Rupela

Walker, 1863

Species Guides

Rupela is a of in the Crambidae, Schoenobiinae. The genus contains associated with grass , including the well-studied white rice borer Rupela albinella, a significant pest of rice crops in South America. Research on this species has focused on termination triggered by precipitation and oviposition on rice plants.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rupela: //ruːˈpɛlə//

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

Habitat

Associated with grass-dominated environments, particularly rice fields for such as Rupela albinella.

Distribution

South America; specifically documented in Surinam for Rupela albinella. Broader distribution of the requires additional documentation.

Host Associations

Oryza sativa - Confirmed for Rupela albinella; associations for other in the are not documented.

Life Cycle

has been documented in Rupela albinella, with larvae in rice stubble. Precipitation triggers termination of diapause; higher rainfall accelerates .

Behavior

Oviposition on rice plants occurs preferentially on foliage over stems, with three times more masses deposited on the abaxial (lower) leaf surface than the adaxial surface. Leaves two and three are preferred oviposition sites. prefer plants older than 50 days.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest of rice crops, with larvae boring into rice stems.

Human Relevance

Economic pest of rice . Management recommendations include destruction of rice stubble within one month of harvest to prevent and reduce carryover.

More Details

Diapause and precipitation

Research in Surinam demonstrated that rainfall amount directly influences duration in Rupela albinella. Larvae remaining longer in dry stubble show accelerated diapause break when precipitation occurs, suggesting moisture is a critical environmental cue for .

Oviposition preferences

Among rice cultivars tested, Viflor was preferred for oviposition while Tapuripa received fewer masses, indicating potential for cultivar-based management strategies.