Fulgoraecia

Newman, 1851

Species Guides

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Fulgoraecia is a of in the Epipyropidae, comprising ectoparasitoid that specialize in parasitizing planthoppers (Hemiptera: ). The genus includes F. melanoleuca, a significant agent of the sugarcane planthopper Pyrilla perpusilla in South Asia. These moths exhibit koinobiont , with larvae feeding externally on nymphs and . The genus has been documented in India and Canada.

Fulgoraecia exigua by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Planthopper Parasite Caterpillar (38907826465) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Fulgoraecia exigua - Female by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Fulgoraecia: //fʊl.ɡɔːˈriː.ʃə//

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

Identification

Members of Fulgoraecia can be distinguished from other Epipyropidae by their association with fulgoroid planthopper , particularly Pyrilla . are small with reduced mouthparts; larvae are flattened, segmented, and adapted for ectoparasitic life on host . High-resolution images of all life stages of F. melanoleuca have been published for identification reference.

Images

Habitat

Sugarcane agroecosystems; specifically sugarcane fields in tropical and subtropical regions. Overwinters in and pupal (cocoon) stages on leftover sugarcane trash.

Distribution

India (Punjab, Tamil Nadu); Canada (first record of F. exigua).

Seasonality

Active from April through September in Punjab, India, with peaks in September. Overwinters December to March in and cocoon stages. Small peaks in May, decline in June, then increase from July through September.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

stage; larval stage (ectoparasitic on ); pupal/chrysalis stage within cocoon; stage. Overwinters predominantly in cocoon stage on sugarcane trash. Total development period varies with host stage: shorter on younger nymphal instars, longer on later instars and adults.

Behavior

-dependent tracking abundance. First instar host nymphs are unsuitable—hosts die without . -induced prolongation of host longevity observed in surviving parasitized nymphs and . Female-biased sex ratio across all host stages.

Ecological Role

Key natural enemy of Pyrilla perpusilla, providing substantial in sugarcane . Total rates reach 25-47% depending on region and season. Candidate for programs.

Human Relevance

Important agent for management of sugarcane planthopper Pyrilla perpusilla, a significant pest of sugarcane in South Asia. Subject of research on mass rearing protocols and augmentative release strategies.

Similar Taxa

  • EpipyropsFormerly included now placed in Fulgoraecia; taxonomic revision required to distinguish
  • EpiricaniaSynonym or related with which F. melanoleuca has been classified; taxonomic boundaries require clarification

Sources and further reading