The genus Sciomesa Tams & Bowden (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Apameini: Sesamiina) is a predominantly Afrotropical group of stemborer moths whose convoluted taxonomic history needs to be clarified. In this study, a comprehensive examination of specimens in collections was carried out in a complementary manner with molecular analyses, resulting in the following changes: (i) 12 new Sciomesa species are described: S. lalokeli n. sp. and S. metiminko n. sp. from Ethiopia; S. elgonensis n. sp., S. nigra n. sp. and S. simillima n. sp. from Kenya; S. umvoti n. sp. from South Africa; S. iboya n. sp., S. lilomwi n. sp., S. makete n. sp., S. njombe n. sp. and S. tanganyika n. sp. from Tanzania; S. kalinzu n. sp. from Uganda; (ii) four species are reinstated as valid species: three of them, S. constantini Laporte stat. rev., S. etchecopari Laporte stat. rev. and S. mirifica Laporte stat. rev., were previously synonymized with S. mesophaea (Hampson) while S. congitae (Laporte) stat. rev. was previously synonymized with S. boulardi (Laporte); (iii) two species are synonymized: S. minuscula (Laporte) n. syn., which was previously synonymized with S. boulardi, is a synonym of S. congitae, and S. franciscae Laporte n. syn. is a synonym of S. mesophaea; (iv) one species, Sesamia punctipennis Kr & uuml;ger stat. rev., which was transferred to the Sciomesa genus, is removed from the genus Sciomesa and temporarily reinstated to the genus Sesamia Guen & eacute;e pending a new combination. A supplemental description for 12 previously described species is also provided: S. boulardi, S. bua Moyal et al., S. constantini, S. etchecopari, S. excelsa (Laporte), S. gnosia Moyal et al., S. mesophaea, S. congitae, S. mirifica, S. renibifida Berio, S. scotochroa (Hampson) and S. venata Fletcher. Host-plant records are provided for 10 Sciomesa species, confirming a pattern of phylogenetic niche conservatism on Poales plants in the Cyperaceae family. Phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analyses were carried out on a multimarker (four mitochondrial and two nuclear genes) molecular dataset encompassing 63 Sciomesa specimens, 24 species belonging to other genera of Sesamiina, and one representative of the sister subtribe Apameina. This sampling also includes the three Malagasy species (S. betschi Viette, S. janthina Viette and S. oberthueri Viette) whose status is debated. The resulting phylogenetic framework provides the most complete picture of the evolutionary relationships of the genus Sciomesa, and results of topological tests provide further support for removing S. betschi and S. janthina from the genus Sciomesa pending new combinations. The results of molecular species delimitation analyses also overwhelmingly support the species status of the Sciomesa species sampled, even for S. mesophaea, a species with a very wide range in the Afrotropics. These analyses also reveal the existence of up to three potential new species, whose status cannot be ascertained because the sequenced individuals were either extracted at a larval stage or correspond to specimens whose genitalia were not studied when their legs were collected. R & eacute;vision du genre Sciomesa (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae : Apameini : Sesamiina) : taxonomie, phylog & eacute;nie et & eacute;cologie, avec la description de 12 nouvelles esp & egrave;ces. Le genre Sciomesa Tams & Bowden (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae : Noctuinae : Apameini : Sesamiina) est un groupe principalement afrotropical de papillons de nuit foreurs de tige, dont l'histoire taxonomique complexe doit & ecirc;tre clarifi & eacute;e. Dans cette & eacute;tude, l'examen d & eacute;taill & eacute; de nombreux sp & eacute;cimens de collections a & eacute;t & eacute; effectu & eacute; de fa & ccedil;on compl & eacute;mentaire & agrave; des analyses mol & eacute;culaires, ce qui a conduit aux changements suivants : (i) 12 nouvelles esp & egrave;ces de Sciomesa sont d & eacute;crites : S. lalokeli n. sp. et S. metiminko n. sp. d'& Eacute;thiopie ; S. elgonensis n. sp., S. nigra n. sp. et S. simillima n. sp. du Kenya ; S. kalinzu n. sp. d'Ouganda ; S. umvoti n. sp. d'Afrique du Sud ; S. iboya n. sp., S. lilomwi n. sp., S. makete n. sp., S. njombe n. sp. et S. tanganyika n. sp. de Tanzanie; (ii) quatre esp & egrave;ces sont r & eacute;tablies comme esp & egrave;ces valides : trois d'entre elles, S. constantini Laporte stat. rev., S. etchecopari Laporte stat. rev. et S. mirifica Laporte stat. rev. & eacute;taient pr & eacute;c & eacute;demment synonymes de S. mesophaea (Hampson) tandis que S. congitae (Laporte) stat. rev. & eacute;tait pr & eacute;c & eacute;demment synonyme de S. boulardi (Laporte); (iii) deux esp & egrave;ces sont mises en synonymie : Sciomesa minuscula n. syn., qui & eacute;tait pr & eacute;c & eacute;demment synonyme de S. boulardi, est un synonyme de S. congitae, et S. franciscae Laporte n. syn. est un synonyme de S. mesophaea ; (iv) une esp & egrave;ce, Sesamia punctipennis Kr & uuml;ger stat. rev., qui avait & eacute;t & eacute; transf & eacute;r & eacute;e dans le genre Sciomesa, en est retir & eacute;e et temporairement r & eacute;int & eacute;gr & eacute;e dans le genre Sesamia Guen & eacute;e en attendant une nouvelle combinaison. Une description suppl & eacute;mentaire de 12 esp & egrave;ces pr & eacute;c & eacute;demment d & eacute;crites est & eacute;galement fournie : S. boulardi, S. bua Moyal et al., S. constantini, S. etchecopari, S. excelsa (Laporte), S. gnosia Moyal et al., S. mesophaea, S. congitae, S. mirifica, S. renibifida Berio, S. scotochroa (Hampson) et S. venata Fletcher. Des relev & eacute;s de plantes-h & ocirc;tes sont fournis pour dix esp & egrave;ces de Sciomesa, confirmant un mod & egrave;le de conservatisme de niche phylog & eacute;n & eacute;tique sur les plantes Poales de la famille des Cyperaceae. Des analyses phylog & eacute;n & eacute;tiques et mol & eacute;culaires de d & eacute;limitation des esp & egrave;ces ont & eacute;t & eacute; effectu & eacute;es sur un ensemble de donn & eacute;es mol & eacute;culaires multimarqueurs (quatre g & egrave;nes mitochondriaux et deux g & egrave;nes nucl & eacute;aires) comprenant 63 sp & eacute;cimens de Sciomesa, 24 esp & egrave;ces appartenant & agrave; d'autres genres de Sesamiina et un repr & eacute;sentant dans la sous-tribu des Apameina. Cet & eacute;chantillonnage englobe & eacute;galement des repr & eacute;sentants des trois esp & egrave;ces malgache (S. betschi Viette, S. janthina Viette et S. oberthueri Viette) dont l'appartenance au genre Sciomesa a & eacute;t & eacute; pr & eacute;c & eacute;demment remise en qu janthina au genre Sciomesa. Les r & eacute;sultats des analyses de d & eacute;limitation mol & eacute;culaire d'esp & egrave;ces soutiennent tr & egrave;s largement le statut d'esp & egrave;ce des taxa de Sciomesa & eacute;chantillonn & eacute;s, y compris pour S. mesophaea, l'esp & egrave;ce pr & eacute;sentant l'aire de r & eacute;partition la plus & eacute;tendue. Ces analyses r & eacute;v & egrave;lent & eacute;galement l'existence de trois potentielles nouvelles esp & egrave;ces, dont on ne peut pr & eacute;ciser le statut car les sp & eacute;cimens s & eacute;quenc & eacute;s l'ont & eacute;t & eacute; soit & agrave; un stade larvaire ou correspondent & agrave; des sp & eacute;cimens dont les genitalia n'ont pas & eacute;t & eacute; & eacute;tudi & eacute;s lors du pr & eacute;l & egrave;vement de leurs pattes.

