the recent invasion of the citrus flower moth, prays citri (millière, 1873) (lepidoptera: praydidae) in iran

The larvae of a moth feeding on the citrus flowers specifically on, citrus limon, were found in greenhouses in mazandaran province (north of iran) in april 2024. based on the habitat preference, and the morphological features, larvae and pupae were identified as prays citri (millière, 1873) (lepidoptera: praydidae). this species was listed among the foreign quarantine pests of the country, according to the guide list for monitoring and tracking quarantine agents of iran on 21 june 2024. it is one of the most harmful pests of citrus plants especially lemon, which is spreading rapidly and creepily in all areas in the world. our recent evidence revealed the existence of this pest in a moderately wide area of the iranian northern lemon greenhouses. background information for a reliable identification of both adults and larvae, the taxonomic history, origin, distribution, host plants, damage, and management practices of the pest are also discussed. the occurrence of this pest is a warning for iranian citrus orchards indicating a potential risk of its spread, particularly to the southern regions of the country.