Rice skipper, Pelopidas thrax (hubner) (Hesperiidae: lepidoptera): An emerging insect pest in rice fields in Egypt, host plants, population fluctuation, damage and related natural enemies

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a very important food crop in Egypt, particularly with shortage of wheat production for consumers. Insect pests are one challenges against high yield productivity. Experiments and observations conducted at rice fields Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Egypt during 2019, 2020 2021 seasons revealed occurrence an emerging insect pest; skipper, Pelopidas thrax (Hubner) (Hesperiidae : Lepidoptera) . Larvae skipper fed upon leaves rice, barnyardgrass juncle rice. Adult activity was low June - July, increased by mid-August, maximum late August, throughout September, 3-4 seasonal peaks. In general, the damage plants low, so, simulation technique, based removing certain areas flag leaves, adapted. The treatments (removed areas); 0, 25, 50, 75 100 %. Induced reductions 4.47-23.05% filled grain percentage, 2.07-6.61% 1000-grain weight, 5.95-31.86% respectively. Seven parasitoid species were recorded. They Trichogramma evanescens (on eggs), Telenomus sp. (eggs), Chelonus (egg-larva), Anomalon (larvae), Cotesia ruficrus (lavae), Brachymeria (pupae), Exorista (larvae). Also, two predators found associated P. thrax; Anatrichus pygmaeus, Paederus alfierii as well spider, Argiope trifasciata. Till now, considered minor pest. Because expected climatic changes disturbances ecosystem due to excessive use pesticides, this may become major Further studies required reveal additional biological ecological aspects insect.