Isognathotermes modicus Josens & Deligne sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: CC5AB255-A7F9-4CA6-A497-9771F6FA6507 Figs 26–31, 50, distribution map: Fig. 53; Table 9 Diagnosis This is a very small species (the smallest with a finitimus EVA), so small that the first sample was initially thought to come from an incipient colony, but a physogastric queen ruled out this possibility. The worker has a finitimus EVA and is among the smallest in the genus Isognathotermes: (WT3L = 1.12–1.20 mm), and its enteric valve is also the smallest (Fig. 31). The soldier is among the smallest in the genus Isognathotermes (SHdL = 2.42–2.66 mm), as small as the smallest I. fungifaber but with a finitimus EVA. It has evenly curved mandibles with a very low acceleration index of the mandible curvature between proximal and distal parts (ln(SMlpR) - ln(SMldR) = 0.96–1.44) as it is the case for some I. planifrons but with different sizes. The imago, however, is among the medium-sized imagines in the genus Isognathotermes (Fig. 26) and rather like those of I. finitimus, I. rectimalatus sp. nov., and I. planifrons. To date, this species is only known from the “forêt des Abeilles”, Gabon. Etymology The epithet modicus means ‘modest’ in Latin. It refers to the small size of this species. Material examined Five samples from one location. Holotype GABON • soldier; Forêt des Abeilles; 0°19′ S, 12°7′ E; 1995; C. Bordereau and A. Robert leg.; study code: DJ 0862; MNHN EP9886. Paratypes GABON • worker, ♂ (king), ♀ (queen); same data as for holotype; MNHN EP9886. Other material examined GABON • soldier, ♀ (queen); Forêt des Abeilles; 0°19′ S, 12°7′ E; 1995; C. Bordereau (?) leg.; study code: DJ P214; MNHN EP9887 • soldier; Forêt des Abeilles; 0°19′ S, 12°7′ E; 1995; C. Bordereau (?) leg.; study code: DJ P216; MNHN EP9888 • soldier, worker; Forêt des Abeilles; 0°35′ S, 12°25′ E; 1995; C. Bordereau and A. Robert leg.; study code: DJ 0858; MNHN EP9884 • soldier, worker, ♂ (king), ♀ (queen); Forêt des Abeilles; 0°35′ S, 12°25′ E; 1995; C. Bordereau and A. Robert leg.; study code: DJ 0859; MNHN EP9885. Historical review This species is described here. It was discovered by C. Bordereau and A. Robert in the so-called “forêt des Abeilles”, Gabon. Description Imago COLOUR. Head capsule: well sclerotised and dark C6–C7; fontanelle concolorous with head. Postclypeus one level paler than head capsule. Antennae C5–C6. Thorax: pronotum concolorous or almost so with head capsule; meso- and metanotum C6 slightly paler than head. Legs C4. Abdomen: tergites C6. Sternites appreciably paler in the middle (C3–C5) with both sides darker (C5–C6) than anterior. SETATION. Head capsule, with some prominent setae set amongst a high density of short, fine setae forming a dense mat. Labrum and postclypeus with some prominent setae mixed with shorter ones. Antennae with some prominent setae, some more numerous smaller setae and, mainly distally on most articles, a bunch of very fine, bent setae (visible only at high magnification, 50 × or more). Thorax: pronotum with prominent setae mainly on margins and shorter ones in middle; meso- and metanotum with some fine, pale setae, arranged in a medio-longitudinal strip, generally visible at 20–40×; sometimes with one or two large setae on posterior lobe. Legs very pilose, furnished (among numerous fine setae) with 7–11 stronger setae on the carina of fore coxa and 1–3 on the ventral side of fore coxa and trochanter; tibia pilose, fore, mid, and hind tibia furnished with 30–40 spines and bearing 3, 2, 2 apical spurs and 0, 2, 0 subapical spurs respectively. Abdomen: tergites with many large and small setae. Sternites with long setae, erect or directed slightly forward, and many long and smaller setae directed backwards. STRUCTURE (measurements in Table 9, Fig. 50). Size: the imagines of I. modicus sp. nov. are, on average, medium sized in the genus Isognathotermes (Fig. 26). Head capsule: compound eyes nearly round; ocelli shortly oval, removed from eyes by a distance equal to 0.9–1.3 ocellus small diameter; fontanelle generally a tiny round or elongate marking. Antennae: shortened to 12 articles by amputation of probably four articles in queens and kings. Labrum: cupola shaped, wider than long. Left mandible with apical tooth medium sized in the genus (Fig. 27) and always more prominent than first marginal; marginal teeth three in number but second one only suggested by an undulation of edge between first and third marginal teeth; only the apical tooth is acute in unworn specimens; premolar tooth almost totally obscured by molar prominence in dorsal view; molar tooth bearing a rounded molar prominence dorsally and ending posteriorly in a tiny acute apophysis. Right mandible with apical tooth always more prominent than first marginal; marginal teeth two in number; first marginal tooth well developed with a sharp tip when fresh; second marginal tooth smaller and with a blunt tip even when fresh; molar tooth bearing a ventral