777]. Virbia birchi Druce, 1911 is confirmed to be a synonym of Phalaena medarda Stoll, [1781]. Pryteria tenuis (Rothschild, 1935) stat. nov. and P. intensa (Rothschild, 1935) stat. nov. are raised to species level pending clarification of the genus Pryteria in Central America.

A new species and taxonomic changes relating to the Notodontidae (Lepidoptera) of Trinidad, West Indies.

In preparation for a general account of the Notodontidae of Trinidad and Tobago, the following taxonomic acts are required. Apella [sic] ovalis Rothschild, 1917 (Notodontidae) is transferred to the combination Lephana ovalis (Rothschild) comb. nov. (Erebidae, Anobinae). Crinodes insularis Rothschild, 1917 stat. nov. is removed from synonymy with C. fuscipennis Rothschild, 1917. Oligocentria brunnipennis Kaye, 1923 stat rev. is reinstated as a valid species. The following are new synonyms: Anoba suffusa Hampson, 1924 syn. nov. of Lephana muffula Guene, 1852 (Erebidae, Anobinae); Farigia xenopithia Druce, 1911 syn. nov. of F. magniplaga Schaus, 1905; Oligocentria guianensis Thiaucourt, 2015 syn. nov. of Oligocentria brunnipennis Kaye, 1923; Skaphita aroensis (Schaus, 1901) and S. sexnotata (Kaye, 1925) syn. nov. of S. cubana (Grote, 1865). The holotype of S. kalodonta (Kaye, 1923) is recognised. Skaphita indirae sp. nov. is described from Trinidad.

Gamelia bennetti sp. nov., a new Saturniidae species from Trinidad and Tobago (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea).

Gamelia bennetti sp. nov. is described from Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, and compared with members of the Gamelia abas species group: G. abas (Cramer, [1775]), G. berliozi Lemaire, 1967, G. lichyi Lemaire, 1973, G. rubriluna (Walker, 1862) and G. septentrionalis (Bouvier, 1936). A photographic record suggests G. bennetti sp. nov. may also occur in Tobago.

Ecological pest control fortifies agricultural growth in Asia-Pacific economies.

The Green Revolution is credited with alleviating famine, mitigating poverty and driving aggregate economic growth since the 1960s. In Asia, high-input technology packages secured a tripling of rice output, with germplasm improvements providing benefits beyond US$4.3 billion yr-1. Here, we unveil the magnitude and macro-economic relevance of parallel nature-based contributions to productivity growth in non-rice crops over the period 1918-2018 (across 23 different Asia-Pacific geopolitical entities). We empirically demonstrate how biological control resolved invasive pest threats in multiple agricultural commodities, ensuring annually accruing (on-farm) benefits of US$14.6-19.5 billion yr-1. Scientifically guided biological control of 43 exotic invertebrate pests permitted 73-100% yield-loss recovery in critical food, feed and fibre crops including banana, breadfruit, cassava and coconut. Biological control thereby promoted rural growth and prosperity even in marginal, poorly endowed, non-rice environments. By placing agro-ecological innovations on equal footing with input-intensive measures, our work provides lessons for future efforts to mitigate invasive species, restore ecological resilience and sustainably raise output of global agrifood systems.

Author Correction: Ecological pest control fortifies agricultural growth in Asia-Pacific economies.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Ghost-moths of Trinidad and Tobago with description of a new genus and a new species (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae).

The Hepialidae species of Trinidad and Tobago are documented and two species are recognized. The new and monotypic genus Wallacella, gen. n., (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae) is erected to include Phassus guianensis Schaus of Guyana (Wallacella guianensis, comb. n.). The male holotype and genitalia are also illustrated for the first time. Potential generic affinities with Druceiella (Viette) and Pfitzneriana (Viette) are considered. Gymelloxes juliusboosi sp. n. is described from Trinidad and Tobago and compared to its congeneric species. The sternite VIII and male genitalia are diagnostic for this new species. The male holotype is deposited in the collection of the Natural History Museum, London, UK.

Continental-scale suppression of an invasive pest by a host-specific parasitoid underlines both environmental and economic benefits of arthropod biological control.

