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The presence of Leucoptera sinuella (Reutti) (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae), commonly known as the poplar moth, is cited for the first time for Argentina and, in particular, for the province of Mendoza. This economically important microlepidoptera mines poplar leaves {Populus spp.), reducing photosynthetic activity. Additionally, it can migrate to neighboring crops, for example, apple crops, pupating in its pedicle cavity. In Chile, it has caused the quarantine rejection of this fruit in countries such as the United States and Mexico. For all these reasons, monitoring the species, analyzing its establishment and taking control measures to prevent its spreading to other regions of the country, are imperative for the evaluation of this economically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of the “pear thrips” Taeniothrips inconsequens has been cited in Argentina in 1921 by Teresa Joan. This has affected exports of fruit tree propagation materials. However currently there is a concern about that citation because it was probably an incorrect identification of the thrips species. The objective of this work was to confirm the presence of Taeniothrips inconsequens in fruit orchards in Argentina. Fruit orchards were sampled in the main producing areas of Argentina. A total of 10,696 specimens from 393 samples were examined and no T. inconsequens were found. The citation of this species for Argentina could be the result of misidentifications. Ninety percent of the collected specimens corresponded to four species of thrips: 37% Frankliniella australis, 29% Thrips tabaci, 14% Frankliniella occidentalis and 10% Frankliniella gemina. Of the remaining 10%, 2% were larvae and 8% corresponded to the species Aneristothrips rostratus, Frankliniella frumenti, Frankliniella schultzei, Frankliniella inesae, Frankliniella juancarlosi, Frankliniella spp, Leptothrips mali, Aeolothrips fasciatipennis, Arorathrips texanus, Tenothrips frici, Haplothrips spp, Haplothrips fiebrigi, Haplothrips trellesi, Thrips australis, Karnyothrips spp., and Caliothrips phaseoli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Athetis Hübner (Lepidoptera. Noctuidae. Amphipyrinae) comprises numerous species worldwide, two of them recently reported as pests of maize in China. This work presents the first record of an Athetis species feeding on soybean in the eastern region of the province of Córdoba, Argentina. The specimens were identified as Athetis rionegrensis status rev. based on external morphology and genitalia characters for both sexes. Furthermore, additional specimens were collected in the province of La Pampa, Argentina, on October, 2021.This species was only known to be in Alto Valle, province of Río Negro, Argentina, therefore these specimens represent the first record of the species outside that province. The correct assignment of this species to the Athetis genus is confirmed. Finally, the implications of this new record are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eupteryx decemnotata (Rey) is an oligophagous species of potential economic importance. It is native to Mediterranean region. Then, it spread throughout most of Europe and reached North America. In this work it is recorded for the first time in Argentina. Distinctive characters of the species are mentioned and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhyssomatus subtilis Fiedler (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important pest of the soybean crop in northwestern Argentina. Few studies have been made on specific parameters of its life history and ecology. The aim of this study was to determine the number of larval stages of R. subtilis. One thousand and eighteen larvae were collected from soybean plants during 2 yr (2011 and 2013), and head capsule width of each larva was measured. For analysis of data, the Hcap program and Dyar's rule were used. The Hcap program showed 4 different peaks in the frequency distribution of the head capsule widths. This result also agreed with Dyar's rule that revealed a perfect geometric larval growth pattern for each instar by regression analysis. The excellent fit to a linear model, indicates that no instar was overlooked. This research identified 4 instars for R. subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrotomopus atropunctellus (Boheman) (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cholini) is a weevil species endemic to Argentina, mainly inhabiting the biogeographic province of the Yungas. It was first reported as harmful to sugar cane in 1929. Damages were not cited again until a decade ago, when the species became a serious pest due to the increased sugar cane production. This species is morphologically similar to A. wagneri Hustache that occurs in the Chacoan biogeographic province. Its biology resembles that of other species of Cholini whose larvae mine inside long-stemmed plants. Females lay eggs in the basal and middle portions of young plants. Larvae feed inside the stems and reach the stumps by winter, reducing the reshooting capacity of cane in subsequent growth seasons. Adults produce small holes with irregular borders in buds, stems and central veins of leaves. We provide a key to separate A. atropunctellus from the remaining three species of Acrotomopus, A. wagneri, A. microspilotus (Pascoe) and A. obtusus (Hustache), all of them occurring in Argentina. We also give details about the main features of its biological cycle and the damages caused to sugar cane in Tucumán province. The paper includes illustrations of the four Acrotomopus species and of the larvae and damages produced by A. acropunctellus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olive growing areas are affected by two species of eriophyoid mites. These organisms are phytophagous of many plants, affecting the whole plant excepting roots. Some of them cause important damage like contorted foliage, lowers and branches, lack of growth, and chlorotic leaves. Two species have been found in Coquimbito, Maipú: Aceria oleae (Nalepa) and Oxycenus maxwelli (Keifer). The aim of this study is to obtain the population fluctuations of both species of eriophyoid mite. The survey took place in an olive orchard placed in Maipú, Mendoza. Sampling was performed fortnightly, removing 30 shoots and 30 inflorescences or stalked fruits. One hundred leaves, 30 buds and 30 inflorescences or fruits were observed under stereomicroscope. The results showed that these mites overwinter on leaves and vegetative buds. In late September the population increase in lower buds, lowers and young fruits, showing a maximum in December. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead is a polyphagous pest that attacks mainly Mangifera indica. This insect species is reported for the first time in Argentina. The studied specimens were collected from mango trees in different places of NW Argentina, in January 2011 and April 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ctenarytaina spatulata Taylor, a species associated with eucalypt plantations, is recorded for the first time in Entre Ríos, Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]