Glena bipennaria bipennaria and Apatelodes pandara (Lepidoptera): new defoliating insects associated with Khaya in Brazil

Luana de Souza Covre; Robert A. Haack; Carlos Alberto Hector Flechtmann

doi:10.4336/2025.pfb.45e202402306

Authors

Luana de Souza Covre Federal University of Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0282-9675
Robert A. Haack USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7711-2946
Carlos Alberto Hector Flechtmann Department of Plant Protection, São Paulo State University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6693-3610

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4336/2025.pfb.45e202402306

Keywords:

Geometridae, African mahogany, Parasitoid

Abstract

The expansion of African mahogany (Khaya spp.) plantations in Brazil has led to an increase in the number of associated insect pests. Here we report the first instances of defoliating caterpillars [Glena bipennaria bipennaria (Guenée) (Geometridae) and Apatelodes pandara Druce (Apatelodidae)] on commercial stands of African mahogany in Brazil, specifically Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. and Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss. Glena b. bipennaria was the dominant defoliator in all stands, with A. pandara only found in K. senegalensis stands. We provide data on seasonal development, defoliation severity, and natural enemies. It is currently unclear whether the Glena b. bipennaria outbreak reported is an isolated incident or will become more common in the future. Serious insect outbreaks, particularly those caused by defoliating caterpillars, only became frequent several decades after the introduction of Eucalyptus species to Brazil. African mahogany species were introduced much more recently, suggesting that additional native insects may adapt to these new exotic Khaya species in the coming years.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Luana de Souza Covre, Federal University of Paraná

http://lattes.cnpq.br/4555657472911117

Carlos Alberto Hector Flechtmann, Department of Plant Protection, São Paulo State University

http://lattes.cnpq.br/3751581397164912

References

Abreu, C. I. V. Aspectos bionômicos de Geometridae (Lepidoptera) e seus parasitóides associados a plantas de Mata Atlântica na reserva biológica da Serra do Japi, Jundiaí, SP. 2014. 91 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Ecologia e Recursos naturais) - Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos.

AGROFIT: Sistema de Agrotóxicos Fitossanitários: AGROFIT consulta aberta. 2023. Available from: https://agrofit.agricultura.gov.br/agrofit_cons/principal_agrofit_cons. Access on: Dec. 18, 2023.

Banko, P. C. et al. Hypotheses and lessons from a native moth outbreak in a low diversity, tropical rainforest. Ecosphere, v. 13, n. 2, p. e3926, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3926. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3926

Barbosa, L. R. et al. Eucalyptus pests: forest microbiology. In: Asiegbu, F. O. & Kovalchuk, A. (ed.). Tree diseases and pests. London: Academic Press, 2023. p. 227-249. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-18694-3.00020-1

Barcode of Life Data System. Taxonomy browser: Apatelodes pandara. Retrieved December 22, 2019. 2022. Available from: http://www.boldsystems.org/index.php/Taxbrowser_Taxonpage?taxid=124404. Access on: Dec. 18, 2023.

Barros, L. T. E. Aspectos bionômicos de Geometridae (Lepidoptera) associados à Rapanea umbellata (Mart.) Mez, 1902 (Myrsinaceae) na Região de São Carlos, SP. 2007. 68 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Ecologia e Recursos naturais) - Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos.

Bell, J. R. et al. Ballooning dispersal using silk: world fauna, phylogenies, genetics and models. Bulletin of Entomological Research, v. 95, n. 2, p. 69-114, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1079/BER2004350. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/BER2004350

Berti Filho, E. Insetos associados a plantações de espécies do gênero Eucalyptus nos estados da Bahia, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais e São Paulo. 1981. 176 f. Livre-Docência (Thesis) - Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Piracicaba.

Biezanko, C. M. Adelocephalidae, Saturniidae, Mimallonidae, Lasiocampidae, Eupterotidae e Lymantriidae da região missioneira do Rio Grande do Sul. Revista do Centro de Ciências Rurais, v. 16, n. 2, p. 89-112, 1986.

Blitzer, E. J. et al. Spillover of functionally important organisms between managed and natural habitats. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, v. 146, n. 1, p. 34-43, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2011.09.005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2011.09.005

Browne, F. G. Pests and diseases of forest plantation trees: an annotated list of the principal species occurring in the British Commonwealth. Oxford: Claredon Press, 1968. 99 p.

