Confirmation of Deudorix livia identification on Acacia farnesiana and its first report in Southern Tunisia. Mkaouar, R., Hausmann, A., and Ben Jamâa M.L. (Tunisia / Germany)

Abstract

In 2012, Deudorix livia was responsible for severe losses in production of pomegranate trees in the regions of Gafsa and Gabes situated in Southern of Tunisia. D. livia was observed on some pods of Acacia farnesiana planted as windbreak around these orchards. Larvae of D. livia were observed drilling fruits to eat seeds. At present, the life cycle of D. livia is poorly studied. We confirmed its identification using molecular tools and reported for the first time its occurrence in Southern of Tunisia.

Keywords

• Acacia farnesiana
• Deudorix livia
• pomegranate
• Southern Tunisia