Taxonomic studies of family noctuidae (Lepidoptera) from district Multan, Punjab, Pakistan based on Genitalia characters

Abstract

In present study 650 specimens were collected from diverse sites of District Multan and Muzaffargarh like Kot Addu, and Sinwaan. These specimens were collected with light trap. After collection specimens were killed in potassium cyanide poison then preserved in wooden box. To identify male and female genitalia the abdominal portion was removed from body of insect with the help of forceps by providing uphill jerk then dip into solution of KOH for twenty-four hour. Dissection of genitalia was done with fine needles under stereo microscope. As the result 7 noctuid species such as; Helicoverpa zea, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Spodoptera exigua, Chrysodeixis furihatai okan, Argrotis ypsilon, and Agrotis cinearia belonging to different genus were described from District Multan. Identification was done with the help of available literature, keys, and monograph and internet resources. Figures of adults and genitalia were also provided.