Lepidopterans of economic importance in Cameroon: A systematic review

Lepidoptera represents one of the most abundant and diverse insect groups globally, with more than 178,159 species described in more than 4000 genera. This paper discusses the economic importance of these insects in Cameroon. The work was built on a comprehensive review of 60 relevant published articles from 1955 to 2021. Results show a great diversity of insects of economic importance belonging to the order Lepidoptera, of which 51 are known at the species level, eleven at the genus level, and many others not yet identified. Their economic importance is somehow conflicting, with a mix of harmful and beneficial species. Some are threats to agricultural production as pests at various plant stages, the Fall Armyworm being one of the worst. Their impact on food security is well documented and led to the conclusion that lepidopterans are the most important group of agricultural pests to be studied and controlled for sustainable production under climate change. Meanwhile, beside the use of butterfly wings for craft and artwork, lepidopterans are also a group valued as an excellent marketable food source in Cameroon's humid forest regions. Larval stages are sold fresh, dried or parboiled in rural and urban markets. This review concludes that there is a need in the context of food security to deeply evaluate the diversity, geographical distribution and seasonality of lepidopterans and their economic importance, and to promote sustainable management of those with positive economic importance and better control of those with negative impacts.