Ecology of Helicoverpa-Armigera (Hubner) and Heliothis-Punctigera (Wallengren) in the Inland of Australia - Larval Sampling and Host-Plant Relationships During Winter and Spring

Abstract

Extensive surveys during the winter months in inland areas of Australia have greatly extended both the range and known hosts of Australia's two pest Helicoverpa species. H. punctigera was the more common species, being collected from c. half of the sites sampled. Here a further 47 plant species in 8 families are recorded as possible host plants; the majority (all except two) are new records of native hosts, and greatly extend the existing lists. H. armigera was less common, being recorded from c. 10% of the 554 sites sampled. This species was reared from 28 species in 10 plant families. Both moth species are recorded for the first time from various native plant species, predominantly in the Asteraceae and Fabaceae. The Goodeniaceae is also added to the host list of both species. Determination of the status of host plants is discussed.