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Background: Recent studies indicated that frequent anthropogenic disturbances in tropical countries are primary drivers of the reduction in community diversity and local extinction of many insect taxa, including Lepidoptera. Biodiversity assessment provides information on the responses of different taxa to these anthropogenic changes, useful to develop evidence-based conservation strategies to reduce biodiversity loss. We assessed the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on lepidopteran assemblages across five different land uses (forest fragments, crop fields, Pasture land, rural settlement and undisturbed natural forest) in Choke Mountains, Ethiopia. Automatic light traps have been used in 16 sites, in 3 sites manual samplings have been performed. A total of 4,559 moths representing 14 families and 339 species were sampled. The highest diversity was obtained from the Natural Forest (269 species), followed by Forest Fragment (174), Pasture Land (148), Crop Fields (138), and Rural Settlement (136). The highest species-rich families were Geometridae (131 taxa), Erebidae (93 taxa), Tortricidae (40 taxa) and Sphingidae (17 taxa). Values calculated for the Shannon index were high, ranging between 4.78 for Natural Forests and 4.15 for Crop Fields. Simpson index indicated very high values of evenness, with all land use types above 0.97. The highest values of dominance were observed in Crop Field and Pasture Land, with the percentage of the dominant species around 10%. Estimated species richness by Chao-1 was highest within Natural Forest (366), followed by Pasture Land (256), Forest Fragment (241), Rural Settlement (233), and lowest in Crop Field (186), with the highest increase, if compared to the observed number of species, in Pasture Land (+ 73%) and Rural Settlement (+ 71%). Conclusions: The results of this study will be useful for guiding conservation management priorities for preventing irreversible biodiversity losses and maintaining ecosystem services provisioning that are essential conditions for the sustainable development of rural communities.

Evaluation of Trap Devices for Mass Trapping of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations.

The present study was conducted in four central-southern Italian regions (Abruzzo, Campania, Molise, Puglia) in the years 2008 and 2016–2018, with the aim to verify in hilly areas characterized by the coexistence of vineyards and olive groves, the presence, frequency and density on olive trees of the larval instars of the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana on olive tree flowers, and to compare these parameters with those of other lepidopteran species as well. The sampling collection was conducted on the selected plots twice in each spring, during the phenological phase of flowering. The Lepidoptera larvae found in flower buds were identified through a chaetotaxy analysis. During samplings, 384 larvae belonging to three families (Geometridae, Tortricidae, and Praydidae) were found. The olive moth, Prays oleae, was by far the most abundant species (89.8% of the total collections) and was found in all samplings. L. botrana represented 8.2% of collected specimens and was found in all sampled fields, except in Molise during 2017. Prays oleae populations were significantly more abundant compared to L. botrana populations in all cases, except in Campania during 2017. The largest L. botrana populations were found in 2008 in Abruzzo olive groves, with 0.3 larvae per inflorescence, whereas in the other years and experimental fields the densities ranged between 0 and 0.14 larvae per inflorescence, from 3 to 24 times lower compared to P. oleae. At similar levels of infestation, L. botrana did not represent a harmful pest for olive trees; however, its presence cannot be considered occasional, as it has been found constantly, year after year, even on different olive cultivars. Kruscal-Wallis results showed significant differences among the olive orchards differently related with vineyards and suggests a direct link of L.botrana populations in olive groves and neighbouring vineyards. Olive trees located near vineyards can thus represent an important infestation focus and an insect reservoir, from which the first annual generation of L. botrana adult moths easily move and colonise the surrounding areas, including the neighbouring vineyards. Our results should be considered in IPM programmes for the control of L. botrana in those territories where vineyards and olive trees are closely cultivated.

Timely detection of an invasion event, or a pest outbreak, is an extremely challenging operation of major importance for implementing management action toward eradication and/or containment. Fruit flies—FF—(Diptera: Tephritidae) comprise important invasive and quarantine species that threaten the world fruit and vegetables production. The current manuscript introduces a recently developed McPhail-type electronic trap (e-trap) and provides data on its field performance to surveil three major invasive FF (Ceratitis capitata, Bactrocera dorsalis and B. zonata). Using FF male lures, the e-trap attracts the flies and retains them on a sticky surface placed in the internal part of the trap. The e-trap captures frames of the trapped adults and automatically uploads the images to the remote server for identification conducted on a novel algorithm involving deep learning. Both the e-trap and the developed code were tested in the field in Greece, Austria, Italy, South Africa and Israel. The FF classification code was initially trained using a machine-learning algorithm and FF images derived from laboratory colonies of two of the species (C. capitata and B. zonata). Field tests were then conducted to investigate the electronic, communication and attractive performance of the e-trap, and the model accuracy to classify FFs. Our results demonstrated a relatively good communication, electronic performance and trapping efficacy of the e-trap. The classification model provided average precision results (93–95%) for the three target FFs from images uploaded remotely from e-traps deployed in field conditions. The developed and field tested e-trap system complies with the suggested attributes required for an advanced camera-based smart-trap.

