Oviposition and Feeding Preferences of the Groundnut Leaf Miner Aproaerema modicella (Syn. Bilobata subsecivella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): Current Knowledge and Research Gaps: A Review

The groundnut leaf miner (GLM), Aproaerema modicella (syn. Bilobata subsecivella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a significant pest of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and soya bean (Glycine max) in Africa and Asia. First recorded in Africa in 1998, GLM has rapidly expanded its range, causing yield losses of up to 100% in severe infestations and posing a growing threat to food security. While research has explored its bio-ecology and management, key aspects of its oviposition behaviour and feeding preferences, particularly the influence of chemical cues and structural traits, remain poorly understood. Understanding these traits is crucial for predicting host plant susceptibility, improving Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and developing resistant cultivars. This review synthesises current knowledge on the oviposition site selection, host plant preference and feeding behaviour of GLM. It highlights critical research gaps and a potential mismatch between female oviposition choice and subsequent larval performance, underscoring the complexity of host suitability. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms of host preference and validate findings under diverse agro-ecological conditions.