Pure Appl. Biol., 10(4):1379-1387, December, 2021 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100143

Research Article

Study on owlet (: ) from district Khairpur Mir’s Pakistan

Paras Soomro1, Abdul Manan Shaikh1, Waheed Ali Panhwar1*, Khadim Hussain Memon1, Safdar Ali Ujjan1, Javed Ahmed Ujjan1, Zaib Un Nisa Memon1, Majeeda Ruk1 and Shabana Mangi1 1. Department of Zoology, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs Sindh, Pakistan *Corresponding author’s email: [email protected] Citation Paras Soomro, Abdul Manan Shaikh, Waheed Ali Panhwar, Khadim Hussain Memon, Safdar Ali Ujjan, Javed Ahmed Ujjan, Zaib Un Nisa Memon, Majeeda Ruk and Shabana Mangi. Study on owlet moths (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) from district Khairpur Mir’s Pakistan. Pure and Applied Biology. Vol. 10, Issue 4, pp1380-1387. http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100143 Received: 25/01/2021 Revised: 26/03/2021 Accepted: 12/04/2021 Online First: 22/04/2021 Abstract Noctuidae or owlet moths are group of robust moths. The name of this family is taken from the way that night species have eyes, with reflect light with and an orange gleam. Most species are dim to cocoa in color frequently with dim and light spots on the forewings. They are nocturnal and are normally attracted to lights those larvae of Noctuidae have tufts of short abounds and might be brilliantly colored. Most are foliage feeders and the insatiable hungers of few species have turned them to serious pest of wide range of crops and thus they are known as army- worms and cutworms. Extensive surveys were carried out to collect Noctuidae fauna of district Khairpur Mirs. A total of 221 specimens were captured and were identified into 11 genera and 15 species of Noctuidae i-e: unipuncta, (Haworth, 1809), (Hübner, 1808), Heliothis adaucta Butler, 1878, Heliothis peltigera (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766), Agrotis exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758), Meterana pansicolor (Howes, 1912), Meterana alcyone (Hudson, 1898), Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775), stolida (Fabricius, 1775), Graphania pagaia (Hudson, 1909), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808), Heliothis armigera (Hübner, 1808) Dipaustica epiastra (Meyrick, 1911) and algira, Linnaeus in 1767. Beside this, description for species along with digital images were also provided for easily identification of species. Present study is an initiative step towards the biodiversity of Noctuidae fauna of district Khairpur Mir’s. Keywords: Biodiversity; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae; Species; Introduction important pollinators and additionally Moths and butterflies belongs to order being a standout among severe harming to Lepidoptera are phytophagous and agricultural crops [5]. Nearly six thousand are considered as prime insects in the world species of Lepidoptera are regarded as [1]. There are about (15,5000) well known financial importance [6]. species found worldwide [2, 3]. Mostly, Around one fourth of these have a place Lepidopteran are distinctive group of with the Noctuidae. In spite of the fact that insects in ecosystem, consuming plants, the countless species can be assigned as larvae as well as adult feed on nectar [4]. pests [7], named the pests clade, many more They act as herbivorous, predators and are taken over the entire family Noctuidae

