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SEVERE INCIDENCE OF PLUME MOTH, LANTANOPHAGA PUSILLIDACTYLUS (WALKER, 1864) (LEPIDOPTERA: PTEROPHORIDAE) ON LANTANA CAMARA L

Authors:
1© 2024 Entomological Society of India
Hexapoda 30&31: 12(2023-2024) : 1–6
DOI: 10.55446/hexa.2023-2024.41
SEVERE INCIDENCE OF PLUME MOTH, LANTANOPHAGA PUSILLIDACTYLUS (WALKER,
1864) (LEPIDOPTERA: PTEROPHORIDAE) ON LANTANA CAMARA L.
M R1, A A2  S A. N.3*
1ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 110012, New Delhi, India
2ICAR-Direcrorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, 482004, Madhya Pradesh, India
3ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bangalore, 560024, Karnataka, India
*Email: anshylesha@gmail.com (Corresponding author)
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3665-5434
ABSTRACT
The study documents the severe incidence of the plume moth, Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker,
1864) on Lantana camara




role of parasitoids, including Bracon spp. (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) and Brachymeria longiscaposa
Joseph, Narendran & Joy (Chalcididae: Hymenoptera), in regulating the host population.
 Biology, Bracon, Brachymeria, India, Lantana, Lantanophaga, Lepidoptera, Morphology, Plume
moth, Pterophoridae, Severe Incidence
(Received: 29 October 2024; Accepted: 04 December 2024; Published: 09 December, 2024)
Lantana camara sensu lato (Verbenaceae) a
oriferous, prickly, thicket forming shrub, commonly
known as lantana, originates from tropical South and
Central America (Stirton, 1977). It was introduced to
India in 1809 by the British as an ornamental plant for
the Calcutta Botanical Garden (Brandis, 1882; Kumar,
1980). Likewise, initially moved around the world
by humans for ornamental purposes, and then spread
by frugivorous birds and rivers to natural ecosystems
(Urban et al. 2011; Vardien et al. 2012), was declared
as one of the ten worst weeds in the world (www.gisin.
org). Because of its prolic seed production, it escaped
cultivation and became a serious weed in pastures, waste
lands, roadsides and forests replacing local vegetation in
most parts of India (Muniappan and Viraktamath, 1986).
Lantana invasion and proliferation have resulted in the
loss of biodiversity and a decline in other ecological
services in Corbett Tiger Reserve, Kalesar National Park
and Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (Babu et al., 2009).
The Lantana plume moth, Lantanophaga
pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864) is a tropical moth
species of the family Pterophoridae. The main host
plant is Lantana camara L., a neotropical aromatic
shrub, which has been introduced in several parts of
the world as an ornamental plant (Verdeguer et al.
2009). This moth has demonstrated strong potential
as a bio-control agent in Hawaii (Julien, 1982).
Originally, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture
introduced this insect from Mexico in 1902 specically
to manage L. camara populations (Perkins and
Swezey, 1924). Following its establishment in Hawaii,
L. pusillidactylus was subsequently introduced to
Pohnpei in 1948 and later to Palau in 1960. Since then,
it has successfully spread to various islands across
Micronesia (Denton et al., 1991; Muniappan, 1988;
1989; Muniappan and Reddy, 2003).
The present study was carried out in the ICAR-
NBAIR, Bangalore to explore the outbreaks of
gregarious plume moth on Lantana. The observations
made during these surveys and the incidence of
L. pusillidactylus are explained herein along with
preliminary observations on its biology, nature and
symptoms of damage. Also, recorded heavy incidence
of larval and pupal hymenopteran parasitoids on L.
pusillidactylus. This study provides valuable insights
for future exploration of biocontrol agents targeting
Lantana, as well as its natural enemies that hinder the
eectiveness of Lantana management eorts.
Citation: Ramaiah M, Anoke A, Shylesha AN. 2024. Severe Incidence of Plume Moth, Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864)
(Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) on Lantana camara L. Hexapoda 30&31: 12(2023-2024) : 1-6; DOI: 10.55446/hexa.2023-2024.41
2 Hexapoda 30&31: 12(2023-2024) Research Article

During Sep-Nov 2023, outbreaks of lantana plume
moth were observed infesting Lantana in Hebbal,
Bangalore, Karnataka (13°01’27.42”N 77°35’3.59”E).
The percentage of infestation (recorded as the presence
or absence of out of twenty bushes) was calculated as
by formula –
% of infestation =
No. of flower clusters
with the insect sspecies
Total number of flower
clusters investigated
x 100
The infestation was calculated based on presence of
infestation on observed ower clusters. The insects were
brought to the laboratory for their rearing, identication
and study of biology under the laboratory conditions (when
the atmosphere temperature was 20-25°C and relative
humidity was 60%). Likewise, repeated surveys were
carried out and infested plants were scouted to evaluate
the infestation, feeding behavior, symptoms of damage and
other life stages. Also recorded a number of parasitoids
on L. pusillidactylus host and were taxonomically studied
at the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources
(NBAIR), Bangalore. All parasitic wasp specimens
were identied by consulting Dr Ankita Gupta (Senior
Scientist), ICAR-NBAIR, Bangalore.