Castellanos, I. & Barbosa, P. Evaluation of predation risk by a caterpillar using substrate-borne vibrations. Animal Behaviour, v. 72, n. 2, p. 461-469, 2006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.02.005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.02.005

Choi, W-I. et al. Quantification of one-year gypsy moth defoliation extent in Wonju, Korea, using Landsat satellite images. Forests, v. 12, n. 5, p. 545, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12050545. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f12050545

Ciesla, W. M. & Asaro, C. Fall Cankerwornm. Portland: United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, 2013. 8 p. (Forest insect and disease leaflet, 182).

CIRAD. Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss. Bois et Forêts des Tropiques, v. 218, n. 4, p. 43-56, 1988.

Covre, L. S. et al. Apate terebrans (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) attacking African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) in Minas Gerais, Brazil, In: 27th Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 27., 2018, Gramado. Anais [...]. Viçosa, MG: SEB, 2018a. p. 791. https://seb.org.br/xxvii-congresso-brasileiro-de-entomologia.html.

Covre, L. S. et al. Bostrichidae attacks on Khaya senegalensis and survey in Inocência, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, In: Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 27., 2018, Gramado. Anais [...]. Viçosa, MG: SEB, 2018b. p. 799. https://seb.org.br/xxvii-congresso-brasileiro-de-entomologia.html.

Covre, L. S. et al. Flight activity and spread of Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Brazil. Trees, Forests and People, v. 4, p.100076, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2021.100076. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2021.100076

Covre, L. S. et al. Influence of limb pruning in attacks of Curculionidae to Khaya grandifoliola in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In: Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 27., 2018, Gramado. Anais [...]. Viçosa, MG: SEB, 2018c. p. 826. https://seb.org.br/xxvii-congresso-brasileiro-de-entomologia.html.

Covre, L. S. et al. Stem caterpillars (Lepidoptera) in African mahogany (Khaya spp.) in southeastern Brazil, In: 27th Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 27., 2018, Gramado. Anais [...]. Viçosa: SEB, 2018d. p. 847. https://seb.org.br/xxvii-congresso-brasileiro-de-entomologia.html.

Coyle, D. R. et al. Dynamics of an unprecedented outbreak of two native moth species, Cissusa spadix and Phoberia atomaris (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on oak trees (Quercus spp.) in the Southeastern United States. American Entomologist, v. 59, n. 2, p. 82-94, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1093/ae/59.2.82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ae/59.2.82

Cristovam, M. E. P. et al. Influence of thinning on Platypodinae (Curculionidae) attacks to African mahogany in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In: 27th Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 27., 2018, Gramado. Anais [...]. Viçosa, MG: SEB, 2018. p. 827. https://seb.org.br/xxvii-congresso-brasileiro-de-entomologia.html.

Dall’Oglio, O. T. et al. Atlantic rainforest remnant harbors greater biotic diversity but reduced lepidopteran populations compared to a Eucalyptus plantation. Florida Entomologist, v. 96, n. 3, p. 887-896, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.096.0324. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.096.0324

Darr, M. N. & Coyle, D. R. Fall cankerworm (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a native defoliator of broadleaved trees and shrubs in North America. Journal of Integrated Pest Management, v. 12, n. 1, p. 1-23, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmab017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmab017

Diniz, I. R. et al. Host plants of lepidopteran caterpillars in the cerrado of the Distrito Federal, Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, 45, n. 2, p. 107-122, 2001.

Drooz, A. T. The larch sawfly: its biology and control. Washington: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 1960. 52 p. (Technical bulletin 1212). Available from: https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/170731/files/tb1212.pdf. Access on: Dec. 18, 2023.

Falesi, I. C. & Baena, A. R. C. Mogno-africano Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. em sistema silvipastoril com leguminosa e revestimento natural do solo. Belém: EMBRAPA Amazônia Oriental, 1999. 52 p. (Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Documento, 4). Disponível em: https://ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br/digital/bitstream/item/61636/1/Oriental-Doc4.pdf.

