Abstract: [Objective] Quercus aquifolioides was seriously damaged by Soritia leptalina (Kollar)(Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae)from 2011 to 2013 in Linzhi, Tibet. The pest is a caterpillar, however only the adust morphology and distribution have been recorded. The pest biology and the detail morphological feature were investigated for effective control of the insect.[Method] A field investigation and indoor feeding experiment were conducted from March 2011 to March 2012. Three experimental plots were selected in forests and five trees were chosen in each plot. Ten branches with the insects were selected randomly from the east, west, south, and north of each tree. The branches were covered with gauze, and then, the pest status was observed once a week and the habits and morphology changes were recorded. The larvae of S. leptalina from experimental plots were taken to the lab for feeding experiment in mid-March 2011. The larvae were fed with fresh leaves on Q. aquifolioides branches that were placed once a week. The larval molting, body length and body width, feeding, cocooning, emergence, mating, oviposition, hatching and overwintering were recorded each day.[Result] The result showed that the adult moths with sexual dimorphism: Male moths with head, chest and abdomen black, sometimes with blue flash on the abdomen, neck piece vermilion; female moths with head and neck piece vermilion, chest yellow, abdomen black and yellow and having slightly blue metallic tint. The pupae were in silk cocoon with dumplings shape and the cocoon was white to soil yellow. The larvae were slug-like in shape with three pairs of thoracic legs and five pairs of abdominal legs. The abdominal leg crochet had two transverse bands. The eggs were long oval, bright yellow and semitransparent at first and gradually changed to light grey within one or two days before hatching. It developed one generation per year in Linzhi region. It overwintered as 3^rd or 4^th instar larvae stage from late October to early March of next year in litter. The mature larvae made cocoons and pupate from late June to early July. Its adult emergence began in early August with emergence peak in mid-August. Subsequently, mating and egg-laying, hatching in six or seven days after emergence. The adults were active and mating at day-time. It was found that egg-laying usually occurred between 14∶00 and 17∶00 after the 1^st or 2^nd day of mating. The adults did not showed clear phototaxis.[Conclusion] In Linzhi region, Tibet, S. leptalina severely damaged Q. aquifolioides and its population should be investigated in March. The control techniques adoption should be carried out in its larval stage in advance.

Key words: Quercus aquifolioides, Soritia leptalina, morphology, control