rounded flange and ending posteriorly in a kind of heel. Thorax: pronotum appreciably wider than long and narrower than head width (including the eyes), straight to very weakly sellate with anterior lobe short and very slightly elevated. Fore coxa flanged ventrally resulting in a sharp carina. Gut not studied. * Abbreviations: see definitions in Material and methods. Soldier COLOUR. Head capsule uniformly C5. Antennae and labrum one to two palette levels paler than head capsule. Mandibles dark (C6) with an abrupt clearing on their bases (one levels) which is generally the same colour as frons. Thorax and legs paler than head capsule (C4). Abdomen grey to red-brown owing to digestive bolus. SETATION. Head capsule with few scattered setae; on frons a dense bunch of setae surrounds and overhangs fontanelle. Antennae with some prominent setae, more numerous smaller setae and at distal extremity of distal articles, a bunch of very fine, bent setae (visible only at high magnification, 50 × or more). Labrum with 4–6 large setae on each lobe. Thorax: pro- and mesonotum with a small number of setae mainly located on margins. Legs: fore coxa with at least one fine seta and 2–3 spines on carina and not any spine on ventral side; trochanter generally with some strong lined-up setae, including 3–4 spines; fore, mid, and hind tibia bearing 3, 2, 2 apical spurs and 0, 2, 0 subapical spurs respectively (the latter sometimes weakly developed) and a row of 6–12 spines along their shaft. Abdomen: tergites with some large setae, mainly or only on their posterior margins. Sternites with long setae, erect or slightly directed forward, often coloured, and smaller setae directed backwards. STRUCTURE (measurements in Table 9, Fig. 50). Size: the soldiers of I. modicus sp. nov. are part of the smallest soldiers in the genus Isognathotermes (Fig. 28). Head capsule: always clearly sclerotised; appreciably longer than wide. Dorsal view: lateral sides mostly subparallel with a very slight narrowing near posterior third or fourth; from antennal sockets sides converge towards bases of mandibles; posterior side regularly convex. Slightly concave or straight upper profile; angle between extended mandibles and frons obtuse; frons flat or with a small anterior hump. Gulamentum in ventral view always constricted in its posterior half, with sides of anterior part roundly convex. Antennae: of 14.5–15 articles. Labrum: always deeply bifurcate and wider than long, with lyre-shaped sides; lobes angular, with fine, whitish, or translucent tips; anterior margin concave. Mandibles: sabre-like; inner edges smooth with one distinct but small marginal tooth, near molar tooth on each mandible; mandibles clearly shorter than head; entire surface of both mandibles smooth and glossy. Right mandible slightly more curved than left. Thorax: pronotum sellate, as wide as 56–60% of head width, with straight anterior and posterior margins. Fore coxa flanged ventrally resulting in a sharp carina. Gut: enteric valve seating on left side, best seen in ventral view, situated in second half of abdomen. Caecum rather small, best seen in ventral view, near centre of abdomen, three-lobed. Arrangement of enteric valve cushions showing trilateral symmetry, the odd cushions recognizable as a finitimus EVA. Worker COLOUR. Head capsule pale (C2–C3). Antennae: proximal articles pale (C2), distal articles two levels darker (C4). Thorax, nota, and legs pale (C2–C3). Abdomen grey to red-brown owing to digestive bolus. SETATION. Head capsule and postclypeus with few, erect, scattered setae. Labrum with few, robust scattered setae. Antennae with some prominent setae, some more numerous smaller setae and at distal extremity of distal articles, a bunch of fine, bent setae (visible only at high magnification, 50 × or more). Thorax: nota with some scattered setae. Legs: fore coxa carinated, bearing one fine seta and furnished with 3–5 spines on carina and not any one on ventral side; fore trochanter with 4–6 lined up spines; fore, mid, and hind tibia bearing 3, 2, 2 apical spurs and 0, 2, 0 subapical spurs respectively and a row of 6–12 spines. Abdomen: tergites with scattered setae. Sternites with long setae, erect or slightly directed forward, often coloured, and smaller setae directed backwards. STRUCTURE (measurements in Table 9, Fig. 50). Size: the workers of I. modicus sp. nov. are the smallest workers with a finitimus EVA, of the same size as the smallest workers of I. fungifaber (which have a fungifaber EVA). Head capsule: weakly sclerotised (except mandibles). Antennae: 14.5 articles. Labrum: cupola shaped. Left mandible: apical tooth well developed with a sharp tip when fresh; marginal teeth three in number, first marginal well developed but with a blunt tip even when fresh, second marginal faint (visible as an undulated edge and disappearing in worn mandibles), third marginal with a blunt tip; premolar tooth with its proximal end generally hidden under molar prominence; molar tooth be

The cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major agricultural pest affecting crops like cotton, maize, tomatoes, and wheat across southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and western Asia. Whole genome analyses have revealed adaptive evolution in chemosensation and detoxification genes in S. littoralis. However, the extent of intraspecific diversity influenced by recent adaptive evolutionary forces remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a population genomics analysis using 31 S. littoralis individuals from sub-Saharan Africa, northern Africa, and southern Europe to assess the existence of intraspecific population divergence and identify the underlying evolutionary forces. We show whole genome differentiation between populations based on geographic origin from the analyzed samples. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that sub-Saharan and southern European populations share a common ancestor, distinct from several northern African populations. FST and dXY statistics along the chromosomes reveal loci with restricted gene flow among populations. These loci are associated with population-specific selective sweeps, indicating the role of divergent natural selection in limiting gene flow. Notably, these loci are enriched with detoxification genes, including cytochrome P450, multidrug resistance, and xanthine dehydrogenase genes, all of which are potentially associated with detoxification. These results demonstrate that divergent selection limits gene flow among geographically distinct populations with the possibility of the involvement of detoxification as a key trait. We argue that this genetic heterogeneity can be considered in pest monitoring and management, as strategies tailored to specific populations may not be relevant for others.

Cubitermitinae species whose workers have enteric valves of the fungifaber and finitimus patterns were previously gathered into the genus Isognathotermes. Here, we revise this genus, combining the morphological and anatomical features of all castes, as well as the species’ chorological, ecological, and phylogenetic (mitogenome) characteristics in an integrative taxonomic approach. In addition to the genetic signature, the best morphological criteria for generic recognition are found in the workers’ EVA (enteric valve architecture) and the spinosity of the fore coxae of the workers, and the best criteria for specific recognition are found in (a) the valve and caecum of the workers, (b) the caecum, dimensions of the head, and curvature of the mandibles of the soldiers, and (c) the dimensions of the head and the relative dimensions of eyes and ocelli of the imagines. After revision, only eight of the 22 known taxa remain valid, 14 known taxa become junior synonyms, and one is considered as incertae sedis; six new morphologically recognizable species, one cryptic species and four new subspecies are described. The mitogenome of 12 out of the 15 valid species have been sequenced. The following described species are considered valid: I. bulbifrons (Sjöstedt, 1924), I. finitimus (Schmitz, 1916), I. fungifaber (Sjöstedt, 1896), I. minitabundus (Sjöstedt, 1913), I. planifrons (Sjöstedt, 1924), I. severus (Silvestri, 1914), I. ugandensis (Fuller, 1923) and I. zenkeri (Desneux, 1904). The following species are described as new: I. acristatus Josens & Deligne sp. nov., I. modicus Josens & Deligne sp. nov., I. magniplanifrons Josens & Deligne sp. nov., I. phallicaecalis Josens & Deligne sp. nov., I. phalloides Josens & Deligne sp. nov., I. rectimalatus Josens & Deligne sp. nov., and I. similifinitimus Josens & Deligne sp. nov. Four new subspecies of I. ugandensis are recognized: I. ugandensis burundii Josens & Deligne subsp. nov., I. ugandensis kenyae Josens & Deligne subsp. nov., I. ugandensis malawii Josens & Deligne subsp. nov., and I. ugandensis ugandensis Josens & Deligne subsp. nov. The following species are considered junior synonyms: I. antennalis (Sjöstedt, 1924), I. banksi (Emerson, 1928), I. comstocki (Emerson, 1928), I. fungifaber var. elongata (Sjöstedt, 1924), I. gaigei (Emerson, 1928), I. gibbifrons (Sjöstedt, 1924), I. heghi (Sjöstedt, 1924), I. kemneri (Emerson, 1928), I. loubetsiensis (Sjöstedt, 1924), I. modestior (Silvestri, 1914), I. schmidti (Emerson, 1928), I. silvestrii (Sjöstedt, 1925), I. speciosus (Sjöstedt, 1924), and I. subarquatus (Sjöstedt, 1926). Are considered as incertae sedis: I. bredoi (nomen nudum), I. congoensis (Emerson, 1928), an “I. aff. planifrons” (undescribed), and an unknown Isognathotermes from Malawi (undescribed). GenBank accessions: see Suppl. file 3 and ‘Material examined’ of each chapter.