Biological control, a globally-important ecosystem service, can provide long-term and broad-scale suppression of invasive pests, weeds and pathogens in natural, urban and agricultural environments. Following (few) historic cases that led to sizeable environmental up-sets, the discipline of arthropod biological control has-over the past decades-evolved and matured. Now, by deliberately taking into account the ecological risks associated with the planned introduction of insect natural enemies, immense environmental and societal benefits can be gained. In this study, we document and analyze a successful case of biological control against the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) which invaded Southeast Asia in 2008, where it caused substantial crop losses and triggered two- to three-fold surges in agricultural commodity prices. In 2009, the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was released in Thailand and subsequently introduced into neighboring Asian countries. Drawing upon continental-scale insect surveys, multi-year population studies and (field-level) experimental assays, we show how A. lopezi attained intermediate to high parasitism rates across diverse agro-ecological contexts. Driving mealybug populations below non-damaging levels over a broad geographical area, A. lopezi allowed yield recoveries up to 10.0 t/ha and provided biological control services worth several hundred dollars per ha (at local farm-gate prices) in Asia's four-million ha cassava crop. Our work provides lessons to invasion science and crop protection worldwide. Furthermore, it accentuates the importance of scientifically-guided biological control for insect pest management, and highlights its potentially large socio-economic benefits to agricultural sustainability in the face of a debilitating invasive pest. In times of unrelenting insect invasions, surging pesticide use and accelerating biodiversity loss across the globe, this study demonstrates how biological control-as a pure public good endeavor-constitutes a powerful, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible solution for invasive species mitigation.

A highly-simplified and inexpensive MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry sample-preparation method with broad applicability to microorganisms, plants, and insects.

Matrix-assisted laser-desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry prepares proteins intact in the gas phase with predominantly a single positive charge. The times-of-flight of charged proteins along a tube held at high vacuum after acceleration in an electrical field are proportional to the square root of the mass-over-charge ratios for the proteins, thereby allowing a mass spectrum to be generated, which can then be used to characterize or identify a protein-containing sample. Several sample-preparation methods are currently available but not all of these are applicable to some forms of fungal biomass and few of these are well suited to the analysis of plant or insect material. We have therefore developed a simplified method that: lyses cells, selectively solubilizes basic proteins, dissolves matrix to a suitable concentration, generates spectra with good intensity and peak richness, costs no more (and generally less) than current methods, and is not constrained in terms of throughput by the availability of centrifuges. Using this method, and a reagent formulation comprising α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid matrix close to saturation in 60%-65% (v/v) acetonitrile in water containing 2.5% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid, we have been able to differentiate between strains for a representative subset of aflatoxin-producing and aflatoxin-non-producing strains of Aspergillus fungi, to differentiate between Indian and Pakistani strains of Himalayan balsam rust, to differentiate between closely-related Crassula spp. and regional biotypes of Crassula helmsii, and to differentiate between rubbervine introduced into Australia and Brazil. We have also analyzed fall armyworm and stem-borer samples stored in 70% (v/v) ethanol and old dried insect specimens.

Host Specificity of Epiplema albida: A Potential Biological Control Agent for Sri Lankan Privet in the Mascarene Islands.

Epiplema albida (Hampson) (Lepidoptera: Uraniidae, Epipleminae) from Sri Lanka, was studied to assess its safety for use as a biological control agent for Sri Lankan privet, Ligustrum robustum subsp. walkeri (Oleaceae) in La Réunion and other Mascarene Islands. Larval no-choice feeding tests using newly hatched larvae, larval development tests, and multiple choice oviposition tests were used. Adult females of E. albida are shown to have highly selective oviposition behaviour and the species is physiologically restricted to very few hosts for feeding and development. The risk to key test plants in La Réunion is minimal, so this species can be considered for use as a biological control agent there, but would need further evaluation for potential use elsewhere.

Molecular methods to detect Spodoptera frugiperda in Ghana, and implications for monitoring the spread of invasive species in developing countries.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest indigenous throughout the Americas, which recently appeared in Africa, first reported from São Tomé, Nigeria, Bénin and Togo in 2016, and which we now report from Ghana. This species is recognised to comprise two morphologically identical but genetically distinct strains or species in the Americas, and we found both to be present in Ghana. We discuss possible routes of entry to Africa, of which the likeliest is adults and/or egg masses transported on direct commercial flights between the Americas and West Africa, followed by dispersal by adult flight within Africa. Identification of Lepidoptera is normally based on the markings and morphology of adults, and not on the larvae which actually cause the damage, and therefore larvae have to be reared through to adult for authoritative identification. We confirmed that the use of DNA barcoding allowed unequivocal identification of this new pest from Ghana based on the larvae alone. As authenticated barcodes for vouchered specimens of more pests become available, this approach has the potential to become a valuable in-country tool to support national capability in rapid and reliable pest diagnosis and identification.