In 2023, a severe infestation of plume moth, L.
pusillidactylus was observed at UAS campus - Institute
of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Hebbal,
Bangalore. We have noticed the many dried inorescence
(a few cases 3 or 4 berries) on Lantana camara L.
(54.2%). The larvae of L. pusillidactylus were feeding
on owers and berries and pupae remain hidden under
elongated galleries formed from silken threads, pellets
of excrement with dried owers (Fig. 1A-E).
Taxonomy
Family: Pterophoridae Zeller, 1841
Subfamily Pterophorinae Zeller, 1841
Tribe: Platyptiliini Bigot, Gibeaux, Nel & Picard, 1998
Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864)
=Oxyptilus pusillidactylus Walker, 1864: 933;
=Platyptilia tecnidion Zeller, 1877: 13;
=Platyptilia hemimetra Meyrick, 1886: 18;
=Platyptilia lantana Busck, 1914: 103;
=Platyptilia teleacma Meyrick, 1932: 250;
=Platyptilia lantanadactyla Amsel, 1951a: 66.
 It is native to the southern United
States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.
other records includes Australia, Federated States of
Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, New Zealand, Northern
Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and
Solomon Islands in Oceania; Bhutan, China, Hongkong,
India, Nepal, Indonesia, Israel, Myanmar, Philippines,
Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam in Asia;
Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eswatini, Ivory
Coast, Madagascar, Madeira, Malawi, Mauritius,
Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Reunion, Saint Helena,
Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and
Zimbabwe in Africa; and Cyprus, Italy, Malta, and
Portugal in Europe; and Argentina, Barbados, Bermuda,
Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Galapagos,
Grenada, Guiana, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru,
Puerto Rico, Surinam, Virgin Islands, and U.S.A. in the
Americas (Muniappan and Lalit, 2024; Agius, 2017;
Day et al., 2003; Day and Zalucki, 2009; De Prins and
de Prins, 2017; Rao, 1920).
Host Range: The reported host range of
Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864) were
Caperonia palustris (Gielis, 2003), Lantana camara
(Flecher, 1910a; Viette, 1957d; Gibeax, 1994b),
Lantana montevidensis (Gielis, 2003), Lantana Indica
(Gielis, 2003), Lantana involucrate (Gielis, 2003),
Lantana peduncularis (Gielis, 2003), Lippia alba
(Gielis, 2003), Lippia sp. (Gibeaux, 1994b; Martire
and Rochat, 2008), Mentha sp. (Gielis, 2003), Phyla
lanceolata (Gielis, 2003), Phyla nodiflora (Gielis,
2003), Ultriculria sp. (Gielis, 2003).
The adult wingspan about 10 to 12 mm long, has
scattered scales all along both the inner and the costal
margins of the 3rd forewing lobe in addition to a single
scale-tuft on the inner margin of the 3rd lobe. Head, palpi,
thorax, abdomen and legs dark fuscous, mixed with grey-
whitish; Fore wings cleft from before two-thirds, anal angle
sharply dened, grayish fuscous irregularly mixed with
whitish and blackish, presence white sub-terminal line of
the forewing anterior lobe. Fringes white with a dark base
(Fig. 1D). The young larvae were pale, and translucent,
with head shiny black, and prothoracic shield pale brown.
The full grown-up larvae were broad, cylindrical, uniform
yellow in colour with light brown head. The larva is usually
found coiled round at the base of the ower cluster in the
interior of a Lantana ower. The larva is found boring the
thickened rachis in which its tunnel may be found; it also
Severe Incidence of Plume Moth, Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864) (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) on Lantana camara L. 3
Mogili Ramaiah, Archana Anoke and Shylesha A. N
bores into the sessile fruits from inside and tunnel to eat
the substance of the seed (Fig. 1A-B). It completes the life
cycle within berry tunnel and comes out only after adult
emergence. As a result, the ower cluster is reduced to
carry 3 or 4 berries instead of a large bunch in a healthy
plant (Fig. 1E). Finally it reduces seed production and
further spread of weed. Larval period lasted for 10-15
days. Before pupating it forms cocoon by lining the tunnel
with white silk and covering the mouth of the tunnel
by a silken arch on which black pellets of excrement
may remain attached. The pupa is long, cylindrical,
tapering to a point posteriorly, uniform chrome-yellow;
the legs-cases free ventrally and produced nearly to anal
extremity; each abdominal segment dorsally with two
raised elongated ridges; anal segment with several thin
curved-tipped hairs (Fig. 1C). The pale yellow pupa found
in a chamber gnawed into the side of the fruit receptacle, a
regular cocoon being formed with bits of vegetable matter
spun together with silk. The emerged pupae are usually