The genus Orbamia Herbulot, 1966 is revised. Two new genera are described: Rabomia Hausmann & Tujuba, gen. nov. (type species: Ectropis ? subaurata Warren, 1899), and Morabia Hausmann & Tujuba, gen. nov. (type species: Morabia politzari Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov.). Ten new species and two new subspecies are described: Rabomia obscurior Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from western Africa, Morabia politzari Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Kenya, Morabia brunnea Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Zambia, Orbamia marginata Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Tanzania, Orbamia clarissima Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Kenya, Orbamia clarior Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Kenya, Orbamia obliqua Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Zambia, Orbamia obliqua parva Hausmann & Tujuba, subsp. nov., from South Africa, Orbamia abiyi Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Orbamia emanai Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov., from Ethiopia, Orbamia emanai lenzi Hausmann & Tujuba, subsp. nov., from Zambia and Malawi, and Orbamia balensis Hausmann & Tujuba, sp. nov. from Ethiopia. The taxon Lepiodes ocellata Warren, 1897 is raised from synonymy of O. octomaculata (Wallengren, 1872) to species rank (Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda). The taxonomical analysis is based on both morphological and genetic cytochrome oxidase I (COI) data. Adults and male and female genitalia of all species are illustrated.

The pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, causes serious defoliation to Cedrus, Pinus and Pseudotsuga trees, as well as health problems in humans, pets and farm animals due to their urticating hairs. Environmentally friendly strategies for the management of T. pityocampa include: removal of egg batches, removal of nests, trapping of migrant larvae, spraying microbial or Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) insecticides and biocontrol, as well as pheromone‐based adult trapping and mating‐disruption. In the present paper, results on innovative technology for the control of T. pityocampa infestation using pheromone mass‐trapping are reported. Two 1‐ha plots were identified in the study area (central‐south Italy), a pine woodland recreational site growing Pinus halepensis. In the experimental plot (MT‐plot), 10 G‐traps (funnel trap type) baited with (Z)‐13‐hexadecen‐11‐ynyl acetate sex pheromone component were placed for mass‐trapping of adults; the other plot was used as a control‐plot (C‐plot). The T. pityocampa population was monitored using the two central traps in the MT‐plot and two traps positioned in the C‐plot. In addition, the winter nests made by T. pityocampa larvae overwintering on pine trees were counted. After 2 years of mass‐trapping, the number of adults trapped by the monitoring pheromone traps decreased in the MT‐plot, but not in the C‐plot, whereas the number of nests decreased in both plots. Statistical results highlighted significant differences in trap catches between the two plots but not between years. In the case of nests, differences among plots were not significant before the mass‐trapping, but significant after 1‐year treatment. According to our results, the mass‐trapping technique is able to reduce T. pityocampa infestations. This pheromone method can be applied in combination with other control systems in the context of integrated pest management in recreational areas.

Results regarding the combination of light-traps and coloured glue-boards for the trap and control of the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), are reported. Monitoring was performed using as basic structure PRO 80S UV fluorescent fly traps in a confinement swine farm in the south of Italy. During the trials, neon traps with a combination of glue-boards (yellow vs black and yellow vs white) and neon vs LED traps with yellow glue-boards were evaluated. Results indicated that yellow and black glue-boards were equally attractive to flies, with no significant differences. Light-traps captured significantly more flies when a white glue-board was used rather than a yellow panel. The neon lamp attracted significantly more flies than the LED lamp. According to our results, light-traps with white panels have potential to be employed in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for monitoring and controlling house flies in livestock farms and in food processing, reducing risks in dissemination of pathogens which have the potential to affect humans or animals.

