Host specificity of Uresiphita reversalis (Guenee) (Crambidae)

Host specificity tests were conducted on Uresiphita reversalis and to a lesser degree on U. polygonalis. First instars of U. reversalis were limited to feeding on quinolizidine-bearing tribes of fabaceous legumes. However, U. polygonalis from the Canary Islands and U. reversalis both failed to complete development on Cytisus scoparius (Genisteae) beyond the second instar. Cytisus scoparius and Cytisus striatus were never observed as hosts of U. reversalis in California during the years of this study (1984-1989). Host range of U. reversalis encompassed six quinolizidine-bearing tribes of the Fabaceae: Genisteae, Sophoreae, Thermopsidae, Bossiaeeae, Podalyreae, and Euchresteae, although the latter two tribes have not been reported as hosts in the field. Both native and introduced species in quinolizidine-bearing tribes will undoubtedly be used by U. reversalis when the opportunity arises.