On biology and ecology of Uresiphita limbalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Israel

Abstract In Israel Uresiphita limbalis Denis & Schiffermuller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) feeds on Papilionaceae bushes – the indigenous Retama raetam, Spartium junceum, Anagyris foeteda and the introduced Cytisus canariensis – and causes damage mainly to S. junceum raised in nurseries and to C. canariensis. Under optimal conditions of temperature (24–28°C) and food (young shoots of S. junceum), the average durations of the incubation of eggs, and the larval, prepupal and pupal stages are 3.5, 18, 2 and 8 days, respectively (seven successive generations were bred). The insect develops: in spring and autumn mainly along the Coastal Plain and the northern Negev; in summer in the mountains; and in winter in the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea areas.