Published by Bolan Society for Pure and Applied Biology 1380 Soomro et al. in more than five hundred (500) genera. insatiable hungers of few species have These caterpillars of numerous noctuid turned them to serious pest of wide range of genera cause commercial loss yearly [8]. crops and thus they are known as army- Also, these grown up of a few genera harm worms and cutworms [16]. The distribution crops having fruit by perforating the stains of Noctuidae from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to slurp juices [9, 10]. and the noctuidae are severe pests of Taxonomic isolation of Lepidoptera has agricultural crops. Beside this, they been on the premise of morphological reported first presence of P. xyllostella from characters, for example, labial palpi, KPK Pakistan [17]. reception apparatus structure and wing In any case, numerous species of Noctuidae venation etc. as of the late significance of have minor organs in their ear that react to outer genital morphology the lepidopteran bat echolocation calls, sending their wing scientific categorization and phylogeny has muscles into fit and bringing about the been well recognized [11]. A few moths to dash inconsistently. This guides examinations have been made on the the moths in side stepping the bats [18,19]. general external morphology of various As Noctuidae are an important agricultural lepidopteran groups such as systematic point view, hence keeping in view importance of the male genitalia in micro importance, study is designed to conduct on Lepidoptera [12]. The morphological the noctuid moths of district Khairpur. significance of juxta in the male genitalia of Materials and Methods Lepidoptera and considered loss of juxta to The study was conducted from various check out high level of genitalia areas of district Khairpur. Khairpur district specialization piece [13]. Significance of is located at the south of Indus river with genitalia at the particular level and latitude 27o 32’N and longitude 68o 46’E. communicated the view that within Moths were captured from light traps and reversion examines, more prominent by using traditional net from the reliance ought to be set on the inner numerous zones of district Khairpur. Moths genitalia [14]. were killed in insect killing jars comprising Noctuidae or owlet moths are group of potassium cyanide (KCN). The insects robust assembled moths that incorporates were pinned on thorax through insects’ more than 35,000 known species out of pins. The moths were properly labelled with 100,000 species in more than 42,00 genera information place of collection, collection they constitute the biggest family in the date, collector name and name of the host Lepidoptera, with 1,450 species found in plant. Identification of moths was carried Europe [15]. The name of this family is out with the help of literature and dissection gotten from the way that night spices have of genitalia [11, 14]. The scheme for eyes, with reflect light with and an orange extraction of genitalia of moths given by gleam. This is biggest family comprised of (Eyer 1926) was adopted. Firstly, species with a various scope of attribute and abdominal part of moths was separated and in that capacity a general interpretation is kept discretely in KOH (Potassium too difficult. They are little to a substantial hydroxide) overnight to remove extra with a wing span extending in size muscles severely sclerotized samples were from 10 to 170 millimetres relying upon the boiled for 10-15 min. and then wash away species. Most species are dim to cocoa in in water for 5 minutes [9]. The important color frequently with dim and light spots on diagnosis characters were noted and the forewings. Most of species are photographs were captured with the help of nocturnal and are normally attracted to “BD-45T1 trinocular Stereo Microscope”. lights those larvae of Noctuidae have tufts Results of short abounds and night be brilliantly Systematics position colored. Most are foliage feeders and the Kingdom: Animalia

1381 Pure Appl. Biol., 10(4):1379-1387, December, 2021 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100143

Phylum: Arthropoda armigera a widely distributed species. This Class: Insecta species deposits it eggs in tender leaves Order: Lepidoptera where they hatch in 03 to 07 days. The Superfamily: Nocutuidea hatched larvae feed on fresh leaves as Family: Noctuidae scrapers and as they grow thus feed chew Family Noctuidae leaves and causing severe agricultural loss Noctuidae is second largest family of to the crop. Agrotis ipsilon is also moths in order Lepidoptera and have great considered as persistent pest for the green economic importance. Adult moths vary in lands and trees worldwide. Initially their size from small to medium, having 10 to 40 larvae feed on foliage later on the shoots of mm wing span. Head of noctuids protrude grass and often feeding on surface of stems. beyond the eyes making “snout” shape. Noctuidae species Labial palps extended and mouth parts of During present study 221 moth specimen most of species are enlarged. were captured then were identified into 15 Pest status species of Noctuidae (Table 1 & Fig. 1). Many species of Noctuidae are polyphagous in nature such as Helicoverpa

Table 1. Showing Noctuidae species S. No. Name of species Location 1 Mythinma unipunta Nara

2 Mythinma impure Khairpur mir’s

3 Heliothis adaucta Herberium SALU

4 Heliothis peltigera Khairpur mir’s

5 Agrotis ipsilon Khairpur mir’s

6 Agrotis exclamtionis Zoology SALU

7 Meterana pansicolor Khairpur Mir’s

8 Meterana Alcyone Zoology SALU

9 Spodoptera litura Khairpur Mir’s

10 Gramodes stolida Khairpur proper

11 Graphania pagaia Nara

12 Helicoverpa armigera Kingri

13 Heliothis armigera Khuhra

14 Dipaustica epiastra Thari meer wah

15 Dysgonia algira Zoology SALU

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Mythinma unipunta Mythimna impura Heliothis adaucta

Heliothis peltigera Agrotis ipsilon Agrotis exclamationis

Meterana pansicolor Meterana alcyone Spodoptera litura

Grammodes stolida Graphania pagaia Helicoverpa armigera

Heliothis armigera Dipaustica epiastra Dysgonia algira Fig. 1. Showing the owlet moths of Khairpur Mirs Sindh Pakistan Description of Noctuidae species (Fig. 1) blackish dots on its edge and pointed at its , (Haworth, 1809) apex region. Numerous whitish dots present Diagnosis on center and darker area. Many gray tints Wing span of adult is about 04 centimeters available on hind wings. The genitalia of in length. Anterior part of frontal wing with

