Crocidosema aporema

(Walsingham, 1914)

bean shoot moth

is a Neotropical tortricid and significant agricultural pest of legumes, particularly soybean, in the southern cone of South America. The originated in Central America and has spread throughout South America, where it causes economic damage by larval feeding on vegetative plant parts, flowers, and developing seeds. are , with females exhibiting characteristic calling during the scotophase to attract mates. The species is monoandrous and has been subject to increasing study due to its pest status and the need for strategies.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Crocidosema aporema: //ˌkroʊsɪˈdɒsɪmə ˌæpəˈriːmə//

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Habitat

Agricultural systems dominated by legume crops, particularly soybean (Glycine max) and forage legumes such as alfalfa, lotus, peas, and red clover. In temperate regions of South America (31–34°S), are active year-round with multiple concentrated during the warmer months.

Distribution

Native to Central America ( Rica), now widely distributed throughout South America including Uruguay, Brazil (Paraná), Argentina, and Chile. studied from Fazenda Rio Grande (Paraná, Brazil) and La Estanzuela (Colonia, Uruguay).

Seasonality

In temperate regions (31–34°S), active year-round with 5–6 per year concentrated between November and April. Entire takes 33–46 days at 21–23°C.

Diet

Larvae feed on vegetative plant parts, flowers, and developing seeds of leguminous plants.

Host Associations

Glycine max - primary (soybean)Major agricultural pest; larvae feed on vegetative parts, flowers, and pods
Lotus corniculatus - Forage legume
Medicago sativa - Alfalfa
Pisum sativum - Peas
Linum usitatissimum - Flax
Trifolium pratense - Red clover
Meteorus lucianae - Braconid , newly described from Brazil
Trathala sp. - Ichneumonid , larval endoparasitoid recorded from Uruguay
Zoophthora radicans - entomopathogenEntomophthoralean fungus causing larval mortality

Life Cycle

Larvae undergo five instars. Complete takes 33–46 days at 21–23°C. In temperate regions, 5–6 occur annually. occurs in soil. emerge and begin reproductive activities shortly after .

Behavior

mating restricted to scotophase (dark phase). Females exhibit characteristic calling posture: elevated, tip curved downward, wings raised, extruded without pulsation or wing fluttering. Calling begins during second scotophase after , with all females calling from third night onward; peak calling occurs between fifth and seventh hour of scotophase. Males approach calling females while fanning wings in upright position, followed by antennal contact and immediate mating. Mating occurs once per female (monoandrous), typically between third and sixth night after emergence, during middle of scotophase, lasting 50–120 minutes (average 81 minutes). Males preferentially respond to female in tests.

Ecological Role

Major pest of legumes in the southern cone of South America. Larval feeding on vegetative parts affects normal plant growth in soybean; in other legumes, flower feeding severely impacts seed production. applications targeting this have been observed to cause declines in natural enemy that would otherwise control later-appearing noctuid pests, creating potential for secondary pest .

Human Relevance

Significant agricultural pest requiring management in soybean and forage legume production. Control measures include applications, though these have declined in some regions (e.g., Uruguay) with changes in production systems. potential exists through (Braconidae, Ichneumonidae) and fungi, though natural enemy has been observed to be low in field conditions.

Similar Taxa

Anticarsia gemmatalisBoth are major lepidopteran soybean pests in South America; A. gemmatalis is a noctuid (velvetbean caterpillar) with different larval and feeding
Chrysodeixis includensBoth are soybean pests; C. includens (soybean looper) is a noctuid with looping larval locomotion and different reproductive timing
Spodoptera spp.Armyworms are also lepidopteran soybean pests but belong to Noctuidae with different larval (distinct pinaculae) and activity patterns

More Details

Pheromone biology

uses for intersexual communication and mate finding, with precise temporal patterns of female calling and male response during scotophase. This has been studied in laboratory conditions under controlled (14:10 L:D) and temperature (21–23°C).

Taxonomic history

has been treated under both Crocidosema and Epinotia, with current classification placing it in Crocidosema (Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Eucosmini).