Life History of the Giant Looper Moth <i>Ascotis selenaria</i> (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Eucalyptus Plantations and the Effect of Adult Mating Age on Fecundity.

ABSTRACT: Ascotis selenaria has recently shifted hosts to become a major defoliator in Southern China's eucalyptus plantations. To facilitate Integrated Pest Management (IPM), we investigated the genetic origins, life history, and reproductive bio-ecology of this population. Mitochondrial COI analysis revealed that the Southern China population aligns phylogenetically with South Asian clades, distinct from Northern China populations. Life table analysis confirmed six larval instars, with the final instar exhibiting exponential consumption, accounting for 79.68% of total food intake. Reproductive assays demonstrated significant protandry and a novel bimodal ovarian maturation rhythm (peaking on days 3 and 7). Crucially, female fecundity declined sharply after a 3-day mating delay, and mating w

SUBMITTER: Yuan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12730433 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature