A new method for dissecting the genitalia of moths using a commercially available denture cleanser is proposed. It is a safe method instead of using a dangerous potassium hydroxide. It is expected that this new method enables high school students and amateur researchers who have difficulty obtaining potassium hydroxide (KOH) to identify moths by genitalia.
The butterfly fauna of Vietnam has significant diversity in the Southeast Asia Region, with over 1,200 species and subspecies recorded. During a biodiversity survey in Southern Vietnam, we recorded the genus Tarucus Moore, [1881] for the country for the first time. This new record widens the distribution of the species Tarucus callinara Butler, 1886 and the genus Tarucus in the Oriental Region. Relevant information on male and female specimens, early stages, and host plants are presented for the species in Vietnam.
Cryptophlebia distorta (Hampson, 1905) (Tortricidae, Olethreutinae) is recorded from Honshu (Tomoga-shima Is., Wakayama Prefecture) for the first time. The larva fed on Glochidion obovatum boring into the fruit. The plant was newly recorded as host plant of the moth. The male adult and its genitalia are illustrated.
The larvae of Neocalyptis affinisana (Walker, 1863) (Tortricidae), Simplicia discosticta (Hampson, 1912), and Progonia oileusalis (Walker, 1859) (Erebidae) were collected from dead leaves remaining on trees on Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan in early spring. The larvae and host plants of N. affinisana and S. discosticta are reported and the larvae of P. oileusalis are illustrated for the first time.
It is necessary to distinguish between male and female Tuta absoluta pupae in continued research regarding this pest species. Male and female pupae can be distinguished based on the following morphological characters: the genital opening is located in central portion of the 9th abdominal segment in males but at the junction of the 9th abdominal segment and the posterior margin of the 8th abdominal segment in females; the posterior margin of the 8th abdominal segment is almost straight in males, while its central margin is inwardly curved in females. In addition, the posterior margin of the 9th abdominal segment is clear in males, but is rudimentary or almost invisible in females.