We present faunistic and taxonomic data for the genus Zamarada (Geometridae, Ennominae, Cassymini) in Ethiopia. With this contribution, the number of Zamarada species in Ethiopia increases from 16 to 23. One species Zamarada erugatoides sp. n. is described as new. Zamarada iobathra Prout, 1932 and Zamarada polyctemon Prout, 1932 are downgraded from species rank to subspecies of Zamarada euryscaphes Prout, 1915 (stat. n.). The female of Zamarada eurygnathus Fletcher, 1974 and Zamarada chrysothyra Hampson, 1909 and the male of Zamarada secutaria (Guenée, 1858) are described for the first time.

A Decision Support System (DSS) was developed and evaluated to control the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedermann), by incorporating a semi-automatic pest monitoring and a precision targeting approach in multi-varietal orchards. The DSS consists of three algorithms. DSS1, based on the degree days calculation, defines when the traps should be deployed in the field initiating the medfly population monitoring. DSS2 defines the areas to be treated and the type of treatment based on the number of adult medfly captures, harvesting time, and phenological stage of the host cultivar. DSS3 defines the spraying procedure considering the technical registration properties of the selected insecticide (e.g., withholding period and efficacy duration time) and weather conditions. The DSS was tested in commercial orchard conditions near Rome, central Italy, with a randomized complete blocks experimental design, comparing DSS-assisted and conventional management. In the DSS-assisted plots, a semi-automatic adult medfly monitoring system was deployed, composed of real-time, wireless electronic traps. The output of the functioning DSS is a map of spraying recommendation, reporting the areas to be treated and the treatment type (bait or cover insecticide spraying). The farmer was left free to follow, or not, the DSS indications. The first medfly captures were observed on June 30, whereas the DD threshold was reached on July 3 when the DSS started to operate. The field test produced 29 DSS decisions from July 3 to September 1 and confirmed that medfly management using the DSS substantially reduced the number of pesticide applications, the treated area, and the volumes of pesticide utilization. No significant differences in infested fruit were observed between DSS-assisted and conventional management. The level of acceptance of the DSS by the farmer was 78%. This evidence confirmed the requirement of fully involving farmers and pest managers during the evaluation process of DSS.

Modern agriculture requires technology to give precise measures about relevant parameters such as pest control. Here, we developed a decision support system (DSS) based on semi-automatic pest monitoring for managing the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The DSS was based on an algorithm that took into account spatial and temporal patterns of olive fruit fly population in an orchard where all trees were georeferenced, thus precise treatments against the pest were conducted through a location aware system (LAS). The olive fruit fly adult population was monitored by using ad hoc off-the-grid autonomous electronic traps.The results were compared with those obtained with conventional methods. For a pilot trial, we selected an olive-producing orchard, where from June to October 2015, three plots using LAS management and three plots under conventional control (NO-LAS plots) were compared. Spray threshold considered both adult population and fruit damage. An additional non-sprayed plot was selected for assessing biological control due to the parasitoid, Psyttalia concolor (Sz&eacute, pligeti). Results showed that the use of DSS reduced by 36.84% the volume of insecticide used in LAS compared to NO-LAS plots. Accordingly, time and distance needed for spraying were also reduced. Adult olive fruit fly population was lower in the LAS plots when compared with the NO-LAS plots, conversely, fruit infestation was higher in LAS compared with NO-LAS. The implementation of LAS and DSS at field level allowed real-time monitoring of adult olive flies, thereby increasing the accuracy and precision of sprays in time and space and decreasing impact on natural enemies.

The conservation of biological diversity is one of the main goals for managing forests in an ecologically sustainable way. Presence and abundance of microhabitats, such as tree cavities or bark pockets, can be conveniently used as indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable forest management measures. In Mediterranean forest ecosystems, the relationships between stand-structure attributes and species-diversity indicators are still poorly studied. We described the structural attributes, deadwood characteristics and microhabitat occurrence in a silver fir forest of Central Apennines (Italy), which has not been submitted to silvicultural interventions for several decades. We assessed linkages between these characteristics and the abundance, distribution and diversity of saproxylic beetle fauna. A systematic aligned sampling method was conduced on 240 ha, examining 50 plots of 530 m 2 each. Saproxylic beetles were sampled using window flight traps and emergence traps in relation to abundance and species richness at the plot level, but also on decaying deadwood. The heterogeneity in types and frequencies of microhabitats, and the link between structural attributes associated with stand complexity and saproxylic species, were also analysed. With the aim of describing the complex saproxylic ecological network, beetle species were classified according to the type of interactions with wood and other insects fauna, but also in relation to the trophic guilds. Linear regressions were conducted for highlighting metric variability and relationships between parameters, while geostatistical analyses were used to describe the spatial variability of structural features and the spatial pattern of beetle distributions. Results of linear regression and geostatistical analysis showed how the saproxylic beetle community is influenced by the amount, type and stage of decay of deadwood, but also by the forest structural complexity and the occurrence of microhabitats. Gap dynamics and natural disturbances had effects on deadwood amounts and microhabitat abundance, which was significantly higher than in managed and structurally simplified forest stands. Most of the entomological variables (namely, Families, Species, Total individuals, Saproxylic individuals, Staphylinidae, Elateridae, Nothodes parvulus, Curculionidae, Ernoporus fagi, Phyllobius emery ) were clumped, highlighting the existence of aggregation areas in the sampled forest. In several cases the insect distribution was linked to the spatial pattern of forest attributes, particularly deadwood components.

