First Record of a Pterophorid Moth, MerrHleldia tridactyla, Causing Damage to Long Guard Fruits Cucurbita moschata (Cucurbitaceae)in Saudi Arabia
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Arenberger [1] reported 13 species of pterophorid moths from Saudi Arabia, but
nothing on their host plants or damage has been published. The most common
species found in Arabia is Emmelina monodactyla [2].
The long guord fruits Cucurbita moschata (Cucurbitaceae) in Derab, Diriyah
and AI-Qatif were attached by a small pterophorid larva identified as Merrifieldia
tridactyla.
The moths are small, slender, brownish and have the wings split into three
feather like divisions. When at rest, the front of hind wings are folded close together
and are horizontally at right angles to the body.
Our field observations have shown that the moths were active in Derab and AI-Diriyah
during September, October and November. Eggs are laid on the upper sur-face
of the leaves and the newly hatched larvae move actively towards the fruits.
Young larvae nibble the fruit skin leaving behind small ungular brown areas. Older
larvae gnaws large areas in the fruit causing its discoloration and surface dryness.
Pupation usually takes place on the upper leaf-surface.
Acknowledgement. The authors are deeply grateful to Dr. M.A. Badr in the Plant
Proteciton Research Institute, Min. of Agriculture, Egypt for the identification of
the moths.
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