Redescription of two often-confused noctuid pests, Copitarsia decolora and Copitarsia incommoda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Cuculliinae)

Abstract

Members of the genus Copitarsia Hampson (Noctuidae) are widespread pests of many agricultural commodities in Central and South America. Two species, Copitarsia incommoda (Walker) and Copitarsia turbata (Herrich-Schäffer), are of particular concern. This misidentification has affected life history studies, risk assessments, and biological control of these pest species. This article redescribes these species and distinguishes them from each other by using adult morphology. C. turbata is placed as a NEW SYNONYM of Copitarsia decolora (Guenée), Copitarsia margaritella (Dognin) is placed as a junior synonym of C. decolara (REVISED SYNONYM), and Copitarsia hampsoni (Brèthes) is designated as a NEW SYNONYM of C. incommoda.