Determining the spatio-temporal distribution and association of pests and natural enemies would be useful for implementing biological control of pests and could also be used in site-specific pest management. In this study, the spatio-temporal distribution and association of aphids, plant bugs, and natural enemies were assessed in alfalfa fields using geo-statistics and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE). Additionally, the effect of alfalfa hay-harvesting on the spatial and temporal distribution of these insects was investigated for the first time. Geostatistical analysis indicated that the degree of dependence (DD) was &ge, 75% for 11 out of 39, 9 out of 35, 3 out of 12, 10 out of 29, and 2 out of 20 datasets for pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, spotted alfalfa aphid Therioaphis maculata, cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora, alfalfa plant bug Adelphocoris lineolatus, and tarnished plant bug Lygus rugulipennis, respectively. The results also indicated that DD was &ge, 75% in 7 out of 45, 18 out of 45, and 3 out of 20 datasets for Coccinella septempunctata, Hippodamia variegata, and Pterostichus melanarius, respectively. Harvesting decreased the aggregation of the ladybirds, which resulted in a decrease in the index of aggregation. The geo-statistics results were confirmed by SADIE in 75% of datasets. These results can be used in biological control and site-specific management of aphids and plant bugs in alfalfa fields.

Lepidoptera is the second largest order of insects. Encompassing moths and butterflies, it is regarded as one of the most important components of biodiversity. Here, an updated comprehensive overview of Lepidoptera recorded in Ethiopia is presented, composed of 2,438 taxa in 48 families, of which 664 are endemic. Records were compiled from various literature sources and website databases. Although still being far from complete, this review provides important baseline data for understanding zoogeographic patterns and thus for undertaking effective conservation action. Further research on Ethiopian Lepidoptera is encouraged.

The Ethiopian fruit fly (EFF), Dacus ciliatus, is a key, invasive pest of melons in the Middle East. We developed and implemented a novel decision support system (DSS) to manage this pest in a greenhouse environment in Southern Israel. Dacus ciliatus is commonly controlled in Israel with repeated calendar-sprayings (every 15 days) of pyrethroid pesticides. The current study compares the performance of a DSS against calendar-spraying management (CSM). DSS was based on EFF population monitoring and infestation. DSS took into consideration concerns and observations of expert managers and farmers. During 2014, EFF damage was concentrated in the spring melon production season. Fall and winter production did not show important damage. Damage during the spring of 2014 started to increase when average EFF/trap/day reached 0.3. This value was suggested as the threshold to implement pesticide spraying in DSS greenhouses. EFF/trap/day trends were derived from monitoring with conventional traps and a novel electronic remote sensing trap, developed by our group. CSM during the spring of 2015 included 3 EFF control sprays, while DSS-managed greenhouses were only sprayed once. At the end of the spring season, damage was slightly higher in DSS greenhouses (1.5%), but not significantly different to that found in CSM greenhouses (0.5%). Results support continuing DSS research and optimization to reduce/remove pesticide use against EFF in melon greenhouses. Interactions with farmers and managers is suggested as essential to increase adoption of DSS in agriculture.

