Pg. 33-35 Progress on the laboratory rearing of the litchi moth, Cryptophlebia peltastica (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The litchi moth, Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) {Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a quarantine pest of litchi, Litchi chinensis Sonnerat, in South Africa. The female lays her eggs on the skin of the fruit and newly hatched larvae eat through the skin and into the fruit flesh and seed. The aim of the present study was to rear high numbers of the litchi moth in captivity for future research. Infested litchi fruit was collected in the Nelspruit area during the growing season. Final instar larvae found in the fruit were placed in plastic containers with sand for the larvae to pupate in. Pupae found were placed in a gauze cage to emerge. Adult moths were kept in this cage at room temperature. Eggs laid were placed into honey flasks with a steam sterilized maize meal medium and kept at room temperature. These eggs hatched and currently eggs of the fifth generation are on medium. From these results found, it appears as if the establishment of a laboratory colony is well on the way.

Summary:

• The litchi moth, Cryptophlebia peltastica, is a quarantine pest affecting litchi fruit in South Africa and nearby regions, causing damage by larvae feeding on fruit flesh and seeds.
• The study aimed to rear large numbers of the litchi moth in captivity for research purposes.
• Infested litchi fruit was collected from Nelspruit during the growing season; larvae were allowed to pupate in sand-filled plastic containers.
• Pupae were placed in gauze cages at room temperature for adult emergence, and eggs laid by adults were placed on maize meal medium mixed with concentrated litchi juice for hatching.
• The laboratory colony successfully reached the fifth generation, indicating a promising establishment of a rearing system.
• Challenges remain in increasing moth population numbers in captivity, possibly due to genetic factors, inbreeding, circadian rhythms, light conditions, or temperature effects.
• Data showed that egg numbers increased significantly with each generation up to the third, but then dropped in the fourth generation.
• The study adapted rearing techniques from the related false codling moth, but noted important differences in reproductive behavior and egg-laying.
• The research lays groundwork for controlled rearing of the litchi moth for further biological and pest management studies.