Re-examination of morphological variations in the female internal genitalia of Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for identification and pest management
Abstract
Two of the most serious agricultural pests, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (both Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are similar in their appearances. To distinguish them, morphological characters of female internal genitalia were re-examined. Specimens were collected from 7 regions in 17 countries. All specimens were identified in advance by molecular methods. Significant differences were observed in the length of the bursa copulatrix, ductus bursa, and pigmented area on the base of appendix bursa. Helicoverpa armigera had dense spicules on the luminal surface of the appendix bursa which were absent on the corresponding surface in H. zea. Additionally, differences of length on these parts in female genitalia will be helpful for identification. We are confident these morphological characters will advance resolution of noctuid speciation by taxonomists to properly identify these species based on distinguishing features of the female genitalia.
Resumen
Dos de las plagas agrícolas más graves, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) y Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (ambas Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), son similares en su apariencia. Para distinguirlas, se reexaminaron los caracteres morfológicos de las genitalia de las hembras. Se recolectaron muestras de 7 regiones (17 países). Todas las muestras se identificaron de antemano mediante métodos moleculares. Se observaron diferencias significativas en la longitud de la bursa copulatrix, ductus bursa y el área pigmentada en la base de la bursa del apéndice. Helicoverpa armigera tenía densas espículas en la superficie luminal de la bolsa del apéndice que estaban ausentes en la superficie correspondiente en H. zea. Además, las diferencias de longitud en estas partes de las genitalia de las hembras serán útiles para la identificación. Estamos seguros de que estos caracteres morfológicos avanzarán en la resolución de la especiación de noctuidos por parte de los taxónomos para identificar adecuadamente estas especies en base a las características distintivas de la genitalia de la hembra.
Key Words: morphological variations; noctuids; invasive pest; bursa copulatrix; biological invasion
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