Fedic, R. et al. The silk of Lepidoptera. Journal of Insect Biotechnology and Sericology, v. 71, n. 1, p. 1-15, 2002. https://doi.org/10.11416/jibs2001.71.1.

Ferraz Filho, A. C. et al. African mahogany plantation highlights in Brazil. Floresta e Ambiente, v. 28, n. 3, p. e20200081. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8087-FLORAM-2020-0081. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8087-floram-2020-0081

Gardner, J. C. M. An annotated list of East African forest insects. Nairobi: East African Agriculture and Forestry Research Organisation, 1957. 537 p. (Forestry technical note, 7).

Geraldo, M. Larvas de Geometridae (Lepidoptera) e seus parasitóides em sub-bosque nativo na Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Estado de São Paulo. 2011. 88 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Ecologia e Recursos naturais) - Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos.

Indústria Brasileira de Árvores. Ibá 2023: relatório anual. Brasília, DF, [2023]. Available from: https://iba.org/datafiles/publicacoes/relatorios/relatorio-anual-iba2023-r.pdf. Access on: 03 May 2024.

Januário, A. B. S. et al. Caracterização da família Geometridae (Insecta: Lepidoptera) associada a diferentes fragmentos florestais, em Cotriguaçu, MT. Pesquisa Florestal Brasileira, v. 33, n. 76, p. 393-402, 2013. https://doi.org/10.4336/2013.pfb.33.76.399. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4336/2013.pfb.33.76.399

Kowalczuck, M. et al. The Lepidoptera associated with forestry crop species in Brazil: a historical approach. Neotropical Entomology, v. 41, p. 345-354, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-012-0056-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-012-0056-6

Kriticos, D. J. et al. Uraba lugens (Nolidae) population dynamics studies 2004/2005. Rotorua: Contract Report to Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity Authority, Ensis-Forest Biosecurity and Protection, 2005. 36 p.

Lemes, P. G. et al. Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) boring Khaya ivorensis (Meliaceae) fruits and seeds in Brazil: first report. Florida Entomologist, v. 102, n. 1, p. 266-269, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0151. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0151

Lunz, A. M. & Reis, C. A. F. Insetos. In: Reis, C. F. et al. (ed.). Mogno-africano (Khaya spp.): atualidades e perspectivas do cultivo no Brasil. Brasília, DF: Embrapa, 2019. Cap. 10, p. 252-265.

Majer, J. D. & Recher, H. F. Are eucalypts Brazil’s friend or foe? An entomological viewpoint. Anais da Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil, v. 28, p. 185-200, 1999. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0301-80591999000200001

Marconato, G. et al. Larvas de Geometridae (Lepidoptera) e seus parasitóides, associadas a Erythroxylum microphyllum St.-Hilaire (Erythroxylaceae). Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, v. 52, n. 2, p. 296-299, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000200010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262008000200010

Martins, A. J. Efeito da dieta e da temperatura sobre Glena bipennaria bipennaria (Guenée, 1857) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) e testes de controle em laboratório. 1988. 130 f. Tese (Doutorado em Ciências Biológicas) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba.

Martins, A. J. et al. Melanolophia apicalis (Warren, 1900) (Geometridae) em Pinus patula no Paraná. Floresta, v. 15, n. 12, p. 81–85, 1984. http://dx.doi.org/10.5380/rf.v15i12.6348. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5380/rf.v15i12.6348

Mc Kay F. Fitófagos asociados a Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) en Argentina y la evaluación de su potencial como agentes de control biológico clásico. 2019. 124 f. Tesis (Doctorado em Ciencias Biológicas) - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires.

Menezes, E. B. et al. Associação de lepidópteros desfolhadores com plantas do gênero Eucalyptus em áreas reflorestadas na região de Aracruz (ES). Anais da Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil, v. 15, n. 2, p. 181-188, 1986. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37486/0301-8059.v15i2.419

Molina, T. F. Variabilidade espaço-temporal de mariposas em duas localidades da região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. 2014. 72 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Biodiversidade Animal) - Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS.

Motta, R. D. & Bezerra Junior, N. S. Manual de campo para identificação das principais pragas de eucalipto no Brasil. Equilíbrio Proteção Florestal. 2016. Available from: http://equilibrioflorestal.com.br/ftp/EquilibrioManualPragas.pdf. Access on: 18 Dec. 2023.