Annotated list of Mimallonidae (Lepidoptera, Mimallonoidea) from Trinidad and Tobago, with the description of a new species of Cicinnus Blanchard, 1852 and taxonomic notes.

We present the first list focused on Mimallonidae from Trinidad and Tobago and report seven genera and 13 species from Trinidad, and two genera and two species from Tobago, one species of which has not yet been found in Trinidad. All species found on these islands are figured, with the exception of the species known only from Tobago. Additionally, we describe a new species: Cicinnus trini, sp. n. This new species is closely allied to C. beta (Schaus, 1910), comb. n. and C. veigli (Schaus, 1934), comb. n. which we transfer to Cicinnus Blanchard, 1852 from Psychocampa Grote & Robinson, 1866 based on male genitalia characteristics. We designate lectotypes for C. beta, C. magnapuncta (Kaye, 1901), and Trogoptera guianaca Schaus, 1928.

Observations on the Biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera) with particular reference to Kenya. Part 11. Heteropterinae.

Partial life histories from Kenya or Tanzania are presented for Metisella midas midas (Butler), M. medea medea Evans, M. orientalis orientalis Aurivillius, M. quadrisignatus nanda Evans, M. congdoni De Jong & Kielland and M. willemi Wallengren. The ovum of Metisella formosus linda Evans is also illustrated from Zambia. All feed on species of grasses (Poaceae). The convergence of the biology of the grass-feeding skippers, particularly Heteropterinae and Hesperiinae, Baorini is discussed.

Observations on the biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera) with particular reference to Kenya. Part 10. Pyrginae, Carcharodini.

Partial life histories are presented for Spialia kituina (Karsch), S. spio (Linnaeus), S. diomus (Hopffer), S. colotes transvaaliae (Trimen), S. dromus (Plötz), S. ploetzi (Aurivillius), S. zebra bifida Higgins and Gomalia elma elma (Trimen). All feed on species of Malvaceae. An earlier record from Kenya of Melhania velutina as the food plant of S. depauperata depauperata (Strand) was based on a misidentification and there are no known records of the food plant of this subspecies. Spialia ferax (Wallengren) stat. rev. is considered a valid species rather than a subspecies of S. diomus, based on significant differences in wing patterns, the shape of the valves, a zone where neither occurs, no signs that a cline is involved, and differences in the colouring and markings of the caterpillars. The convergence of the biology of the chequered skippers of the tribes Carcharodini, Pyrgini and Celaenorrhini is discussed.

Observations on the biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera). Part 9. Hesperiinae incertae sedis: Zingiberales feeders, genera of unknown biology and an overview of the Hesperiinae incertae sedis.

The Afrotropical genera that have been recorded to feed on Zingiberales are documented. Partial life histories are presented for Erionota torus Evans (a South-East Asian species established in Mauritius), Semalea arela (Mabille), S. pulvina (Plötz), Xanthodisca vibius (Hewitson), X. rega (Mabille), Hypoleucis ophiusa (Hewitson), Caenides dacena (Hewitson), Osmodes adon (Mabille), Gretna cylinda (Hewitson) and Moltena fiara (Butler). Additional notes from the literature are provided on the genera Leona and Rhabdomantis. Notes on natural enemies of E. torus and M. fiara are included. We find that the Zingiberaceae and Costaceae feeding genera, Semalea, Xanthodiscus, Hypoleucis and Caenides (part) are united by a C-shaped raised rim to the prothoracic spiracle of the pupa. The pupa of Osmodes adon indicates this genus may have no close affinities to other Afrotropical genera for which the life history is known. The pupa of G. cylinda is unlike any other that we have documented and may reflect that this is the only species which we have found to be formed on the open leaf under surface rather than in a shelter. The early stages of M. fiara indicate affinities with Zophopetes and related genera. The paper concludes with a brief comparative discussion of the early stages of the Afrotropical Hesperiinae incertae sedis as a whole. There appear to be useful characters to group species by the ova and pupae but less so by the caterpillars. Based on pupae alone, the Hesperiinae incertae sedis might be divided into nine groups.

Observations on the Biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera). Part 8. Hesperiinae incertae sedis: Dracaena Feeders.

The Afrotropical genera Gamia and Artitropa are only known to feed on species of Dracaena (Asparagaceae), and together with Leona lissa Evans, which may require a new genus, they are the only Afrotropical Hesperiidae that feed on this unusual host genus. We present partial life histories of two species of Gamia, 22 taxa of Artitropa (of at least 12 species, and including several undescribed taxa), and notes on the life history of L. lissa. Based on life history information, Gamia and Artitropa are considered likely to form a monophyletic group, probably most closely related to some of the palm-feeding genera currently placed incertae sedis, but formerly in Evans' 1937 Ploetzia group of genera. Notes on natural enemies of A. erinnys (Trimen) and A. milleri Evans are included.