The monitoring of insect pests based on adult trapping systems is part of integrated pest management (IPM) in many crops and of early warning detection programs used to set up appropriate management decisions or eradication responses. Using data obtained from traps to make management decisions is not an easy task and involves significant costs in equipment, transport and labour. Thanks to the spread and the low prices of information and communication technologies, innovative automated capture devices including electronic sensors and connecting components are increasingly being developed, allow facing some of the current monitoring constraints in a context of IPM. In this paper, we illustrated the state of the art of this field and provide insights on automated devices, consisting of traps equipped with sensors and other components for the collection of data in the field and their transmission to a remote server accessible online, with information stored in geo-referenced databases. Optical sensors are mainly used for detecting photo-interruptions, images or optoacoustic spectrum of wingbeats. The monitoring systems can be equipped with software for image interpretation and identification of the caught target insect pest (fully automated system) or a remote operator can count the trapped insects by watching the images coming from the e-trap (semi-automated system). The software can integrate a decision support system (DSS) module, which provides information on the risk of infestation and the actions to be taken (when, where, how to make a control application). The development and future prospects of automated devices are discussed in relation to the technical reliability of the system, ease of use and costs compared to traditional monitoring methods.

In the present study, we evaluated the application of mating disruption (MD) for stored-product Pyralidae in a large storage facility of amylaceous products in central Greece. Dispensers were placed in late 2010 until fall 2015, and the stored-product Pyralidae populations were monitored by using pheromone-baited sticky traps and Petri dishes containing semolina were used as oviposition traps. The infesting species that was found was the Mediterranean flour moth, E. kuehniella (Zeller). After the application of MD, the numbers of adult males found on the pheromone-baited traps were reduced in the MD-treated facility, as compared with the untreated (UTC), no MD, facility. Similarly, the numbers of larvae in the oviposition traps were also reduced, as compared with the UTC facility. During the successive years of MD deployment, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of Ephestia kuehniella male adults in the MD-treated facility, but the high density areas, and the infestation foci, were different among years. Hence, in 2014, the majority of the male adults were found at the areas where some years earlier, during the beginning of MD, there were no individuals, or their numbers were low. This suggests that, despite the effectiveness of the method, may be a spatial displacement to other areas. This fact could eventually alter the monitoring protocol, as new infestation foci may occur.

Invasive species are a significant threat to affected ecosystems, having serious environmental, economic and social impacts. The maritime pine bast scale, Matsucoccus feytaudi Ducasse (Hemiptera: Matsucoccidae), causes serious damage to Pinus pinaster forests in SE France, Corsica and Italy where it has been introduced. This study illustrates the adaptive management plan implemented in the Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli Regional Natural Park in Tuscany, Italy, where M. feytaudi arrived in 2004, leading to the decay of local P. pinaster stands. The management programme, aimed at slowing the establishment and growth of M. feytaudi, was carried out in the main sector of the park, Tenuta di San Rossore, to retard the destruction of the P. pinaster coastal strip protecting the more internal woodland from sea salt and to allow replacement of P. pinaster trees with a more stable broad-leaved wood. The combined use of mass trapping and silvicultural interventions, applied in a targeted manner according to distribution maps of pest captures and damage, helped to delay forest destruction compared with a nearby unmanaged area of the park Tenuta di Tombolo. Although M. feytaudi continued to spread during the management period, the populations remained at low levels for 6 years, showing a marked increase in 2012. During this period, the P. pinaster stands were reduced from 320 to 249 ha. The final result of this ongoing gradual conversion process will be transformation of the P. pinaster forest into Holm oak woods and Mediterranean shrub land, while P. pinaster will survive as clusters or blocks of trees.

During the last decades, the economic importance of tephritid fruit flies (FF) has increased worldwide because of recurrent invasions and expansions into new areas, and reduced control capabilities of current control systems. Efficient monitoring systems, thus, are required to provide fast information to act promptly. With this aim in mind, we developed two electronic trap (e‐trap) versions for adult FF: one with specific volatiles for male and female adult Ceratitis capitata, and the second, based on the attraction of adult FF to yellow colour, targeting Dacus ciliatus, Rhagoletis cerasi and Bactrocera oleae. In the case of B. oleae, the female pheromone and ammonium bicarbonate were added as synergists. In the two versions, attracted FF were retained in the trap on glued surfaces. Real‐time images of the surfaces were automatically taken and transmitted to a server. We tested the two e‐trap versions in insect‐proof cages, where flies were released and recaptured, and in commercial orchards throughout the Mediterranean: C. capitata in peach orchards in Italy; R. cerasi in cherry orchards in Greece; B. oleae in olive orchards in Spain and in Greece; and D. ciliatus in melons in plastic tunnels in Israel. The e‐trap showed excellent abilities to transmit real‐time images of trapped FF and a high specificity for trapping different FF species. The ability of the entomologist to correctly classify FF from images in the office was >88%. In addition, average number of flies/trap in e‐trap grids did not differ from numbers reported on grids of conventional traps that were operating simultaneously. The e‐traps developed and tested in this study provide the basis for the real‐time monitoring of FF were no olfactory attractants are available, and for the surveillance of alien FF incursions where generic, but not specific, olfactory attractants exists.