Lepidopteran stem borers are an important constraint to cereal production in Sub- Saharan Africa. The exotic Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) is one of the most economically important stem borer pest causing extensive losses on cereal crops in Kenya. This pest has also displaced indigenous species of stem borers while expanding its range in warm, mid and high altitude areas. In order to exert control on various developmental stages of this pest, both Cotesia flavipes Cameron (larval endoparasitoid) and Xanthopimpla stemmator Thunberg (pupal endoparasitoid) were imported and released in 2002 in the Eastern region of Kenya. This study was conducted to assess the establishment status, spread and impact of X. stemmator on C. partellus following its release in Kenya. Stem borer sampling was done on farms where the biocontrol agents had been released and on transects radiating outwards from them every 15km to assess spread. A total of 100 maize plants were inspected for stem borer infestation and destructive sampling done on 10 maize stems per farm to collect immature stem borer stages. Emerging parasitoids and adult moths were identified, counted and recorded. Results of this study showed that C. partellus was the most dominant stem borer species (constituted 71.2%) followed by Sesemia calamistis and Busseola fusca (26.0 and 2.8% respectively). A decrease in overall stem borer infestation (22.47±7.42%) with no significant difference across distances from parasitoid release points (F=0.4; df=3, 51; p>0.05) was also recorded. Seven parasitoid species were recovered, the most abundant being C. flavipes and this coupled with a significant increase in parasitism (25.27±3.27%) (V=1213, p˂0.05) from pre-release levels. The parasitoid of interest, X. stemmator was not recovered. This suggests a failure to establish though there is need to sample alternative hosts before this is declared. Key words: Classical biological control, lepidoptera, pupal parasitoid, post release survey, Xanthopimpla stemmator, Eastern Kenya

The opening of habitats associated with the emergence of C4 grasslands during the Neogene had a massive influence on the evolution of plant and animal communities. Strikingly, the impacts of grassland expansion on species diversification in Africa, where the largest surface of grasslands and savannas in the world is located, are not well understood. To explore the impact of habitat opening, we investigate the evolution of noctuid stemborers, a group of moths mostly associated with open habitats, and whose diversity is centered in the Afrotropics. We generate a dated molecular phylogeny for ca 80% of the known stemborer species, and assess the role of habitat opening on the evolutionary trajectory of the group through a combination of parametric historical biogeography, ancestral character state estimation, life history traits and habitat-dependent diversification analyses. Our results support an origin of stemborers in Southern and East Africa ca 20 million years ago (Ma), with range expansions linked to the increased availability of open habitats to act as dispersal corridors, and closed habitats acting as potent barriers to dispersal. Early specialization on open habitats was maintained over time, with shifts towards closed habitats being rare and invariably unidirectional. Analyses of life history traits showed that habitat changes involved specific features likely associated with grassland adaptations, such as variations in larval behavior and color. We compare these findings to those previously inferred for an Afrotropical butterfly group that diversified roughly in parallel with the stemborers but distributed predominantly in closed habitats. Remarkably, these two groups show nearly opposite responses in relation to habitat specialization, whether in terms of biogeographical patterns, or in terms of rates of transition between open and closed habitats. We conclude that habitat opening played a major role in the evolutionary history of Afrotropical lineages through dispersal and adaptation linked to habitat shifts.

In this study, we reassess the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Sesamia Guenée, 1852 and examine in more detail the members of the nonagrioides species group, for which three distinct species complexes are identified. The calamistis subgroup comprises eight species, of which four new species are described: Sesamia kabirara Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia kalale Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia mapalense Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia teke Le Ru sp. nov. The incerta subgroup consists of 11 species, of which four new species are described: Sesamia kamba Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia lalaci Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia lusese Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia msowero Le Ru sp. nov. The nonagrioides subgroup comprises ten species of which two new species are described: Sesamia libode Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia satauensis Le Ru sp. nov. Phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analyses of a multi-marker molecular dataset allow us to investigate and clarify the status of Sesamia species and species complexes. Our results yield a well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus, which supports the monophyletic nature of all but one species subgroup. The results of 16 distinct molecular species delimitation analyses show some levels of incongruence and, overall, a tendency towards over-splitting. We also present an updated list of species for the genus Sesamia and provide morphological keys based on male and female genitalia to determine the species group of any Sesamia species and to identify all species belonging to the nonagrioides species group.