found projecting half-way out of the cocoon amongst the
ripening fruit, such infested bunches of fruit being far less
productive than uninfested ones. The pupal period is about
7-8 days observed.
Out of the 148 insects recorded on Lantana, Rao
recommended the encouragement of L. pusillidactylus
(Walker) for biological control (Rao, 1920). L.
Fig. 1. Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864) stages and infestation on Lantana camara L. A. Larva feeding on the buds
and owers, B. Larva boring into berries, C. Pupa, D. Adult, E. Flower head carrying 2-3 berries instead of a large bunch.
4 Hexapoda 30&31: 12(2023-2024) Research Article
pusillidactylus is a native of Central and tropical South
America. Possibly it had been accidently introduced
along with Lantana into India (Beeson and Chatterjee,
1940). It is of interest to note that L. pusillidactylus
has been introduced into Hawaii from Mexico as a
promising biological control agent (Julien, 1982). In
1984 and 1985 observed in Bangalore on lantana owers
and berries, but it was not abundant enough to be an
eective check (Muniappan and Viratamath, 1986).
Fletcher (1920) studied the life cycle of this insect. L.
pusillidactylus lays eggs on the buds and owers and
the larvae feed on the owers (Fletcher, 1920) or tunnel
around the receptacle (Swezey 1924). As a result the
ower head carries 3 or 4 berries instead of a large
bunch. In our survey we have observed that it’s feeding
on berries even (Fig. 1B). The larvae feed for about 7–10
days and pupate in the inorescences. It has proved a
promising bio-control agent in Hawaii (Julien, 1982).
In Guam, Muniappan (1988) reported it to infest 32%
to 83% ower heads in dierent parts of the island. This
moth is one of the few lantana biocontrol agents that
can tolerate wide climatic conditions (Day et al., 2003).
Though, L. pusillidactylus is an efficient weed
biological control agent on Lantana camara L. (54.2%
ower clusters were damaged mentioned in the table
1) but the eectiveness of the moth was reduced by
Bracon spp. (17.5%) (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) (Table
2, Fig. 2A-C) and Brachymeria longiscaposa (75.8%)
Fig. 2. Larval and pupal parasitoids recorded on Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864), A-C. Life stages of Bracon
spp. D. Life stages of Brachymeria longiscaposa Joseph, Narendran & Joy, E. Healthy pupae of L. pusillidactylus, F. Parasitized
pupae of L. pusillidactylus, G. Adult of Brachymeria longiscaposa Joseph, Narendran & Joy.
Severe Incidence of Plume Moth, Lantanophaga pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864) (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) on Lantana camara L. 5
Mogili Ramaiah, Archana Anoke and Shylesha A. N
(Chalcididae Hymenoptera) (Table 2, Fig. 2D-G). In
previous study from 1916 to 1919, Rao (1920) reported
L. pusillidactylus as one of the most ecient of the insects
on lantana in India. He also noted that one egg parasitoid,
some larval parasitoids and a predator of the pupa Icaria sp.
(Hymenoptera: Vespidae) aect the ecacy of this insect.
The Lantana (Lantana camara L.; Family:
Verbenaceae) as one of the ten worst weeds globally
underscores the urgency of addressing its invasive nature.
In India there no data is available on the area covered by
the lantana weed and its propagation rate per year. There
is an urgent need for the integrated eorts to conduct
broad research to nd out more options to manage the
lantana biologically in India. Here, we recorded severe
incidence of L. pusillidactylus along with its natural
enemies and urged for more exploitation of insect fauna
of Lantana and their use for its management.

The rst author is thankful to the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research and Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director,
Table. 1. Percentage of infestation caused by Plume
moth, L. pusillidactylus (Walker, 1864)
Survey Total no

clusters


clusters
Percentage
of
infestation
1st week 130 60 46.2
2nd week 100 67 67.0
3rd week 150 74 49.3
4th week 80 43 53.7
5th week 130 67 51.5
6th week 120 69 57.5
Mean value 118.3 63.3 
Table. 2. Percentage infestation of larval and pupal parasitoids recorded on Plume moth, L. pusillidactylus
(Walker, 1864)
S.No Total number
of larvae
Bracon spp
(parasitized
larvae)

infestation
Total number
of pupae
Brachymeria
longiscaposa
(parasitized pupae)

infestation
1 20 2 10 20 15 75
2 20 6 30 20 16 80
3 20 4 20 20 16 80
4 20 4 20 20 14 70
5 20 3 15 20 17 85
6 20 3 10 20 13 65
Mean value 120 3.7  120 15.2 

The authors declare no funding sources were
involved.

No potential conict of interest
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
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