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<p>The caterpillar <i>Trilocha varians</i> is a significant pest of ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical regions, emphasizing its prevalence in Asian countries. Infestations of this pest's larvae on key ornamental plants, including <i>Ficus virens</i> and <i>Ficus benjamina</i>, have led to extensive defoliation, ranging from 90 to 100%. These plants are commonly cultivated alongside roads to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Despite its impact, the life table of this emerging pest remained uncharted until this study. Therefore, our current research was conducted to comprehensively analyze the fitness parameters of <i>T. varians</i>, focusing on its interaction with these plants by applying an age-stage two-sex life table. The findings indicate that the life cycle of <i>T. varians</i> is notably prolonged when it infests <i>F. virens</i>, in contrast to its shorter duration when found on <i>F. benjamina</i>. Interestingly, <i>F. benjamina</i> was the most conducive host for the pest's growth and development. Furthermore, the study revealed that on <i>F. benjamina</i>, the gross reproductive rate and net reproductive rate were 113.86 and 79.57 offspring per individual, respectively, whereas, on <i>F. virens</i>, these figures were 102.74 and 58.89 offspring per individual, respectively. Despite these disparities, <i>F. benjamina</i> exhibited the highest maximum survival rate. Our study highlights the significant impact of host plant selection on the population dynamics of <i>T. varians</i>. Effective management strategies are crucial to mitigate the considerable damage inflicted on the tested hosts and other ornamental plants in the region.</p>

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Host preference and fitness parameters of an invasive leaf eating caterpillar Trilocha varians (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae): implications for ornamental plant pest management

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月28日

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  • Noura J. Alotaibi,
  • Zhuo Zhihang,
  • Sajida Mushtaq,
  • Sadia Maalik,
  • Muhammad Ramzan,
  • Waqar Majeed,
  • Habib Ali,
  • Xu Danping,
  • Ammara Riaz

摘要

The caterpillar Trilocha varians is a significant pest of ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical regions, emphasizing its prevalence in Asian countries. Infestations of this pest's larvae on key ornamental plants, including Ficus virens and Ficus benjamina, have led to extensive defoliation, ranging from 90 to 100%. These plants are commonly cultivated alongside roads to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Despite its impact, the life table of this emerging pest remained uncharted until this study. Therefore, our current research was conducted to comprehensively analyze the fitness parameters of T. varians, focusing on its interaction with these plants by applying an age-stage two-sex life table. The findings indicate that the life cycle of T. varians is notably prolonged when it infests F. virens, in contrast to its shorter duration when found on F. benjamina. Interestingly, F. benjamina was the most conducive host for the pest's growth and development. Furthermore, the study revealed that on F. benjamina, the gross reproductive rate and net reproductive rate were 113.86 and 79.57 offspring per individual, respectively, whereas, on F. virens, these figures were 102.74 and 58.89 offspring per individual, respectively. Despite these disparities, F. benjamina exhibited the highest maximum survival rate. Our study highlights the significant impact of host plant selection on the population dynamics of T. varians. Effective management strategies are crucial to mitigate the considerable damage inflicted on the tested hosts and other ornamental plants in the region.