Revision of Paralobesia (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and screening aid development for pest management

Abstract

The moth genus Paralobesia consists of 18 described and several undescribed species. All but three are Nearctic, present in North America and northern Mexico, with P. andereggiana (Herrich-Schäffer) present in the Palearctic (Europe). Most species are found in eastern North America, although two have been recorded from the western U.S., Paralobesia palliolana (McDunnough), and an unknown species. Paralobesia viteana (Clemens), the grape berry moth, is the most well-known member as a serious pest of grapes. Infestations can lead to crop destruction or rejection of harvests due to larval presence or damage. The introduction of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) into California in 2008 brought about renewed interest in Paralobesia. Lobesia botrana is one of the most important pests of grape in the Palearctic and has wing patterning incredibly similar to P. viteana, necessitating the dissection of genitalia for accurate identification. The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) aims to detect introductions of potential pests as efficiently as possible. As part of this detection program, CAPS provides screening aids to the community and field surveyors. These documents provide critical, simplified identification information on the top pests of concern each year. These detail basic biology, trapping methods, and identification protocols. With ever changing life conditions, such as weather, human travel, and commodity trade, proper identification of insect pests is critical for understanding and control. Chapter 1 provides a detailed intoduction into the importance of this revision and screening aids in the larger picture of pest control. Chapter 2 of this thesis provides a description of a new species of Paralobesia that feeds on the rare Showy lady's slipper orchid, Cypripedium reginae Walter (Orchidaceae). Chapter 3 provides a revision of Paralobesia based on a combination of methods: adult morphology, focusing on genitalia features, host plant data, and a molecular phylogeny. Accompanying this revision in Chapter 4 are CAPS screening aids, used in the field and by surveyors in an effort to detect non-native pest species as early as possible.