Feeding ecology and biological control potential of Lema (Lema) diversipes (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Pueraria montana var. lobata (kudzu)

Abstract

The feeding ecology of Lema (Lema) diversipes (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae on Pueraria montana var. lobata (kudzu) was quantitatively investigated under laboratory conditions to evaluate their potential as a biological control agent. Larval feeding activity exhibited a distinct unimodal pattern, with the highest consumption occurring at the transition between the late third and fourth instars. Mean leaf area consumed per individual peaked at day 5 (2.47–2.56 cm²) and declined sharply thereafter, indicating that foliar damage was temporally concentrated during the mid-to-late larval stages. Total leaf area consumed per individual was consistent across larval densities (N = 1, 6, and 7), suggesting that feeding rate was largely unaffected by group size. The low coefficient of variation (CV = 4.39) further indicated a stable feeding efficiency under both solitary and gregarious conditions, implying minimal intraspecific competition when leaves were abundant. These results demonstrate that L. (L.) diversipes larvae are efficient and stable leaf consumers with synchronized feeding activity, indicating the potential for significant foliar damage to P. montana var. lobata in the field. Given its host specificity and gregarious feeding behavior, this species represents a promising biological control candidate for P. montana var. lobata. Further field-based studies are warranted to assess ecological performance and host range under natural conditions.