The biology and host specificity of Simyra dentinosa Freyer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were studied from 1982 to 1988 in the field and laboratory in northern Greece and from 1986 to 1988 in the laboratory in Rome, Italy. Adults emerge from the middle of March to the end of April. Young larvae (instar 1-4) are gregarious; the fifth and sixth instars are solitary. Larval development requires 30 days. Larvae feed on budding or flowering Euphorbia plants and prevent or reduce seed production. Mature larvae leave their host plant to pupate and overwinter in silken cocoons, which they make in cell-like spaces of twisted and dry leaves of various thistles. The larvae are parasitized by Cotesia sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Exorista sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae). Neonate larvae hatched from eggs in the laboratory were tested on plants of 55 species or varieties in 17 families. Complete development of the larvae occurred on only 11 of 24 Euphorbia spp., including E. esula, which originated from Nebraska. S. dentinosa is recommended as a candidate for biological control of E. esula in North America, where in the absence of its Old World parasites it should be very effective in reducing populations of Euphorbia spp. © 1992.

Cited By (since 1996): 1Export Date: 28 May 2012Source: Scopus