Antigastra

Lederer, 1863

sesame webworm, sesame leaf webber, sesame capsule borer

Antigastra is a of crambid (: Crambidae) established by Lederer in 1863. The genus contains at least three described , with Antigastra catalaunalis being the most economically significant. This species is a major agricultural pest of sesame (Sesamum indicum) across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where feed on leaves, flowers, and seed capsules. The genus is placed in the Spilomelinae, a diverse group of and relatives.

Antigastra by (c) Elliot Greiner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elliot Greiner. Used under a CC-BY license.

(1400) Antigastra catalaunalis (29001985473) by Ben Sale from UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Antigastra catalaunalis 02 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Antigastra: /ˌæn.təˈɡæs.trə/

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

Identification

Antigastra are small to sized crambid . Antigastra catalaunalis can be recognized by its association with sesame plants; have a wingspan of approximately 15–20 mm with characteristic crambid and resting posture. are greenish with dark capsules, reaching 9–10 mm at maturity, and produce webbing on plants. Distinguishing Antigastra from related requires examination of and pattern details; the genus is most reliably identified through host association and geographic context in agricultural settings.

Images

Habitat

Agricultural and cultivated environments where sesame (Sesamum indicum) is grown. In West Africa, occurs in both North and South Sudanian zones. Natural associations beyond cultivated sesame are poorly documented.

Distribution

Widespread across tropical and subtropical regions including: Africa (Algeria, Botswana, Canary Islands, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Socotra Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Upper Volta, Zaire, Zimbabwe); Asia (Andaman Islands, Burma, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Yemen, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Turkey, Vietnam); Europe (Britain, Corsica, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Sicily, Spain, Yugoslavia); Australasia and Pacific Islands (Australia, Fiji); North America (Mexico); Central America (Guatemala); South America (Venezuela). GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark and Sweden.

Seasonality

In Burkina Faso, present throughout the entire growing season on sesame. Laboratory studies indicate a complete of approximately 26.5 days under controlled conditions.

Diet

feed on sesame (Sesamum indicum), consuming leaves, flowers, and developing seed capsules.

Host Associations

Sesamum indicum - primary larval ; causes damage to leaves, flowers, and capsules
Bracon (Habrobracon) platynotae - ; first recorded association in Mexico
Eiphosoma dentator - ; first recorded association in Mexico
Perilampus platigaster species group - ; first recorded association in Mexico
Brachymeria annulata - ; first recorded association in Mexico
Conura side - ; first recorded association in Mexico
Conura maculata - ; first recorded association in Mexico
Goniozus punctaticeps - ; first recorded association in Mexico

Life Cycle

with five larval . : 2.38 days. Larval period: 10.5 days, with length increasing from 1.91 mm to 9.53 mm across instars. Pupal period: 6 days. longevity: 6–7 days. Sex ratio approximately 1:1; males smaller than females. Total : 26.5 days under laboratory conditions on sesame variety G. TIL3.

Behavior

produce webbing on plants, leading to the "sesame leaf webber." Larvae tie leaves together and bore into flowers and developing seed capsules. Has been observed causing up to 100% of plants with tied leaves and up to 32.83% of capsules perforated in field conditions.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest of sesame causing yield losses of 19–63% in susceptible varieties. Serves as for diverse including , , , , and .

Human Relevance

Major economic pest of sesame globally. Control measures include (including Biobit and chemical combinations) and development of varieties. Earlymaturing and glabrous (hairless) sesame varieties show reduced susceptibility, informing breeding programs in West Africa.

Similar Taxa

Lepidoneura longipalpisAntigastra longipalpis has been transferred to this ; historical confusion in literature
Other Spilomelinae generaMorphological similarity in external features; accurate identification requires examination and association data