The first report of Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) outbreak from northern Zagros forests and its identification using COI gene in Iran

The Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is one the most destructive defoliator pest of forests across world. The present study is the first report of outbreak and damage of this pest in Northern Zagros forests based on the field observations, sampling and laboratory assays to confirm the identification. In spring the larvae specimens were collected on the Oak (Quercus brantii, Q. infectoria, Q. libani) and other forest trees and shrubs. In order to rapid and accurate identification of the pest, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the COI gene fragment was performed for ten specimens including eggs, larvae and adults, followed by sequencing of two larvae specimens. The Blast results revealed that two sequences belong to L. dispar species with 99-100% similarity to other GenBank sequences. However, this species is not established yet in many western forests of Iran. But, due to the potential threats of the pest for the forest ecosystems and its widely flying activity, immediate action and efforts must be taken to control the pest population.