Biocontrol of exotic insect pests can be achieved by introducing natural enemies from the native range. This method has been successful in controlling many pests worldwide, but negative effects on local non-targets have sometimes occurred. Before the introduction of exotic macro-organisms useful for crop protection, a risk assessment is mandatory under EU regulations. In this study, we assessed the non-target risks of the larval parasitoid Cotesia typhae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), a potential agent for inundative biocontrol of the Mediterranean corn borer Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), both natives to Sub-Saharan Africa. The effects of C. typhae on 8 non-target species was determined by sequential analysis under laboratory conditions, including tests of acceptance, development monitoring, olfactory attractiveness and in planta parasitism test. The results varied considerably between species. By multiplying the probability of outcome of the successive steps of the parasitism process, we estimated that non-target species had lower average risks of C. typhae development (1 % of non-target larvae at risk) and of induced mortality (5 %) compared to S. nonagrioides larvae (41 and 42 % respectively). The highest mortality risk in planta was observed for the cattail stemborer, Nonagria typhae (9 %), although it was still lower than for the target species (33 %). These host range results and the low survival capacity of the parasitoid at winter temperatures, suggest a low long-term environmental risk, which is supported by the estimation of the global risk index proposed by van Lenteren et al. (2003). The host range and impact of C. typhae in field conditions will soon be determined.

This study examines the farm-level effects of stemborers' biological control (BC) using biological and household survey data collected in rural Kenya. The authors use a continuous treatment impact-evaluation method to estimate BC's average and marginal treatment effects. Findings indicate that, on average, a one percent increase in the intensity of BC increases maize yield by 9.3 kg per hectare and reduces the poverty level of maize-growing farm households by 0.5%. Developing and promoting biological control can be seen as an additional tool in the fight against food insecurity and poverty in Africa through controlling important pests.

Palparine and palparidiine antlions constitute an emblematic clade of large and occasionally colourful insects that are only distributed in the western portion of the Eastern hemisphere, with about half of the known species diversity occurring exclusively in Southern Africa. Little is known about their evolutionary history, and the boundaries and relationships of most genera are still unresolved. In this study, we analyse a molecular dataset consisting of seven loci (five mitochondrial and two nuclear genes) for 144 antlion species and provide the first phylogenetic hypothesis for a representative sampling of Palparini and Palparidiini (62 Palparini species, representing 15 of the 17 known genera, and all three known Palparidiini species). In addition, we reconstruct their timing of diversification and historical biogeography. The resulting tree indicates that several extant palparine genera are polyphyletic or paraphyletic and provides interesting leads that ought to be helpful for future taxonomic revisions; it also enables us to re-evaluate the taxonomic utility and relevancy of a number of morphological characters that were previously used to define some genera. Molecular dating analyses indicate that the most recent common ancestor of both groups originated about 92 million years ago (Ma) in the Late Cretaceous. Finally, the results of historical biogeography analyses provide strong support for an origin in Southern Africa, which further acted as both a cradle of diversification and a springboard for successive waves of northern dispersals.

AbstractPalparine and palparidiine antlions constitute an emblematic clade of large and occasionally colourful insects that are only distributed in the western portion of the Eastern hemisphere, with about half of the known species diversity occurring exclusively in Southern Africa. Little is known about their evolutionary history, and the boundaries and relationships of most genera are still unresolved. In this study, we analyse a molecular dataset consisting of seven loci (five mitochondrial and two nuclear genes) for 144 antlion species and provide the first phylogenetic hypothesis for a representative sampling of Palparini and Palparidiini (62 Palparini species, representing 15 of the 17 known genera, and all three known Palparidiini species). In addition, we reconstruct their timing of diversification and historical biogeography. The resulting tree indicates that several extant palparine genera are polyphyletic or paraphyletic and provides interesting leads that ought to be helpful for future taxonomic revisions; it also enables us to re‐evaluate the taxonomic utility and relevancy of a number of morphological characters that were previously used to define some genera. Molecular dating analyses indicate that the most recent common ancestor of both groups originated about 92 million years ago (Ma) in the Late Cretaceous. Finally, the results of historical biogeography analyses provide strong support for an origin in Southern Africa, which further acted as both a cradle of diversification and a springboard for successive waves of northern dispersals.

Chilo partellus causes yield losses estimated at 73-100% in maize and 88-100% in sorghum in Kenya. icipe spearheaded the importation and release of the larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes, in moist lowland, dry mid-altitude and moist mid-altitude Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) of Kenya against C. partellus. However, the establishment of C. flavipes is only well documented for the moist lowland AEZ. This study was thus carried out in the three AEZs in order to update establishment, spread and impact of the parasitoid on stem borer populations. Maize and sorghum farms were sampled radiating from parasitoid release points up to a distance of 45 km. Percentage infestation and parasitism were analyzed using one factor ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test. Results of this study revealed that C. flavipes established and spread beyond release sites across the three AEZs. Overall stem borer infestation was 28.9 ± 3.1, 22.5 ± 7.4 and 2.7 ± 0.4% in the moist lowland, dry mid-altitude and moist mid-altitude AEZ, respectively, showing a significant reduction from parasitoid pre-release levels. Stem borer parasitism levels were 36.1 ± 3.0, 25.3 ± 3.3 and 5.5 ± 2.5% in the moist lowland, dry midaltitude and moist mid-altitude AEZ, respectively, showing a significant increase from parasitoid pre-release levels. Cotesia flavipes is steadily suppressing stem borer population in the three AEZs.

