ASU entomologists conduct research on pest butterflies of Israel

Professor of Agricultural Research Organization in Israel Zvi Mendel consulted ASU entomologist, Doctor of Biology, Professor Roman V. Yakovlev for advice. Caterpillar of Cossidae family delivers considerable damage to fruit trees and grape vines. The biological object was identified as Paropta paradoxa. After identification the joint article about the life cycle of the butterfly (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and adult butterfly) was published in Alon Hanotea journal (the journal of Fruit Growers Association in Israel).

Roman V. Yakovlev is going to continue the comprehensive study of the destructive insect and develop measures to control their population. Several publications co-authored by colleagues from Israel will be released in peer-reviewed journals.

“Cossidae is one of the most harmful butterfly families of world’s subtropical and tropical regions. They inflict extensive damage on tea plant, coffee, papaya, durian and garlic. The problem is that the insect is hard to identify, and development of pest control methods is impossible without proper identification and knowledge of the insect’s biology. In this case agricultural entomologists seek taxonomists’ assistance. I have already rendered help to practitioners from the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa. It is interesting that an entomologist from Altai came to the aid of specialists from Saudi Arabia, Iran and Indonesia, but this is the peculiarity of our modern life. The plants have become shorter and the world has become more compact,” said R.V. Yakovlev.