Fulgoraecia

Newman, 1851

Fulgoraecia is a of in the , comprising that specialize in parasitizing (: ). The genus includes F. melanoleuca, a significant agent of the planthopper Pyrilla perpusilla in South Asia. These moths exhibit biology, with feeding externally on 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 by their association with fulgoroid , particularly Pyrilla . are small with reduced mouthparts; are flattened, segmented, and adapted for ectoparasitic life on host . High-resolution images of all of F. melanoleuca have been published for identification reference.

Images

Habitat

agroecosystems; specifically sugarcane fields in tropical and subtropical regions. Overwinters in and pupal () 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 stages. Small peaks in May, decline in June, then increase from July through September.

Host Associations

  • Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) - primary ; of (2nd-5th ) and (: )

Life Cycle

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

Behavior

-dependent tracking abundance. First host 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

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

Human Relevance

Important agent for management of 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