Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Myrtales: Myrtaceae): New host records for Metanastria gemella (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) and Arna bipunctapex (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Abstract

Surveys for host specific natural enemies of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), rose myrtle, in China (mainland and Hong Kong) resulted in the discovery of 2 lepidopteran species that have not been previously reported as herbivores of the plant: Metanastria gemella Lajonquiere (Lasiocampidae) and Arna bipunctapex Hampson (Lymantriidae). Multiple generations of both species were reared on R. tomentosa in a quarantine laboratory, demonstrating that the plant is a developmental host. However, neither species demonstrates sufficient host specificity to be considered for biological control of R. tomentosa in the USA.