Peridroma

Hübner, 1821

variegated cutworm moth

Peridroma is a of in the , Noctuinae. The genus includes approximately 12 described , with Peridroma saucia () being the most economically significant due to its status as a widespread agricultural pest. Species in this genus are found across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, with some species to new regions. The genus is characterized by -sized with relatively stout bodies and cryptic coloration typical of noctuine moths.

Peridroma by (c) Susan Blayney, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Susan Blayney. Used under a CC-BY license.

Peridroma saucia by (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Peridroma saucia by no rights reserved, uploaded by Allan Harris. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Peridroma: /ˌpɛrɪˈdroʊmə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Agricultural fields and farmlands, including potato, soybean, wheat, corn, and fields. have been observed in open fields, cultivated areas, and disturbed . In North America, are associated with field and weedy vegetation.

Distribution

to Europe (first recorded 1790); established in Canada, United States, and Europe; in South Korea and Japan since the 1970s; present in China (first Sichuan Province 1985, now reported in at least 13 provinces; widespread in Huang-Huai River Basin since 2016-2018). GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Vermont (USA), and other US locations.

Life Cycle

overwinter in stages. occurs in soil. emerge in late spring and early summer, with some undergoing at high elevations during midsummer heat. Females on bare soil, especially in cultivated or overgrazed conditions; egg hatching is triggered by rainfall.

Behavior

are and attracted to light. Males locate females using detected via . When disturbed, coil into a tight "C" shape. Adults are capable of sustained ; laboratory experiments show individuals can more than 50 miles, with one individual flying 23 hours at 5.8 mph (equivalent to 133 miles). Adults may spray a liquid substance from the when disturbed as a defense mechanism. Some migrate to high elevations to aestivate, gathering in rockslides or cavities.

Ecological Role

of some , particularly Peridroma saucia, are significant agricultural pests causing yield reductions of 30-60% in severely damaged soybean fields. serve as of flowering plants, including apple trees, contributing to services in agricultural systems. Larvae are for parasitic including species. Adult are a critical food source for Grizzly Bears in parts of Montana and Wyoming during periods of food scarcity.

Human Relevance

Major agricultural pest status due to larval damage to field . feed on stems of young plants and can defoliate vegetation. Subject of research. recognized as contributing in orchard systems, complicating simple "pest" categorizations. Used in studies of -binding for potential strategies.

Similar Taxa

EuxoaBoth contain "" with similar larval habits and strategies; of both coil into "C" shape when disturbed and are agricultural pests. () shares and geographic range with Peridroma species.
MythimnaBoth are with considered agricultural pests; Mythimna unipuncta () and Peridroma saucia were the two most common observed in apple studies in Arkansas.

More Details

Pheromone Biology

Peridroma saucia females produce Z11-16: Ac and Z9-14: Ac in a ratio of 2.1:1 to 2.4:1 during calling and copulation. The -binding PsauPBP3, predominantly expressed in male , shows high binding affinity for both pheromones. Five residues (Thr-10, Phe-13, Ile-53, Ile-95, and Phe-119) are critical for binding.

Pollinator Duality

Research on apple demonstrates that Peridroma saucia and other contribute significantly to pollination. In Arkansas studies, nocturnal pollination rates reached 57.5% in 2017, with nocturnally pollinated fruit showing similar seed sets to diurnally pollinated fruit. This challenges simple "pest" for these .