Does Athetis lepigone moth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) take a long-distance migration?

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Ecology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Athetis lepigone (Möschler) is an invasive lepidopteran pest in China, first reported in 2005.
• Its rapid spread across seven provinces raises questions about its migratory behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the migratory patterns of Athetis lepigone.
• To provide evidence for or against the species being a migrant.
• To understand the ecological factors influencing its migration.

Main Methods:

• Searchlight trapping of moths on a Bohai Gulf island over three years.
• Carbon isotope analysis of trapped moths to determine origin.
• Analysis of female ovarian development and mating frequency.

Main Results:

• Direct evidence of both male and female Athetis lepigone moths migrating across the Bohai Gulf.
• Four distinct migration waves observed, corresponding to different generations.
• Carbon isotope analysis indicated a proportion of moths originated from C4 plants, absent on the island.
• Maize fields are suggested not to be the primary host sites.

Conclusions:

• Athetis lepigone is confirmed as a migrant species.
• A new migration route across the Bohai Gulf has been identified.
• Migration is not solely dictated by the oogenesis-flight syndrome.
• Findings enhance understanding of Athetis lepigone migration ecology and pest management strategies.