The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) is an invasive and polyphagous insect pest. It poses a significant threat to maize crops, uncontrolled infestation can result 100 % loss. However, natural enemies play a vital role in regulating the population of this pest. Additionally, botanical sources extracts have the potential to be effective insecticides. The objectives of the study were to investigate the natural enemies of S. frugiperda in the Gurage zone and to compare efficacy of Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts with S. frugiperda larvae, central Ethiopia. S. frugiperda larvae and egg masses, cocoons and larvae cadavers collected from infested maze farms. From each round collection 25 healthy and inactive larvae were sampled to rear until emerging adults. Observed predator species recorded. Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts was tested against S. frugiperda in laboratory condition. The study found a diverse range of natural enemies associated with S. frugiperda, including parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi. Three species of parasitoids (Exorista xanthaspis, Tachina spp., and Charops annulipes) were documented in Ethiopia for the first time. Predatory insects belonging to four distinct orders: Hemiptera, Dermaptera, Coleoptera, and Mantodea also identified. In particular, various Hemipterans were observed in the maize farms infested with S. frugiperda. In terms of Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts, they demonstrated similar mortality rates for S. frugiperda larvae after 72 h, although differences were observed at 24 and 48 h. For effective management of S. frugiperda, more research is needed to fully exploit the potential of natural enemies and botanical source insecticides.

During our studying of the fauna of Tibet, China, many specimens of the subfamily Tachininae (Diptera, Tachinidae) were collected and examined. Three species are described here as new to science, Leskialatisurstylasp. nov., Trichoformosomyiacuonaensissp. nov., and Tachinajilongensissp. nov., and two species, Nemoraeajavana (Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1894) and N.echinata Mesnil, 1953, are newly recorded from Tibet. In addition to their descriptions, illustrations, and diagnoses, three identification keys are provided. The specimens in this study are kept in the Insect Collection of Shenyang Normal University, China (SYNU).

Exorista larvarum (L.) is a tachinid parasitoid native to the Palearctic region, known as an antagonist of lepidopterous defoliators. This species is suitable to be cultured in vitro, and yields of fecund adults, approaching those usually attained in host larvae, have been previously achieved on artificial media. Direct oviposition by E. larvarum on media has not yet been obtained, and the eggs for the in vitro rearing are routinely removed from parasitized host larvae. However, many eggs are usually laid throughout the cage by captive females and can be retrieved by placing them on artificial media. Storage at low temperatures provides a method for prolonging the development of insects and stockpile them when not needed immediately. We studied the effects of storage at 20 °C (for 5 d or until pupation) or 15 °C (for 5 d or until egg hatching) on the in vitro development of E. larvarum. Lower temperatures were excluded, because previous studies showed a strong negative impact on hatching when the eggs were stored at 5 °C or 10 °C. For the experiments, eggs were removed from hosts and placed on an artificial medium. The results suggested that it is possible to delay the development of the in vitro-reared E. larvarum, which eventually reached the adult stage, although some negative effects on fly quality (i.e., longevity and fecundity) were also observed. Because quality is not an absolute concept, all the situations tested in this study could be appropriate according to the current requirements.