The Australian species of Heliothis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and their pest status.

Abstract

The taxonomic and pest status of the species of Heliothis occurring in Australia have been examined and it is shown that two pest species have previously been confused under the name of H. armigera (Hiibner). H. amnigera has a limited distribution, mainly in coastal and subcoastal eastern Australia and in the Northern Territory. It also occurs widely in Europe, Africa, India, New Zealand, and the islands of the south-west Pacific. In North America another closely related species, probably H, umb~osus Grote, has previously been synonymized with H. armigera. Widely distributed in Australia, H. pudgera Wallengren has hitherto been referred to in the Australian economic and taxonomic literature as H. armigera. In addition, two other species, H. assulta GuenCe and H, rubrescens (Walker), occur in Australia but have not so far been recognized as pests. Descriptions and illustrations of the four species, including the male and female genitalia, and keys to the males and females, are provided. The genitalia of both sexes of the North American species are also figured.