Seasonal Occurrence and Infestation Rates of Tarucus theophrastus (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) on Jujube Trees in some Regions of Misan Governorate

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The jujube tree (Ziziphus spp.) is considered one of the most vital multipurpose trees with significant economic and environmental value in arid and semi-arid regions. However, these trees are infested by a wide range of insect pests that lead to a decline in their productivity and the defoliation of their branches. The present study aimed to determine the seasonal occurrence of *Tarucus theophrastus*, to calculate the infestation percentages on both trees and leaves, and to measure the average infestation severity rate in certain regions of Maysan Governorate. Two field stations were selected for the study: the College of Agriculture station at the University of Maysan and the Al-Tabar station. Data were recorded biweekly starting from September 1, 2025, along with confirmation of the insect's morphological diagnosis

The results revealed the occurrence of the insect at the beginning of September 1, 2025, and its presence continued until December 1, 2025. Subsequently, the insect disappeared during the winter season and reappeared on February 15, 2026, persisting until the conclusion of the study on May 15, 2026. The insect recorded the highest tree infestation rates during autumn and spring, whereas infestation decreased significantly during the winter season, showing a clear similarity in infestation rates between the two locations. Regarding leaf infestation, the insect reached its peak levels in October and early November at both stations, followed by a gradual decline until the infestation completely disappeared in early December. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated a clear impact of climatic variations on infestation severity at both study sites (University and Al-Tabar). The severity of the infestation began in early

September with low rates (15% and 7%, respectively), then gradually escalated to record the autumn peak in early November at 53% at the University station and 34% at Al-Tabar. Following this peak, the infestation severity rates declined until reaching 0% in early December. This information provides a fundamental basis for developing an integrated pest management (IPM) program for this insect to minimize its damage to the lowest possible threshold.