The Maize Caterpillar Mythimna (= Leucania) loreyi (Duponchel, 1827) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Identification, Distribution, Population Density and Damage in Tunisia

Surveys were conducted during 2020 and 2021 to study the emerging lepidopteran pests inflicting cereals in Tunisia, with specific emphasis on maize sorghum crops. A species was collected from traps placed Jendouba, Bizerte, Nabeul Gabes regions. Thus, this carried out first report its identification, distribution, population density damage. Results showed that M. loreyi abundant all prospected areas, total adult captures reaching 4779 9499 moths maize, respectively, 2020. Moreover, mean infestation percentage reached maximum August at 31.05% 20.69% for Jendouba Bizerte regions, while highest infestations observed regions July, respective values of 13.54% 21.35%. In addition, results revealed pest incidence occurred region, 11.1 ± 0.47 5.7 0.48 2021, respectively. Additionally, pointed achieved two summer generations different localities Tunisia. Overall, provides basic insights into ecology biology loreyi, which are required establish an effective control program.