In urban and suburban areas larvae of the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis and Schiffermuller), cause serious defoliation to Cedrus, Pinus, and Pseudotsuga trees and health problems to humans and domestic or farm animals by their urticating setae. In this study, we present the results of biennial trials (2015-2016) on the management of T. pityocampa infestations using commercial or LIFE-PISA prototype trunk barrier and adhesive trap devices in Greece (Attica and Volos), Spain (Valencia), and Italy (Molise). In Attica, for both 2015 and 2016, the commercial trunk barrier trap devices captured significantly more T. pityocampa wintering migrant larvae compared to the adhesive barrier trap devices, indicating their high capture capacity. The total performance of the trunk barriers trap devices was 99.8% in 2015 and 99.6% in 2016. In Volos and Valencia, no significant differences were recorded between captures in commercial and LIFE-PISA prototype trunk barrier trap devices. In the tests that were conducted in Molise, the commercial trunk barrier trap devices exhibited high effectiveness in capturing the wintering migrant larvae during their procession, before they reach the ground for pupation. Moreover, significantly fewer male adults were captured by pheromone trap devices during summer 2016 in comparison with 2015 in the experimental area. Similarly, significantly fewer nests were formed on the experimental area trees in winter 2016 and 2017 compared with 2015. Our results show the potential of the trunk barrier trap devices in the management of T. pityocampa numbers after long-term application in urban and suburban areas.

The auto-confusion system for stored-product pyralid moths, based on the contamination of adult males with the sex female pheromone ( Z,E )-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (commercially known as TDA or ZETA), was evaluated. For this purpose, we applied Exosex SPTab dispensers that contained the Entostat™ powder, at a 5 × 5 m grid, in three facilities, one feed mill in Italy and two retail stores in Greece. In the feed mill, the most abundant pyralid species was Ephestia kuehniella . Monitoring through pheromone-baited traps in this facility indicated that the application of the Exosex SPTab dispensers decreased the number of captures 2 months after the initial application. In the case of the facilities in Greece, the most abundant species was Plodia interpunctella . In these facilities there was a continuous monitoring of moth populations from January 2008 until February 2011, with pheromone-baited traps and Petri dishes with semolina, which served as oviposition traps. In both facilities, the presence of P. interpunctella males in the pheromone-baited traps was reduced after the placement of the Exosex SPTab dispensers, in comparison to captures for the same interval from the previous years. At the same time, the number of emerging individuals in the oviposition traps was notably reduced after the Exosex SPTab dispensers placement, in comparison to the previous monitoring interval. Our study documents that the auto-confusion system is an effective and reliable technique that can be used with success against stored-product Pyralidae, to retail stores and feed mills.

In this paper we present a checklist and integrative revision for the genus Prasinocyma (Geometridae, Geometrinae, Hemistolini). With this contribution the checklist for the genus Prasinocyma in Ethiopia increases from eight to 40 species. Nineteen species and five subspecies are described as new for the science: Prasinocyma pedicata aethiopica subsp. n., Prasinocyma angolica pseudopedicata subsp. n., Prasinocyma bongaensis sp. n., Prasinocyma getachewi sp. n., Prasinocyma baumgaertneri sp. n., Prasinocyma robusta sp. n., Prasinocyma shoa yabellensis subsp. n., Prasinocyma amharensis sp. n., Prasinocyma magica sp. n., Prasinocyma batesi distans subsp. n., Prasinocyma monikae sp. n., Prasinocyma fusca sp. n., Prasinocyma leveneorum sp. n., Prasinocyma aquamarina sp. n., Prasinocyma beryllaria sp. n., Prasinocyma lutulenta sp. n., Prasinocyma septentrionalis sp. n., Prasinocyma fallax sp. n., Prasinocyma trematerrai sp. n., Prasinocyma trematerrai simienensis subsp. n., Prasinocyma angulifera sp. n., Prasinocyma stefani sp. n., Prasinocyma gemmifera sp. n., Prasinocyma discipuncta sp. n. Prasinocyma thiaucourti Herbulot, 1993 is downgraded from species rank to subspecies of P. immaculata (Thunberg, 1784) (stat. n.). Prasinocyma unipuncta Warren, 1897 is downgraded from species rank to synonymy of P. immaculata (Thunberg, 1784) (syn. n.). Prasinocyma nereis Townsend, 1952 (comb.n.) is transferred from genus Eretmopus to Prasinocyma. Thalassodes camerunalta Herbulot, 1986 (comb.n.) is transferred from genus Thalassodes to Prasinocyma. Thalassodini (syn.n.) are downgraded to synonymy of Hemistolini, here.