1383 Pure Appl. Biol., 10(4):1379-1387, December, 2021 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100143 this species is elongated and truncate at its Material examined apical margins. Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimen Material examined 9.x.2018. Pakistan, ♀♂ Sindh Province Khairpur Agrotis exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758) Mir’s, 1.vii.2018. Diagnosis. Ground colour ranges from pale Mythimna impura (Hübner, 1808) brown to blackish; oval. Kidney and dart Diagnosis marks prominent. Genitalia nearly straight. The frontal wings ochreous having tinge on Genitalia straight with hook shaped veins particularly median vein. Besides structure at its anterior region. having brown streak that is seen from its Material examined inter space. Cells of wing veins with Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimens blackish clot at low angle. Hind wings with 5.vii.2018 dull greyish colour. The genitalia are Meterana pansicolor (Howes, 1912) relatively long but narrowed at apex. Diagnosis Material examined The head of this species protrude beyond. Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimens, Thorax rufous with slightly tinges Filiform 26.vi.2017-2018. antennae. Minute numerous dots available Heliothis adaucta Butler, 1878 on abdomen, crests strong, particularly at Diagnosis its posterior part. Frontal wings rufous with The shoulder-striped clover noctuid moth several markings. Later wings having species. The wing span is 30–36 mm. brownish patches and color. Genitalia short, Adults have dots on the wings. Hind wings with cranial crest membernous. have blackish lunar shape structure. Material examined Genitalia less or more conical with pointed Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimens hairs. 03.vii.2018 Material examined Meterana alcyone (Hudson, 1898) Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimens, Diagnosis 26.vi.2017-2018. Head and thorax grey and with sparse black Heliothis peltigera scale. Collar darker as compared to other (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) species of this . Wings light grey- Diagnosis brown, outer part slightly darker. Hind The Greek epithet "Heliothis" means wings are white in color. Genitalia "scorched by the sun”, while the Latin relatively short, unilobed with distinct species name peltigera means wearing a margins when observed. small shield, with reference to the reniform Material examined marking on the forewings. Forewings are Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimens usually greyish in color. The genitalia 5.ix.2018 broaden at its base and cylindrical at its Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775) posterior region. Diagnosis Material examined: Sindh Khairpur Mir’s Forewing length is 14–17 mm. While several specimens 10.x.2018. female forewing length is slightly larger Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766) and measures 15–18 mm. The orbicular Diagnosis spot on the forewing is also more Wing span is about 42- 56 mm of adults. pronounced. Generally, slicky brown in Frontal wings are darker brown and coloration. Genitalia very unique in this irregular bands are available on distal part. species with grayish brown indistinct Hind wings are white to grey having borders, almost wide. coloured veins. Genitalia slightly Material examined asymmetrical, right valve of the genitalia is Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimens slightly narrower. 5.ix.2018

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Grammodes stolida (Fabricius, 1775) Dipaustica epiastra (Meyrick, 1911) Diagnosis Diagnosis Forewing having black brownish patches at Head prominent with clear margins. Fore its basal half, costal and sub-costal region wings clay yellowish in color, with several possess streaks. Outer parts are half yellow blackish dots surrounded to the margins. in color, biconcave, narrowed at below with Hind wings completely clay yellowish in brownish bands. Genitalia thread shaped, color. Genitalia narrow, with rounded usually without distinct margins margins. Material examined Material examined. Pakistan several Pakistan several specimens Sindh Province specimens Sindh Province Khairpur Mir’s Khairpur Mir’s 12.iv. 2018 5.xi.2018 Dysgonia algira Linnaeus, 1767 Graphania pagaia (Hudson, 1909) Diagnosis Diagnosis. Head and thorax cream color Body brownish in color, Head concave Fore wings longer than the abdominal shaped. Fore wing brown with minute segments. white spot. Hind wings greyish in color. Hind wings grey- brown, outer part darker. Genitalia of this species is broader as Genitalia asymmetrical, broad and erect compared to the other species occurring in processes relatively long and coiled. Noctuidae. Wide at the base and slightly Material examined tapers to apex with hairy projection. Sindh Khairpur Mir’s several specimens Material examined 15.x. 2018 Several specimens Sindh Khairpur Mir’s Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808) 7.vi. 2018 Diagnosis Discussion Body vary in colour and size. Fore-Wing Moths belongs to family Noctuidae are yellow to orange in colour of females and phytophagous and considered as distinctive green to grey of male species, having darker and prime group of insects in order bands on its distal region. Antennae is Lepidoptera. Their larvae consume variety filiform. Hind wing pale yellowish having of crops and thus causing damage to brown narrow bands on its outer edges. The agriculture. Butterflies and moths are genitalia, robust but narrow and apically belonging to order Lepidoptera are mostly hooked. plant eating and severe pests of agriculture Material examined crops [1], they constitute nearly 155,000 Sindh Several specimens Khairpur Mir’s species described from various regions [2, 17.x. 2018 3]. Heliothis armigera (Hübner, 1808) Butterflies and moths remain phytophagous Diagnosis at their larval stage and rely on nectar on The body usually off white or somehow adult stage. They are considered as different creamy in coloration. Fore-wings with two group of ecosystems working as plant distinct minute dots. Hind wings creamy at eaters, fertilizers and provide damage to its half part and half lunar in shape darker. agriculture [4]. Roughly there are 6000 Genitalia broad, nearly symmetrical short butterflies and moths noted for financial and membranous. importance and about quarter of these have Material examined a place with [5]. Pakistan several specimens Sindh Province Extensive surveys were carried out to Khairpur Mir’s collect Noctuidae fauna of district Khairpur 09.iii. 2018 Mir’s. A total of 221 specimens were captured and were identified into 11 genera and 15 species of Noctuidae i-e: Mythimna unipuncta, (Haworth, 1809), Mythimna

