Episimus

Walsingham, 1892

Episimus is a of in the Olethreutinae, established by Walsingham in 1892. The genus contains approximately 40 described distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some species ranging into North America. At least one species, E. unguiculus (syn. E. utilis), has been extensively studied as a candidate agent for the Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) in Florida. The genus was taxonomically revised in 2008, with twelve new species described from the Neotropics and the synonymization of Episimoides.

Habitat

Neotropical forests and associated ; at least one (E. unguiculus) is associated with Brazilian peppertree in disturbed sites and coastal mangrove forests. Laboratory studies indicate optimal performance occurs in low-salinity, high- conditions.

Distribution

Primarily Neotropical, with records from Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean (Greater Antilles including Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Trinidad). Specific localities include Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Honduras. North records include Vermont and Florida (where E. unguiculus has been as a candidate).

Diet

Known associations are limited. E. unguiculus is a on Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius, Anacardiaceae). Host plants for other in the are largely undocumented.

Host Associations

Schinus terebinthifolius - Brazilian peppertree; sole known for E. unguiculus

Life Cycle

For E. unguiculus: development from to takes approximately 32 days on high-quality plants (freshwater, high nutrients) or 34 days on high-nutrient plants; slower development under saline or low-nutrient conditions. Egg hatch rate reaches 88% on high-nutrient hosts. details for other are unknown.

Ecological Role

E. unguiculus has been investigated as a agent for Brazilian peppertree in Florida, where the disrupts in disturbed sites and coastal mangrove forests. The ecological roles of other Episimus are undocumented.

Human Relevance

E. unguiculus (under the synonym E. utilis) is a candidate agent for Brazilian peppertree, one of the most in Florida. Laboratory rearing methods have been established to support potential field release programs. No other in the have documented economic or applied significance.

Similar Taxa

EpisimoidesSynonymized with Episimus by Razowski & Becker in 2008; previously treated as separate based on Afrotropical distribution of E. erythraea, now transferred to Episimus

More Details

Taxonomic History

The was revised in 2008 (Razowski & Becker), describing twelve new from the Neotropics and synonymizing Episimoides Diakonoff, 1957. The species is E. nesiotes Walsingham, 1897.

Biological Knowledge Gaps

associations and are documented only for E. unguiculus. Heppner (1994) noted that biological knowledge for the was largely lacking, and this remains true for most .