Nagaraja, H. Descriptions of new Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, v. 43, n.1, p. 37-44, 1983.

Olatunji, T. L. et al. Biological activities of limonoids in the genus Khaya (Meliaceae): a review. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, v. 7, n. 74. p. 1-16, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00197-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00197-4

Oliveira, R. D. S. & Franca, T. M. Climate zoning for the cultivation of African mahogany species in Brazil. Cerne, v. 26, n. 3, p. 369-380, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/01047760202026032748

Orlandin, E. et al. Immature stages, description of female, and redescription of male of Apatelodes kotzschi Draudt, 1929 (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea: Apatelodidae). Neotropical Entomology, v. 52, p. 92-103, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-022-01003-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-022-01003-3

Pedrosa-Macedo, J. H. Manual de pragas em florestas: pragas florestais do Sul do Brasil. 2nd ed. Viçosa, MG: Folha de Viçosa, 1993. 111 p.

Pikart, T. G. et al. Diversidade vegetal como ferramenta no manejo de lepidópteros desfolhadores. In: Simpósio Brasileiro de Agropecuária Sustentável, 2., 2010. Viçosa, MG. Anais [...]. Viçosa, MG: Os Editores, 2010. p. 335-338.

Reis, C. A. F. et al. (ed.). Mogno-africano (Khaya spp.): atualidades e perspectivas do cultivo no Brasil. Brasília: Brasília, DF: Embrapa, 2019. 378 p.

Rindge, F. H. A revision of the Neotropical species of the moth genus Glena (Lepidoptera, Geometridae). Bulletin of the American Museum Natural History, v. 135, n. 3, p.111-171, 1967.

Roberts, H. Forest insects of Nigeria. Oxford: Commonwealth Forestry Institute, 1969. 206 p. (Institute paper, 44).

Souza, R. M. et al. Leaf-cutting ant (Atta laevigata Smith) in an African mahogany plantation in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. EntomoBrasilis, v. 14, p. e954-e954, 2021. https://doi.org/10.12741/ebrasilis.v14.e954. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12741/ebrasilis.v14.e954

Sugiura, S. & Yamazaki, K. The role of silk threads as lifelines for caterpillars: pattern and significance of lifeline-climbing behaviour. Ecological Entomology, v. 31, n. 1, p. 52-57, 2006. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0307-6946.2006.00755.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0307-6946.2006.00755.x

Teixeira, E. P. & Villa, W. M. Associação de lagartas (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) desaciculadoras de Pinus patula Schl. and Cham. em Itararé, São Paulo. I. Aspectos parasitológicos, p. 389. In: Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 11., 1987, Campinas. Anais [...]. Viçosa, MG: SEB, 1987. p. 389.

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Apatelodes pandara Druce, 1893. Retrieved August 27, 2023. 2023. Available from: https://www.gbif.org/species/9402822. Access on: 03 May 2024.

Wilcken, C. F. et al. Desafios do manejo de lagartas desfolhadoras de eucalipto, p. 1172. In: Congresso Brasileiro de Entomologia, 28., 2022, Fortaleza. Anais [...]. Viçosa, MG: SEB, 2022. p. 1172. https://www.seb.org.br/admin/files/book/book_EHI6uWbYHPYr.pdf.

Wingfield, M. J. et al. Eucalypt pests and diseases: growing threats to plantation productivity. Southern Forests, v. 70, n. 2, p. 139-144, 2008. https://doi.org/10.2989/SOUTH.FOR.2008.70.2.9.537. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2989/SOUTH.FOR.2008.70.2.9.537

Zanetti, R. et al. First report of Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on African mahogany Khaya ivorensis. Scientia Agricola, v. 74, n. 6, p. 492-494, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992X-2016-0362. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2016-0362

Zanuncio, J. C. et al. Controle de lagartas desfolhadoras do eucalipto no trópico úmido, com os inseticidas deltametrina e permetrina. Anais da Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil, v. 23, n. 2, p. 237-241, 1994. https://doi.org/10.37486/0301-8059.v23i2.934. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37486/0301-8059.v23i2.934