Life Cycle of Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, ۱۸۵۹) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an Invasive Exotic Pest in Hyrcanian Forests of Iran

Box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, ۱۸۵۹), is one of the major destructive pests that feed on the leaves and shoots of various Buxus species. In the course of this survey, the life cycle of C. perspectalis was studied in laboratory and natural (Hyrcanian Forests) conditions. The laboratory experiments were carried out at temperature of ۲۵±۱ºC, ۷۰±۱۰% relative humidity and a photo phase of ۱۶ light: ۸ dark hours. The average duration of an egg, larva, pre-pupa, pupa, as well as female and male longevity were ۵.۰۹±۰.۰۴, ۲۳.۱۵±۰.۱۷, ۱.۰۴±۰.۰۲, ۷.۸۰±۰.۰۵, ۱۵.۳۱±۰.۷۳ and ۱۲.۹۲±۰.۷۱ days, respectively. As an important pest newly introduced in northern Iran, the Box tree moth completes two and partial third generations per year. The results of this study would be useful for improving pest management strategies.

Keywords:

Box tree moth , Buxus species , Iranian fauna.