SummaryIn this study, 31 species of noctuid stemborers belonging to the genus Sesamia Guenée, 1852 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Apameini: Sesamiina) are reviewed. All these species are assigned to the Sesamia cretica group sensu Tams & Bowden (1953). Based on genitalic characters, several subgroups are hereby defined. Nine species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia albivena Hampson, 1902 subgroup; it consists of S. albivena, S. mocoensis Tams & Bowden, 1953, n. stat., S. sudanensis Tams & Bowden, 1953, n. stat. S. taenioleuca (Wallengren, 1863), and five new species that are described (S. aethiopica Le Ru n. sp. from Ethiopia, S. kafulo Le Ru n. sp. from Botswana and Zambia, S. kavirondo Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya and Uganda, S. maloukou Le Ru n. sp. from Republic of Congo, and S. soyema Le Ru n. sp. from Ethiopia). Four species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia cretica subgroup; this encompasses S. cretica, S. rufescens Hampson, 1910, and two new species that are described (S. ihambane Le Ru n. sp. from Mozambique and Tanzania and S. kikuyuensis Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya); two new synonyms are introduced for Sesamia cretica: Nonagria uniformis Dudgeon, 1905 n. syn. and Sesamia griselda Warren, 1913, n. syn. Ten species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia fuscifrontia Hampson, 1914 subgroup; this includes S. fuscifrontia, S. geyri (Strand, 1915) and eight new species that are described (S. babati Le Ru n. sp. from Tanzania, S. babessi Le Ru n. sp. from Cameroon and Zambia, S. mabira Le Ru n. sp. from Uganda, S. nangaensis Le Ru n. sp. from Cameroon and Republic of Congo, S. rungwa Le Ru n. sp. from Tanzania, S. simillima Le Ru n. sp. from Benin, Cameroon, Kenya and Uganda, S. taveta Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya and S. ulaukae Le Ru n. sp. from Ethiopia). One species belongs to a species complex defined as the Sesamia salama Le Ru n. sp. subgroup; this consists of S. salama Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya and another undescribed Sesamia species from South Africa. One species belongs to a species complex defined as the Sesamia viettei Rungs, 1954 subgroup. Six species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia wiltshirei Rungs, 1963 subgroup; this groups S. wiltshirei and five new species that are described (S. djenoensis Le Ru n. sp. from Republic of Congo, S. inexpectata Le Ru n. sp. from South Africa and Zambia, S. lefini Le Ru n. sp. from Republic of Congo, S. echinochloa Le Ru n. sp. from Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia and S. rindini Le Ru n. sp. from Tanzania). A supplemental description of the previously described species is also provided. Novel host plant records are also provided for 11 species of the S. cretica group. To complement the morphological study, both phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analyses were carried out on a multimarker (four mitochondrial and two nuclear genes) molecular dataset encompassing 144 specimens representing 35 species (including 25 species from the S. cretica group). Molecular analyses provide a well-supported phylogenetic framework for the species of interest, which are all recovered monophyletic. Molecular species delimitation analyses also support the species status of almost all sampled species. Interestingly, the inferred tree indicates that the S. cretica group and the S. fuscifrontia subgroup are both paraphyletic; this indicates that, while highly informative, the chosen genitalic characters in Sesamia are not all synapomorphies.

Bracoviruses are endogenous domesticated viruses of parasitoid wasps that are injected together with wasp eggs into wasp host larvae during parasitism. Several studies have shown that some DNA circles packaged into bracovirus particles become integrated into host somatic genomes during parasitism, but the phenomenon has never been studied using nontargeted approaches.

The success of biological bontrol (BC) introductions can be enhanced by considering theory and knowledge of biological systems. The gregarious braconid parasitoid Cotesia sesamiae (Cameroon) is one of the best studied biological control agent from the perspective of molecular ecology. Its evolutionary adaptation to the target host involves symbiotic partners. Polydnaviruses are responsible for immune and developmental adaptations whereas Wolbachia bacteria may reinforce this local adaptation though genetic isolation mechanisms. The noctuid Busseola fusca is a major stemborer pest of maize in sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast to eastern Africa, C. sesamiae is rarely found on B. fusca in western Africa. It is however often obtained from other stemborer species feeding on wild grasses. A biological control project was launched in 2006-2007 by introducing to Cameroon seven crosses of Kenyan populations of C. sesamiae collected in different ecozones. They included populations adapted to B. fusca that develop on maize as well as populations adapted to other hosts feeding on wild plants to allow carryover between cropping seasons. Wolbachia strains responsible for cytoplasmic reproductive incompatibilities with endemic strains were included in the crosses to limit genetic exchanges between introduced and endemic C. sesamiae and preserve genetic adaptation to B. fusca of the introduced populations, while at the same time preserving their ability to survive on wild plants. Six post release surveys were carried out on maize from 2007 to 2013, and on wild grasses in 2013. A total of 393 C. sesamiae individuals, each from one cocoon mass, were genotyped for 11 microsatellite loci. Multidimensional scaling analysis, STRUCTURE and GENE CLASS analyses assigned almost all the parasitoids recovered from maize to those introduced from Kenya. The introduced strains were also recovered from wild host plants with little genetic exchanges with endemics. Each population remained strongly associated with its original Wolbachia component, suggesting that Wolbachia may contribute to genetic isolation between endemics and introduced populations in wild host plants when maize is absent, thereby conciliating biological control success and safety.

