Samea multiplicalis

Samea multiplicalis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Crambidae
Genus: Samea
Species:
S. multiplicalis
Binomial name
Samea multiplicalis
Synonyms
  • Isopteryx multiplicalis Guenée, 1854
  • Samea discessalis Walker, 1866
  • Lepyrodes nicaeusalis Walker, 1859

Samea multiplicalis, the salvinia stem-borer moth, is an aquatic moth commonly found in freshwater habitats from the southern United States to Argentina, as well as in Australia where it was introduced in 1981.[3] Salvinia stem-borer moths lay their eggs on water plants like Azolla caroliniana (water velvet), Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce), and Salvinia rotundifolia (water fern).[4] Larval feeding on host plants causes plant death, which makes S. multiplicalis a good candidate for biological control of weedy water plants like Salvinia molesta, an invasive water fern in Australia. However, high rates of parasitism in the moth compromise its ability to effectively control water weeds. S. multiplicalis larvae are a pale yellow to green color, and adults develop tan coloration with darker patterning. The lifespan, from egg to the end of adulthood is typically three to four weeks.[5] The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1854.

  1. ^ Nuss, M.; et al. (2003–2017). "GlobIZ search". Global Information System on Pyraloidea. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  2. ^ "801367.00 – 5151 – Samea multiplicalis – Salvinia Stem-borer Moth – (Guenée, 1854)". North American Moth Photographers Group. Mississippi State University. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  3. ^ Semple, J. L.; Forno, I. W. (1987). "Native Parasitoids and Pathogens Attacking Samea multiplicalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Queensland". Australian Journal of Entomology. 26 (4): 365–366. doi:10.1111/j.1440-6055.1987.tb01986.x.
  4. ^ Knopf, K. W.; Habeck, D. H. (1976). "Life History and Entomology of Samea multiplicalis". Environmental Entomology. 5 (3): 539–542. doi:10.1093/ee/5.3.539.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference :52 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).