Hausmann, Axel, Sciarretta, Andrea, Parisi, Francesco (2016): The Geometrinae of Ethiopia II: Tribus Hemistolini, genus Prasinocyma (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Geometrinae). Zootaxa 4065 (1): 1-63, DOI: http://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4065.1.1

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for site-specific IPM of the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Shiffermuller), in a Mediterranean agricultural landscape in central Italy. In 2005–2006, sampling was conducted to verify the spatio-temporal distribution of L. botrana eggs, larvae and adult populations in the investigated agro-ecosystem. On the basis of these results, we applied tactics in 2007 and 2008 to reduce the outer source of the infestation by establishing a pheromone trap barrier system to prevent the movement of male adults from the olive groves into the vineyards, and to test the hypothesis that a within-field site-specific control results in reduced insecticide requirements compared with a traditional uniform IPM protocol. Sampling and control operations were carried out to avoid an increase of economic and labour efforts, leaving as much as possible the costs at the same level of a standard monitoring program. The results highlighted that male hot spots in olive groves disappeared, and that the number of larval nests on vine inflorescences was significantly decreased, when additional traps were deployed (2007–2008) compared to the period before (2005–2006). The site-specific control, i.e. treating only egg hot spots with Bacillus thuringensis var. kurstaki, allowed for a decrease in the surface of the treated vineyard and, consequently, the quantity of insecticide utilised. In 2008, no significant differences between uniform and site-specific IPM in vineyards were observed in the number of damaged berries and the percentage of infested bunches. The results are discussed with respect to the spatial pattern of pest populations, site-specific IPM tactics, sampling operations and pest control costs.

Field trials were carried out to evaluate the use of the pheromone (9Z,12E)-tetradecadienyl acetate (TDA/ZETA) for mating disruption (MD) of Pyralidae moths associated with stored products, in most cases the Raisin moth, Ephestia cautella (Walker), Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller and Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner). The experiments were conducted in the Czech Republic, Greece and Italy during 2007 and 2008 in storage facilities that varied in their size and type, and included flour mills, retail stores, storage rooms with currants and raw grain stores. After a summer pre-treatment monitoring period to assess moth population in, dispensers containing TDA were placed in the fall. Adjacent facilities without dispensers were used as control units. Pheromone-baited traps were used to monitor the population fluctuation of the pyralid moths during the entire experimental periods. The presence of MD dispensers notably reduced the number of adults found in the traps in comparison with control rooms. Monitoring of female oviposition, measured as number of hatched larvae in cups containing food, indicated that there was a reduction in the number of larvae in the areas with MD dispensers. The results of the present work indicate that the use of mating disruption is feasible against pyralid moths in storage facilities, and should be further evaluated as a component of an integrated pest management based control strategy.

The spatio-temporal dynamics of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), was investigated to evaluate the effect of the landscape elements and host plants on pest distribution, in an agricultural landscape of 500 ha located in Central Italy. Two farms (farm 1 and farm 2) are located in the experimental area, composing mixed fruit orchards and surrounded by hedgerows, small woodlots, private gardens and cereal fields. Ceratitis capitata population fluctuation was monitored, from 2006 to 2008, using traps baited with trimedlure. Geostatistical methods such as Inverse distance squared weighted were used to obtain distributional maps of adults, mainly males. Results showed that the adult Mediterranean fruit flies were primarily distributed inside farm 1, with the maximum density found in the months of September and October. Away from the principal host plants, particularly in cereal fields, the number of trapped individuals was always low or zero. In both farms, flies were caught sequentially in traps located on host plants (i.e. peach, apple, pear, oriental persimmon and prickly pear) at varying times of maturation, especially when fruits remained on the trees. Distributional maps provided evidence that allowed to identify habitats in which the fly developed early in the season (mixed peach orchards) and afterwards during the periodic flights.