1385 Pure Appl. Biol., 10(4):1379-1387, December, 2021 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100143 impura (Hübner, 1808), characteristics were used. There are also Heliothis adaucta Butler, 1878, Heliothis dichotomous keys and photographs. There peltigera (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), is not much research on taxonomic studies Heliothis armigera (Hübner, 1808), Agrotis of the Plusiinae subfamily in Pakistan. To ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766), Agrotis fill this void, the current proposal was exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758), Meterana created to investigate the diversity of pansicolor (Howes, 1912), Meterana Noctuid moths in Pakistan, with very alcyone (Hudson, 1898), Spodoptera litura promising results [22]. (Fabricius, 1775), Grammodes stolida Additionally, species descriptions along (Fabricius, 1775), Graphania pagaia with photographs are given for identifying (Hudson, 1909), Helicoverpa armigera species of moths. This study proves to be (Hübner, 1808), Dipaustica epiastra first step towards to Noctuidae biodiversity (Meyrick, 1911) and Dysgonia algira, of Khairpur district for first time. Linnaeus in 1767. A checklist of 20 species Conclusion and subspecies of the genus Yigoga Nye, Present study concludes that Noctuid moths 1975 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) together are pest of various agricultural crops, with the Iranian records in various forests, fruits and vegetables. In addition to territories of Iran. The first blend, reference this they are the diverse group among the of the first depiction and the type region of order Lepidoptera so their proper diagnosis every species were exhibited [20]. should be conducted in order to know their Lepidopteran species were explored. To systematic importance. gather specimens, a net and light traps were Future directions utilized. An aggregate of 109 species The basic aim of this study was to give having a place with 17 families of the detailed description of noctuid species of Lepidoptera were recognized. The family Khairpur district. Following parameters are Geometridae was spoken to by the most still waiting for future scientists: elevated number of species (20), trailed by 1. Ecology of Noctuidae species should be Noctuidae (19), Lycaenidae (12) and carried out in order to find the pest status Nymphalidae (12). This was the primary of these species. study to decide the Lepidoptera fauna of 2. Molecular approaches should be carried Duzce [21]. Recent studies on genus out to find difference amongst Thysanoplusia Fabricius stated that it is a subfamilies up to species level. polyphagous pest of vegetables, foods, 3. Scanning Electron Microscopy should legumes, fodder, fruits, ornamental plants, be done to see fine structures of and cotton crops belonging to the genus Noctuidae. Thysanoplusia Fabricius of the subfamily 4. Biology, life cycle of Noctuidae should Plusiinae. Samples were taken from various be carried out in detail. locations throughout the Bahawalpur Authors’ contributions district. Comprehensive and comparative Conceived and designed the experiments: P surveys on taxonomic account of species of Soomro, WA Panhwar & AM Shaikh, the genus Thysanoplusia Fabricius were Performed the experiments: P Soomro & conducted in 2017–18 for the purpose of AM Shaikh, Analyzed the data: KH collection, and one species, Thysanoplusia Memon, JA Ujjan & SA Ujjan, Contributed orichalcea (Fabricius), was identified for materials/ analysis/ tools: ZN Memon, M the first time from Pakistan. For Ruk & S Mangi, Wrote the paper: P Soomro identification and classification, & WA Panhwar. morphological characters such as the References vertex, frons, labial palpi, antennae, 1. Scoble MJ (1992). The Lepidoptera. Form, compound eyes, ocelli, proboscis, wing function and diversity. Oxford University venation, and male and female genital Press.

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