Insects associated with peanut (Arachis hypogaea: Fabaceae) in Iran

Abstract

An extensive survey was carried out during 2022-2023 for the collection and identification of insects associated with the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plant in Guilan province, North of Iran. A total of 36 species belonging to 35 genera and 12 families were collected and identified. Among the identified species, 22 are predators (beneficial) and 14 are pests (harmful). Considering the species spectrum, the order Hemiptera has been reported as the most prevalent insect order with 17 species followed by Coleoptera with 13 species, Lepidoptera with three species, Thysanoptera with two species and Diptera with one species. Among the identified insects, Macroscytus brunneus (Fabricius) is newly recorded for the insect fauna of Iran and 33 species are reported from Iran for the first time in association with peanut plants. An alphabetic list of the identified insect species and collection information has been provided.