Taxonomic studies of Genus Helicoverpa Hardwick with new record of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Pakistan

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) are very important pests of many crops. H. zea was formerly known from western regions. To study the Taxonomy of both species, the specimens of genus Helicoverpa were collected from Multan, Pakistan using light traps. These species are identified on the basis of male genetalia and other morphological characters. This is the first species i.e. H. zea of the genus Helicoverpa recorded from Pakistan. Diagnostic characters and dichotomous identification key to both species are provided.