A Florida Defoliator, Nystalea ebalea (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), Found Feeding on Brazilian Peppertree

摘要

A species of Notodontidae, Nystalea ebalea was discovered feeding on leaflets of the invasive weed Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in south Florida. The larvae of this species generally have 5 instars and require 20–22 days to reach the pupal stage. Discovery of wild populations of this Neotropical species in the weed's invasive range precluded its consideration as a classical biological control agent. View this article in BioOne