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is a key pest of fruit crops in many tropical, subtropical and mild temperate areas worldwide. The economic importance of this fruit fly is increasing due to its invasion of new geographical areas. Efficient control and eradication efforts require adequate information regarding C. capitata adults in relation to environmental and physiological cues. This would allow effective characterisation of the population spatio-temporal dynamic of the C. capitata population at both the orchard level and the area-wide landscape. The aim of this study was to analyse population patterns of adult medflies caught using two trapping systems in a peach orchard located in central Italy. They were differentiated by adult sex (males or females) and mating status of females (unmated or mated females) to determine the spatio-temporal dynamic and evaluate the effect of cultivar and chemical treatments on trap catches. Female mating status was assessed by spermathecal dissection and a blind test was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the technique. Geostatistical methods, variogram and kriging, were used to produce distributional maps. Results showed a strong correlation between the distribution of males and unmated females, whereas males versus mated females and unmated females versus mated females showed a lower correlation. Both cultivar and chemical treatments had significant effects on trap catches, showing associations with sex and female mating status. Medfly adults showed aggregated distributions in the experimental field, but hot spots locations varied. The spatial pattern of unmated females reflected that of males, whereas mated females were largely distributed around ripening or ripe fruit. The results give relevant insights into pest management. Mated females may be distributed differently to unmated females and the identification of male hot spots through monitoring would allow localisation of virgin female populations. Based on our results, a more precise IPM strategy, coupled with effective sanitation practices, could represent a more effective approach to medfly control. © 2018 Sciarretta et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

The results obtained from the spatial analysis of pheromone-baited trap catch data of Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermuller) males are reported. The research was undertaken in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. In the study area, vineyards (of Vitis vinifera L.) are the predominant cultivation, surrounded by hedgerows and small woodlots, and interspersed with cereal crops and olive groves. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of L. botrana, inside and outside vineyards, and to evaluate the effect of the landscape elements on pest distribution. A trend orientation over the experimental area was observed along the direction from northwest to southeast. Correlograms fitted using a spherical model showed in all cases an aggregated distribution and an estimated range having a mean of 174 m in 2005 and 116 m in 2006. Contour maps highlighted that spatial distribution of L. botrana was not limited to vineyards, but its presence is high particularly inside olive groves. The adult distribution on the experimental area changed during the season: hot spots of flight I were positioned inside olive groves; during flights II and III, they were concentrated in vineyards. L. botrana males were also captured in uncultivated fields, but never in high densities. Our results showed that a large proportion of the adult population of L. botrana inhabits areas outside those usually targeted by pest management programs. Thus, in Mediterranean agro-ecosystems, it is highly recommended to consider the whole landscape, with particular attention to olive crops.

Pheromone trap catches were used to study the spatial distribution of Diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L., at both single field and regional levels. At the field level, the DBM population tended to remain within the cabbage field. At the regional level, DBM captures were highly influenced by geographic location and cropping systems. In highland areas, daily maximum temperatures positively influenced the aggregation index, whereas in the lowland areas, rainfall had a negative influence on the aggregation index. The implications for integrated DBM managements are as follows: at the local level, knowledge on spatial dynamics allows the delimitation of areas with high DBM infestations for consideration in both monitoring and biological control programmes. At the regional level, areas with year-round production of Brassica spp. and intensive use of pesticides should receive priority in the design and implementation of integrated DBM management systems.

Since 1996, tsetse (Glossina spp.) control operations, using odor-baited traps, have been carried out in the Luke area of Gurage zone, southwestern Ethiopia. Glossina morsitans submorsitans Newstead was identified as the dominant species in the area, but the presence of Glossina fuscipes Newstead and Glossina pallidipes Austen also was recorded. Here, we refer to the combined number of these three species and report the work undertaken from October 2002 to October 2004 to render the control system more efficient by reducing the number of traps used and maintaining the previously reached levels of tsetse occurrence and trypanosomiasis prevalence. This was done by the design and implementation of an adaptive tsetse population management system. It consists first of an efficient community-participatory monitoring scheme that allowed us to reduce the number of traps used from 216 to 127 (107 monitoring traps and 20 control traps). Geostatistical methods, including kriging and mapping, furthermore allowed identification and monitoring of the spatiotemporal dynamics of patches with increased fly densities, referred to as hot spots. To respond to hot spots, the Luke community was advised and assisted in control trap deployment. Adaptive management was shown to be more efficient than the previously used mass trapping system. In that context, trap numbers could be reduced substantially, at the same time maintaining previously achieved levels of tsetse occurrences and disease prevalence.