First record of helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding on plectranthus neochilus (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) in Brazil

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous agricultural pest recorded in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and recently South America. Larvae of H. armigera are recorded from over 67 host families, including Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae. This study documents for the first time H. armigera larvae feeding on inflorescences of "boldo-rasteiro" Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae). The species was identified according to external and internal characteristics of adults, morphology of eggs, and by molecular characterization.