Observations on the biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera). Part 7. Hesperiinae incertae sedis: grass and bamboo feeders.

Partial life histories for 17 Hesperiinae incertae sedis that feed on grasses or bamboos (Poaceae) are described and illustrated. The genera dealt with are: Astictopterus (from Evans' (1937) Astictopterus group), Prosopalpus, Kedestes (from Evans' (1937) Ampittia group), Ceratrichia, Pardaleodes, Ankola (From Evans' (1937) Ceratrichia and Acleros groups), Perrotia (part), Chondrolepis, and Monza (part) (all from Evans' Ploetzia genera group). The Poaceae-feeders comprise a relatively small proportion of the Afrotropical Hesperiinae fauna, particularly the mainland Afrotropical fauna. The caterpillars shown here are fairly homogeneous, with the head wider nearer the base, and lacking obvious setae on the body. Wax glands have been noted over most of the ventral surface A1-A8 in the final instar of Ceratrichia, Pardaleodes and Monza, but are absent in Chondrolepis, and either absent or not documented for other genera. The short double frontal projection of Tsitana uitenhaga is unusual, but pupae of the congeneric species have not been documented. The pupae of Kedestes spp. generally have extensive black or dark areas. The pupae of Pardaleodes and Ankola are very flimsy and collapse after emergence. All known pupae of Chondrolepis spp. have a short, blunt downturned frontal projection, not seen for any other Afrotropical genera, although Semalea spp. may have a short blunt projection. The remaining pupae are all generally similar and undistinguished. These are not substantial differences, but suggest that pupal characters may be useful in grouping some of the genera of Afrotropical Hesperiinae incertae sedis.

Observations on the biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera). Part 6. Hesperiinae incertae sedis: palm feeders.

Partial life histories for 12 Hesperiinae incertae sedis that feed on palms (Arecaceae) are described and illustrated. The genera dealt with are: Perrotia (part), Ploetzia, Zophopetes, Gretna (part), Pteroteinon, Leona, and Caenides (part) (all from Evans' Ploetzia genera group). Although Gamia spp. have been reported to feed on palms, these records are considered to be in error, as caterpillars of this genus feed on Dracaena spp. (Asparagaceae). The life histories of the species documented are fairly uniform, in that caterpillars of most species have rounded brown heads, wider basally, with or without limited black markings, smooth bodies and make simple shelters by rolling leaves. Variation in caterpillar markings and male genitalia of Zophopetes dysmephila (Trimen) and caterpillar and adult markings of Gretna carmen Evans merit further study. In G. carmen, G. waga (Plötz) and G. balenge (Holland), the caterpillars' head and body are covered with hair-like setae, and develop an extensive covering of white waxy powder, which in G. balenge also covers the long setae. Furthermore, the pupa of G. balenge is unusual in having a pair of large, elaborate processes frontally on the head; when disturbed, the pupa vibrates violently and rattles noisily against the sides of the shelter. Ploetzia amygdalis (Mabille) and Pteroteinon laufella (Hewitson) have gregarious caterpillars, whereas the remaining species are solitary. After eclosion, the first instar caterpillars of Gretna spp. moult to the second instar without feeding. The implications of a palm-feeding life-style are discussed, and economic damage and plant quarantine risks to coconut, oil palm and ornamental palms pointed out. The known life histories suggest that all Afrotropical palm-feeding Hesperiidae will belong in the same tribe when the incertae sedis section is further elucidated, although the affinities of Gretna deserve further consideration. 

Observations on White Grubs Affecting Sugar Cane at the Juba Sugar Project, South-Western Somalia, in the 1980s, and Implications for Their Management.

The authors made two visits to the Juba Sugar Project in south-west Somalia, at the beginning of the minor rains in October 1986, and at the beginning of the main rains in March 1987. Observations were made on morphospecies of scarabaeid white grub larvae, the adults, and the two associated for the key economic species, Cochliotis melolonthoides and Brachylepis werneri. Sampling larvae and adults by digging soil quadrats and adults by light trapping gave useful information on their biology and phenology. Sampling methods were evaluated and economic thresholds were extrapolated based on earlier work. Natural enemies were surveyed, and entomopathogenic nematodes and a cordyceps fungus (Ophiocordyceps barnesii) were considered to have potential to be used as biological control interventions.