•Use of genome skimming to generate mitogenomic data for 14 Spodoptera species.•Inference of a high-quality backbone phylogeny for the genus Spodoptera.•We propose a new updated phylogenetic framework for 28 of the 31 Spodoptera species.•Two ecologically diverse Spodoptera clades are recovered for the first time.•Dating analyses indicate a more recent origin than previously thought for Spodoptera.

Sorghum and maize are important crops whose production is constrained by stem borers such as Busseola fusca. In Kenya, two distinct populations of Cotesia sesamiae, a parasitoid of B. fusca exist. The virulent highland biotype was released in the coastal region where the avirulent biotype existed. However, post release surveys were not done to assess for establishment. This survey was undertaken in release areas where 100 maize plants were inspected for infestation and ten plants dissected to recover stem borers in each farm. Results revealed that B. fusca was the most dominant pest (85.5%). Overall infestation was 19.17±2.48% and varied significantly among stem borer species (X22=16.86, p=0.00022) Overall parasitism was 10.78±4.34% and did not show significant variation from parasitoid pre-release rates (V=3, p>0.05). Cotesia sesamiae was recovered from C. partellus only suggesting that it was the avirulent biotype. The highland C. sesamiae did not establish in coastal Kenya.

The noctuid genus Spodoptera currently consists of 31 species with varied host plant breadths, ranging from monophagous and oligophagous non-pest species to polyphagous pests of economic importance. Several of these pest species have become major invaders, colonizing multiple continents outside their native range. Such is the case of the infamous fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), which includes two recognized host strains that have not been treated as separate species. Following its accidental introduction to Africa in 2016, it quickly spread through Africa and Asia to Australia. Given that half the described Spodoptera species cause major crop losses, comparative genomics studies of several Spodoptera species have highlighted major adaptive changes in genetic architecture, possibly relating to their pest status. Several recent population genomics studies conducted on two species enable a more refined understanding of their population structures, migration patterns and invasion processes. Despite growing interest in the genus, the taxonomic status of several Spodoptera species remains unstable and evolutionary studies suffer from the absence of a robust and comprehensive dated phylogenetic framework. We generated mitogenomic data for 14 Spodoptera taxa, which are combined with data from 15 noctuoid outgroups to generate a resolved mitogenomic backbone phylogeny using both concatenation and multi-species coalescent approaches. We combine this backbone with additional mitochondrial and nuclear data to improve our understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus. We also carry out comprehensive dating analyses, which implement three distinct calibration strategies based on either primary or secondary fossil calibrations. Our results provide an updated phylogenetic framework for 28 Spodoptera species, identifying two well-supported ecologically diverse clades that are recovered for the first time. Well-studied larvae in each of these clades are characterized by differences in mandibular shape, with one clade's being more specialized on silica-rich C4 grasses. Interestingly, the inferred timeframe for the genus suggests an earlier origin than previously thought for the genus: about 17-18 million years ago.

The noctuid genus Spodoptera currently consists of 31 species with varied host plant breadths, ranging from monophagous and oligophagous non-pest species to polyphagous pests of economic importance. Several of these pest species have become major invaders, colonizing multiple continents outside their native range. Such is the case of the infamous fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), which includes two recognized host strains that have not been treated as separate species. Following its accidental introduction to Africa in 2016, it quickly spread through Africa and Asia to Australia. Given that half the described Spodoptera species cause major crop losses, comparative genomics studies of several Spodoptera species have highlighted major adaptive changes in genetic architecture, possibly relating to their pest status. Several recent population genomics studies conducted on two species enable a more refined understanding of their population structures, migration patterns and invasion processes. Despite growing interest in the genus, the taxonomic status of several Spodoptera species remains unstable and evolutionary studies suffer from the absence of a robust and comprehensive dated phylogenetic framework. We generated mitogenomic data for 14 Spodoptera taxa, which are combined with data from 15 noctuoid outgroups to generate a resolved mitogenomic backbone phylogeny using both concatenation and multi-species coalescent approaches. We combine this backbone with additional mitochondrial and nuclear data to improve our understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus. We also carry out comprehensive dating analyses, which implement three distinct calibration strategies based on either primary or secondary fossil calibrations. Our results provide an updated phylogenetic framework for 28 Spodoptera species, identifying two well-supported ecologically diverse clades that are recovered for the first time. Well-studied larvae in each of these clades are characterized by differences in mandibular shape, with one clade's being more specialized on silica-rich C4 grasses. Interestingly, the inferred timeframe for the genus suggests an earlier origin than previously thought for the genus: about 17-18 million years ago.