A NEW SPECIES OF GENUS AGROTIS OCHSENHEIMER (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IN PAKISTAN

M. Sajjad1, Z. M. Sarwar¬1, M. Binyameen1, M. Qasim2 and M. H. Bashir3

1Department of Entomology, FAST Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan.
2Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
3Department of Entomology, Agriculture University Faisalabad
*Corresponding author’s email: zmsarwar@bzu.edu.pk

ABSTRACT

The family Noctuidae has most important insect pests which damage the cereal and cash crops. For proper identification and classification of these insect pests, taxonomy plays a vital role form successful management strategy. In the present study, several diagnostic characteristics were examined but typically concentration was made on genitalia for the proper identification of species. Specimens were dissected carefully and genitalia were examined under Stereo microscope. As a result, Agrotis hirsutumus is new to science and the first time described from Pakistan. Agrotis species which have been reported from Pakistan are also included in the key.