Identification, distribution and ultramorphology of the larvae of Gynaephora menyuanensis (Lepidoptera: Lymantriinae) endemic to Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

ABSTRACT: The grassland caterpillar is a significant pest of alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its larvae primarily feed on forage grasses, resulting in financial losses. However, limited research has been done on the morphological features of larvae of this species thus far. The distribution and habitat of Gynaephora menyuanensis were extensively investigated in this instance through field study. The findings indicate that this species is primarily found in the northeast of Qinghai and parts of Gansu Province in alpine meadows at an altitude of 3,000 m. For the first time, SEM is used to report the external morphology and ultramorphology of the first and last instar larvae of G. menyuanensis, including the larval head capsule, mouthparts, antennae, sensilla, thoracic legs, prolegs, and s

SUBMITTER: Yuan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11912547 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature